Maya and the Mysterious Key 6LA.A.1:
Passage: Maya shuffled home from school, kicking at loose stones on the sidewalk. Suddenly, her foot struck something hard. She looked down and saw an old, rusty key lying in the dirt. It wasn't just any key; strange symbols were etched into its surface. Maya picked it up, brushing off the grime. She turned the key over in her hand, wondering what it unlocked. A shiver ran down her spine. The trees lining the path were tall and ancient, casting long shadows as the sun began to set. Maya felt her heart beat faster, and her thoughts raced. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret. She decided to go straight home, the key burning a strange warmth in her palm. The path was made of stones, worn smooth by time. She paused for a moment, looking around, and then continued, determined. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret.
Which sentence from the text BEST shows that Maya was curious about the key?
a) "Maya walked home from school."
b) "The key was old and rusty."
c) "She turned the key over in her hand, wondering what it unlocked."
d) "The sun was setting behind the trees."
c) "She turned the key over in her hand, wondering what it unlocked."
Maya shuffled home from school, kicking at loose stones on the sidewalk. Suddenly, her foot struck something hard. She looked down and saw an old, rusty key lying in the dirt. It wasn't just any key; strange symbols were etched into its surface. Maya picked it up, brushing off the grime. She turned the key over in her hand, wondering what it unlocked. A shiver ran down her spine. The trees lining the path were tall and ancient, casting long shadows as the sun began to set. Maya felt her heart beat faster, and her thoughts raced. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret. She decided to go straight home, the key burning a strange warmth in her palm. The path was made of stones, worn smooth by time. She paused for a moment, looking around, and then continued, determined. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret.
Which sentence from the text provides the BEST evidence that the setting was old?
a) "The sun was setting."
b) "The path was made of stones."
c) "The trees were tall and ancient."
c) "The trees were tall and ancient." (This answer assumes that the trees are part of the setting. If the passage indicates another part of the setting is old, that would be the answer.)
Maya loved to draw. She spent hours sketching in her notebook, but she was too shy to show anyone her work. One day, her teacher noticed her drawings and encouraged her to enter a school art contest. Maya was nervous, but she took a chance. To her surprise, she won! From then on, Maya realized that sharing her talents could bring her joy and confidence.
What is the main theme of this passage?
a) The importance of winning contests.
b) The joy of drawing.
c) Overcoming shyness and sharing your talents.
d) The difficulties of being an artist.
c) Overcoming shyness and sharing your talents.
Tom was always quick to judge others. He assumed the worst about people without getting to know them. One day, he had to work on a group project with a student he thought was lazy. To his surprise, the student was hardworking and creative. Tom realized he needed to be more open-minded.
What is the main theme of this passage?
a) The importance of group projects.
b) The dangers of judging others too quickly.
c) The value of hard work and creativity.
d) The challenges of working with others.
b) The dangers of judging others too quickly.
In a story, a character initially refuses to help others. Later, they risk everything to save a friend. How does this change MOST likely affect the plot?
a) It introduces a new setting.
b) It creates a conflict with a minor character.
c) It pushes the story towards a resolution of redemption or forgiveness.
d) It slows down the pace of the story.
c) It pushes the story towards a resolution of redemption or forgiveness.
A character who begins as a villain shows signs of remorse and eventually helps the protagonist. This change MOST likely contributes to:
a) A sudden shift in genre.
b) A resolution involving forgiveness or redemption.
c) The introduction of a new problem.
d) The character becoming the main antagonist.
b) A resolution involving forgiveness or redemption.
Passage: Maya shuffled home from school, kicking at loose stones on the sidewalk. Suddenly, her foot struck something hard. She looked down and saw an old, rusty key lying in the dirt. It wasn't just any key; strange symbols were etched into its surface. Maya picked it up, brushing off the grime. She turned the key over in her hand, wondering what it unlocked. A shiver ran down her spine. The trees lining the path were tall and ancient, casting long shadows as the sun began to set. Maya felt her heart beat faster, and her thoughts raced. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret. She decided to go straight home, the key burning a strange warmth in her palm. The path was made of stones, worn smooth by time. She paused for a moment, looking around, and then continued, determined. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret.
