Passage 1 (poem/poema)
#1. Which statement shows the central message of the poem? (.10a)
A. Christmas is mostly about giving and receiving gifts.
B. Santa Claus is the most important part of Christmas.
C. Santa Claus brings presents to all American children.
D. The joy of Christmas should be shared with everyone.
D. The joy of Christmas should be shared with everyone.
#6 The story states that the sleigh was powered by "starlight-powered propulsion" (paragraph 1). Based on the context, what does the word propulsion mean? (.3B)
A. The heavy weight that holds the sleigh down.
B. The magical sound the sleigh makes when flying.
C. The system that generates the forward movement.
D. The special reindeer that pulls the sleigh.
B. The magical sound the sleigh makes when flying.
#2 In line 8, the words "worthy cause" show that the elves' second shift is — (.10d)
A. fun because it allows them to create new toys.
B. silly because it makes them laugh as they work.
C. boring because it means they have to work long hours.
D. important because it brings happiness to kids around the world.
D. important because it brings happiness to kids around the world.
#7 Which of the following details about the sleigh breaking down is part of the rising action? (Select TWO) (.10C)
A. A crucial gear snaps with a sharp, sickening CRACK.
B. Santa feels the sleigh lurch and drag like a wounded bird.
C. Santa realizes the repairs are beyond his usual Christmas Eve tinkering.
D. Elara gives Santa the "Fix-Anything" kit.
A. A crucial gear snaps with a sharp, sickening CRACK.
C. Santa realizes the repairs are beyond his usual Christmas Eve tinkering.
#11 Read the line from paragraph 8 from the story: "Magic. The kind of selfless, human magic that fuels the grander spells of the North Pole." (.10C)
This statement serves as the story’s climax because it represents:
A. The final outcome when Santa flies away.
B. The initial problem when the gear breaks.
C. The point of highest tension and the realization of the story’s central truth.
D. The setting of the scene with the moonlit clearing.
C. The point of highest tension and the realization of the story’s central truth.
#3 Which line from the poem shows that the speaker is curious about Santa? (.7c)
A. "Santas, Santas everywhere, / but how can that be so?" (Lines 1-2)
B. "They stand on every corner / from Vermont to Idaho" (Lines 3-4)
C. "He must be pretty picky picking / out his substitutes" (Lines 9-10)
D. They all look nice and jolly / in their big red Santa suits. (Lines 11-12)
A. "Santas, Santas everywhere, / but how can that be so?" (Lines 1-2)
#10. Which statement best describes the connection between the purpose of both the poem and the story? (.10A)
A. Both texts aim to explore and celebrate the various ways the spirit of Christmas is found in the world.
B. Both texts aim to inform the reader about the logistics of Santa's work and travel.
C. Both texts aim to persuade the reader to become a substitute Santa or an elf.
D. Both texts aim to instruct the reader on how to fix a broken piece of machinery.
A. Both texts aim to explore and celebrate the various ways the spirit of Christmas is found in the world.
#4 Read the phrase from the poem: "He must be pretty picky picking out his substitutes." (lines 9-10) (.3b)
Based on the context of the poem, what does the word picky mean?
A. Not careful; likely to choose anything.
B. Uncaring; not paying attention to details.
C. Selective; very careful about making a choice.
D. Quick; making decisions very fast.
C. Selective; very careful about making a choice.
#8 PART A What is the message that the author wants to convey through the story of Elara and Santa? (.10A)
A. You should always keep a full tool kit with you.
B. Never leave your most important tools at home.
C. Acts of selfless kindness and belief hold a powerful magic.
D. The Rocky Mountains are the best place for a sleigh to land.
C. Acts of selfless kindness and belief hold a powerful magic.
#9 (Part A) What is the central theme that is present in both "Santas, Santas Everywhere" and "The Year the Sleigh Broke Down"? (.6E)
A. The importance of keeping tools and spare parts handy.
B. The idea that the spirit of giving and goodness is shared by many.
C. The difficulties Santa Claus faces on Christmas Eve.
D. The beauty of the winter setting in different locations.
B. The idea that the spirit of giving and goodness is shared by many.
How does the speaker's opinion on Santa change from the beginning of the poem to the end? (.8B)
The speaker's opinion on Santa changes from feeling unsure to more certain. At the beginning of the poem, the speaker wonders how it is possible that they see Santa Claus in so many different places: "Santas, Santas everywhere, / but how can that be so?" (Lines 1-2). The speaker even wonders if Santa receives help from his family or elves so that he can appear in more than one place at a time (Lines 5-8). But, by the end of the poem, the speaker feels okay about seeing Santas everywhere because it means that the Christmas spirit is being shared with more people: "They all must have some Santa Claus / inside of them to share" (Lines 15-16). The speaker realizes that Santa is more than a single person, and instead a feeling of joy that should be shared. This is how the speaker's opinion on Santa changes from the beginning of the poem to its end.
#8 PART B
How does the author's use of a chronological structure help achieve the author's purpose? (.10b)
A. By focusing on a character, the author shows the impact of a good deed.
B. By using a chronological list, the author makes the events easy to follow.
C. By using descriptive language, the author makes the setting seem beautiful.
D. By including dialogue, the author allows the characters to express their feelings.
A. By focusing on a character, the author shows the impact of a good deed.
#9 (Part B) Which pieces of evidence from the texts together best support the answer to Part A? (.6E)
A. The speaker wonders if Santas have dozens of cousins and Santa is disappointed about his broken sleigh.
B. The Santas "all look nice and jolly" and Elara is wrapped in a thick wool blanket.
C. The Santas must have "some Santa Claus inside of them to share" and Elara's "selfless giving made the repair stronger than before."
D. The Santas stand on every corner "from Vermont to Idaho" and the sleigh lands in a clearing over the Rockies.
C. The Santas must have "some Santa Claus inside of them to share" and Elara's "selfless giving made the repair stronger than before."