Copyright © 2010 Study Island - All rights reserved.
Generation Date: 04/15/2010
Generated By: Marjorie Nolan
Setting
Potholed and dusty, the road to Aunt Lilly‘s was a nightmare. It was lovely all right, the
countryside, and all that green, but getting to her house was literally an uphill task. I could hear my
Vespa straining to trudge up the potholed climb. It was just a few kilometers from London, and I
visited as often as I could.
Once I got there, all my complaints ceased to exist. The view from her cottage was perfect. The
green, rolling hills were dotted with old stone cottages, skittish rabbits, and wandering sheep. It was
just what the eyes tired of the cityscape needed. Each time I visited Aunt Lilly, she would send me
down to the Thursday Market to buy her groceries. I was more than happy to oblige. I loved picking
up locally made cheese, preserves, honey, and flan. This part of Wales had a special charm and
was a favorite among book lovers. The book town of Hay-on-Wye, was famous worldwide for its
thirty secondhand and antiquarian bookshops. I looked forward to the Hay Festival of Literature and
Arts all year long. It always renewed my sense of wonder.
1. How does the town of Hay-On-Wye become important to the setting?
A. It helped the narrator look at the world with a new perspective.
B. It helped the narrator become a better artist and musician.
C. It helped the narrator be careful while selecting fresh produce.
D. It helped the narrator improve his professional contacts.
2. Based on the setting, the reader can tell that Aunt Lilly's home is located
A. in the country.
B. near the suburbs.
C. near an ocean.
D. in the city.
3. Where is the story taking place?
A. London
B. a grocery store
C. Wales
D. an office
4. Based on the setting, what can the reader tell about Aunt Lilly's place?
A. Aunt Lilly's place is an idyllic location.
B. The narrator dreads going to Aunt Lilly's place.
C. The narrator's Vespa breaks down during his visits.
D. Aunt Lilly's place is located in the Thursday Market.
Horror Gala
by J. Robbins
―That was the best movie I've ever seen,‖ said Pavel, causing his friends Damien and Nikko to
groan and roll their eyes.
―You said the same thing after all six movies we've watched today,‖ Nikko replied.
―For a film history major, you sure don‘t have very high expectations,‖ agreed Damien.
―Well, this time I‘m sure it was the best,‖ retorted Pavel. ―Even Professor Bram would have to
agree that any movie with werewolves, vampires, ghosts, and pirates is a masterpiece. The only
thing missing was Frankenstein‘s monster!‖
The three friends ducked into a darkened doorway to avoid the crowd of moviegoers. The 40th
Annual Horror Movie Gala had drawn a record number of people to the Nolan Movie Theater. Pavel,
Damien, and Nikko had taken time off work and arrived at the movie theater before dawn to fit in as
much movie-watching time as possible.
―Let‘s fuel up on snacks before the next movie starts,‖ suggested Damien. Nikko nodded
enthusiastically, but Pavel‘s attention was drawn to the door behind him. He turned the knob, and
the door creaked open.
―What are you doing?‖ Nikko asked. ―The sign says ‗Keep out.‘ ‖
―Signs always say that,‖ replied Pavel. ―That shouldn‘t stop us from taking advantage of an
unlocked door. At the very least we can get out of this crowd.‖ Damien looked at the door nervously.
The dim lighting created a spooky atmosphere.
―I don‘t think this is a good idea,‖ he told his friends. ―We make fun of people in movies who
wander into creepy places and then act all surprised when they get eaten by werewolves!‖
―There are no werewolves in here,‖ Pavel laughed. ―But just in case, make sure the door doesn‘t
lock behind you.‖ They crept forward into the darkness. Thick carpeting beneath their feet gave way
to cold concrete. The sound of cheerful moviegoers vanished and was replaced with the eerie
echoes of their footsteps.
―This may have been a huge mistake,‖ whispered Pavel. ―Let‘s turn back.‖ As he spoke, a bright
light flashed all around him, and he stumbled backward into Damien.
―What are you doing here?‖ demanded a gruff voice. As Pavel‘s eyes adjusted to the light, he
saw an elderly man glaring at him from behind an antique writing desk.
