Flex Book
Reading WASL Practice
TEACHER’S GUIDE
Flex Book
Workshop One: Eyes on the Graduation Prize
Reading WASL Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “America’s Dropout Crisis”
1. What is the meaning of the word
accomplish
on page 10, paragraph 4, of the selection?
[IC14]
c
A.
Understand
c
B.
Change
c
C.
Extend
c
D.
Achieve
Correct Answer = D
Accomplish in the sentence can be replaced with achieve. The selection describes how to realize
goals and to take next steps. The other word choices do not share this meaning.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “America’s Dropout Crisis”
2. Which sentence from the selection is an opinion? [IT18]
c
A.
“Dropouts are more likely to have low-paying jobs or be unemployed.”
c
B.
“The reality is, a high school diploma is a prize worth pursuing.”
c
C.
“Some drop out because they’re caught in a cycle of failure.”
c
D.
“Another disturbing statistic is that non-graduates are 3.5 times more likely to be
jailed than graduates.”
Correct Answer = B
B is an opinion because this is the conclusion the author draws from the evidence presented in the
text.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Living in the Success Zone”
3. After reading this selection, which generalization can the reader make about struggling
readers? [IT20]
c
A.
A supportive environment can improve a student’s reading ability.
c
B.
Involvement in sports can improve a student’s grades and test scores.
c
C.
Developing an interest in reading can lead to early graduation.
c
D
. Colleges give preference to students who have overcome failure.
Correct Answer = A
On page 13 paragraph 6, the selection describes how Betty Lewing, the READ 180 teacher,
encouraged Tabitha (and Jovorskie) to read and to stay in a reading support class. In that class,
both students became more confident readers due to her support.
1
SHORT ANSWER: “Living in the Success Zone”
4. What are
two
similarities between Tabitha and Jovorskie? Include information from the
selection in your answer. [LA06]
Possible Answers:
ƒ
Both graduates of Lufkin High School.
ƒ
Both became strong readers.
ƒ
Both overcame limitations and became reading success stories.
ƒ
Neither of them could remember a time when reading came easily.
ƒ
Both were enrolled in READ 180.
ƒ
Both wanted to quit READ 180 at first but then found something positive to focus on and
stayed in the class.
ƒ
As they learned, they both were able to increase their confidence and academic ability.
ƒ
Both go on to college.
EXTENDED RESPONSE: “The Pact”
5. What
four
pieces of advice would the author of “The Pact” give about pursuing a goal?
Provide information from the selection in your answer. [LT10]
Possible Advice:
ƒ
Make a pact with friends to support each other, for example, “We tell them to pick trustworthy
friends who have the same goal.”
ƒ
Hang out with people who inspire you, for example, “ . . . the wrong friends can lead you into
to trouble.”
ƒ
Stick to your goals no matter what, for example, “The pact gave us a reason to keep pushing
when it would have been easier to just give up.”
ƒ
Stay out of trouble, for example, “We provided one another with a kind of positive peer
pressure,”
ƒ
Define your goals, for example, “But one of us, early in childhood, defined his goal of
becoming a dentist.”
ƒ
Communicate with your friends, for example, “We remind them to communicate openly,
honestly, and often with each other.”
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Flex Book
Workshop Two: Tsunami: Disaster of the Century
Reading WASL Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Waves of Destruction”
1. Why does the tsunami occur? [IA17]
c
A.
Waves destroyed villages because of earthquakes at the ocean’s surface.
c
B.
Water traveling towards shore moved the earth’s crust upward.
c
C.
As a result of an earthquake, a large amount of water moved toward land.
c
D.
Due to a shift in the ocean, an earthquake shook vast areas.
Correct Answer = C
Page 34, paragraphs 1 & 2, explain the process of how the tsunami occurred.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Terror and Tragedy”
2. Based on the information in the selection, what inference can the reader make about why
Latha will not return to school? [LC03]
c
A.
Latha will care for the tsunami victims at the hospital.
c
B.
Latha will take care of the children in the village.
c
C.
Latha will help in the tsunami relief effort.
c
D.
Latha will become a mother to her siblings.
Correct Answer = D
On page 38, paragraph 7, the author writes, “Now, I have resolved to care for my siblings and find
a job.”
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Relief + Recovery”
3. What is the purpose of the map on page 43? [IA15]
c
A.
