Common Core: 6th Grade English Language Arts - Common Core: 6th Grade English Language Arts

Example Question #5 : Reading To Analyze Characters

Adapted from “In Cowboy Land” in An Autobiography by Theodore Roosevelt (1913)

Though I had previously made a trip into the then Territory of Dakota, beyond the Red River, it was not until 1883 that I went to the Little Missouri, and there took hold of two cattle ranches, the Chimney Butte and the Elkhorn.

It was still the Wild West in those days, the Far West, the West of Owen Wister's stories and Frederic Remington's drawings. That land of the West has gone now, "gone, gone with lost Atlantis," gone to the isle of ghosts and of strange dead memories. It was a land of vast silent spaces, of lonely rivers, and of plains where the wild game stared at the passing horseman. It was a land of scattered ranches, of herds of long-horned cattle, and of reckless riders who unmoved looked in the eyes of life or of death. In that land we led a free and hardy life, with horse and with rifle. We knew toil and hardship and hunger and thirst; and we saw men die violent deaths as they worked among the horses and cattle, or fought in evil feuds with one another; but we felt the beat of hardy life in our veins, and ours was the glory of work and the joy of living.

I first reached the Little Missouri on a Northern Pacific train about three in the morning of a cool September day in 1883. Next day I walked over to the abandoned army post, and, after some hours among the gray log shacks, a ranchman who had driven into the station agreed to take me out to his ranch, the Chimney Butte ranch, where he was living with his brother and their partner.

The ranch was a log structure with a dirt roof, a corral for the horses near by, and a chicken-house jabbed against the rear of the ranch house. Inside there was only one room, with a table, three or four chairs, a cooking-stove, and three bunks. The owners were Sylvane and Joe Ferris and William J. Merrifield. There was a fourth man, George Meyer, who also worked for me later. That evening we all played old sledge round the table, and at one period the game was interrupted by a frightful squawking outside which told us that a bobcat had made a raid on the chicken-house.

After a buffalo hunt with my original friend, Joe Ferris, I entered into partnership with Merrifield and Sylvane Ferris, and we started a cow ranch, with the maltese cross brand—always known as "maltee cross," by the way, as the general impression along the Little Missouri was that "maltese" must be a plural. Twenty-nine years later my four friends of that night were delegates to the First Progressive National Convention at Chicago. They were among my most constant companions for the few years next succeeding the evening when the bobcat interrupted the game of old sledge. I lived and worked with them on the ranch, and with them and many others like them on the round-up.

I do not believe there ever was any life more attractive to a vigorous young fellow than life on a cattle ranch in those days. It was a fine, healthy life, too; it taught a man self-reliance, hardihood, and the value of instant decision—in short, the virtues that ought to come from life in the open country. I enjoyed the life to the full.

Which of the following best describes how Roosevelt discusses the West in the passage?

Possible Answers:

He describes the ranch in which he lived in the West before describing the idea of the “Wild West” in general, poetic terms.

He explains why he wanted to purchase a cattle ranch, then describes what he learned from his time living in the West. Finally, he describes his first few days living in the West.

After a general, poetic introduction, he tells the story of his first days in the West. Then, he reflects on what his time in the West taught him.

After describing in detail the specific breed of cattle his ranch raised, he provides a general description of the “Wild West,” and then reflects on what his experiences in the West taught him.

After reflecting on what his experiences in the West taught him, he provides a general description of the “Wild West” and then begins narrating his first few days living in the West.

Correct answer:

After a general, poetic introduction, he tells the story of his first days in the West. Then, he reflects on what his time in the West taught him.

Explanation:

Let's characterize each of the paragraphs contained in this passage. By doing this, we can get an idea of the general topics the passage discusses, and the order in which it discusses them.

Paragraph 1: General information about Roosevelt's travels to the West.

Paragraph 2: A long, literary description of the West as it was in that era, the "Wild West."

Paragraph 3: Chronological narrative of Roosevelt's first few days in the West.

Paragraph 4: Description of the ranch, more chronological narration of Roosevelt's first few days in the West

Paragraph 5: More chronological narrative about what Roosevelt did in the West

Paragraph 6: Reflection about how Roosevelt liked the western lifestyle and what living there taught him

Now let's consider the answer choices and see which ones can't be true.

"He explains why he wanted to purchase a cattle ranch, then describes what he learned from his time living in the West. Finally, he describes his first few days living in the West." - This answer choice is incorrect. Nowhere in the passage does Roosevelt explain his motivations behind investing in a cattle ranch. Plus, he describes his first few days living in the west before describing what he learned from living there.

