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-18

B-18

Grade level: 2

Word count: 1107 words

Author: R. Bender

Synopsis: It would be impossible to live without plants. They are very important to our lives. From breathing to eating to brushing our teeth, we use plants throughout the day.

Excerpt: How do plants put oxygen in the air? Inside the leaves of plants are special cells. These cells are where a plant makes food for itself. As a plant makes food in its cells, it gives off this gas. The gas goes into the air.

Question: The selection states oxygen enters the air when plants

1. make food.
2. are cut down.
3. make water.
4. are eaten.