Selection: F-6

F-6

Grade level: 6

Word count: 1783 words

Author: Mary R. Dunn

Synopsis: Flying high over the countryside, spies in hot air balloons could spot enemy troops.

Excerpt: "My husband has built at least five balloons of different sizes to use as observation posts," explained Mrs. Lowe. "Realizing the need to refuel the balloons frequently, he also invented and operated a portable gas generator that could be transported to positions near the battlefields."

The driver nodded and said, "What did I hear about your sending valuable intelligence reports about Falls Church?"

"That was an exciting encounter. I was in Arlington, Virginia, high above the countryside, and I was able to telegraph intelligence on the Confederate troops so that the Union soldiers could take aim at the enemy and maintain fire on them without even seeing them."

Question: Which two major contributions did Mr. Lowe make to the war effort?

1. He sent valuable information on enemy troop positions.
2. He invented a portable gas generator to fuel balloons.
3. He wounded his arm in a hot air balloon accident.
4. He fired on the enemy without even seeing them.
5. He spent most of his time on a barge in the river.

Selection: F-6

F-6

Grade level: 6

Word count: 1783 words

Author: Mary R. Dunn

Synopsis: Flying high over the countryside, spies in hot air balloons could spot enemy troops.

Excerpt: No excerpt is available for this question.

Question: This selection is mainly about the Civil War and

1. some brave people who help the Union spy on enemy forces.
2. some children who take a hot air balloon ride in Virginia.
3. some Confederate soldiers who are looking for deserters.
4. some farmers who hide spies in their barns.

Selection: F-11

F-11

Grade level: 6

Word count: 1680 words

Author: Adapted from a story by Lewis Carroll

Synopsis: Alice lets her curiosity get the better of her, as she tumbles into a world of fantasy.

Excerpt: In another moment down went Alice after it, never once considering how she could possibly get out. The rabbit-hole went straight like a tunnel for some distance. Then it dipped suddenly down, so suddenly that Alice had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself tumbling down a very deep well.

Question: What does Alice's decision to jump into the rabbit-hole tell about her character?

1. She sometimes overlooks the results of her actions.
2. She would do anything to help an animal in trouble.
3. She always weighs the pros and cons of a situation.
4. She likes to be with others rather than by herself.

Selection: F-2

F-2

Grade level: 6

Word count: 1760 words

Author: Karen Berman

Synopsis: When traveling, it's good to know the local customs.

Excerpt: Greetings are universal customs, but they are given in many ways. In most major cities around the world, you would never say hello to strangers on the street. Greeting strangers is common in small towns, where not saying hello to everyone you pass might be considered rude. In Muslim countries, however, men and women do not speak unless they already know each other. To do so would be to commit a major etiquette mistake.

Question: Which of the following would be considered an etiquette mistake?

1. saying hello to strangers on the street in a Muslim country
2. accompanying a handshake with a smile in South Africa
3. shaking hands with everyone in the room in Cameroon
4. asking questions about a person's health in Kenya

Selection: F-12

F-12

Grade level: 6

Word count: 1756 words

Author: Mike Buchanan and Diane Lang

Synopsis: A lost pet uses every ounce of his energy to find his way home.

Excerpt: A rabbit bounded across the parking lot and into the shadows of the woods, with Jeff racing after it, barking furiously.

Mom and Dad chased him and called his name, but all we could hear was Jeff barking until it became quiet.

For several days, when I stepped off the bus from school, I expected to see Jeff, but the yard was empty.

The next afternoon, when we took Fluff for her annual veterinarian checkup, Mom explained to Dr. Jacobs how Jeff had run away.

Question: The narrator of this selection is a

1. child.
2. mother.
3. dog.
4. vet.