You are writing a story about Ja'Niya, who is staying at a friend's cabin. Choose the best description to show that Ja'Niya is content. 

You are writing a story about Jermaine, who is new at school. Choose the best description to show that Jermaine is lonely.

 You are writing a story about Elijah, who goes to see a play. Choose the best description to show that Elijah is not well behaved.

 You are writing a story about Jessica, who is fighting with her friend. Choose the best description to show that Jessica is sad.

You are writing a story about Janelle, who is trying to study. Choose the best description to show that Janelle is on edge. 

 You are writing a story about Hector, who is choosing a new puppy. Choose the best description to show that Hector is certain.

You are writing a story about Tessa, who is a new student. Choose the best description to show that Tessa is shy. 

The Country Bunny

Listen, class! said Miss Cottontail. Two rows of small brown rabbits looked at their teacher. A new rabbit hopped into the underground classroom.

Miss Cottontail said, "I'd like everyone to meet Bennie. He'll be joining us."

The brown rabbits looked at their new classmate. His fur was white, with little brown spots. They'd never seen anyone who looked like that before. Bennie wiggled his ears and sat down. 

"We'll start with reading," Miss Cottontail said. Cottontail gave him a special alphabet book for beginners.

"Don't worry, Bennie. You'll learn," Miss Cottontail said. "We'll help you."

Bennie's left ear drooped. He studied the alphabet book.

Next was math. "Can you do subtraction?" Miss Cottontail asked Bennie. 

He shook his head.

Miss Cottontail gave Bennie a special math book for practice.

"Don't worry, you'll learn," whispered Della. "We'll help you."

Bennie's right ear drooped. 

At recess, the bunnies went outdoors. Bennie sat alone at the end of the playground, near the lilac bush. 

"Bennie doesn't want to play," Roger said.

Della hopped over to Bennie. "Where are you from? she asked him. 

"From the country," Bennie answered. "I'm not used to being in a city."

Della was curious. "What's it like in the country?" she asked.

Before long, Bennie was telling Della all about the country. He told her about the wide meadows of grass and flowers. He talked about the forests filled with mice and deer. He said that rabbits in the country had to watch out for foxes, coyotes, bears, owls, and hawks.

Della shivered. "We're safe here," she said. "We don't have to worry about scary animals.

Just then, a dark shadow fell on the playground. Bennie yelled, "Look out!"

Della looked up. A huge hawk, its sharp talons open, was heading straight toward the group playing tag. 

"RUN!" Bennie shouted. "Under the lilac bush! Now!"

The brown rabbits scrambled to the cover of the bush just in time. The hawk swooped over the playground, flapped its wings, then flew away.

What is the setting of the story?

The Country Bunny

Listen, class! said Miss Cottontail. Two rows of small brown rabbits looked at their teacher. A new rabbit hopped into the underground classroom.

Miss Cottontail said, "I'd like everyone to meet Bennie. He'll be joining us."

The brown rabbits looked at their new classmate. His fur was white, with little brown spots. They'd never seen anyone who looked like that before. Bennie wiggled his ears and sat down. 

"We'll start with reading," Miss Cottontail said. Cottontail gave him a special alphabet book for beginners.

"Don't worry, Bennie. You'll learn," Miss Cottontail said. "We'll help you."

Bennie's left ear drooped. He studied the alphabet book.

Next was math. "Can you do subtraction?" Miss Cottontail asked Bennie. 

He shook his head.

Miss Cottontail gave Bennie a special math book for practice.

Miss Cottontail gave Bennie a special math book for practice.

"Don't worry, you'll learn," whispered Della."We'll help you."

Bennie's right ear drooped. 

At recess, the bunnies went outdoors. Bennie sat alone at theend of the playground, near the lilac bush. 

"Bennie doesn't want to play," Roger said.

Della hopped over to Bennie. "Where are you from? she asked him. 

"From the country," Bennie answered. "I'm not used to being in a city."

Della was curious. "What's it like in the country?" she asked.

Before long, Bennie was telling Della all about the country. He told her about the wide meadows of grass and flowers.

He talked about the forests filled with mice and deer. He said that rabbits in the country had to watch out for foxes, coyotes, bears, owls, and hawks.

Della shivered. "We're safe here," she said. "We don't have to worry about scary animals.

Just then, a dark shadow fell on the playground. Bennie yelled," Look out!"

Della looked up. A huge hawk, its sharp talons open, was heading straight toward the group playing tag. 

"RUN!" Bennie shouted. "Under the lilac bush! Now!"

The brown rabbits scrambled to the cover of the bush just in time. The hawk swooped over the playground, flapped its wings, then flew away.

Who is the protagonist in the story?

The Country Bunny

Listen, class! said Miss Cottontail. Two rows of small brown rabbits looked at their teacher. A new rabbit hopped into the underground classroom.

Miss Cottontail said, "I'd like everyone to meet Bennie. He'll be joining us."

The brown rabbits looked at their new classmate. His fur was white, with little brown spots. They'd never seen anyone who looked like that before. Bennie wiggled his ears and sat down. 

"We'll start with reading," Miss Cottontail said. Cottontail gave him a special alphabet book for beginners.

"Don't worry, Bennie. You'll learn," Miss Cottontail said. "We'll help you."

Bennie's left ear drooped. He studied the alphabet book.

Next was math. "Can you do subtraction?" Miss Cottontail asked Bennie. 

He shook his head.

Miss Cottontail gave Bennie a special math book for practice.

"Don't worry, you'll learn," whispered Della. "We'll help you."

Bennie's right ear drooped. 

At recess, the bunnies went outdoors. Bennie sat alone at the end of the playground, near the lilac bush. 

"Bennie doesn't want to play," Roger said.

Della hopped over to Bennie. "Where are you from? she asked him. 

"From the country," Bennie answered. "I'm not used to being in a city."

