WorksheetsCountdown to the STAAR Reading Grade 4 Series 1 Comp 1
Total questions: 10
Worksheet time: 20mins
At the beginning of the play, the section titled "Scene 1" gives the reader-
information about the setting and the main character
an idea of how many actors are in the play
a prediction about how the story will end
the theme, or lesson, of the play
Which features of the selection help the reader understand that this is dramatic fiction?
Rhyming verses, imagery, and meter
A plot with a problem that is solved by the main character
Stage directions, dialogue, and props
Magical characters and a fantastic setting
Read this dictionary entry.
Which definition of particular is used in the selection?
Definition 1
Definition 2
Definition 3
Definition 4
Look at these lines from the dialogue in the selection.
The reader can tell that-
Ben is ringing a real bell
Tom is distracted from his painting
Ben knows how to pilot a real steamboat
Ben is imitating the sounds of a steamboat
Why is it important to the story that Ben pretends to be a steamboat?
It shows that Ben is enjoying his Saturday while Tom was working.
Steamboats were an important type of transportation in the past.
Ben's interest in steamboats helps the boys finish painting the fence.
Ben's steamboat noises make Tom angry.
Which line from the text best explains the theme of the play?
Whitewashing a fence is a delicate matter.
If a body wants to do something, though, it ain't like work at all!
Of course, you have to finish this work.
I have to whitewash this whole, long fence on a Saturday.
How will Aunt Polly most likely react when she sees that the entire fence has been whitewashed?
She will be angry that Tom used all of the paint.
She will be surprised and proud that the work has been finished.
She will be frustrated with Tom for finishing the task.
She will feel sorry that she gave Tom so much work on a Saturday.
When Tom pretends to enjoy whitewashing the fence, Ben-
decides to go swimming
is angry with Tom
becomes interested in helping paint the fence
pretends to be surprised
Read this line from the play.
What does this line suggest about Aunt Polly?
Aunt Polly is a careful painter.
Aunt Polly tries to find ways to improve Tom's behavior.
Aunt Polly is pleased by Tom's behavior at school.
Aunt Polly does not like Tom.
What is the best summary of the story?
Tom has to whitewash a fence while his friends play on Saturday. Tom doesn't like to work hard, and he is upset about having to work.
Tom is whitewashing a fence, and his friends decide to help. They trade an apple, some string, and a pocketknife. When they finish, they are pleased with their work.
Tom has to whitewash a fence as a punishment. He tricks his friends into thinking that painting is fun, and they finish Tom's work for him.
Tom behaves badly and his Aunt Polly punishes him by giving him a difficult chore. Tom and his friends work a long time to finish painting a fence.
