I Like the Bus

In paragraph 2, what does the phrase “a beautiful potpourri of differences” indicate about the author’s point of view?

• The author believes traveling is miserable.

• The author believes everyone has different opinions.

• The author believes bus travel is superior to train travel.

• The author believes her attitude toward travel is correct.

Part A

Read the sentence from paragraph 6. . . . there is something about travel as a process that a wheels­up, wheels­down airplane ride dilutes somewhat. What does the word dilutes mean as it is used in the sentence?

• appeases

• devalues

• enhances

• stresses

Which quotation from paragraph 6 supports the answer to Part A?

• “I don’t want to be all ‘modern conveniences have alienated us from the process of living’ about it, . . .”

• “We can’t teleport, not yet, . . .”

• “. . . a plane is the closest the average plebe is going to get right now.”

• “. . . move from one place to another much faster than you’d otherwise be able to.”

In paragraph 6, the author says that “a plane is the closest the average plebe is going to get” to teleporting. What does the word plebe mean as it is used in the sentence?

• location

• pace

• person

• vehicle

What does the comparison in paragraph 8 reveal about the author?

• It shows the author believes riding a bus is efficient.

• It shows the author believes riding a bus is economical

• It shows the author believes slowing down is beneficial.

• It shows the author believes natural resources are necessary.

How does paragraph 10 contribute to the development of a central idea?

• It shows the author’s belief in folklore.

• It shows the author’s appreciation for relaxation.

• It shows the author’s use of the Internet while traveling.

• It shows the author’s concern about being trapped in a vehicle.

In paragraph 11, how does the author acknowledge and respond to a conflicting viewpoint?

• by providing the details of train travel

• by explaining the benefits of plane travel

• by sharing that some people would not enjoy bus travel

• by describing the negatives of eating snacks while traveling

Which quotation supports the author’s claim that riding a bus can be just as efficient as flying?

• “. . . if you factor in the time you spend getting to the airport and going through security, you may end up breaking even.” (paragraph 5)

• “I don’t want to be all ‘modern conveniences have alienated us from the process of living’ about it, but there is something about travel as a process. . . .” (paragraph 6)

• “So the vehicle feels a little outside of reality, especially if you’re traveling alone. It isolates and insulates you. . . .” (paragraph 10)

• “And my personal worst travel woes have been plane and train­based— . . .” (paragraph 11)

Part A

What is a central idea of the passage?

• The narrator does not enjoy traveling because of crying babies.

• The narrator enjoys traveling because she gets to visit new places.

• The narrator does not enjoy traveling because she gets motion sickness.

• The narrator enjoys traveling because it provides her time to do things she likes.

Part B

Which quotation from the passage supports the answer to Part A?

Central Idea

• “This sort of me­time can be achieved on many forms of transportation— . . .” (paragraph 2)

• “The scenery might blur around you, but you’re still touching the ground.” (paragraph 7)

• “. . . I’m hardly advocating we all spend three weeks on a ship dry heaving into the sea just to go to London.” (paragraph 9)

• “And my personal worst travel woes have been plane and train­based— . . .” (paragraph 11)