Della was curious. "What's it like in the country?" she asked.

Before long, Bennie was telling Della all about the country. He told her about the wide meadows of grass and flowers. He talked about the forests filled with mice and deer. He said that rabbits in the country had to watch out for foxes, coyotes, bears, owls, and hawks.

Della shivered. "We're safe here," she said. "We don't have to worry about scary animals.

Just then, a dark shadow fell on the playground. Bennie yelled," Look out!"

Della looked up. A huge hawk, its sharp talons open, was heading straight toward the group playing tag. 

"RUN!" Bennie shouted. "Under the lilac bush! Now!"

The brown rabbits scrambled to the cover of the bush just in time. The hawk swooped over the playground, flapped its wings, then flew away.

Put the story's events in order.

What is the main conflict of the story?

What is the resolution of the conflict of the story?

Fox and Hounds

Andy’s legs felt heavy in the cast. Today was his baseball team’s big game against the Bobcats. He was missing the championship. He was stuck at home on the couch.

He couldn’t believe he’d broken his leg. Why did this happen to him? Why hadn’t Randy broken his leg instead? His twin brother, Randy, wouldn’t mind having his leg in a cast. Randy loved chess as much as Andy loved sports. Randy was a junior chess champion, and Andy hardly ever saw him these days. Randy was always off at some chess tournament.

Andy didn’t understand what was so interesting about chess. Sometimes it seems the twins had nothing to talk about anymore. Andy sighed. He missed his brother.

Mom had brought him a pile of fat books from the library. They were all boring. There was nothing good on TV. He picked up the puzzle book Grandad had sent. Sudoku? What was the point of that? He let the book drop to the floor.

“Hey, bro!” Randy greeted him as he walked into the living room, carrying a chessboard.

Andy was surprised by how happy he felt to see his brother. But he said nothing.

“Don’t be a grump,” Randy said.

Andy said, “I hate chess.”

“This isn’t chess. It’s ‘Fox and Hounds,’ another game you can play with a chessboard. You’re going to love it.”

“Hmmph,” said Andy. He started to say he didn’t feel like playing. But Fox and Hounds actually sounded like fun.

Randy set out the board and the pieces. “You be the hounds to start,” Randy said. “I’ll be the fox.” He explained the rules. Andy nodded. It sounded better than chess.

“Do you want me to repeat anything?” Randy ended.

“No, I got it!” Andy said.

The first game, Randy’s fox escaped the hounds.

“Let’s play again, Andy said.

During the second game, Andy asked about Randy’s last chess tournament. Randy told him a funny story about a little girl who’s beaten him. Andy laughed and giggled. “You’re trying to make me lose,” he said. “I’m laughing so much!”

The boys played on. Randy’s fox beat Andy’s hounds again. Andy wasn’t ready to quit. To keep Randy interested, he asked more chess questions. Randy talked away.

Several games later, Andy finally concerned Randy’s fox. “Score!” he said. “You’re not bored, are you Randy? Can I be the fox now?”

What is the story's setting?

Contest on Mars Colony

Axel was woken by the shrill Mars Colony emergency alarm. He jumped from his bunk and pulled on his protective spacesuit. It was probably just a drill, but he didn’t want to mess up if there really was a crack in their shield.

Dad came in, wearing his spacesuit and helmet. He gave Axel a thumbs-up. The all-clear bell sounded, and his dad removed his helmet. “All good? He asked.

Axel nodded. Everything was fine. Except that he missed Earth so much.

Later that morning, at school, the kids were complaining about the drill. They stopped when Teacher Robot arrived.

“A contest will be held,” Teacher Robot announced. He explained the contest was to design something to improve life at the Colony. Their projects were due in just three days.

When class ended, Axel pulled his friend Zane aside and asked, “What are you thinking?” Zane always had great ideas.

“Maybe an emergency alarm that plays beautiful music,” Zane replied.

“Hah!” said Axel. “Okay, good luck with the contest!”

Axel felt out of place, as usual. Most of the Mars Colony kids had been born here. They were always coming up with creative new ideas. Sometimes Axel felt he’d left his imagination back on Earth. His mind went blank when he tried to create.

That night Axel asked Dad, “What do you miss most about Earth?”

“That’s easy, Axel---walks in the woods. I miss green leaves and fresh country air. But I try not to think about it too much.”

Axel nodded. He felt the same.

The next morning, Axel got to work. He might not be a Colony native, but he had an idea. He talked with the Colony building manager. He consulted the Chief Crop Expert. He met with the Water Rationing Office and the Seed Bank Captain.

The next day was filled with shovels and boxes and ladders and hoses and plans and more plans.

On the third day, Axel got up early to put in a few hours of work before the contest deadline. He was the last one to arrive at the Contest Assembly. His heart was beating rapidly.

The kids started presenting their entries. They all showed off amazing high-tech devices and apps, like Alyssa’s Automatic Interior Spacesuit Helmet Wiper.

When his turn came, Axel told Teacher Robot he wasn’t quite finished but would like to take the students on a field trip. “No spacesuits needed,” he laughed.

As he led his classmates through the hatch into the warehouse pod where he’d been working, everyone gasped. Axel had created a forest! It wasn’t mature yet, but the super quick-grow seeds and Martian Fertilizer had worked fast.

What is the setting of the story?

Contest on Mars Colony

Axel was woken by the shrill Mars Colony emergency alarm. He jumped from his bunk and pulled on his protective spacesuit. It was probably just a drill, but he didn’t want to mess up if there really was a crack in their shield.

Dad came in, wearing his spacesuit and helmet. He gave Axel a thumbs-up. The all-clear bell sounded, and his dad removed his helmet. “All good? He asked.

Axel nodded. Everything was fine. Except that he missed Earth so much.

Later that morning, at school, the kids were complaining about the drill. They stopped when Teacher Robot arrived.