The map shows the distance and time it took for the tsunami to reach cities and
towns.
c
B.
The map shows the land masses located near the Indian Ocean.
c
C.
The map shows the location of the earthquake’s epicenter and direction it travelled.
c
D
. The map shows the cities impacted by the tsunami.
Correct Answer = A
The purpose of the map is indicated by several text features. First of all, the map includes a key
that highlights the cities and towns hit by the tsunami. Then, there is a compass that shows the
direction of the tsunami waves. Lastly, the time is marked on the map describing the tsunami’s
travels.
3
SHORT ANSWER: “Terror and Tragedy”
4. Any of these titles could be another title for the selection. Choose the title you think best
fits the selection.
Family Matters
Survival
The Day of the Wave
Provide
two
details from the selection to support your choice. [LC01]
Possible Titles and Details:
Family Matters
ƒ
At first, Latha runs to escape. She soon realizes she had to look for her family and went back
to the police station.
ƒ
Latha is so worried about her family she can’t stop crying.
ƒ
All of the family meets back at the house as soon as they can.
ƒ
As Latha says, “Now, I have resolved to care for my siblings and find a job.”
ƒ
“ . . . but with Mom gone, my family needs me.”
Survival
ƒ
Latha runs from the ocean.
ƒ
The dad tried to save the family from drowning.
ƒ
One of Latha’s brother survives and appears at the house.
ƒ
Another brother is rescued by a fisherman is brought home.
ƒ
Latha needs to get a job and takes care of her siblings.
The Day of the Wave
ƒ
At 8:45, Latha hears the neighbor scream and runs out to see what the crisis was.
ƒ
The waves rolled down the street, destroying huts, and then hit Latha.
ƒ
The police station was filled with terrified villagers.
ƒ
The beach was too dangerous to search.
ƒ
Most people’s belongings were now swept away.
ƒ
100’s of villagers were dead as a result of the tsunami.
EXTENDED RESPONSE: “Relief + Recovery”
5. What problem do tsunami victims experience in the selection? What are
three
events that
contribute to the resolution of the problem? Include information from the selection in your
answer. [IA17]
Possible Problems and Resolutions:
Tsunami victims face death, injury, and loss of home and work.
ƒ
There’s a massive global fundraising campaign.
ƒ
Former Presidents Bush and Clinton launched a campaign raising campaign. Eventually, $7
billion is raised for the victims.
ƒ
Red Cross workers were activated and they searched for the missing, gave first aid,
distributed food and water, and set up shelters.
ƒ
Habitat for Humanity helped to build and/or repair 4,000 home and started work on 2,000
more.
ƒ
A new system is finally underway to provide early warning for tsunamis.
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Flex Book
Workshop Three: Long Journey to Justice
Reading WASL Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Diamond Land”
1. Why does Ayize decide to work in the diamond mines? [LA07]
c
A.
Ayize needed money to replace the lost cows.
c
B.
Ayize wanted to impress his bride-to-be.
c
C.
Ayize dreamed of going to America.
c
D.
Ayize planned to go back to school.
Correct Answer = A
After many diseased cows are killed, Ayize feels responsible for not noticing that the cows were
diseased. In addition, Ayize needs cows or money to pay the “bride price.”
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Diamond Land”
2. On page 64, paragraph 8, of the story, why does the author include foreshadowing? [LT08]
c
A.
To make the reader believe that Ayize will have a better experience than others in
the mines.
c
B.
To make the reader think that the soldiers are the true danger in the mines.
c
C.
To make the reader aware that Ayize or someone he knows will be hurt in the mines.
c
D.
To make the reader see that the truck driver cared about Ayize and his situation.
Correct Answer = C
When the truck driver says, “it’s very risky in the mines,” the reader then knows that Ayize or
another important character will be at risk in the mines.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Nelson Mandela: In His Own Words”
3. Which word could the author have used on page 75, paragraph 15, instead of
oppression
?
[LC04]
c
A.
Persistence
c
B.
Cruelty
c
C.
Extension
c
D
. Hopefulness
Correct Answer = B
Oppression in the speech means cruelty and domination of one group over another group, see
paragraphs 3 through 6 and 11 through 15.
