Unit II E9 Test

I. Literary Skills

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

It was Nicole’s first year of high school. She was so nervous that her mom desperately wanted to help. To ease Nicole’s transition, her mom decided that Nicole should try out for the marching band flag corps. Nicole’s mom had been in the flag corps when she was young, and she had met some of her best friends there.

“I’m a total klutz,” Nicole said. “I don’t think I can do it.” Nicole neglected to mention that she had no desire to join the flag corps. Practicing every night after school in the blazing heat did not appeal to her. Spending every weekend at football games and competitions sounded incredibly boring. Because Nicole’s mom was so excited, though, Nicole couldn’t bear to disappoint her.

“You’ll absolutely love it,” Nicole’s mom said. “It is so much fun. You’ll meet a whole new group of friends. It was the best thing I ever did!”

“Okay,” Nicole agreed reluctantly. “I’ll try it.” Nicole did not have a lot of confidence about making the flag corps. She had never been coordinated—she was more of a bookworm than an athlete. Night after night, though, Nicole diligently practiced with her mom. After weeks of practice, she wasn’t so bad.

Finally, the day of tryouts arrived. Nicole’s mom was far more nervous than Nicole. Nicole, however, was apprehensive for another reason. She didn’t want to join the flag corps, yet she didn’t want to disappoint her mother. She felt totally and completely stuck. After weighing her options, she finally knew what she had to do.

A month later, on a Saturday afternoon, Nicole could hear her mother cheering boisterously from the audience. Nicole had just scored the winning point for the quiz bowl team. It turns out that Nicole had not tried out for the flag corps after all. She knew that finding an activity was a good idea, but the flag corps was not the one for her. Quiz bowl, though, was perfect. She made many new friends who shared her interests. Instead of being upset, Nicole’s mom was happy her daughter had found a way to meet new people and do something that she enjoyed.


What internal conflict does Nicole face?

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

It was Nicole’s first year of high school. She was so nervous that her mom desperately wanted to help. To ease Nicole’s transition, her mom decided that Nicole should try out for the marching band flag corps. Nicole’s mom had been in the flag corps when she was young, and she had met some of her best friends there.

“I’m a total klutz,” Nicole said. “I don’t think I can do it.” Nicole neglected to mention that she had no desire to join the flag corps. Practicing every night after school in the blazing heat did not appeal to her. Spending every weekend at football games and competitions sounded incredibly boring. Because Nicole’s mom was so excited, though, Nicole couldn’t bear to disappoint her.

“You’ll absolutely love it,” Nicole’s mom said. “It is so much fun. You’ll meet a whole new group of friends. It was the best thing I ever did!”

“Okay,” Nicole agreed reluctantly. “I’ll try it.” Nicole did not have a lot of confidence about making the flag corps. She had never been coordinated—she was more of a bookworm than an athlete. Night after night, though, Nicole diligently practiced with her mom. After weeks of practice, she wasn’t so bad.

Finally, the day of tryouts arrived. Nicole’s mom was far more nervous than Nicole. Nicole, however, was apprehensive for another reason. She didn’t want to join the flag corps, yet she didn’t want to disappoint her mother. She felt totally and completely stuck. After weighing her options, she finally knew what she had to do.

A month later, on a Saturday afternoon, Nicole could hear her mother cheering boisterously from the audience. Nicole had just scored the winning point for the quiz bowl team. It turns out that Nicole had not tried out for the flag corps after all. She knew that finding an activity was a good idea, but the flag corps was not the one for her. Quiz bowl, though, was perfect. She made many new friends who shared her interests. Instead of being upset, Nicole’s mom was happy her daughter had found a way to meet new people and do something that she enjoyed.


What external conflict does Nicole face?

It was Nicole’s first year of high school. She was so nervous that her mom desperately wanted to help. To ease Nicole’s transition, her mom decided that Nicole should try out for the marching band flag corps. Nicole’s mom had been in the flag corps when she was young, and she had met some of her best friends there.

“I’m a total klutz,” Nicole said. “I don’t think I can do it.” Nicole neglected to mention that she had no desire to join the flag corps. Practicing every night after school in the blazing heat did not appeal to her. Spending every weekend at football games and competitions sounded incredibly boring. Because Nicole’s mom was so excited, though, Nicole couldn’t bear to disappoint her.

