Fall Benchmark Review

Bonsai

100

Question 1: Which is a central idea of the text? 

A The art of bonsai represents the tension between peace and effort found in nature.

200

Question 2: How does paragraph 2 contribute to the development of ideas in the text? 

B It explains the origins of bonsai to provide context for the reader.

300

Question 3: How do the phrases “at war with” and “a tree must choose” impact the meaning of
the text? 

D They convey the hostile nature of the trees’ survival.

400

Question 4: According to the text, which factor influences the small size of bonsai? 

A The trees are grown in pots.

500

Question 5: What is the author’s purpose in writing this text? 

D to describe the significance of bonsai as an art form

Waiting

100

Question 8: Which statement is a theme of the poem? 

A The absence of a loved one takes a physical toll.

200

Question 9: What is implied by the figurative language in the lines? 

B the speaker’s lack of control over the passing of time

300

Question 10: How does the little bird described in the lines contribute to the meaning of the poem? 

D It emphasizes the speaker’s feeling of loneliness by contrasting suffering with contentment.

400

Question 11: How does the repetition of the phrase “it’s weary, weary waiting, love” affect the tone
of the poem? 

B It creates a disheartened tone.

500

Question 12: How does the structure of the poem contribute to its meaning? 

D The repetition stresses the speaker’s anticipation while searching for ships.

The Toy Trains of India

100

Question 17: How does the figurative language in the sentence impact the tone of the text? 

D It creates a tone of wonder.

200

Question 18: In the section “Heave-Ho, Up We Go!,” how does the author support the claim that
“building these networks wasn’t easy”? 

B by detailing the construction process for the railways

300

Question 19: Which two quotations
best show how the design of the toy trains impacts their effectiveness? 

C “They are so steep that a train on a normal track would slide backward.” (paragraph 6)
D “This narrow width, roughly half that of standard rails, is better suited to the sharp turns
required in rugged, hilly terrain.” (paragraph 7)

400

Question 20: What do paragraphs 8-10 indicate about the author’s point of view? 

C The author respects the Indian Railway System’s effort to maintain the cultural significance
and authenticity of the toy trains.

500

Question 21: What is the role of paragraph 12 in the text? 

B It describes the toy trains pulling back into Kalka station to reinforce their appeal.

The Fox and the Wolf

100

Question 22: Which sentence is a theme in the passage? 

D Cleverness can overpower traditional strength.

200

Question 25: How do the excerpts regarding the fox’s weight help shape the plot of the passage? 

D They explain the fox’s confidence in asking the wolf to jump in the bucket at the well.

300

Question 26: How does the repetition of the phrase “glistening greedily” in paragraphs 7 and 18
affect the meaning of the passage? 

D It suggests that the wolf’s hunger hinders his awareness of his surroundings.

400

Question 27: Based on paragraphs 17-21, how does the point of view of the fox differ from the
wolf’s? 

D The fox is aware that the “cheese” in the well is just a reflection of the moon, but the wolf
believes it is really cheese.

500

Question 28: How does paragraph 25 define the fox’s character? 

A by showing how cunning she is in tricking the wolf

Double Jeopardy

100

Bonsai: Questions 6 & 7

Earn 200 if both answers are correct.

Earn/lose nothing for partially correct answers.

Lose 200 points if both answers are incorrect.

Part A -- C “A bonsai is also at war with its artist.” (paragraph 5) 

Part B -- C “An artist will frequently prune the branches of a bonsai. This activates the tree’s jasmonate alarm system.” (paragraph 7) 

200

Waiting: Questions 13 & 14

Earn 200 if both answers are correct.

Earn/lose nothing for partially correct answers.

Lose 200 points if both answers are incorrect.

Part A -- D by revealing the speaker’s wedding plans that have been postponed

Part B -- C “Since then two seasons’ winds have blown—” (line 23)  

300

Toy Trains: Questions 15 & 16

Earn 200 if both answers are correct.

Earn/lose nothing for partially correct answers.

Lose 200 points if both answers are incorrect.

Part A -- A The toy trains of India are valued for their complex construction and historical significance.

Part B -- A “People from around the world come to see them.” (paragraph 8) 

400

Fox and Wolf: Questions 23 & 24

Earn 200 if both answers are correct.

Earn/lose nothing for partially correct answers.

Lose 200 points if both answers are incorrect.

Part A -- D understand 

Part B -- C “‘...never know...’”