“A contest will be held,” Teacher Robot announced. He explained the contest was to design something to improve life at the Colony. Their projects were due in just three days.

When class ended, Axel pulled his friend Zane aside and asked, “What are you thinking?” Zane always had great ideas.

“Maybe an emergency alarm that plays beautiful music,” Zane replied.

“Hah!” said Axel. “Okay, good luck with the contest!”

Axel felt out of place, as usual. Most of the Mars Colony kids had been born here. They were always coming up with creative new ideas. Sometimes Axel felt he’d left his imagination back on Earth. His mind went blank when he tried to create.

That night Axel asked Dad, “What do you miss most about Earth?”

“That’s easy, Axel---walks in the woods. I miss green leaves and fresh country air. But I try not to think about it too much.”

Axel nodded. He felt the same.

The next morning, Axel got to work. He might not be a Colony native, but he had an idea. He talked with the Colony building manager. He consulted the Chief Crop Expert. He met with the Water Rationing Office and the Seed Bank Captain.

The next day was filled with shovels and boxes and ladders and hoses and plans and more plans.

On the third day, Axel got up early to put in a few hours of work before the contest deadline. He was the last one to arrive at the Contest Assembly. His heart was beating rapidly.

The kids started presenting their entries. They all showed off amazing high-tech devices and apps, like Alyssa’s Automatic Interior Spacesuit Helmet Wiper.

When his turn came, Axel told Teacher Robot he wasn’t quite finished but would like to take the students on a field trip. “No spacesuits needed,” he laughed.

As he led his classmates through the hatch into the warehouse pod where he’d been working, everyone gasped. Axel had created a forest! It wasn’t mature yet, but the super quick-grow seeds and Martian Fertilizer had worked fast.

Who is the protagonist?

Contest on Mars Colony

Axel was woken by the shrill Mars Colony emergency alarm. He jumped from his bunk and pulled on his protective spacesuit. It was probably just a drill, but he didn’t want to mess up if there really was a crack in their shield.

Dad came in, wearing his spacesuit and helmet. He gave Axel a thumbs-up. The all-clear bell sounded, and his dad removed his helmet. “All good? He asked.

Axel nodded. Everything was fine. Except that he missed Earth so much.

Later that morning, at school, the kids were complaining about the drill. They stopped when Teacher Robot arrived.

“A contest will be held,” Teacher Robot announced. He explained the contest was to design something to improve life at the Colony. Their projects were due in just three days.

When class ended, Axel pulled his friend Zane aside and asked, “What are you thinking?” Zane always had great ideas.

“Maybe an emergency alarm that plays beautiful music,” Zane replied.

“Hah!” said Axel. “Okay, good luck with the contest!”

Axel felt out of place, as usual. Most of the Mars Colony kids had been born here. They were always coming up with creative new ideas. Sometimes Axel felt he’d left his imagination back on Earth. His mind went blank when he tried to create.

That night Axel asked Dad, “What do you miss most about Earth?”

“That’s easy, Axel---walks in the woods. I miss green leaves and fresh country air. But I try not to think about it too much.”

Axel nodded. He felt the same.

The next morning, Axel got to work. He might not be a Colony native, but he had an idea. He talked with the Colony building manager. He consulted the Chief Crop Expert. He met with the Water Rationing Office and the Seed Bank Captain.

The next day was filled with shovels and boxes and ladders and hoses and plans and more plans.

On the third day, Axel got up early to put in a few hours of work before the contest deadline. He was the last one to arrive at the Contest Assembly. His heart was beating rapidly.

The kids started presenting their entries. They all showed off amazing high-tech devices and apps, like Alyssa’s Automatic Interior Spacesuit Helmet Wiper.

When his turn came, Axel told Teacher Robot he wasn’t quite finished but would like to take the students on a field trip. “No spacesuits needed,” he laughed.

As he led his classmates through the hatch into the warehouse pod where he’d been working, everyone gasped. Axel had created a forest! It wasn’t mature yet, but the super quick-grow seeds and Martian Fertilizer had worked fast.

Which is the correct story order?

Contest on Mars Colony

Axel was woken by the shrill Mars Colony emergency alarm. He jumped from his bunk and pulled on his protective spacesuit. It was probably just a drill, but he didn’t want to mess up if there really was a crack in their shield.

Dad came in, wearing his spacesuit and helmet. He gave Axel a thumbs-up. The all-clear bell sounded, and his dad removed his helmet. “All good? He asked.

Axel nodded. Everything was fine. Except that he missed Earth so much.

Later that morning, at school, the kids were complaining about the drill. They stopped when Teacher Robot arrived.

“A contest will be held,” Teacher Robot announced. He explained the contest was to design something to improve life at the Colony. Their projects were due in just three days.

When class ended, Axel pulled his friend Zane aside and asked, “What are you thinking?” Zane always had great ideas.

“Maybe an emergency alarm that plays beautiful music,” Zane replied.

“Hah!” said Axel. “Okay, good luck with the contest!”

Axel felt out of place, as usual. Most of the Mars Colony kids had been born here. They were always coming up with creative new ideas. Sometimes Axel felt he’d left his imagination back on Earth. His mind went blank when he tried to create.

That night Axel asked Dad, “What do you miss most about Earth?”

“That’s easy, Axel---walks in the woods. I miss green leaves and fresh country air. But I try not to think about it too much.”

Axel nodded. He felt the same.

The next morning, Axel got to work. He might not be a Colony native, but he had an idea. He talked with the Colony building manager. He consulted the Chief Crop Expert. He met with the Water Rationing Office and the Seed Bank Captain.

The next day was filled with shovels and boxes and ladders and hoses and plans and more plans.

On the third day, Axel got up early to put in a few hours of work before the contest deadline. He was the last one to arrive at the Contest Assembly. His heart was beating rapidly.

