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-4

B-4

Grade level: 2

Word count: 969 words

Author: R. Bender

Synopsis: A dog takes food that belongs to someone else. Things do not end well.

Excerpt: No excerpt is available for this question.

Question: The best title for this selection is

1. Foolish Dog.
2. Family Dog.
3. Dangerous Animal.
4. Friendly Animal.

Selection: B-40

B-40

Grade level: 2

Word count: 1083 words

Author: Anonymous

Synopsis: A Native American boy outsmarts Big Chief North Wind.

Excerpt: "I will not leave," young Shingebis said as he sat down on a rock.

"But you must come with us," the other people said.

"All the people in our tribe are afraid," thought Shingebis. "They are afraid of Big Chief North Wind. But I am not afraid!" Shingebis stayed on his rock and watched the birds fly high in the sky. The birds also were going south.

"You will be sorry," the other people said to Shingebis. "Big Chief North Wind will get angry, and he will bring such cold that you will freeze."

Question: The people in the Native American tribe thought that Big Chief North Wind would be angry

1. if Shingebis did not go south with them.
2. when Shingebis hid all the fish.
3. if Shingebis went south with them.
4. when Shingebis decided to light a fire.

Selection: B-13

B-13

Grade level: 2

Word count: 966 words

Author: Josepha Sherman

Synopsis: When a man-eating ogre leaps from a lake, young Safar's life changes forever.

Excerpt: "I'm fishing for the bottom of the lake," he said to the ogre. "When I hook it, I'm going to lift up this lake and hang it from the moon."

The ogre tore the bush up by the roots. A frightened rabbit darted out and raced away. "Hey, Baby Brother!" yelled the ogre. "Wait for me!"

The ogre hit the tree so hard it split in two. An angry bear rushed out. He grabbed the ogre and squeezed and squeezed until the ogre's green eyes nearly popped.

Safar climbed onto the horse's back. He gave the horse two good kicks with his feet, and off they went, galloping all around the lake until they were back where they'd started.

Question: Put these events from the selection in the order in which they occurred, from first to last.

1. Safar said he would hang the lake from the moon.
2. The ogre scared a rabbit.
3. A bear squeezed the ogre.
4. Safar and a horse galloped around the lake.

Selection: B-51

B-51

Grade level: 2

Word count: 573 words

Author: R. Bender

Synopsis: There is an important lesson to be learned in a farmer's fields.

Excerpt: No excerpt is available for this question.

Question: This selection is best described as

1. a fable, because it teaches a lesson.
2. a myth, because it describes powerful gods.
3. a biography, because it describes the life of a real person.
4. science fiction, because it talks about aliens and technology.