Midland Independent School District



Block 7: HandoutsConnect, compare, and contrast across textsWhen reading, it is important to make connections and to compare and contrast ideas, themes, and issues. The reader may need to go beyond the author’s words within one or two texts to compare how ideas, themes, and issues are alike and how they are different.When ReadingCompare-how the two texts are alikeContrast-how the two texts are differentTroy Aikman-A BiographyTroy Aikman & J.P. O’NeilFacts/Events:Born in 1966 with club feetPlayed college football at Oklahoma & UCLADrafted number one, didn’t win a single game his first year, and later was Super Bowl MVPSuffered ten concussions but still won 3 Super Bowls and made it into the Hall of FameFacts/Events: A ten year-old Cowboys fan with cancer visits training camp and befriends Troy Aikman.Boy’s mom asks Troy to throw a TD for her son.Inferences:Troy was tough and determined.Inferences:Troy made J.P. feel special before he died.Lesson Learned/Theme:Don’t quit and good things can happen.Lesson Learned/Theme:Always keep your word, even when life is hard. Key phrases:Facts/Events from _______ and _______ are alike/different because _________.Inferences from _______ and _______ are alike/different because _________.The lessons learned/themes are alike/different because ________.Student Name:____________________ Date:___________Connect, Compare, Contrast Across Texts Title 1: Title 2: The stories were alike in several ways.The stories were different in several ways.Student Name:_______________________ Date:___________Connect, Compare, Contrast Across TextsTitle:Title:Facts/Events:Facts/Events:Inferences:Inferences:Lesson Learned/Theme:Lesson Learned/Theme:Troy Aikman—A BiographyTroy Aikman, the great Cowboy quarterback, was born in 1966 in West Covina, California. He had to wear casts on both of his feet until he was 13 months to correct a mild form of club feet.After high school, Troy was offered the opportunity to play professional baseball for the New York Mets but chose football. He first played for Oklahoma University but later transferred to the University of California at Los Angeles when Oklahoma installed a more run oriented offense. In 1989, Troy was drafted with the first overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys, and he didn’t win a single game his rookie season. Three years later, after a victory in Super Bowl XXVI, he was named the most valuable player on the team.Throughout his NFL career, Troy suffered ten concussions and several injuries. After helping the Cowboys win three Super Bowls and passing for a total of 32,942 yards, he retired. Despite that challenging first season, he still holds the NFL record for wins by a quarterback during any specific decade. He was enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame in 2006.Troy Aikman and J.P. O’NeilA Dallas boy named J.P. O’Neil was ten years old in 1993 when he developed a kind of cancer that causes tumors to grow on different parts of the patient’s body. J.P. was a sports fan who had pictures of the Cowboys all over his room.During the summer of 1994 Channel 5 heard about J.P. and arranged a trip to the Cowboys’ training camp. J.P. met with the players and got autographs. One player, Troy Aikman, was especially kind to J.P. and visited with him for several minutes.As Aikman turned to leave, J.P.’s mother, Kim, touched his sleeve. “Would you do me a favor and throw a touchdown pass for J.P.?” she asked.Aikman looked at her and at J.P. sitting in his wheelchair, wearing a Cowboy cap. The quarterback was touched. “I will do that in a game soon and then I’ll send him the ball,” he promised.On the night of August 7, the Cowboys did not win, but Troy threw the touchdown pass for J.P. and sent it to him.9J.P. died soon after that. The football was in his hands when people came to his funeral. Troy kept his promise.George Washington BiographyGeorge Washington was born on February 22, 1732. He lived in Virginia.Washington never attended college, but he studied at home.Washington stood 6 ft. 2 in. tall. His favorite foods were ice cream and fish.He loved fishing and riding horses. As a boy, he had a horse.In May of 1776, George was elected Commander of the Continental Army.Later he was elected president.When Washington became president, there were 3,929,214 people in ourcountry. Our flag had sixteen stars when he left the presidency in 1797.George Washington: A Writer of LettersGeorge Washington was a talented and frequent letter writer. Below are things in some of his letters.March 19, 1776Washington shared how he and his soldiers took a high point above Boston and forced the British soldiers to flee to their ships in the harbor. Washington promised that he was ready to defend the city if the British soldiers left their ships.March 24, 1776Washington posted his soldiers at an even higher and nearer position to the Boston Harbor. The British ships did not seem to be leaving the harbor. He vowed to continue to protect the city.He said he