Word Study
The stormy night left the village feeling elusive, as if the storm had washed away the usual sense of place. The wind howled, and the clouds swallowed the moon, creating a feeling of being lost in the vast emptiness of nature.
Dictionary entry for "elusive":
elusive (adjective):
Difficult to find, catch, or achieve.
Hard to define or understand.
Slippery or evasive.
Question:
Which definition best matches the meaning of "elusive" as it is used in paragraph 1?
A) Difficult to find or achieve
B) Slippery or evasive
C) Hard to understand or define
D) Easily obtained
C) Hard to understand or define
Paragraph 3:
The benevolent stranger offered assistance to anyone in need, giving without expecting anything in return. His kindness was apparent in every action.
Question:
In paragraph 3, the root words "bene," "vol," and "volv" help the reader determine that the word "benevolent" means:
A) Evil and cruel
B) Kind and generous
C) Suspicious and untrustworthy
D) Angry and bitter
B) Kind and generous
Sam sat in his room, staring at the old photograph of him and his dad from when he was younger. His father had told him to "man up" after Sam opened up about feeling overwhelmed. The words stung, and Sam wondered if his father would ever understand him.
Question:
The reader can infer that the narrator and his father have a strained relationship because:
A) Sam's father always praises him for his efforts.
B) Sam feels his father doesn’t listen or empathize with him.
C) Sam and his father share similar feelings about challenges.
D) Sam’s father gives him plenty of emotional support.
B) Sam feels his father doesn’t listen or empathize with him.
Throughout the story, the protagonist struggles with self-doubt and the fear of failure. In the end, after facing numerous challenges and reflecting on his journey, he learns that perseverance and believing in oneself are essential for overcoming obstacles.
Question:
What is the main theme of the story?
A) The importance of seeking help from others.
B) The power of perseverance and self-belief in overcoming challenges.
C) The inevitability of failure in every journey.
D) The need to avoid conflict at all costs.
B) The power of perseverance and self-belief in overcoming challenges.
As the storm raged outside, Henry sat in the old, creaky chair, staring at the fireplace. His mind wandered back to the conversation he had with Sarah earlier that day, where she had said, “You’ll never change.” The words stung more than he cared to admit.
Question:
The third-person limited point of view helps the reader understand:
A) Henry’s internal struggle and emotions, particularly his frustration and self-doubt.
B) The reasons behind Sarah’s behavior and how she feels about Henry.
C) The events occurring outside Henry’s immediate experience, such as the weather and Sarah’s actions.
D) The overall mood of the town, not just Henry’s emotions.
A) Henry’s internal struggle and emotions, particularly his frustration and self-doubt.
Despite the chaos outside, there was something serene about the atmosphere inside the house. The fireplace crackled softly, casting a warm glow on the walls. The quietness was almost palpable.
Dictionary entry for "serene":
serene (adjective):
Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
Clear and bright (weather).
Dignified and composed.
Which definition best matches the way "serene" is used in paragraph 2?
A) Calm, peaceful, and untroubled
B) Clear and bright (weather)
C) Dignified and composed
D) Quiet and filled with tension
A) Calm, peaceful, and untroubled
The word "audible" comes from the Latin root "audire," which means "to hear." What does "audible" mean in paragraph 6?
Paragraph 6:
The audible sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway, signaling someone was approaching.
Question:
What does "audible" mean in paragraph 6?
A) Silent and still
B) Loud and clear
C) Impossible to hear
D) Barely noticeable
B) Loud and clear
Paragraph:
Daniel paced back and forth, his heart racing before the big game. As the coach called him over, Daniel hesitated for a moment but finally walked with purpose. His palms were sweaty, but he had a determined look in his eyes.
Question:
Based on his actions in paragraph 5, the reader can conclude that Daniel:
A) Is scared and unsure of himself.
B) Is confident and eager to play.
C) Is nervous but determined to succeed.
D) Is uninterested in the game.
C) Is nervous but determined to succeed.
Paragraph:
Despite the stormy weather and many setbacks, Elena stood firm, clutching the map with determination. "I won't turn back," she said. "No matter what, I'll find my way through."
Question:
Which sentence from the story best expresses its theme?
A) "Elena was tired and ready to give up."
B) "I won't turn back," she said.
C) "The storm made everything feel impossible."
D) "Elena wished someone had told her it would be this hard."
B) "I won't turn back," she said.
