joypromise
1. What is the central idea of the Newsela article “Flood Myths…
1. What is the central idea of the Newsela article “Flood Myths from Around the World”?
Responses
The myths in some cultures were influenced by the flood myths from older cultures.
Many different ancient cultures have flood myths that are similar.
Flood myths were written to describe the evil that has been destroyed.
Flood myths are common because floods cause destruction all over the world.
2
Part A
What inference can be made about the story of Utnapishtim in the Newsela article “Flood Myths from Around the World”?
Responses
The family of Utnapishtim lives forever at the end of it.
The family of Utnapishtim lives forever at the end of it.
The story of Noah may have been influenced by it.
The story of Noah may have been influenced by it.
Utnapishtim told his story of the flood to other cultures.
Utnapishtim told his story of the flood to other cultures.
Utnapishtim is turned into a god at the end of it.
Utnapishtim is turned into a god at the end of it.
Question 2
Part B – Points depend on a correct response in Part A.
Which evidence from the text best supports the answer to Part A?
Responses
“The people who wrote the Bible were Jewish, and their civilization had been conquered by the Assyrians and Babylonians of Mesopotamia.”
“Utnapishtim did as he was instructed and filled the boat with valuables, his family and animals of all species.”
“He was allowed to live forever.”
“Even so, almost every culture has its own surprisingly similar flood myth.”
3. How do the robbers contribute to the central conflict in “Damon and Pythias”?
Responses
.
They escape after stealing Pythias’ money.
They do not believe Pythias’ story.
The robbers tie Pythias to a tree.
The robbers threaten to kill Pythia
4
Part A
What is a theme of “Atalanta, the Fleet-Footed Huntress”?
Responses
It is important always to try your hardest to win.
Freedom and independence are the most valuable possessions.
Strong people should help those who are weaker then they are.
People are sometimes judged by their gender instead of their actions.
Question 2
Part B – Points depend on a correct response in Part A.
Which evidence from the text best supports the answer to Part A?
Responses
“She preferred the freedom of the green woods to all the luxuries she might have enjoyed in a palace.”
“The men gasped. They had never heard of such a thing as a girl going out with heroes to hunt wild boars.”
“Everyone was fully armed, and all expected to have fine sport hunting the terrible beast.”
”
“So she slowed her steps, and let him reach the riverbank first.”
5
Question
Which characteristic best describes that of a dynamic character?
Responses
creates conflict for the main character,
changes over the course of the story,
is the same at the end of the story as the beginning,
is the enemy of the main character,
6
Feature
Read the passage.
Never Say Never
Carlos slammed the door angrily. He flopped down on his bed and turned on his side, tears streaming down his face. He did notno, could not understand why his whole family was pressuring him. It was not like he was going to be a contestant on “Kids in Concert” or some other show that could win them money. It was a stupid school talent show.
In a fog, Carlos let his memories wash over him. He was just five- or six-years old, daring, and uninhibited. He sang tunes from his favorite cartoons and TV shows. He memorized lyrics effortlessly. The family karaoke machine was no match for Carlos. When he finished singing, the living room swelled with applause as family members requested encore after encore.
Carlos was ALWAYS singing. He sang in the car, in the shower, and in the backyard. His family was so used to hearing his serenading that they barely lifted their heads when he passed by. He sang for his closest friends as they walked to the mall, the pool, or the park. He even sang to the family dog, Boomer.
And Carlos had loved itthat is, until now. Last week, his lifetime of confidence collided with catastrophe, and his confidence vanished.
As he remembered he and his friends gathered at the mall, Carlos shuddered. On a dare, Carlos started singingat first, just loud enough so his friends could hear, but then at their request, louder and louder, until . . . nothing came out.
A wave of panic seemed to overtake him, and suddenly, he froze. Beads of sweat formed on his face as he realized that his natural talent no longer seemed natural.
The look of shock on his face was matched only by the dumbfounded looks on his friends’ faces. At that moment, Carlos sincerely wished that the floor would just swallow him up. To make matters worse, Teresa Mendoza, head of the talent show committee, was there. She did not laugh, but still, she was a judge! As he ran out of the mall, he vowed to avoid herand everyone elsefor the rest of his life.
