The Rumor

What is the main theme of this passage?

• Being friends with someone doesn't mean you really know them.

• A person should do whatever it takes to earn good grades.

• Cheating always results in punishment.

• Don't rush to judge before getting all the facts.

Read the following sentences from the passage.

"That test was like a hard trek up a steep mountain. I kept climbing higher in my brain to recall the facts. Unfortunately, I didn't reach the mountain peak, so I never got a clear view!"

What do these sentences most likely mean?

• The speaker was unable to take the test because he was mountain climbing on the day the test was given.

• The speaker thought the test was really difficult.

• The speaker did not see a purpose for taking the test.

• The speaker wants to be a professional mountain climber after completing his education.

Who is the narrator of this passage?

• Lavanne

• Jermaine

• Mrs. Thompson

• a narrator not mentioned in the passage

How would the story have been different if Robert had narrated the passage from his point of view? Choose the TWO best answers from the choices below.

• The reader would learn Mrs. Thompson's thoughts and feelings about the food drive.

• The narrator would have shared why he was asked to go to Mrs. Thompson’s office.

• The narrator would have been a part of the conversation between the students on the bus.

• The narrator would have confirmed that he cheated on the test.

• The reader would learn Robert's thoughts and feelings about helping with the food drive.

Read the following sentences from the passage.

That test was like a hard trek up a steep mountain. I kept climbing higher in my brain to recall the facts.

Using what you know about prefixes and root words, what does the word "recall" mean?

• dial a phone

• answer correctly

• remember again

• take a test

Based on the passage, the reader can infer that sailing around the world can be dangerous. Read the following excerpt from the passage. Then click on the sentence that BEST supports this inference.

• Just ask Zac Sunderland, a 17-year-old from southern California.

• In July 2009, Zac became the youngest person to sail around the world alone.

• During his voyage, he faced wild storms, terrible winds, and even pirates.

• Zac's accomplishment made international news

• He took the record from Jesse Martin, an Australian.

Read the following sentences from the passage.

Mike's hardships included a run-in with the tail end of a hurricane. He also had rudder problems that forced him to go ashore.

What is the meaning of the word "hardships" as it is used above?

• funny stories

• trips

• difficulties

• terrible storms

Imagine that, while researching the topic of this passage, you find another passage about the same topic. Read the following excerpt from the other passage.

A New Generation of Sailors

The world of sailing has been recreated by a new generation of teenage sailors. These determined youngsters are breaking all previously held sailing records with lightning speed. While these teenagers deserve all of the recognition they are receiving, young sailors should be aware of the risks before setting sail. One of the obvious concerns is storms. Storms at sea can cause a boat to capsize or flood, and can also result in damage to the boat. Another concern is the boat breaking down. Inexperienced sailors may lack the maturity level to deal with unexpected and frightening situations as they arise. Keeping these concerns in mind, the question needs to be asked -- should there be a minimum age to sail around the world alone?

  How are the similarities and differences between Record Breakers and A New Generation of Sailors related to each author's point of view?

• The author of Record Breakers thinks that young sailors need to be aware of the risks at sea, but the author of A New Generation of Sailors does not.

• Both authors think that teenagers who have sailed around the world alone should be celebrated for accomplishing an amazing task.

• The author of A New Generation of Sailors thinks young sailors should wait until they are adults to sail around the world, but the author of Record Breakers does not.

• Both authors recognize that the Dutch courts were right to stop a 13-year-old girl's attempt to sail around the world alone.

In this passage, the author concludes that Jessica Watson deserved a hero's welcome when she returned home after seven months at sea. Consider whether or not the author's conclusion is logical and select the option below that provides the BEST evidence to support your reasoning.

• The author's conclusion is logical because the passage states, "she dealt with terrible storms and seven knockdowns."

• The author's conclusion is logical because the passage states, "In October, Australian Jessica Watson set sail."

• The author's conclusion is NOT logical because the passage states that Jessica "had plans to sail the globe alone and nonstop."

• The author's conclusion is NOT logical because the passage states, "Australia's hero may hold the title for a while."

Study the dictionary entry below.  

brilliant (BRILL- yuhnt ) adj. 1. vivid, bright 2. famous, outstanding 3. showing great intelligence n. 4. a jewel or a gem, such as a diamond

Now read the following sentence.

The setting sun lit up the sky with brilliant colors.

• definition 1

• definition 2

• definition 3

• definition 4