Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ ELA Literature Test #2
Directions: Read the passages below and answer the questions that follow.
Ethan Frome
Edith Wharton
1
I had the story, bit by bit, from various people, and, as generally happens in such cases, each time it
was a different story.
2
If you know Starkfield, Massachusetts, you know the post-office. If you know the post-office you
must’ve seen Ethan Frome drive up to it, drop the reins of his hollow-backed bay and drag himself
across the brick pavement to the white colonnade: and you must have asked who he was.
3
It was there that, several years ago, I saw him for the first time; and the sight pulled me up sharp. Even
then he was the most striking figure in Starkfield, though he was but the ruin of a man. It was not so
much his great height that marked him, for the ‘natives’ were easily singled out by their lank longitude
from the stockier foreign breed: it was the careless powerful look he had, in spite of a lameness
checking each step like the jerk of a chain. There was something bleak and unapproachable in his face,
and he was so stiffened and grizzled that I took him for an old man and was surprised to hear that he
was not more than fifty-two. I had this from Harmon Gow, who had driven the stage from Bettsbridge
to Starkfield in pre-trolley days and knew the chronicle of all the families on his line.
4
‘He’s looked that way ever since he had his smash-up; and that’s twenty-four years ago come next
February.’ Harmon threw out between reminiscent pauses.
5
The ‘smash-up’ it was—I gathered from the same informant—which, besides drawing the red gash
across Ethan Frome’s forehead, had so shortened and warped his right side that it cost him a visible
effort to take the few steps from his buggy to the post-office window. He used to drive in from his farm
every day at about noon, and as that was my own hour for fetching my mail I often passed him in the
porch or stood beside him while we waited on the motions of the distributing hand behind the grating. I
noticed that, though he came so punctually, he seldom received anything but a copy of the Bettsbridge
Eagle, which he put without a glance into his sagging pocket. At intervals, however, the post-master
would hand him an envelope addressed to Mrs. Zenobia—or Mrs. Zeena—Frome, and usually bearing
conspicuously in the upper left-hand corner the address of some manufacturer of patent medicine and
the name of his specific. These documents my neighbour would also pocket without a glance, as if too
much used to them to wonder at their number and variety, and would then turn away with a silent nod
to the post-master.
6
Everyone in Starkfield knew him and gave him a greeting tempered to his own grave mien; but his
taciturnity was respected and it was only on rare occasions that one of the older men of the place
detained him for a word. When this happened he would listen quietly, his blue eyes on the speaker’s
face, and answer in so low a tone that his words never reached me; then he would climb stiffly into his
buggy, gather up the reins in his left hand and drive slowly away in the direction of his farm.
1 Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ 7
‘It was a pretty bad smash-up?’ I questioned Harmon, looking after Frome’s retreating figure, and
thinking how gallantly his lean brown head, with its shock of light hair, must have sat on his strong
shoulders before they were bent out of shape.
8
‘Wust kind,’ my informant assented. ‘More’n enough to kill most men. But the Fromes are tough.
Ethan’ll likely touch a hundred.’
9
‘Good God!’ I exclaimed. At the moment Ethan Frome, after climbing to his seat, had leaned over to
assure himself of the security of a wooden box—also with a druggist’s label on it—which he had
placed in the back of the buggy, and I saw his face as it probably looked when he thought himself
alone. ‘That man touch a hundred? He looks as if he was dead and in hell now!’
1. What does bay mean as used in this sentence from the passage? (10.1)
a) a horse
b) a saddle
c) a mailbox
d) a well-worn chair
2.
“You must’ve seen Ethan Frome drive up to it, drop the reins of his hollow-­‐backed bay and drag himself across the brick pavement to the white colonnade.” What does colonnade mean as used in this sentence? (10.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
3.
a train station
a refreshing drink
a brightly-colored house
a series of columns to support a roof
“He’s looked that way ever since he had his smash-­‐up; and that’s twenty-­‐four years ago come next February. ‘Harmon threw out between reminiscent pauses.” What is the BEST description of “reminiscent pauses” in this sentence? (10.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
2 awkwardly spoken pauses
pauses to laugh or giggle
pauses to recall things from the past
softly spoken pauses from embarrassment
Name: ____________________________________________________________ 4.