5
SHORT ANSWER: “Diamond Land”
4. What is the theme of the story “Diamond Land?” Support your answer with
one
example
from the story. [LC01]
Possible Themes and Examples:
Exploitation of others
ƒ
Children have to work with little to no pay.
ƒ
Mine workers have to buy their food and water from the mining company.
ƒ
Zulus were exploited when the Dutch took over their land and pushed them into the
homelands.
Survival
ƒ
When the cows die, Ayize takes another job in the mine.
ƒ
The mine workers have to find their own food and shelter outside of the mine area.
ƒ
Nkosi and other miners put themselves in dangerous situations to earn money. Nkosi hides
diamonds in his hat and he chooses to take on a dangerous mining job for 1000 rand and
dies.
Family
ƒ
Ayize decides to take a mining job to pay the bride price and to make up the cost of the cows
to his family.
ƒ
Ayize describes the Zulu ways to his younger brother, taking on the father-like role.
ƒ
At the end of the story, Ayize marries and becomes a rancher, just like his father.
EXTENDED RESPONSE: “Diamond Land”
5. What
four
pieces of advice would Ayize give about working in the mines? Provide
information from the story in your answer. [LT10]
Possible Advice:
ƒ
Be very careful where you find shelter. The truck driver, on page 64, directs Aziye where to
stay.
ƒ
Be very careful where you choose to find mining work. The priest, on page 63, paragraph 26,
says that some mining camps are better than others.
ƒ
Be very careful when you are offered work for a very large sum of money. The bosses, on
pages 69 and 70, offered 1000 rand for miners to work in a pit. Nkosi took them up on the
offer and died.
ƒ
Be very observant about your life on the farm. When farming falls apart, the only other work
may be to work in the dangerous mines.
ƒ
Be very careful about taking chances when working at a mine. Nkosi had to go to extreme
lengths to hide the pink diamonds in his mouth and his hat.
ƒ
Be very careful that you are not taken advantage of when finding a place to live while working
at the mines. Nkosi asked Ayize for 100 rand to share a shelter, but Ayize bargains the price
down to 50 rand.
6
Flex Book
Workshop Four: Crime Lab Science
Reading WASL Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Welcome to the Crime Lab”
1. How are the pathologists and the forensic biologists in the selection similar? [IA16]
c
A.
They both dissect internal organs and tissue samples.
c
B.
They both test for substances found in victims’ bodies.
c
C.
They both examine genetic information to help solve crimes.
c
D.
They both analyze forensic evidence found in crime scenes.
Correct Answer = D
Both pathologists and forensic biologists analyze forensic evidence, see page 90, paragraph 1.
The rest of the selection describes the differences between the forensic evidence examined by
pathologists, toxicologists, and forensic biologists.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Body of Evidence”
2. What is the purpose of the time line at the bottom of pages 92, 93, and 94? [IA15]
c
A.
The time line shows how pathologists determine the time of death.
c
B.
The time line shows the steps leading to Jane’s arrest.
c
C.
The time line shows the events leading up to the missing person’s report.
c
D.
The time line shows that Jane was convicted of first-degree murder.
Correct Answer = B
The time line identifies the key events that occur over the course of the selection, ultimately
leading to Jane’s arrest (on the time line) and first-degree murder conviction (in the text).
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “DNA Analysis: The Key to Solving Crimes”
3. Based on the information in the selection, what is the most important concept the author
presents? [IT19]
c
A.
DNA analysis is an accurate way to identify people involved in a crime.
c
B.
DNA analysis allows forensic scientists to observe and study cell patterns.
c
C.
DNA analysis provides key genetic information about parents and children.
c
D
. DNA analysis is stored in a nationwide comprehensive computer database.
Correct Answer = A
The selection describes how DNA analysis is used to solve crimes.
7
SHORT ANSWER: “DNA Analysis: The Key to Solving Crimes”
4. Write a summary of the process of collecting and identifying DNA. Include
three
important
ideas from the selection in your summary. [IC12]
Possible Important Ideas:
ƒ
At the crime scene, investigators collect samples of bodily fluids on cotton swabs.
ƒ
The samples are stored in a sterilized tube with a preservative and chilled.
ƒ
Forensic scientists then extract the DNA from the sample.
ƒ
Forensic scientists use special chemicals to repeat the DNA patterns.
ƒ
Forensic scientists mark each repeated protein pattern with dye.
