Answer Key for Focus Area 4
8.4.1: Obituary
Multiple Choice: 1) C
2) B
Short Answer: A good answer might suggest that writing an obituary for a tree allows the
reader to see the many good things that the tree did during its lifetime such as sheltering
animals and providing wood for rifle stocks and tent poles. Even in death the tree adds
nutrients back to the soil.
8.4.2: The Copycat
Multiple Choice: 1) B
2) C
Short Answer: It is ironic that the copycat dies because that is not what the reader expects. It
does not seem like being a copycat should be fatal.
8.4.3: Tunnel
Multiple Choice: 1) B
2) D
Short Answer: Clues might include that there is a vaulted ceiling, that things crunch under their
feel, and that they had to wade through greenish water. These clues show that the tunnel is a
spooky place that could hold danger.
8.4.4: Circumnavigation
Multiple Choice: 1) A
2) C
Short Answer: Word choices will vary but should be in keeping with the passage. (Brave?
Daring? Adventurous?)
8.4.5: Middle School
Multiple Choice: 1) B
2) B
Short Answer: Answers will vary. A good answer will include information from the passage to
support the idea that middle school is better than people think or as bad as people think.
8.4.6: German Shepherd
Multiple Choice: 1) A
2) B
Short Answer: Answers will vary. One possibility is that the statement “I realized my mistake”
shows that the speaker has learned something from the experience of encountering a hostile
German Shepherd and will change his behavior in the future as a result.
8.4.7: Crocodile
Multiple Choice: 1) C
2) D
Short Answer: The author might observe “from a safe distance” because the crocodile has some
dangerous characteristics: it is long, it has pointed teeth, it has black claws, and it has spikes on
its tail.
8.4.8: Stunt Man
Multiple Choice: 1) B
2) C
Short Answer: Answers will vary but might point out that Isaac saw his bungee jump as a
something great and exciting that might get him a job in the movies. The people on the cruise
ship, however, were horrified.
8.4.9: Athletic Shoes/Walking
Multiple Choice: 1) C
2) B
Short Answer: Walking is a relatively inexpensive way to exercise since shoes can cost as little as
$35. In addition you can do it almost anywhere, such as in your neighborhood or in a park. You
don’t need to join a gym, and it is a safe form of exercise.
8.5.10: Power
Multiple Choice: 1) D
2) D
Short Answer: Power can become an addiction. Just as a person can get addicted to a drug like
heroin, a person can become addicted to having power over others. An example is Adolf Hitler.
Assessment:
Passage one: Editor
Multiple Choice: 1 C
2C
Short answer: students should mention the opposing view point and how it confirms the bias of
the author.
Passage two: Promenade
Multiple choice: C
Short answer: student should mention either opinion but use details from the passage to
support the choice.
Passage three: Books
Multiple choice: B
Short answer: student should use details from the passage to demonstrate bias and add their
own reasons.
Re-teaching
Passage one: Golf
Multiple Choice 1 c
Short answer: Passage a: student should mention famous clubs will make you as good as the
famous person that advertises the clubs.
Passage b: student should mention that the author never gives an explanation of why you
should vote for him. The author talks about patriotism but gives no platform.
Passage two: Benedictine Rule
Multiple Choice: D
Short Answer: The life of a monk was very restricted and simple. For example, the monks were
only allowed to own bedding, clothing, and a few other possessions. They could only have what
was necessary.
Passage 3: The Prince
Multiple Choice: A
Short Answer: Answers will vary but must be supported with the text.
RE-Assessment:
Passage 1: Divorce
Multiple Choice: 1) C
2) B
Short Answer: The mood is rather serious or sad. The father is nervous and hovers, and the
child does not enjoy having him hover.
Passage 2: Hubris
Multiple Choice: C
Short Answer: Answers will vary but should make connections between the current movement
to keep others informed about every move with the idea of excessive pride.