“You’ll absolutely love it,” Nicole’s mom said. “It is so much fun. You’ll meet a whole new group of friends. It was the best thing I ever did!”

“Okay,” Nicole agreed reluctantly. “I’ll try it.” Nicole did not have a lot of confidence about making the flag corps. She had never been coordinated—she was more of a bookworm than an athlete. Night after night, though, Nicole diligently practiced with her mom. After weeks of practice, she wasn’t so bad.

Finally, the day of tryouts arrived. Nicole’s mom was far more nervous than Nicole. Nicole, however, was apprehensive for another reason. She didn’t want to join the flag corps, yet she didn’t want to disappoint her mother. She felt totally and completely stuck. After weighing her options, she finally knew what she had to do.

A month later, on a Saturday afternoon, Nicole could hear her mother cheering boisterously from the audience. Nicole had just scored the winning point for the quiz bowl team. It turns out that Nicole had not tried out for the flag corps after all. She knew that finding an activity was a good idea, but the flag corps was not the one for her. Quiz bowl, though, was perfect. She made many new friends who shared her interests. Instead of being upset, Nicole’s mom was happy her daughter had found a way to meet new people and do something that she enjoyed.


Which of the following is not part of this story’s setting?

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

It was Nicole’s first year of high school. She was so nervous that her mom desperately wanted to help. To ease Nicole’s transition, her mom decided that Nicole should try out for the marching band flag corps. Nicole’s mom had been in the flag corps when she was young, and she had met some of her best friends there.

“I’m a total klutz,” Nicole said. “I don’t think I can do it.” Nicole neglected to mention that she had no desire to join the flag corps. Practicing every night after school in the blazing heat did not appeal to her. Spending every weekend at football games and competitions sounded incredibly boring. Because Nicole’s mom was so excited, though, Nicole couldn’t bear to disappoint her.

“You’ll absolutely love it,” Nicole’s mom said. “It is so much fun. You’ll meet a whole new group of friends. It was the best thing I ever did!”

“Okay,” Nicole agreed reluctantly. “I’ll try it.” Nicole did not have a lot of confidence about making the flag corps. She had never been coordinated—she was more of a bookworm than an athlete. Night after night, though, Nicole diligently practiced with her mom. After weeks of practice, she wasn’t so bad.

Finally, the day of tryouts arrived. Nicole’s mom was far more nervous than Nicole. Nicole, however, was apprehensive for another reason. She didn’t want to join the flag corps, yet she didn’t want to disappoint her mother. She felt totally and completely stuck. After weighing her options, she finally knew what she had to do.

A month later, on a Saturday afternoon, Nicole could hear her mother cheering boisterously from the audience. Nicole had just scored the winning point for the quiz bowl team. It turns out that Nicole had not tried out for the flag corps after all. She knew that finding an activity was a good idea, but the flag corps was not the one for her. Quiz bowl, though, was perfect. She made many new friends who shared her interests. Instead of being upset, Nicole’s mom was happy her daughter had found a way to meet new people and do something that she enjoyed.


Which of the following is an example of direct characterization?

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

It was Nicole’s first year of high school. She was so nervous that her mom desperately wanted to help. To ease Nicole’s transition, her mom decided that Nicole should try out for the marching band flag corps. Nicole’s mom had been in the flag corps when she was young, and she had met some of her best friends there.

“I’m a total klutz,” Nicole said. “I don’t think I can do it.” Nicole neglected to mention that she had no desire to join the flag corps. Practicing every night after school in the blazing heat did not appeal to her. Spending every weekend at football games and competitions sounded incredibly boring. Because Nicole’s mom was so excited, though, Nicole couldn’t bear to disappoint her.

“You’ll absolutely love it,” Nicole’s mom said. “It is so much fun. You’ll meet a whole new group of friends. It was the best thing I ever did!”

“Okay,” Nicole agreed reluctantly. “I’ll try it.” Nicole did not have a lot of confidence about making the flag corps. She had never been coordinated—she was more of a bookworm than an athlete. Night after night, though, Nicole diligently practiced with her mom. After weeks of practice, she wasn’t so bad.

