MAAP Test Prep Reading

1. Which two phrases from the passage support the inference that Buck was conceited?

• "These men wanted dogs" (paragraph 1)

• "there were other dogs" (paragraph 3)

• "he utterly ignored" (paragraph 4)

• "in the way of his father" (paragraph 5)

• "he had a fine pride in himself" (paragraph 5)

2. How does the personification of Buck convey meaning in the passage?

• It draws a parallel between the Judge and Buck.

• It reveals the tension between Buck and Manuel.

• It shows the contrast between Buck and the other dogs.

• It provides a deeper understanding of Buck's point of view.

3. How does the word "sun-kissed" as used in paragraph 2 impact the meaning of the passage?

• It describes the brightness of the yellow metal.

• It provides an understanding of Buck's disposition.

• It shows a contrast between Buck's home and the Northland.

• It illustrates the difference in Buck's home and Judge Miller's home.

4. Read the sentence from paragraph 4 and answer the question that follows.

Among the terriers he stalked imperiously, and Toots and Ysabel he utterly ignored, for he was king,- king over all creeping, crawling, flying things of Judge Miller's place, humans included.

What does this sentence reveal about Buck?

• Buck has strong leadership skills.

• Buck needs to dominate to be happy.

• Buck enjoys intimidating Toots and Ysabel.

• Buck views himself as the most powerful one.

5. In paragraph 1, how does the description of the men in the north impact the rest of the passage?

• It provides a solution to Manuel's problem.

• It gives a reason why Buck trusts Manuel.

• It explains Buck's behavior towards the dogs.

• It exposes the truth about the Judge and his family.

6. Read the sentence from paragraph 1 and paragraph 6 and answer the question that follows.

Buck did not read the newspapers...

What is the author's purpose for repeating this sentence in both paragraphs?

• to emphasize how powerless Buck is

• to emphasize how irresponsible Buck is

• to emphasize how informed Buck is

• to emphasize how blamelss Buck is

7. What is author's purpose for including the explanation of Manuel's "one besetting sin"?

• to show that Manuel had a gambling problem

• to reveal a reason for Buck not liking Manuel

• to explain why Manuel enjoys taking Buck on walks

• to supply Manuel's motive for trading Buck for money

8. Part A

Which statement best reflects a theme of the passage?

• People are not trustworthy.

• Knowledge is the key to happiness.

• Pride is more dangerous than it appears.

• Loved ones cause more pain than strangers.

8. Part B

Select two sentences that highlight the development of this theme throughout the passage.

• "It was true, there were other dogs. There could not but be other dogs on so vast a place, but they did not count." (paragraph 3)

• "Among the terriers he stalked impreriously, and Toots and Ysabel he utterly ignored, for he was king,- king over all..." (paragraph 4)

• "Hunting and kindred outdoor delights had kept down the fat and hardened his muscles..." (paragraph 5)

• "Manuel had one besetting sin. He loved to play Chinese lottery..." (paragraph 6)

• "The Judge was at a meeting of the Raisin Growers' Association, and the boys were busy organizing an athletic club..." (paragraph 7)