HMH Into Literature 8th Grade Unit 1

In recent years, scientists have been alarmed by a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Across the world, beekeepers have opened their hives to find that entire colonies of honeybees have vanished. Bees are essential pollinators, helping fruits, vegetables, and flowers reproduce. Without them, many of the foods humans rely on could become scarce. Researchers suggest several possible causes for CCD, including pesticides, parasites, disease, and environmental stress. While the exact cause remains uncertain, most scientists agree it is likely a combination of these factors.

What is the central idea of this passage?

In recent years, scientists have been alarmed by a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Across the world, beekeepers have opened their hives to find that entire colonies of honeybees have vanished. Bees are essential pollinators, helping fruits, vegetables, and flowers reproduce. Without them, many of the foods humans rely on could become scarce. Researchers suggest several possible causes for CCD, including pesticides, parasites, disease, and environmental stress. While the exact cause remains uncertain, most scientists agree it is likely a combination of these factors.

Which detail best supports the central idea?

In recent years, scientists have been alarmed by a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Across the world, beekeepers have opened their hives to find that entire colonies of honeybees have vanished. Bees are essential pollinators, helping fruits, vegetables, and flowers reproduce. Without them, many of the foods humans rely on could become scarce. Researchers suggest several possible causes for CCD, including pesticides, parasites, disease, and environmental stress. While the exact cause remains uncertain, most scientists agree it is likely a combination of these factors.

What does the word 'phenomenon' most nearly mean as used in paragraph 1?

In recent years, scientists have been alarmed by a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Across the world, beekeepers have opened their hives to find that entire colonies of honeybees have vanished. Bees are essential pollinators, helping fruits, vegetables, and flowers reproduce. Without them, many of the foods humans rely on could become scarce. Researchers suggest several possible causes for CCD, including pesticides, parasites, disease, and environmental stress. While the exact cause remains uncertain, most scientists agree it is likely a combination of these factors.

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a possible cause of CCD?

In recent years, scientists have been alarmed by a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Across the world, beekeepers have opened their hives to find that entire colonies of honeybees have vanished. Bees are essential pollinators, helping fruits, vegetables, and flowers reproduce. Without them, many of the foods humans rely on could become scarce. Researchers suggest several possible causes for CCD, including pesticides, parasites, disease, and environmental stress. While the exact cause remains uncertain, most scientists agree it is likely a combination of these factors.

What would be the effect of CCD if it continues?

In recent years, scientists have been alarmed by a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Across the world, beekeepers have opened their hives to find that entire colonies of honeybees have vanished. Bees are essential pollinators, helping fruits, vegetables, and flowers reproduce. Without them, many of the foods humans rely on could become scarce. Researchers suggest several possible causes for CCD, including pesticides, parasites, disease, and environmental stress. While the exact cause remains uncertain, most scientists agree it is likely a combination of these factors.

Which sentence best states the author’s purpose?

I don’t have much work to do around the house like some girls. My mother does that. And I don’t have to earn my pocket money by hustling; George runs errands. And I don’t like to play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances. So as far as I’m concerned, I’m the fastest thing on two feet. There is no track meet that I can’t win. And tomorrow is May Day, when I’ll do my thing.

What can the reader infer about the narrator’s personality?

I don’t have much work to do around the house like some girls. My mother does that. And I don’t have to earn my pocket money by hustling; George runs errands. And I don’t like to play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances. So as far as I’m concerned, I’m the fastest thing on two feet. There is no track meet that I can’t win. And tomorrow is May Day, when I’ll do my thing.

What is the narrator’s attitude toward racing?

I don’t have much work to do around the house like some girls. My mother does that. And I don’t have to earn my pocket money by hustling; George runs errands. And I don’t like to play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances. So as far as I’m concerned, I’m the fastest thing on two feet. There is no track meet that I can’t win. And tomorrow is May Day, when I’ll do my thing.

Which line best reveals the narrator's confidence?

I don’t have much work to do around the house like some girls. My mother does that. And I don’t have to earn my pocket money by hustling; George runs errands. And I don’t like to play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just knock you down and take my chances. So as far as I’m concerned, I’m the fastest thing on two feet. There is no track meet that I can’t win. And tomorrow is May Day, when I’ll do my thing.

What is the narrator's relationship with her family?