Author's Perspective

The dew on the grass made my running shoes damp. It didn't bother me. The sound of my feet hitting the street formed a rhythm, a steady pattern of light thumps. I timed my breathing with the rhythm. These sounds filled my head. I thought of nothing other than the next step and keeping my tempo. I soared over the sidewalks like concrete clouds.

What is the author's point of view on running?

• The author believes running is a time to think.

• The author dreads having to run.

• The author likes running but would rather be doing something else.

Red looked across the prairie. He didn't see anything concerning. He wondered why Texas Joe had hollered like that. Texas Joe turned to him. The ghost that Texas Joe had just seen was gone. Texas Joe swatted at the air. Now he felt crazy. "You have to believe me, Red. It was just here," said Texas Joe. Red scowled at him in disbelief. "What was just here, Joe?" he asked. Red was angry with Texas Joe for disturbing his sleep for no apparent reason.

Which statement would Red agree with?

• Believing you saw a ghost is crazy.

• Ghosts are so cool. Be sure to wake me up if you see another.

• Ghosts are scary!

If you are confused about something in class, don't wait. Raise your hand and ask for help immediately. Do it while your teacher is still explaining the material. Your teacher will probably be happy that you are taking an active part in your education and should attempt to explain the material in a different way. If you are still confused, ask your teacher if he or she is available after class to give you additional instruction. You are worth it. Don't give up on yourself.

What is the author's perspective on asking for help?

• The author believes that no one should ask for help.

• The author's perspective on asking for help is to keep trying until you get it no matter how long it takes.

• The author believes you should ask for help if you do not understand.

The parade marched down the street. It was led by a caped drummer. He set a stately pace and tapped the accompanying rhythm. A marching band followed behind him, matching his pace. Behind the band were floats of all sizes and designs. Children and adults were riding on the floats, tossing out penny candies, streamers, and plastic prizes. The street was lined with people. The noises of revelry filled the streets. Everyone was sure to have a great time at the parade.

Which statement would the author of this passage most likely agree with?

• Parades are a waste of time.

• Parades are fun for everyone.

• Only kids enjoy parades.

Pete didn't feel like doing homework. He felt like playing baseball. He grabbed his mitt off the shelf and began to fantasize about being out in the field. His fantasy was interrupted shortly by the opening of his bedroom door. It was his mom. She started to yell, "Pete, you're not failing baseball class! You're failing math class! You need to study. Put the mitt away!" Pete put the mitt away, and he started doing his math homework.

What is the mom's perspective on homework?

• Homework is a waste of time. Pete should be playing baseball.

• Homework is not as important as baseball.

• Homework is more important than baseball.

Pete didn't feel like doing homework. He felt like playing baseball. He grabbed his mitt off the shelf and began to fantasize about being out in the field. His fantasy was interrupted shortly by the opening of his bedroom door. It was his mom. She started to yell, "Pete, you're not failing baseball class! You're failing math class! You need to study. Put the mitt away!" Pete put the mitt away, and he started doing his math homework.

In the passage above, do Pete and his mom have different perspectives on homework?

• Yes

• No

As I buckle my seatbelt, safety instructions are broadcast over the inflight system. A stewardess models the actions in sync with the broadcast. I turn to my right. An extremely large man is snoring. He looks like he is about to fall onto my shoulder. I look to my left. I see a young man listening to loud punk music. I can hear it as though I was the one wearing headphones. I sigh and pull up my tray table as instructed. This is going to be a long flight.

The author of this passage is about to fly in an airplane. What is the author's perspective about this flight?

• The author is dreading being stuck between these two men.

• The author is excited about his trip.

• The author is excited to talk to the men that he's sitting next to.

Carrie and Kylie giggled. Neither of them knew what they had just found. They thought that they had discovered a cool looking rock. They had no idea that they were holding a real life dinosaur egg. This surprise would dawn on them later, when they brought the egg home. Carrie was using the egg as a paperweight, so she kept the egg under her desk lamp. But this egg would soon hatch, and Carrie and Kylie were about to have the adventure of a lifetime.

What is the author's perspective on Carrie and Kylie finding the dinosaur egg?

• The author thinks it was a big mistake and they should take it back.

• The author thinks that finding the dinosaur egg will lead to many fun times.

• The author thinks that they are silly for thinking it was just a rock.

"Jack! Annie! Please clean up your room! We have guests coming over," mom yelled down the hallway. Jack and Annie looked at each other and rolled their eyes. Jack said, "why can't we just close our doors? That would be so much easier than cleaning up this mess." Annie shrugged and got to work on her room. She didn't want the guests to see her room in such a mess.

What is Annie's perspective on cleaning her room?

• Cleaning her room is a waste of time.

• Cleaning is for boys.

• Cleaning up is important before guests come over.

"Jack! Annie! Please clean up your room! We have guests coming over," mom yelled down the hallway. Jack and Annie looked at each other and rolled their eyes. Jack said, "why can't we just close our doors? That would be so much easier than cleaning up this mess." Annie shrugged and got to work on her room. She didn't want the guests to see her room in such a mess.

Do Jack and Annie have the same point of view on cleaning their rooms?

• Yes

• No