The kids started presenting their entries. They all showed off amazing high-tech devices and apps, like Alyssa’s Automatic Interior Spacesuit Helmet Wiper.

When his turn came, Axel told Teacher Robot he wasn’t quite finished but would like to take the students on a field trip. “No spacesuits needed,” he laughed.

As he led his classmates through the hatch into the warehouse pod where he’d been working, everyone gasped. Axel had created a forest! It wasn’t mature yet, but the super quick-grow seeds and Martian Fertilizer had worked fast.

What is the main conflict in the story?

Contest on Mars Colony

Axel was woken by the shrill Mars Colony emergency alarm. He jumped from his bunk and pulled on his protective spacesuit. It was probably just a drill, but he didn’t want to mess up if there really was a crack in their shield.

Dad came in, wearing his spacesuit and helmet. He gave Axel a thumbs-up. The all-clear bell sounded, and his dad removed his helmet. “All good? He asked.

Axel nodded. Everything was fine. Except that he missed Earth so much.

Later that morning, at school, the kids were complaining about the drill. They stopped when Teacher Robot arrived.

“A contest will be held,” Teacher Robot announced. He explained the contest was to design something to improve life at the Colony. Their projects were due in just three days.

When class ended, Axel pulled his friend Zane aside and asked, “What are you thinking?” Zane always had great ideas.

“Maybe an emergency alarm that plays beautiful music,” Zane replied.

“Hah!” said Axel. “Okay, good luck with the contest!”

Axel felt out of place, as usual. Most of the Mars Colony kids had been born here. They were always coming up with creative new ideas. Sometimes Axel felt he’d left his imagination back on Earth. His mind went blank when he tried to create.

That night Axel asked Dad, “What do you miss most about Earth?”

“That’s easy, Axel---walks in the woods. I miss green leaves and fresh country air. But I try not to think about it too much.”

Axel nodded. He felt the same.

The next morning, Axel got to work. He might not be a Colony native, but he had an idea. He talked with the Colony building manager. He consulted the Chief Crop Expert. He met with the Water Rationing Office and the Seed Bank Captain.

The next day was filled with shovels and boxes and ladders and hoses and plans and more plans.

On the third day, Axel got up early to put in a few hours of work before the contest deadline. He was the last one to arrive at the Contest Assembly. His heart was beating rapidly.

The kids started presenting their entries. They all showed off amazing high-tech devices and apps, like Alyssa’s Automatic Interior Spacesuit Helmet Wiper.

When his turn came, Axel told Teacher Robot he wasn’t quite finished but would like to take the students on a field trip. “No spacesuits needed,” he laughed.

As he led his classmates through the hatch into the warehouse pod where he’d been working, everyone gasped. Axel had created a forest! It wasn’t mature yet, but the super quick-grow seeds and Martian Fertilizer had worked fast.

What is the solution to the conflict in the story?

The Photo Shoot

Jeremy looked across the hot, grassy plain. South Africa was a long way from the cool green countryside of his hometown in  Oregon. 

"Ready?" Dad asked.

"Ready," Jeremy answered. They climbed into the battered truck. Jeremy rarely spent time with his father, a famous wildfire photographer. So far, he wasn't sure he liked following his dad around. The work seemed mostly hot and boring.

As the truck rattled across the rough dirt, Dad chatted with their guides, Mkhulu and Bheki. They spoke Zulu, which Jeremy couldn't understand, though they also spoke English. He wanted for animals. "There!" he shouted, pointing. Mkhulu slowed the truck. Jeremy realized he'd been pointing at a rock. "Never mind," he mumbled.

As the truck bounced over a ditch, there was a big crash. "Wait!" Jeremy shouted. The door had fallen off!

"It might be a blessing in disguise! Now we can see better," Dad said. Bheki threw the door into the back of the truck.

They stopped near a watering hole. Mkhulu said he was friends with the elephants that sometimes gathered here. Maybe they'd see some.

Before long, Jeremy felt rumble vibrations. Elephants! A small group stomped toward the water. Dad leaped out of the truck and focused his camera on the largest  elephant, whose tusks gleamed in the sun.

Jeremy spotted a very young calf walking between two adults/ It was tiny, by elephant standards. The two elephants beside the calf kept stopping to wait for it. Jeremy watched as they neared the water. Several larger elephants plunged in, up to their ears in the water.

The Photo Shoot

Jeremy looked across the hot, grassy plain. South Africa was a long way from the cool green countryside of his hometown in  Oregon. 

"Ready?" Dad asked.

"Ready," Jeremy answered. They climbed into the battered truck. Jeremy rarely spent time with his father, a famous wildfire photographer. So far, he wasn't sure he liked following his dad around. The work seemed mostly hot and boring.

As the truck rattled across the rough dirt, Dad chatted with their guides, Mkhulu and Bheki. They spoke Zulu, which Jeremy couldn't understand, though they also spoke English. He wanted for animals. "There!" he shouted, pointing. Mkhulu slowed the truck. Jeremy realized he'd been pointing at a rock. "Never mind," he mumbled.

As the truck bounced over a ditch, there was a big crash. "Wait!" Jeremy shouted. The door had fallen off!

"It might be a blessing in disguise! Now we can see better," Dad said. Bheki threw the door into the back of the truck.

They stopped near a watering hole. Mkhulu said he was friends with the elephants that sometimes gathered here. Maybe they'd see some.

Before long, Jeremy felt rumble vibrations. Elephants! A small group stomped toward the water. Dad leaped out of the truck and focused his camera on the largest  elephant, whose tusks gleamed in the sun.

Jeremy spotted a very young calf walking between two adults/ It was tiny, by elephant standards. The two elephants beside the calf kept stopping to wait for it. Jeremy watched as they neared the water. Several larger elephants plunged in, up to their ears in the water.