Madeline stared out the window, her mind racing with the possibilities. Could she really take that job offer? She wasn’t sure if she was ready, but then again, how would she know unless she tried? She wished she had someone to talk to about it, but the decision felt entirely hers.
Question:
The limited point of view helps the reader understand:
A) The reasons behind Madeline’s indecision and self-doubt.
B) What the other characters in the story are planning to do next.
C) Madeline’s past experiences that led to her current situation.
D) The motivations of her coworkers and family members.
A) The reasons behind Madeline’s indecision and self-doubt.
After the detour, they were greeted by a vibrant field of wildflowers that had bloomed in the wake of the storm. It was a stark contrast to the bleakness of the night before.
Which words from paragraph 5 help the reader understand the meaning of "vibrant"?
A) "Lively colors"
B) "Dull and lifeless"
C) "Soft and muted"
D) "Calm and neutral"
A) "Lively colors"
Read the origin of the word "spectrum" (from Latin "spectrum" meaning "appearance" or "image"). This information helps the reader understand that "spectrum" in paragraph 7 means:
Paragraph 7:
The scientist studied the light spectrum, noting how the colors shifted as the light passed through the prism.
Question:
This information helps the reader understand that "spectrum" in paragraph 7 means:
A) A narrow range of colors
B) An appearance of light
C) A fixed point of color
D) The absence of light
B) An appearance of light
Paragraph (from "The Big Game"):
Daniel hesitated before stepping onto the field, but with a deep breath, he walked forward, determined not to let his nerves stop him. His coach gave him a quick nod of encouragement as he took his position.
Paragraph (from "The Apology"):
Jake stood before his friend, his heart pounding. He had avoided this conversation for weeks, but now he knew it was time. With a shaky voice, he finally said, "I’m sorry for what I did."
Question:
The reader can conclude that Daniel in “The Big Game” and Jake in “The Apology” both:
A) Feel calm and unbothered about the situation.
B) Are reluctant but push themselves to face their fears.
C) Find success without any hesitation.
D) Avoid important situations when they feel nervous.
B) Are reluctant but push themselves to face their fears.
Paragraph:
The characters in the story are faced with difficult choices that challenge their morals and values. Each person must make a decision, and the consequences of those choices reveal the complexity of right and wrong.
Question:
What is the primary theme of the story?
A) The impact of personal decisions on others.
B) The struggles of living in a difficult environment.
C) The importance of following others' advice.
D) The benefits of wealth and status.
A) The impact of personal decisions on others.
I didn’t know what to expect when I opened the letter. As I read the words, my heart sank. Everything I thought I knew about my family suddenly seemed like a lie. "How could they keep this from me?" I whispered, feeling a knot form in my stomach.
Question:
The first-person point of view helps the reader understand:
A) The narrator’s direct emotional reaction to the shocking news.
B) What other characters are thinking and feeling about the situation.
C) The background and history of the family dynamic.
D) The plot details from multiple characters’ perspectives.
A) The narrator’s direct emotional reaction to the shocking news.
The conversation drifted into deeper topics, and he shared an insight into his philosophy of life, revealing how he had come to see adversity as an opportunity for growth.
Which words help explain the meaning of "insight"?
A) "Deep understanding"
B) "Clear view"
C) "Shallow thoughts"
D) "Quick reaction"
A) "Deep understanding"
In paragraph 2, the word "transport" comes from the Latin root "trans-" meaning "across" and "portare" meaning "to carry." What does "transport" mean in paragraph 2?
Paragraph 2:
The transport of goods across the river was essential for trade, as the bridge had been washed away by the flood.
Question:
What does "transport" mean in paragraph 2?
A) To destroy
B) To carry something across a distance
C) To observe something closely
D) To leave something behind
B) To carry something across a distance
Paragraph:
Sarah’s mom watched as her daughter fidgeted with her dress. “You’ve always loved acting, Sarah. This is a great opportunity for you to show your talent and step outside your comfort zone.”
Question:
What is the most likely reason Sarah's mom encouraged her to try out for the play?
A) She wanted Sarah to become famous for acting.
B) She thought it would help Sarah gain confidence and try something new.
C) She believed acting was the only way Sarah could be successful.
D) She wanted Sarah to have a busy schedule and stay active.
B) She thought it would help Sarah gain confidence and try something new.