Date: __________________ “...his taciturnity was respected and it was only on rare occasions that one of the older men of the place detained him for a word.” What does taciturnity mean as used in this example? (10.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
flexibility
handsomeness
honesty
quietness
5. “...usually bearing conspicuously in the upper left-­‐hand corner the address of some manufacturer of paten medicine and the name of his specific.” What does conspicuously mean as used in this phrase? (10.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
not noticeable
attracting attention
illegible or smeared
neatly written or printed
A Screamingly Good Science Lesson
Elizabeth Kibler
1
Amusement park rides give us thrills, exhilaration, and delight.
If you pay attention, these rides can give you something else—a
science lesson. Roller coasters are amazing rides that can twist
and veer until you scream; however, these rides can also help to
show us how types of energy work.
2
Think about the first part of a roller coaster ride: A machine
slowly pulls the cart higher and higher on a hill on the track. As
the cart gets higher, it gains potential energy. Objects gain
potential energy by being lifted farther from the ground. Potential
energy is stored energy. The higher an object is from the ground, the more potential energy it has.
3 Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ 3
When the cart reaches the top of the first hill, not only are riders’ stomachs screaming for mercy, but
also the cart is at its maximum potential energy. Without warning, the energy-loaded cart begins to
descend the first hill. As the cart careens down the hill, it has kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is different
from potential energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. All objects in motion have this energy.
The kinetic energy propels that cart down the hill. Eventually, the cart will fight the forces of gravity
and travel up another hill. On this uphill journey, the cart again begins to gain potential energy. The
cart switched from potential energy, to kinetic energy, and back again. Therefore, a roller coaster ride
is just the converting of kinetic energy and potential energy.
4
After the first collection of potential energy, the cart does not use ropes, pulleys, or an engine. The
cart, its wheels, and the laws of science are the only things that keep carts rolling firmly down the
track. The air brakes on modern roller coasters bring the cart to a safe and smooth stop. If, however, a
roller coaster had no brakes, it would ultimately stop on its own. The friction between the wheels and
track and the friction between the cart and the air would eventually make a coaster stop. Think about a
super ball. Although it gains potential energy every time it goes up, it eventually stops bouncing. In
much the same way, the roller coaster cart would cease to move.
5
Today, amusement park owners continuously try to outdo each other with bigger and better coasters.
They believe that the more screaming their patrons do, the better the ride. Although the new rides of
the day are going beyond what many thought was possible, it is all a matter of science. So, the next
time you find yourself about to plunge down a gigantic roller coaster hill, try to think about the science
of the amazing ride. Or, if you can’t stomach that much thought, just hold on and enjoy the ride.
6. In paragraph 1, the word exhilaration means? (10.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
horror
laughter
excitement
trepidation
7. In paragraph 1, the word veer means? (10.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
stop
sway
turn
glide
8. In paragraph 3, the word converting means? (10.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
4 ending
doubling
tracking
changing
Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ 9. In paragraph 3, the word maximum means? (10.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
fascinating
greatest
ideal
practical
10. A synonym for the word continuously in paragraph 5 is? (10.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
angrily
dangerously
famously
repeatedly
The Camping Trip
Angela Antrim
1
"Okay, guys. It's a three-mile hike to the campsite! Let's embark on our family camping adventure!"
Randy and Susan started climbing the rocky mountain terrain, noticing the brambles and undergrowth
as they ascended the steep path. The sun beat down on them even though the leaves on the trees had
already started to turn.
2
For about forty-five minutes, the siblings dodged branches, stepped over encroaching tree roots, and
avoided mud puddles. Mom led the way along the trail, with Susan behind her and Randy at the back of
the line.
3
As the family rounded a curve, Susan heard Randy suddenly stumble and gasp. She turned just in time
to see her twin brother fall onto his right arm. He let out a painful yelp after hitting the ground.
4
"Mom! Mom!" Susan exclaimed, "Randy's injured!" Their mother hustled back down the trail to the
teens.
5
"What happened?" Mom asked with a concerned look on her face.
6
"I guess I wasn't looking where I was going. I accidentally tripped over an enormous tree root and fell
on my arm," Randy explained between gritted teeth.
7
Mom knelt down to examine Randy's arm. The boy winced in pain as his mother carefully
manipulated it.
8
"Randy's arm may be fractured," Mom concluded. "I need to create a splint to hold it still until we can
get him to a doctor."