The Photo Shoot

Jeremy looked across the hot, grassy plain. South Africa was a long way from the cool green countryside of his hometown in  Oregon. 

"Ready?" Dad asked.

"Ready," Jeremy answered. They climbed into the battered truck. Jeremy rarely spent time with his father, a famous wildfire photographer. So far, he wasn't sure he liked following his dad around. The work seemed mostly hot and boring.

As the truck rattled across the rough dirt, Dad chatted with their guides, Mkhulu and Bheki. They spoke Zulu, which Jeremy couldn't understand, though they also spoke English. He wanted for animals. "There!" he shouted, pointing. Mkhulu slowed the truck. Jeremy realized he'd been pointing at a rock. "Never mind," he mumbled.

As the truck bounced over a ditch, there was a big crash. "Wait!" Jeremy shouted. The door had fallen off!

"It might be a blessing in disguise! Now we can see better," Dad said. Bheki threw the door into the back of the truck.

They stopped near a watering hole. Mkhulu said he was friends with the elephants that sometimes gathered here. Maybe they'd see some.

Before long, Jeremy felt rumble vibrations. Elephants! A small group stomped toward the water. Dad leaped out of the truck and focused his camera on the largest  elephant, whose tusks gleamed in the sun.

Jeremy spotted a very young calf walking between two adults/ It was tiny, by elephant standards. The two elephants beside the calf kept stopping to wait for it. Jeremy watched as they neared the water. Several larger elephants plunged in, up to their ears in the water.

Jeremy lost sight of the baby. Where was it? Then he saw. It was in water up to its eyes. It held its trunk up above the water. Jeremy hoped it could breathe through its trunk, because its mouth was underwater.

Other elephants were spraying themselves with water. They sucked water into their trunks, squirting it into the air. It was an elephant party.

But the baby was in trouble. "Look!" said Jeremy. The bank was too steep for the calf. It couldn't climb out of the water. Other elephants tried pushing it, without success. The mother bellowed.

Jeremy grabbed the loose door from the back of the truck. Mkhulu saw what Jeremy was planning and ran to help. Together they dragged the door down to the water's edge. Mkhulu soothed the mother elephant, gently explaining that they were bringing a ramp for her calf.

The mother knew Mkhulu and trusted him. She seemed to sense that they meant to help. Jeremy shoved the door onto the bank, angling it so the calf could walk it up to safety. Its mother nudged from behind. The calf stepped onto the door. Its mother pushed. Three more steps, and they were up. The herd gathered around the baby, touching it with their trunk.

"Boy, Jeremy," Dad said, "that was one of the most exciting photo shoots I've ever done! I'm glad you came along.

Who is the protagonist in the story?

The Photo Shoot

Jeremy looked across the hot, grassy plain. South Africa was a long way from the cool green countryside of his hometown in  Oregon. 

"Ready?" Dad asked.

"Ready," Jeremy answered. They climbed into the battered truck. Jeremy rarely spent time with his father, a famous wildfire photographer. So far, he wasn't sure he liked following his dad around. The work seemed mostly hot and boring.

As the truck rattled across the rough dirt, Dad chatted with their guides, Mkhulu and Bheki. They spoke Zulu, which Jeremy couldn't understand, though they also spoke English. He wanted for animals. "There!" he shouted, pointing. Mkhulu slowed the truck. Jeremy realized he'd been pointing at a rock. "Never mind," he mumbled.

As the truck bounced over a ditch, there was a big crash. "Wait!" Jeremy shouted. The door had fallen off!

"It might be a blessing in disguise! Now we can see better," Dad said. Bheki threw the door into the back of the truck.

They stopped near a watering hole. Mkhulu said he was friends with the elephants that sometimes gathered here. Maybe they'd see some.

Before long, Jeremy felt rumble vibrations. Elephants! A small group stomped toward the water. Dad leaped out of the truck and focused his camera on the largest  elephant, whose tusks gleamed in the sun.

Jeremy spotted a very young calf walking between two adults/ It was tiny, by elephant standards. The two elephants beside the calf kept stopping to wait for it. Jeremy watched as they neared the water. Several larger elephants plunged in, up to their ears in the water.

Jeremy lost sight of the baby. Where was it? Then he saw. It was in water up to its eyes. It held its trunk up above the water. Jeremy hoped it could breathe through its trunk, because its mouth was underwater.

Other elephants were spraying themselves with water. They sucked water into their trunks, squirting it into the air. It was an elephant party.

But the baby was in trouble. "Look!" said Jeremy. The bank was too steep for the calf. It couldn't climb out of the water. Other elephants tried pushing it, without success. The mother bellowed.

Jeremy grabbed the loose door from the back of the truck. Mkhulu saw what Jeremy was planning and ran to help. Together they dragged the door down to the water's edge. Mkhulu soothed the mother elephant, gently explaining that they were bringing a ramp for her calf.

The mother knew Mkhulu and trusted him. She seemed to sense that they meant to help. Jeremy shoved the door onto the bank, angling it so the calf could walk it up to safety. Its mother nudged from behind. The calf stepped onto the door. Its mother pushed. Three more steps, and they were up. The herd gathered around the baby, touching it with their trunk.

"Boy, Jeremy," Dad said, "that was one of the most exciting photo shoots I've ever done! I'm glad you came along.

Who is the protagonist in the story?

The Photo Shoot

Jeremy looked across the hot, grassy plain. South Africa was a long way from the cool green countryside of his hometown in  Oregon. 

"Ready?" Dad asked.

"Ready," Jeremy answered. They climbed into the battered truck. Jeremy rarely spent time with his father, a famous wildfire photographer. So far, he wasn't sure he liked following his dad around. The work seemed mostly hot and boring.

