Friends-key
Friends
Where would we be without friends? Whether they are human, mammal, fish, or fowl, friends add richness
to our lives. This reading set explores these unique relationships, as well as the struggle to make friends in
a new place.
Table of Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
A Solemn Vow and Promise
In the Neighborhood
Helen's Views on Friends
Homesick
Lonely Star
Amanda's First Day
A Friend
The Lilies and the Thistles
Rocky and the Squirrels
Goldfish Hide and Seek
The Argument
Molly and Buster
Busy Ben and Idle Isaac
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A Solemn Vow and Promise
by Lucy Maud Montgomery from Anne of Green Gables
Answer Key
1. What do you think "kindred spirit" means when Marilla asks Anne, "Well, did you find Diana a
kindred spirit"?
Example of correct answer: Someone who has the same interests and attitudes
2. What is one thing Diana and Anne planned to do together?
Example of correct answer: They are going to build a playhouse.
3. What did Matthew bring Anne?
Chocolate candies, or "sweeties"
4. What does Marilla mean when she says that Anne isn't stingy?
Anne isn't stingy because she wants to give away half of her candy.
Passage Details
Words: 701-800
Skills: Character Traits, Context Clues, and Summary
Grades: 4th, 5th, and 6th
Topics: Realistic Fiction
Genres: Prose
Lexile Range: —
Lexile Measure: —
CCSS: Reading: Literature
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Vocabulary Group: —
Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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In the Neighborhood
Answer Key
1. Gabriela says she does not know if she likes Vietnamese food. What is the most likely reason she
doesn't know the answer to this question? What clues in the text suggest the reason?
Gabriela probably has never had Vietnamese food before. She says she likes to try new things, suggesting
that Vietnamese food would be new to her.
2. What point of view is used to tell the story, and how can you tell?
The story is told in the third person limited point of view. It is third person because a narrator who is not a
character tells the story, and it is limited because the reader hears only one character’s
thoughts.
3. Ahn chooses to greet a girl she does not know. What results from this decision?
Ahn makes a new friend.
4. This story is about two girls beginning a friendship. What do they do to become friends? Include several
examples from the text.
Answers should include some or all of the following:
What each girl did to encourage the friendship
Gifts the girls gave each other
Plans the girls made to do things together in the future
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Answer Key for Context Clues
Context Clues Answer
Key
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in
boldface.
1) "Ahn vigorously scrubbed windows, a tedious necessity for her family's new Vietnamese restaurant"
a. carefully
b. with great force; energetically
c. slowly; lazily
d. angrily; crossly
2) "Ahn vigorously scrubbed windows, a tedious necessity for her family's new Vietnamese restaurant"
a. tiresome or dull
b. costly; expensive
c. pretty or attractive
d. required by law
3) “They had turned the building from homely to gorgeous”
a. cozy; like a home
b. acceptable or satisfactory
c. casual; informal
d. ugly or unattractive
4) “a girl about her age, with abundant red hair”
a. brownish
b. put into a bun
c. bright; glowing
d. large quantity; full
5) “Ahn hesitated, not accustomed to initiating friendship”
a. pledging; promising
b. beginning or starting
c. having; making
d. foreign
6) “Gabriela beckoning to her with a plate covered with transparent plastic wrap”
a. throwing; tossing
b. explaining
c. gesturing with invitation; signaling
d. offering
7) “opened the door with a cordial greeting”
a. shy or bashful
b. friendly; welcoming
c. traditional; classic
d. brief or quick
8) “the room with its picturesque landscape mural”
a. charming or pleasant
b. framed
c. surreal; dreamlike
d. painted or drawn
9) "'I intend to design a publicity pamphlet'"
a. might; should
b. have been asked or instructed
c. plan; aim
d. be unable or unfit
10) “she was going to enjoy life here immensely”
a. very much; tremendously
b. soon; quickly
c. reasonably
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d. forever; eternally
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Passage Details
Words: 501-600
Skills: Point of View and Story Elements
Grades: 5th and 6th
Topics: Realistic Fiction
Genres: Prose
Lexile Range: 740L - 1050L
Lexile Measure: 980L
CCSS: Reading: Literature
Vocabulary Group: —
Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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Helen's Views on Friends
by Helen Keller from The Story of My Life
Answer Key
1. What people is Helen referring to here: "Some of them would be found written in our literature"?
She is talking about characters in books.
2. What kind of people does Helen dislike?
She is not fond of newspaper reporters and those who talk down to her.