Finally, the day of tryouts arrived. Nicole’s mom was far more nervous than Nicole. Nicole, however, was apprehensive for another reason. She didn’t want to join the flag corps, yet she didn’t want to disappoint her mother. She felt totally and completely stuck. After weighing her options, she finally knew what she had to do.

A month later, on a Saturday afternoon, Nicole could hear her mother cheering boisterously from the audience. Nicole had just scored the winning point for the quiz bowl team. It turns out that Nicole had not tried out for the flag corps after all. She knew that finding an activity was a good idea, but the flag corps was not the one for her. Quiz bowl, though, was perfect. She made many new friends who shared her interests. Instead of being upset, Nicole’s mom was happy her daughter had found a way to meet new people and do something that she enjoyed.


Which of the following is an example of indirect characterization?

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

It was Nicole’s first year of high school. She was so nervous that her mom desperately wanted to help. To ease Nicole’s transition, her mom decided that Nicole should try out for the marching band flag corps. Nicole’s mom had been in the flag corps when she was young, and she had met some of her best friends there.

“I’m a total klutz,” Nicole said. “I don’t think I can do it.” Nicole neglected to mention that she had no desire to join the flag corps. Practicing every night after school in the blazing heat did not appeal to her. Spending every weekend at football games and competitions sounded incredibly boring. Because Nicole’s mom was so excited, though, Nicole couldn’t bear to disappoint her.

“You’ll absolutely love it,” Nicole’s mom said. “It is so much fun. You’ll meet a whole new group of friends. It was the best thing I ever did!”

“Okay,” Nicole agreed reluctantly. “I’ll try it.” Nicole did not have a lot of confidence about making the flag corps. She had never been coordinated—she was more of a bookworm than an athlete. Night after night, though, Nicole diligently practiced with her mom. After weeks of practice, she wasn’t so bad.

Finally, the day of tryouts arrived. Nicole’s mom was far more nervous than Nicole. Nicole, however, was apprehensive for another reason. She didn’t want to join the flag corps, yet she didn’t want to disappoint her mother. She felt totally and completely stuck. After weighing her options, she finally knew what she had to do.

A month later, on a Saturday afternoon, Nicole could hear her mother cheering boisterously from the audience. Nicole had just scored the winning point for the quiz bowl team. It turns out that Nicole had not tried out for the flag corps after all. She knew that finding an activity was a good idea, but the flag corps was not the one for her. Quiz bowl, though, was perfect. She made many new friends who shared her interests. Instead of being upset, Nicole’s mom was happy her daughter had found a way to meet new people and do something that she enjoyed.

What does the dialogue reveal about Nicole’s feelings?

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

It was Nicole’s first year of high school. She was so nervous that her mom desperately wanted to help. To ease Nicole’s transition, her mom decided that Nicole should try out for the marching band flag corps. Nicole’s mom had been in the flag corps when she was young, and she had met some of her best friends there.

“I’m a total klutz,” Nicole said. “I don’t think I can do it.” Nicole neglected to mention that she had no desire to join the flag corps. Practicing every night after school in the blazing heat did not appeal to her. Spending every weekend at football games and competitions sounded incredibly boring. Because Nicole’s mom was so excited, though, Nicole couldn’t bear to disappoint her.

“You’ll absolutely love it,” Nicole’s mom said. “It is so much fun. You’ll meet a whole new group of friends. It was the best thing I ever did!”

“Okay,” Nicole agreed reluctantly. “I’ll try it.” Nicole did not have a lot of confidence about making the flag corps. She had never been coordinated—she was more of a bookworm than an athlete. Night after night, though, Nicole diligently practiced with her mom. After weeks of practice, she wasn’t so bad.

Finally, the day of tryouts arrived. Nicole’s mom was far more nervous than Nicole. Nicole, however, was apprehensive for another reason. She didn’t want to join the flag corps, yet she didn’t want to disappoint her mother. She felt totally and completely stuck. After weighing her options, she finally knew what she had to do.