As the truck rattled across the rough dirt, Dad chatted with their guides, Mkhulu and Bheki. They spoke Zulu, which Jeremy couldn't understand, though they also spoke English. He wanted for animals. "There!" he shouted, pointing. Mkhulu slowed the truck. Jeremy realized he'd been pointing at a rock. "Never mind," he mumbled.

As the truck bounced over a ditch, there was a big crash. "Wait!" Jeremy shouted. The door had fallen off!

"It might be a blessing in disguise! Now we can see better," Dad said. Bheki threw the door into the back of the truck.

They stopped near a watering hole. Mkhulu said he was friends with the elephants that sometimes gathered here. Maybe they'd see some.

Before long, Jeremy felt rumble vibrations. Elephants! A small group stomped toward the water. Dad leaped out of the truck and focused his camera on the largest  elephant, whose tusks gleamed in the sun.

Jeremy spotted a very young calf walking between two adults/ It was tiny, by elephant standards. The two elephants beside the calf kept stopping to wait for it. Jeremy watched as they neared the water. Several larger elephants plunged in, up to their ears in the water.

Jeremy lost sight of the baby. Where was it? Then he saw. It was in water up to its eyes. It held its trunk up above the water. Jeremy hoped it could breathe through its trunk, because its mouth was underwater.

Other elephants were spraying themselves with water. They sucked water into their trunks, squirting it into the air. It was an elephant party.

But the baby was in trouble. "Look!" said Jeremy. The bank was too steep for the calf. It couldn't climb out of the water. Other elephants tried pushing it, without success. The mother bellowed.

Jeremy grabbed the loose door from the back of the truck. Mkhulu saw what Jeremy was planning and ran to help. Together they dragged the door down to the water's edge. Mkhulu soothed the mother elephant, gently explaining that they were bringing a ramp for her calf.

The mother knew Mkhulu and trusted him. She seemed to sense that they meant to help. Jeremy shoved the door onto the bank, angling it so the calf could walk it up to safety. Its mother nudged from behind. The calf stepped onto the door. Its mother pushed. Three more steps, and they were up. The herd gathered around the baby, touching it with their trunk.

"Boy, Jeremy," Dad said, "that was one of the most exciting photo shoots I've ever done! I'm glad you came along.

Who is the conflict in the story?

The Photo Shoot

Jeremy looked across the hot, grassy plain. South Africa was a long way from the cool green countryside of his hometown in  Oregon. 

"Ready?" Dad asked.

"Ready," Jeremy answered. They climbed into the battered truck. Jeremy rarely spent time with his father, a famous wildfire photographer. So far, he wasn't sure he liked following his dad around. The work seemed mostly hot and boring.

As the truck rattled across the rough dirt, Dad chatted with their guides, Mkhulu and Bheki. They spoke Zulu, which Jeremy couldn't understand, though they also spoke English. He wanted for animals. "There!" he shouted, pointing. Mkhulu slowed the truck. Jeremy realized he'd been pointing at a rock. "Never mind," he mumbled.

As the truck bounced over a ditch, there was a big crash. "Wait!" Jeremy shouted. The door had fallen off!

"It might be a blessing in disguise! Now we can see better," Dad said. Bheki threw the door into the back of the truck.

They stopped near a watering hole. Mkhulu said he was friends with the elephants that sometimes gathered here. Maybe they'd see some.

Before long, Jeremy felt rumble vibrations. Elephants! A small group stomped toward the water. Dad leaped out of the truck and focused his camera on the largest  elephant, whose tusks gleamed in the sun.

Jeremy spotted a very young calf walking between two adults/ It was tiny, by elephant standards. The two elephants beside the calf kept stopping to wait for it. Jeremy watched as they neared the water. Several larger elephants plunged in, up to their ears in the water.

Jeremy lost sight of the baby. Where was it? Then he saw. It was in water up to its eyes. It held its trunk up above the water. Jeremy hoped it could breathe through its trunk, because its mouth was underwater.

Other elephants were spraying themselves with water. They sucked water into their trunks, squirting it into the air. It was an elephant party.

But the baby was in trouble. "Look!" said Jeremy. The bank was too steep for the calf. It couldn't climb out of the water. Other elephants tried pushing it, without success. The mother bellowed.

Jeremy grabbed the loose door from the back of the truck. Mkhulu saw what Jeremy was planning and ran to help. Together they dragged the door down to the water's edge. Mkhulu soothed the mother elephant, gently explaining that they were bringing a ramp for her calf.

The mother knew Mkhulu and trusted him. She seemed to sense that they meant to help. Jeremy shoved the door onto the bank, angling it so the calf could walk it up to safety. Its mother nudged from behind. The calf stepped onto the door. Its mother pushed. Three more steps, and they were up. The herd gathered around the baby, touching it with their trunk.

"Boy, Jeremy," Dad said, "that was one of the most exciting photo shoots I've ever done! I'm glad you came along.

What is the solution to the conflict in the story?

Based on these sentences, how is Adam probably feeling? 

Adam pressed his lips together until they turned white. He kicked his toe hard into the dirt.

The soup she had been served was not even hot, but Mackenzie didn't want to complain about it. She didn't want to cause a problem.

Based on these sentences, what is Mackenzie probably like?

Alice felt a smile spread across her face. "Wow," she kept saying. "Wow."

Based on these sentences, how is Alice probably feeling?

We've had no fun this week, Nicole sighed.

"I know," Cassie moaned. "Let's do something different tonight."

"Let's camp!" Nicole shouted, jumping up.

"How about in my backyard?" Nicole suggested.

"Oh," Cassie replied, sitting back down. She looked out the window and shuddered. "But it's so dark outside. What about animals? Or getting lost?"

"Don't worry," said Nicole. "We'll bring flashlights. And we'll be close to the house."

"Okay! Let's get the tent!" Cassie exclaimed.

Based on the passage, compare and contrast Nicole and Cassie. 

