Compare/Contrast Fiction TEST

PASSAGE 1: Kelsey
       Although the sun was shining brightly, tall buildings casted dark shadows across the playground. Kelsey approached the plastic structure, checking inside each tower and tunnel, but there was no sign of her younger brother, Spencer, anywhere. Once more, Kelsey scanned the basketball court and saw only older kids playing there. How had Spencer wandered off so quickly? Kelsey wondered as she began to grow nervous. She ventured out to the street corner to see if Spencer was waiting for her at the bus stop, but the small shelter was empty.
        Kelsey gazed up at her apartment building across the street. Spencer wouldn't have gone back home without telling her, would he? He knows he's not supposed to cross the busy street by himself, and besides, they needed to catch the next bus to make it to their movie in time. 
        Just then, Kelsey heard Spencer calling her name excitedly. In his arms, he cradled a scruffy-looking stray cat. With a sigh of relief and a roll of her eyes, Kelsey led her brother to the bus stop. Now, it was just a matter of talking him into letting the cat go.

PASSAGE 2: Bekah
       It was difficult to see in the shadowy barn, so Bekah lit a lantern. She called Nathaniel's name and then listened for any sounds of her little brother hiding. Nathaniel must know that Pa was already harnessing the horses to the wagon, preparing to head into town. 
       Bekah headed to the creek, where Nathaniel could often be found. However, she found no muddy footprints to show he had been there. Suddenly, Nathaniel's frantic voice came calling from the cow pasture. He came running but didn't stop when he reache Bekah. Nathaniel called for Pa to come quickly. One of the cows was about to have her calf. Everyone in the family had an important job to do. 
       Pa and Bekah led the other cows from the pasture back into the barn. Nathaniel gathered blankets and a pail of water while Ma tended to the cow. After almost an hour, the new calf arrived, and everyone had forgotten about the trip into town. Nathaniel proudly named the new calf Hurryup because of how it had been born so suddenly.

1

What is the setting of Passage 1?

1

Which of these is a theme from Passage 2?

1

Which event from the plot is the same in both passages?

5

Explain how the settings of the two passages are different. Use complete sentences and quote text evidence appropriately.

Passage 1: Goose
       For many years, people have told the story of a poor woodcutter and his magic goose. One day, the woodcutter found an abandoned nest in the forest. Inside was one large egg that looked odd, but he brought it home to eat anyway. 
       Once inside the warmth of his small hut, the egg began to hatch. A baby goose appeared that was different than any he had ever seen before. The woodcutter decided to keep the goose and fatten it up to eat it. 
       However, something strange happened once the goose was grown. One day, the goose laid an egg of solid gold. The overjoyed woodcutter sold this treasure and bought himself a horse and wagon. The next day, the goose once again laid a golden egg. The woodcutter quickly sold it and spent the money. 
       Day after day, the goose laid one golden egg. The woodcutter imagined all of the golden eggs that must be inside of the magic goose. Unable to wait for one egg each day, the woodcutter killed the goose and cut it open. He found nothing inside, and now he would no longer receive even one golden egg each day.

Passage 2: Supper
      The fresh air and sunshine were a welcome change for Travis. Five stormy days had kept all passengers below the deck of the ship. Finally, everyone could stretch their legs and enjoy a decent meal.
      Travis was tired of eating nothing but hard biscuits and cold mush and could hardly wait for a hot stew. He and his family waited in a long line. Finally, Travis received a scoop of the steaming stew. He sat with his family on the deck to dig in. 
       Just then, Travis noticed that the line was gone, and the pot of stew was left unattended. He thought about taking an extra scoop of stew without anyone noticing. Travis jumped up, knocking over his own mug. Stunned, Travis' family watched as his stew oozed through the wooden planks of the deck, never to be seen again. 
      At that moment, the cook's assistant returned to take the stew pot away. Instead of a double serving of supper, Travis was left with nothing. His family members each added bits of their own stew to Travis' mug. Sadly, everyone was  now left eating less than expected because Travis had tried to get more. 

1

Which of the following best describes the genres of both passages?

1

Identify a theme that is illustrated by both passages.

5

What is the setting of Passage 1?

Which of these is a theme from Passage 2?

Which event from the plot is the same in both passages?

Explain how the settings of the two passages are different. Use complete sentences and quote text evidence appropriately.

Which of the following best describes the genres of both passages?

Identify a theme that is illustrated by both passages.

Compare and contrast the passages. Use complete sentences in your answer.