Paragraph:
After many attempts to solve the problem, Marcus realized that success was not about achieving perfection but about learning from mistakes and growing stronger each time.
Question:
What is one message the author conveys in the story?
A) Perfection is the key to success.
B) It is important to avoid failure at all costs.
C) Learning from mistakes is essential to personal growth.
D) Only natural talent leads to success.
C) Learning from mistakes is essential to personal growth.
Paragraph (from "The Midnight Chase"):
Derek’s breathing quickened as he rounded the corner, his heart pounding in his chest. The dark alley seemed to stretch on forever, and he had no idea where the person chasing him had gone. Panic set in, but he forced himself to keep moving, knowing there was no turning back now.
Paragraph (from "The Forgotten Truth"):
Olivia stood in front of the old house, her hands trembling. She had seen this place before in her dreams, but now it felt different, real. She couldn't shake the feeling that something important was hidden here—something she was meant to find.
Question:
The third-person limited point of view in both “The Midnight Chase” and “The Forgotten Truth” allows the reader to understand the:
A) Internal fears and motivations of Derek and Olivia, who are both facing life-changing moments.
B) Thoughts of every character involved in the stories, including those watching Derek and Olivia.
C) Setting and external actions in both stories, including the environment around the characters.
D) Overall plot structure of both stories, where everything is resolved by the end.
A) Internal fears and motivations of Derek and Olivia, who are both facing life-changing moments.
Paragraph 3:
In the corner of the room, an old book sat on the shelf, its cover faded and edges worn. The book seemed almost baffled by the passage of time, left behind in a forgotten corner.
Paragraph 4:
When the winds died down, they decided to take a detour around the mountainside to avoid the dangerous roads ahead. The new route would lead them through an unfamiliar path, but it seemed safer.
Which phrase from paragraphs 3 and 4 helps the reader understand the meaning of "baffled" in paragraph 3?
A) "Faded and edges worn"
B) "Left behind in a forgotten corner"
C) "Took a detour around the mountainside"
D) "The new route would lead them through an unfamiliar path"
B) "Left behind in a forgotten corner"
In paragraph 5, the root words "bene" and "fic" help the reader determine that the word "beneficial" means:
Paragraph 5:
The new policy was beneficial to the community, improving living standards and creating more opportunities for local businesses.
Question:
In paragraph 5, the root words "bene" and "fic" help the reader determine that the word "beneficial" means:
A) Harmful and damaging
B) Providing an advantage or good result
C) Uncertain or undecided
D) Creating difficulties for everyone
B) Providing an advantage or good result
Paragraph:
Jake took a step forward, but he felt his hands sweat. He had been holding onto his anger for so long that letting it go felt like a huge weight lifting off his shoulders. “I don’t know how you’ll take this,” he admitted quietly.
Question:
Which sentence from “The Apology” provides a possible reason why Jake feels nervous about apologizing?
A) “Jake took a step forward, but he felt his hands sweat.”
B) “He had been holding onto his anger for so long.”
C) “Letting it go felt like a huge weight lifting off his shoulders.”
D) “I don’t know how you’ll take this,” he admitted quietly.
B) “He had been holding onto his anger for so long.”
Paragraph:
The broken mirror in the story reflects the protagonist's shattered self-image. Throughout the narrative, the character’s attempts to fix the mirror symbolize the journey toward self-acceptance and understanding.
Question:
How does the author use symbolism to reinforce the theme?
A) The mirror shows how perfect the character’s life is.
B) The broken mirror represents the protagonist's struggle to rebuild their self-confidence.
C) The mirror represents the character’s inability to solve problems.
D) The mirror is a metaphor for the character’s strong and unshakable confidence.
B) The broken mirror represents the protagonist's struggle to rebuild their self-confidence.
Paragraph:
Even though Emma had no idea why her brother had stopped talking to her, she was determined to fix their relationship. Meanwhile, her brother, Liam, sat in his room, consumed with guilt but too proud to reach out first. Neither knew that the other was struggling, though they both longed for reconciliation.
Question:
Because the story is written from a third-person omniscient point of view, the reader is able to understand:
A) Emma’s desire to mend things, as well as Liam’s internal conflict and pride.
B) Only Emma’s point of view, since the narrator is limited to her thoughts.
C) The exact reasons why Emma and Liam are no longer talking.
D) The setting in the room where each character is located.
A) Emma’s desire to mend things, as well as Liam’s internal conflict and pride.