felt that “the position nearer the enemy ships would annoy the fleetand force them to leave.”After eleven months—the longest single conflict of the American Revolutionary War--the British finally withdrew and the Siege of Boston was over. Congress gave Washington a medal and named him a commander the next May.Student Name:_______________________ Date:___________Connect, Compare, Contrast Across TextsTitle:Title:Facts/Events:Facts/Events:Inferences:Inferences:Lesson Learned/Theme:Lesson Learned/Theme:Connect, compare, and contrast across textsWhen reading, it is important to make connections and to compare and contrast ideas, themes, and issues. The reader may need to go beyond the author’s words within one or two texts to compare how ideas, themes, and issues are alike and how they are different.When ReadingCompare-how the two texts are alikeContrast-how the two texts are differentGeese FactsFlight PlightFacts/Events:Geese fly south for the winterFlying in a V makes distance flying easier by creating an upliftGeese take turns flying at the point of the VWhen a goose is injured and goes down, 2 others accompany it until it recovers or diesFacts/Events: Geese fly south for the winterGeese return to the same nesting area in the springGeese take turns flying at the head of the VTired geese benefit from the uplift created by the V formationGeese fly at 30-55 miles per hourGeese are monogamousInferences:Flocks of geese allow recovered geese to join their migration.Inferences:Flocks of geese allow recovered geese to join their migration.Lesson Learned/Theme:Geese look out for one another.Lesson Learned/Theme:Geese look out for one another. Key phrases:Facts/Events from _______ and _______ are alike/different because _________.Inferences from _______ and _______ are alike/different because _________.The lessons learned/themes are alike/different because ________.Flight PlightIt was late August when the gander and his lifetime mate, began their migration. Their lake had begun to freeze and food was becoming hard to find. The pair had been together for many years flying south every winter and returning to the same nesting area every spring.The gander was bigger and stronger than most of the other geese in the flock so he was the first to take the point position in the ragged V formed by the migrating birds. After flying thirty to fifty-five miles an hour for many miles, the gander began to tire so another large goose replaced him at the point while the gander moved toward the back to rest and take advantage of the uplift caused by the flying wedge.Suddenly, the crack of a hunter’s rifle exploded from the ground. The gander felt burning metal tear through his wing. Down he plummeted to the pond below. In an instant, his mate changed direction, following her lifepartner to the pond. Seconds later, a third goose broke formation to join thefemale and her wounded mate.Together the three stayed hiding in the tall grass near the pond as the gander recovered. The other two geese foraged for food and waited for the gander to return to health.Every day the gander improved. In early September, he tested his tender wing. His painful but steady wing-beats pulled him up into the clouds. Once the gander felt stronger, the trio watched the autumn sky for another migrating flock. Then one dark fall morning they heard what they had been waiting for--dozens of huge geese flying in a familiar V pattern honking encouragement to each other as they flew overhead.The gander and his two companions rose into the crisp morning air. The three geese took rear positions in the formation of the welcoming new flock as they winged their way south for another winter.Geese FactsAuthor UnknownNext fall when you see geese flying along in V formation heading south for winter, consider what science has discovered as to why they fly in this formation.As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in V formation the whole flock adds at least 71% greater flying range, than if each bird flew on its own.People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front. If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those who are headed the same way.When the head goose gets tired it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point. It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs with people or with geese flying south.Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. What do we say when we honk from behind?5005070118935500Finally, it is important when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshots, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other in the same way.ManateesandDugongsBy: Geraldine HaggardThese two unusual animals are part of the “sirenia family.” They are large, gentle animals that spend their lifetime in the water. It is believed that sailors of long ago saw these animals and started the myth of the mermaid.These two unusual animals are part of the “sirenia family.” They are large, gentle animals that spend their lifetime in the water. It is believed that sailors of long ago saw these animals and started the myth of the mermaid.HOW ARE MANATEES AND DUGONGS ALIKE?Both animals are mammals. They can be as long as 13 feet and weigh up to 3,500 pounds. That means that they can be as large as a mini-bus.Manatees and dugongs have tough, gray, wrinkled skin. Their seal-like bodies are covered with scattered hairs. Their snouts have thick whiskers.The animals use their tails to move their bodies. Two front limbs are used to steer as they swim. These arms like limbs are also used to pick up food.The animals have no external ears, but they hear well.These sirenians can hold their breath up to 20 minutes. However, they come above the water to breathe about every three to five minutes.Both are herbivores, plant eaters. Sea plants and algae are a large part of their diet. Sometimes there are small shell animals, such as barnacles, attached to the plants. Both animals can eat up to 100 pounds of food a day.In order to eat as they do, manatees and dugongs have special mouths and jaws. The lower jaws have horny pads that help the animals grab the plants. Their upper lips are split and can move separately. There are no teeth in their top jaws. The bottom teeth are broad and flat. These teeth receive a lot of wear. They wear away, and the animals grow new teeth to replace the old ones.In spite of their giant size, these animals are gentle and not aggressive. They are not fighters.Both animals live in small groups and are very social. They chase each other, bump each other in play and body surf together. They even “kiss” or put their mouths together and nibble each other.These animals are quiet most of the time. However, they can make high-pitched squeals when they are angry, or frightened. They communicate as they swim and travel.Manatees and dugongs have been hunted and trapped for their skins and meat. Some countries have laws that prohibit hunting and killing the animals.Some of the animals are losing their homes because cities have expanded, and the rivers have been dredged. This means that their river homes become smaller.481266570231000HOW ARE THE MANATEES AND DUGONGS DIFFERENT? MANATEESThe tail of the manatee is paddle shaped. Sometimesthese tails have a small notch.Manatees are found in the warm waters around Florida throughout the year. In summer some are seen as far west as Alabama and as far north as Virginia. When winter comes they migrate back to Florida.Manatees are also found in the West Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, and the Amazon River of South America.These animals like to float on the top of the water. Sometimes they lie at the bottom of the river or sea. They can live in fresh water.The propellers of motorboats often slash the flesh of manatees. The manatee moves slowly. It hears the boat and becomes frightened.Some manatees in Florida have died because of toxic poisonous algae called “red tide.”478282014224000DUGONGSDugongs have pointed tails and a pair of tusk-like teeth.Dugongs live in the shallow waters of tropical seas off the coast of East Africa, Australia, India, and the Philippine Islands. They like salt water.Dugongs rest in the water during the day. Only thetops of their heads can be seen above the water. They move along the shoreline at night and feed. They live only where sea grass meadows are found. The meadows become smaller as soil is washed out into the sea. Sometimes the plants are dredged out of the water before building a city on that spot. This results in the destruction of their habitat.Dugongs do not migrate like the manatees.23 These “sirenians” are alike and different. They are fun to watch in a zoo or an aquarium.We can only hope that the laws of the many countries where they are found can protect the animals.24 If these laws are obeyed, then your children will enjoy these animals some day.Read the next two selections. Then choose the best answer to each question.-16192576200POETRY00POETRYStage Fright by Lee Bennett HopkinsI wanted the role. The Prince.190500128270#1#1The Prince.I got it.5Knew it.I was totally convinced.I memorized each line. Learned them by heart. I studied and studied10my perfect Prince-part.But—when I took center stage I stammered stuttered15hemmed hawedsuddenly shuddered.My heart skipped a beat. Face turned bright red.20Until finallyPrince-words popped back in my head.Though I’ll always know my mind simply snapped I still got a thrill25when I took my last bow as my classmatesstood up shouted and30clapped.Copyright ? 