The Secret of the Winter Count Comprehension Quiz

1. Paragraph 18 is important to the story because it ─

• A. explains how legends are handed down from generation to generation.
• B. gives Emma the information on how to calculate horse’s lengths.
• C. explains how the Little People saved the tribe by instructing a chosen child to find water.
• D. describes Buffalo Rock and the intricate drawings that completely cover it.

2. What does the word intricate mean in paragraph 15?

• F. simple
• G. obvious
• H. complex
• J. basic

3. Which theme is best supported by the details in this selection?

• A. Being persistent and believing in yourself often leads to success.
• B. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
• C. We rise by lifting others.
• D. No act of kindness is ever wasted.

4. How does the historical setting influence the events of this selection?

• F. The villagers from Emma’s time were welcoming to new people.
• G. People from 1886 did not have water in their homes and needed to find water elsewhere.
• H. Tribes from 1886 often had a storyteller like Star Walker.
• J. People from Emma’s time always used their dreams to solve problems.

5. Read the following sentence from paragraph 58. The author most likely uses this simile to suggest that ─* "Her father seemed to be holding something in, like a volcano just bubbling with hot lava and ready to explode."

• A. her father was feeling hot and thirsty from shoveling so much dirt.
• B. Emma’s dad was disappointed with her for getting the wrong measurements.
• C. her father did not enjoy reading volcano books.
• D. Emma’s dad was angry that the dugout was empty.

6. The conversation between Emma and her mother in paragraphs 108-110 suggest that─

• F. Emma’s mother is worried about the wolves in the area.
• G. Emma has given up and is ready to go back home.
• H. Emma’s mother is afraid for their safety.
• J. Emma is determined to find a solution.

7. Read these sentences from paragraph 106. Based on the information in this selection, how does Emma most likely feel about the results of her efforts? [She knelt and scooped up the dry dirt. "This can't be."]

• A. Curious
• B. Disappointed
• C. Drowsy
• D. Frightened

8. Which sentence from the selection best shows that Emma’s father initially doubted the legend of the Little People?

• F. Her father took off his hat and slapped his thigh with the brim.
• G. “Emma, your confidence is making me think it’s worth a try!”
• H. “We have nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain!”
• J. “Old stories won’t save us from a drought, but this dugout will,” her father said as he swung the heavy pick, hitting the ground with a thunk.

9. What does paragraph 76 reveal about Star Walker?

• A. He feels that Emma should give up trying to find the water.
• B. Star Walker is worried that Emma’s arithmetic skills are weak.
• C. He does not believe the Winter Count holds the secret to finding water.
• D. Star Walker trusted Emma’s knowledge and believed in her.

10. What does the word wavering mean in paragraph 34?

• F. solid
• G. unsteady
• H. luminous
• J. durable