Based on the text, what can you INFER about where Maya found the key?
a) It was in her backpack.
b) It was on the sidewalk.
c) It was hidden in a secret compartment.
d) It was found in her garden.
b) It was on the sidewalk. (This answer assumes the passage implies this. If the passage implies something different, the answer should change to that inference.)
Maya shuffled home from school, kicking at loose stones on the sidewalk. Suddenly, her foot struck something hard. She looked down and saw an old, rusty key lying in the dirt. It wasn't just any key; strange symbols were etched into its surface. Maya picked it up, brushing off the grime. She turned the key over in her hand, wondering what it unlocked. A shiver ran down her spine. The trees lining the path were tall and ancient, casting long shadows as the sun began to set. Maya felt her heart beat faster, and her thoughts raced. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret. She decided to go straight home, the key burning a strange warmth in her palm. The path was made of stones, worn smooth by time. She paused for a moment, looking around, and then continued, determined. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret.
The text mentions Maya's "racing thoughts." What does this tell us about her emotional state?
a) She was anxious or excited.
b) She was calm.
c) She was bored.
d) She was sleepy.
a) She was anxious or excited.
The old oak tree stood tall in the park, its branches reaching towards the sky. Children played beneath it, and birds built nests in its leaves. Over time, the tree witnessed many seasons, from sunny summers to snowy winters. It remained a constant, providing shelter and beauty to all who passed by.
What is the central idea of this passage?
a) The changing seasons.
b) The importance of parks.
c) The lives of birds and children.
d) The enduring presence of nature.
d) The enduring presence of nature.
The river flowed through the valley, providing water for the farms and homes along its banks. It was a source of life and beauty. However, when a factory upstream began dumping waste, the river became polluted. The fish died, and the plants withered.
Which detail best supports the theme of environmental impact?
a) The river flowed through the valley.
b) The river provided water for farms and homes.
c) The factory dumped waste into the river.
d) The river was a source of life and beauty.
c) The factory dumped waste into the river.
A character who starts as fearful and avoids challenges eventually faces their fears and takes a decisive action. This action MOST likely leads to:
a) A sudden change in the weather.
b) The character's isolation.
c) The resolution of the main conflict.
d) A new subplot.
c) The resolution of the main conflict.
If a character consistently ignores warnings and faces negative consequences, but then finally listens to advice, what is the MOST likely impact on the plot?
a) The character's problems worsen.
b) The character becomes a minor character.
c) The character is able to resolve the central conflict.
d) The story ends abruptly.
c) The character is able to resolve the central conflict.
Passage: Maya shuffled home from school, kicking at loose stones on the sidewalk. Suddenly, her foot struck something hard. She looked down and saw an old, rusty key lying in the dirt. It wasn't just any key; strange symbols were etched into its surface. Maya picked it up, brushing off the grime. She turned the key over in her hand, wondering what it unlocked. A shiver ran down her spine. The trees lining the path were tall and ancient, casting long shadows as the sun began to set. Maya felt her heart beat faster, and her thoughts raced. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret. She decided to go straight home, the key burning a strange warmth in her palm. The path was made of stones, worn smooth by time. She paused for a moment, looking around, and then continued, determined. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret.
The text states, "Maya felt a shiver run down her spine." What does this phrase MOST likely suggest?
a) She was cold.
b) She was excited.
c) She was nervous or scared.
d) She was tired.
c) She was nervous or scared.
Maya shuffled home from school, kicking at loose stones on the sidewalk. Suddenly, her foot struck something hard. She looked down and saw an old, rusty key lying in the dirt. It wasn't just any key; strange symbols were etched into its surface. Maya picked it up, brushing off the grime. She turned the key over in her hand, wondering what it unlocked. A shiver ran down her spine. The trees lining the path were tall and ancient, casting long shadows as the sun began to set. Maya felt her heart beat faster, and her thoughts raced. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret. She decided to go straight home, the key burning a strange warmth in her palm. The path was made of stones, worn smooth by time. She paused for a moment, looking around, and then continued, determined. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret.
Based on the text, what can you INFER about the type of story this is?
a) A realistic story about everyday life.
b) A science fiction story.
c) A historical fiction story.
d) A mystery or adventure story.
d) A mystery or adventure story.
