ANSWER KEY to November/December 2013
Comprehension Quizzes, page 1 of 2
Nonfiction: “The Orphan Train,” page 4
1. B (tone)
5. B (character trait)
2. C (character trait)
6. B (text evidence)
3. A (vocabulary)
7. A (inference)
4. D (context clue)
8. D (inference)
9. The reader can infer that waiting to be chosen made Lee feel both unwanted and increasingly
uncertain about his future. (inference)
10. Lee and Michaela both lost their original homes and families, lived in orphanages, and
eventually found new homes with supportive parents. (compare and contrast)
Paired Texts: “Sit, Stay, Save My Life!” page 10
1. A (main idea)
5. B (compare/contrast)
2. D (inference)
6. C (key detail)
3. B (key detail)
7. D (compare/contrast)
4. D (text evidence)
8. D (tone)
9. The article describes intensive training for Allergy Alert dogs. Paying a trainer for “many
months” of hard work could come to $20,000. (text evidence)
10. The expression “nothing to sneeze at” means “not to take lightly.” The author is creating a play
on words, because allergies can result in sneezing. (author’s craft)
Fiction: “The Popsicle-Stick Bridge,” page 14
1. C (main idea)
5. A (inference)
2. B (vocabulary)
6. B (compare/contrast)
3. C (inference) 7. B (character trait)
4. C (inference)
8. A (tone)
9. Answers will vary but should be similar to: Like a good bridge, a friendship with a strong
foundation can withstand a lot of pressure. Friendships built on common interests and respect
for one another can last through tough times. (symbolism)
10. Answers will vary but should be similar to: At first, Cassandra notices only that Robert’s face is
dirty and is disappointed to be his partner. Later, Robert keeps her company when she’s feeling
lonely. The next day, the bridge Robert designed wins the contest, and Robert shares the credit
with Cassandra. She comes to appreciate his good qualities and see him as a friend. (plot)
Continued on next page >
ANSWER KEY to November/December 2013
Comprehension Quizzes, page 2 of 2
Play: How Coyote Stole Fire, page 20
1. B (main idea)
5. B (key detail)
2. C (inference)
6. A (inference)
3. C (character trait)
7. D (compare/contrast)
4. A (literary device) 8. D (inference)
9. H
elping the people is Coyote’s idea. He comes up with the plan. Although he acknowledges
the danger involved, he does not express fear. Squirrel does express fear and reluctance.
(text evidence)
10. Both texts address the question of how people learned to control fire. (compare/contrast)
Poetry: “Zipper-Up Zack,” page 26
1. A (vocabulary)
3. B (author’s craft)
2. D (author’s craft)
4. D (tone)
5. The illustration captures the silly tone of the poem by showing a cartoonlike Zack covered with
zippers, even on his eyes! In addition, the artist drew Zack busily zipping his many zippers, as
described by the poet. (tone/text features)
6. Throughout his poem, J. Patrick Lewis repeats variations of “zippers” and “zipped.” This repetition
creates alliteration and makes the poem fun to read. It also emphasizes Zack’s silly obsession with
zippers, making the end of the poem more surprising and amusing when Zack moves on to buttons.
(author’s craft)
Debate: “Should Trampolines Be Banned?” page 28
1. C (literary device)
4. B (author’s craft)
2. C (key detail)
5. A (key idea)
3. D (reading for information)
6. C (text evidence)
7. W
hen Dr. LaBotz describes trampolines as equipment rather than toys, she makes two points.
Trampolines were originally designed as training equipment for acrobats and other professionals,
and Dr. LaBotz believes they should be used only in this manner. She also emphasizes her opinion
that trampolines can be dangerous and shouldn’t be used for casual play. (interpreting text)
8. A
nswers will vary. (evaluating)