Category 1 - Vocabulary Benchmark LA.6.1.6.8 - identify advanced word/phrase relationships and their meanings. (5 possible: 3,14,23,33,50) Question NGSSS Overall Passage 3 LA.6.1.6.8 The Rocky Read this sentence from the passage. Today the road was a blend of bumps and wagon ruts. Which word means the SAME as blend? 14 LA.6.1.6.8 Sand A rival company built a sculpture of a famous castle that was the size of a football field and weighed 19,000 tons. 23 LA.6.1.6.8 Taste of 33 LA.6.1.6.8 Turning 50 LA.6.1.6.8 Mama s Candlesticks Fiction Which word is MOST similar in meaning to rival? Is it the rain of ripe fruit as I accidentally brush a shrub with my arm? Which word means the OPPOSITE of accidentally? Read the sentences from the article.... This is not a thing done for money. It s a labor of love, he says. What does David Anton mean when he calls his profession a labor of love? Benchmark LA.6.1.6.9 determine the correct meaning of words with multiple meanings ( 4 possible: 15, 25,34, 51) Question NGSSS Overall Passage 15 LA.6.1.6.9 Sand 25 LA.6.1.6.9 Taste of 34 LA.6.1.6.9 Turning 51 LA.6.1.6.9 Mama s Candlesticks Fiction Read this sentence from the passage. Sonya, disappointed that the candelabrum had lost its luster, took no more interest in it. Which word means the SAME as luster? Benchmark LA.6.1.7.2 will analyze author s purpose and perspective (5 possible: 11, 16, 17, 35, 43) After this, they make a rough outline of the shape they will carve. Which sentence below uses the word rough in the SAME way as in the sentence above? Or the stain of nature s royal paint on my fingertips Which definition of stain is used in the lines from the poem? David scours lumberyards and out-of -the-way places in many cities to track down wood. Which sentence below uses the word scours in the SAME way as in the sentence above? Read this sentence from the passage. They were the link from one generation to another, and one day Mama would pass them on to her. Which sentence below uses the word link in the SAME way as in the sentence above? Category 2 Reading Applications Question NGSSS Overall Passage 11 LA.6.1.7.2 Sand According to the author, what is the MOST important aspect of being a sculptor? Fall Interim Grade 6 Page 1
16 LA.6.1.7.2 Sand The MAIN purpose of this article is to 17 LA.6.1.7.2 Sand Which sentence from the article BEST reveals the author s viewpoint about sand sculpting? 35 LA.6.1.7.2 Turning What is the purpose of this article? 43 LA.6.1.7.2 A Fun What is the author s MAIN reason for including the information in the section Mongolia? Benchmark LA.6.1.7.3 - determine main idea or essential message ( 4 possible: 8, 12,22, 24) 8 LA.6.1.7.3 The Rocky How does Hannah show courage in the face of danger? 12 LA.6.1.7.3 Sand Read this excerpt from the article.... there is magic in a simple handful of sand. What is the meaning of the sentence above? Which phrase from Taste of Summer BEST shows that the berries have great worth to the speaker? 22 LA.6.1.7.3 Taste of 24 LA.6.1.7.3 Taste of What does the poet mean by the rain of ripe fruit in Taste of Summer? Benchmark LA.6.1.7.4 identify cause-and-effect relationships (4 possible: 1, 2, 29, 41) 1 LA.6.1.7.4 The Rocky Hannah s decision to move from the front to the back of the wagon is caused by 2 LA.6.1.7.4 The Rocky What caused Pa to slow down on the trail? 29 LA.6.1.7.4 Taste of In Daisy Time, what causes the daisies to dance? 41 LA.6.1.7.4 Turning What MOST LIKELY influenced Anton s decision to work with guitars? Benchmark LA.6.1.7.5 analyze a variety of text structures and text features (5 possible: 9, 20, 42, 48, 54) 9 LA.6.1.7.5 The Rocky The author MOSTLY organized the information in the passage by 20 LA.6.1.7.5 Sand How does the author organize the information in the article? 42 LA.6.1.7.5 Turning The author organized the section Making a Guitar by 48 LA.6.1.7.5 A Fun How is the information in To play the game MOSTLY organized? 54 LA.6.1.7.5 Mama s Candlesticks Fiction The author MAINLY organized the information in the passage by Benchmark LA.6.1.7.7 compare and contrast elements in multiple texts (5 possible: 13, 28, 32, 52, 54) 13 LA.6.1.7.7 Sand The employees of sand-sculpting companies are ALIKE because they Fall Interim Grade 6 Page 2