3. What does libation mean here: "the influence of their calm, mellow natures is a libation poured upon our
discontent"?
Refreshing drink; healing tonic
4. What kind of figurative language is "when I clasped their frosty finger tips, it seemed as if I were shaking
hands with a northeast storm"?
Simile
Answer Key for Context Clues
Context Clues Answer
Key
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in
boldface.
1) “Would that I could enrich this sketch with the names of all those who have ministered to my
happiness!”
a. worsen
b. decorate
c. improve
d. summarize
2) “A hearty handshake or a friendly letter gives me genuine pleasure.”
a. real
b. big
c. several
d. unique
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3) “I suppose the calls of the stupid and curious, especially of newspaper reporters, are always
inopportune.”
a. timely
b. welcome
c. annoying
d. inconvenient
4) “Some of them would be found written in our literature and dear to the hearts of many, while others
would be wholly unknown to most of my readers.”
a. disconnected
b. unimportant
c. special
d. hurtful
5) “The solemn nothings that fill our everyday life blossom suddenly into bright possibilities.”
a. busy
b. sincere
c. joyful
d. unusual
6) “The touch of some hands is an impertinence. I have met people so empty of joy, that when I clasped
their frosty finger tips.”
a. warm
b. cold
c. pointy
d. sweet
Passage Details
Words: 501-600
Skills: Context Clues, Figurative Language, and Main / Central Idea
Grades: 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th
Topics: History
Genres: Biography / Autobiography and Informational
Lexile Range: —
Lexile Measure: —
CCSS: History/Social Studies and Reading: Informational Text
Vocabulary Group: —
Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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Homesick
Answer Key
1. What does Lucy’s brother do for a living? How do you know? Cite evidence from the text.
He is an actor-the words "commercial audition" and "movie shoot" are clues.
2. Look at the paragraph that begins “I don’t want to leave . . .” and the one that begins “Fantastic . . . .”
How is this dialogue different than the others in the text?
These sentences reflect Lucy's internal dialogue, inner thoughts, and are not spoken aloud.
3. In what way does Lucy’s final action express the theme of the story?
It shows that putting one's own problems aside to help someone can benefit both parties.
4. Compare Lucy’s attitude at the beginning of the story with her attitude at the end. How does she
change? What does she learn?
Answers should include some or all of the following:
Description of Lucy’s behavior at the beginning as being whiny and selfish
The idea that Lucy has stopped thinking about herself and thinks more about An Ha’s
situation
The lessons Lucy has learned:
1. Her family really cares about her
2. An Ha has much more reason to be homesick than she does
3. She should stop worrying about herself and think of others
Lucy will now try to make the best of her situation rather than complain about what she feels is
unfair.
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Answer Key for Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in
boldface.
1) "they travel where the investigation takes them"
a. travel itinerary
b. climate or environment
c. study, research
d. spirit or inclination
2) "Lucy’s parents had to attend a conference in Berlin"
a. laboratory
b. award ceremony
c. planning session
d. formal meeting or convention
3) "Sometimes I just sit with a bunch of fidgety strangers"
a. disgusting
b. restless, nervous
c. noisy, loud
d. old, elderly
4) "all waiting to audition for the same insurance company commercial"
a. tryout, interview
b. broadcast, transmit
c. purchase, buy
d. compose, write
5) "She returned to the living room where Lucy was and pulled out a box of embroidery."
a. small cakes
b. needlework, decoration with thread
c. ivory game pieces
d. torn clothes
6) "I spent quite a while learning English and looking for employment"
a. a place to live
b. an open office
c. hobbies or interests
d.work, a job
7) "An Ha came from a culture very different from the one she was immersed in now."
a. involved deeply, submerged
b. conversed
c. observing, taking note
d. experimenting
8) "An Ha began rifling through the embroidery box."
a. shooting
b. shaking gently
c. quickly searching
d. packing fully
Passage Details
Words: 601-700
Skills: Character Traits, Compare and Contrast, Summary, and Theme
Grades: 6th and 7th
Topics: Realistic Fiction
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Genres: Prose
Lexile Range: 740L - 1050L
Lexile Measure: 840L
CCSS: Reading: Literature
Vocabulary Group: —
Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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Lonely Star
by RV Staff Writer J.C.
Answer Key
1. Describe one of the objects that passed by Astrid over the years.
Options include a Russian satellite, the Mars Rover, or Halley’s Comet.
2. What was Halley’s solution for Astrid’s loneliness?
Halley thought the funny meteorites from her comet tail could stay near Astrid for company.
