Marvelous Spelling Bee

Read this information about the origin of the word replica. From Latin replicare, meaning "repeat". This information helps the reader understand that a replica in paragraph 1 means a —

• statue

• copy

• gift

• trophy

Read this sentence from paragraph 21. It was addressed in swirling gold lettering and sealed with a red wax crest. Based on this sentence, what can the reader infer about the envelope?

• It will be difficult to open.

• It has traveled a great distance.

• It was sent by a close friend.

• It contains something important.

What is the most likely reason the author uses a third-person limited point of view in the story?

• To help the reader understand what India is thinking

• To create a clear order of events in the story

• To help the reader understand how Dad and others feel

• To include the narrator in the action of the story

Read this summary of the story. India Wimple receives an award in front of her town and must give a speech to her excited friends and neighbors. She feels nervous, and as she begins her speech, Bessie, the cow, creates a disturbance while trying to get to the refreshments. Which sentence should be added to complete the summary?

• Because they brought special treats for India, the townspeople are angry at the cow.

• Although she can be rowdy, Farmer Austin's cow Bessie has also won awards.

• Before she can continue her speech, an invitation to an international spelling bee arrives.

• After the farmer calms his cow, India's dad tells her he wants her speech to be good.

In paragraph 4, the details about the crowd provide support for which key idea in the story?

• The spelling bee is a very challenging competition.

• India is the smartest person in the town.

• A family's encouragement helps a person succeed.

• India's accomplishment is important to the community.

What characteristic of realistic fiction does the author include in the story?

• Characters with whom readers can relate

• A common problem experienced by many people

• Events that lead to a dangerous situation

• A setting that readers are likely to be familiar with

What is the most likely reason the author uses italics at the end of paragraph 28?

• To show what India is thinking

• To explain why India is unable to continue

• To show what Boo is thinking

• To explain why Boo comes onstage

Which event does the author use to introduce a humorous mood in the story?

• India is nervous about speaking in front of the crowd.

• The mayor gives India a plastic zucchini as an award.

• India receives an invitation to an international spelling bee.

• India and her family have a group hug on the stage.

How does the setting of the story contribute to the plot?

• The diversity of the characters results in a wide variety of refreshments.

• Animals are part of peoples' daily life, leading to the conflict in the story.

• The remote location of the village makes communication more difficult.

• Ranching is the town's main business, providing inspiration for India's award.

Read the story from The Most Marvelous International Spelling Bee. Based on the details in the story, write a response to the following: Explain how India's reactions to a series of surprises help develop her character. Write a well-organized essay that uses specific evidence from the story to support your answer. Remember to — • clearly state your controlling idea • organize your writing • develop your ideas in detail • use evidence from the selection in your response • use correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar Manage your time carefully so that you can — • review the selection • plan your response • write your response • revise and edit your response Write your response in the box provided.