Grade 6 - Division of Language Arts/Reading

WINTER 2013 Interim Assessment Test – Grade 6 January 2013 Department of Language Arts/Reading

Winter IA – Grade 6 Page 1

Category 1 - Vocabulary Benchmark LA.6.1.6.3 - use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar words (9, 11, 22, 41) (4 pts. possible)

Question NGSSS Overall Performance

Passage Question stem

9 LA.6.1.6.3 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles – Literary Nonfiction

Read this sentence from the passage. Shirley clutched her seat, afraid joy would launch her through the ceiling and whisk her high above the clouds. What does the word clutched mean in the sentence above?

11 LA.6.1.6.3 The Origins of Toothpaste - Informational

Read this sentence. Persian writings a thousand years ago warned that using too rough an abrasive could harm the teeth.

Abrasive means the same as

22 LA.6.1.6.3 Frederick M. Jones, Inventor – Literary Nonfiction

Read this sentence. Jones continued to work primarily as a mechanic, and his knowledge of cars helped in developing his inventions.

In the sentence, primarily means

41 LA.6.1.6.3 Marmalade - Literary

Read these sentences. Of course, his predicament served him right. There was no question that he’d been rummaging around in someone’s garbage. What does the word predicament mean?

Benchmark LA.6.1.6.8 - identify advanced word/phrase relationships and their meanings (17, 45, 47) (3 pts. possible)




Read this sentence. Toothpaste has come a long way from dried flowers and crushed eggshells rubbed onto the teeth with a stick. What is the meaning of come a long way in the sentence above?


When the author states “. . . Mother took pity on him,” she means that his mother


Read this sentence from the passage. He stared for a long time, and then, finally, he gave us a big toothy grin before scampering away into the rain. What does the word scampering suggest about the skunk in the sentence above?

Benchmark LA.6.1.6.9 – determine the correct meaning of words with multiple meanings (10, 19, 48, 50) (4 pts. possible)



10 LA.6.1.6.9 A Journey of Ten

Thousand Miles –

Literary Nonfiction

Read this sentence from the passage. “What disgraceful behavior!” he exclaimed in a mocking tone so familiar that it made her teary. Which sentence below uses tone in the SAME way as in the sentence above?


Read this sentence from the article. Manufacturers today make toothpaste foamy by using synthetic detergents that taste even worse than regular soap; mint or other strong flavorings are added to cover the taste of the detergent. Which sentence below uses the word mint in the SAME way as in the sentence above?


Read this sentence from the passage. We scrambled down the steps.



Which of the following is the closest meaning to scrambled as it is used in the sentence above?

50 LA.6.1.6.9 Baking Soda Crystals - Informational

Read this sentence from the article. This will serve as a weight to keep your yarn from floating around the glass. Which sentence below uses the word serve in the SAME way as in the sentence above?

Category 2 – Reading Applications Benchmark LA.6.1.7.2 – will analyze author’s purpose and perspective (18, 23,26, 32) (4 pts. possible)




Why did the author MOST LIKELY write this article?


Why did the author MOST LIKELY write the article “Frederick M. Jones, Inventor”?


The author of the article would PROBABLY agree that

32 LA.6.1.7.2 The Dark – Poetry February Twilight - Poetry

Which word BEST describes the author’s attitude toward being alone in “The Dark”?

Benchmark LA.6.1.7.3 - determine main idea or essential message (4, 25, 29, 40) (4 pts. possible)


Read this sentence. As the wheels of the train clacked along the tracks, they seemed to chant—Four more days, just four more days . . . Three days, just three days . . . Only two, only two, only two . . . Tomorrow, tomorrow . . . Today!

At this point in the story, Mother and Shirley are counting the days because they are


Which activity did Jones enjoy most as a child?


What is the poem “The Dark” MOSTLY about?


Which statement gives the BEST summary of the story?

Benchmark LA.6.1.7.4 – identify cause-and-effect relationships (14, 16, 24, 30, 42,44) (6 pts. possible)


Why was fluoride added to toothpaste?


Borax powder was added to toothpaste to


How did the changes Jones made to his movie projector change the moviegoers’ experiences?


In “The Dark,” which is MOST LIKELY the result of evening temperatures?

42 LA.6.1.7.4 Marmalade - Literary What happened when Waldo and Rob set out the cups of marmalade?




According to the story, what is the MAIN reason the skunk does not spray the boys?