ƒ
The sample is placed in a tube and a sensor reads the patterns. The data is sent to a
computer.
ƒ
The computer provides a DNA profile.
ƒ
The crime scene profile is compared to a suspect’s profile.
EXTENDED RESPONSE: “Body of Evidence”
5. What is the author’s purpose for writing the selection? Provide
three
details from the
selection to support your answer. [IT18]
Possible Purposes and Details:
To inform the reader of the process to convict Jane of Bob’s murder.
To inform the reader of the process about how investigators solve a murder mystery.
To demonstrate to the reader that it is difficult to commit murder and get away with it.
ƒ
Bob was reported missing.
ƒ
Bob’s body was found and positively identified.
ƒ
Pathologists identified the time of death.
ƒ
Pathologists perform a detailed autopsy.
ƒ
Jane was interviewed and her stories were called into question.
ƒ
The pathologists return to Bob’s body to find more clues to help investigators convict Jane.
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Flex Book
Workshop Five: Wired for Trouble
Reading WASL Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Should Schools Ban Cell Phones”
1. What is most likely the author’s purpose for writing this selection? [IT18]
c
A.
To persuade the reader that phones are necessary for students to have in school.
c
B.
To describe to the reader the importance of having cell phones in case of
emergencies in school.
c
C.
To explain to the reader how cell phones interrupt the learning environment in
school.
c
D.
To inform the reader that there are multiple perspectives on cell phone use in
schools.
Correct Answer = D
The selection provides two sides to the controversy around cell phones in schools.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Cyberbullies”
2. Based on the selection, which sentence explains why teens are most likely to bully online?
[IC13]
c
A.
Teens have access to computers and cell phones.
c
B.
Teens accept bullying as a way to interact with each other.
c
C.
Teens can go undetected and not be identified as the bully.
c
D.
Teens make friends by sticking together and harassing others.
Correct Answer = C
According to page 117, paragraphs 6 through 8, the selection describes how teens bully because
they can remain anonymous.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Trouble at Your Fingertips”
3. Which sentence summarizes the selection? [IC12]
c
A.
Students call parents and friends to find information, soon overuse their phone
minutes, and are afraid to disconnect.
c
B.
Students multitask while on the computer, send text messages during class, and surf
the internet or watch TV while studying.
c
C.
Students are easily frustrated when they can’t get an answer right away, have short
attention spans, and are unable to stay on task.
c
D
. Students spend a lot of time online, soon are unable to think for themselves, and
then lose their perspective on school.
Correct Answer = D
D is the correct answer because it includes important aspects from the beginning, middle, and end
of the selection.
9
SHORT ANSWER: “Cyberbullies” and “Trouble at Your Fingertips”
4. The author of the selection “Trouble at Your Fingertips” states, “Recently, a survey of more
than 1,000 students ages 12 to 17 revealed the negative aspects of teens’ love of
technology.” Provide
two
examples from the selection “Cyberbullies” that show the
negative aspects of teens’ love technology. [IA16]
Possible Answers:
ƒ
They impersonate other teens online and send phony messages to friends and
classmates.
ƒ
They forward private e-mails and embarrassing e-mails to others.
ƒ
They spread gossip through e-mail and IM.
ƒ
They manipulate friends into fighting with each other through e-mail and IM.
ƒ
They can remain anonymous when cyberbullying.
ƒ
Surveys have shown the impact on teens’ love of technology, see page 117, paragraph 4.
ƒ
Bullies called griefers hassle other players.
EXTENDED RESPONSE: “Trouble at Your Fingertips”
5. What is the author’s purpose for writing the selection? Provide
three
details from the
selection to support your answer. [IT18]
Possible Purposes and Details:
To inform the reader of how technology is affecting teens’ lives.
To persuade the reader to change their use of technology.
ƒ
“Forty percent of students surveyed say they stay logged onto the Internet for a week or
more at a time.”
ƒ
“Sixty-two percent said they can’t live without technology for more than a few days.”
ƒ
“One in four said they hate to be disconnected for even one minute.”
ƒ
These teens face harsh consequences: brief attentions spans, limited patience, and
difficulty thinking independently.
ƒ
“Fifty-two percent of survey respondents say they’ve gone over their cell phone’s minute
plans.”
ƒ
Technology use negatively affects their school performance.
