Selection: I-8

I-8

Grade level: 9

Word count: 1716 words

Author: H.H. Munro

Synopsis: The legend about the Cernogratz wolves is just a story -- isn't it? An elderly servant says otherwise.

Excerpt: "Hark! What is that other sound?" asked the startled Baron, as a noise of splitting and crashing was heard.

It was a tree falling in the park.

There was a moment of constrained silence, and then the banker's wife spoke.

"It is the intense cold that is splitting the trees. It is also the cold that has brought the wolves out in such numbers. It is many years since we have had such a cold winter."

The Baroness eagerly agreed that the cold was responsible for these things. It was the cold of the open window, too, which caused the heart failure that made the doctor's ministrations unnecessary for the old Fraulein.

Question: The Baroness and her guests said both the howling wolves and the falling trees were due to

1. the extreme cold.
2. the rise of the full moon.
3. sheer coincidence.
4. bad luck.

Selection: I-8

I-8

Grade level: 9

Word count: 1716 words

Author: H.H. Munro

Synopsis: The legend about the Cernogratz wolves is just a story -- isn't it? An elderly servant says otherwise.

Excerpt: "I dare say her grandfather was a pantry boy or something of the sort in the castle," snickered the Baron, "that part of the story may be true."

The merchant from Hamburg said nothing; he had seen tears in the old woman's eyes when she spoke of guarding her memories -- or, being of an imaginative disposition, he thought he had.

Question: When the Baron and Baroness criticized Amalie after she left the room, why did the merchant from Hamburg say nothing?

1. He thought Amalie was telling the truth, but then he doubted himself.
2. The Baron and Baroness had already voiced what he had been thinking.
3. He was busy reading a book and ignored the entire conversation.
4. The Baron and Baroness did not ask him about his opinion on the matter.

Selection: I-5

I-5

Grade level: 9

Word count: 1794 words

Author: Tuck Danbridge

Synopsis: "El Duque" left his homeland of Cuba to pursue a pitching career in the U.S.

Excerpt: Two years after arriving in America, Livan had now achieved status as a genuine baseball star. As Livan celebrated and sprayed champagne over his jubilant teammates, his brother Orlando was still in Cuba, with no salary and no championship ring. However, that was about to change.

Question: What could have happened to El Duque if Livan had never left Cuba?

1. He might not have sought an opportunity to play baseball in America.
2. He might have signed a million-dollar contract with a Cuban team.
3. He might have been arrested as a potential risk to flee his homeland.
4. He might have lost interest in baseball and retired at a young age.

Selection: I-22

I-22

Grade level: 9

Word count: 2135 words

Author: Marian Iorio

Synopsis: Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist, and one of the few women of her time to achieve world recognition.

Excerpt: Regardless of her affliction, she was a fearless tomboy, furthering her closeness to her father. Together they practiced soccer and engaged in various athletic activities to build strength in her weakened leg. They went on nature walks, collecting specimens to view under his microscope, and shared intellectual and creative pursuits, including painting.

Question: The relationship between Frida and her father can be described as

1. nurturing and spirited.
2. competitive and strained.
3. formal and unemotional.
4. passive and reserved.

Selection: I-35

I-35

Grade level: 9

Word count: 2532 words

Author: Ambrose Bierce

Synopsis: A captain's fear of battle leads to tragic consequences.

Excerpt: Of all the Federal Army on that summer morning none had accepted battle more joyously than Anderton Graffenreid. His spirit was buoyant and his faculties were riotous. He was in a state of mental exaltation and scarcely could endure the enemy's tardiness in advancing to the attack. To him this was opportunity—for the result he cared nothing. Victory or defeat, as God might will; in one or in the other he should prove himself a soldier and a hero; he should vindicate his right to the respect of his men and the companionship of his brother officers—to the consideration of his superiors.

Question: Read this excerpt. Which expression would most likely appear on Captain Graffenreid's face?

1. determination
2. worry
3. sadness
4. embarrassment

Selection: I-34

I-34

Grade level: 9

Word count: 1729 words

Author: Leo Tolstoy

Synopsis: The learned men in the kingdom are unable to answer the king's questions. Can a wise hermit provide the answers?

Excerpt: No excerpt is available for this question.

Question: Tolstoy intended for this selection to

1. teach about morality.
2. entertain with humor.
3. instruct about history.
4. persuade with facts.

Selection: I-1

I-1

Grade level: 9

Word count: 1740 words

Author: Peter Kupfer

Synopsis: Many bright minds came together to make the new Bay Bridge in San Francisco a technological wonder.

Excerpt: The state of California has designated the bridge a "lifeline" structure. What that means is that just surviving a major earthquake without tumbling into the bay is not sufficient. Within a few hours of a big quake, the bridge should be usable by emergency vehicles rushing to provide aid to stricken residents. "There will be damage (in a major quake)," said Nader, "but the damage will be repairable, and the bridge should be quickly returned to service."

Question: If an earthquake were to hit San Francisco, the new Bay Bridge probably

1. would have minor damage.
2. would be irreparably damaged.
3. would have major damage.
4. would have no damage.