Alex wanted to join the soccer team, but he wasn't very skilled. He practiced every day, even when it was hard. He watched videos of professional players and asked his coach for advice. Finally, after weeks of hard work, he made the team.
Which detail best supports the theme of perseverance?
a) Alex wanted to join the soccer team.
b) Alex watched videos of professional players.
c) Alex practiced every day, even when it was hard.
d) Alex asked his coach for advice.
c) Alex practiced every day, even when it was hard.
Lily loved to sing, but she was afraid of performing in front of others. Her music teacher encouraged her to join the school choir. Lily practiced diligently, and gradually, her confidence grew. During the school concert, she sang a solo and received a standing ovation.
What is the best objective summary of this passage?
a) Lily loves to sing and join the school choir.
b) Lily is afraid of performing in front of others, but she practices.
c) Lily overcomes her fear and gains confidence through singing in the choir.
d) Lily sings a solo and receives a standing ovation.
c) Lily overcomes her fear and gains confidence through singing in the choir.
If a character's stubbornness causes problems throughout the story, and they finally apologize and admit their mistake, what is the MOST likely impact on the plot?
a) The story ends with a cliffhanger.
b) The story moves towards a resolution involving reconciliation.
c) The story introduces a new antagonist.
d) The story focuses on a different character.
b) The story moves towards a resolution involving reconciliation.
A character who is initially passive and allows others to make decisions for them begins to take control of their own destiny. This change is MOST likely to:
a) Create a new conflict.
b) Lead to the resolution of the story's main problem.
c) Make the character less important.
d) Change the setting of the story.
b) Lead to the resolution of the story's main problem.
Passage: Maya shuffled home from school, kicking at loose stones on the sidewalk. Suddenly, her foot struck something hard. She looked down and saw an old, rusty key lying in the dirt. It wasn't just any key; strange symbols were etched into its surface. Maya picked it up, brushing off the grime. She turned the key over in her hand, wondering what it unlocked. A shiver ran down her spine. The trees lining the path were tall and ancient, casting long shadows as the sun began to set. Maya felt her heart beat faster, and her thoughts raced. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret. She decided to go straight home, the key burning a strange warmth in her palm. The path was made of stones, worn smooth by time. She paused for a moment, looking around, and then continued, determined. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret.
Which detail from the text provides evidence that the key was not ordinary?
a) "It was made of metal."
b) "It had strange symbols etched into it."
c) "It was small and light."
d) "It was found near a tree."
b) "It had strange symbols etched into it."
Maya shuffled home from school, kicking at loose stones on the sidewalk. Suddenly, her foot struck something hard. She looked down and saw an old, rusty key lying in the dirt. It wasn't just any key; strange symbols were etched into its surface. Maya picked it up, brushing off the grime. She turned the key over in her hand, wondering what it unlocked. A shiver ran down her spine. The trees lining the path were tall and ancient, casting long shadows as the sun began to set. Maya felt her heart beat faster, and her thoughts raced. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret. She decided to go straight home, the key burning a strange warmth in her palm. The path was made of stones, worn smooth by time. She paused for a moment, looking around, and then continued, determined. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret.
Which of the following quotes from the text shows Maya is determined?
a) "Maya paused for a moment."
b) "She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret."
c) "She decided to go home."
d) "She looked at the key."
b) "She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret."
Sarah loved reading books about adventures. She dreamed of exploring far-off lands and discovering hidden treasures. One day, she decided to start a blog to share her imaginary adventures with others. She used her vivid descriptions and exciting stories to transport her readers to new worlds.
What is the best objective summary of this passage?
a) Sarah loves to read books about adventures.
b) Sarah dreams of exploring far-off lands and finding treasures.
c) Sarah wants to travel to different countries.
d) Sarah uses her imagination to create and share adventure stories through her blog.
d) Sarah uses her imagination to create and share adventure stories through her blog.
The old lighthouse stood on the rocky shore, guiding ships safely through the stormy seas. Its light was a beacon of hope for sailors, warning them of dangerous reefs and guiding them to harbor. The lighthouse keeper worked tirelessly, ensuring the light remained bright.
How does the lighthouse represent the central idea of guidance and safety?
a) It warns sailors of dangerous reefs.
b) It is located on a rocky shore.
c) It is old and stands tall.
d) It is operated by a lighthouse keeper.
a) It warns sailors of dangerous reefs.