A month later, on a Saturday afternoon, Nicole could hear her mother cheering boisterously from the audience. Nicole had just scored the winning point for the quiz bowl team. It turns out that Nicole had not tried out for the flag corps after all. She knew that finding an activity was a good idea, but the flag corps was not the one for her. Quiz bowl, though, was perfect. She made many new friends who shared her interests. Instead of being upset, Nicole’s mom was happy her daughter had found a way to meet new people and do something that she enjoyed.

Vocabulary in Context
Which is the best definition of the underlined word klutz?

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

It was Nicole’s first year of high school. She was so nervous that her mom desperately wanted to help. To ease Nicole’s transition, her mom decided that Nicole should try out for the marching band flag corps. Nicole’s mom had been in the flag corps when she was young, and she had met some of her best friends there.

“I’m a total klutz,” Nicole said. “I don’t think I can do it.” Nicole neglected to mention that she had no desire to join the flag corps. Practicing every night after school in the blazing heat did not appeal to her. Spending every weekend at football games and competitions sounded incredibly boring. Because Nicole’s mom was so excited, though, Nicole couldn’t bear to disappoint her.

“You’ll absolutely love it,” Nicole’s mom said. “It is so much fun. You’ll meet a whole new group of friends. It was the best thing I ever did!”

“Okay,” Nicole agreed reluctantly. “I’ll try it.” Nicole did not have a lot of confidence about making the flag corps. She had never been coordinated—she was more of a bookworm than an athlete. Night after night, though, Nicole diligently practiced with her mom. After weeks of practice, she wasn’t so bad.

Finally, the day of tryouts arrived. Nicole’s mom was far more nervous than Nicole. Nicole, however, was apprehensive for another reason. She didn’t want to join the flag corps, yet she didn’t want to disappoint her mother. She felt totally and completely stuck. After weighing her options, she finally knew what she had to do.

A month later, on a Saturday afternoon, Nicole could hear her mother cheering boisterously from the audience. Nicole had just scored the winning point for the quiz bowl team. It turns out that Nicole had not tried out for the flag corps after all. She knew that finding an activity was a good idea, but the flag corps was not the one for her. Quiz bowl, though, was perfect. She made many new friends who shared her interests. Instead of being upset, Nicole’s mom was happy her daughter had found a way to meet new people and do something that she enjoyed.


How is the conflict in the story resolved?

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

It was Nicole’s first year of high school. She was so nervous that her mom desperately wanted to help. To ease Nicole’s transition, her mom decided that Nicole should try out for the marching band flag corps. Nicole’s mom had been in the flag corps when she was young, and she had met some of her best friends there.

“I’m a total klutz,” Nicole said. “I don’t think I can do it.” Nicole neglected to mention that she had no desire to join the flag corps. Practicing every night after school in the blazing heat did not appeal to her. Spending every weekend at football games and competitions sounded incredibly boring. Because Nicole’s mom was so excited, though, Nicole couldn’t bear to disappoint her.

“You’ll absolutely love it,” Nicole’s mom said. “It is so much fun. You’ll meet a whole new group of friends. It was the best thing I ever did!”

“Okay,” Nicole agreed reluctantly. “I’ll try it.” Nicole did not have a lot of confidence about making the flag corps. She had never been coordinated—she was more of a bookworm than an athlete. Night after night, though, Nicole diligently practiced with her mom. After weeks of practice, she wasn’t so bad.

Finally, the day of tryouts arrived. Nicole’s mom was far more nervous than Nicole. Nicole, however, was apprehensive for another reason. She didn’t want to join the flag corps, yet she didn’t want to disappoint her mother. She felt totally and completely stuck. After weighing her options, she finally knew what she had to do.

A month later, on a Saturday afternoon, Nicole could hear her mother cheering boisterously from the audience. Nicole had just scored the winning point for the quiz bowl team. It turns out that Nicole had not tried out for the flag corps after all. She knew that finding an activity was a good idea, but the flag corps was not the one for her. Quiz bowl, though, was perfect. She made many new friends who shared her interests. Instead of being upset, Nicole’s mom was happy her daughter had found a way to meet new people and do something that she enjoyed.

Which of the following expectations creates a surprise ending?

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

History of the Bicycle

The early history of the bicycle is sparsely recorded, leading to many debates. One thing that is known for sure is that the late nineteenth century gave rise to the bicycle’s popularity.

