"A New Friend"

What does the phrase “like a hero in a book” mean in paragraph 24?

• the idea of fighting illnesses such as measles

• the idea of disrespect for Reverent Macpherson

• the willingness to take risks to escape bad circumstances

• the sympathy for young boys who must adjust to something new

Read the sentence below from paragraph 1. The cab drew up to the front door, and the three children each presented Aunt Emmeline with farewell gifts. Which two phrases could replace the phrase “drew up to” as it is used in the sentence?

• drove by

• arrived at

• pulled up to

• barely missed

• moved away from

Read the sentences from paragraph 7. They had to wait for some time before the next train was to arrive, so they sat and watched people. Most of them were of dull appearance, but there was one tall gentleman who looked, they all agreed, exactly like Mr. Murdstone, . . . What does the word dull mean as used in this sentence?

• dim

• not slow

• not sharp

• uninteresting

Choose a word or a phrase for each blank to correctly complete the sentence. The word beastly in paragraph 19 means [CHOICE 1], and the phrase that helps you understand the meaning of the word is [CHOICE 2].

In paragraph 17, the author uses the phrase "A tide of friendliness swept over the party." Which sentence has the same meaning as this phrase?

• The water was washing over the new friends.

• The boys and girls were ready for a celebration.

• The children were beginning to feel like friends.

• The friends were understanding the books they had all read.

This question refers to A New Friend. This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. Part A: Read this phrase from paragraph 7. "The trip was quite boring until they got to the junction. . . ." What does the word junction mean as used in this sentence?

• A vehicle driven by Uncle Percival

• A station where railroad lines meet

• A store where travelers buy snacks

• A car shared by several people on a train

This question refers to A New Friend. Part B: Which phrase supports the answer to Part A?

• . . . as they departed with Uncle Percival, who was taking them to the railway station. (paragraph 6)

• They had to wait for some time before the next train was to arrive, . . . (paragraph 7)

• ' . . . can we get into your carriage?' (paragraph 10)

• Perhaps we could help you—bring you jam tarts. . . . (paragraph 18)

This question refers to A New Friend. Which quote conveys an idea of extreme despair?

• The trip was quite boring until they got to the junction, . . . (paragraph 7)

• Perhaps he'd talk to us, . . . (paragraph 9)

• The other chaps had gotten measles, and so did Mr. Filon. (paragraph 19)

• I’d rather be a dog in a kennel. (paragraph 25)

This question refers to A New Friend. Read the phrase below from paragraph 17. ". . . like the bond of having read and liked the same books." Which two meanings does the author want to convey by using the word bond in this way?

• The children believe that Rupert looks at his circumstances negatively.

• The children believe they might have something in common with Rupert.

• The children want to help Rupert to view Mr. Murdstone in a different way.

• The children want to encourage Rupert to enjoy school as much as possible.

• The children want to think of Rupert like a close friend they have known for a while.

This question refers to A New Friend. Why did the children compare Macpherson to Mr. Murdstone?

• They thought Macpherson and Mr. Murdstone looked alike.

• They thought Macpherson was as mean as Mr. Murdstone.

• They thought Macpherson was a kidnapper like Mr. Murdstone.

• They thought Macpherson and Mr. Murdstone were both teachers.