2005 by Lee Bennett Hopkins. First appeared in Oh No! Where Are My Pants? and Other Disasters: Poems edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins, published by Harper Collins. Reprinted by permission of Curtis Brown, Ltd.1143000554990001704975-625475INFORMATIONAL00INFORMATIONALFear Takes Center Stage190504489453295650153670#2#2590550019177000Kids Today—A Magazine for YouthJanuary 2011Imagine that you are an actor performing in a play for the first time. You have learned all your lines, you know where to walk onstage, and your costume fits perfectly. Waiting behind the closed curtain, you can hear people in the audience whispering and taking their seats. Then your big moment arrives!The curtain goes up, and the crowd falls silent. All you can see is the spotlight shining down on you. You try to speak your lines, but nothing seems to come out. The inside of your mouth is dry, and your palms are wet. The icy chill of panic starts to spread from your stomach to your arms and legs.If you have experienced a moment like this, you know all too well what it means to have stage fright, also known as performance anxiety. It is one of the most common types of fear and tends to strike people when they find themselves at the center of attention. You don’t have to be onstage to get stage fright. People experience this fear when playing sports, giving a business presentation, or even speaking in class. A person who suffers from stage fright may get sweaty hands, a dry mouth, a tight throat, or shaky knees. Stage fright is actually a form of panic, and these feelings are very real.Stage fright is part of the body’s reaction to stress. The experience differs from person to person, but the same chemical process occurs in each of us. In reaction to anxiety, our bodies produce a chemical called adrenaline that prepares us to either fight or run away quickly. Scientists refer to this as our bodies’ “fight or flight” reaction. As a result, we feel a boost of energy that makes our palms sweat, our hearts race, and our knees shake.The good news about stage fright is that there are ways to cope with it. Practicing your performance and following some simple tips can help calm nerves and manage the feelings caused by anxiety. First, dress comfortably and appropriately. Second, before the performance, take deep breaths and stretch to help relax your body. Third, stay away from beverages that contain caffeine. These might make your heart race even faster. Instead, try a banana! Some doctors believe that eating a banana can help calm your heart and the rest of your body. Finally, when you look into a crowd, try to focus on particular people instead of the whole group. These tips have helped many famous people learn to deal with their fears.The singer and actress Mariah Carey is a good example of how stage fright doesn’t have to stop people from reaching their goals as performers. Carey is a world-famous singer who has sold millions of albums, won many awards, and performed for thousands of fans. There was a time, though, when stage fright prevented her from even stepping onstage. She feared her performances would be bad. She didn’t give up, however. With practice Carey learned how to relax while onstage. As she gained confidence, her feelings of anxiety diminished. She was soon performing again, and all her fans came to cheer for her. Carey showed that stage fright can win only if you let it.657225-6032500Use “Stage Fright” (p. 15) to answer questions 18–22.Then fill in the answers on your answer document.511492543180#1#1 Read these lines from the poem.2830195-8699500I memorized each line. Learned them by heart.The poet uses the figurative expression “learned them by heart” to emphasize that the speaker —Ahas volunteered to be in the playBpractices on the stageCenjoys playing the role of the princeD feels prepared for his performance647700-23939500The poet uses line 11 to signal that the speaker changes from —4610100223520#1#1cheerful to sadinterested to bored C confident to unsure D desperate to hopefulIn line 3, why does the poet repeat and italicize the words from line 2?50292006350#1#1ATo show that the role will be difficultBTo emphasize that this role is important to the speakerCTo show that the speaker is familiar with the playDTo give the name of the play the speaker is in5124450216535#1#1647700-23939500The poem is mostly about a speaker who —is chosen for a role in a play that he doesn’t understandhas trouble with his lines after seeing his classmates in the audience Cexperiences problems onstage but is able to finish his performance D can hardly wait to be onstage because he has practiced so much647700-23939500The poet uses figurative language in line 18 to highlight the speaker’s —502920070485#1#1Adetermination to do wellBanxiety once he gets onstageCsatisfaction in being chosen for the roleDeagerness to perform657225-7302500Use “Fear Takes Center Stage” (pp. 16–17) to answer questions 23–26. Then fill in the answers on your answer document.Which of these best expresses the main idea of paragraph 5?512445090805#2#2Eating certain foods can help prevent stage fright.Stage fright affects people who do not practice their performance.Wearing the proper clothing can help relieve stage fright.Stage fright can be overcome by using several strategies.647700-23939500The author speaks directly to the reader in paragraphs 1 and 2 in order to —5114925290830#2#2Aencourage the reader to try out for a playBshare a personal story with the readerChelp the reader understand the experience of stage frightDdemonstrate