PASSAGE 1
What character trait best describes clara?
A. Careless
B. Determined
C. Impatient
D. Playful
B. Determined
Which trait best describes Thomas in this scene? (Passage 2)
A. Confident
B. Thoughtless
C. Reflective
D. Angry
C. Reflective
How does the line “the silence sat heavy” shape the meaning of the poem? (Passage 3)
A. It shows the town is peaceful
B. It suggests the silence feels uncomfortable and full of worry
C. It explains the weather
D. It describes the soldiers’ footsteps
B. It suggests the silence feels uncomfortable and full of worry
Which trait best describes Samuel?
A. Careless
B. Hopeful
C. Impatient
D. Lazy
B. Hopeful
How did Clara’s actions affect what happened in the story? Provide one piece of text evidence to support your thinking.
Clara worked harder in school because her father was sacrificing for her.
Evidence: “He promised he was doing it so she could stay in school” / “stayed up late practicing her reading.”
The author writes, “It feels wrong learning fractions while he’s learning how to march.”
What does the phrase “feels wrong” most nearly mean? (Passage 2)
A. Thomas is confused about math
B. Thomas feels guilty and conflicted
C. Thomas dislikes school
D. Thomas is bored
B. Thomas feels guilty and conflicted
What is the mood of the poem?
A. Joyful
B. Hopeful
C. Anxious and heavy
D. Playful
C. Anxious and heavy
Why does Samuel continue to wind the watch even though it is broken?
A. He thinks it will fix the factory
B. It helps him remember his grandfather and stay hopeful
C. He does not know it is broken
D. He is bored
B. It helps him remember his grandfather and stay hopeful
Choose the best answer that explains why Clara stayed up late practicing her reading.
A. She wanted to avoid her chores
B. She was afraid of the dark
C. She wanted to honor her father’s sacrifice
D. She enjoyed candlelight
C. She wanted to honor her father's sacrifice
How does this phrase help the reader understand the story? (Passage 2)
A. It explains the setting
B. It shows Thomas’s inner conflict
C. It introduces a new problem
D. It describes the mood of the classroom
B. It shows Thomas’s inner conflict
The line “stretching longer than the days” is an example of:
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Hyperbole
D. Alliteration
C. Hyperbole
What does the watch most likely symbolize in the story?
A. Wealth
B. Time passing quickly
C. Hope during difficult times
D. Anger about the past
C. Hope during difficult times
Why does Clara’s smile fade when she reads the letter?
A. She is angry her father did not come home
B. She feels worried about her father’s safety
C. She does not understand the letter
D. She is tired from chores
B. She feels worried about her father’s safety
How does Jacob leaving for the war affect Thomas’s feelings about school? What evidence can you grab from the text to support?
Thomas feels conflicted or guilty about being in school while Jacob is away.
“It feels wrong learning fractions while he’s learning how to march.”
“I hope he comes back.”
What does the phrase “stretching longer than the days” suggest?
A. Time feels slow because people are worried and waiting
B. The summer days are physically longer
C. The town is busy
D. The soldiers are returning soon
A. Time feels slow because people are worried and waiting
How does the watch ticking once affect Samuel? What evidence can you use to support your thinking?
It gives Samuel hope and makes him feel encouraged.
“Just a sound, but enough to make Samuel smile.”
“hurried home, hopeful.”
Which theme is best supported by this passage?
A. Hard work always leads to success
B. Family sacrifice can motivate personal growth
C. Change is always difficult
D. Children should obey their parents
B. Family sacrifice can motivate personal growth
"Always"
What does Mary’s response reveal about her point of view?
A. She believes school is unimportant
B. She is angry with Thomas
C. She understands the sacrifice and values education
D. She wants Thomas to quit school
C. She understands the sacrifice and values education
Which theme is best supported by the poem?
A. War brings excitement
B. Waiting can be emotionally difficult
C. Silence is peaceful
D. Communities forget quickly
B. Waiting can be emotionally difficult
Which theme is best supported by the passage?
A. Machines always fail
B. Hope can exist even during hardship
C. School is important
D. Time should not be wasted
B. Hope can exist even during hardship