Misc. questions
What does the word conclude mean?
To decide about something.
To figure out.
What is the most likely reason why Alvin gives Pinky his baseball cards?
He thinks it will help him make a friend.
When a question says "most likely", it is just asking "why?"
In stanza 3, the speaker uses a metaphor to compare what to a mountain?
a pile of leaves.
Will Mrs. Wilson be happy if you turn your test in in 30 minutes or less?
no.
How can I do my best on this test?
TAKE YOUR TIME
PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU ARE READING
Go back, reread
Take breaks!
Alvin's actions at school suggest that he...
Why does the author include the description of the leaves in stanza 5?
to emphasize that the leaves are dead and worthless. The speaker then expresses that the work to harvest the leaves was still worth it.
Take a walk, take a brain break, go to the bathroom.
What should I do if I don't feel like reading the test passages?
Take a brain break! DO NOT answer the questions without reading the passage first! big no-no!
The main conflict in Alvin Ho is resolved when...
Alvin decides that he doesn't want or need to be friends with Pinky. He sticks up for himself and becomes friends with Flea again.
Lines 22-24 are important to the poem because...
What should you do after you preview the passage?
Read the questions so you already know what to look for when you start reading.
What is another word for the "message" of a story?
Theme, lesson
What effect does Pinky daring Alvin to watch a scary movie and jump off his roof have on the story?
It causes Alvin to realize he does not want to be friends with Pinky.
In stanza 4 of the poem, what can the reader conclude about the way the speaker feels about raking up leaves?
The speaker feels that it is tedious work but it is a crop to harvest and is worth the time.
What should you do if the question says "in paragraph 3...." or "in lines 5-6...."
GO BACK AND REREAD BEFORE YOU LOOK AT THE ANSWER CHOICES!
What was the main message of Alvin Ho?
Be true to yourself, don't be scared to be friends with people different than you, don't let others boss you around, etc.
What is the summary of Alvin Ho?
Alvin is a shy boy who is scared of many things. He does not have friends at school because he cannot talk. He tries to fit in by using a PDK. He finds himself getting into trouble with kids he is trying to befriend and decides he does not need to be friends with them. He learns that he needs to be himself and he will find a true friend.
Why does the speaker include similes in the poem?
To paint a better picture in the reader's mind of the experience of raking leaves.
What's the first thing you should do when you open your test?
Preview the passage. Look for text features. Try to get an idea of what it will be about.