―We didn't mean to disturb you, sir,‖ Nikko answered. ―My friends and I will just head back the
way we came.‖
―Good,‖ replied the stranger. ―It‘s a devil of a shame that a man can‘t be left in peace in his own
movie theater.‖ Pavel‘s eyes widened as he realized that the stranger was C. Topher Nolan, the
original owner of the Nolan Movie Theater and founder of the Horror Gala. The three friends raced
back through the passage and past the concession stand. They stood outside in the blinding
afternoon sun and tried to catch their breath.
―Can you believe we got to see Mr. Nolan in person?‖ Pavel asked his friends excitedly.
―Pavel, that can‘t have been C. Topher Nolan,‖ replied Damien, his eyes wide. ―He passed away
in 1963.‖ Pavel‘s smile faded as he looked at his ashen-faced friends.
―Then who did we just—‖ he started to ask.
―Let‘s just chalk it up to our overactive imaginations,‖ interrupted Nikko. ―We probably just
watched too many horror movies today.‖
―Right,‖ Damien agreed uneasily. ―There‘s no other explanation.‖ The three friends squinted at
each other in the bright sun and tried to convince themselves that the only supernatural events in the
Nolan Movie Theater were those happening on the screen.
5. Where do the last five paragraphs of this passage take place?
A. in C. Topher Nolan's office
B. at a concession stand
C. in a darkened doorway
D. outside a movie theater
6. In what way does the setting affect the characters?
A. It causes them to believe they are experiencing supernatural events.
B. It encourages them to invent an idea for making their own horror movie.
C. It allows them to accomplish their goal of starring in a horror movie.
D. It reminds them of their meeting with a famous man named C. Topher Nolan.
7. How does the setting of the story contribute to the plot?
A. The crowded hallway encourages the characters to take refuge in a spooky room.
B. The busy movie theater causes the characters to miss watching a horror movie.
C. The lax security at the movie theater allows the characters to commit a crime.
D. The boring movie gala causes the three main characters to leave the movie theater.
Fans
by J. Robbins
―Where are we supposed to sit?‖ yelled Dashiell over the pounding sounds of the band Spoiled
Angry Monkey Pants. His best friend Valancy, who had her fingers stuck in her ears to salvage her
hearing, didn‘t respond. The concert hall was filled to overflowing with enthusiastic fans. All of the
lights had been dimmed to provide ambiance, and Dashiell was getting a headache from squinting to
see through the darkness. The people around him alternated dancing and singing with shoving and
arguing, and he was growing more anxious by the second. He tried to push through the mass of
people and protect Valancy at the same time.
―I can‘t see anything, Dash,‖ Valancy hollered at the top of her lungs. ―Do you know where we‘re
going?‖ Dashiell smiled down at her with a confidence he didn‘t truly feel.
―Sure thing, ace,‖ he screamed. ―I‘ll get these goons out of our way.‖ Unfortunately, the band
finished playing their song just as Dashiell spoke. His boast echoed across the darkened room, and
he felt hundreds of hostile eyes pointed in his direction. Valancy, her face bright red with
embarrassment, quickly pulled him into a tiny alcove.
―I‘m sure our band will come on soon,‖ said Valancy hopefully as she shoved garbage off two
seats in the alcove. The ground was littered with abandoned gum and discarded candy wrappers,
and her feet stuck to the floor as she tried to sit in a chair.
―Yeah, Evil Robot Theory never disappoints their fans, and that‘s why they‘re the best band in the
whole—EWW!‖ Dashiell shouted as he sat down in a pool of spilled soda. Valancy finally pulled her
foot free from a wad of gum and nearly fell face-first into a pile of concession stand nachos someone
had thrown on the floor.
―I have the new Evil Robot Theory CD in my car,‖ she told her friend. ―Why don‘t we just get out
of here?‖ Dashiell nodded gratefully, and they began the long, arduous trip out of the concert hall.
On the main stage, Spoiled Angry Monkey Pants began to play their hit song, ―Inexplicable Apathetic
Rant, Part Two,‖ which inspired their fans to a new level of frenzied dancing and shouting.
8. What does the setting of this passage reveal about the characters?
A. They don't enjoy listening to music as much as they enjoy playing it themselves.
B. They are always eager to meet people who are different from themselves.
C. They value comfort and quiet more than seeing a favorite band play live.
D. They like to broaden their musical tastes by seeing new bands play live.
The gargantuan room in the basement faced north. The wind blew past long cylinders, test
tubes, and lab equipment with a whistling noise. The lab technicians and workers were dressed in a
pale white, almost like the winter weather outside. Sometimes, the wind gushed forth with such force
that it forced open the windows. The Alaskan winter was barbarically cold, with massive amounts of
snow and long dark days. This was the perfect setup for someone steeped in research. While
everyone else detested living in such harsh conditions, James loved the weather and the isolation.
