Warm River

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.

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CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

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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.

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CCSS.RL.2.10

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

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.

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CCSS.RI.7.4

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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.

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CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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CCSS.RL.6.6

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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.

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