10
Flex Book
Workshop Six: Facing the Elements
Reading WASL Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “To Build a Fire”
1. What is the theme of the story? [LC01]
c
A.
Persistence in dangerous situations leads to survival.
c
B.
Desperate situations call for imaginative solutions.
c
C.
Man needs to respect the forces of nature.
c
D.
Listen to your own advice, rather than the advice of others.
Correct Answer = C
The man had a mission, regardless of the conditions of nature or the danger signs presented all
around him. On page 141, paragraph 4, “It did not lead him to think about how vulnerable he was
in this frozen wilderness. Nor did it lead him to have humility about his place in the universe.”
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “To Build a Fire”
2. How are the man and the dog in the selection similar? [LA06]
c
A.
Both knew to follow one another.
c
B.
Both recognized they needed a fire to stay warm.
c
C.
Both were aware of the dangerous temperatures.
c
D.
Both fell into the traps of hidden pools.
Correct Answer = B
The man and the dog both knew they needed to be warm. The man tries to build a fire, whereas
the dog follows the man in search of fire.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: from “Staying Alive”
3. Which statement is the most important conclusion the reader can draw from the selection?
[LT09]
c
A.
Information increases your chances of survival.
c
B.
It’s easy to learn from life’s challenges.
c
C.
Help can be found without much time or effort.
c
D
. Ignoring certain signals can lead to safety.
Correct Answer = A
Each stanza gives advice or information about what to do when you’re in the wilderness.
11
SHORT ANSWER: “To Build a Fire”
4. The author of the story states, “It did not lead him (the man) to think about how vulnerable
he was in this frozen wilderness.” Do you agree with his statement? Support your answer
with
two
details from the story. [LT08]
Possible Answers:
Yes, I agree.
ƒ
The man falls in the hidden pools.
ƒ
The man doesn’t recognize how cold it really is.
ƒ
The man lets his face, hands, and toes become frozen.
ƒ
The man builds a fire under a snow-covered spruce tree.
ƒ
The man uses up all of his matches.
ƒ
The man tries to kill the dog in order to survive.
ƒ
The man dies.
No, I don’t agree.
ƒ
The man had clothes and food.
ƒ
The man knew to keep the food next to his skin.
ƒ
The man had matches and moss to start a fire.
ƒ
The man had heard advice from more experienced men.
ƒ
The man had a dog.
ƒ
The man had a direction toward the camp he was going to.
EXTENDED RESPONSE: “To Build a Fire”
5. What problem does the man experience? What are
three
steps he takes to solve this
problem? Include information from the story in your answer. [LA05]
Possible Problems and Details:
The man travels alone to scout out the possibility of getting out logs in the spring.
The man doesn’t pay attention to the clues that the frozen wilderness gives him.
The man is more concerned about getting to the camp than about his own safety.
ƒ
The man builds a fire and eats.
ƒ
The man strikes his hands against his legs to stay warm.
ƒ
The man tries to build a second fire.
ƒ
The man tries to keep his head and remain calm.
ƒ
The man uses the heels of his hands when his fingers didn’t work.
ƒ
The man tries to hold a match with his teeth and scratched the match on his leg.
ƒ
The man plans to kill the dog to stay warm.
ƒ
The man tries to run to camp.
ƒ
The man decides he is going to die with dignity.
12
Flex Book
Workshop Seven: Creatures of the Deep
Reading WASL Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Sea Census Under Way”
1. What is the main idea of the story? [IC11]
c
A.
Scientists are learning more about ocean life.
c
B.
The tuna population has dropped significantly.
c
C.
Scientists are finding new species every week.
c
D.
Overfishing and pollution hurt some species.
Correct Answer = A
The selection describes the Census of Marine Life and how scientists are using the census to
learn more about the ocean.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Sea Census Under Way”
2. Which word could the author have used on page 168, paragraph 4, instead of
speculate
?
[IC14]
c
A.
Know
c
B.
Guess
c
C.
Wonder
c
D.
Hope
Correct Answer = B
Scientists are trying to make an educated guess as to how many new species will be discovered.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Life in the Ocean Zones”
3. What is the main difference between the sunlit zones and the twilight zones in the ocean?
[IA16]
c
A.
Fish adapt to their environment in the twilight zone.
c
B.
Fish change their colors to survive in the twilight zone.
c
C.