28 LA.6.1.7.7 Taste of In Daisy Time, what do the daisies and stars have in common? 32 LA.6.1.7.7 Taste of In both poems, the speakers are describing 44 LA.6.1.7.7 A Fun The section listing materials needed to play the game differs from the other lists in the passage because it 52 LA.6.1.7.7 Mama s Candlesticks Fiction What advantage did Mama s candlesticks have over the silver candlestick? 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. (5 possible: 4, 5, 7, 49, 53) Question NGSSS Overall Passage 4 LA.6.2.1.2 The Rocky Road Which statement BEST describes Hannah? 5 LA.6.2.1.2 The Rocky What is the MAIN conflict in this story? 7 LA.6.2.1.2 The Rocky The reader learns about Hannah through her 49 LA.6.2.1.2 Mama s Candlesticks What is the MAIN setting of this story? Fiction 53 LA.6.2.1.2 Mama s Candlesticks Fiction Why is Mama happy at the end of the story? 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. ( 5 possible: 6, 21, 26, 27, 30) 6 LA.6.2.1.7 The Rocky Read these sentences from the passage. Hannah listened to their own wagon creaking beneath them. It sounded like a fiddle with a broken string. What is the effect of comparing the wagon to a broken fiddle? 21 LA.6.2.1.7 Taste of Which of these BEST describes the tone of Taste of Summer? 26 LA.6.2.1.7 Taste of The purple plunk of each berry that drops into my pail? 27 LA.6.2.1.7 Taste of 30 LA.6.2.1.7 Taste of These lines from the poem contain an example of But on a cold winter night these berries, like dark jewels, will fill my mouth with summer. The poet compares berries to jewels to Buttercups have honeyed hearts, Bees they love the clover, But I love the daisies dance Fall Interim Grade 6 Page 3
These lines from the poem contain examples of Benchmark LA.6.2.2.1 locate, use, and analyze specific information from organizational text features (4 possible: 10, 31, 37, 39) Question NGSSS Overall Passage 10 LA.6.2.2.1 The Rocky Based on the passage, which sentence would BEST serve as a caption for the illustration? 31 LA.6.2.2.1 Taste of Which line from the poem would BEST serve as a caption for the illustration? 37 LA.6.2.2.1 Turning Based on the diagram, what part is located inside of a guitar? 39 LA.6.2.2.1 Turning Based on the diagram, the tuning machine of a guitar fits into the instrument s Category 4 Text / Research Process Benchmark LA.6.6.1.1 explain how text features aid the reader s understanding (5 possible: 36, 38, 45, 46, 47) Question NGSSS Overall Passage 36 LA.6.6.1.1 Turning 38 LA.6.6.1.1 Turning 45 LA.6.6.1.1 A Fun What does the diagram of the guitar show readers? Which label of the diagram shows the part of the guitar that affects volume? Read the sentence from Step 3 of To play the game. The block must be kicked, not dragged. Why is the sentence written in italics? Diagram A provides readers with dimensions for the 46 LA.6.6.1.1 A Fun 47 LA.6.6.1.1 A Fun The text box at the end of the article discusses the 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 (3. Possible: 18, 19, 40) 18 LA.6.6.2.2 Sand People who read this article will learn that 19 LA.6.6.2.2 Sand 40 LA.6.6.2.2 Turning Which source does the author use to show that the information in the article is accurate? Which source does the author use to prove that the facts in the article are accurate? Fall Interim Grade 6 Page 4