9. The setting of the passage is best described as a
A. cabin.
B. laboratory.
C. house.
D. tent.
10. What time of the year is it in the passage?
A. fall
B. spring
C. winter
D. summer
I stared out the window of the taxicab as the driver skillfully threaded through the traffic. My best
friends Katerina and Ivan had volunteered to come with me, and I was grateful to have them by my
side. I knew that traveling to Russia to see my father‘s grave would be hard—I just didn‘t realize that
it would be an emotional avalanche. ―It‘s not too late to go back to the hotel,‖ Ivan whispered to me.
―We can always wait until you‘ve had a chance to adjust to the city,‖ agreed Katerina. I silently
blessed my friends for their kindness. They knew that beneath my thin veneer of bravery, I was a
mess. The rain outside turned into a thick, blinding snow and obscured my view. I didn‘t mind. The
city that I had dreamed of seeing all my life was changed forever now. My father had described
every inch of his beloved homeland in his letters to me, and his words on the page meant more to
me than the buildings now covered in snow.
―Let‘s keep going,‖ I said resolutely. ―I want to do what we came here to do. After that, I can go
home and start a new chapter in my life.‖ The taxi slowed as it neared the cemetery. I left my friends
inside the warmth of the car and walked slowly toward the gravesite I had seen only in photographs.
In my hand, I clutched the worn copy of Dostoevsky‘s The Brothers Karamazov that my father had
sent me right before his death. Tears fell mingled with snowflakes as I stood before his grave. I
silently bid my father goodbye, placed the book on his grave marker, and turned to leave.
The snow had covered my footprints, and the clean white ground in front of me seemed to go on
forever. My boots broke through the top layer of snow, and the clean white ground allowed me to
move forward and leave the past behind. The faces of my friends, suddenly becoming clear as the
snow stopped, seemed to draw me forward into a brighter future.
11. How does the weather affect the narrator?
A. The snow makes the narrator feel more positive about the future.
B. The snow reminds the narrator of his/her happy childhood.
C. The bad weather delays the narrator from an important meeting.
D. The cold weather makes it impossible for the narrator to travel.
12. How does the setting influence the narrator in this passage?
A. The unfamiliar city reminds the narrator of what he/she has lost.
B. The city is the location for the narrator to meet his/her father.
C. The busy activity in the city makes the narrator feel more comfortable.
D. The city is the location for the three main characters to meet.
For Sale—Dragon's Breath, Cheap
Hurrying on his way, he halted only when he noticed that the snow was becoming less thickly
spread. Here he filled his baskets, packing the cold, white substance into a compact mass. He did
not stop again until the bank of the river had been reached. It was just as he had hoped—down here
there was no sign of the snowfall, and certainly there would be none in the city. He glanced along
the shore for a boat. His fear had been that he might have to wait too long; there was not likely to be
much traffic on the river today, for no one, unless he were forced to it, would work—boatmen
included. A hundred yards to the left a boat seemed to be pushing off. Young Fu ran, yelling as he
did so.
The boatman looked up from his load of oranges. "Ten coppers for ride today," he called out.
"I can give you something better than coppers," gasped the youth, and swung himself aboard.
Breathing more easily after a moment or two, he reached within a basket and shaped a lump of
its contents into a ball. This he held before the man's astonished eyes.
"What is it?" came the question.
"Dragon's Breath from the hills," replied Young Fu. "It means fortune for the New Year."
"So!" remarked the boatman, very much impressed, and laid it on the floor close to where he
stood.
In a short time they reached the Chungking side of the river. Young Fu lifted his carrying pole and
climbed the steep steps to a city gate. Once within, he swung ahead to a busy thoroughfare, far from
the haunts of Hsui, or those of his own friends. He located a niche in a corner of a stone wall and
settled himself for business. His lips puffed out a long breath of relief. At least he was safe in his own
city once more and, if all went well, he would soon be at home. He began to call his strange
merchandise for sale.
Nine o'clock had come, and Chungking had risen early in honor of the New Year. Within the
homes there had been the ceremony of the kitchen god's return, followed by an elaborate breakfast.