3. What does profusely mean here: "Astrid thanked Halley profusely"?
In large amounts, abundantly, lavishly
4. We know Astrid by another name. What is it?
Sun or Sol
Passage Details
Words: 501-600
Skills: Context Clues, Story Elements, Summary, and Theme
Grades: 4th, 5th, and 6th
Topics: Science Fiction / Fantasy
Genres: Prose
Lexile Range: —
Lexile Measure: —
CCSS: Reading: Literature
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Vocabulary Group: —
Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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Amanda's First Day
by Elizabeth Trach
Answer Key
1. Why was Amanda afraid at the beginning of the story?
She was scared to go to her new class.
2. Do you think Amanda had more fun playing with her friends rather than playing by herself?
Student’s choice, but the best answer is "playing with friends."
3. What kind of person is Troy?
Example of correct answer: friendly and nice
4. Do you think Amanda will have fun on her second day of school? Why or why not?
She will have fun because she has friends.
Answer Key for Context Clues
Context Clues
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in
boldface.
1. “Amanda was not happy. She held her father's hand tightly.”
a. loosely
b. securely
c. nervously
d. helplessly
2. “Amanda wasn't sure what to do. She felt very lonely.”
a. friendly
b. sad
c. happy
d. alone
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3. "Yes," said Amanda. She sat down next to Jessica. Jessica handed her a pile of red blocks.”
a. collection
b. box
c. container
d. bag
4. "She took her turn adding blocks to the tower.”
a. removing
b. increasing
c. knocking down
d. stealing
5. “She didn't mean to ruin the game.”
a. mess up
b. break
c. play
d. take turns in
6. "It's okay, Amanda," said Troy. "The tower always falls down. Now we get to start again!"
a. never
b. usually
c. sometimes
d. every time
Passage Details
Words: 301-400
Skills: Character Traits and Theme
Grades: K and 1st
Topics: Realistic Fiction
Genres: Prose
Lexile Range: —
Lexile Measure: —
CCSS: Reading: Literature
Vocabulary Group: —
Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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A Friend
by Louisa May Alcott from Little Women
Answer Key
1. What does benevolence mean here: "Jo often watched him, trying to discover the charm, and, at
last, decided that it was benevolence which worked the miracle."
Kindness, goodwill, goodness
2. What do you think this means: "If he had any sorrow, 'it sat with its head under its wing'"?
Example of correct answer: It means if he was sad, he never showed it to anyone.
3. Briefly describe Professor Bhaer in your own words.
Student's choice, but the best answer will refer to his kindness and concern for other people.
4. What is Jo's conclusion as to why everyone likes Professor Bhaer?
Example of correct answer: Jo believes everyone liked him because he is so kind and friendly.
Passage Details
Words: 501-600
Skills: Character Traits, Context Clues, and Theme
Grades: 3rd, 4th, and 5th
Topics: Realistic Fiction
Genres: Prose
Lexile Range: —
Lexile Measure: —
CCSS: Reading: Literature
Vocabulary Group: —
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Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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The Lilies and the Thistles
by RV Staff Writer J.C.
Answer Key
1. What was one reason the lilies disliked the thistles?
Example of correct answer: The lilies said the thistles were ugly.
2. For the reason you gave in Question 1, how did the thistles respond to the lilies' reason?
Example of correct answer: The thistle said their purple color was pretty.
3. How would you describe the character of the lilies?
The lilies were pretty, but they were also very snobbish and rude.
4. The lilies were pretty, but the thistles were useful. Which trait do you think is more important and why?
Student's choice
Passage Details
Words: 301-400
Skills: Character Traits, Summary, and Theme
Grades: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
Topics: Science Fiction / Fantasy
Genres: Prose
Lexile Range: —
Lexile Measure: —
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CCSS: Reading: Literature
Vocabulary Group: —
Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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Rocky and the Squirrels
by RV Staff Writer J.C.
Answer Key
1. Why did Rocky want to be different?
Rocky wanted to be different so he would be more interesting to the squirrels.
2. What did the raccoon do to try to appear more interesting?
Rocky wore a potato chip bag on his head and pretended to be from Australia.
3. What does piped mean here: "The little brown squirrel piped up, “Yeah, you don’t have to pretend
to be something you’re not."