Benchmark LA.6.1.7.5 – analyze a variety of text structures and text features (5, 49, 52) (3 pts. possible)


The author organized the events in the passage by


The information in the passage is MOSTLY organized by


The information in the article is MOSTLY organized by

Benchmark LA.6.1.7.7 – compare and contrast elements in multiple texts (3, 13, 38, 39) (4 pts. possible)


How are Shirley and Mother different in the story?


Both ancient and modern toothpastes contain


Which word BEST describes a characteristic that the narrators of both poems share?


The two poems are similar because they BOTH

Category 3 - Elements of Story Structure/Descriptive Language / Figurative Language Benchmark LA.6.2.1.2 – locate and analyze the elements of plot structure, including exposition, setting, character development, rising/falling action, conflict/resolution, and theme in a variety of fiction. (1, 2, 8, 43) (4 pts. possible)




What is the MAIN setting of this story?


Which word BEST describes the narrator’s father?


What is the resolution of the story?

43 LA.6.2.1.2 Marmalade - Literary Which word BEST describes the behavior of the skunk in the attic when the narrator sees him?

Benchmark LA.6.2.1.7 – locate and analyze an author's use of allusions and descriptive , idiomatic, and figurative language in a variety of literary text, identifying how word choice sets the author’s tone and advances the work’s theme. (7, 31,33,34) (4 pts. possible)




Which statement BEST describes the mood of the passage?




Which words BEST describe the tone of “The Dark”?


Which word BEST describes the mood of the poem?


Which line from the poem contains an example of onomatopoeia?

Benchmark LA.6.2.2.1 – locate, use, and analyze specific information from organizational text features (35, 46) 2 pts. possible)




The purpose of the illustration is to show the reader

46 LA.6.2.2.1 Marmalade - Literary The information in italics at the beginning of the passage provides

Category 4 – Informational Text / Research Process Benchmark LA.6.6.1.1 – explain how text features aid the reader’s understanding (20, 51, 53) (3 pts. possible)




What information does the timeline at the end of the article provide?


What information does the section “What you will need” provide?


The heading “Instructions: Follow these steps to make your crystals.” MOSTLY helps the reader to

Benchmark LA.6.6.2.2 – collect, evaluate and summarize information using a variety of techniques from multiple sources that includes paraphrasing to convey ideas and details from the source, main idea(s) and relevant details. (6, 12, 15, 21, 27, 28, 36, 37) (8 pts. possible)


Which statement is the BEST evidence that Shirley and her family are moving to the United States?


Which toothpaste ingredient would be most important to a person who wants strong teeth?


People who read this article will learn


What information can be found in BOTH the article and the timeline?


Based on the information in the article, which sentence is PROBABLY true about Frederick M. Jones?


What will the reader learn from this article?




Which is the BEST evidence that the speaker in “February Twilight” wanted to make this moment last?


Which of the following is BEST supported in “February Twilight”?



Category 1 - Vocabulary Benchmark LA.6.1.6.3 - use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar words (9, 11, 22, 41) (4 pts. possible)

Question NGSSS Passage Question stem Distractors Analysis


Read this sentence from the passage. Shirley clutched her seat, afraid joy would launch her through the ceiling and whisk her high above the clouds.

What does the word clutched mean in the sentence above?

A. changed

B. covered

C. grasped

D. turned


Read this sentence. Persian writings a thousand years ago warned that using too rough an abrasive could harm the teeth.

Abrasive means the same as

A. better taste.

B. clear liquid.

C. harsh polish.

D. smooth movement.


Read this sentence. Jones continued to work primarily as a mechanic, and his knowledge of cars helped in developing his inventions. In the sentence, primarily means

F. mostly.

G. quickly.

H. quietly.

I. regularly.


Read these sentences. Of course, his predicament served him right. There was no question that he’d been rummaging around in someone’s garbage.

What does the word predicament mean?

A. connection

B. direction

C. location

D. situation

Benchmark LA.6.1.6.8 - identify advanced word/phrase relationships and their meanings (17, 45, 47) (3 pts. possible)

Question NGSSS Passage Question stem Distractors


Read this sentence. Toothpaste has come a long way from dried flowers and crushed eggshells rubbed onto the teeth with a stick. What is the meaning of come a long way in the sentence above?