Matt was selling candy to raise money for the school library. He'd already raised sixty-two dollars. All he needed was eight more dollars to reach his goal! He could barely contain his excitement as he ran to Mr. Beasley's door. 

The door flew open. Mr. Beasley said, "Oh! Hello. I was expecting the delivery man with my cake." Then he saw Matt's candy. "Candy!" he exclaimed. "Well, that sounds pretty good, too!"

Based on the passage, compare and contrast Matt and Mr. Beasley.

 After school, Edna went to Tessa's house so they could work on their math homework together. They spent ten minutes trying to solve the first problem. "This is impossible," Edna sighed.

 "It sure feels that way," Tessa agreed. "Wait. Let's try one more thing." She opened her laptop and searched for math websites that might help. She finally found one that looked promising. "Here, check this out," Tessa said. She turned around. "Edna?"

 Edna was on the couch, fast asleep.

Based on the passage, compare and contrast Edna and Tessa.

Based on these sentences, what is Larry probably like? 

At lunch all the kids were talking about their favorite holiday meals. Larry turned to the new student and asked, "What about you? What are your favorites?"

Tucker chewed on his bottom lip and tilted his head to one side. "Could you explain that again?" he asked.

 Based on these sentences, how is Tucker probably feeling?

When a man almost crashed into her on his skateboard, Isabelle just smiled. "Don't worry about it!" she said. 

 Based on these sentences, how is Isabelle probably feeling?

"I'm sure that salesperson was telling the truth about the car," Emmanuel said to himself. "Why would she lie?" 

 Based on these sentences, what is Emmanuel probably like?

The Lighthouse Keeper

In the pale morning light, Gillian waved as Father pushed their small boat off from the dock. He was heading to the mainland for food and supplies.

"Don't let the light go out," Father called with a smile.

Gillian had lived with her father on this tiny island her whole life. Father was the lighthouse keeper. His job was to keep the lighthouse lantern lit. The lighthouse showed fishing boats and ships at sea that there dangerous rocks here. It warned them to keep away from the shore.

The day was quiet. Gillian helped Mother with chores and played with her week-old baby brother, Jacob. After supper, Mother and Jacob went to bed, both of them quickly falling into a heavy sleep.

Meanwhile, Gillian washed the supper dishes and listened to the wind moan. She usually loved the music of the wind, but this was the sound of danger. Was a storm blowing in?

Heading outside to pump some water, Gillian felt the fierce wind whip at her skirt. The trees bent low, pressed by wind. The branches of the tall oak trees beside the lighthouse thrashed and creaked. The sky darkened with black clouds.

Rain began falling in sheets. Suddenly, with a loud  crash, a huge oak branch snapped off. It smashed straight into the glass protecting the lantern! The window broke, and the light in the tower went dark.

Gillian knew there was no time to lose. In this storm, boats  would be in serious danger without the light to warn them away from the rocks.

She'd never lit the lighthouse lantern before, but she knew what to do. She grabbed an old canvas sail, some rope, and a gas lantern from the shed. She ran into the wind, racing to the bottom of the tower. Opening the heavy door, she started up the 254 steps to the top of the lighthouse. 

By the time she reached the top, the wind had slowed a bit, but there was a steady rain. Gillian threaded the rope through the holds in the old sail. Then she tied the heavy cloth would protect the flame from wind but let out enough light for ships to see it. She carefully relit the lamp's wick, as she'd seen her father do many times. It took several tries, but soon the lantern was burning bright against the storm.

Gillian looked down at the angry sea. Was a boat heading toward the rocks? She looked again, then ran down the steps and toward the dock.

"Father!" she cried.

"Your light guided me home, daughter!" he said, tying his boat. "You're truly a lighthouse keeper!"

Who is the protagonist?

The Lighthouse Keeper

In the pale morning light, Gillian waved as Father pushed their small boat off from the dock. He was heading to the mainland for food and supplies.

"Don't let the light go out," Father called with a smile.

Gillian had lived with her father on this tiny island her whole life. Father was the lighthouse keeper. His job was to keep the lighthouse lantern lit. The lighthouse showed fishing boats and ships at sea that there dangerous rocks here. It warned them to keep away from the shore.

The day was quiet. Gillian helped Mother with chores and played with her week-old baby brother, Jacob. After supper, Mother and Jacob went to bed, both of them quickly falling into a heavy sleep.

Meanwhile, Gillian washed the supper dishes and listened to the wind moan. She usually loved the music of the wind, but this was the sound of danger. Was a storm blowing in?

Heading outside to pump some water, Gillian felt the fierce wind whip at her skirt. The trees bent low, pressed by wind. The branches of the tall oak trees beside the lighthouse thrashed and creaked. The sky darkened with black clouds.

Rain began falling in sheets. Suddenly, with a loud  crash, a huge oak branch snapped off. It smashed straight into the glass protecting the lantern! The window broke, and the light in the tower went dark.

Gillian knew there was no time to lose. In this storm, boats  would be in serious danger without the light to warn them away from the rocks.

She'd never lit the lighthouse lantern before, but she knew what to do. She grabbed an old canvas sail, some rope, and a gas lantern from the shed. She ran into the wind, racing to the bottom of the tower. Opening the heavy door, she started up the 254 steps to the top of the lighthouse. 

By the time she reached the top, the wind had slowed a bit, but there was a steady rain. Gillian threaded the rope through the holds in the old sail. Then she tied the heavy cloth would protect the flame from wind but let out enough light for ships to see it. She carefully relit the lamp's wick, as she'd seen her father do many times. It took several tries, but soon the lantern was burning bright against the storm.

Gillian looked down at the angry sea. Was a boat heading toward the rocks? She looked again, then ran down the steps and toward the dock.

"Father!" she cried.

"Your light guided me home, daughter!" he said, tying his boat. "You're truly a lighthouse keeper!"

Which is the correct order of the story?