Category 1 - Vocabulary Benchmark LA.6.1.6.8 - identify advanced word/phrase relationships and their meanings. (5 possible: 3,14,23,33,50) Distractors Analysis 3 LA.6.1.6.8 The Rocky Read this sentence from the passage. Today the road was a blend of bumps and wagon ruts. A. B. C. challenge combination demonstration 14 LA.6.1.6.8 Sand 23 LA.6.1.6.8 Taste of 33 LA.6.1.6.8 Turning Trees into Which word means the SAME as blend? A rival company built a sculpture of a famous castle that was the size of a football field and weighed 19,000 tons. Which word is MOST similar in meaning to rival? Is it the rain of ripe fruit as I accidentally brush a shrub with my arm? Which word means the OPPOSITE of accidentally? Read the sentences from the article.... This is not a thing done for money. It s a labor of love, he says. What does David Anton mean when he calls his profession a labor of love? D. disaster F. better G. competing H. demanding I. new F. purple plunk G. high in the sky H. rain of ripe fruit I. Nature s royal paint 50 LA.6.1.6.8 Mama s Read this sentence from the passage. F. color Candlesticks Sonya, disappointed that the candelabrum had G. grace lost its luster, took no more interest in it. H. shine Fiction Which word means the SAME as luster? I. value Benchmark LA.6.1.6.9 determine the correct meaning of words with multiple meanings ( 4 possible: 15, 25,34, 51) A. Even though making guitars takes a lot of work, he trulyenjoys it. B. He is happy making guitars and following in his grandfathers footsteps. C. Making guitars is easy, and he knows people will enjoy his work. D. He has been making guitars for so long that he now has fun doing it. 15 LA.6.1.6.9 Sand After this, they make a rough outline of the shape they will carve. Which sentence below uses the word rough in the 25 LA.6.1.6.9 Taste of 34 LA.6.1.6.9 Turning 51 LA.6.1.6.9 Mama s Candlesticks SAME way as in the sentence above? Or the stain of nature s royal paint on my fingertips Which definition of stain is used in the lines from the poem? David scours lumberyards and out-of -the-way places in many cities to track down wood. Which sentence below uses the word scours in the SAME way as in the sentence above? Read this sentence from the passage. They were the link from one generation to A. A chunk of coal is a diamond in the rough. B. The rough seas tossed the boat on the waves. C. I have had some rough times with my best friend. D. I have almost finished the rough draft of my essay. A. a mark of guilt B. a discoloration C. a coloring for wood D. a scientific treatment F. He scours the wool before he can make the yarn. G. She scours the sink to try to remove the dark stains. H. He scours the garage by throwing out bags of old junk. I. She scours her bedroom and her closet for the lost shoe. A. The link of sausage was much too spicy for my taste. B. He put on his last silver cuff link and was ready to go. Fall Interim Grade 6 Page 1
Fiction another, and one day Mama would pass them on to her. Which sentence below uses the word link 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 (5 possible: 11, 16, 17, 35, 43) 11 LA.6.1.7.2 Sand According to the author, what is the MOST important aspect of being a sculptor? 16 LA.6.1.7.2 Sand 17 LA.6.1.7.2 Sand 35 LA.6.1.7.2 Turning 43 LA.6.1.7.2 A Fun C. She found a link between the factory and the illnesses. D. The chain link fence was here when we moved into the house. A. dreaming up original designs B. competing in sculpting contests C. making their creations seem real D. entertaining others with their sculptures The MAIN purpose of this article is to F. persuade people to become sand sculptors. G. list the steps involved in making a sandcastle. H. argue that sand is the best material to use for sculpting. I. explain how sand sculpting can be both an art and a business. Which sentence from the article BEST reveals the author s viewpoint about sand sculpting? A. These contests take place in countries all over the world. B. The winners take home thousands of dollars in cash prizes. C. Sand sculptures are fascinating, whether they are built for fun or profit, in a studio, or o D. One California company built a sculpture of the Lost City of Atlantis that holds the reco sand sculpture in the world. What is the purpose of this article? A. to tell the reader how to make a guitar B. to inform the reader about a talented person C. to give the reader information about luthiers D. to persuade the reader to play a musical instrument What is the author s MAIN reason for including the information in the section Mongolia? Benchmark LA.6.1.7.3 - determine main idea or