Now, at home and a week later, a perplexed Carlos had spent hours trying to figure out what had happened. It was as though some evil minion had entered his brain and begun criticizing him for having the foolish notion that he could sing. Having this kind of stage fright was embarrassing and something he had never experienced before. Carlos vowed to never sing in front of others again.
His mother brought him her trustworthy remedyhot tea with honey. His father suggested that he was just in a “slump” and that, with time, he would again belt out popular songs.
Carlos did not care. They clearly did not comprehend the gravity of the situation. As Carlos continued to lie fuming on his bed, the doorbell rang.
The voice that carried upstairs sounded livelyand female. Who was it? As his curiosity prodded him to peer over the bannister, he heard his mother calling him, announcing the presence of Teresa Mendoza.
Carlos cringed as instinct took over, pleading with him to either dart back up to his room and crawl out the window onto the roof, or dash into the nearest closet. The choices were grim.
Mother’s voice grew closer as she explained that Teresa and Chelsea French, another talent show committee member, were stopping by to be sure that Carlos was planning to register to audition this year.
Huh?
Carlos gradually made his way downstairs as he could scarcely believe his ears. He heard phrases like “only that one time,” “incredible talent,” and “music instructor that would hold practice sessions” as well as a slew of other words that did not register in his brain.
After the women left, his mother smiled at him and said, “See?”
Carlos shook his head and frowned as he glanced at his mother, pride overruling his delight at what was taking place at that moment. But in his heart, he felt just the tiniest of possibilities that perhaps his singing days weren’t over after all.
Question
In the story “Never Say Never,” which character is round?
Responses
Carlos’s mother
Carlos’s father
Chelsea French
Boomer
7 Feature
Read the passage.
Never Say Never
Carlos slammed the door angrily. He flopped down on his bed and turned on his side, tears streaming down his face. He did notno, could not understand why his whole family was pressuring him. It was not like he was going to be a contestant on “Kids in Concert” or some other show that could win them money. It was a stupid school talent show.
In a fog, Carlos let his memories wash over him. He was just five- or six-years old, daring, and uninhibited. He sang tunes from his favorite cartoons and TV shows. He memorized lyrics effortlessly. The family karaoke machine was no match for Carlos. When he finished singing, the living room swelled with applause as family members requested encore after encore.
Carlos was ALWAYS singing. He sang in the car, in the shower, and in the backyard. His family was so used to hearing his serenading that they barely lifted their heads when he passed by. He sang for his closest friends as they walked to the mall, the pool, or the park. He even sang to the family dog, Boomer.
And Carlos had loved itthat is, until now. Last week, his lifetime of confidence collided with catastrophe, and his confidence vanished.
As he remembered he and his friends gathered at the mall, Carlos shuddered. On a dare, Carlos started singingat first, just loud enough so his friends could hear, but then at their request, louder and louder, until . . . nothing came out.
A wave of panic seemed to overtake him, and suddenly, he froze. Beads of sweat formed on his face as he realized that his natural talent no longer seemed natural.
The look of shock on his face was matched only by the dumbfounded looks on his friends’ faces. At that moment, Carlos sincerely wished that the floor would just swallow him up. To make matters worse, Teresa Mendoza, head of the talent show committee, was there. She did not laugh, but still, she was a judge! As he ran out of the mall, he vowed to avoid herand everyone elsefor the rest of his life.
Now, at home and a week later, a perplexed Carlos had spent hours trying to figure out what had happened. It was as though some evil minion had entered his brain and begun criticizing him for having the foolish notion that he could sing. Having this kind of stage fright was embarrassing and something he had never experienced before. Carlos vowed to never sing in front of others again.
His mother brought him her trustworthy remedyhot tea with honey. His father suggested that he was just in a “slump” and that, with time, he would again belt out popular songs.
Carlos did not care. They clearly did not comprehend the gravity of the situation. As Carlos continued to lie fuming on his bed, the doorbell rang.
The voice that carried upstairs sounded livelyand female. Who was it? As his curiosity prodded him to peer over the bannister, he heard his mother calling him, announcing the presence of Teresa Mendoza.
