Selection: B-7

B-7

Grade level: 2

Word count: 1131 words

Author: J. Baldwin

Synopsis: This ancient myth tells about Arion, a man who sings more beautifully than anyone else. He runs into trouble on a boat, but he's rescued in a very surprising way.

Excerpt: In a city in ancient Greece, there once lived a man who made beautiful music. His name was Arion. No other person could play music or sing so sweetly. In just a moment, his music could wipe away sad or angry feelings. The songs he wrote were famous in many lands.

How was Arion saved after he jumped into the sea? Some people say he climbed on the back of a dolphin.

Other people say the dolphin that saved Arion was not a sea creature. It was a boat named the "Dolphin." These people say Arion, who was a very good swimmer, was able to swim in the sea until a passing boat saved him.

Question: The selection says Arion was good at doing two things. What are they?

1. making music and swimming
2. swimming and making friends
3. making music and hiding money
4. finding dolphins and finding money

Selection: B-10

B-10

Grade level: 2

Word count: 1102 words

Author: Kate Carter

Synopsis: How much do you know about the sun? Less than you think.

Excerpt: Certainly our ancestors thought our sun was super. That's why they named our entire solar system after the sun. "Sol" is the ancient Roman word for sun.

Question: Read this excerpt. What does it tell you about the people of ancient Rome?

1. They thought the sun was powerful and important.
2. They believed the sun was going to burn out.
3. They thought the planets were more important than the sun.
4. They believed people should live on the sun.

Selection: B-1

B-1

Grade level: 2

Word count: 1097 words

Author: Carlos Valdoza

Synopsis: Are you the oldest in your family? The youngest? In between? The only? Your answer tells a lot about you.

Excerpt: No excerpt is available for this question.

Question: This selection is mainly about

1. how family birth order affects your personality.
2. why first-born kids are more likely to be president.
3. which traits are the most dangerous.
4. what you can do to change your birth order.

Selection: B-49

B-49

Grade level: 2

Word count: 1087 words

Author: Barbara Smalley

Synopsis: Hot dogs are one of America's most popular foods.

Excerpt: No excerpt is available for this question.

Question: Hot dogs are popular for many reasons. All of these statements explain why hot dogs are popular EXCEPT

1. "Hot dogs have a narrow tube shape, and they are usually brown."
2. "Hot dogs can be easily heated in a pan, on a grill, or in boiling water."
3. "Hot dogs are available in most places, and they do not cost much money."
4. "Hot dogs can be served with any kind of topping a person likes."