essential message ( 4 possible: 8, 12,22, 24) A. to interest the reader in experiencing a different way of life B. to show the reader that games can originate in other countries C. to explain to the reader the importance of Tsorog-Bombog to another culture D. to provide the reader with information about the country where Tsorog-Bombog origina 8 LA.6.1.7.3 The Rocky 12 LA.6.1.7.3 Sand How does Hannah show courage in the face of danger? Read this excerpt from the article.... there is magic in a simple handful of sand. What is the meaning of the sentence above? F. by tying down the crates after they come loose G. by helping to fix the wagon after it falls in a rut H. by slowing down the oxen when they become scared I. by going to her father for help when they lose some supplies F. Sand can become a work of art. G. Little effort is needed to transform sand. H. Everyone has the talent to make sandcastles. I. Many sculptors create images of lifelike creatures. Fall Interim Grade 6 Page 2
22 LA.6.1.7.3 Taste of Which phrase from Taste of Summer BEST shows that the berries have great worth to the speaker? F. purple plunk G. high in the sky H. rain of ripe fruit I. nature s royal paint 24 LA.6.1.7.3 Taste of What does the poet mean by the rain of ripe fruit in Taste of Summer? Benchmark LA.6.1.7.4 identify cause-and-effect relationships (4 possible: 1, 2, 29, 41) F. The berries are wet from rain. G. Fruit is quickly ripened by rain. H. Rain can lead to spoiled berries. I. The berries fall like drops of rain. 1 LA.6.1.7.4 The Rocky 2 LA.6.1.7.4 The Rocky 29 LA.6.1.7.4 Taste of 41 LA.6.1.7.4 Turning Hannah s decision to move from the front to the back of the wagon is caused by A. her desire to keep the wagons moving. B. her feeling that she would be more comfortable there. C. her disappointment that she isn t able to drive the wagon. D. her knowledge that she has a better view of the wagons from the rear. What caused Pa to slow down on the trail? F. The road was rough and bumpy. G. Some supplies fell off of the wagon. H. Pa was concerned about bad weather. I. Hannah was worried about a broken wheel. In Daisy Time, what causes the daisies to dance? A. the sun B. the bees C. the stars D. the wind What MOST LIKELY influenced Anton s decision to work with guitars? Benchmark LA.6.1.7.5 analyze a variety of text structures and text features (5 possible: 9, 20, 42, 48, 54) A. his ability to work for long periods of time B. his interest in the tools used to make musical instruments C. his relatives activities with music and woodworking D. books about where instruments come from and how they are made 9 LA.6.1.7.5 The Rocky 20 LA.6.1.7.5 Sand 42 LA.6.1.7.5 Turning The author MOSTLY organized the information in the passage by How does the author organize the information in the article? The author organized the section Making a Guitar by A. identifying Hannah s problem and some of the ways it could be resolved. B. describing the events of Hannah s ride in the order in which they occurred. C. comparing the ride in Hannah s wagon with the ride in other families wagons. D. listing the various reasons for Hannah s journey in the order of their importance. F. by comparing sand sculptors to other types of artists G. by describing some of the best sculptures made with sand H. by listing the types of sculptures that can be made using sand I. by explaining what sand sculptors are and the kind of art they create F. indicating the most important parts of a guitar. G. describing each step David takes in making a guitar. H. comparing and contrasting different guitars David has made. Fall Interim Grade 6 Page 3
