What is the meaning of the phrase “the fire raged through Chicago with a terrifying intensity”?

• 1. The fire was moving slowly and calmly.

• 1. The fire was aggressive and unstoppable.

• 1. The fire was under control.

• 1. The fire was a minor inconvenience. 

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

1. How does the word “consuming” affect the tone of the passage?

• 1. It gives a sense of calm and tranquility.

• 1. It suggests that the fire was beneficial.

• 1. It highlights the fire’s destructive and all-encompassing power.

• 1. It makes the fire seem gentle. 

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

1. What effect does the description of the fire as a “wave of heat and flame” have on the reader?

• 1. It suggests the fire was manageable.

• 1. It emphasizes the overwhelming and uncontrollable nature of the fire.

• 1. It indicates that the fire was a small event.

• 1. It suggests that the fire was moving slowly. 

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

1. What is suggested by the phrase “the fire danced with a life of its own”?

• 1. The fire seemed to act unpredictably and independently.

• 1. The fire was under control.

• 1. The fire was a peaceful event.

• 1. The fire was easily extinguished. 

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

1. In the phrase “residents ran desperately through the smoke-filled air,” what does the word “desperately” reveal about the people’s emotions?

• 1. They felt joyful and carefree.

• 1. They were frightened and in urgent need of escape.

• 1. They were calm and collected.

• 1. They were indifferent to the fire. 

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

How does the simile “ash rained down like a dark, smothering snow” contribute to the tone of the passage?

• 1. It creates a peaceful and beautiful image of snowfall.

• 1. It implies that the ash was harmless. 

• 1. It suggests the fire was festive.

• 1. It adds to the sense of dread and suffocation.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

1. What is the meaning of “relentless blaze” in this context?

• 1. A fire that is easy to extinguish

• 1. A fire that is gentle and harmless

• 1. A fire that doesn’t stop and is powerful

• 1. A fire that is burning quietly 

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

How does the author’s use of phrases like “wave of heat,” “danced with a life of its own,” and “relentless blaze” affect the tone of the passage?

• 1. It gives the fire a powerful, almost animate presence.

• 1. It creates a calm and gentle atmosphere.

• 1. It makes the fire seem ordinary and insignificant.

• 1. It suggests that the fire was safe and controlled. 

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does the word “engulfed” imply in the context of “wooden buildings, homes, shops, and even streets were engulfed”?

• 1. The fire was delicately touching these places.

• 1. The fire completely covered and consumed them.

• 1. The fire was small and harmless.

• 1. The fire was being avoided. 

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

1. How does the phrase “coating everything in a layer of despair” impact the reader’s understanding of the fire’s effect on Chicago?

• 1. It suggests that the fire had little impact on the city.

• 1. It conveys the emotional devastation and hopelessness left by the fire.

• 1. It implies that the city was easily restored.

• 1. It suggests the fire was a symbol of celebration. 

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5