Now, robed in new finery, her people were about to start the day's round of excitement. Gaiety was
in the air. Bunting, multi-colored, floated in the narrow streets above the people's heads; from dingy
house fronts fluttered handsome banners, bright with gold characters, expressing the season's best
wishes. Lacepaper ornaments, and pictures of Kwan-Yin, Goddess of Mercy, Kwan-Tih, God of
Protection, and other important members of the heavenly circle shared places of honor. Fantastic
lanterns and toys of every description were being offered for sale. New Year was here and all China
was preparing to enjoy it.
from Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze by Elizabeth Foreman Lewis © 1932 Holt
13. How does setting this scene during Chinese New Year relate to the story?
A. Young Fu sells his "Dragon's Breath" on the holiday, taking advantage of people who
want good fortune for the New Year.
B. Chinese New Year is a famous holiday in China, and it proves that the author knows a
lot about the country.
C. Young Fu has gathered up snow, which he calls "Dragon's Breath," to sell to people
on the street.
D. Chinese New Year is a time when everybody in the country is celebrating. Young Fu
can't wait to reach Chungking to celebrate, too.
14. The time frame for this scene is just a few hours. How is that relevant to the
story?
A. It implies that Young Fu couldn't have been away from home for that long, since the
hills weren't that far away.
B. It implies that it must have taken hours for the boatman to take Young Fu across the
river to Chungking.
C. It helps to create tension, as Young Fu must sell his "Dragon's Breath" snowballs
before they all melt.
D. It helps to create a festive atmosphere, since Chinese New Year is about to start and
everyone is celebrating.
15. The details in the last paragraph of this selection all have to do with the
celebration of Chinese New Year. Which of the following is a function that these
details serve in the story?
A. They foreshadow the fact that something bad is about to happen.
B. They suggest that Young Fu is a boy who likes holidays.
C. They show how much time has passed since Young Fu arrived.
D. They create a setting that is colorful and festive.
George lived in Brunswick, Georgia. His house sat on a nice stretch of sandy white beach of the
North Atlantic. After having lived in the concrete jungle of Manhattan, George wanted to find a home
that was far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. After 40 long years of slaving in the real
estate business, George was now ready for a life of relaxation. He spent his days helping the nearby
fish hatchery and the evenings kayaking for an hour over the tranquil bay. The rolling waves of the
Atlantic had the most calming effect on him. It helped him forget the pain that his past life brought
him. He rarely talked about the dreadful incident to his friends, but when he did, he would pour his
heart out.
16. What effect does the ocean have on George?
A. It helps him kayak better.
B. It makes him nervous.
C. It helps him relax.
D. It makes him want to swim.
17. Based on the setting, why did George want to move to Brunswick?
A. He wanted to find a place that offered kayaking and boating.
B. He wanted a place away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
C. He wanted to move to a house that was on a busy street.
D. He wanted to live in a place that offered adventure.
18. Based on the setting, where did George live for most of his life?
A. a houseboat
B. a fish hatchery
C. Georgia
D. Manhattan
It was a perfect summer morning when we moved into our new home. Bryan was outside giving
instructions to the movers on unloading the truck. I, meanwhile, began exploring the house. I wanted
to savor the empty rooms filled with sunshine before they were cluttered with furniture. The one
place in the house that I had yet to visit was the basement, as Bryan had taken care of it. He raved
about the basement so much that I had to go down there myself.
I opened the door and hit the light switch. The bulb flickered for a few seconds and then went out.
The sunlight from the window in the far end of the basement was my only source of light. Dark
spaces spooked the daylights out of me, and the basement was no exception. Dusty, dark, and
moldy, the basement made me claustrophobic. I walked back to the door and opened it, but it was
jammed shut. I tried to pry it open with a rod, but the door would not budge. I walked up to the
window and yelled for Bryan, but he couldn‘t hear me. I was beginning to panic. Suddenly, I heard
the door squeak. I ran towards it hoping someone heard me and came to my rescue. However, to
my surprise the door was still shut tight. As I looked closer, there was another door hidden behind a
pillar. I was tempted to go in but hesitated, as it was completely dark.