5 Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ 9
"Susan, go find two branches about the length of your brother's arm. Look quickly, but remain on the
path!" Susan began rummaging through the piles of sticks that lined the length of the trail. As she
quickly searched the underbrush, Susan discarded branches that were too short, too thin, and too large.
Finally, she discovered two sticks that were each about a foot long and an inch thick.
10
"Here, Mom, I found some branches. Hopefully, these will work," said Susan as she sprinted back
down the trail toward her family.
11
"Randy, this will probably hurt, but we have to hold your arm still so I can splint it between the
sticks." Randy continued to grimace in pain as his mother secured the branches on either side of his
injured arm. She then tore a bandanna into four strips of cloth and tied it firmly around the branches to
ensure that Randy couldn't move his arm.
12
For the next hour, Randy, Susan, and their mother cautiously navigated their way back down the trail.
Susan carried Randy's backpack along with her own supplies, while their mother guided Randy
between the overhanging branches along the narrow path.
13
As the family returned to their car in the parking lot, Randy commented, "This wasn't a typical
camping trip, but I will certainly remember it for a long time."
11.
This wasn’t a typical camping trip, but I will certainly remember it for a long time.
What is realistic about Randy’s statement? (8.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
People often remember painful injuries.
Typical camping trips last for many days.
People usually remember family vacations.
Typical camping trips are always dangerous.
12. Which action in the story helps advance the plot the most? (8.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
6 when Randy fell and broke his arm
when Susan cried out that Randy was hurt
when the mother announced the start of the hike
when Randy’s mother bound his arm to two branches
Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ The Most Dangerous Game
Richard Connell
When the general, nursing his bruised shoulder, had gone, Rainsford took up his flight again. It was
flight now, a desperate, hopeless flight, that carried him on for some hours. Dusk came, then
darkness, and still he pressed on. The ground grew softer under his moccasins; the vegetation grew
ranker, denser; insects bit him savagely. Then, as he stepped forward, his foot sank into the ooze.
He tried to wrench it back, but the muck sucked viciously at his foot as if it were a giant leech. With
a violent effort, he tore his foot loose. He knew where he was now. Death Swamp and its
quicksand.
13. Suspense is created in the passage partly due to it being written in which point of view?
(11.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
first person point of view
second person point of view
third person limited point of view
third person omniscient point of view
14. What technique does the author of this passage use to create voice? (11.1)
a) The author uses a flashback from the narrator’s youth to make the reader uneasy.
b) The author’s use of a first person perspective creates a sense of unease and discomfort.
c) The author’s use of frightening imagery with a setting named “Death Swamp” creates
tension.
d) The author’s use of dialogue and characterization imply that something stressful is soon
to occur.
Thanks, Coach!
Clark Benson
Josh helped one of the last guests to arrive to their seat at the banquet. He had taken the lead in
organizing the whole event in honor of Coach Wilkins. Josh and the other players on the basketball
team wanted to recognize Coach Wilkins for both his athletic achievements and his teaching
accomplishments.
2
Besides being Josh’s coach, Coach Wilkins was also his English teacher. Josh thought Coach Wilkins
was a great teacher and basketball coach. In class, Coach Wilkins always used different techniques to
make class interesting. For instance, Coach once told students to relate the books they read in class to
their own lives. Thanks to Coach Wilkins, Josh was enthusiastic about reading; Josh’s shelves at home
were filled with books.
7 Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ 3
Coach supported each player and always had advice to give on the basketball court. Although Coach
sometimes had to correct a player’s moves, he was never negative or belittling—Coach made everyone
feel at ease.
The students and other teachers tried to make the school auditorium look as good as possible for the
event. The cafeteria workers made the food for the occasion, and a large group of students worked to
help make the banquet even more special.
5
Josh and the other basketball players, who had just won the state championships, presented Coach
with a special plaque. Josh admired the way the gold writing glistened under the lights. As nice as the
plaque was, Josh was more eager to present Coach with a special card he had made. Each team member
had written a personal message to their coach. Josh felt the card would be more meaningful to Coach
because it was coming from his team and was filled with their own words.
6
Principal Edwards agreed to be the head speaker and to introduce Coach Wilkins. The principal gave a
very good speech about how Coach Wilkins had sacrificed his own free time to give more time to the
school. He mentioned the sensational after-school tutoring program Coach Wilkins had started to help
struggling students.
