Nico the Nifty - 3rd Grade - Literature

What does the word drifted mean as it is used in paragraph 5?

• swayed

• tumbled

• turned

• floated

What do paragraphs 14 and 18 tell the reader about Nico?

• He wants to be a great juggler.

• He is very imaginative.

• He is a quick learner.

• He wants to make Sam feel bad.

Part A In paragraph 16, what is the meaning of the phrase “you’re a natural”?

• to use things from outside

• to practice something

• to make a good choice

• to have the talent to succeed

Part B Which sentence from the passage best supports the answer to Part A?

• “ . . . Sam taught Nico how to throw two scarves in an X shape. . . . ” (paragraph 9)

• “But it didn’t take Nico long at all.” (paragraph 13)

• “He began to juggle—slowly at first, then faster.” (paragraph 14)

• “ . . . Nico hurried out of the house with his magician’s hat.” (paragraph 20)

Part A Read the following sentences from paragraph 24.

“So what? Juggling is silly.” Sam spun the basketball on his index finger, something Nico had never been able to do.

The author includes these sentences to show that Sam

• hopes Nico will admire him even though he cannot juggle.

• is not sure where to place his basketball while talking to Nico.

• does not want Nico to fall behind with his basketball skills.

• wants to prove to Nico that he also has a special talent.

Part B Which detail from the passage best supports the answer to Part A?

• “. . . Sam’s scarves and beanbags and balls kept drifting and falling and bouncing to the floor. . . .” (paragraph 19)

• ‘I’m a good juggler.’” (paragraph 23)

• “After Nico ran inside, Sam dribbled a few times and took aim.” (paragraph 26)

• ‘Try to do that, little brother,’ he muttered.” (paragraph 26)

Part A Why does Sam say that Nico needs to juggle vegetables?

• Sam is worried Nico will drop the balloons.

• Sam realizes Nico is a very talented juggler.

• Sam thinks Nico should begin juggling at the library.

• Sam knows Nico needs to improve.

Part B Which two sentences from the passage best support the answer to Part A?

• ‘He could juggle anything,’ Sam said, ‘even eggplants and cauliflower.’” (paragraph 7)

• ‘Do you think it’s too late to cancel?’ Nico moaned.” (paragraph 34)

• ‘If you do it now, you probably won’t do it onstage.’” (paragraph 38)

• ‘Before you know it, you’ll be as good as the one we saw at the library.’” (paragraph 42)

• “He waved to Sam from the stage.” (paragraph 45)

Which two statements explain what paragraphs 35 through 38 show about Sam?

• They show how well Sam played during an important basketball game.

• They show that Sam feels guilty about the way he has treated Nico.

• They show the reasons Sam was unable to play in a basketball game.

• They show how Sam uses his memory of a similar feeling to help Nico.

• They show that Sam wishes he could perform in the talent show with Nico.

Which word means the same as glumly as it is used in paragraph 41?

• calmly

• sadly

• angrily

• quietly