The Nineteenth Century

Bicycles were originally powered by riders who pushed against the ground with their feet to get moving. In the 1860s, inventors added pedals to bicycles. At that time, France was the home of the bicycle. The word bicycle comes from the French word bicyclette. In models at that time, the front wheel was a bit larger than the back. The iron frame and iron wheels made for an uncomfortable ride. This version of the bicycle was appropriately nicknamed the “boneshaker.”

In the 1870s, interest moved to Britain and development continued there. The British introduced the “ordinary,” a bicycle with solid rubber tires, a large front wheel, and a small back wheel. The ordinary proved to be hazardous. By 1885, the “safety” was invented, in which the front wheel size was reduced and the rear wheel enlarged.

In the 1890s, bicycling around the world boomed. Bicycles provided a means of transportation for men, women, and children.

The Twentieth Century

In the early 1900s, the automobile was introduced and mass transit improved, giving the bicycle a second-class status. However, a resurgence of popularity came in the 1950s and 1960s with huge sales of the banana seat bicycles. The 1970s saw the invention of the 10-speed and a huge growth in the bicycle industry. In the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of the mountain bike grew.

Bicycling Today

Today, bicyclers can choose from a variety of bicycles. Some of the most predominant styles are the mountain bike, the racing bike, and the hybrid (a cross between the two). Bicycling has reached a new level of popularity.

Vocabulary in Context
What is the best definition for the underlined word resurgence?

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

History of the Bicycle

The early history of the bicycle is sparsely recorded, leading to many debates. One thing that is known for sure is that the late nineteenth century gave rise to the bicycle’s popularity.

The Nineteenth Century

Bicycles were originally powered by riders who pushed against the ground with their feet to get moving. In the 1860s, inventors added pedals to bicycles. At that time, France was the home of the bicycle. The word bicycle comes from the French word bicyclette. In models at that time, the front wheel was a bit larger than the back. The iron frame and iron wheels made for an uncomfortable ride. This version of the bicycle was appropriately nicknamed the “boneshaker.”

In the 1870s, interest moved to Britain and development continued there. The British introduced the “ordinary,” a bicycle with solid rubber tires, a large front wheel, and a small back wheel. The ordinary proved to be hazardous. By 1885, the “safety” was invented, in which the front wheel size was reduced and the rear wheel enlarged.

In the 1890s, bicycling around the world boomed. Bicycles provided a means of transportation for men, women, and children.

The Twentieth Century

In the early 1900s, the automobile was introduced and mass transit improved, giving the bicycle a second-class status. However, a resurgence of popularity came in the 1950s and 1960s with huge sales of the banana seat bicycles. The 1970s saw the invention of the 10-speed and a huge growth in the bicycle industry. In the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of the mountain bike grew.

Bicycling Today

Today, bicyclers can choose from a variety of bicycles. Some of the most predominant styles are the mountain bike, the racing bike, and the hybrid (a cross between the two). Bicycling has reached a new level of popularity.

What text feature does the author use in this article?

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

History of the Bicycle

The early history of the bicycle is sparsely recorded, leading to many debates. One thing that is known for sure is that the late nineteenth century gave rise to the bicycle’s popularity.

The Nineteenth Century

Bicycles were originally powered by riders who pushed against the ground with their feet to get moving. In the 1860s, inventors added pedals to bicycles. At that time, France was the home of the bicycle. The word bicycle comes from the French word bicyclette. In models at that time, the front wheel was a bit larger than the back. The iron frame and iron wheels made for an uncomfortable ride. This version of the bicycle was appropriately nicknamed the “boneshaker.”

In the 1870s, interest moved to Britain and development continued there. The British introduced the “ordinary,” a bicycle with solid rubber tires, a large front wheel, and a small back wheel. The ordinary proved to be hazardous. By 1885, the “safety” was invented, in which the front wheel size was reduced and the rear wheel enlarged.

In the 1890s, bicycling around the world boomed. Bicycles provided a means of transportation for men, women, and children.

The Twentieth Century

In the early 1900s, the automobile was introduced and mass transit improved, giving the bicycle a second-class status. However, a resurgence of popularity came in the 1950s and 1960s with huge sales of the banana seat bicycles. The 1970s saw the invention of the 10-speed and a huge growth in the bicycle industry. In the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of the mountain bike grew.