19. When does the story take place?
A. summer
B. winter
C. spring
D. fall
20. Where is the story mostly taking place?
A. a basement
B. a closet
C. an attic
D. a garage
21. How would the narrator react if the basement was well-lit?
A. She would not be interested in exploring it further.
B. She would be more comfortable exploring the basement.
C. She would clean up the dust and let more light in.
D. She would walk into the basement only with her husband.
22. What effect does the dark and dusty basement have on the narrator?
A. She begins to panic.
B. She begins to feel dizzy.
C. She wants to explore it further.
D. She looks for a light bulb.
23. The details in the last paragraph of this selection all have to do with the way the
narrator feels about her surroundings. Which of the following is a function that
these details serve in the story?
A. They create a setting that is filled with suspense and mystery.
B. They suggest that the narrator does not like homes with basements.
C. They show that the narrator cannot enter dark and dusty places.
D. They show how the narrator plans to clean up the basement.
The boat was like a bucking bronco as it reared and thumped against the roaring waves. The
captain kept shouting through the rumble of the water, ―Men, don‘t let go! We‘ll have her reared in
soon.‖ However, it seemed there would be no end to the trashing by the waves. The waves rose to a
frightening height as the crew members held on tight. Their faces went grey with fear and their
knuckles white as the air tossed their hats off and tore through their hair. Each time the wave rose, it
splashed the men with a gush of frothy water. Faces wet with fear and anxiety, the men rowed as
fast as they could. The captain assured his men about finding a house of refuge soon, but the
trepidation in his voice failed him. The men were beginning to lose hope.
24. What does the setting do to the men on the boat?
A. It makes them want to jump off the boat.
B. It makes them think of their families.
C. It makes them look for help.
D. It makes them very scared.
25. What does the setting do to the story?
A. It tells what to do in a raging storm.
B. It tells about the life of crew members.
C. It heightens the tension of the plot.
D. It warns against going out in bad weather.
Kevin Thompson expected sun and relaxation after two grueling years of residency when he was
posted as a visiting physician to Juiz de Fora in Brazil. As an intern, he was constantly on call and
spent long hours at the Chicago Memorial Hospital assisting in surgery. The rigorous program at the
medical school in Chicago had drained every living fiber out of him.
The laid–back life, the tropical climate, the friendliness of the village people, and the isolation that
Juiz de Fora offered was a perfect match for his current needs. The unending rain and the humidity
bothered him, but he was prepared to suck it up. It poured endlessly, and he was constantly
changing his sweaty shirt. The rain hammered the roofs and splashed on the ground in a torrent. His
desire to soak in the sun was rarely ever met.
26. Based on the setting, what can the reader tell about Kevin's life until he moved
to Brazil?
A. The medical school in Chicago kept Kevin very busy.
B. The residency gave Kevin enough time to rest.
C. Kevin enjoyed working in stressful environments.
D. Kevin was constantly sick during his residency.
27. The setting of this selection is best described as
A. a tropical place.
B. a clinic.
C. an arid place.
D. a resort.
Excerpt from To Build a Fire
by Jack London
Day had broken cold and grey, exceedingly cold and grey, when the man turned aside from the
main Yukon trail and climbed the high earth–bank, where a dim and little-traveled trail led eastward
through the fat spruce timberland. It was a steep bank, and he paused for breath at the top, excusing
the act to himself by looking at his watch. It was nine o'clock. There was no sun nor hint of sun,
though there was not a cloud in the sky. It was a clear day, and yet there seemed an intangible pall
over the face of things, a subtle gloom that made the day dark, and that was due to the absence of
sun. This fact did not worry the man. He was used to the lack of sun. It had been days since he had
seen the sun, and he knew that a few more days must pass before that cheerful orb, due south,
would just peep above the skyline and dip immediately from view.
28. Based on the setting, the reader can tell the lack of sun made everything
A. dry.
B. windy.
C. humid.
D. gloomy.
29. When does the story take place?
A. morning
B. afternoon
C. evening
D. night
First Day Jitters
by C. Safos
After walking into the office, Marcus knew he was in over his head. It was only his first day on the
job, but as he entered the conference room for his very first orientation, he knew something was
wrong. All of the women and men sat behind portfolios of paperwork, too distracted to acknowledge
his existence. He was the only person in the entire room wearing a suit and tie. Everyone else was
dressed casually, and they stared him up and down as if they were sizing him up.
The Arizona morning sun bounced off every skyscraper in the neighborhood and seemed to burn
through the blinds and heat the rooms of the Darcitomy Advertising Agency. It was like an oven, and
Marcus‘ new suit wasn‘t helping matters. He tried to keep his cool and not sweat under the heat as
he heard the booming sound of Frank Newberry, the owner of the company. He's not even wearing a
tie! Marcus thought to himself. "Simmons," Mr. Newberry said, "You're a little overdressed, aren't
you?" It was all Marcus could do to not jump out of the window from embarrassment, but he didn't
want to ruin his suit; he had just dry-cleaned it.