Carlos cringed as instinct took over, pleading with him to either dart back up to his room and crawl out the window onto the roof, or dash into the nearest closet. The choices were grim.
Mother’s voice grew closer as she explained that Teresa and Chelsea French, another talent show committee member, were stopping by to be sure that Carlos was planning to register to audition this year.
Huh?
Carlos gradually made his way downstairs as he could scarcely believe his ears. He heard phrases like “only that one time,” “incredible talent,” and “music instructor that would hold practice sessions” as well as a slew of other words that did not register in his brain.
After the women left, his mother smiled at him and said, “See?”
Carlos shook his head and frowned as he glanced at his mother, pride overruling his delight at what was taking place at that moment. But in his heart, he felt just the tiniest of possibilities that perhaps his singing days weren’t over after all.
Question 1
Part A
In the story “Never Say Never,” what does Carlos do after he loses his voice at the mall?
Responses
He mopes about and feels sorry for himself.
He quits the upcoming talent show.
He rallies and tries singing again.
He refuses to leave his home.
Question 2
Part B – Points depend on a correct response in Part A.
Which evidence from the story best supports the answer to Part A?
Responses
“But, in his heart, he felt just the tiniest of possibilities that perhaps his singing days weren’t over after all.”
”
“His father suggested that he was just in a “slump” and that,with time,he would again belt out popular songs.”
“Carlos gradually made his way downstairs as he could scarcely believe his ears.”
“They clearly did not comprehend the gravity of the situation. As Carlos continued to lie, fuming,on his bed, the doorbell rang.”
8
Feature
Read the passage.
Never Say Never
Carlos slammed the door angrily. He flopped down on his bed and turned on his side, tears streaming down his face. He did notno, could not understand why his whole family was pressuring him. It was not like he was going to be a contestant on “Kids in Concert” or some other show that could win them money. It was a stupid school talent show.
In a fog, Carlos let his memories wash over him. He was just five- or six-years old, daring, and uninhibited. He sang tunes from his favorite cartoons and TV shows. He memorized lyrics effortlessly. The family karaoke machine was no match for Carlos. When he finished singing, the living room swelled with applause as family members requested encore after encore.
Carlos was ALWAYS singing. He sang in the car, in the shower, and in the backyard. His family was so used to hearing his serenading that they barely lifted their heads when he passed by. He sang for his closest friends as they walked to the mall, the pool, or the park. He even sang to the family dog, Boomer.
And Carlos had loved itthat is, until now. Last week, his lifetime of confidence collided with catastrophe, and his confidence vanished.
As he remembered he and his friends gathered at the mall, Carlos shuddered. On a dare, Carlos started singingat first, just loud enough so his friends could hear, but then at their request, louder and louder, until . . . nothing came out.
A wave of panic seemed to overtake him, and suddenly, he froze. Beads of sweat formed on his face as he realized that his natural talent no longer seemed natural.
The look of shock on his face was matched only by the dumbfounded looks on his friends’ faces. At that moment, Carlos sincerely wished that the floor would just swallow him up. To make matters worse, Teresa Mendoza, head of the talent show committee, was there. She did not laugh, but still, she was a judge! As he ran out of the mall, he vowed to avoid herand everyone elsefor the rest of his life.
Now, at home and a week later, a perplexed Carlos had spent hours trying to figure out what had happened. It was as though some evil minion had entered his brain and begun criticizing him for having the foolish notion that he could sing. Having this kind of stage fright was embarrassing and something he had never experienced before. Carlos vowed to never sing in front of others again.
His mother brought him her trustworthy remedyhot tea with honey. His father suggested that he was just in a “slump” and that, with time, he would again belt out popular songs.
Carlos did not care. They clearly did not comprehend the gravity of the situation. As Carlos continued to lie fuming on his bed, the doorbell rang.
The voice that carried upstairs sounded livelyand female. Who was it? As his curiosity prodded him to peer over the bannister, he heard his mother calling him, announcing the presence of Teresa Mendoza.
Carlos cringed as instinct took over, pleading with him to either dart back up to his room and crawl out the window onto the roof, or dash into the nearest closet. The choices were grim.
