Reading
How do Marcus and Theo’s actions in paragraphs 4–5 show both curiosity and poor judgment?
A) They brought in milk and labeled it correctly.
B) They recorded their hypothesis but ignored safety procedures by leaving the milk at room temperature.
C) They worked quietly and followed the teacher’s directions.
D) They asked Leila for help before starting.
Answer: B) They recorded their hypothesis but ignored safety procedures by leaving the milk at room temperature.
Explanation: This shows curiosity because they wanted to experiment, but poor judgment because they did not follow directions and caused a hazard (Paragraphs 4–5).
Question 1:
Identify the following from the passage:
Possible Responses:
Question 1:
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
A) “It’s part of the experiment,” Marcus said.
B) “Its part of the experiment” Marcus said.
C) “It’s part of the experiment” Marcus said.
D) Its part of the experiment, Marcus said.
A.
Explanation: Correct punctuation includes the comma inside the quotation marks and proper use of the contraction “It’s.”
Question 1:
In paragraph 3, what does the word “wrinkled” most likely mean in this sentence?
Leila wrinkled her nose.
A) Smiled
B) Scrunched
C) Turned
D) Covered
B.
Explanation: The context clue is that she reacts to a smell, so “wrinkled” refers to scrunching her nose.
Question 1:
What kinds of text features can help you understand a passage? Explain how one of them can help you.
Possible Responses:
Why does Marcus feel “a knot tighten in his stomach” in paragraph 13?
A) He is frustrated that the experiment is not producing results.
B) He realizes the experiment is causing a distraction and the consequences of ignoring directions.
C) He is embarrassed that he forgot to label the container.
D) He is worried that Ms. Carter will take the milk away.
Answer: B) He realizes the experiment is causing a distraction and the consequences of ignoring directions.
Evidence: Paragraph 13 states, “The smell alone was enough to distract the entire class, and now, under Ms. Carter’s steady gaze, the project no longer felt impressive. It felt irresponsible.” This shows he understands the impact of his choices.
Question 2:
List three important events in the order they happened in the passage. Include the paragraph numbers.
Possible Responses:
Question 2:
In paragraph 13, Marcus feels worried. Which pronoun could be replaced with a noun to make the sentence clearer?
Sentence from paragraph 13: “He had been so focused on making the experiment interesting that he hadn’t stopped to consider the consequences.”
A) He (first)
B) he (second)
C) experiment
D) consequences
B.
Explanation: Replacing the second “he” with “Marcus” makes it clear who hadn’t considered the consequences.
Question 2:
In paragraph 5, the word “expanded” most likely means:
A) Shrunk
B) Spread out
C) Broke apart
D) Turned upside down
B.
Explanation: The milk container got bigger as the liquid spoiled, showing it “expanded.”
Question 2:
What does it mean to stay focused and give your best effort on a test? Give one strategy you can use to do this.
Possible Responses:
Compare how Marcus and Ms. Carter view curiosity in science. Use two pieces of evidence from the text.
Sample Answer:
Marcus shows curiosity by wanting to see what happens when he leaves the milk at room temperature (Paragraph 4). Ms. Carter values curiosity too, but she emphasizes responsibility, saying, “Trying new ideas is important, but real scientists test their ideas carefully and ethically” (Paragraph 17). Marcus focuses on exploring, while Ms. Carter focuses on exploring safely.
Question 3:
Choose one paragraph from the passage. Rewrite it from the point of view of a different character (Leila or Theo). Include how that character might feel or think.
Possible Responses (example using paragraph 13 from Leila’s POV):
"I knew this experiment would get out of hand. The smell was awful, and everyone was distracted. I had told them to follow the directions, but they didn’t listen. Now Ms. Carter is looking at us, and I feel frustrated that they didn’t think about the consequences."
Question 3:
Which version of this sentence keeps verb tense consistent?
Original: “Marcus had been so focused on making the experiment interesting that he didn’t stop to consider the consequences.”
A) Marcus had been so focused on making the experiment interesting that he didn’t stop to consider the consequences.
B) Marcus is so focused on making the experiment interesting that he doesn’t stop to consider the consequences.
C) Marcus had been so focused on making the experiment interesting that he hadn’t stopped to consider the consequences.
