Story Questions
Discussion Questions
Vocabulary Questions
Vocabulary Questions
Skill Questions
100
Why did Axel go through the drudgery of working hard in history class? (pg. 346)
He wanted to go on the trip with his uncle.
100
Why does the family go to a burned-out campsite?
They knew that the fire wouldn't burn there again.
100
Would it be dangerous for Axel to plunge into a treacherous current? Why?
Yes because the current is dangerous and he might get hurt.
100
How would you feel if a friend scoffed at something you said?
I might feel depressed and disappointed.
100
Pretend you are supposed to be taking your dog for a walk, but you get distracted and let go of the leash. What do you predict might happen as a result? What prior knowledge helps you to figure this out?
The dog might run away. Dogs like to chase after things and if you let go of the leash, you can't keep them where they should be.
200
Why did Axel and his family go to shore rather than stay in the river when the fire started? (pg. 348)
The smoke was filling up the canyon and they couldn't see.
200
Axel believes the forest is forever ruined, but Uncle Paul and Aunt Charlotte say it will be reborn into a healthy forest within the year. They compared this phenomenon to what mythical creature?
What is a phoenix.
200
Does kayaking seem like drudgery to Axel? Explain
No, he clearly loves doing it because he made an A in history so that he could go on this trip.
200
How was the forest altered by the fire storm?
The fire burned it into ashes, but the ashes have a lot of nutrients. It will all eventually grow back healthier.
200
Kelante woke up on her birthday and got ready for school with a big smile on her face. When she got to the kitchen, everyone was distracted and rushing about to get ready. She looked down at the ground with a frown and went get on the school bus. What conclusion can you draw about why Kelante frowned when she got to the kitchen?
She was upset that her family did not tell her "happy birthday"?
300
How might you describe Uncle Paul? a. stern b. wise c. funny d. disappointed
He is wise.
300
Why part do wildfires play in the life cycle of a forest? (pg. 354)
Wildfires create nutrient-rich ashes. Seeds sprout from the burned plants. It makes the forest grow back younger, healthier plants.
300
In the story, what sparked a smoldering fire?
A dry lightning storm started the fire.
300
Would it be treacherous to stand near a volcanic eruption?
Yes because of the lava and molten rock. You might be hurt.
300
What story clues helped you to answer question two?
It said she "looked down at the ground and frowned" when everyone was too busy to tell her anything even though it was her birthday.
400
Why did the family tie bandannas over their faces? (pg. 350)
They did that so that it would be easier to breathe.
400
Why did Axel go to a deeper part of the river? (pg. 351)
The fire was all around them and being in the middle of the river in a deep pool of water was the best place to survive.
400
Why do Axel's aunt and uncle feel discouraged by the fire?
They are worried that their trip is not turning out like they had planned.
400
Could you plunge into the ocean and swim to its depths? Explain.
Yes if you used the correct kind of diving gear.
400
Kati woke up late this morning and had to dash out of the house without eating breakfast. Unfortunately, she got to school at 8:10, so she also missed breakfast in the cafeteria. By the time 11:30 rolled around, Kati was very distracted in class and kept having to be told to pay attention by Ms. Cortez. What can you conclude about why Kati is so distracted in class?
She is very hungry and ready for lunch.
500
What genre is our story and how do you know?
It is realistic fiction because it has characters, events, and a setting that are like real life.
500
How did the fire make Axel feel?
He felt scared and worried.
500
Why does Axel respond skeptically when his uncle says that the forest would grow back and be healthier?
He does not believe it is possible since it's burned down now.
500
Would you respond skeptically if someone said that a sponge will contract when it gets wet?
No because when sponges get wet they also get bigger.
500
What story clues helped you to answer number four?
It said that she missed breakfast, so that tell's me that she is probably really hungry.
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