Vocab
What does the word diminishing mean in the sentence below?
We mourned the diminishing roar of the waves as we drove away from the beach.
a. abrupt
b. fading
c. mysterious
d. overwhelming
a. abrupt
b. fading
c. mysterious
d. overwhelming
What does the simile she is as sharp as a tack mean?
a. smart
b. snobby
c. impolite
d. metallic
a. smart
Where do the events of this passage take place?
a. on a tiny raft in the ocean
b. on a farm with many horses
c. on a ship during a terrible storm
d. on a deserted island after a shipwreck
d. on a deserted island after a shipwreck
The reader learns about Alec and the Black mostly through:
a. dialogue
b. physical actions
c. thoughts in Alec's journal
d. observations from other characters
b. physical actions
What does the word marveling mean in the sentence below?
Ms. Carter could not stop marveling at the excellence of her students' presentations.
a. asking questions
b. expressing wonder
c. pausing for a break
d. showing frustration
b. expressing wonder
What does the metaphor the soccer team was a storm of energy mean?
a. There was rain approaching
b. The captain had a strong leadership style
c. The players were excited to start the game
d. There was no chance that the team would lose
c. The players were excited to start the game
Which sentence from the passage best reveals the setting?
a. Then they were in the air, sailing over the black hole
b. Alec jumped to the side, tripped on a stone and fell to the ground
c. He stepped up the side of the dune, his left hand in the horse's thick mane
d. His action shifted and his huge strides seemed to make him fly through the air
c. He stepped up the side of the dune, his left hand in the horse's thick mane
Which statement best describes the theme of the passage?
a. Humans are meant to tame animals
b. Gentleness and love go far to earn trust
c. The ocean is nature's most powerful force
d. It is impossible for a human to survive alone.
b. Gentleness and love go far to earn trust
What does the word descended mean in the sentence below?
Before the soldiers descended from the airplane, they saluted.
a. came down
b. stopped flying
c. slipped and fell
d. carried luggage
a. came down
Which one of these sentences is a simile?
a. The night is an endless pool of darkness
b. His loneliness was like a deep, empty well
c. She dragged her feet on the math assignment
d. Aunt Gertie encouraged her nieces to stay in touch
b. His loneliness was like a deep, empty well
Which of these best describes the point of highest tension in the passage?
a. Alec improving his horsemanship
b. Alec gathering carragheen on the beach
c. the Black answering Alec's beckoning whistled
d. the Black taking off at a gallop with Alec on his back
d. the Black taking off at a gallop with Alec on his back
Which sentence from the passage best reveals the theme?
a. He had conquered this wild, unbroken stallion with kindness
b. When he reached the top of the hill, he saw the Black at one end of the beach
c. Then his hands gripped the mane tighter and he threw himself on the Black's back
d. The flame's shadows reached out and cast eerie ghostlike patterns on the Black's body
a. He had conquered this wild, unbroken stallion with kindness
What does the word fitful mean in the sentence below?
The fitful bursts of laughter were contagious.
a. gleeful
b. irregular
c. irresistible
d. sarcastic
b. irregular
What does the sentence below mean?
The car can stop on a dime.
a. The car can stop easily
b. The car can stop quietly
c. The car can stop quickly
d. The car can stop awkwardly
c. The car can stop quickly
What do the following sentences show about Alec?
Did he dare attempt to ride the Black? Should he wait a few more days? Go ahead-tomorrow. Don't do it! Go ahead-
a. He is afraid he will hurt the Black
b. He is experiencing an inner struggle
c. He is not interested in riding the Black
d. He is confronted he will succeed at riding the Black
b. He is experiencing an inner struggle
The passage and the article both contain the message that:
a. horses and people form special bonds
b. snakes and horses are natural enemies
c. people with disabilities benefit from horses
d. horses are better guide animals than dogs are
a. horses and people form special bonds
What does the word delicacy mean in the sentence below?
What someone else considers a delicacy might shock a squeamish eater.
a. raw salad
b. cooked meat
c. special food item
d. exotic amphibian
c. special food item
What does the sentence below mean?
The boys do not see eye to eye.
a. The boys do not agree
b. The boys do not have fun
c. The boys do not see each other
d. The boys do not know each other
a. The boys do not agree
What do Alec and the Black have in common?
a. a desire for companionship
b. a fear of drowning in the sea
c. a difficult past that scarred them
d. a distrust of humans and other animals
a. a desire for companionship
How is the article different from the passage?
a. the article is supposed to be read aloud, while the passage should be read silently
b. the article presents horses as wild and savage, while the passage presents horses as very tame
c. the article contains informal, poetic language, while the passage contains more formal language
d. the main purpose of the article is to inform, while the main purpose of the passage is to entertain readers
d. the main purpose of the article is to inform, while the main purpose of the passage is to entertain readers