A Single Shard Wonders

Part A:

What is the meaning of arid as it is used in the first paragraph of the passage from A Single Shard?

• cold

• long

• dry

• rotten

Part B:

Which phrase from the first paragraph supports the answer to Part A that arid means "dry"?

• "Breakfast that morning was a feast...."

• "... produced yet another surprise...."

• "No flesh remained...."

• "...the two friends cracked them open...."

Part A:

How does the phrase curves like those of a flower petal in paragraph 10 of the

passage from A Single Shard contribute to the story?

• It explains the primary purpose of the pottery Min makes.

• It shows that Min bases his pottery designs on nature.

• It indicates that Min’s pottery is bright and colorful.

• It illustrates the delicate beauty of Min’s pottery.

Part B:

Which evidence from the passage supports the answer to Part A that "it illustrates the delicate beauty of Min's pottery"? Select two answers.

• “. . . perfect symmetry.” (paragraph 8)

• “. . . spinning slowed.” (paragraph 8)

• “. . . the graceful shape . . . .” (paragraph 9)

• “. . . gray–green color of celadon . . . .” (paragraph 14)

• “. . . the breeze and the view of the mountains.” (paragraph 16)

Part A:

Which statement about the passage from A Single Shard describes how Min responds

to the process of pottery making?

• Min is in awe of pottery making.

• Min is pleased and entertained by pottery making.

• Min is dedicated to perfection during pottery making.

• Min is excited by the work involved in pottery making.

Part B:

Which sentence supports the answer to Part A that "Min is dedicated to perfection during pottery making"?

• “He was there now, his gray head bent over the wheel, chanting his wordless

  song.” (paragraph 5)

• “He crossed his arms and leaned back a little, as if to see the vase from a

  distance.” (paragraph 9)

• “Turning the wheel slowly with his knee, he inspected the graceful shape for

  invisible faults.” (paragraph 9)

• “He took a length of twine and slipped it deftly under the vase to release it from

  the wheel, then placed the vase carefully on a tray to dry.” (paragraph 11)