Reading Practice - 2 Texts

1. Read the sentence from paragraph 1.

Dorry, hastily arranging her skirts and settling herself comfortably upon the grand but dingy saddle (it had been Aunt Kate’s in the days gone by), laughed to herself, thinking how astonished they all must be to see her riding Lady back to them.

What does the word hastily mean as it is used in the sentence?

• carefully

• deliberately

• hurriedly

• unconsciously

2. Read the sentences from paragraph 6.

Young as she was, she was a fearless rider, and at first, as we have seen, rather enjoyed the prospect of a tussle with Lady. But as the speed increased, Dorry found herself growing deaf, dumb and blind in the breathless race. Still, if she could only hold on, all would be well; she certainly could not consent to be conquered before “those boys.”

Based on the sentences, what inference can be made about Dorry?

• Dorry is sick.

• Dorry is angry.

• Dorry is afraid.

• Dorry is determined.

3. Which three details should be included in an accurate summary of the passage?​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (a)   ​ ​ (b)   ​ (c)  

• Dorry got on the horse to impress Donald and the o
• Dorry realizes she no longer has control over th
• onald rescues Dorry from the runaway horse.
• Donald breaks away from Ben’s hold.
• Donald is impressed with Dorry’s riding skill.
• Dorry decides to use her Aunt Kate’s old saddle.

4. Read the sentence from paragraph 6.

Young as she was, she was a fearless rider, and at first, as we have seen, rather enjoyed the prospect of a tussle with Lady.

What does the word tussle mean as it is used in the sentence?

• excursion

• meeting

• performance

• struggle

5. Read the sentence from paragraph 9.

But his looks betrayed his anxiety.

What effect does the sentence have on the passage?

• It adds to the tension of the passage.

• It creates a tone of irony in the passage.

• It creates a tone of frustration in the passage.

• It shows differences between characters in the passage.

6. Read the sentences from paragraph 9.

“See! the mare’s trying to throw her now! But she can’t do it—she can’t do it! Dot understands herself, I tell you,— Whoa-o!—Let me go!”

How do these sentences propel the action of the plot?

• They show that Donald breaks free from Ben and tries to save Dorry.

• They describe how Donald compliments his sister for staying on the horse.

• They reveal that Dorothy is in danger, but Donald refuses to do anything.

• They emphasize how Dorothy is determined to impress her friends by riding Lady.

7. Read the sentence from paragraph 9.

. . . and, breaking from Ben, he tore across the field, through the opening in the hedge, and was on his pony’s back in a twinkling.

What does the phrase in a twinkling mean as it is used in the sentence?

• brightly

• heroically

• swiftly

• violently

8. Read the sentences from paragraph 9.

He had heard Dorry scream, and somehow that scream made him and his pony one. Together, they flew over the field; with a steady, calm purpose, they cut across Lady’s course, and soon were at her side.

What is the impact of the figurative language used in the sentences?

• It illustrates that Dorry is in pain.

• It creates a sense of rhythm as Donald races to Dorry.

• It illustrates the speed with which Donald helps Dorry.

• It creates a sense of patience that Dorry and Donald possess.

9. What inference can be made about Donald in paragraph 9?

• Donald is a more experienced rider than Dorry.

• Donald does not think it is safe for Dorry to ride.

• Donald would rather be around the boys than Dorry.

• Donald thinks Dorry tries too hard to impress others.

10. Read the sentence from paragraph 9.

The mare plunged, but the boy’s grip was as firm as iron.

What impact does the use of the phrase “firm as iron” have on the passage?

• It illustrates the strength and determination of Donald.

• It illustrates the love and devotion between Donald and Dorry.

• It shows that the horses involved are powerful and yet dangerous.

• It shows that there is a sense of urgency toward the end of the passage.