Finally, the big moment came and the principal introduced Coach Wilkins. The guests stood to show
their appreciation for the teacher. They applauded as Coach Wilkins went to stage. He smiled and
waved back to show how honored he was. Coach gave his thanks and spoke of the things which
inspired him to be a teacher and coach. As he listened, Josh thought of what he had written on the card.
There weren’t enough words to truly show how much Coach Wilkins had meant to him as both a
teacher and coach. And so on the card, Josh had simply written,
“Thanks coach!” – Josh
15. How does the author create such a heartwarming feeling in this story? (11.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
by revealing that thoughts and actions of Josh
by revealing the thoughts and actions of Coach Wilkins
by revealing the thoughts and actions of Principal Edwards
by revealing the thoughts and actions of the cafeteria staff
16. If the author wanted to rewrite this story as a play with dramatic irony, what change
would be MOST effective? (11.1)
a) Coach Wilkins would prepare a speech and share his feelings about retirement.
b) The chorus would sing the school’s fight song at the beginning and at the end of the
banquet.
c) A fight would break out among the basketball players and Coach Wilkins would have to
break it up.
d) Josh would plan the event to honor Coach Wilkins as a surprise party during a scheduled
team practice.
8 Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ 17. If the author wanted to revise this story to add an element of suspense, what change would
be MOST effective? (11.1)
a) Coach Wilkins would decide to teach social studies and coach varsity football during the
next school year.
b) Josh would invite Coach Wilkins’ parents, but a delay at the airport might mean they
don’t arrive in time for the banquet.
c) The basketball team would present a photo slideshow of memorable moments in Coach
Wilkins’ childhood, schooldays, and career.
d) Principal Edwards would ask the assistant principal to serve as head speaker because he
realized he had another event to attend.
18. The author wanted to revise this story to allow readers to understand more fully how
Coach Wilkins felt about the banquet and his career. What change would be MOST
effective? (11.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
Include the point of view of the coach by adding his thoughts and dialogue.
Remove all the details about Josh, the cafeteria workers, and Principal Edwards.
Include more information on the activities with which Coach Wilkins was involved.
Change the details to have Coach Wilkins deciding to teach social studies and coach
football.
A Girl of the Limberlost
Gene Stratton-Porter
1
Elnora unlocked the case, took out the pail, put the napkin in it, pulled the ribbon from her hair,
binding it down tightly again and followed to the road. From afar she could see her mother in the
doorway. She blinked her eyes, and tried to smile as she answered Wesley Sinton, and indeed she did
feel better. She knew now what she had to expect, where to go, and what to do. Get the books she must;
when she had them, she would show those city girls and boys how to prepare and recite lessons, how to
walk with a brave heart; and they could show her how to wear pretty clothes and have good times.
2
As she neared the door her mother reached for the pail. "I forgot to tell you to bring home your scraps
for the chickens," she said.
3
Elnora entered. "There weren't any scraps, and I'm hungry again as I ever was in my life."
4
"I thought likely you would be," said Mrs. Comstock, "and so I got supper ready. We can eat first, and
do the work afterward. What kept you so? I expected you an hour ago."
5
Elnora looked into her mother's face and smiled. It was a queer sort of a little smile, and would have
reached the depths with any normal mother.
6
"I see you've been bawling," said Mrs. Comstock. "I thought you'd get your fill in a hurry. That's why
9 Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ I wouldn't go to any expense. If we keep out of the poorhouse we have to cut the corners close. It's
likely this Brushwood road tax will eat up all we've saved in years. Where the land tax is to come from
I don't know. It gets bigger every year. If they are going to dredge the swamp ditch again they'll just
have to take the land to pay for it. I can't, that's all! We'll get up early in the morning and gather and
hull the beans for winter, and put in the rest of the day hoeing the turnips."
7
Elnora again smiled that pitiful smile.
8
"Do you think I didn't know that I was funny and would be laughed at?" she asked.
9
"Funny?" cried Mrs. Comstock hotly.
10
"Yes, funny! A regular caricature," answered Elnora. "No one else wore calico, not even one other.
No one else wore high heavy shoes, not even one. No one else had such a funny little old hat; my hair
was not right, my ribbon invisible compared with the others, I did not know where to go, or what to do,
and I had no books. What a spectacle I made for them!" Elnora laughed nervously at her own picture.
"But there are always two sides! The professor said in the algebra class that he never had a better
solution and explanation than mine of the proposition he gave me, which scored one for me in spite of
my clothes."
