“Take this CBA and make it shorter and multiple choice keep the aligned teks in the questions. 6th Grade Quarter 1 | CBA 1 | Reading Comprehension Read the fiction selection and choose the best answer to each question. Staying with Uncle Stephen 1 Brody stared out the kitchen window and heaved a sigh. His parents were traveling for business this weekend, and he was staying with his Uncle Stephen. Unfortunately, Uncle Stephen lived in a cabin in the countryside, 50 miles away from Brody’s home in the bustling city. Restlessly Brody picked up the phone and called his friend Marisa. 2 “What are you doing today?” Brody asked. 3 “Our robotics team is meeting later,” Marisa reported. “We’re still trying to decide what kind of robot to design. I wish you were here with us—we could really use your help.” 4 “Oh, I wish I were there too,” Brody managed to respond before hearing Marisa’s mom in the background. 5 “I need to go,” Marisa said. “My mom wants me to clean my room now. Talk to you later.” Marisa hung up the phone before Brody even had a chance to say goodbye. 6 Brody dialed his friend Jeffrey next, hoping to hear that at least someone was having a fun weekend. 7 “Playing basketball—too bad you aren’t around,” Jeffrey said when asked what he was doing. 8 “For sure,” Brody agreed. 9 “Oh, the guys are here—I have to go,” Jeffrey said, hanging up. 10 Brody figured his other friends would be busy too, so he pulled his homework from his backpack on the table—at least he could get ahead on his assignments over the weekend. Opening his English notebook, he tried thinking of a topic for his poem, but his mind was blank. Suddenly Uncle Stephen strolled into the kitchen. 11 “I finished landscaping the Pederson’s yard,” Uncle Stephen announced. “Time for some relaxation. Let’s go hiking up Twisted Mountain.” 12 That’s relaxation? Brody thought to himself. He stared up at the sky through the window and noticed some fluffy white clouds in the distance. “Do you think it’s going to rain?” Brody asked hopefully. 13 “No way. Those aren’t rain clouds,” Uncle Stephen said. “Don’t worry,” he added, noting Brody’s hesitance. “Twisted Mountain isn’t a real mountain—more like a very tall, wooded hill.” 14 With no way for Brody to escape the hike, he gave in. But the trek up Twisted Mountain reinforced Brody’s opinion of forest adventures. The mosquitoes hovered around his head like a whining cloud. In spite of his cautious steps, Brody planted his new tennis shoes in mud and scratched his hands on some thorns. Uncle Stephen hardly spoke a word the entire way; he moved like a shadow through the woods in front of Brody. When they reached the top of the mountain, Brody’s one reward was a glimpse of an eagle circling in the skies. That would be a cool topic for a poem, he thought. 15 The two spent an hour observing nature, and Uncle Stephen taught Brody about various plants they saw nearby. Brody was impressed by the fantastic scenery and was just starting to enjoy being there, but his glimmer of joy vanished as soon as Uncle Stephen said it was time to return home—Brody remembered how difficult the journey to the top had been. 16 When Brody and Uncle Stephen arrived at the cabin, Brody worked on his poem; closing his eyes and remembering the eagle’s graceful wings and the caress of the cool breeze, the words swiftly flowed from his pen. 17 Just as Brody finished his poem and settled in to watch some television, Uncle Stephen announced, “Let’s go fishing.” 18 “Marvels of Science is starting,” Brody stammered. He was convinced he had experienced enough nature to last him for decades. 19 “Can’t leave you behind,” Uncle Stephen told him, and Brody nodded his head, seeing no way out. 20 After a long and bumpy ride, Uncle Stephen parked the car near a sparkling lake. Brody helped him haul their tackle box and poles down to the shore, and Uncle Stephen swiftly sent his fishing line flying into the water. 21 With little enthusiasm Brody also cast his line, swatting at pesky insects that swarmed all around him. Quietly they fished, but Brody felt an impatience simmering inside of him. 22 “Don’t you ever get bored?” Brody finally blurted out. 23 “Sure . . . sometimes.” Uncle Stephen answered with a half-smile. “But I like giving my mind a chance to rest. Some of my best ideas for my landscaping business come when I’m taking a break. You should spend some time daydreaming too—it’s important.” 24 Brody cast his line again and thought about his uncle’s response. He had found the idea for his poem during their hike, but fishing was so monotonous. While he sat he thought about what he’d be doing back home: playing basketball, watching TV, playing video games, doing schoolwork. And then he realized that Uncle Stephen was right about one thing—Brody seldom spent any time daydreaming; his schedule was always packed. 25 Suddenly a fish leaped in the distance. With a splash it broke through the surface and darted through the crystal-clear water. Brody admired the gracefulness of the fish swimming underwater. Then, Brody was struck with inspiration—maybe his robotics team could build an underwater fish robot. That would be a great project. 