Spoke up or said something suddenly or interrupted with a statement
4. If you had been one of the squirrels, what would you thought of Rocky?
Student's choice
Passage Details
Words: 501-600
Skills: Context Clues, Summary, and Theme
Grades: 3rd, 4th, and 5th
Topics: Fairy Tales and Fables and Science Fiction / Fantasy
Genres: Prose
Lexile Range: —
Lexile Measure: —
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CCSS: Reading: Literature
Vocabulary Group: —
Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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Goldfish Hide and Seek
by Elizabeth Trach
Answer Key
1. Based on the story, what do you think gills are?
Gills are the part of the fish that help it breathe under water.
2. How does Jimmy win his goldfish?
He tosses a ball into the goldfish bowl at the school carnival.
3. Describe Golda as a character.
Example of correct answer: Golda was playful. She played hide and seek with Jimmy. She was also
friendly. She didn’t know Jimmy, but she still was willing to play a game with him.
4. Do you think a goldfish makes a good pet? Why or why not?
Student’s choice
Passage Details
Words: 301-400
Skills: Character Traits, Context Clues, Story Elements, and Summary
Grades: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
Topics: Realistic Fiction and Science Fiction / Fantasy
Genres: Prose
Lexile Range: —
Lexile Measure: —
CCSS: Reading: Literature
Vocabulary Group: —
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Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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The Argument
by Elizabeth Trach
Answer Key
1. Where does this story take place?
The story takes place on a road that leads to a school on Mars. Clues include descriptions of red dust,
roads, rocks, and the word "Martian" near the end of the story.
2. Why do Blip and Dit-dit argue with each other?
Blip thinks the Earthlings and aliens are real, but Dit-dit does not.
3. How do Blip and Dit-dit resolve their conflict?
They apologize to each other and agree to disagree. Even though they want to be right, they stop talking
about their disagreement so as not to hurt each other's feelings.
4. Do you think that there are really Martians? Why or why not?
Student's choice
Passage Details
Words: 401-500
Skills: Story Elements, Summary, and Theme
Grades: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
Topics: Science Fiction / Fantasy
Genres: Prose
Lexile Range: —
Lexile Measure: —
CCSS: Reading: Literature
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Vocabulary Group: —
Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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Molly and Buster
by Elizabeth Trach
Answer Key
1. Why doesn’t Molly like Buster in the beginning?
She didn't like surprises, and she didn't like when Buster licked her.
2. Molly likes a quiet life. Do you think Buster will change that? If so, how? If not, why not?
Student's choice, although the best answer would reflect that Molly liked her quiet life, and Buster the
puppy was sure to make life less quiet for her.
3. Why did Molly decide to help Buster?
She remembered leaving her mother when she was a kitten, and she felt sorry for Buster.
4. Who do you think needed a friend the most: Molly or Buster? Why?
Student's choice.
Answer Key for Context Clues
Context Clues Answer
Key
Using context clues from the sentences in the passage, underline the correct meaning of the word in
boldface.
1. “Sometimes this made Mrs. Marks say, "tsk tsk" when Molly got tangled in her knitting.”
a. mixed up
b. sleepy
c. hurt
d. hungry
2. “Mrs. Marks put down the box. Molly was a curious cat.”
a. silly
b. sly
c. nosey
d. furry
3. “Buster wagged his tail so much that his whole body wiggled.”
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a. froze
b. shook
c. went limp
d. fell
4. “Molly thought. "I will sleep next to you tonight," she said. "But you have to promise not to lick me."
a. vow
b. try
c. refuse
d. wish
5. “Molly was very comfortable. "I like having a new friend after all," she thought.”
a. glad
b. nervous
c. worried
d. cozy
Passage Details
Words: 301-400
Skills: Character Traits, Compare and Contrast, Summary, and Theme
Grades: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
Topics: Science Fiction / Fantasy
Genres: Prose
Lexile Range: —
Lexile Measure: —
CCSS: Reading: Literature
Vocabulary Group: —
Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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Busy Ben and Idle Isaac
Answer Key
1. How were Ben and Isaac different?
Ben worked hard. Isaac wanted to play instead of work.
2. Why do you think Isaac lied about owning the butcher shop?
Isaac wanted Ben think he was working hard and making a good living.
3. Do you think Isaac will do a good job working for Ben? Why or why not?
Student’s choice.
4. What is the moral of the story?
Hard work pays off.
Passage Details
Words: 501-600
Skills: Character Traits, Summary, and Theme
Grades: 2nd and 3rd
Topics: Realistic Fiction
Genres: Prose
Lexile Range: —
Lexile Measure: —
CCSS: Reading: Literature
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Vocabulary Group: —
Vocabulary Words: —
Themes: —
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