Bioluminescent fish live in the sunlit zone.
c
D
. Photosynthesis occurs in the sunlit zone.
Correct Answer = D
Only in the sunlit zone does photosynthesis occur.
13
SHORT ANSWER: “Life in the Ocean Zones”
4. Explain why sea creatures must use adaptation to survive in the midnight zone. Include
two
details from the selection in your answer. [IA17]
Possible Answers:
ƒ
They have to adapt to the extreme cold by living next to toxic hydrothermal vents.
ƒ
They have to adapt to the extreme pressure of the ocean.
ƒ
They have bacteria in their bodies that allows them to turn the chemicals released from the
vents into food.
ƒ
Without light, some animals are bioluminescent.
ƒ
They adapt, like the gulper eel, to eat larger animals than themselves.
EXTENDED RESPONSE: “Dijanna Figueroa: Sea Scientist”
5. Is Dijanna Figueroa’s decision to become a movie star a good idea? Provide
four
details
from the selection to support your answer. [IT19]
Possible Answers and Details:
Yes, it’s a good idea.
ƒ
She gains personal satisfaction by becoming a celebrity.
ƒ
She gets to experience going to the bottom of the ocean in a submersible.
ƒ
She provided accurate information to the movie.
ƒ
She became an ambassador for science.
ƒ
Her life changed.
No, it’s not a good idea.
ƒ
By traveling to the bottom of the ocean in a submersible, she could have put herself in danger.
ƒ
She could have become distracted from her real work, because of reporters and others who
recognize her.
ƒ
The movie took time away from her work as a scientist.
ƒ
She was in danger when she observed the 650 degree vents.
ƒ
She has no previous experience being in a film.
14
Flex Book
Workshop Eight: Going Global
Reading WASL Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “How Globalization is Shrinking the World”
1. Based on the selection, what inference can the reader make about why a U.S. company
would want to hire workers in Latin America? [IC13]
c
A.
Their workforce is well-educated.
c
B.
They have a large population of available workers.
c
C.
The work can be completed cheaper and faster.
c
D.
U.S. workers don’t need the jobs.
Correct Answer = C
Due to the last sentence on page 192, paragraph 3, the reader can infer that U.S. companies
would want to hire employees in Latin America because the work can be completed quickly and
for less money.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Outsource It”
2. Which sentence summarizes the selection? [IC12]
c
A.
Since jobs can be handled more cheaply outside the U.S., more companies are
contracting from other countries.
c
B.
Because there are a limited variety of businesses in foreign countries, outsourcing
possibilities are endless.
c
C.
Based on data from surveys, businesses in the U.S. show they outsource the
majority of jobs in information technology.
c
D.
Although foreign workers are underpaid and overworked, they continue to work for
U.S. companies.
Correct Answer = A
Throughout the article there are descriptions of how U.S. businesses outsource because it’s
cheaper than hiring U.S. workers.
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Exploding Economies”
3. Which sentence tells how workers in India and China are similar? [IA16]
c
A.
Both countries maintain efficient, well-organized factories.
c
B.
Both countries stress the importance of a good education.
c
C.
Both countries develop a well-behaved, self-managed workforce.
c
D
. Both countries have seen an influx of workers moving to cities.
Correct Answer = B
On page 201, paragraph 6, the article states, “Like India, China emphasizes education.”
15
SHORT ANSWER: “Exploding Economies”
4. Explain
two
ways that the editorial cartoon on page 201 helps you understand the
selection. Include information from the editorial cartoon in your answer. [IA15]
Possible Answers and Details:
Chinese products are found everywhere. The graduate notices that even his cap is made in
China. This helps the reader understand these parts of the article:
ƒ
China now has sixth largest economy, poised to take over the U.S. as number one.
ƒ
China has 1.5 billion people in its workforce – the world’s largest.
ƒ
Because of its reliable workforce and its ability to deliver goods cheaply, China has become
the world’s factory floor.
China emphasizes education. Ironically, as the U.S. student is graduating, he notices his
cap is made in China. This helps the reader understand these parts of the article:
ƒ
17 million post-secondary students.
ƒ
In 2004, 325,000 engineers graduated in China, five times the number in the U.S.
EXTENDED RESPONSE: “Outsource It”
5. Is outsourcing a good idea? Provide
four
details from the selection to support your
answer. [IT19]
Possible Answers and Details:
Yes, it’s a good idea.
