IAR Reading Practice

Read this literary analysis task from the IAR: "The Georges and the Jewels and Black Beauty: The Autobiography of a Horse are both about horses. Write an essay comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the point of view chosen for each story. Be sure to cite specific examples from both passages." The prompt asks you to "cite specific examples." Which of the following sentences would show this?

• I had of course been used to a halter and a headstall, and to be led about in the fields and lanes quietly.

• There are advantages and disadvantages of the point of view of each story.

• In "Georges and the Jewels," the passage states "She watched the horses, their manes and tails flying as they thundered around the track, and a strange feeling, a mixture of excitement and sadness, filled her.

• A disadvantage would be that it can limit the reader's understanding of the story.

Read the story. Then, answer the question.

Steve and his sister were playing. They were playing in the yard. A bird landed on the fence. They watched the bird fly to the ground. It picked up some grass. Then, it flew to a tree. Steve said the bird was making a nest.

What was the bird making?

• a pie

• a nest

• supper

• money

Read the story. Then, answer the question.

Steve and his sister were playing. They were playing in the yard. A bird landed on the fence. They watched the bird fly to the ground. It picked up some grass. Then, it flew to a tree. Steve said the bird was making a nest.

Where was the setting?

• school

• yard

• basement

• kitchen

Read the story. Then, answer the question. Steve and his sister were playing. They were playing in the yard. A bird landed on the fence. They watched the bird fly to the ground. It picked up some grass. Then, it flew to a tree. Steve said the bird was making a nest. Who are the characters?

• Sherry and her brother

• Steve and his sister

• Steve and his mom

• Steve and his brother

Which of the following sentences uses correct subject-verb agreement?

• The team are winning the match.

• The team is winning the match.

• The team were winning the match.

• The team has winning the match.

Identify the main idea of the following passage: 'The sun was setting behind the mountains, casting a warm glow over the valley. Birds chirped as they settled in for the night, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves.'

• The passage describes a busy city.

• The passage describes a sunset in a valley.

• The passage describes a storm approaching.

• The passage describes a sunrise over the ocean.

Choose the correct synonym for the word 'elated'.

• Sad

• Joyful

• Angry

• Confused

Which sentence is an example of a metaphor?

• The stars were like diamonds in the sky.

• The stars danced playfully in the moonlit sky.

• The stars are bright tonight.

• The stars twinkled in the night sky.

What is the theme of the following passage: 'Despite the challenges, she persevered and eventually achieved her dreams.'

• Perseverance leads to success.

• Dreams are unattainable.

• Challenges are insurmountable.

• Success comes without effort.

Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?

• She said 'I will be there soon'.

• She said, 'I will be there soon.'

• She said 'I will be there soon.'

• She said, I will be there soon.