Questions: The Early Wake-Up Struggle

Which of the following most directly develops a theme of the excerpt?

• Lila’s interactions with her friend Ethan

• Marcus’s responsibility for his sister

• The bus crash caused by early morning darkness

• Lila’s embarrassment in algebra class

Read this quotation from paragraph 6: “The bus rumbled down the narrow, two-lane highway under dim streetlights.” Which conclusion is best supported by this quotation?

• The bus driver was distracted.

• The highway was difficult to navigate in the early morning darkness.

• The construction zone had no safety signs.

• Marcus was afraid to ride the bus again.

How does the author use the setting to develop the theme of the excerpt?

• By describing the challenges of studying in a crowded lunchroom

• By illustrating the dangers of early morning bus rides

• By showing how Lila studies hard to succeed

• By explaining how Marcus feels about math class

Read this quotation from paragraph 18: “Last week, our bus hit a cement truck because it was so dark outside.” What are the most likely reasons the author includes these details? Select TWO correct answers.

• To show how dangerous early morning conditions can be

• To emphasize Marcus’s fear of riding the bus

• To highlight a safety issue caused by early school hours

• To explain why Marcus prefers walking to school

Which statement expresses an idea about society that is developed in the excerpt?

• Teens need fewer academic responsibilities to improve their sleep.

• School boards should involve more parents in decision-making.

• Early school start times can negatively affect students' performance and safety.

• Sports schedules are more important than school start times.

At the end of the excerpt, what is the most likely reason the author includes the detail about Marcus and his family laughing at dinner?

• To show that Marcus enjoys helping his sister with homework

• To illustrate how later start times improved his family's quality of life

• To explain that Marcus's mother worries about school policies

• To highlight how tired Marcus was before the change