"After describing in detail the specific breed of cattle his ranch raised, he provides a general description of the “Wild West,” and then reflects on what his experiences in the West taught him." - Roosevelt never describes in detail the specific breed of cattle his ranch raised, so this answer choice is incorrect.

"After reflecting on what his experiences in the West taught him, he provides a general description of the “Wild West” and then begins narrating his first few days living in the West." - Roosevelt only talks about what his experiences taught him at the end of the passage, after describing the 'Wild West' and narrating his first few days there. This answer choices is out of order, so it is also incorrect.

"He describes the ranch in which he lived in the West before describing the idea of the 'Wild West' in general, poetic terms." - Roosevelt describes the idea of the "Wild West" before describing the ranch in which he lived, so this answer choice is incorrect because it is in the wrong order as well.

"After a general, poetic introduction, he tells the story of his first days in the West. Then, he reflects on what his time in the West taught him." - This is the correct answer. The passage includes a general, poetic introduction near its start (Paragraph 2). Then, Roosevelt tells the story of his first days in the West (Paragraphs 3–4). After that, he reflects on what his time in the West taught him (Paragraph 6).

Example Question #21 : Key Ideas And Details

Use the following poem to answer related questions.

Mother to Son By Langston Hughes (1922)

Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
So boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps
’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.
Don’t you fall now—
For I’se still goin’, honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

What character trait would best be used to describe the speaker of this poem (mother)?

Possible Answers:

Elated

Discouraged

Determined

Bitter

Correct answer:

Determined

Explanation:

The speaker of this poem is a mother speaking to her son about continuing on towards a goal or a better life despite a difficult journey along the way. “So boy, don’t you turn back. Don’t you set down on the steps ’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard. Don’t you fall now— For I’se still goin’, honey, I’se still climbin’, And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” This text shows her encouraging her son and no matter her circumstances she is determined to keep pushing through.

Example Question #4 : Reading To Analyze Characters

Use the following poem to answer related questions.

Mother to Son By Langston Hughes (1922)

Well, son, I’ll tell you:
Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
It’s had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I’se been a-climbin’ on,
And reachin’ landin’s,
And turnin’ corners,
And sometimes goin’ in the dark
Where there ain’t been no light.
So boy, don’t you turn back.
Don’t you set down on the steps
’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.
Don’t you fall now—
For I’se still goin’, honey,
I’se still climbin’,
And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

What comparison does the speaker make to help readers understand her on a deeper level?

Possible Answers:

The mother compares her life journey to climbing a staircase

The speaker compares her son to honey

The mother describes her life as a crystal staircase

The speaker compares her son to torn up, broken boards

Correct answer:

The mother compares her life journey to climbing a staircase

Explanation:

She used descriptive language about the bare boards with splinters and tacks that have built her staircase, or in the case of this comparison her life. She describes others as having crystal staircases that are easier to climb. She continues this climb or journey through life, despite the challenges. We can see what type of character or person she is by her choice to keep climbing.

Example Question #2 : Reading To Analyze Characters

When I was seven, my father brought home from a business trip a wooden boomerang painted with images of the Australian flag. All summer long I carried that gift with me. I was fascinated by this piece of a continent completely on the other side of the world. Despite promises that if I threw it would immediately return, I had no intention of throwing it, only carrying and admiring it. What if it became stuck in a tree or carried away by a stiff wind? There would go my connection to the magical land of kangaroos, barrier reefs, and untold other pieces of wonder.

As I walk the shores of Bondi Beach or watch the tourists purchase kangaroo-themed apparel in my adopted hometown of Sydney, I often think back to that boomerang and the world to which it opened my eyes. As an airline pilot, I am fortunate to live out my childhood dream – inspired by that boomerang – of exploring faraway lands. Whenever I do, I bring home a trinket for my young daughter such that she might be similarly struck by wanderlust.

In what ways does the main character change from the beginning to the end of the passage?

Possible Answers:

The main character does not change throughout the passage.

At the beginning of the passage, the character dreams of Australia and he/she is disappointed to travel there and experience what it is really like when they arrived. The character grows older and tries to protect his/her child from that experience.

The main character becomes more bitter about the world as he/she grows up and discovers the truths that are unknown as a child.

The main character not only grows up but discovers how to take his/her childhood dreams of magical places and make them a reality. He/she is also passing on that love of wonder and traveling to their child.

