FAST ELA Reading Sample Items pt. 2

8. Read this sentence from paragraph 6. “Does she think I’m here for an impromptu tutoring session?” What does impromptu mean in this sentence?

• A inspiring

• B substitute

• C tiresome

• D unplanned

9. Read these sentences from the passage. “I slunk to the back of the room and glared at the black and white monstrosity. It was so out of place, like a tuxedo in a room full of sweatshirts.” (paragraph 10)

What does this description reveal about the narrator’s view of Mrs. Lahri’s piano?

• A Mrs. Lahri is showing off her wealth, making him feel bad.

• B Mrs. Lahri should not have brought it, as it stands out in school.

• C He should be dressed up to play it, because the piano is so beautiful.

• D He is fascinated with the piano, but he does not feel worthy to play it yet.

10. In paragraph 13, what does the narrator mean when he describes the music as “swelling into a wave”?

• A It crashes all at once.

• B It makes him want to cry.

• C It is muted by the locked door.

• D It becomes something powerful.

11. Read the sentence from paragraph 19. “And I tuck that secret in my back pocket, where no one can hear it but me.” What does this sentence show about the narrator’s feelings about the music he hears?

• A He is ashamed of it.

• B He believes it is special.

• C He does not understand it.

• D He wants to share it with others.

12. Part A Which of the narrator’s claims in the passage is unreliable?

• A He has trouble reading musical notes.

• B He has no interest in the grand piano.

• C He does not like some aspects of classrooms.

• D His father has dropped him off at school early.

12. Part B Which sentence from the passage shows that the claim in Part A is unreliable?

• A “Before the first buses arrive, the hallways are silent.” (paragraph 1)

• B “Or it’s the feel of those metal chairs, trapping you under the desks as effectively as a toe in a glue trap.” (paragraph 8)

• C “I close my eyes and let the hallway fall away.” (paragraph 13)

• D “‘Leave your trumpet at school over the weekend again?’” (paragraph 18)

13. Fill in the bubbles by matching the text evidence from the passage to the truth it reveals about the narrator.

• B, F, G

• A, D, H

• C, E, H

• B, D, G

14. What are two different themes of the story?

• A Music can create powerful moments.

• B One good teacher can change a child’s life.

• C Music should be a part of every child’s education.

• D Practice is more important to success than passion.

• E Actions reveal more about people than their words.