that acting requires skill517207560325#2#2Read this dictionary entry.2541905-2032000312483562865?00?strike \ str?k\ verbto hit with a hand or an objectto crash against 3. to affect suddenly 4. to come to an agreementWhich definition best matches the word strike as it is used in paragraph 3?Definition 1Definition 2Definition 3Definition 4647700-23749000 The author’s opinion that stage fright can be overcome is best supported by —Athe reaction of Mariah Carey’s fans5048250107315#2#2BMariah Carey’s experienceCthe description of how a body reacts to stressDinformation about the source of stage frightRead the next two selections. Then choose the best answer to each question.Stage Fright by Lee Bennett HopkinsI wanted the role. The Prince.The Prince.I got it.5Knew it.I was totally convinced.I memorized each line. Learned them by heart. I studied and studied10my perfect Prince-part.But—when I took center stage I stammered stuttered15hemmed hawedsuddenly shuddered.My heart skipped a beat. Face turned bright red.20Until finallyPrince-words popped back in my head.Though I’ll always know my mind simply snapped I still got a thrill25when I took my last bow as my classmatesstood up shouted and30clapped.Copyright ? 2005 by Lee Bennett Hopkins. First appeared in Oh No! Where Are My Pants? and Other Disasters: Poems edited by Lee Bennett Hopkins, published by Harper Collins. Reprinted by permission of Curtis Brown, Ltd.114300055499000Fear Takes Center StageKids Today—A Magazine for YouthJanuary 2011Imagine that you are an actor performing in a play for the first time. You have learned all your lines, you know where to walk onstage, and your costume fits perfectly. Waiting behind the closed curtain, you can hear people in the audience whispering and taking their seats. Then your big moment arrives!The curtain goes up, and the crowd falls silent. All you can see is the spotlight shining down on you. You try to speak your lines, but nothing seems to come out. The inside of your mouth is dry, and your palms are wet. The icy chill of panic starts to spread from your stomach to your arms and legs.If you have experienced a moment like this, you know all too well what it means to have stage fright, also known as performance anxiety. It is one of the most common types of fear and tends to strike people when they find themselves at the center of attention. You don’t have to be onstage to get stage fright. People experience this fear when playing sports, giving a business presentation, or even speaking in class. A person who suffers from stage fright may get sweaty hands, a dry mouth, a tight throat, or shaky knees. Stage fright is actually a form of panic, and these feelings are very real.Stage fright is part of the body’s reaction to stress. The experience differs from person to person, but the same chemical process occurs in each of us. In reaction to anxiety, our bodies produce a chemical called adrenaline that prepares us to either fight or run away quickly. Scientists refer to this as our bodies’ “fight or flight” reaction. As a result, we feel a boost of energy that makes our palms sweat, our hearts race, and our knees shake.5The good news about stage fright is that there are ways to cope with it. Practicing your performance and following some simple tips can help calm nerves and manage the feelings caused by anxiety. First, dress comfortably and appropriately. Second, before the performance, take deep breaths and stretch to help relax your body. Third, stay away from beverages that contain caffeine. These might make your heart race even faster. Instead, try a banana! Some doctors believe that eating a banana can help calm your heart and the rest of your body. Finally, when you look into a crowd, try to focus on particular people instead of the whole group. These tips have helped many famous people learn to deal with their fears.The singer and actress Mariah Carey is a good example of how stage fright doesn’t have to stop people from reaching their goals as performers. Carey is a world-famous singer who has sold millions of albums, won many awards, and performed for thousands of fans. There was a time, though, when stage fright prevented her from even stepping onstage. She feared her performances would be bad. She didn’t give up, however. With practice Carey learned how to relax while onstage. As she gained confidence, her feelings of anxiety diminished. She was soon performing again, and all her fans came to cheer for her. Carey showed that stage fright can win only if you let it.657225-6032500Use “Stage Fright” (p. 15) to answer questions 18–22.Then fill in the answers on your answer document. Read these lines from the poem.2830195-8699500I memorized each line. Learned them by heart.The poet uses the figurative expression “learned them by heart” to emphasize that the speaker —Ahas volunteered to be in the playBpractices on the stageCenjoys playing the role of the princeD feels prepared for his performance647700-23939500The poet uses line 11 to signal that the speaker changes