ELA TNReady Review

Which statement best describes how the author structured this excerpt from

“Warm River”?

• The excerpt describes Richard’s excitement as he crosses the bridge and then his eagerness to see Gretchen again.

• The excerpt describes Richard’s confusion as he crosses the bridge and then his irritation when he hears Gretchen on the porch.

• The excerpt describes Richard’s rising panic as he crosses the river and then his relief upon arriving at Gretchen’s house.

• The excerpt describes Richard’s admiration of the river as he crosses the bridge and then his interest in getting to know Gretchen’s father.

How does the structure of the excerpt help convey its meaning?

• The author’s suspenseful descriptions in the beginning contrast with the feeling of comfort after Richard talks with Gretchen and her father.

• The author’s frightening descriptions in the beginning contribute to the reader’s suspicion of Gretchen and her family.

• The author’s descriptions of the river in the beginning contrast with the respect for nature shown by Gretchen’s father.

• The author’s descriptions of Richard’s enthusiasm in the beginning contribute to the reader’s impression that he is in love with Gretchen.

How does the use of the word pendulum, in paragraph 2, contribute to the overall

meaning of the passage?

• A pendulum is part of an old-fashioned clock, which fits with the old-fashioned lamp in later paragraphs.

• A pendulum has a center point that does not move, like the relationship between Richard and Gretchen.

• A pendulum swings back and forth in two directions, like both the bridge and Richard’s emotions.

• A pendulum represents power and energy, like the broad green river flowing near the house.

Part A

Which statement best expresses the theme of this excerpt from “Warm River”?

• It is natural to be suspicious of strangers.

• Nature is a powerful force and must be respected.

• Interacting with others can change a person’s feelings.

• Falling in love can cause a person to feel excited and nervous.

Part B

Which quotation from the excerpt best illustrates the theme?

• “. . . with dark mountains towering all around me and a broad green river flowing beneath me. . . .” (paragraph 3)

• “‘I think it did, Gretchen,’ I said; ‘but I hope I outran it.’” (paragraph 7)

• “Gretchen’s father was standing beside a table holding the lamp a little to one side so that he could see my face.” (paragraph 12)

• “‘. . . you wouldn’t have fallen in,’ Gretchen said, laying her hand in mine.” (paragraph 19)

How does the father interact with Richard?

• He points the way to the house and leads him there with a lamp.

• He welcomes him and reassures him that the river is safe and warm.

• He shakes his hand for the first time but does not completely trust him.

• He introduces him to his three daughters and invites him to stay for dinner.

Which statement best expresses a central idea of the excerpt from “Warm River”?

• Gretchen’s welcoming nature helps Richard calm down after his scary bridge crossing.

• Richard’s panic when crossing the bridge puts him in danger, but Gretchen saves him.

• Richard’s discomfort with the river puts him at odds with Gretchen and her family.

• Gretchen’s recollection of childhood memories puts Richard at ease after his difficult trip.

How does Richard’s point of view contrast with the views of the other characters?

• The other characters are suspicious of Richard, who is afraid of visiting them.

• Richard feels uncomfortable in the house, but the others have lived there all their lives.

• Richard is excited about visiting Gretchen’s family, while the others are less eager.

• Gretchen is confident that Richard will arrive safely, but Richard is nervous.

Which two sentences, when combined, provide the best summary of the passage?

• Both characters, Richard and Gretchen, remember playing in barns as children.

• Richard fearfully crosses a footbridge on a dark night.

• Gretchen meets Richard and leads him into her home.

• The story takes place in a rural area a long time ago.

• Gretchen’s father holds a lamp so he can see Richard’s face.