<p><p>1. The following text is adapted from "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry (1905). There was clearly nothing to do but flop down on the shabby little couch and howl. So Della did it. Which instigates the moral reflection that life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating</p><p>. </p><p>Which choice best states the main idea of the text?</p></p>

<p><p>2. The following text is adapted from O. Henry’s 1905 short story "The Gift of the Magi." Now, there were two possessions of the James Dillingham Youngs in which they both took a mighty pride. One was Jim’s gold watch that had been his father’s and his grandfather’s. The other was Della’s hair. Had the Queen of Sheba lived in the flat across the airshaft, Della would have let her hair hang out the window some day to dry just to depreciate Her Majesty’s jewels and gifts. Had King Solomon been the janitor, with all his treasures piled up in the basement, Jim would have pulled out his watch every time he passed, just to see him pluck at his beard from envy. </p><p></p><p>Based on the text, how do Jim and Della most likely feel about their prized possessions?</p></p>

<p><p>3. The following text is adapted from O. Henry’s 1905 short story "The Gift of the Magi." The magi, as you know, were wise men—wonderfully wise men—who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest</p><p>. </p><p>Which quotation from the passage most effectively illustrates the idea that the couple’s sacrifices embody true wisdom?</p></p>

<p><p>4. The following text is adapted from an essay about O. Henry, a celebrated American short story writer known for his twist endings and keen observations of everyday life. In the essay, the author explores the enduring value of O. Henry’s work, arguing that his stories reveal universal truths through the lens of ordinary experiences. </p><p></p><p>Which quotation from the essay most effectively illustrates the claim?</p></p>

<p><p>5. O. Henry is best known for his short stories that combine wit, humor, and a twist ending, often set in the bustling streets of early 20th-century America. His work captures the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people, such as shop clerks, struggling artists, and young lovers, while revealing universal truths about human nature. Despite the challenges of writing in such a specific and concise format, O. Henry’s stories have been praised for their emotional depth and narrative creativity. </p><p></p><p>This reaction suggests that ______ Which choice most logically completes the text?</p></p>

<p><p>6. The following text is adapted from O. Henry's 1905 short story “The Gift of the Magi.” Jim stepped over to the window and looked out dully at a grey cat walking a grey fence in a grey backyard. Tomorrow would be Christmas Day, and he needed a present for his wife, Della. He pulled out his pocket watch and sighed. </p><p></p><p>As used in the text, what does the word “dully” most nearly mean?</p></p>

<p><p>7. The following text is adapted from O. Henry’s 1905 short story "The Gift of the Magi": Della counted the money again. "Three dollars and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas." She had put aside all of her spare change, but it was far from enough to buy the present she wanted for Jim. She felt a pang of regret for not being able to buy something worthy for her husband, whom she loved dearly. </p><p></p><p>Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?</p></p>

<p><p>8. The following text is adapted from O. Henry’s short story "The Gift of the Magi" (1905). Della’s hands were trembling as she counted the money. It was only $1.87, and she needed more to buy a meaningful Christmas gift for her husband, Jim. After much thought, she made a difficult decision to sell her most prized possession—her long, beautiful hair—to a wig maker in exchange for $20. With this money, she could finally afford the perfect gift for Jim, a platinum fob chain for his treasured pocket watch. </p><p></p><p>Which choice best describes the overall structure of the text?</p></p>

<p><p>9. The following text is an informational excerpt about O. Henry’s "The Gift of the Magi": There are many biblical allusions present in "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. ______________ the "Magi" directly reference the biblical story of the three wise men who visited the newborn Jesus. By using the Magi as a reference, the story emphasizes the value of the gifts given by Della and Jim, even though they are not materially valuable, as they represent their deep love and sacrifice for each other. </p><p></p><p>Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?</p></p>

<p><p>10. The following text is adapted from O. Henry's The Gift of the Magi: Jim and Della, though poor, are deeply in love with each other. In an act ___________________ Della decides to sell her long, beautiful hair in order to buy Jim a gift for Christmas. Jim, in turn, sacrifices his prized pocket watch to buy Della an elegant set of combs for her hair. Their actions illustrate the themes of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of giving. </p><p></p><p>Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?</p></p>