ƒ
If you’re having trouble with school subjects, you can get an online tutor.
ƒ
If you don’t want to finish your online game, you can hire a kid to play the game for you.
ƒ
Outsourcing provides cheap labor.
ƒ
Outsourcing gives foreign countries to enter the U.S. market.
ƒ
In 2006, India announced plans to increase its workforce by 50 percent.
No, it’s not a good idea.
ƒ
160,000 people in Bangalore, India, provide services to the U.S., which means 160,000 fewer
jobs for American workers.
ƒ
70 percent of U.S. technology companies outsource jobs.
ƒ
Indian and Chinese workers are not paid as well as U.S. workers.
ƒ
Outsourcing is a trend that might not continue.
16
Flex Book
Workshop Nine: The Art of the Memoir
Reading WASL Practice
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “Writing a Memoir”
1. Why does Francisco Jimenez interview his family members when writing his memoir?
[IA17]
c
A.
He wanted his memoir to be completely accurate.
c
B.
He wanted to include his family’s creative ideas.
c
C.
He wanted to overcome stressful family events.
c
D.
He wanted to write from the perspective of others.
Correct Answer = A
According to page 216, paragraph 2, Jimenez stated, “In addition to relying on the power of
memory, I used other valuable resources to write my book.”
MULTIPLE CHOICE: from
Breaking Through
2. How does Francisco Jimenez feel about his family’s living situation after Roberto finds a
part-time janitorial job? [IC12]
c
A.
He was happy his father didn’t have to work in the fields anymore.
c
B.
He was grateful he no longer had to worry about being deported.
c
C.
He was glad his family was able to move away from the army barracks.
c
D.
He was thankful he didn’t have to miss two and a half months of school.
Correct Answer = D
According to page 220, paragraph 1, Jimenez stated, “I was excited because we had finally settled
in one place . . .”
MULTIPLE CHOICE: “An Interview with Francisco Jimenez”
3. After reading this selection, which generalization can the reader make about becoming a
professional writer? [IT20]
c
A.
It’s important to be recognized by a mentor and to keep writing a lot.
c
B.
It’s important to be able to handle many rejections from publishers.
c
C.
It’s important to protect the identities of real people and keep stories fictional.
c
D
. It’s important to listen to your inner voice and to write from the heart.
Correct Answer = A
According to page 232, paragraph 1, Francisco Jimenez’s teacher is described as a mentor.
Then, on page 233, paragraph 4, he describes how much work and practice it takes to be a writer.
17
SHORT ANSWER: from
Breaking Through
4. Explain how returning to the U.S. was important to the author. Support your answer with
two
details from the story. [LC03]
Possible Answers:
ƒ
It allows him to go back to school so he can continue learning and can reunite with his friends.
ƒ
It allows Roberto to go back to work and send money to the parents to help them live.
ƒ
Eventually, the rest of the family will join them.
ƒ
Eventually, it allows him to become a professional writer and help others understand the plight
of the migrant worker.
ƒ
It helps him fully appreciate the American dream.
EXTENDED RESPONSE: from
Breaking Through
5. According to the selection, what are
two
similarities between life in the U.S. and life in
Mexico? Provide information from the selection in your answer.
According to the selection, what are
two
differences between life in the U.S. and life in
Mexico? Provide information from the selection in your answer. [LA06]
Possible Answers:
Similarities
ƒ
They could make a living in both the U.S. and Mexico.
ƒ
There was shelter to be found in both the U.S. and Mexico.
ƒ
At one point, the entire family could live either in the U.S. or Mexico.
ƒ
They experience fear in both places. In Mexico, they feared poverty and, in the U.S., they
feared deportation.
Differences
ƒ
In Mexico, they lived in dry, barren hills in poverty. In the U.S., they lived in army barracks.
ƒ
For ten years in the U.S., the family feared being deported back to Mexico. In Mexico, the
family was safe from the law.
ƒ
In the U.S. in Santa Maria, there were schools. There were no schools in the family’s town in
Mexico.
ƒ
Roberto was able to get a job outside of the fields in the U.S. and he wouldn’t have had that
opportunity in Mexico.
ƒ
In the U.S., the family is separated, with the two boys being in the States and the rest of the
family in Mexico.
18