30. How does the setting contribute to Marcus' character?
A. The sun heating the building makes Marcus even more nervous and uncomfortable.
B. The conference room is so large that it makes Marcus feels like he's in school again.
C. The height of the building and its position makes Marcus dizzy and nauseous.
D. The portfolios remind Marcus that he forgot to bring his briefcase for his first day.
adapted from The Lottery
by Shirley Jackson
The morning of June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full summer day; the
flowers were blossoming profusely, and the grass was richly green. The people of the village began
to gather in the square between the post office and the bank around ten o'clock; in some towns,
there were so many people that the lottery took two days and had to be started on June 2nd. But in
this village, where there were only about three hundred people, the whole lottery took less than two
hours, so it could begin at ten o'clock in the morning and still be through in time to allow the villagers
to get home for noon dinner.
The children assembled first, of course. School was recently over for the summer, and the feeling
of liberty sat uneasily on most of them; they tended to gather together quietly for a while before they
broke into boisterous play. Their talk was still of the classroom and the teacher, of books and
reprimands.
31. The author creates a setting that highlights
A. the point of view of every character.
B. how slowly things move in the town.
C. the playful character of children.
D.
a mood of peace and tranquility.
Excerpt from To Kill A Mockingbird
by Harper Lee
The Radley Place jutted into a sharp curve beyond our house. Walking south, one faced its
porch; the sidewalk turned and ran beside the lot. The house was low, was once white with a deep
front porch and green shutters, but had long ago darkened to the color of the slate-gray yard around
it. Rain-rotted shingles drooped over the eaves of the veranda; oak trees kept the sun away. The
remains of a picket drunkenly guarded the front yard—a "swept" yard that was never swept—where
Johnson grass and rabbit-tobacco grew in abundance.
32. The setting of this selection is important because it
A.
B.
C.
D.
highlights the sadness that surrounds the house.
tells about the narrator's neighbors.
tells the reader about rain–rotted shingles.
shows what happens to a house that is unkempt.
She thought of home as she looked out the window of the hotel room. The window sat on a very
pretty balcony that was sealed shut. The room was spacious, but she was beginning to feel
claustrophobic. I wish I could walk out to the balcony and feel the summer breeze. Mary had just
arrived for the annual science conference in Milwaukee. Constantly traveling and living out of a
suitcase made her depressed. It was at times like these that her home in Austin beckoned her.
She thought of her apartment—comfortable, warm, and bright. She wanted to pack her bags, go
home, and never leave those four walls. The setting on Lake Travis as she sat on her patio was
nothing short of spectacular. In spring, her garden was a riot of azaleas, lilies, and marigold. The
brilliant shades of red splashed across the sky at dusk always made her compose a new melody.
33. Based on the setting in the above passage, the reader can tell
A.
B.
C.
D.
Mary's apartment windows are sealed shut.
Mary's apartment is in Milwaukee.
Mary's apartment is vivacious.
Mary's apartment makes her depressed.
34. How does Mary feel about the hotel room?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She feels very happy.
She feels ill at ease.
She likes the hotel room.
She thinks the room is small.
"A Tryst At An Ancient Earthwork"
by Thomas Hardy
Out of the invisible marine region on the other side, birds soar suddenly into the air, and hang
over the summits of the heights with the indifference of long familiarity. Their forms are white against
the tawny concave of cloud, and the curves they exhibit in their floating signify that they are sea
gulls, which have journeyed inland from expected stress of weather. As the birds rise behind the fort,
so do the clouds rise behind the birds, almost as it seems, stroking with their bagging bosoms the
uppermost flyers.
35. Based on the setting, the author is most probably describing
A.
B.
a painting that he's looking at in a museum.
underwater life as seen by him in an ocean.
C.
D.
an oceanfront hidden from view by a fort.
an imaginary world he has created in his mind.
Answers
1. A
2. A
3. C
4. A
5. D
6. A
7. A
8. C
9. B
10. C
11. A
12. A
13. A
14. C
15. D
16. C
17. B
18. D
19. A
20. A
21. B
22. A
23. A
24. D
25. C
26. A
27. A
28. D
29. A
30. A
31. D
32. A
33. C
34. B
35. C
Explanations
1. The narrator tells the reader about how he or she looked forward to the arts festival.
This information is found in the second paragraph. He or she then goes on to say how
the festival renewed his or her sense of wonder.