Bicycling Today

Today, bicyclers can choose from a variety of bicycles. Some of the most predominant styles are the mountain bike, the racing bike, and the hybrid (a cross between the two). Bicycling has reached a new level of popularity.


What structure has the author used?

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

History of the Bicycle

The early history of the bicycle is sparsely recorded, leading to many debates. One thing that is known for sure is that the late nineteenth century gave rise to the bicycle’s popularity.

The Nineteenth Century

Bicycles were originally powered by riders who pushed against the ground with their feet to get moving. In the 1860s, inventors added pedals to bicycles. At that time, France was the home of the bicycle. The word bicycle comes from the French word bicyclette. In models at that time, the front wheel was a bit larger than the back. The iron frame and iron wheels made for an uncomfortable ride. This version of the bicycle was appropriately nicknamed the “boneshaker.”

In the 1870s, interest moved to Britain and development continued there. The British introduced the “ordinary,” a bicycle with solid rubber tires, a large front wheel, and a small back wheel. The ordinary proved to be hazardous. By 1885, the “safety” was invented, in which the front wheel size was reduced and the rear wheel enlarged.

In the 1890s, bicycling around the world boomed. Bicycles provided a means of transportation for men, women, and children.

The Twentieth Century

In the early 1900s, the automobile was introduced and mass transit improved, giving the bicycle a second-class status. However, a resurgence of popularity came in the 1950s and 1960s with huge sales of the banana seat bicycles. The 1970s saw the invention of the 10-speed and a huge growth in the bicycle industry. In the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of the mountain bike grew.

Bicycling Today

Today, bicyclers can choose from a variety of bicycles. Some of the most predominant styles are the mountain bike, the racing bike, and the hybrid (a cross between the two). Bicycling has reached a new level of popularity.


According to the article, which type of bicycle was invented first?

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

History of the Bicycle

The early history of the bicycle is sparsely recorded, leading to many debates. One thing that is known for sure is that the late nineteenth century gave rise to the bicycle’s popularity.

The Nineteenth Century

Bicycles were originally powered by riders who pushed against the ground with their feet to get moving. In the 1860s, inventors added pedals to bicycles. At that time, France was the home of the bicycle. The word bicycle comes from the French word bicyclette. In models at that time, the front wheel was a bit larger than the back. The iron frame and iron wheels made for an uncomfortable ride. This version of the bicycle was appropriately nicknamed the “boneshaker.”

In the 1870s, interest moved to Britain and development continued there. The British introduced the “ordinary,” a bicycle with solid rubber tires, a large front wheel, and a small back wheel. The ordinary proved to be hazardous. By 1885, the “safety” was invented, in which the front wheel size was reduced and the rear wheel enlarged.

In the 1890s, bicycling around the world boomed. Bicycles provided a means of transportation for men, women, and children.

The Twentieth Century

In the early 1900s, the automobile was introduced and mass transit improved, giving the bicycle a second-class status. However, a resurgence of popularity came in the 1950s and 1960s with huge sales of the banana seat bicycles. The 1970s saw the invention of the 10-speed and a huge growth in the bicycle industry. In the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of the mountain bike grew.

Bicycling Today

Today, bicyclers can choose from a variety of bicycles. Some of the most predominant styles are the mountain bike, the racing bike, and the hybrid (a cross between the two). Bicycling has reached a new level of popularity.

Most likely, the author’s intent is to—

Directions: Read the passage. Then, answer the question(s).

History of the Bicycle

The early history of the bicycle is sparsely recorded, leading to many debates. One thing that is known for sure is that the late nineteenth century gave rise to the bicycle’s popularity.

The Nineteenth Century

Bicycles were originally powered by riders who pushed against the ground with their feet to get moving. In the 1860s, inventors added pedals to bicycles. At that time, France was the home of the bicycle. The word bicycle comes from the French word bicyclette. In models at that time, the front wheel was a bit larger than the back. The iron frame and iron wheels made for an uncomfortable ride. This version of the bicycle was appropriately nicknamed the “boneshaker.”