26 As Brody thought more about the design for his team’s robot, he cast his line again. He had to swat away another bug, but he no longer felt annoyed. Instead, the silence enveloped him like a welcoming friend, inviting his imagination to wander. (2B) What does the word seldom most nearly mean in paragraph 24? Very often Not often At the same time Without thinking (6C) Which line from the passage best shows that Brody begins to understand his uncle’s point about slowing down and thinking? Brody felt an impatience simmering inside of him. (paragraph 21) “Don’t you ever get bored?” Brody finally blurted out. (paragraph 22) And then he realized that Uncle Stephen was right about one thing. (paragraph 24) He was convinced he had experienced enough nature to last him for decades. (paragraph 18) (7D) How does the countryside setting influence Brody’s actions and the events in the story? It forces Brody to spend time outdoors, leading him to change his perspective It allows Brody to stay busy with his usual activities, helping him feel more comfortable It encourages Brody to avoid his uncle and spend more time alone inside the cabin It prevents Brody from thinking about his responsibilities at home and school (9E) How does the third-person limited point of view affect the way the story is told? It presents the story through a narrator who is part of the action and shares personal experiences It reveals the thoughts and feelings of all the characters, giving a complete view of events It mostly shows characters’ actions and dialogue, so the reader must often infer what they are thinking It focuses on one character’s thoughts and reactions while leaving other characters’ feelings mostly unknown (6D) What is the best summary of the story? Brody has to stay with his Uncle Stephen, and he misses his friends. Brody talks to Marisa and Jeffrey and discovers that they are doing activities that he typically enjoys. Later Brody goes hiking with Uncle Stephen, and then he works on a poem for his homework assignment. When he finished, Brody and Uncle Stephen go fishing. When his parents travel for business, Brody stays with his Uncle Stephen and his uncle's cabin for a weekend. He talks to his friends on the phone and learns that he missed a robotics team meeting and a chance to play basketball. He goes hiking and fishing with Uncle Stephen and, while fishing, realized what kind of robot his robotics team can build. During a weekend visit with his Uncle Stephen, Brody experiences different types of outdoor activities. Brody tries to avoid hiking when his uncle mentions the idea, but Uncle Stephen insists that Brody goes. Brody sees an eagle and decides to write about it for a poetry assignment. Later Brody gets an idea for a robotics competition while fishing. Brody spends a weekend with his Uncle Stephen and misses his friends and activities. Brody spends time outdoors hiking and fishing with his uncle, which Brody finds boring at first. Eventually Brody discovers the quiet activities give his mind a chance to rest and be creative, and, while fishing, he comes up with an idea to help his robotics team. (5G) Which detail best illustrates the key idea that Brody begins to use his surroundings to think creatively? He complains about not being able to play basketball with his friends. He watches a fish move through the water and imagines a robot design. He struggles during the hike and feels uncomfortable in nature. He calls his friends to ask what they are doing that weekend. (5F) Based on paragraphs 12 through 15, what can the reader infer about Brody? He and Uncle Stephen have different ideas about what is enjoyable He tries to avoid doing physical exercise whenever possible He is excited to get to know Uncle Stephen better He is interested in learning more about nature (6C) Which sentence best supports the idea that Brody has a change of attitude about nature? When they reached the top of the mountain, Brody’s one reward was a glimpse of an eagle circling in the skies. (paragraph 14) “Can’t leave you behind,” Uncle Stephen told him, and Brody nodded his head, seeing no way out. (paragraph 9) “Don’t you ever get bored?” Brody finally blurted out. (paragraph 22) He had to swat away another bug, but he no longer felt annoyed. (paragraph 26) (7A) How does the author develop the theme that new experiences can change a person’s perspective? By showing how Brody misses his usual activities at home By describing the outdoor plans Uncle Stephen suggests By illustrating how Brody begins to enjoy nature by the end By explaining how Brody talks with friends about plans (9F) In which sentence does the author’s use of language best convey a comforting mood? After a long and bumpy ride, Uncle Stephen parked the car near a sparkling lake. (paragraph 20) With little enthusiasm Brody also cast his line, swatting at pesky insects that swarmed all around him. (paragraph 21) Brody cast his line again and thought about his uncle’s response. (paragraph 24) Instead, the silence enveloped him like a welcoming friend, inviting his imagination to wander. (paragraph 26) Read the narrative nonfiction selection and choose the best answer to each question. “Wheelz” on Wings 1 Like most extreme athletes, Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham loves to compete. He's always looking for new challenges. And he works hard to perfect the heart-stopping tricks that make extreme sports so exciting. There's just one thing that sets Fotheringham apart from most other extreme bikers and skaters: he competes in a wheelchair. 2 Fotheringham was born with a spinal cord condition called spina bifida, which prevents him from using his legs. Doctors said he would be incapable of ever walking on his own. But his condition never slowed him down. Fotheringham was steadfast and kept up with the other five kids in his family. Even as a small child, if he wanted to do something, he figured out a way. 3 When Fotheringham was eight, he watched his older brother rocket a bike down the ramp at a local skate park. With his brother's support, he tried the ramp himself. At first he crashed, but despite bumps, bruises, and a few broken wheelchairs, Fotheringham kept trying. With a helmet always firmly in place, he sometimes spent 30 hours a week mastering new tricks. Over time he tried more-challenging jumps and flips. He grew to love the sport he calls "hard-core sitting." 