11
"Well, I wouldn't brag on myself!"
12
"That was poor taste," admitted Elnora. "But, you see, it is a case of whistling to keep up my
courage. I honestly could see that I would have looked just as well as the rest of them if I had been
dressed as they were. We can't afford that, so I have to find something else to brace me. It was rather
bad, mother!"
13
"Well, I'm glad you got enough of it!"
14
"Oh, but I haven't" hurried in Elnora. "I just got a start. The hardest is over. To-morrow they won't be
surprised. They will know what to expect. I am sorry to hear about the dredge. Is it really going
through?"
15
"Yes. I got my notification today. The tax will be something enormous. I don't know as I can spare
you, even if you are willing to be a laughing-stock for the town."
16
With every bite Elnora's courage returned, for she was a healthy young thing.
17
"You've heard about doing evil that good might come from it," she said. "Well, mother mine, it's
something like that with me. I'm willing to bear the hard part to pay for what I'll learn. Already I have
selected the ward building in which I shall teach in about four years. I am going to ask for a room with
a south exposure so that the flowers and moths I take in from the swamp to show the children will do
well."
18
"You little idiot!" said Mrs. Comstock. "How are you going to pay your expenses?"
10 Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ 19
"Now that is just what I was going to ask you!" said Elnora. "You see, I have had two startling pieces
of news to-day. I did not know I would need any money. I thought the city furnished the books, and
there is an out-of-town tuition, also. I need ten dollars in the morning. Will you please let me have it?"
20
"Ten dollars!" cried Mrs. Comstock. "Ten dollars! Why don't you say a hundred and be done with it!
I could get one as easy as the other. I told you! I told you I couldn't raise a cent. Every year expenses
grow bigger and bigger. I told you not to ask for money!"
21
"I never meant to," replied Elnora. "I thought clothes were all I needed and I could bear them. I never
knew about buying books and tuition."
22
"Well, I did!" said Mrs. Comstock. "I knew what you would run into! But you are so bull-dog
stubborn, and so set in your way, I thought I would just let you try the world a little and see how you
liked it!"
23
Elnora pushed back her chair and looked at her mother.
24
"Do you mean to say," she demanded, "that you knew, when you let me go into a city classroom and
reveal the fact before all of them that I expected to have my books handed out to me; do you mean to
say that you knew I had to pay for them?" Mrs. Comstock evaded the direct question.
25
"Anybody but an idiot mooning over a book or wasting time prowling the woods would have known
you had to pay. Everybody has to pay for everything. Life is made up of pay, pay, pay! It's always and
forever pay! If you don't pay one way you do another! Of course, I knew you had to pay. Of course, I
knew you would come home blubbering! But you don't get a penny! I haven't one cent, and can't get
one! Have your way if you are determined, but I think you will find the road somewhat rocky."
26
"Swampy, you mean, mother," corrected Elnora. She arose white and trembling. "Perhaps some day
God will teach me how to understand you. He knows I do not now. You can't possibly realize just what
you let me go through to-day, or how you let me go, but I'll tell you this: You understand enough that if
you had the money, and would offer it to me, I wouldn't touch it now. And I'll tell you this much more.
I'll get it myself. I'll raise it, and do it some honest way. I am going back to-morrow, the next day, and
the next. You need not come out, I'll do the night work, and hoe the turnips."
27
It was ten o'clock when the chickens, pigs, and cattle were fed, the turnips hoed, and a heap of bean
vines was stacked beside the back door.
19. Why does Elnora refer to herself as ‘a regular caricature?’ (8.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
11 She has a good sense of humor.
The other students drew pictures of her.
Everything about her is orderly and regular.
She felt like she was an object of ridicule.
Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: __________________ 20. How does Elnora compare in appearance to the city kids who attend her school? (8.1)
a)
b)
c)
d)
12 Elnora happily is dressed jest as the city kids are and fits right in.
Elnora is dressed like a homeless child, who no shoes and burlap sack.
Elnora is dressed far fancier than any of the city kids bothered to dress for school.
Elnora looks out of place, like a country bumpkin wearing poor clothes that are out of
fashion.
Name: ____________________________________________________________ Answer Key
1) A
2) D
3) C
4) D
5) B
6) C
7) C
8) D
9) B
10) D
11) A
12) A
13) C
14) C
15) A
16) D
17) B
18) A
19) D
20) D
13 Date: __________________