A. changed very little

B. improved over time

C. become more popular

D. become more expensive


When the author states “. . . Mother took pity on him,” she means that his mother

A. decided to help the skunk.

B. avoided looking at the skunk.

C. continued to pick a variety of vegetables.

D. returned to the kitchen for more marmalade.


Read this sentence from the passage. He stared for a long time, and then, finally, he gave us a big toothy grin before scampering away into the rain.

What does the word scampering suggest about the skunk in the sentence above?

A He was quite frightened as he tried to leave.

B. He seemed playful and happy as he ran away.

C. He was moving slowly because of all the marmalade he ate.

D. He seemed reluctant to go and was aware that he was saying goodbye.

Benchmark LA.6.1.6.9 – determine the correct meaning of words with multiple meanings (10, 19, 48, 50) (4 pts. possible)


10 LA.6.1.6.9 A Journey of

Ten

Read this sentence from the passage. “What disgraceful behavior!” he exclaimed in a mocking tone

F. The viola has a deep, beautiful tone.

G. The large city is known for its busy, upbeat



Thousand

Miles –

Literary

Nonfiction

so familiar that it made her teary. Which sentence below uses tone in the SAME way as in the sentence above?

tone.

H. The walls no longer had a dull tone after being painted.

I. He surprised me when he began to speak in such a playful tone


Read this sentence from the article. Manufacturers today make toothpaste foamy by using synthetic detergents that taste even worse than regular soap; mint or other strong flavorings are added to cover the taste of the detergent. Which sentence below uses the word mint in the SAME way as in the sentence above?

A. The family visited states that mint currency.

B. The baseball cards were in mint condition.

C. The mint in the tea eases digestion.

D. The new game costs a mint.


Read this sentence from the passage. We scrambled down the steps. Which of the following is the closest meaning to scrambled as it is used in the sentence above?

F. cooked eggs

G. moved quickly

H. struggled for possession

I. mixed together confusedly


Read this sentence from the article. This will serve as a weight to keep your yarn from floating around the glass. Which sentence below uses the word serve in the SAME way as in the sentence above?

F. The newspaper could serve as an umbrella during a rain shower.

G. My mother will be required to serve on a jury.

H. We will serve lunch promptly at noon.

I. I would like to serve my community.

Category 2 – Reading Applications Benchmark LA.6.1.7.2 – will analyze author’s purpose and perspective (18, 23,26, 32) (4 pts. possible)



Why did the author MOST LIKELY write this article?

F. to summarize the history of toothpaste

G. to encourage readers to brush their teeth

H. to show how each ingredient in toothpaste works

I. to explain why modern toothpaste is good for you


Why did the author MOST LIKELY write the article “Frederick M. Jones, Inventor”?

A. to present facts about Jones and his work

B. to tell a story about Jones and a chicken farmer

C. to explain how Jones invented refrigerated trucks

D. to offer an opinion about the refrigeration company Jones owned


The author of the article would PROBABLY agree that

F. small farming communities produce the best inventors.

G. creative ideas are not apparent until the inventors are adults.

H. refrigeration systems were Jones’s most important inventions.

I. race car engines were an invention not worthy of Jones’s attention.

32 LA.6.1.7.2 The Dark – Poetry February

Which word BEST describes the author’s attitude toward being alone in “The Dark”?

F. angry

G. content

H. joyful



Twilight - Poetry

I. sad

Benchmark LA.6.1.7.3 - determine main idea or essential message (4, 25, 29, 40) (4 pts. possible)


Read this sentence. As the wheels of the train clacked along the tracks, they seemed to chant—Four more days, just four more days . . . Three days, just three days . . . Only two, only two, only two . . . Tomorrow, tomorrow . . . Today!

At this point in the story, Mother and Shirley are counting the days because they are

F. afraid of the motion of the train.

G. eager about their reunion with Father.

H. excited to see passengers in line for the train.

I. worried they have arrived too late to see Father.


Which activity did Jones enjoy most as a child?

A. working on a farm

B. taking things apart

C. cleaning garages

D. building race cars


What is the poem “The Dark” MOSTLY about?

A. visiting with neighbors on a hillside

B. observing the number of people who live on a hill

C. studying the nighttime activities of wildlife on a hill

D. watching a hillside dim as people turn out their lights


Which statement gives the BEST summary of the story? F. A boy plays in the attic.