In the 1870s, interest moved to Britain and development continued there. The British introduced the “ordinary,” a bicycle with solid rubber tires, a large front wheel, and a small back wheel. The ordinary proved to be hazardous. By 1885, the “safety” was invented, in which the front wheel size was reduced and the rear wheel enlarged.

In the 1890s, bicycling around the world boomed. Bicycles provided a means of transportation for men, women, and children.

The Twentieth Century

In the early 1900s, the automobile was introduced and mass transit improved, giving the bicycle a second-class status. However, a resurgence of popularity came in the 1950s and 1960s with huge sales of the banana seat bicycles. The 1970s saw the invention of the 10-speed and a huge growth in the bicycle industry. In the 1980s and 1990s, the popularity of the mountain bike grew.

Bicycling Today

Today, bicyclers can choose from a variety of bicycles. Some of the most predominant styles are the mountain bike, the racing bike, and the hybrid (a cross between the two). Bicycling has reached a new level of popularity.

What audience would find this article most useful?

Literary Analysis: Character and Characterization Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
People who don’t know Harry tend to underestimate him. They cast a skeptical eye on his typical outfit: ragged jeans and shirts that bear evidence of his most recent meal. And his most frequently uttered expression, “Waaaal, I just don’t know,” can make him sound less than bright. So, some enter a negotiating session with Harry relaxed and confident that their side will prevail and that Harry will gain no concessions for his group. That assumption is one that Harry cultivates, and it is a big, big mistake.


Which of the following details supports characterization in a short story?

Literary Analysis: Character and Characterization Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
People who don’t know Harry tend to underestimate him. They cast a skeptical eye on his typical outfit: ragged jeans and shirts that bear evidence of his most recent meal. And his most frequently uttered expression, “Waaaal, I just don’t know,” can make him sound less than bright. So, some enter a negotiating session with Harry relaxed and confident that their side will prevail and that Harry will gain no concessions for his group. That assumption is one that Harry cultivates, and it is a big, big mistake.

Which kinds of characterization does this selection include?

Literary Analysis: Character and Characterization Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
People who don’t know Harry tend to underestimate him. They cast a skeptical eye on his typical outfit: ragged jeans and shirts that bear evidence of his most recent meal. And his most frequently uttered expression, “Waaaal, I just don’t know,” can make him sound less than bright. So, some enter a negotiating session with Harry relaxed and confident that their side will prevail and that Harry will gain no concessions for his group. That assumption is one that Harry cultivates, and it is a big, big mistake.

What kind of technique does an author use to show a character’s traits through that character’s dialogue?

Literary Analysis: Character and Characterization Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
People who don’t know Harry tend to underestimate him. They cast a skeptical eye on his typical outfit: ragged jeans and shirts that bear evidence of his most recent meal. And his most frequently uttered expression, “Waaaal, I just don’t know,” can make him sound less than bright. So, some enter a negotiating session with Harry relaxed and confident that their side will prevail and that Harry will gain no concessions for his group. That assumption is one that Harry cultivates, and it is a big, big mistake.

Which of the following reveals the most about the character in this selection?

Literary Analysis: Character and Characterization Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
People who don’t know Harry tend to underestimate him. They cast a skeptical eye on his typical outfit: ragged jeans and shirts that bear evidence of his most recent meal. And his most frequently uttered expression, “Waaaal, I just don’t know,” can make him sound less than bright. So, some enter a negotiating session with Harry relaxed and confident that their side will prevail and that Harry will gain no concessions for his group. That assumption is one that Harry cultivates, and it is a big, big mistake.

What is another word for the reasons behind a character’s thoughts, feelings, and actions?

Literary Analysis: Dialogue Read the passage. Then, answer the questions that follow.
“Stop checking your watch,” Elise told Jessica.
Jessica quickly dropped her hand to her side. “I wasn’t. I was just stretching,” she replied.
“You are going to be great. There is nothing to worry about,” Elise stated in a much kinder tone.
“I know. Thanks for coming with me. It means a lot,” Jessica replied as she stepped out of the elevator.


What does the dialogue reveal about Jessica?

