Section 1: Cite Strong and Thorough Evidence

What event caused the crowd to gather in the square?

• A holiday celebration.
• A sudden resignation by the mayor.
• A fire in the town hall.
• An announcement about a new law.
• A meeting to address rumors.

What does Clara’s action of clutching the folded letter suggest about her character in this moment?

• She is preparing to reveal the letter to the crowd.
• She is anxious and protective of its contents.
• She is hiding the letter out of shame.
• She is unaware of the letter’s importance.
• She is distracted by the crowd’s reaction.

What inference can be made about Clara’s connection to the mayor’s resignation?

• Clara convinced the mayor to resign.
• Clara holds key evidence about the resignation.
• Clara is mourning the loss of a loved one.
• Clara is indifferent to the mayor’s resignation.
• Clara’s letter suggests personal influence in the mayor’s decision.

How does the description of Clara’s actions (“stood silently, clutching a folded letter”) develop her character?

• It portrays her as indifferent to the mayor’s resignation.
• It suggests she feels overwhelmed by the crowd.
• It hints at her inner conflict and secrecy.
• It implies she intends to share the letter’s contents.
• It shows she is eager to leave the square.

(Part A) What is the most likely reason the townsfolk are speculating about the mayor's resignation?

• The mayor left behind cryptic clues.
• The mayor gave a farewell speech.
• The mayor refused to meet with the council.
• The mayor was known for making rash decisions.
• The mayor made vague comments about his reasons.

(Part B) Which sentence from the passage best supports the answer to Part A?

• “The mayor’s proclamation had shocked everyone.”
• “The crowd’s whispers grew louder, speculating about the mayor’s sudden resignation.”
• “No one could have imagined what secrets she harbored.”
• “Clara stood silently, clutching a folded letter close to her chest.”
• “The cryptic clues he left behind.”

How might Clara’s folded letter influence the actions of the townsfolk if revealed?

• It could lead to clarity about the mayor’s resignation.
• It might divide the townsfolk into opposing factions.
• It would likely go unnoticed by the community.
• It could confirm rumors about the mayor’s motives.
• It would expose Clara’s own hidden agenda.

Which statement best explains how the passage uses the crowd’s reaction to build tension about the mayor’s resignation?

• The crowd’s murmurs suggest widespread confusion, creating an uncertain atmosphere.
• The crowd’s whispers show their lack of interest in the mayor’s decision.
• The crowd’s reaction foreshadows an impending conflict over the mayor’s choice.
• The crowd’s focus on Clara implies she has shared the contents of her letter.
• The crowd’s gathering suggests their eagerness to hear Clara’s explanation.

What condition were the items near the campfire described as being in?

• Perfect, mint condition
• Rough and damaged
• Creatively transformed
• Stolen and untraceable
• Usable but imperfect

Which of the following descriptions does NOT contribute to the overall mood and/or central idea of the passage?

• The forest was dense, its canopy thick and impenetrable to light
• The traveler paused to study a clearing ahead
• Surrounding the ashes were discarded items
• The traveler knelt to inspect the items, wondering who might have left them and why they departed so suddenly
• Somewhere in the distance, the faint howl of a wolf pierced the silence, stirring unease in the traveler’s chest