A character who is initially selfish learns to value friendship and cooperation. How does this change MOST significantly contribute to the story's resolution?
a) It makes the story longer.
b) It allows the character to solve a problem they couldn't solve alone.
c) It introduces a new mystery.
d) It creates a new setting.
b) It allows the character to solve a problem they couldn't solve alone.
Throughout the story, a character struggles with a moral dilemma. Their final decision MOST significantly contributes to:
a) The introduction of a new character.
b) The resolution of the internal conflict and the external conflict.
c) A change in the story's narration.
d) A change in the story's theme.
b) The resolution of the internal conflict and the external conflict.
Passage: Maya shuffled home from school, kicking at loose stones on the sidewalk. Suddenly, her foot struck something hard. She looked down and saw an old, rusty key lying in the dirt. It wasn't just any key; strange symbols were etched into its surface. Maya picked it up, brushing off the grime. She turned the key over in her hand, wondering what it unlocked. A shiver ran down her spine. The trees lining the path were tall and ancient, casting long shadows as the sun began to set. Maya felt her heart beat faster, and her thoughts raced. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret. She decided to go straight home, the key burning a strange warmth in her palm. The path was made of stones, worn smooth by time. She paused for a moment, looking around, and then continued, determined. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret.
What inference can be made about Maya's intentions with the key?
a) She wants to find out what it unlocks.
b) She plans to throw it away.
c) She will give it to a friend.
d) She will sell it.
a) She wants to find out what it unlocks.
Maya shuffled home from school, kicking at loose stones on the sidewalk. Suddenly, her foot struck something hard. She looked down and saw an old, rusty key lying in the dirt. It wasn't just any key; strange symbols were etched into its surface. Maya picked it up, brushing off the grime. She turned the key over in her hand, wondering what it unlocked. A shiver ran down her spine. The trees lining the path were tall and ancient, casting long shadows as the sun began to set. Maya felt her heart beat faster, and her thoughts raced. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret. She decided to go straight home, the key burning a strange warmth in her palm. The path was made of stones, worn smooth by time. She paused for a moment, looking around, and then continued, determined. She gripped the key tightly, vowing to uncover its secret.
What can be inferred about the future of the story, based on the ending of the passage?
a) Maya will forget about the key.
b) Maya will discover the key's purpose and solve a mystery.
c) Maya will lose the key.
d) Maya will give the key to her parents.
b) Maya will discover the key's purpose and solve a mystery. (This is the most likely inference, given the setup.)
The small town of Willow Creek was known for its annual pie-baking contest. Every year, residents would compete to create the most delicious pie. This year, Mrs. Peterson, a newcomer, entered her special apple pie. The judges were amazed by its flavor, and she won first place.
How is the central idea of community tradition conveyed in this passage?
a) Through the description of Mrs. Peterson’s apple pie.
b) By highlighting the judges' reactions to the pie.
c) By mentioning the annual pie-baking contest.
d) By describing the small town of Willow Creek.
c) By mentioning the annual pie-baking contest.
Ben wanted to build a treehouse in his backyard. He gathered wood and tools, but he didn’t have any plans. He tried different designs, but nothing worked. Finally, he asked his neighbor, a carpenter, for help. Together, they created a sturdy and beautiful treehouse.
What is the main theme of this passage?
a) The joy of building treehouses.
b) The importance of having good tools.
c) The value of seeking help and collaboration.
d) The challenges of working with wood.
c) The value of seeking help and collaboration.
In a drama, a character's impulsive decisions lead to escalating conflicts. When they finally learn to think before acting, what is the MOST probable result?
a) The drama becomes a comedy.
b) The conflicts are resolved, leading to a peaceful conclusion.
c) The character leaves the play.
d) The setting changes drastically.
b) The conflicts are resolved, leading to a peaceful conclusion.
A character who is filled with anger and resentment throughout the story finally learns to forgive. How does this change likely affect the plot's resolution?
a) It makes the story more confusing.
b) It creates a new antagonist.
c) It allows for a resolution involving reconciliation and healing.
d) It changes the story's setting to a different location.
c) It allows for a resolution involving reconciliation and healing.