G. A mother works in the garden.

H. A narrator enjoys the taste of marmalade.

I. A mother and son make an unusual friend.

Benchmark LA.6.1.7.4 – identify cause-and-effect relationships (14, 16, 24, 30, 42,44) (6 pts. possible)


Why was fluoride added to toothpaste?

F. Fluoride helps the paste to foam.

G. Many colors are made from fluoride.

H. Fluoride helps to cover the bad taste.

I. Studies show fluoride reduces tooth decay.


Borax powder was added to toothpaste to F. help it whiten teeth.

G. give it a good flavor.

H. turn it into a creamy paste.

I. make it foam in the mouth.


How did the changes Jones made to his movie projector change the moviegoers’ experiences?

F. They could see movies in color.

G. They could pay less to see movies.

H. They could hear the sounds in movies.

I. They could watch movies on larger screens.


In “The Dark,” which is MOST LIKELY the result of evening temperatures?

F. lights going out

G. the dust blowing

H. dew becoming cool

I. the barking of a dog


What happened when Waldo and Rob set out the cups of marmalade?

F. The skunk hid in the attic.

G. The skunk crawled out the window.

H. The skunk followed the trail outside.



I. The skunk looked around in the garbage.


According to the story, what is the MAIN reason the skunk does not spray the boys?

F. The skunk is busy looking for food.

G. The skunk has a marmalade jar on his nose.

H. The skunk is behind a carton near the chimney.

I. The skunk associates marmalade with kindness.

Benchmark LA.6.1.7.5 – analyze a variety of text structures and text features (5, 49, 52) (3 pts. possible)


The author organized the events in the passage by A. presenting the thoughts and feelings of Shirley’s parents.

B. describing events that build up to a memorable moment in Shirley’s life.

C. explaining a problem that caused Shirley’s father to be away from his family.

D. making a list of all the things Shirley’s father knew and the things he could repair.


The information in the passage is MOSTLY organized by

A. describing a boy’s experiences with a skunk in chronological order.

B. presenting the cause of a boy’s encounter with a skunk and its effect.

C. telling a boy’s stories about a skunk in order of most important to least important.

D. comparing the way the mother treated the skunk to the way the son treated the skunk.


The information in the article is MOSTLY organized by

F. explaining what causes stalactites and stalagmites to form.

G. describing what natural formations look like.

H. listing the materials and steps in a process.

I. comparing stalactites to stalagmites.

Benchmark LA.6.1.7.7 – compare and contrast elements in multiple texts (3, 13, 38, 39) (4 pts. possible)


How are Shirley and Mother different in the story?

A. Shirley notices Father’s absence, but Mother does not miss him.

B. Shirley is openly eager, but Mother keeps her feelings to herself.

C. Shirley is excited about America, but Mother wants to return home.

D. Shirley enjoys the journey by train, but Mother dislikes traveling.


Both ancient and modern toothpastes contain

A. disinfectants.

B. flavorings.

C. fluoride.

D. chalk.


Which word BEST describes a characteristic that the narrators of both poems share?

F. sympathetic

G. observant

H. grateful

I. affectionate

39 LA.6.1.7.7 The Dark – The two poems are similar because they BOTH A. mention another person.



Poetry February Twilight - Poetry

B. take place in the wintertime.

C. take place on or near a hillside.

D. mention the surrounding sounds.

Category 3 - Elements of Story Structure/Descriptive Language / Figurative Language Benchmark LA.6.2.1.2 – locate and analyze the elements of plot structure, including exposition, setting, character development, rising/falling action, conflict/resolution, and theme in a variety of fiction. (1, 2, 8, 43) (4 pts. possible)



What is the MAIN setting of this story?

A. Shanghai

B. California

C. an airport

D. a train station


Which word BEST describes the narrator’s father?

F. cautious

G. courageous

H. knowledgeable

I. talkative


What is the resolution of the story?

F. The family leaves the train station together.

G. The train ride becomes more quiet.

H. The family returns to Shanghai.

I. The train comes to a stop.


Which word BEST describes the behavior of the skunk in the attic when the narrator sees him?

A. angry

B. curious

C. friendly

D. frightened

Benchmark LA.6.2.1.7 – locate and analyze an author's use of allusions and descriptive, idiomatic, and figurative language in a variety of literary text, identifying how word choice sets the author’s tone and advances the work’s theme. (7, 31,33,34) (4 pts. possible)



Which statement BEST describes the mood of the passage?

