Lantern

RL.7.1 (Citing Text Evidence):

What evidence supports the idea that Clara’s kindness changed the village?

• Clara lived in a quiet valley with her family.

• The stranger handed Clara a sack before leaving.

• Clara’s lantern helped the villagers survive the flood.

• The stranger spoke cryptically before disappearing.

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: C. Clara’s lantern helped the villagers survive the flood.
Explanation:
Clara’s kindness in offering shelter to the stranger resulted in her receiving the lantern. The lantern later helped the villagers during the flood, symbolizing how her initial act of kindness led to the transformation of the entire village. This event highlights the direct impact of her actions.

RL.7.2 (Theme):

What is the central theme of the passage?

• Nature's power cannot be controlled.

• Kindness and generosity can lead to transformation.

• Trusting strangers can be dangerous.

• Working together requires sacrifice.

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: B. Kindness and generosity can lead to transformation.
Explanation:
The theme is revealed through Clara’s willingness to help the stranger, which contrasts with the villagers’ initial fear and rejection. Her kindness brought about the stranger’s gift, which ultimately saved the village and united its people. This shows how acts of generosity can have significant ripple effects.

RL.7.3 (Story Elements):

How does the setting influence the events of the story?

• The peaceful valley encourages the stranger to visit.

• The stormy weather creates the conflict that tests Clara.

• The valley’s beauty inspires the villagers to rebuild.

• The setting has little impact on the plot.

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: B. The stormy weather creates the conflict that tests Clara.
Explanation:
The stormy weather not only brings the stranger to the village but also foreshadows the flood that challenges the community. It sets the stage for Clara’s act of kindness, which is pivotal to the story. Without the storm and subsequent flood, there would be no opportunity for the villagers to change.

RL.7.4 (Word Choice and Tone):

What is the tone of the stranger’s statement: “In times of darkness, you will find light within”?

• Hopeful and reassuring.

• Threatening and ominous.

• Mysterious and foreboding.

• Cheerful and encouraging.

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: A. Hopeful and reassuring.
Explanation:
The phrase suggests that even in difficult or dark times, there is hope and a way forward. The use of the metaphor “light within” conveys reassurance and a sense of optimism, emphasizing the gift’s potential to help in a moment of crisis.

Passage: "The Stranger's Gift"

1 The village of Solent was nestled in a quiet valley, its people content with their simple lives. But all that changed one stormy evening when a stranger arrived, cloaked in mystery and carrying a heavy sack. He sought shelter, but the villagers, wary of outsiders, turned him away—save for young Clara, who offered him a place by the hearth.

2 The stranger, grateful for her kindness, handed Clara the sack. "In times of darkness, you will find light within," he said cryptically before disappearing into the night.

3 Days later, the village faced a devastating flood. Clara opened the sack, discovering a glowing lantern that seemed to repel the rising waters. The villagers, ashamed of their earlier treatment of the stranger, rallied together under Clara's guidance. They rebuilt their homes, stronger and more united than ever before.

RL.7.5 (Structure):

How does the author structure the story to emphasize Clara’s role?

• By beginning with Clara’s daily life and ending with the flood.

• By focusing on the stranger’s journey throughout the story.

• By showing Clara as the only villager willing to help the stranger.

• By describing the flood before the stranger’s arrival.

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: C. By showing Clara as the only villager willing to help the stranger.
Explanation:
The story highlights Clara’s unique decision to help the stranger, contrasting her actions with the rest of the villagers’ mistrust. This decision makes her central to the plot, as her kindness directly leads to the lantern’s appearance and the village’s eventual recovery.

Passage: "The Stranger's Gift"

1 The village of Solent was nestled in a quiet valley, its people content with their simple lives. But all that changed one stormy evening when a stranger arrived, cloaked in mystery and carrying a heavy sack. He sought shelter, but the villagers, wary of outsiders, turned him away—save for young Clara, who offered him a place by the hearth.

2 The stranger, grateful for her kindness, handed Clara the sack. "In times of darkness, you will find light within," he said cryptically before disappearing into the night.

3 Days later, the village faced a devastating flood. Clara opened the sack, discovering a glowing lantern that seemed to repel the rising waters. The villagers, ashamed of their earlier treatment of the stranger, rallied together under Clara's guidance. They rebuilt their homes, stronger and more united than ever before.

RL.7.6 (Point of View):

How does the narrator's point of view affect the reader’s understanding of the story?

• It reveals the stranger’s true intentions.

• It shows the villagers' thoughts and feelings about Clara.

• It provides an outside perspective, emphasizing Clara’s bravery.

• It creates suspense by hiding key details about the flood.

