PARCC Practice ELA

CONFETTI GIRL
What is the meaning of the word "sarcasm" as it is used in paragraph 18 of the passage from "Confetti Girl"?

• a remark indicating mockery and annoyance
• a response that is meant to be taken literally
• an answer that indicates confusion or skepticism
• an observation that is silly and childish

Which quotation from the passage helps clarify the meaning of "sarcasm"?

• "super...super...super something. Can't remember." (paragraph 15)
• "It could have been super-duper or super-loop for all I care." (paragraph 17)
• "So did I tell you we're having a book sale for our next fundraiser?" (paragraph 20)
• "Yes, that's it. But I left it in my locker. I guess I can't do my homework." (paragraph 24)

What attitude does the narrator of "Confetti Girl" reveal when she uses the book as a coaster in paragraph 34?

• worry about being able to finish her schoolwork
• dishonesty in lying to her father about her homework
• carelessness when it comes to doing household chores
• resentment of her father's efforts to impose his interests on her

Which quotation from the passage best shows additional evidence of the attitude in question #3?

• "Dad helps, but sometimes he makes a big mess." (paragraph 2)
• "And I don't want to talk to him because I'm still mad about the volleyball game..." (paragraph 3)
• "Nothing's more important than his books and vocabulary words. He might say I matter, but when he goes on a scavenger hunt for a book, I realize that I really don't." (paragraph 26)
• "Later, just as I write "I love Luis" for the three-hundreth time, my dad peeks through my bedroom dooer." (paragraph 29)

TORTILLA SUN

How do the phrases stormed off, float far, and invisible nothing in paragraph 35 contribute to the tone of the passage?

• They call attention to the narrator's feelings of guilt and disappointment.
• They emphasize the narrator's growing sense of hopelessness.
• They reflect the narrator's escape into comforting daydreams.
• They highlight the narrator's strong sense of independence.

Which paragraph most directly reinforces the tone created in paragraph 35?

• paragraph 32
• paragraph 37
• paragraph 38
• paragraph 39

Which statement provides an objective summary of the passage?

• A mother chooses to neglect her daughter's interests in favor of completing her degree. She informs her daughter of this decision, and the daughter rightly points out the mother's selfishness.
• A mother decides it would be best for her daughter if they both moved to another country. The daughter complains that this will disrupt her life, but the mother holds firm to her decision.
• A girl learns that she and her mother are moving in with their grandmother. The girl believes her mother is trying to take the easy way out. In response, the girl states that her father is a better parent.
• A girl finds out her mother is going to leave her for the summer. She believes her mother is being selfish. In response, she becomes negative and withdrawn.

Select the one paragraph that is most relevant to providing an objective summary of the passage.

• paragraph 1
• paragraph 9
• paragraph 17
• paragraph 28

REFER TO THE PASSAGES FROM "CONFETTI GIRL" AND "TORTILLA SUN". 
In both passages, what causes the conflict between the narrator and her parent?

• The narrator does something to disappoint her parent.
• The narrator misunderstands her parent's intentions.
• The parent acts in a way that neglects the narrator's interests.
• The parent makes a mess that the narrator will have to clean up.

REFER TO THE PASSAGES FROM "CONFETTI GIRL" AND "TORTILLA SUN". 
Which paragraphs from the two passages best support the answer to the previous question?

• paragraph 3, "Confetti Girl"; paragraph 1 "Tortilla Sun"
• paragraph 12, "Confetti Girl"; paragraph 5, "Tortilla Sun"
• paragraph 19, "Confetti Girl"; paragraph 6, "Tortilla Sun"
• paragraph 26, "Confetti Girl"; paragraph 9, "Tortilla Sun"