2. The reader can tell that Aunt Lilly's place is located in the country from the second
paragraph. It says, "The green, rolling hills were dotted with old stone cottages, skittish
rabbits, and wandering sheep." It is reasonable to assume that green hills, rabbits, and
wandering sheep are found mostly on the countryside.
3. The story takes place in Wales. The reader can get this information from the second
paragraph. It says, "This part of Wales had a special charm and was a favorite among
book lovers."
4. The narrator loves visiting Aunt Lilly. He says her place is what tired city dwellers need
to feel refreshed. The reader can tell that the narrator thinks Aunt Lilly's place is idyllic
from the second paragraph. It says, "The view from her cottage was perfect. The green,
rolling hills were dotted with old stone cottages, skittish rabbits, and wandering sheep.
It was just what the eyes tired of the cityscape needed."
5. The majority of this story takes place inside a movie theater. However, at the end of the
fourteenth paragraph of this passage, the author states, "The three friends raced back
through the passage and past the concession stand. They stood outside in the blinding
afternoon sun and tried to catch their breath." The last five paragraphs of this passage
take place outside a movie theater.
6. The setting of this story, an old movie theater in which a horror movie marathon is
playing, is important because it influences the emotions of the three main characters.
The three friends are willing to believe they met a man who died many years before
because they had been focused on the supernatural all day.
7. The passage states, "The three friends ducked into a darkened doorway to avoid the
crowd of moviegoers." The crowded hallway encourages the three main characters to
take refuge in a spooky room, and this precipitates the events of the plot.
8. The setting of this passage is a dark, dirty, crowded concert hall. The main characters
act in a way that shows the setting makes them uncomfortable. At the end of the
passage, they leave the concert hall to listen to music in their car rather than hear their
favorite band play. The setting reveals that Dashiell and Valancy value comfort and
quiet more than seeing their favorite band play in a live concert.
9. The reader can tell that the setting is a laboratory from the fourth sentence. It says,
"The lab technicians and workers were dressed in a pale white, almost like the winter
weather outside." In addition, the use of words such as "test tubes" and "research" tells
the reader more about the setting.
10. There are several clues for the reader to tell that the passage is set in winter. The fourth
sentence says, "The lab technicians and workers were dressed in a pale white, almost
like the winter weather outside." In addition, the next sentence says that the "Alaskan
winter was barbarically cold." This serves as another clue for the reader.
11. The last paragraph of this passage describes the effect of the weather on the narrator.
He/she walks across the snowy ground and states, "the clean white ground allowed me
to move forward and leave the past behind." The snowy weather allows the narrator to
feel more positive about the future.
12. In the second paragraph of the passage, the narrator states, "The city that I had
dreamed of seeing all my life was changed forever now. My father had described every
inch of his beloved homeland in his letters to me. . . ." The unfamiliar city reminds the
narrator of the loss of his/her father.
13. Young Fu has come up with a plan to make some money by selling snowballs and calling
them "Dragon's Breath." He tells people that it will bring them good fortune in the New
Year. Just like here in the United States, the New Year's celebration in China includes
wishes for luck and prosperity in the year to come. By setting this scene during the
holiday, the author has created the perfect opportunity for Young Fu to successfully sell
his "wares" to people who are celebrating the New Year.
14. This selection doesn't tell us how long Young Fu has been traveling, only that he's glad
to be home. We do know that he has brought snow down from the hills, which he must
sell before it all melts. Since the time frame of this scene is so short (a few short hours
or even less), the reader feels the tension the character feels as he races to sell his
wares in time.
15. The details of Chinese New Year ceremonies and decorations help create a picture, or
setting, so that the reader can envision what the holiday must be like. The setting then
acts as a ―backdrop‖ against which the events of the story are told—this helps the
reader understand the context for the story.
16. The ocean helped George to relax after living in the city for so long. The sixth sentence
in the passage gives the reader this information. It says, "The rolling waves of the
Atlantic had the most calming effect on him."
17. The passage says that George lived in the concrete jungle of Manhattan. The use of
such words by the author indicates that George wanted a place away from this mayhem.