from — cheerful to sadB interested to bored C confident to unsure D desperate to hopefulIn line 3, why does the poet repeat and italicize the words from line 2?ATo show that the role will be difficultBTo emphasize that this role is important to the speakerCTo show that the speaker is familiar with the playDTo give the name of the play the speaker is in647700-23939500The poem is mostly about a speaker who — A is chosen for a role in a play that he doesn’t understandhas trouble with his lines after seeing his classmates in the audience Cexperiences problems onstage but is able to finish his performance D can hardly wait to be onstage because he has practiced so much647700-23939500The poet uses figurative language in line 18 to highlight the speaker’s —Adetermination to do wellBanxiety once he gets onstageCsatisfaction in being chosen for the roleDeagerness to perform652007-7708300Use “Fear Takes Center Stage” (pp. 16–17) to answer questions 23–26. Then fill in the answers on your answer document.Which of these best expresses the main idea of paragraph 5?Eating certain foods can help prevent stage fright.Stage fright affects people who do not practice their performance.Wearing the proper clothing can help relieve stage fright.Stage fright can be overcome by using several strategies.647700-23939500The author speaks directly to the reader in paragraphs 1 and 2 in order to —Aencourage the reader to try out for a playBshare a personal story with the readerChelp the reader understand the experience of stage frightDdemonstrate that acting requires skillRead this dictionary entry.254381023622000312483562865?00?strike \ str?k\ verbto hit with a hand or an objectto crash against 3. to affect suddenly 4. to come to an agreementWhich definition best matches the word strike as it is used in paragraph 3?Definition 1Definition 2Definition 3Definition 4647700-23749000 The author’s opinion that stage fright can be overcome is best supported by —Athe reaction of Mariah Carey’s fansBMariah Carey’s experienceCthe description of how a body reacts to stressDinformation about the source of stage fright657225-7302500Use “Stage Fright” and “Fear Takes Center Stage”to answer questions 27–30. Then fill in the answers on your answer document.5276850234316BOTH00BOTHBoth selections suggest that stage fright can —happen even when a person wants to performpermanently affect a person’s healthget better when an audience shows supportbe worse for actors than for other types of performers5334000146050BOTH00BOTH647700-23939500What is one difference between the selections?AThe article describes how stage fright feels, but the poem does not.BThe article provides a scientific explanation for stage fright, but the poem does not.CThe poem indicates that a person can overcome stage fright, but the article does not.DThe poem gives an example of a person with stage fright, but the article does not.Based on information provided in both selections, the reader can conclude that stage fright is the result of —506730064135BOTH00BOTHan unexpected event that shocks a personmaking a mistake in front of othersnot really wanting to performbeing the center of attention647700-24003000With which statement would the poet and the author most likely agree?501967577470BOTH00BOTHAPerforming in front of a crowd can make a person nervous.BThe foods people eat can affect their performance.CA crowd’s applause can disturb a performer.DActing is the most difficult kind of performing.Brody’s Challenge“This is awesome!” the girl next to Brody said as they stepped onto the flight deck of the USS Lexington. “This is going to be the best summer camp ever! Wait until I tell everyone I spent five days on a real Navy aircraft carrier!”Brody glanced around the enormous ship. He had to admit that the girl was right. This camp would be the perfect start to summer vacation. If anyone needed a break from school and its endless rules, it was Brody.Just then, a short, stern-looking man walked over and barked, “I’m Captain Nealson. Welcome, recruits, to the USS Lexington. LINE UP!”As the kids scrambled to form a line, Captain Nealson looked at Brody and shouted, “Tuck in that shirt! Tie your shoe! You’re a guest on one of the greatest aircraft carriers in the history of the United States Navy. This ship has survived many battles! Thousands of fighter planes have safely landed on this very flight deck. Thousands of brave men and women have proudly served on this ship. Have some respect!”366823385230300Brody’s good mood was swept away like a leaf on a windy day. He barely listened as Captain Nealson explained that he would divide the kids into teams, each with its own leader. The teams would rotate between several training stations, learning different skills at each station. Brody’s mood did not improve when he was assigned to a team with the girl standing next to him.