Passage 1
1. In paragraph 1 of "The Evolution of the Kart," what does the word phenomenon mean?
A. A rare scientific occurrence
B. A popular and impressive trend
C. A disappointing failure
D. A mysterious secret
B. A popular and impressive trend
Based on paragraph 3, the reader can infer that Leo —
A. is worried about the difficulty of the track
B. thinks Maya is cheating
C. has won every race he has played against Maya
D. prefers playing games that are set in space
A. is worried about the difficulty of the track
How does the "Red Shell" mentioned in Passage 2 relate to the "unpredictability" described in paragraph 2 of Passage 1?
A. The Red Shell shows that Leo was lucky to find a box.
B. The Red Shell allowed Leo to change the outcome of the race quickly.
C. The Red Shell is an item that only experienced players can use.
D. The Red Shell proved that Maya was the better driver.
B. The Red Shell allowed Leo to change the outcome of the race quickly.
Introduced in Mario Kart 64, this item is designed specifically to target the racer in first place
What is the Blue Shell (or Spiny Shell)?
This engine class, not featured in the original Wii U release, was added as free DLC to Mario Kart 8 and is faster than 150cc.
What is 200cc?
What is the most likely reason the author included the information about "items" in paragraph 2?
A. To explain why the game is difficult for new players to learn
B. To describe the technical limitations of the Super Nintendo
C. To highlight the unique features that made the game successful
D. To argue that the game relies more on luck than skill
C. To highlight the unique features that made the game successful
5. How does the setting of "Rainbow Road" contribute to the plot of the story?
A. It provides a peaceful background for the siblings' conversation.
B. It creates a sense of high stakes and danger during the race.
C. It shows that Leo is more experienced with the game than Maya.
D. It explains why Maya loses the race at the very end.
B. It creates a sense of high stakes and danger during the race.
Both the author of the informational text and the author of the narrative text would likely agree that —
A. Mario Kart is a game that encourages social interaction.
B. Rainbow Road is the most difficult track in the game.
C. Older siblings usually win at video games.
D. Video games are becoming too realistic.
A. Mario Kart is a game that encourages social interaction.
This 2003 GameCube title was the first in the series to require two characters per kart.
What is Mario Kart: Double Dash!!?
This GCN retro track in the Lightning Cup features a famous, tight spiral bridge and is frequently played in competitive matches.
What is Yoshi Circuit?
Which sentence from the selection best supports the idea that Mario Kart is inclusive of different types of players?
A. "The developers decided that having recognizable characters like Mario and Luigi behind the wheel would make the competition feel more friendly..."
B. "It remains a staple in households because it balances skill with luck..."
C. "The franchise has sold over 170 million copies worldwide."
D. "From the flat tracks of the 90s to the gravity-defying 'anti-gravity' mechanics..."
B. "It remains a staple in households because it balances skill with luck..."
6. Which of the following best describes the climax of the story?
A. Leo chooses his character for the race.
B. Maya tells Leo that the trophy will be hers.
C. Leo uses his Red Shell to pass Maya at the finish line.
D. Maya asks Leo for a rematch.
C. Leo uses his Red Shell to pass Maya at the finish line.
What is one difference between the two passages?
A. Passage 1 focuses on the history of the game, while Passage 2 focuses on a specific experience playing it.
B. Passage 1 argues that the game is too easy, while Passage 2 shows how hard it is.
C. Passage 1 is written from the perspective of a player, while Passage 2 is written by a developer.
D. Passage 1 describes the characters, while Passage 2 only describes the cars.
A. Passage 1 focuses on the history of the game, while Passage 2 focuses on a specific experience playing it.
Often found in the Special Cup, this desert-themed track from Mario Kart 64 features a train as a hazard.
What is Kalimari Desert?
Introduced to Mario Kart 8, this item, represented by a blue "8" icon, grants the user eight different items at once.
What is the Crazy 8?
The author organizes paragraph 1 of "The Evolution of the Kart" by —
A. comparing the graphics of the original game to modern versions
B. listing the characters in the order they were created for the game
C. explaining the historical reasons why the game was developed
D. describing the different ways a player can win a race
C. explaining the historical reasons why the game was developed
Read this sentence from paragraph 5.
Leo zipped past her, the checkered flag waving as the "First Place" music erupted from the speakers.
The author uses the word erupted to emphasize —
A. the loud and sudden change in the atmosphere
B. that the speakers were broken and making noise
C. Leo’s anger at his sister for teasing him
D. the long duration of the race
A. the loud and sudden change in the atmosphere
Which detail from "The Final Lap" best illustrates the "unpredictability" described in "The Evolution of the Kart"?
A. Leo focusing on the mini-map in the corner of the screen.
B. Maya teasing Leo about winning the trophy.
C. The neon lights of Rainbow Road shimmering in space.
D. Leo using a Red Shell to win after Maya celebrated early.
D. Leo using a Red Shell to win after Maya celebrated early.
This lightweight green character is known for riding a kart shaped like his own egg.
Who is Yoshi?
This character, usually an enemy, made their playable Mario Kart debut in the Mario Kart 8 DLC and is known for being a floating, masked creature.
Who is Dry Bones?
Which idea from "The Evolution of the Kart" does the author include to show that the game has been successful over a long period of time?
A. The game was originally created for the Super Nintendo (SNES).
B. It has sold over 170 million copies since its debut in 1992.
C. Items like the Blue Shell can help a player in last place.
D. Modern versions include "anti-gravity" mechanics.
B. It has sold over 170 million copies since its debut in 1992.
In paragraph 4, the description of Leo’s heart "hammering against his ribs" is used to —
A. show that Leo is physically exhausted from the race
B. suggest that Leo is afraid of losing to his sister
C. emphasize the intensity and excitement Leo feels
D. indicate that the room where they are playing is too hot
C. emphasize the intensity and excitement Leo feels
While Passage 1 provides a broad overview of Mario Kart, Passage 2 provides —
A. a technical guide on how to use the "anti-gravity" mechanics
B. a specific example of the competitive spirit the game creates
C. a warning about the dangers of playing video games too long
D. a list of the most popular characters in the franchise
B. a specific example of the competitive spirit the game creates
Debuting in Mario Kart 7, this feature allows karts to soar through the air using a specialized item.
What is the Glider (or Hang Glider)?
In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, this specific item, returning from Super Mario Kart, allows players to jump over obstacles and steal balloons from opponents
What is feather?