48 LA.6.1.7.5 A Fun 54 LA.6.1.7.5 Mama s Candlesticks Fiction I. stating the main idea in playing a guitar and then adding details. How is the information in To play the game MOSTLY organized? The author MAINLY organized the information in the passage by Benchmark LA.6.1.7.7 compare and contrast elements in multiple texts (5 possible: 13, 28, 32, 52, 54) 13 LA.6.1.7.7 Sand 28 LA.6.1.7.7 Taste of 32 LA.6.1.7.7 Taste of 44 LA.6.1.7.7 A Fun Informationa l 52 LA.6.1.7.7 Mama s Candlesticks The employees of sand-sculpting companies are ALIKE because they In Daisy Time, what do the daisies and stars have in common? F. in the order that the game is played G. by explaining the main idea of the game H. by comparing the number of players in the game I. in the order of importance of each step in the game F. describing the candlesticks and what Sonya learns about them over time. G. discussing the importance of a pair of candlesticks in neighborhood homes. H. listing the reasons that Sonya likes silver candlesticks more than brass ones. I. comparing the candlesticks in Sonya s house with those in her friend s house. A. try to build simple sandcastles. B. try to win a timed sand-sculpture contest. C. use teamwork to complete enormous creations. D. limit their sculptures to those that represent famous buildings. F. They are far away. G. They are falling down. H. They are bright and shining. I. They are being viewed at night. In both poems, the speakers are describing F. a boring summer day. G. an old summer memory. H. an aspect of summer they like. I. a favorite summer vacation spot. The section listing materials needed to play the game differs from the other lists in the passage because it What advantage did Mama s candlesticks have over the silver candlestick? A. to show information that is being repeated B. to emphasize the fair way to play the game C. to answer a question that most players have D. to point out a different way to play the game F. They held more candles. G. They lasted much longer. H. They needed less polishing. I. They matched the china better. Fiction Category 3 - Elements of Story Structure/Descriptive Language / Figurative Language 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. (5 possible: 4, 5, 6, 49, 53) 4 LA.6.2.1.2 The Rocky Road 5 LA.6.2.1.2 The Rocky Which statement BEST describes Hannah? F. Hannah is discouraged and dislikes the rough ride. G. Hannah is quiet and would rather stay in the back of the wagon. H. Hannah is hardworking and wants to contribute to the journey. I. Hannah is confident and hopeful that her family will arrive on time. What is the MAIN conflict in this story? A. Poor weather conditions will slow the wagon train. B. Crates begin to slide to the back of the wagon. C. Ma is riding in another wagon with another family. D. Hannah understands the problems of riding in a wagon train. Fall Interim Grade 6 Page 4
7 LA.6.2.1.2 The Rocky 49 LA.6.2.1.2 Mama s Candlesticks Fiction 53 LA.6.2.1.2 Mama s Candlesticks The reader learns about Hannah through her A. understanding of the trail. B. description of the journey. C. conversations with her father. D. thoughts and actions on the journey. What is the MAIN setting of this story? A. Sonya s home B. Sonya s high school C. the home of Sonya s friend D. the village of Sonya s grandmother Why is Mama happy at the end of the story? A. Sonya has decided to get married. B. Sonya has completed her special jobs. C. Sonya has given her a set of replacement candlesticks. D. Sonya has realized the true value of the brass candlesticks. Fiction Benchmark LA.6.2.1.2 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. ( 5 possible: 6, 21, 26, 27, 30) 6 LA.6.2.1.7 The Rocky 21 LA.6.2.1.7 Taste of 26 LA.6.2.1.7 Taste of 27 LA.6.2.1.7 Taste of 30 LA.6.2.1.7 Taste of Read these sentences from the passage. Hannah listened to their own wagon creaking beneath them. It sounded like a fiddle with a broken string. What is the effect of comparing the wagon to a broken fiddle? Which of these BEST describes the tone of Taste of Summer? The purple plunk of each berry that drops into my pail? These lines from the poem contain an example of But on a cold winter night these berries, like dark jewels, will fill my mouth with summer. The poet compares berries to jewels to Buttercups have honeyed hearts, Bees they love the clover, But I love the daisies dance These lines from the poem contain examples of F. It shows that the speaker can play the fiddle. G. It suggests that the wagon