4 Fotheringham often works on new stunts. In 2005 he mastered a midair 180-degree turn. In 2005 he wowed people with the first successful wheelchair backflip. Then in 2010, at the age of 18, he did the first-ever double backflip in a wheelchair. Videos of Fotheringham's flips have made him an Internet celebrity. He has also been interviewed on CNN and earned a spot on the ABC news segment "Person of the Week." 5 Today Fotheringham competes in extreme-sports contests, where he's almost always the only athlete in a wheelchair. He's won several BMX freestyle events, though he says having fun is his foremost goal. Winning is simply a bonus. He also performs on extreme-sports tours, racing down huge ramps and flying into the air to entertain crowds. To spectators it may seem as if Fotheringham was born doing backflips, but this skill is the result of years of practice. In his free time Fotheringham is learning to build special wheelchairs for use in extreme sports. He hopes to have his own line of extreme wheelchairs someday so that more kids can use their wheelchairs for fun. 6 Fotheringham's fame has enabled him to meet and work with other young people with disabilities. He entertains them and talks with them about finding ways to get the most out of life. He likes to show these young people that a wheelchair can be a toy as well as a tool. To Fotheringham a disability can be mastered, just like a stunt. 7 Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham has always seen opportunities instead of limitations. He challenges all of us to look for possibilities and let our dreams soar. (2B) What does the word steadfast mean in paragraph 2? Patient Understanding Determined calm (9A) Why did the author write this passage about Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham? To illustrate how determination and practice helped an athlete succeed To explain how extreme sports competitions are judged and organized To describe the types of equipment used in wheelchair sports today To highlight why extreme sports can be dangerous for athletes (5G) What detail supports the key idea that Fotheringham uses his experiences to inspire others? He practices for many hours each week to improve his skills. He performs tricks at competitions and travels on sports tours. He talks with young people about making the most of life. He learned to ride ramps by watching his older brother. (6D) What is the best paraphrase of paragraph 3? As a child, Fotheringham began practicing at a skate park, kept working despite crashes, and eventually improved his skills and developed a passion for the sport. Fotheringham watched his brother ride at a skate park and quickly learned how to perform difficult tricks without making many mistakes. Fotheringham spent most of his time watching others at the skate park and only practiced occasionally when he felt confident, choosing not to push himself too hard or take many risks while learning new tricks. Fotheringham learned to ride ramps easily with his brother’s help and immediately became successful at performing advanced tricks. (5F) What can the reader infer about Fotheringham based on paragraph 3? He avoids difficult challenges when learning new skills. He is determined and willing to work hard to improve. He prefers to practice alone without help from others. He is naturally talented and succeeds without much effort. Read the revise & edit selection and choose the best answer to each question. Langston Hughes: A Unique Voice (1) Langston hughes, an African American writer, is well known for his portrayals of African American life and culture during the early to mid-twentieth century. (2) During this time, the Harlem Renaissance emerge as an important cultural movement. (3) Over time, the movement came to be regarded as the foundation of African American creative arts, and Hughes’s short stories, plays, and poetry are considered some of there best works. (4) Hughes’s writing celebrated African American culture, it vividly illustrated the everyday lives of African American people, including both joys and struggles. (5) He frequently used humor and everyday language to convey serious messages to a wide audience. (6) Harlem’s vibrant arts movement drew Hughes to New York City in the 1920s and had a major impact on his work. (7) His writing addressed the ideas, themes, and attitudes he observed in Harlem and in African American communities across the United States, helping to break down racial stereotypes. (10Dvii) What change should be made in sentence 1? Change hughes to Hughes Change writer to writers Change is to are No change is needed (10Di) What change should be made in sentence 2? Change this to these Change emerge to emerges Remove the comma after time No change is needed (10Dix) What change should be made in sentence 3? Change movement to movements Change are to is Change there to their No change is needed (10Di) What is the best way to revise sentence 4? Hughes’s writing celebrated African American culture it vividly illustrated everyday life. Hughes’s writing celebrated African American culture and vividly illustrated the everyday lives of African American people. Hughes’s writing celebrated African American culture, and it vividly illustrated the everyday lives of African American people. Hughes’s writing celebrated African American culture because it vividly illustrated everyday life. (10Di) Which sentence correctly combines the ideas from sentence 7 into a compound sentence? His writing addressed the ideas, themes, and attitudes he observed in Harlem and in African American communities across the United States, and it helped to break down racial stereotypes. Helping to break down racial stereotypes, his writing addressed the ideas, themes, and attitudes he observed in Harlem and in African American communities across the United States. His writing addressed the ideas, themes, and attitudes he observed in Harlem and in African American communities across the United States because it helped to break down racial stereotypes. No change is needed”