The Lighthouse Keeper

In the pale morning light, Gillian waved as Father pushed their small boat off from the dock. He was heading to the mainland for food and supplies.

"Don't let the light go out," Father called with a smile.

Gillian had lived with her father on this tiny island her whole life. Father was the lighthouse keeper. His job was to keep the lighthouse lantern lit. The lighthouse showed fishing boats and ships at sea that there dangerous rocks here. It warned them to keep away from the shore.

The day was quiet. Gillian helped Mother with chores and played with her week-old baby brother, Jacob. After supper, Mother and Jacob went to bed, both of them quickly falling into a heavy sleep.

Meanwhile, Gillian washed the supper dishes and listened to the wind moan. She usually loved the music of the wind, but this was the sound of danger. Was a storm blowing in?

Heading outside to pump some water, Gillian felt the fierce wind whip at her skirt. The trees bent low, pressed by wind. The branches of the tall oak trees beside the lighthouse thrashed and creaked. The sky darkened with black clouds.

Rain began falling in sheets. Suddenly, with a loud  crash, a huge oak branch snapped off. It smashed straight into the glass protecting the lantern! The window broke, and the light in the tower went dark.

Gillian knew there was no time to lose. In this storm, boats  would be in serious danger without the light to warn them away from the rocks.

She'd never lit the lighthouse lantern before, but she knew what to do. She grabbed an old canvas sail, some rope, and a gas lantern from the shed. She ran into the wind, racing to the bottom of the tower. Opening the heavy door, she started up the 254 steps to the top of the lighthouse. 

By the time she reached the top, the wind had slowed a bit, but there was a steady rain. Gillian threaded the rope through the holds in the old sail. Then she tied the heavy cloth would protect the flame from wind but let out enough light for ships to see it. She carefully relit the lamp's wick, as she'd seen her father do many times. It took several tries, but soon the lantern was burning bright against the storm.

Gillian looked down at the angry sea. Was a boat heading toward the rocks? She looked again, then ran down the steps and toward the dock.

"Father!" she cried.

"Your light guided me home, daughter!" he said, tying his boat. "You're truly a lighthouse keeper!"

What is the main conflict in the story?

The Lighthouse Keeper

In the pale morning light, Gillian waved as Father pushed their small boat off from the dock. He was heading to the mainland for food and supplies.

"Don't let the light go out," Father called with a smile.

Gillian had lived with her father on this tiny island her whole life. Father was the lighthouse keeper. His job was to keep the lighthouse lantern lit. The lighthouse showed fishing boats and ships at sea that there dangerous rocks here. It warned them to keep away from the shore.

The day was quiet. Gillian helped Mother with chores and played with her week-old baby brother, Jacob. After supper, Mother and Jacob went to bed, both of them quickly falling into a heavy sleep.

Meanwhile, Gillian washed the supper dishes and listened to the wind moan. She usually loved the music of the wind, but this was the sound of danger. Was a storm blowing in?

Heading outside to pump some water, Gillian felt the fierce wind whip at her skirt. The trees bent low, pressed by wind. The branches of the tall oak trees beside the lighthouse thrashed and creaked. The sky darkened with black clouds.

Rain began falling in sheets. Suddenly, with a loud  crash, a huge oak branch snapped off. It smashed straight into the glass protecting the lantern! The window broke, and the light in the tower went dark.

Gillian knew there was no time to lose. In this storm, boats  would be in serious danger without the light to warn them away from the rocks.

She'd never lit the lighthouse lantern before, but she knew what to do. She grabbed an old canvas sail, some rope, and a gas lantern from the shed. She ran into the wind, racing to the bottom of the tower. Opening the heavy door, she started up the 254 steps to the top of the lighthouse. 

By the time she reached the top, the wind had slowed a bit, but there was a steady rain. Gillian threaded the rope through the holds in the old sail. Then she tied the heavy cloth would protect the flame from wind but let out enough light for ships to see it. She carefully relit the lamp's wick, as she'd seen her father do many times. It took several tries, but soon the lantern was burning bright against the storm.

Gillian looked down at the angry sea. Was a boat heading toward the rocks? She looked again, then ran down the steps and toward the dock.

"Father!" she cried.

"Your light guided me home, daughter!" he said, tying his boat. "You're truly a lighthouse keeper!"

What is the solution to the main conflict in the story?

 Charlie turned off his alarm, rolled out of bed, and sleepily got ready for school. He stumbled down to the kitchen, but no one else was there. Charlie suddenly wondered, Wait, what day is it?

 Based on the text, which sentence is more likely to be true?

 Everything was new and exciting for Sandy. After playing catch with a little orange ball, she spent most of her morning chewing on her plastic toy. In the afternoon, she practiced sitting patiently when her owner gave her the hand sign. When she was a good listener, she got a delicious treat.

Based on the text, which sentence is more likely to be true?

 Troy bounded down the front steps and out the front door. Then he came to a sudden stop. Realizing he had forgotten his backpack, he went back and turned the doorknob, but it wouldn't move. "Oh no!" he groaned.

Based on the text, which sentence is most likely to be true?

Flipping through her dictionary, Jane struggled to understand the street signs. Then she studied the unfamiliar buildings surrounding her and tried to make sense of her map. Finally, she approached a woman waiting for a bus and said, "Excuse me, do you speak English?" 

 Based on the text, which sentence is most likely to be true?

 Shannon walked up to the dark house, the overgrown grass grazing her knees. She stood on the broken-down porch and peered inside one of the cracked windows. A calendar was hanging on the wall. "Wow. December 1983!" Shannon whispered.

 Based on the text, which sentence is most likely to be true?

Barry was sitting in the kitchen, when suddenly it turned into his classroom. His teacher announced a surprise test! A bell began to ring—a bell that reminded Barry of his alarm clock.

Based on the text, which sentence is most likely to be true?