The First Day of School HMH Test

The description of the setting in paragraphs 1–2 of “The First Day of School” shows that John —

• has enjoyed the long summer days

• likes the routine of school

• is reluctant to see the end of summer

• is usually late to school

In “The First Day of School,” the main way that readers learn that this day is different from other days is through —

• A) John’s actions

• B) Audrey’s dress

• C) dialogue between John and Audrey

• D) dialogue between John and his mother

Which synonym would best replace the word lingered in paragraph 25 of “The First Day of School”?

• Remained

• Dawdled

• Hung around

• Remained alive

The flashback in paragraphs 27–28 of “The First Day of School” affects the story by —

• reflecting John’s fear of what is to come

• telling how Audrey feels toward John

• showing that John’s mother gives wise advice

• explaining why John disagrees with his mother

Read the sentences. John does not want Audrey to go to school. She convinces him to change his mind. Which sentence most effectively combines the two simple sentences into a complex sentence?

• A. John does not want Audrey to go to school, and she convinces him to change his mind.

• B. Audrey convinces John to change his mind because he does not want her to go to school.

• C. Audrey convinces John to change his mind, but John does not want Audrey to go to school.

• D. Even though John does not want Audrey to go to school, she convinces him to change his mind.

Which two conflicts are at the center of “The First Day of School”?

• John vs. nature

• John vs. society

• John vs. Audrey

• John vs. his fears

• John vs. his mother