A. But she remembered nothing of what she saw.

B. Shirley clutched her seat, afraid joy would launch her through the ceiling and whisk her high above the clouds.

C. Leaping off the train, she ran to the dapper man in a bow tie.

D. She started to explain, but suddenly he was still.


Which words BEST describe the tone of “The Dark”?

A. happy and merry

B. peaceful and still

C. angry and annoyed

D. hopeful and encouraged

33 LA.6.2.1.7 The Dark – Which word BEST describes the mood of the poem? A. frightened



Poetry February Twilight - Poetry

B. hopeful

C. peaceful

D. serious


Which line from the poem contains an example of onomatopoeia?

F. There are six little windows with light.

G. The little frogs chirp and I hear a dog bark

H. And just for a moment there comes an owl . . .

I. And nothing is left on the hill.

locate, use, and analyze specific information from organizational text features (35, 46) 2 pts. possible)



The purpose of the illustration is to show the reader

A. how the speaker feels.

B. what the speaker sees.

C. where the speaker lives.

D. when the speaker falls asleep.


The information in italics at the beginning of the passage provides

F. a description of the illustration that goes with the passage.

G. a reference to a family story on which the passage is based.

H. an example of the relationship the author has with her relatives.

I. an explanation of what marmalade is and how it is spread on toast.

Category 4 – Informational Text / Research Process Benchmark LA.6.6.1.1 – explain how text features aid the reader’s understanding (20, 51, 53) (3 pts. possible)



What information does the timeline at the end of the article provide?

F. important dates in the history of toothpaste

G. alternatives to using manufactured toothpaste

H. when preservatives were introduced into toothpaste

I. when studies were conducted on the effectiveness of toothpaste


What information does the section “What you will need” provide?

A a list of materials for the experiment

B. a list of steps to perform the experiment

C. the definitions of stalactites and stalagmites

D. the time it takes for stalactites and stalagmites to form


The heading “Instructions: Follow these steps to make your crystals.” MOSTLY helps the reader to

A. imagine how to make crystals.

B. locate the directions for creating crystals.

C. understand the different types of crystals.

D. determine what materials are needed to make crystals.

6 LA.6.6.2.2 A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles –

Which statement is the BEST evidence that Shirley and her family are moving to the United States?

F. Leaping off the train, she ran to the dapper man in a bow tie.

G. At last it was the hour when their year-long separation would end.



Literary Nonfiction

H. Home was Brooklyn, New York, but Shirley would not know that for a while.

I. Throughout the journey across the United States, Shirley stared out the window of the train.

Benchmark LA.6.6.2.2 – collect, evaluate and summarize information using a variety of techniques from multiple sources that includes paraphrasing to convey ideas and details from the source, main idea(s) and relevant details. (6, 12, 15, 21, 27, 28, 36, 37) (8 pts. possible)


Which toothpaste ingredient would be most important to a person who wants strong teeth?

F. calcium

G. detergents

H. disinfectants

I. fluoride


People who read this article will learn A. that toothpaste has many different ingredients.

B. how to determine which toothpaste is best to use.

C. why toothpaste became an instant success.

D. when the need for toothpaste was decided.


What information can be found in BOTH the article and the timeline?

A. the flavors added to toothpaste

B. the dyes used in tooth-cleaning products

C. the material used to make toothpaste tubes

D. the material that turned tooth-cleaning powders into creamy pastes


Based on the information in the article, which sentence is PROBABLY true about Frederick M. Jones?

A. He developed ideas when he saw a way to make money.

B. He did not believe that patents were important to inventors.

C. He did not like working on cars more than working in a movie theater.

D. He turned problems presented to him into opportunities for inventions.


What will the reader learn from this article?

F. the formation of a unique company

G. the process of applying for a patent

H. the childhoods of famous inventors

I. the details of making a refrigerator


Which is the BEST evidence that the speaker in “February Twilight” wanted to make this moment last?

F. I stood beside a hill Smooth with new-laid snow

G. A single star looked out From the cold evening glow.

H. There was no other creature That saw what I could see—

I. I stood and watched the evening star As long as it watched me.


Which of the following is BEST supported in “February Twilight”?

A. search for truth

B. interest in the arts

C. love of knowledge

D. appreciation for nature



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Grade 6 - Division of Language Arts/Reading