Correct answer:

The main character not only grows up but discovers how to take his/her childhood dreams of magical places and make them a reality. He/she is also passing on that love of wonder and traveling to their child.

Explanation:

The passage starts with a reflection of a childhood memory about the boomerang gift and describes how that gift affected his/her imagination and youth. The passage continues on to the present tense and the main character is an adult with their own child who they are carrying on the tradition of travel-related gifts with.

Example Question #3 : Reading To Analyze Characters

When I was seven, my father brought home from a business trip a wooden boomerang painted with images of the Australian flag. All summer long I carried that gift with me. I was fascinated by this piece of a continent completely on the other side of the world. Despite promises that if I threw it would immediately return, I had no intention of throwing it, only carrying and admiring it. What if it became stuck in a tree or carried away by a stiff wind? There would go my connection to the magical land of kangaroos, barrier reefs, and untold other pieces of wonder.

As I walk the shores of Bondi Beach or watch the tourists purchase kangaroo-themed apparel in my adopted hometown of Sydney, I often think back to that boomerang and the world to which it opened my eyes. As an airline pilot, I am fortunate to live out my childhood dream – inspired by that boomerang – of exploring faraway lands. Whenever I do, I bring home a trinket for my young daughter such that she might be similarly struck by wanderlust.

How do the actions of the character show their traits?

Possible Answers:

The character does not demonstrate any traits through their actions.

The character giving gifts to his/her daughter shows how they feel guilty for traveling for a living. The character knows that he/she is not living up to their responsibilities and hopes that gifts can overcome that.

The character does not want to part with the boomerang because of the emotional importance and ties to his/her father. The character shows that he/she is a sentimental and caring person by carrying the tradition on with their own child.

The character moving to Australia shows how easily manipulated they are. A simple suggestion of Australia with the boomerang gift is enough to convince him/her to move across the world.

Correct answer:

The character does not want to part with the boomerang because of the emotional importance and ties to his/her father. The character shows that he/she is a sentimental and caring person by carrying the tradition on with their own child.

Explanation:

The actions of a character in a text can lead to a deeper understanding of them as “a person” as a reader. Actions reveal more about their personalities, thoughts, and intentions. By treating the boomerang so carefully it shows the emotional side and connection the character has to the gift. When he/she continues a tradition with their own child it builds upon the support of that trait.

Example Question #10 : Reading To Analyze Characters

Jackson and his family were excited to be camping for the first time. They had never been to Yellowstone National Park and they had been anticipating this trip all year. His father packed up the car, his mother made sure they had their maps, and he and his little sister Aly hopped in the back seat of their minivan ready to go. It only took about 15 minutes until Aly got on his nerves and he put his earbuds in so he could watch videos on his phone. He must have fallen asleep because he woke up a few hours later and saw the large brown sign with white writing across the front “Yellowstone National Park.” They had arrived.

They got all checked in and found their home for the next three days, campsite number 35. Dad went to set up the tents and mom started her itinerary for all of the upcoming activities and excursions. After they got settled in it was time for the safety training class with the park ranger. The ranger went through what to do if they encountered a dangerous wild animal, got lost, ran out of supplies, or fell into the quick-moving river. Jackson looked from side to side at his family and realized he was the only one paying attention! His mom was looking at her list, Aly was dozing off, and his father was glazed over in the eyes staring into the woods. He hoped they wouldn’t need to use any of these skills!

That night after his mother and father were all tucked into their sleeping bags Jackson and Aly snuck out of their tent to look at the stars. It was a quaint evening until Jackson heard grunting and banging coming from the campsite. He peeked around a tree with his flashlight and saw a juvenile bear pawing at their coolers and trash cans. Aly started to shout and tried to take off running. Jackson covered her mouth and reminded her the ranger said not to scream or run away. She nodded and they stood still behind the tree and out of sight. The bear grew frustrated with the coolers and trash cans because Jackson had secured them with the bungee cords just as the ranger recommended. The bear padded off into the woods and they snuck back to their tents exhausted. As Jackson laid in his sleeping bag he smiled to himself thinking about how lucky they were that he had paid attention in the ranger’s safety class.

Each family member behaves differently during the safety instruction class. What do their actions reveal about them as characters in the passage?

Possible Answers:

Jackson’s actions show he is intelligent and responsible.

Mother’s actions show she is a know-it-all and very difficult to be around.

Aly’s actions show she is a brat and selfish.

Father’s actions show he is wise, full of advice, and easy to talk to.

