The Black Stallion Comprehension

Which sentence from the story best reveals the theme (the message)?

• "He had conquered this wild, unbroken stallion with kindness."

• "When he reached the top of the hill, he saw the Black at one end of the beach."

• "Then his hands gripped the mane tighter and he threw himself on the Black's back.

• "The flame's shadow reached out and cast eerie ghostlike patterns on the Black's body."

Which of these best describes the point of the highest tension in the story?

• Alec improving his horsemanship

• Alec gathering caragheen on the beach

• the Black answering Alec's beckoning whistle

• the Black taking off at a gallop with Alec on his back

Did he dare attempt to ride the Black? Should he wait a few more days? Go ahead - tomorrow? Don't do it! Go ahead? What do the sentences above show about Alec?

• He is afraid he will hurt the Black.

• He is experiencing an inner struggle.

• He is not interested in riding the Black.

• He is confident he will succed at riding the Black.

Which statement best describes the theme (the message) of the story?

• Humans are meant to tame animals.

• Gentleness and love go far to earn trust.

• The ocean is nature's most powerful force.

• It is impossible for a human to survive alone.

Where did the put the stallion when they managed to get him onto the boat?

• in a cabin below deck

• in a cabin at the front of the boat

• in a cabin in the back of the boat

• in a stall in the middle of the boat

What do the sentences above show about Alec?

• He is experiencing an inner struggle.

• He is afraid he will hurt the Black.

• He is not interested in riding the Black.

• He is confident he will succeed at riding the Black.

Which sentence from the passage best reveals the theme?

• “He had conquered this wild, unbroken stallion with kindness.”

• “When he reached the top of the hill, he saw the Black at one end of the beach.”

• “Then his hands gripped the mane tighter and he threw himself on the Black's back.”

• “The flame's shadows reached out and cast eerie ghost-like patterns on the Black's body.”

The Black saved Alec's life by

• letting Alec ride his back.

• rearing Alec off of him.

• helping Alec find carragheen.

• stomping a venomous snake.

Use "The Black Stallion" and the article "Horse Power" to answer Numbers 9 and 10. The story and the article both contain a message that...

• horses and people form special bonds

• snakes and horses are natural enemies

• people with disabilities benefit from horses

• horses are better guide animals than dogs are

Which sentence from the story best reveals the setting?

• "Then they were in the air, sailing over a blackhole."

• "Alec jumped to the side, tripped on a stone, and fell to the ground."

• "He stepped up the side of the sand dune, his left hand was in the horse's mane."

• "His action shifted, and his huge strides seemed to make him fly through the air."