Mother’s voice grew closer as she explained that Teresa and Chelsea French, another talent show committee member, were stopping by to be sure that Carlos was planning to register to audition this year.
Huh?
Carlos gradually made his way downstairs as he could scarcely believe his ears. He heard phrases like “only that one time,” “incredible talent,” and “music instructor that would hold practice sessions” as well as a slew of other words that did not register in his brain.
After the women left, his mother smiled at him and said, “See?”
Carlos shook his head and frowned as he glanced at his mother, pride overruling his delight at what was taking place at that moment. But in his heart, he felt just the tiniest of possibilities that perhaps his singing days weren’t over after all.
Question
Read the excerpt from the story “Never Say Never.”
A wave of panic seemed to overtake him, and suddenly, he froze. Beads of sweat formed on his face as he realized that his natural talent no longer seemed natural.
How does this excerpt help develop the plot?
Responses
It explains events that occurred before the story began.
It foreshadows Carlos’s performance at the talent show
It introduces a flashback to his childhood.
It reveals a conflict in the story.
9
Feature
Read the passage.
The Iroquois Confederacy
The Iroquois Confederacy, also called the Six Nations, was a union of six Native American tribes. These included the nations of the Tuscarora, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. The groups were spread throughout a region that extended across much of modern-day New York. This region included the lands from the Hudson River to Lake Erie, to the south of the Adirondack Mountains, and to the north of the Catskill Mountains.
Many historians believe the Iroquois Confederacy to be one of the most advanced systems of government in history. At a time when many citizens in Europe were ruled by a monarchy, the Iroquois Confederacy held itself to a democratic form of government. This not only brought together different groups, but it also encouraged the practice of peaceful negotiations in solving problems.
The Iroquois Confederacy is thought to have been created sometime before 1492 and originally included five nations. (The sixth nation, Tuscarora, was added in 1712.) During the period in which there were five nations, many of the tribes were at war with each other. According to tribal histories, the Confederacy was the work of a Huron prophet known as Deganawidah, or the Peacemaker. He was helped by his spokesman, Hiawatha. The two men proposed a plan by which disagreements among the five nations could be settled peacefully through laws and ceremonies. The groups met near what is now Syracuse, New York, where a large white pine known as the Great Tree of Peace was planted. This action, along with the passing of what was known as the Great Law, became the basis for the new government.
The symbol of the Iroquois Confederacy was the longhouse, the traditional housing of the Iroquois people. These buildings allowed many families to live together. The buildings measured anywhere from ten to fifteen feet wide and up to 250 feet long and were divided into sections for each family. A door at either end of the building allowed people to go in and out. To keep warm, a fire was built in the center of each section of the house.
In order for this new political form to work, all five nations needed to see themselves as part of a large longhouse, which included all the lands of each group. Because the Mohawk were the most eastern-based tribe, they were appointed protectors of the eastern door of the Confederacy longhouse. The Seneca, who lived to the west, were to take care of the western door. Any visitors coming from either the east or the west were to be greeted by representatives of one of these tribes. Because the Onondaga nation lived in the center of the Iroquois region, they would host all group meetings.
The Council of Chiefs, which included 49 leaders from among the five nations, was the center of the new government. For a decision to be approved, all of the chiefs had to agree. If all of them could not agree, then the groups could “cover the fire.” This meant that each nation could decide for themselves what to do about a problem.
The Great Law was the constitution for the Iroquois Confederation. It was made up of 117 rules that told the nations how to live in peace. The constitution not only explained how the groups were to conduct themselves during war, but it also outlined how ceremonies were to be organized. Power was equally shared among men and women of all the nations. Through the Iroquois Confederacy, the Six Nations gradually emerged as one of the strongest Native American groups.
However, by the end of the American Revolution, the once-great Iroquois Confederacy no longer enjoyed significant power or influence. Disputes among the groups about taking sides in the war as well as other infighting had weakened the Confederacy. As time went on and their lands were gradually taken away by whites, the Iroquois Confederacy lived in the shadow of its former glory.
