Dark They Were and Golden Eyed Test

Which sentence from the text provides evidence that this is a work of science fiction?

• The other passengers whispered away across the Martian meadow, leaving the man alone among his family. (paragraph 1)

• His wife, before him, seemed almost to whirl away in smoke. (paragraph 2)

• The children looked up at him, as people look to the sun to tell what time of their life it is. (paragraph 3)

• But the American-built town of cottages, peach trees, and theaters was silent. (paragraph 264)

Read this sentence from paragraph 1. The other passengers whispered away across the Martian meadow, leaving the man alone among his family. The use of the word alone in the sentence creates a mood of —

• despair

• isolation

• sadness

• fear

The author compares Harry’s children to seeds in paragraph 2. Which sentence describes the idea this comparison creates?

• Harry is the father of many children.

• Mars is engulfing the children.

• Mars is ready to support new life.

• Harry is concerned about his children.

Which two elements of the science fiction genre are evident in the story?

• The main character experiences unease.

• The characters begin to transform physically.

• The personalities of the characters begin to change.

• The story takes place in a new human settlement.

• The location of the story is a settlement on Mars.

Read the sentence below. Harry built a rocket and launched it. Which correction should be made to use consistent verb tense?

• Change built to will build.

• Change built to has been building.

• Change launched to launches.

• No change should be made.

Read this sentence from paragraph 12. “Here we go,” he said—a man standing on the edge of a sea, ready to wade in and be drowned. What feeling or mood does the author’s use of the word drowned create?

• Sorrow

• Panic

• Dread

• Hesitation

The word "submerge" comes from the Latin word "submergere," which means "to immerse." What is the meaning of the word "submerged" as it is used in paragraph 21?

• Overwhelmed

• Dampened

• Toppled

• Entered

Reread paragraphs 53–64. What can you infer about what is happening to Cora in these paragraphs?

Read the sentence below. Harry has been upset by Sam’s eyes because they are yellow. What correction should be made to use consistent verb tense?

• Change has been to will be.

• Change has been to is.

• Change are to were.

• No change should be made.

The word "leisure" comes from the Latin word "licēre," meaning "to be permitted." What is the meaning of the word "leisure" as it is used in paragraph 78?

• Advantage

• Support

• Authority

• Relaxation