The reader can get this information from the third sentence. It says, "After having lived
in the concrete jungle of Manhattan, George wanted to find a home that was far away
from the hustle and bustle of city life."
18. The third sentence gives the reader a clue about where George lived in the past. It says,
"After having lived in the concrete jungle of Manhattan, George wanted to find a home
that was far away from the hustle and bustle of city life."
19. The reader can tell that the story takes place in summer from the first sentence. It says,
"It was a perfect summer morning when we moved into our new home."
20. The reader can get this clue from the second paragraph. Most of the story takes place in
the basement.
21. In the first paragraph, the reader can see that the narrator enjoys well-lit places. It
says, "I wanted to savor the empty rooms filled with sunshine before they were
cluttered with furniture." Based on the information it is reasonable to assume that the
narrator would be more comfortable exploring a well-lit basement.
22. The narrator tells the reader in the second paragraph that dark spaces scare her. The
reader can tell that the narrator begins to panic from the second paragraph. It says, "I
was beginning to panic." In addition, the dusty, dark, and moldy basement makes the
narrator claustrophobic.
23. The setting enhances the tension by creating a sense of suspense and mystery. The
passage leaves the reader wanting to know if the narrator will walk through the door.
24. In the given passage, the men are being tossed about in their boat by raging waves.
This makes them very scared despite the captain's assurances. It says, "The waves rose
to a frightening height as the crew members held on tight. Their faces went grey with
fear and their knuckles white as the air tossed their hats off and tore through their hair."
25. In some stories, setting helps in understanding the mood. The reader can tell that the
mood is an ominous one from the first sentence. It says, "The boat was like a bucking
bronco as it reared and thumped against the roaring waves."
26. The reader can tell that medical school kept Kevin very busy from the first paragraph. It
says, "As an intern, he was constantly on call and spent long hours at the Chicago
Memorial Hospital assisting in surgery." The next sentence in the paragraph tells how he
was drained out of energy. This helps the reader understand how busy Kevin really was.
27. The reader can tell that the setting is a tropical place from the third sentence. "The laid
back life, the tropical climate, the friendliness of the village people, and the isolation
that Juiz de Fora offered was a perfect match for his current needs." In addition, South
America lies in the tropical region, and therefore, the reader can tell that Brazil lies in
the tropics.
28. The reader can tell that the lack of sun made everything gloomy from the fifth sentence.
It says, "It was a clear day, and yet there seemed an intangible pall over the face of
things, a subtle gloom that made the day dark, and that was due to the absence of
sun." In addition, the first few lines highlight how the lack of sun made everything cold
and grey.
29. The reader can tell it is morning from the first sentence. It says, "Day had broken cold
and grey, exceedingly cold and grey." The writer tells the reader that it is morning when
he says "day had broken."
30. The setting of a story can sometime impact not only the plot, but the characters as well.
In this case, the building's position allows it to be heated by the sun. This heat makes
Marcus feel even more uncomfortable than he already feels.
31. The author highlights the warm weather, the abundance of flowers, and the green
grass. She creates for the reader a setting that is full of peace and tranquility. The
reader can gather this information from the first paragraph. It says, "The morning of
June 27th was clear and sunny, with the fresh warmth of a full summer day; the flowers
were blossoming profusely and the grass was richly green." This creates a positive
atmosphere and helps the reader ease into the story.
32. Based on the description of the Radley Place, the reader can tell that the house is a sad
and gloomy one. The entire passage paints a very gray and gloomy picture of the
Radley Place. The reference to rain-rotted shingles, lack of sunlight, and a yard that was
never swept tell the reader more about the setting.
33. The reader can tell that Mary's apartment is cheery and happy from the first sentence in
the second paragraph. It says, "She thought of her apartment—comfortable, warm, and
bright." The third sentence in the last paragraph adds to this information. It says, "The
setting on Lake Travis as she sat on her patio was nothing short of spectacular."
34. The reader can tell Mary feels claustrophobic from the first paragraph. It says, "The
room was spacious, but she was beginning to feel claustrophobic." The use of the word
"depressed" in the fifth sentence also gives the reader a clue about how Mary feels.
35. The author is describing the scene as he sees it happening. The reader can tell that he is
describing an oceanfront from the first sentence. It says, "Out of the invisible marine
region on the other side, birds soar suddenly into the air, and hang over the summits of
the heights with the indifference of long familiarity." The use of the word "marine" lets
the reader know that the setting is oceanic.
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