sounded damaged. H. It indicates that fiddles were often played on wagon trains. I. It implies that the sound of the wheels was like listening to pretty music. A. doubtful B. excited C. mysterious D. peaceful F. metaphor, comparing two unlike objects. G. onomatopoeia, using words that imitate sounds. H. irony, showing the unexpectedness of the sounds. I. personification, giving human qualities to an object. A. show what the berries look like. B. suggest that the berries are rare. C. indicate that the berries are costly. D. demonstrate that the berries are delicious. Benchmark LA.6.2.2.1 locate, use, and analyze specific information from organizational text features (4 possible: 10, 31, 37, 39) F. onomatopoeia, using words that imitate sounds. G. irony, showing the unexpectedness of the events. H. personification, giving human qualities to nature. I. hyperbole, exaggerating descriptions to create strong emotional responses. 10 LA.6.2.2.1 The Rocky Based on the passage, which sentence would BEST serve as a caption for the illustration? F. Normally, she sat cooped up in the back of the wagon with the supplies. G. Somehow, the bumping and rocking seemed worse in the back. Fall Interim Grade 6 Page 5
31 LA.6.2.2.1 Taste of 37 LA.6.2.2.1 Turning 39 LA.6.2.2.1 Turning H. The road was getting rougher and the wagons behind them looked like they were strug trail. I. Some crates had broken loose and were sliding toward the back of the wagon. Which line from the poem would BEST serve as a caption for the illustration? Based on the diagram, what part is located inside of a guitar? A. See, the grass is full of stars, B. Fallen on their brightness; C. Hearts they have of shining gold, D. Buttercups have honeyed hearts, A. fret B. binding C. end graft D. pan brace Based on the diagram, the tuning machine of a A. headpiece. guitar fits into the instrument s B. heel. C. fingerboard. D. back. Category 4 Text / Research Process Benchmark LA.6.6.1.1 explain how text features aid the reader s understanding (5 possible: 36, 38, 45, 46, 47) 36 LA.6.6.1.1 Turning 38 LA.6.6.1.1 Turning 45 LA.6.6.1.1 A Fun 46 LA.6.6.1.1 A Fun What does the diagram of the guitar show readers? F. how to play a guitar G. the parts of a guitar H. how to build a guitar I. the way to hold a guitar Which label of the diagram shows the part of the guitar that affects volume? Read the sentence from Step 3 of To play the game. The block must be kicked, not dragged. Why is the sentence written in italics? F. fingerboard G. soundboard H. rosette I. frets A. to show information that is being repeated B. to emphasize the fair way to play the game C. to answer a question that most players have D. to point out a different way to play the game Diagram A provides readers with dimensions for the F. inner half circle. G. incomplete funnel. H. piece of cardboard. I. smaller end of the cone. 47 LA.6.6.1.1 A Fun The text box at the end of the article discusses the A. living conditions of the people. B. origins of Tsorog-Bombog in Mongolia. C. language the people speak. D. weather in Mongolia. 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 (3. Possible: 18, 19, 40) 18 LA.6.6.2.2 Sand People who read this article will learn that F. sand sculpting is for professionals. G. the best sand sculptures are very large. H. the best sand sculptures are created in timed contests. I. sand sculptures can be made in locations other than the beach. 19 LA.6.6.2.2 Sand Which source does the author use to show that the A. statements from expert sand sculptors Fall Interim Grade 6 Page 6
40 LA.6.6.2.2 Turning information in the article is accurate? B. actual dates of sand-sculpting contests C. important facts about sand sculptors and their work Which source does the author use to prove that the facts in the article are accurate? D. opinions from people who enjoy animal and cartoon character sculptures F. information from a luthier G. definitions from books about guitars H. personal experience with making guitars I. expert opinions from professional luthiers Fall Interim Grade 6 Page 7