Excerpt from Brothers on Ice

1. Which theme is best supported by paragraphs 10 through 13 in the story?

• A. Change can sometimes take people by surprise

• B. Brothers often enjoy doing the same things

• C. Family activities can be fun for everyone.

• D. Every family has its own way of doing things

2. What do the details in paragraphs 3 and 14 show about Trent?

• A. Trent is not worried about his brother’s feelings until Troy is upset.

• B. Trent would rather be measured later when he has had more time to grow.

• C. Trent would rather spend time on his birthday having fun by himself.

• D. Trent is not interested in his height until he learns that he is taller than Troy.

3. In paragraph 18, what does it mean when the narrator says, “I wanted to lay this matter to rest . . .”?

• A. He wants to know the truth.

• B. He is tired after many activities.

• C. He needs time to get ready for bed.

• D. He is worried that his father is busy.

4. Which detail from the story shows the best evidence for the claim that Trent is taller than Troy?

• A. “. . . Trent trotted to the doorway and stood up against the jamb.” (paragraph 5)

• B. “The red mark was indeed a little higher than the blue.” (paragraph 13)

• C. “Trent and I turned and stepped backwards towards each other.” (paragraph 20)

• D. “. . . hands rested on each of our heads, keeping us in place.” (paragraph 22)

5. 5. How is the information in paragraph 37 important to the story?

• A. It compares the feelings of two main characters.

• B. It explains the cause and the effect of a problem.

• C. It tells why the setting is important to the events.

• D. It explains how the conflict in the story is settled.

6. 6. Which detail would be best to include in a summary of the story?

• A. Trent is excited about his new fish

• B. Trent’s mark on the door is higher than Troy’s.

• C. Troy is tired of being measured on his birthday

• D. Troy’s hair is different than Trent’s.