Literary Analysis: Dialogue Read the passage. Then, answer the questions that follow.
“Stop checking your watch,” Elise told Jessica.
Jessica quickly dropped her hand to her side. “I wasn’t. I was just stretching,” she replied.
“You are going to be great. There is nothing to worry about,” Elise stated in a much kinder tone.
“I know. Thanks for coming with me. It means a lot,” Jessica replied as she stepped out of the elevator.

Which punctuation mark signals dialogue?

Literary Analysis: Dialogue Read the passage. Then, answer the questions that follow.
“Stop checking your watch,” Elise told Jessica.
Jessica quickly dropped her hand to her side. “I wasn’t. I was just stretching,” she replied.
“You are going to be great. There is nothing to worry about,” Elise stated in a much kinder tone.
“I know. Thanks for coming with me. It means a lot,” Jessica replied as she stepped out of the elevator.

Based on the dialogue, where might Jessica be going?

Literary Analysis: Dialogue Read the passage. Then, answer the questions that follow.
“Stop checking your watch,” Elise told Jessica.
Jessica quickly dropped her hand to her side. “I wasn’t. I was just stretching,” she replied.
“You are going to be great. There is nothing to worry about,” Elise stated in a much kinder tone.
“I know. Thanks for coming with me. It means a lot,” Jessica replied as she stepped out of the elevator.


Which is the most likely reason for an author to incorporate dialect into a story?

Literary Analysis: Symbolism and Allegory

Which of the following statements about symbolism and allegory is correct?

Literary Analysis: Symbolism and Allegory

Which of the following might be used by an author as a symbol for new life and hope?

Literary Analysis: Symbolism and Allegory

In literature, what does a sunset often symbolize?

Literary Analysis: Symbolism and Allegory

What is one reason an author might choose to write an allegory?

Reading Skill: Analyze Cause and Effect Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Michael stood in the street wondering what to do. It was starting to rain, and he realized that he had left his umbrella at the restaurant during lunch. He quickly ran under a nearby canopy. He wouldn’t have forgotten his umbrella if he hadn’t been distracted by all the commotion, he thought to himself. Michael had been about to leave the restaurant when a waiter suddenly slipped coming out of the kitchen. When the waiter fell, he dropped a full plate of food onto a customer’s lap.

What causes Michael to forget his umbrella in the restaurant?

Reading Skill: Analyze Cause and Effect Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Michael stood in the street wondering what to do. It was starting to rain, and he realized that he had left his umbrella at the restaurant during lunch. He quickly ran under a nearby canopy. He wouldn’t have forgotten his umbrella if he hadn’t been distracted by all the commotion, he thought to himself. Michael had been about to leave the restaurant when a waiter suddenly slipped coming out of the kitchen. When the waiter fell, he dropped a full plate of food onto a customer’s lap.

What effects are caused by the waiter’s fall?

Reading Skill: Analyze Cause and Effect Read the selection. Then, answer the questions that follow.
Michael stood in the street wondering what to do. It was starting to rain, and he realized that he had left his umbrella at the restaurant during lunch. He quickly ran under a nearby canopy. He wouldn’t have forgotten his umbrella if he hadn’t been distracted by all the commotion, he thought to himself. Michael had been about to leave the restaurant when a waiter suddenly slipped coming out of the kitchen. When the waiter fell, he dropped a full plate of food onto a customer’s lap.

What causes Michael to realize that he forgot his umbrella at the restaurant?

Informational Texts: Analyze Structure and Format

Which of the following are used to format a text?

Informational Texts: Analyze Structure and Format


What is a text feature that can help readers evaluate text format?

Informational Texts: Analyze Structure and Format

What type of document is likely to have headings and subheadings?

Vocabulary: Word Roots and Suffixes

The root word -ject- means “to throw.” What does the word rejected mean?

Vocabulary: Word Roots and Suffixes


In the following sentence what does the word benevolent mean?

Jon founded a benevolent organization that finds homes for stray pets.

Vocabulary: Word Roots and Suffixes


The suffix -ious means “possessing, or full of a certain quality.” Using this knowledge, what is the meaning of the word deleterious?

Vocabulary: Word Roots and Suffixes

In the following sentence, what is the meaning of the word ominous?

The tax deadline loomed like an ominous storm cloud on the horizon.