Correct answer:

Jackson’s actions show he is intelligent and responsible.

Explanation:

Jackson was the only family member to listen during the course and take heed of what the instructor was preparing them for. He was the only character to remember the plan during the bear encounter because of it.

Example Question #22 : Reading

Jackson and his family were excited to be camping for the first time. They had never been to Yellowstone National Park and they had been anticipating this trip all year. His father packed up the car, his mother made sure they had their maps, and he and his little sister Aly hopped in the back seat of their minivan ready to go. It only took about 15 minutes until Aly got on his nerves and he put his earbuds in so he could watch videos on his phone. He must have fallen asleep because he woke up a few hours later and saw the large brown sign with white writing across the front “Yellowstone National Park.” They had arrived.

They got all checked in and found their home for the next three days, campsite number 35. Dad went to set up the tents and mom started her itinerary for all of the upcoming activities and excursions. After they got settled in it was time for the safety training class with the park ranger. The ranger went through what to do if they encountered a dangerous wild animal, got lost, ran out of supplies, or fell into the quick-moving river. Jackson looked from side to side at his family and realized he was the only one paying attention! His mom was looking at her list, Aly was dozing off, and his father was glazed over in the eyes staring into the woods. He hoped they wouldn’t need to use any of these skills!

That night after his mother and father were all tucked into their sleeping bags Jackson and Aly snuck out of their tent to look at the stars. It was a quaint evening until Jackson heard grunting and banging coming from the campsite. He peeked around a tree with his flashlight and saw a juvenile bear pawing at their coolers and trash cans. Aly started to shout and tried to take off running. Jackson covered her mouth and reminded her the ranger said not to scream or run away. She nodded and they stood still behind the tree and out of sight. The bear grew frustrated with the coolers and trash cans because Jackson had secured them with the bungee cords just as the ranger recommended. The bear padded off into the woods and they snuck back to their tents exhausted. As Jackson laid in his sleeping bag he smiled to himself thinking about how lucky they were that he had paid attention in the ranger’s safety class.

How do the characters respond to the challenge they face?

Possible Answers:

Both characters respond heroically and remember their safety training.

Jackson responds heroically by remembering his safety training and keeping Aly safe.

None of the characters respond to a challenge in the passage.

Aly responds heroically by remembering her safety training and keeping Jackson safe.

Correct answer:

Jackson responds heroically by remembering his safety training and keeping Aly safe.

Explanation:

Aly and Jackson are faced with the challenge of running into a bear while out stargazing. Jackson remembers his training and is able to keep Aly safe. Aly was dozing off during the training class so she was not able to respond to the challenge in a thoughtful way.

Example Question #23 : Reading

Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea (1835)

Once there was a Prince who wanted to marry a Princess. Only a real one would do. So he traveled through all the world to find her, and everywhere things went wrong. There were Princesses aplenty, but how was he to know whether they were real Princesses? There was something not quite right about them all. So he came home again and was unhappy because he did so want to have a real Princess.

One evening a terrible storm blew up. It thundered and rained. It was really frightful! In the midst of it all came a knocking at the town gate. The old King went to open it.

Who should be standing outside but a Princess, and what a sight she was in all that rain and wind. Water streamed from her hair down her clothes into her shoes and ran out at the heels. Yet she claimed to be a real Princess.

"We'll soon find that out," the old Queen thought to herself. Without saying a word about it she went to the bedchamber, stripped back the bedclothes, and put just one pea at the bottom of the bed. Then she took twenty mattresses and piled them on the pea. Then she took twenty eiderdown feather beds and piled them on the mattresses. Up on top of all these the Princess was to spend the night.

In the morning they asked her, "Did you sleep well?" " Oh!" said the Princess. "No. I scarcely slept at all. Heaven knows what's in that bed. I lay on something so hard that I'm black and blue all over. It was simply terrible."

They could see she was a real Princess and no question about it, now that she had felt one pea all the way through twenty mattresses and twenty more feather beds. Nobody but a Princess could be so delicate. So the Prince made haste to marry her because he knew he had found a real Princess.

As for the pea, they put it in the museum. There it's still to be seen unless somebody has taken it. There, that's a true story.

Based on the passage, which character trait would best describe the prince?

Possible Answers:

Intelligent

Strong

Shallow

Charitable

Correct answer:

Shallow

Explanation:

The prince only wanted a princess and wouldn’t settle for a commoner. He wanted to make sure that she was a princess and was just as finicky as he was.

Example Question #23 : Key Ideas And Details