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-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.

Selection: B-58

B-58

Grade level: 2

Word count: 1003 words

Author: Kate Carter

Synopsis: The owner of a hotel finds out that it's important to treat all travelers equally.

Excerpt: "No, he is not here," said the hotel owner. "The only man that has been here asking for a place to stay was an old farmer. He was so muddy that you could not see the color of his coat. I sent him to the other hotel. He is staying there."

"Did he have red hair?" asked the well-dressed man. "Did he ride a gray horse?"

"Yes," said the hotel owner. "And he was tall."

"That was the vice president!" said the well-dressed man.

The hotel owner went to the other hotel. There he found the vice president sitting with some friends. They were talking and laughing and having a good time. The vice president was clean and neat. He wore fresh clothes. There was no sign of mud anywhere.

Question: Think about what you read in this selection. Which two of the following statements about Thomas Jefferson are correct?

1. He had red hair.
2. He was taller than most men.
3. He rode a white horse.
4. He traveled with one set of clothes.
5. He believed he was better than other men.