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: C. It provides an outside perspective, emphasizing Clara’s bravery.
Explanation:
The narrator is third-person omniscient, providing an objective view of Clara’s actions and the villagers’ response. This perspective allows the reader to see Clara’s bravery and generosity without bias, which is central to understanding her pivotal role in the story.

Passage: "The Stranger's Gift"

1 The village of Solent was nestled in a quiet valley, its people content with their simple lives. But all that changed one stormy evening when a stranger arrived, cloaked in mystery and carrying a heavy sack. He sought shelter, but the villagers, wary of outsiders, turned him away—save for young Clara, who offered him a place by the hearth.

2 The stranger, grateful for her kindness, handed Clara the sack. "In times of darkness, you will find light within," he said cryptically before disappearing into the night.

3 Days later, the village faced a devastating flood. Clara opened the sack, discovering a glowing lantern that seemed to repel the rising waters. The villagers, ashamed of their earlier treatment of the stranger, rallied together under Clara's guidance. They rebuilt their homes, stronger and more united than ever before.

RL.7.4 Questions: Word Choice and Tone

What effect does the author create by describing the stranger as “cloaked in mystery”?

• It emphasizes the stranger’s wisdom and experience.

• It creates a sense of intrigue and suspense about his identity.

• It suggests that the stranger has malicious intentions.

• It portrays the stranger as a symbol of the villagers' fears.

Answer explanation

B: The phrase “cloaked in mystery” builds suspense, making the reader curious about the stranger's identity and intentions.

Passage: "The Stranger's Gift"

1 The village of Solent was nestled in a quiet valley, its people content with their simple lives. But all that changed one stormy evening when a stranger arrived, cloaked in mystery and carrying a heavy sack. He sought shelter, but the villagers, wary of outsiders, turned him away—save for young Clara, who offered him a place by the hearth.

2 The stranger, grateful for her kindness, handed Clara the sack. "In times of darkness, you will find light within," he said cryptically before disappearing into the night.

3 Days later, the village faced a devastating flood. Clara opened the sack, discovering a glowing lantern that seemed to repel the rising waters. The villagers, ashamed of their earlier treatment of the stranger, rallied together under Clara's guidance. They rebuilt their homes, stronger and more united than ever before.

How does the phrase “you will find light within” contribute to the tone of the story?

• It adds a sense of danger and urgency.

• It conveys a mystical and hopeful tone.

• It creates tension between Clara and the villagers.

• It reflects the stormy and ominous setting.

Answer explanation

B: The phrase is both mystical and hopeful, aligning with the overall positive message of the story.

Passage: "The Stranger's Gift"

1 The village of Solent was nestled in a quiet valley, its people content with their simple lives. But all that changed one stormy evening when a stranger arrived, cloaked in mystery and carrying a heavy sack. He sought shelter, but the villagers, wary of outsiders, turned him away—save for young Clara, who offered him a place by the hearth.

2 The stranger, grateful for her kindness, handed Clara the sack. "In times of darkness, you will find light within," he said cryptically before disappearing into the night.

3 Days later, the village faced a devastating flood. Clara opened the sack, discovering a glowing lantern that seemed to repel the rising waters. The villagers, ashamed of their earlier treatment of the stranger, rallied together under Clara's guidance. They rebuilt their homes, stronger and more united than ever before.

What is the meaning of “repel the rising waters” as it is used in the story?

• To reflect the water’s glow.

• To push the water away or hold it back.

• To illuminate the village.

• To provide warmth to the villagers.

Answer explanation

1. B: "Repel the rising waters" means to hold back or prevent the flood from causing harm.

Passage: "The Stranger's Gift"

1 The village of Solent was nestled in a quiet valley, its people content with their simple lives. But all that changed one stormy evening when a stranger arrived, cloaked in mystery and carrying a heavy sack. He sought shelter, but the villagers, wary of outsiders, turned him away—save for young Clara, who offered him a place by the hearth.

2 The stranger, grateful for her kindness, handed Clara the sack. "In times of darkness, you will find light within," he said cryptically before disappearing into the night.

3 Days later, the village faced a devastating flood. Clara opened the sack, discovering a glowing lantern that seemed to repel the rising waters. The villagers, ashamed of their earlier treatment of the stranger, rallied together under Clara's guidance. They rebuilt their homes, stronger and more united than ever before.

L.7.4b Questions: Context Clues to Determine Word Meaning

What does the word “cryptically” mean in the sentence: "In times of darkness, you will find light within," he said cryptically before disappearing into the night"?

• Mysteriously or with hidden meaning.

• Quietly and softly.

• Cheerfully and energetically.

• Directly and clearly.

Answer explanation

A: "Cryptically" means with hidden meaning, as the stranger’s words are not immediately clear.