Zoo Selection Test (HMH Grade 6 Unit 2 Lesson 2)

How can you tell that the story is written from a third-person omniscient point of view?

• It talks about what the animals in the zoo see.

• It talks about how the kids feel when they visit the zoo.

• It tells what all the characters are thinking and feeling.

• It tells what Professor Hugo thinks from his own view.

Answer explanation

The story is written from a third-person omniscient point of view because it reveals the thoughts and feelings of all characters, not just one, allowing readers to understand multiple perspectives.

What is the effect of the point of view in paragraphs 8–14, after the scene change?

• It makes the Kaan creatures look strange.

• It shows family life on Kaan in a way we can understand.

• It shows that life on Kaan is very different from life on Earth.

• It explains why people on Earth find Kaan creatures interesting.

Answer explanation

The point of view in paragraphs 8–14 presents family life on Kaan in relatable terms, allowing readers to understand the Kaan creatures' experiences and relationships, making the correct choice 'It shows family life on Kaan in a way we can understand.'

Imagine the writer wants to add this sentence to the end of paragraph 7:

They feel sad that they would have to wait for next year when Professor Hugo would land the Zoo and they could observe more strange creatures.

What change should be made to this sentence?

• Change feel to felt

• Change would have to wait to must have waited

• Change would land to will land

• Change could observe to can observe

Answer explanation

The correct change is to change 'feel' to 'felt' to maintain past tense consistency with the rest of the paragraph. The sentence reflects a past sentiment, so 'felt' is the appropriate form.

The word embrace comes from the Latin prefix in-, meaning “in,” and root bracchium, meaning “arm.” Based on this information, what does the word embrace mean in paragraph 9?

• To include in a group

• To accept or support

• To hold in one’s arms

• To take into account

Answer explanation

The word 'embrace' combines the Latin 'in-' (in) and 'bracchium' (arm), indicating a physical action. Therefore, in paragraph 9, 'embrace' means 'to hold in one’s arms,' which aligns with the literal interpretation of the components.

The author’s use of the omniscient point of view in most of the story best enables the reader to —

• identify with Professor Hugo’s excitement

• understand the reactions of the humans

• create a mental picture of the setting

• judge Professor Hugo’s effect on crowds

Answer explanation

The omniscient point of view allows the reader to access the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters, which helps in understanding the reactions of the humans to Professor Hugo's actions and ideas.

Which statement best expresses the theme of the selection?

• Space travel is a worthwhile dream and pursuit.

• A sense of curiosity is universal among thinking beings.

• Strange creatures tend to make us feel threatened.

• Wild animals belong in their natural environment.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that curiosity is a fundamental trait shared by all intelligent beings, which aligns with the theme of exploration and understanding in the selection.

Read a student's summary of the story.

Professor Hugo brought his Space Zoo to Chicago. People were happy and lined up early to see the amazing show of animals from other planets. The professor took a dollar from each person. Two months later, the ship got to Kaan, and the horse-spiders came out of the ship. They were surprised by the Earth people and thought the money they gave the professor was worth it.

Which correction should the student make?

• Change were happy to had been happy

• Change took to takes

• Change came out to come out

• Change gave to give

Answer explanation

The correct choice is to change 'came out' to 'come out' to maintain the present tense consistency in the summary. The horse-spiders' action is described in a way that aligns with the ongoing narrative.

What is one theme the author presents through the use of descriptions of human behavior?

• Humans like to be frightened.

• Humans wish to explore other planets.

• Humans value exciting entertainment.

• Humans spend money carelessly.

Answer explanation

The author highlights that humans seek thrilling experiences, as seen in their behaviors and choices. This aligns with the theme that humans value exciting entertainment, making it the correct answer.

Which two events happen after the conflict has been resolved? (Select two answers)

• The professor arrives in his spaceship.

• The crowd forms long lines to see the zoo creatures.

• The professor waves farewell to the people of Earth.

• The professor encourages the crowd to observe the horse-spiders.

• The horse-spiders talk about seeing the interesting creatures on Earth.

Answer explanation

After the conflict is resolved, the professor waves farewell to the people of Earth, indicating a conclusion, and the horse-spiders discuss their experiences, showing their engagement with Earth’s creatures.

What two things does Professor Hugo do to make sure lots of people come to his zoo? (Select two answers)

• Stays only a short while

• Uses a microphone

• Brings new creatures each year

• Charges only two dollars

• Allows people and creatures to interact

Answer explanation

Professor Hugo attracts visitors by staying only a short while, which keeps the experience fresh, and by bringing new creatures each year, ensuring there's always something exciting for people to see.