The Dream-Bird in the Attic - Word choices impacting mood and tone (Grade 6)

Which phrase did Kora use at the beginning of the story that shows her bored tone?

• "Wow! It's a treasure room!"

• "It's just an empty cage, Emmett."

• "What's that smell?"

• "Listen!"

Answer explanation

This answer is correct because the phrase 'just an empty cage' and her bored tone described in the text show she is not impressed. The other options show excitement or confusion, not boredom.

When Emmett describes the bird as "shimmering," what kind of feeling does this word create?

• A feeling of sadness

• A feeling of anger

• A magical and wondrous feeling

• A normal and boring feeling

Answer explanation

The word 'shimmering' means shining with a soft, slightly wavering light. This word choice creates a magical and wondrous tone, suggesting the bird is not ordinary.

What did Emmett say you needed to do to see the dream-bird?

• You had to smell the honeysuckle.

• You had to find a glowing feather.

• You had to really, really believe.

• You had to listen to the house groaning.

Answer explanation

This is the correct answer because Emmett explicitly states this condition in the passage. The other options are things that happened, but not the condition for seeing the bird.

How does Kora's dialogue show her feelings changing in the story?

• She starts out excited and then becomes bored.

• She starts out angry and then becomes happy.

• She starts out certain that nothing is there, and then becomes uncertain.

• She starts out scared and then becomes brave.

Answer explanation

Kora begins by saying, "There's nothing there," but by the end, she murmurs, "What's that smell?" and is left wondering if she saw something, showing her shift from certainty to uncertainty.

What specific words does the author use to describe the final magical thing Kora thinks she sees?

• "a flicker of sapphire light" and a "glowing feather"

• "old paper and mothballs"

• "rust and a broken latch"

• "a dusty shaft of light"

Answer explanation

The passage states that Kora thought she saw 'a flicker of sapphire light' and 'a single, glowing feather'. These words create a magical image at the end of the story.

Match the character's dialogue to the feeling or motivation it reveals.

• Shows a feeling of disappointment.

• "You and your imagination."

• Shows a belief in something magical.

• "Wow! It's a treasure room!"

• Shows a feeling of doubt.

• "Its song smells like happy memories."

• Shows a feeling of excitement.

• "Ugh, it's just old junk."

Answer explanation

Each line of dialogue directly reflects a character's feelings or beliefs. Kora's 'Ugh' shows disappointment. Emmett's 'Wow!' shows excitement. Kora's comment on imagination shows her doubt. Emmett's description of the song's smell shows his belief in the magic.

Sort the following words and phrases from the passage into the categories that describe the mood they help create.

Groups:

(a) Words Creating a Dull Mood

,

(b) Words Creating a Magical Mood

• empty cage

• glowing feather

• shimmering and blue

• quiet, humming song

• rusty birdcage

• old junk

Answer explanation

The words in the 'Dull Mood' category describe the attic as ordinary and uninteresting. The words in the 'Magical Mood' category are used to describe the supernatural dream-bird and create a sense of wonder and mystery.

Analyze how the author uses specific word choices to change the mood of the story from ordinary to mysterious. Use at least two examples from the text to support your answer.

Answer explanation