According to many historians, the Iroquois Confederacy helped influence some early American leaders about their own government. Some of the Founding Fathers knew about the government of the Six Nations. They were so impressed with it that they borrowed many of its ideas, including that of a democracy with political freedom, representation, and checks and balances on the power of the government.
Question
What is the author’s purpose in writing “The Iroquois Confederacy”?
Responses
to compare the European monarchy to the Iroquois Confederacy
to share quotes from the ancestors of the original Founding Fathers
to describe how the political form of the Iroquois Confederacy nations worked
to emphasize the importance of checks and balances in a democracy
10
Feature
Read the passage.
The Iroquois Confederacy
The Iroquois Confederacy, also called the Six Nations, was a union of six Native American tribes. These included the nations of the Tuscarora, Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. The groups were spread throughout a region that extended across much of modern-day New York. This region included the lands from the Hudson River to Lake Erie, to the south of the Adirondack Mountains, and to the north of the Catskill Mountains.
Many historians believe the Iroquois Confederacy to be one of the most advanced systems of government in history. At a time when many citizens in Europe were ruled by a monarchy, the Iroquois Confederacy held itself to a democratic form of government. This not only brought together different groups, but it also encouraged the practice of peaceful negotiations in solving problems.
The Iroquois Confederacy is thought to have been created sometime before 1492 and originally included five nations. (The sixth nation, Tuscarora, was added in 1712.) During the period in which there were five nations, many of the tribes were at war with each other. According to tribal histories, the Confederacy was the work of a Huron prophet known as Deganawidah, or the Peacemaker. He was helped by his spokesman, Hiawatha. The two men proposed a plan by which disagreements among the five nations could be settled peacefully through laws and ceremonies. The groups met near what is now Syracuse, New York, where a large white pine known as the Great Tree of Peace was planted. This action, along with the passing of what was known as the Great Law, became the basis for the new government.
The symbol of the Iroquois Confederacy was the longhouse, the traditional housing of the Iroquois people. These buildings allowed many families to live together. The buildings measured anywhere from ten to fifteen feet wide and up to 250 feet long and were divided into sections for each family. A door at either end of the building allowed people to go in and out. To keep warm, a fire was built in the center of each section of the house.
In order for this new political form to work, all five nations needed to see themselves as part of a large longhouse, which included all the lands of each group. Because the Mohawk were the most eastern-based tribe, they were appointed protectors of the eastern door of the Confederacy longhouse. The Seneca, who lived to the west, were to take care of the western door. Any visitors coming from either the east or the west were to be greeted by representatives of one of these tribes. Because the Onondaga nation lived in the center of the Iroquois region, they would host all group meetings.
The Council of Chiefs, which included 49 leaders from among the five nations, was the center of the new government. For a decision to be approved, all of the chiefs had to agree. If all of them could not agree, then the groups could “cover the fire.” This meant that each nation could decide for themselves what to do about a problem.
The Great Law was the constitution for the Iroquois Confederation. It was made up of 117 rules that told the nations how to live in peace. The constitution not only explained how the groups were to conduct themselves during war, but it also outlined how ceremonies were to be organized. Power was equally shared among men and women of all the nations. Through the Iroquois Confederacy, the Six Nations gradually emerged as one of the strongest Native American groups.
However, by the end of the American Revolution, the once-great Iroquois Confederacy no longer enjoyed significant power or influence. Disputes among the groups about taking sides in the war as well as other infighting had weakened the Confederacy. As time went on and their lands were gradually taken away by whites, the Iroquois Confederacy lived in the shadow of its former glory.
According to many historians, the Iroquois Confederacy helped influence some early American leaders about their own government. Some of the Founding Fathers knew about the government of the Six Nations. They were so impressed with it that they borrowed many of its ideas, including that of a democracy with political freedom, representation, and checks and balances on the power of the government.
Question
What is the author’s viewpoint in “The Iroquois Confederacy”?
Responses
The many nations of the Iroquois Confederacy were so spread out, they were ineffective.
The Iroquois Confederacy included resilient and proud people.
Because chiefs couldn’t agree on how to solve problems, the Iroquois Confederacy failed.
The Iroquois Confederacy instituted an effective democratic system.
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