D) Marcus was so focused on making the experiment interesting that he hadn’t stopped to consider the consequences.
C.
Explanation: Past perfect tense (“had been… hadn’t stopped”) correctly shows that Marcus’ focus occurred before other events in the story.
Question 3:
In paragraph 13, the phrase “knot tighten in his stomach” most likely means:
A) Marcus felt nervous or anxious
B) Marcus ate too much food
C) Marcus tied a knot in a string
D) Marcus was excited
A.
Explanation: This is a figurative expression showing worry, supported by the surrounding text about distraction and responsibility.
Question 4:
After finishing a test, what is one strategy you can use to check your work and make sure you did your best? Explain how it helps.
Possible Responses:
Which events show that the experiment affected the entire classroom? How do these events connect to Ms. Carter’s lesson about responsibility?
Sample Answer:
The milk container expanded and smelled bad (Paragraph 5), distracting the students (Paragraph 13). Leila even says, “I told you this wasn’t part of the directions” (Paragraph 12). These events demonstrate that ignoring instructions can negatively affect others, which connects to Ms. Carter’s lesson that “When we ignore procedures, we risk more than just a bad result” (Paragraph 14).
Question 4:
Describe the main problem in the story and how it is resolved. Use at least two details from the passage to support your answer. Include paragraph numbers for evidence.
Question 4:
Which version of the sentence is correct and avoids a run-on?
Original: “The milk separated into layers it smelled bad and distracted the class.”
A) The milk separated into layers it smelled bad, and it distracted the class.
B) The milk separated into layers, smelled bad, and distracted the class.
C) The milk separated into layers. It smelled bad and distracted the class.
D) All of the above
D.
Explanation: Each option corrects the run-on in a different way. Students can identify multiple correct revisions.
Question 4:
In paragraph 17, what does “ethically” most likely mean in this sentence?
“But real scientists test their ideas carefully and ethically.”
A)Without asking permission
B) Using complicated methods
C) Quickly and roughly
D) Following moral rules and fairness
D.
Explanation: Ms. Carter is teaching about responsibility in science, so “ethically” means acting in a morally responsible way.
Question 4:
What computer tools on the MCAS platform can help you answer questions? Give two examples and explain how they help.
Possible Responses:
Explain how Marcus changes from the beginning to the end of the passage. Use at least three pieces of evidence from the text. Be sure to include how his understanding of science and responsibility grows.
Sample Answer:
At the beginning, Marcus is confident and curious, excited to try something different with the experiment (Paragraph 2). By paragraph 13, he realizes the consequences of ignoring instructions, feeling a “knot tighten in his stomach.” After Ms. Carter’s guidance (Paragraph 17), he understands that real scientists must be responsible and ethical. Finally, he takes action to fix the problem by carefully carrying the container to the disposal bin (Paragraph 19). Over the passage, Marcus grows from curious but careless to thoughtful and responsible, learning that science requires both curiosity and careful planning.
Question 5:
Explain the lesson or theme of the passage. Use three details from the text to support your answer. Be sure to explain how each detail connects to the theme.
Possible Responses:
Question 5:
Read this sentence from paragraph 17:
“Trying new ideas is important, but real scientists test their ideas carefully and ethically. They don’t put others at risk.”
Which revision improves clarity and style without changing the meaning?
A) Trying new ideas is important but real scientists test their ideas carefully and ethically and don’t put others at risk.
B) Trying new ideas is important. Real scientists test their ideas carefully and ethically and do not put others at risk.
C) Trying new ideas is important, but real scientists, testing their ideas carefully and ethically, they don’t put others at risk.
D) Trying new ideas is important; real scientists test their ideas carefully and ethically and don’t put others at risk.
D.
Explanation: The semicolon correctly connects two independent clauses, keeping the sentence precise and formal.
Question 5:
In paragraph 13–14, which word or phrase best shows the consequence of ignoring directions?
A) “Expanded slightly”
B) “The project no longer felt impressive”
C) “Testing ideas carefully”
D) “Buzzed with an unusual kind of energy”
B.
Explanation: This phrase shows the result of ignoring directions—the experiment failed to achieve its goal and teaches a lesson about responsibility.
In 2 minutes, write as many strategies as you can for approaching both multiple-choice and open-ended test questions. Include as many tips as possible!
All answers acceptable!