The River Bank

Read the sentence from paragraph 14.

​“What?” cried the Rat, open-mouthed: “Never been in a—you never—well I—what have you been doing, then?”

​ How does this sentence contribute to the passage?  RL.6.5

• A  by introducing the conflict between the characters

  
  

• B  by using dialogue to develop the theme of friendship

  
  

• C  by indicating the depth of the Rat’s devotion to boating

  
  

• D  by showing the Mole’s distaste for those unfamiliar with the river

  
  

Read the sentence from paragraph 1.

​As he sat on the grass and looked across the river, a dark hole in the bank opposite, just above the water’s edge, caught his eye, and dreamily he fell to considering what a nice, snug dwelling-place it would make for an animal with few wants and fond of a bijou riverside residence, above flood level and remote from noise and dust.

​ What does the word remote mean as it is used in the sentence?  RL.6.4

• A  bothered

  
  

• B  delayed

  
  

• C  isolated

  
  

• D  reserved

  
  

Read the sentence from paragraph 12.

​Then he held up his fore-paw as the Mole stepped gingerly down.

​ What does the word gingerly mean as it is used in the sentence?   RL.6.4

• A  angrily

  
  

• B  carefully

  
  

• C  clumsily

  
  

• D  quickly

  
  

The Mole and the Water Rat both appear nervous at the beginning of the passage. Choose two quotations that support the claim that both characters appear nervous.  RL.6.3

• A  “ . . . and dreamily he fell to considering what a nice, snug dwelling place it would make for an animal with few wants. . . .” (paragraph 1)

• B  “As he gazed, something bright and small seemed to twinkle down in the heart of it, vanished. . . .” (paragraph 1)

• C  “Then the two animals stood and regarded each other cautiously.” (paragraph 6)

• D  “‘Oh, it’s all very well to talk,’ said the Mole rather pettishly. . . .” (paragraph 10)

• E  “The Rat said nothing, but stooped and unfastened a rope and hauled on it. . . .” (paragraph 11)

  
  

Based on evidence from paragraphs 12–15, how does the Mole feel during the boat ride?   RL.6.3

• A  bewildered

  
  

• B  courageous 

  
  

• C  delighted

  
  

• D  nervous

  
  

How does the use of the words “bright,” “twinkle,” and “like a tiny star” impact the tone of the passage?   RL.6.4

• A  The words develop a positive outlook.

• B  The words create an unwelcoming setting.

  
  

• C  The words establish an element of surprise.

  
  

• D  The words describe a conflict in the passage.

  
  

Which quotation from the passage supports the idea that the Mole and the Rat are unfamiliar with each other?   RL.6.1

• A  “Then the two animals stood and regarded each other cautiously.” (paragraph 6

• B  “‘Hullo, Mole!’ said the Water Rat. ‘Hullo, Rat!’ said the Mole.” (paragraphs 7–8)

• C  “‘Oh, it’s all very well to talk,’ said the Mole rather pettishly. . . .” (paragraph 10)

• D  “The Rat sculled smartly across and made fast.” (paragraph 12)

What central idea does the author convey during the boat ride?  RL.6.2

• A  The Rat becomes a role model for the Mole.

• B  The Rat and the Mole share new excitement together.

• C  The Mole feels adventurous about his new encounter.

• D  The Mole and the Rat develop an unexpected friendship.

Which quotation from the passage shows the reader that the Mole has respect for the Rat?   RL.6.6

• A  “The Rat said nothing, but stooped and unfastened a rope and hauled on it; then lightly stepped into a little boat. . . .” (paragraph 11)

• B  “ . . . and the Mole to his surprise and rapture found himself actually seated in the stern of a real boat.” (paragraph 12)

• C  “‘Do you know, I’ve never been in a boat before in all my life.’” (paragraph 13)

• D  “‘Is it as nice as all that?’ asked the Mole shyly, though he was quite prepared to believe it as he leant back in his seat and surveyed the cushions, the oars, the rowlocks. . . .” (paragraph 15)

What is a theme of the passage?   RL.6.2

• A  Working hard can produce success.

• B  Being careful can prevent future problems.

• C  Taking chances can lead to new adventures.

• D  Forgiving others can be the beginning of friendship.