MCAP Practice # 3 Part 1 PM

1 Part A Read the sentence from line 8 of the poem.

They perch and have a quiet stare at children playing here and there.

The word perch means that Nita and Navi are:

• A playing on the swings.

• B hanging upside down.

• C walking around in silence.

• D sitting above the playground.

Answer explanation

Explanation:
The word “perch” means to sit or rest on something high. In the poem, they “climb to Navi’s lookout spot” (line 7), and from there, they can see a lot — indicating they are sitting up high, not upside down or swinging.

Part B Which evidence from the poem best supports the answer to Part A?

• A “Her feet, they poke in the sky.” (line 2)

• B “Her feet swim lightly in the air.” (line 4)

• C “He wants to help her understand.” (line 6)

• D “From up here they can see a lot.” (line 7)

Answer explanation

Explanation:
This line supports the idea that they are perched above the playground, giving them a wide view, confirming their elevated position.

2 Part A

In the poem, why does Nita hang upside down and hide behind her hair?

• A She enjoys playing at the playground by herself.

• B She feels like she is different from others.

• C She likes the way it makes her hair feel.

• D She wants everyone to see her hanging upside down.

Answer explanation

Explanation:
Nita says, “I’m not the same. I don’t fit in.” (line 5), which clearly shows that she hangs upside down because she feels different and wants to hide.

2 Part B

Which detail from the poem best supports the answer to Part A?

• A “. . . her long hair tickling at the ground.” (line 1)

• B “Her feet, they poke in the sky.” (line 2)

• C “He says, ‘I’ve seen you here before.’” (line 3)

• D “‘I’m not the same. I don’t fit in.’” (line 5)

Answer explanation

Explanation:
This is a direct quote from Nita explaining her feelings of being different and isolated.

3 Part A

Which sentence best states one theme in the poem?

• A Differences are useful.

• B Differences can be frightening.

• C Differences can be healthy.

• D Differences should be ignored.

Answer explanation

Explanation:
The poem explores the idea that everyone is different in their own way, and that’s what makes the world interesting and fun — it’s what helps people “play” together, not something to be hidden.

3 Part B Which detail from the poem best shows this theme?

• A “‘You’re upside down again! What for?’” (line 3)

• B “She tries to hide behind her hair.” (line 4)

• C “Those kids are not the same at all.” (line 9)

• D “To play, we can’t all be the same.” (line 17)

Answer explanation

Explanation:
This line directly expresses the poem’s theme — diversity is what allows everyone to enjoy and participate in the world. It’s not just okay to be different — it’s necessary.