Grade 8B - Literature and Vocabulary - REVISION

In “The Strange Tale,” the speaker says, “We laughed at the past” to introduce the idea that ________?

• a. we judge our past actions.

• b. we are silly about time passing.

• c. we will be laughed at by those who come after us.

• d. we know that our younger selves do not understand life.

Which statement BEST explains how the image of “rais[ing] the darken’d veil” helps develop the poem’s theme of mystery?

• a. “Darken’d” suggests something frightening and “veil” suggests something hidden.

• b. Raising a veil suggests moving something out of darkness and clearly into the light.

• c. The words “could I” suggest that the speaker might not be able to raise the veil.

• d. None of the above

In “Doors opening, closing on us,” the speaker identifies many different places to which doors can open. How does the idea of doors leading to several places support the theme of possibility?

• a. People never know where a door might lead.

• b. Opening doors is not as easy as closing them.

• c. Each door represents a move into something new.

• d. Opening the right door at the right time is important.

. Read the excerpt from “Oh could I raise the darken’d veil.”

"My every action painted there, To cast one look I would not dare."

What central idea do these lines BEST support?

• a. It can be painful to revisit the past.

• b. We should consider our choices carefully.

• c. It is best not to know too much about the future.

• d. We can see the effects of our decisions clearly.

Read the excerpt from the article.

Asimov wrote: “Robots will neither be common nor very good in 2014, but they will be in existence.”

. . .

"But there are projects under way to get robots to perform surgery, cook gourmet meals, and pass university exams."

Compare the underlined text and the author’s commentary. Which sentence BEST explains the distinction between Asimov’s prediction and the ways we use robots today?

• a. Asimov did not predict that robots would be used to perform complex tasks.

• b. Asimov knew robots would exist and would look and act like humans.

• c. Asimov believed that robots were possible but thought they would be rarely used.

• d. Asimov was incorrect about robots being used to complete everyday tasks.

One of Asimov’s predictions is about miniature computers, which the author compares to smartphones: “Some of us even act like robots when we’re trying to use [smartphones]!”

In this example, the author compares Asimov’s predictions to the present by using ______________?

• a. facts

• b. details

• c. humor

• d. metaphor

Asimov predicted that farms would create foods such as “mock-turkey” and “pseudo-steak.” How does the heading “Frankenfoods” help the reader understand this section of the article?

• a.    The author contrasts fake foods to food that is scientifically prepared in a lab.

• b.    The author compares processed food to a fictional monster created by Dr. Frankenstein

• c. The author compares Asimov’s desire for quick and efficient food to fast food today.

• d. The author contrasts farm foods grown slowly to manufactured foods that are created quickly.

Summaries of BOTH “The Dog of Pompeii and “The Ancient Civilization with perfect teeth” should include __________?

• a. an analysis of Bimbo’s relationship to Tito.

• b. a mention of the writings of Pliny the Younger.

• c. a description of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

• d. an explanation of how the history of Pompeii was uncovered.

In “The Dog of Pompeii,” a stranger warns Tito and others about the smoke from Vesuvius. The stranger then quotes a proverb: “Those who will not listen to men must be taught by the gods.”

Which statement BEST summarizes the central idea of this incident?

• a. The gods are angry with the people of Pompeii for ignoring their messenger.

• b. If the people of Pompeii thank the gods and visit their temples, they will be safe.

• c. The smoke above Vesuvius is a sign that people should leave town immediately.

• d. Those who doubt the stranger’s warning will be convinced when the volcano erupts.

The narrator of “The Dog of Pompeii” develops the relationship between Tito and Bimbo by saying, “There was plenty of everything in Pompeii—if you knew where to find it—and if you had a dog like Bimbo.”

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Which statement BEST summarizes the central idea of the introduction?

• a. Tito is alone and blind, so shopkeepers take turns giving him meals.

• b. Tito usually has enough to eat because Bimbo finds food for him each day.

• c. Tito has many people looking out for him, but Bimbo is his only true friend.

• d. Tito is able to take care of himself, but Bimbo feels a need to protect the boy.