Digging Up the Truth
Who is Nelson talking to when he returns to the library in line 7?
Ms. Chen
What is the central idea of the selection about the Junior Ranger Program?
The program offers a way for children to learn about and explore Texas state parks.
In “Do What You Can,” what did the farmer fear would happen to his corn?
That he would have no crop because no rain fell.
What is the most likely reason the author wrote this selection?
To explain that music is more powerful than many people realize and is good for mood, health, and learning.
In “Good Night,” the suffix -ly in “suddenly” helps the reader understand that suddenly means —
in a fast way
What is the most likely reason Nelson asks Lucia, “Where’d you get that book?” in line 25?
To find out if she picked up his book in the library.
In which section does the author explain that a park ranger will review the Junior Ranger Activity Journal?
becoming a Junior Ranger
What does the word wither mean in paragraph 1 of “Do What You Can”?
become dry
What can the reader infer about the study in paragraph 5 that used relaxing classical music before bedtime?
That a certain type of relaxing music encourages more restful sleep for students.
Why does the poet use the figurative language “the curtain has a way of whispering to the shade” (lines 6–7)?
To emphasize how quiet, shadowy night can make the speaker imagine shapes and feel afraid.
Which line best supports that Nelson realizes he made a mistake about Lucia?
“Poor Lucia was telling the truth all along.” line 44
What must children do to become a Junior Ranger, according to paragraphs 4–6?
Complete a number of activities in the activity journal (number depends on age), have them reviewed by a park ranger, take the pledge, and receive a badge.
Which sentence supports that the first raindrop inspired the others to help?
“Well, if you really insist upon going, I think I will go, too.” (paragraph 6)
Which claim does the author make in the selection?
People should listen to music more regularly because it benefits mood, health, and learning.
Which line shows the poem uses first-person point of view?
“I’m afraid.” or other lines with “I” such as “I put on the light.”
How does Mr. Lund help move the story toward its resolution?
He suggests Nelson look in his backpack again and encourages him to apologize the next day, helping Nelson realize the problem can be fixed.
Which sentence best states a message of the selection?
Learning about nature can be challenging and rewarding.
What is the main message of “How Six Sons Rescued Anansi”?
More can be accomplished when working as a team than working alone.
Based on paragraph 6, how might listening to music help a student during a test?
Background music can help students remember information and answer more test questions correctly.
What theme does the poet express in the poem “Good Night”?
Some problems come from our imagination.
What does Lucia’s action of “closing the book and holding it to her chest” (line 30 stage direction) suggest about her feelings or intentions, and which line in the play supports Nelson’s change of heart?
It suggests she is protecting or claiming the book; Nelson’s realization is supported by line 44: “Poor Lucia was telling the truth all along.”
Explain why children should visit many parks, using the selection’s supporting sentence.
“Each park offers a unique experience for young explorers,” so visiting many parks lets children experience a variety of environments and collect different badges.
How do the raindrops differ from Anansi’s sons?
The raindrops do not have different abilities, but Anansi’s sons each have a special talent.
The “Music Helps You Sleep” section uses a problem-and-solution structure. What is the problem and what solution does the author present?
Problem: some students have trouble sleeping;
Solution: listening to relaxing music before bedtime can improve sleep quality.
Explain why the speaker says “of course there’s nothing in the night that isn’t there by day” yet still puts on the light. Use lines from the poem in your answer.
The speaker recognizes logically that night has the same objects as day, but feelings (cold/hot bed, dreams, fear) cause worry, so the speaker puts on the light to feel safe.