Theme & Central Idea
Which idea would be MOST important to include in a summary of the story?
A. “Today began our adventure at the Columbian Exposition, the largest world’s fair in history!” (paragraph 1)
B. “Father insisted on staying late, footsore and dusty as we were.” (paragraph 3)
C. “Father decreed that we spend all day in the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building…” (paragraph 4)
D. “At dusk, we watched the lights come on again like thousands of candles…” (paragraph 5)
A. “Today began our adventure at the Columbian Exposition, the largest world’s fair in history!” (paragraph 1)
Read this sentence from paragraph 8:
“The Ferris Wheel began operating today, but Father said we can’t ride it until we’ve toured all the important exhibits.”
What does this sentence suggest about the father’s attitude?
A. He values education more than amusement.
B. He dislikes amusement attractions like the Ferris Wheel.
C. He is unconvinced of the safety of the Ferris Wheel.
D. He thinks the attractions will be less crowded later in the week.
A. He values education more than amusement.
Read this sentence from paragraph 2:
“Father suggested escaping the afternoon heat in the buildings of some eastern states. Pennsylvania had a display of the table… Virginia had the couch…”
What does the word display most nearly mean as it is used in paragraph 2?
A. a performance
B. something shown to the public
C. a decoration
D. a store
B. something shown to the public
Who is telling the story?
A. a narrator outside the story
B. Emma (a character in the story)
C. the father
D. a historian
B. Emma (a character in the story)
Journaling can be a helpful way to keep track of past events and memories.
Which sentence BEST supports this idea?
A. “Today we moved on to Transportation…” (paragraph 6)
B. “I was more impressed by the sparkly diamonds…” (paragraph 7)
C. “We agree it’s the best of all!” (paragraph 13)
D. “I’d never remember everything without it!” (paragraph 14)
D. “I’d never remember everything without it!” (paragraph 14)
What is one central idea of the story?
A. The fair is tiring and overwhelming
B. The father controls all decisions
C. The narrator dislikes crowded places
D. The narrator experiences many exciting and new things at the fair
D. The narrator experiences many exciting and new things at the fair
Read these details from Friday, June 23:
“At dusk, we watched the lights come on again…”
“Father arranged a trip in a swan-shaped gondola…”
“The reflections were magical…”
How does the narrator MOSTLY feel during these events?
A. bored and tired
B. confused and nervous
C. amazed and excited
D. angry and frustrated
C. amazed and excited
Read this sentence from paragraph 7:
“I was more impressed by the sparkly diamonds from the Cape Colony and lovely Aztec turquoise from Mexico.”
What does the word impressed most nearly mean?
A. bored
B. confused
C. amazed or filled with admiration
D. upset
C. amazed or filled with admiration
What does the narrator’s description of the fair MOST show?
A. boredom
B. fear
C. confusion
D. excitement and wonder
D. excitement and wonder
Which detail BEST supports the idea that the trip is an adventure?
A. The family spends time together
B. The narrator writes in a journal
C. The narrator experiences things from around the world
D. The father plans the trip
C. The narrator experiences things from around the world
Which statement BEST explains how the setting (the fair) affects the story?
A. It causes the family to argue
B. It limits the narrator’s experiences
C. It confuses the narrator
D. It provides opportunities for exploration and discovery
D. It provides opportunities for exploration and discovery
Read this detail from the story:
“Father insisted on staying late, footsore and dusty as we were.”
What does this detail show about the father?
A. He does not care about his family
B. He wants the family to experience as much as possible
C. He prefers to travel alone
D. He is unsure about what to do
B. He wants the family to experience as much as possible
Read this sentence from paragraph 1:
“We understand now why the fair is known as the ‘White City’—nearly everything is painted sparkling white.”
What does the word sparkling most nearly mean?
A. dirty
B. dull
C. shining brightly
D. old
C. shining brightly
Why does the author include many details about the buildings, lights, and exhibits?
A. to make the story longer
B. to confuse the reader
C. to help the reader imagine and understand the experience
D. to focus only on history
C. to help the reader imagine and understand the experience
Which detail BEST shows the narrator’s excitement about the fair?
A. “Mother signed the visitors’ register…”
B. “Father suggested escaping the afternoon heat…”
C. “We visited the building of our home state…”
D. “What a thrilling 10-minute ride!”
D. “What a thrilling 10-minute ride!”
Which theme is BEST supported by the events in the story?
A. Travel is always exhausting
B. Families should avoid large crowds\
C. New experiences can be exciting and memorable
D. New places are often disappointing
C. New experiences can be exciting and memorable
Which detail BEST shows that the narrator feels strongly about the trip?
A. “Mother signed the visitors’ register…”
B. “Father suggested escaping the afternoon heat…”
C. “We visited the building of our home state…”
D. “I’m not ready to leave.”
D. “I’m not ready to leave.”
Read this sentence from paragraph 4:
“Father decreed that we spend all day in the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building…”
What does the word decreed most nearly mean as it is used in paragraph 4?
A. suggested politely
B. decided firmly
C. questioned carefully
D. explained clearly
B. decided firmly
How does telling the story in first person affect the way the fair is described?
A. It makes the story less detailed
B. It shows only facts about the fair
C. It makes the story feel more personal and shows the narrator’s feelings
D. It focuses only on the father’s ideas
C. It makes the story feel more personal and shows the narrator’s feelings
Which TWO details BEST support the idea that the fair is impressive?
A. The buildings are large and detailed
B. The family eats lunch together
C. There are lights and reflections everywhere
D. The narrator feels tired
E. The father chooses where to go
A. The buildings are large and detailed
C. There are lights and reflections everywhere
How do the events throughout the story help develop the theme?
Students must:
(Answers vary) The events help develop the theme that new experiences are exciting and memorable. For example, the narrator describes the lights as magical and enjoys exploring different exhibits. Also, she says she is not ready to leave, showing how much she enjoyed the experience.
How do the father’s decisions influence the events of the trip?
Students must:
The father’s decisions shape what the family does during the trip. For example, he decides they must visit important exhibits before riding the Ferris Wheel. He also chooses to stay longer and visit certain buildings, which affects the order and experiences of the trip.
Read this sentence from paragraph 2:
“Lunch at the New England Clam Bake arrived promptly, despite the huge crowds.”
What does the word promptly most nearly mean as it is used in paragraph 2?
A. slowly and carefully
B. quickly and without delay
C. loudly and excitedly
D. with difficulty
B. quickly and without delay
How do the author’s choices help the reader understand the narrator’s experience at the fair?
Students must:
The author uses first-person point of view to help the reader understand the narrator’s experience. The narrator describes the lights as magical and shares her excitement about the fair. These details help the reader feel what she feels.
How does the author use details to show that the fair is exciting and memorable?
Students must:
The author uses details to show that the fair is exciting and memorable. For example, the narrator describes the lights as magical, which shows how impressive the fair is. Also, she says the Ferris Wheel ride was thrilling, showing how much she enjoyed the experience.