“I’m Cynthia,” she said excitedly. “I hope we get to tie knots. I’m good with knots!”7 “You!” said Captain Nealson, jabbing a finger at Brody. “You are the group leader.” Brody didn’t care about being group leader, but he did smile when he saw Cynthia’s disappointment.Captain Nealson handed some papers to each team leader. “These are maps of the ship,” he said. “Learn your way around. Use the ladders where there are hatches, which are the small door openings on the floor of each deck. Teach everyone on your team the best routes for getting from deck to deck. Later today, you will be tested.”Brody stuffed his map in his pocket.That evening as Brody was eating dinner with his teammates, he heard Captain Nealson’s voice booming over a loudspeaker. “Team Brody, report to Area 1, the flight deck, as quickly as possible.”Brody’s team stared at him. “Where’s the nearest ladder?” a boy named Kyle asked.Brody had no idea. “Um, let’s just go up the way we came down.”“That’s all the way at the edge of this deck,” Cynthia protested. “We’ve got to find an inside ladder, one where you pass through a hatch to get to the next deck. The captain is timing us!”“This isn’t fair,” a girl complained. “How do they expect us to get there quickly if we haven’t been taught the way?”Brody felt a big lump in his throat. “Come on. We’ll figure it out,” he told his team.When Brody’s team finally reached the flight deck, Captain Nealson was staring at the timer in his hand. “Your team took too long to get here, Brody. On a Navy vessel, someone’s life could depend on how fast you respond.”“Sorry, sir,” Brody said, panting.“Brody, I gave you a map so you could teach your team how to navigate around the ship,” the captain said. “If you had followed orders, you would have had no problem responding quickly. I’m afraid your team won’t be able to participate in tomorrow’s firefighting drill.”Brody looked at his team’s faces. He deserved every bit of the anger he sensed from them.“Please, Captain Nealson,” said Brody. “This was my fault. Don’t punish my team.”“On a ship a team depends on its leader,” said Captain Nealson. “If the leader is irresponsible, the team suffers.”“Give us another chance,” Brody pleaded. “Early tomorrow morning, we’ll beat all the other teams’ times.”“All right,” Captain Nealson finally agreed. “You’re dismissed.”Before his team members could speak, Brody held up his hand, saying, “I know. I know. I didn’t take this seriously. But, honestly, I didn’t realize we could lose a privilege.”For a moment no one spoke. Then Kyle sighed. “So where’s the map?”226187059436000The team traced the route to Area 1 on paper and then practiced it at least 10 times.The next morning Brody waited for Captain Nealson to summon the team.Finally, the captain’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker. “Team Brody! Report to Area 4—Damage Control!”“Area 4?” Cynthia gasped. “That’s not what we practiced!”“It’s all right,” Brody told his team. “I memorized the map. Follow me.”Captain Nealson raised an eyebrow as he recorded Team Brody’s time on his clipboard. Brody grinned because he knew that the team—which he had actually led—had successfully completed its task. But there was no time for congratulating himself; he had firefighter gear to put on.-196894-393168004095754457700040957536474400409575208597504095752894965040957513138150-4000501295400S –T –A –A –R –S –T –A –A –R –1638300-581025STAAR STRATEGYSTAAR STRATEGY Synectics SnowballReading a realistic fiction story is most like…(Circle the picture that completes the comparison best in your opinion)because _____________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________. Brody’s ChallengeInferring and Understanding CharactersWhy does it make sense that Cynthia is disappointed when she isn’t chosen as team leader?She likes to be friendly and treat others with kindness.She knows how to tie knots and read maps.She is eager to participate in the summer camp.She knows many facts about navy vessels.Which sentence from the story best shows that Brody realizes that he has been an irresponsible team leader?“Um, let’s just go up the way we came down.”He deserved every bit of the anger he sensed from them.“Early tomorrow morning, we’ll beat all the other teams’ times.”The team traced the route to Area 1 on paper and then practiced it at least 10 times.When Captain Nealson assigns Brody to be a team leader, Brody —is pleased that he was selected from among the other campersthinks Cynthia will try to change the captain’s mindseems uninterested in the jobthinks his teammates will not trust himRead this sentence from paragraph 31.22669508763000Brody grinned because he knew that the team—which he had actually led—had successfully completed its task.This sentence shows that Brody is —Aaware of his mistakesBproud of his performanceCamused by other team membersDprepared to start a new drill4077586-568842Word Bankconflictmajor eventsresolutionsummaryplot foreshadowingcharacter’s role in the plotWord Bankconflictmajor eventsresolutionsummaryplot foreshadowingcharacter’s role in the plotODD ONE OUT – Plot & Summarizing Fiction531693714101How is Brody able to solve his problem?Cynthia suggests using inside ladders to reach the flight deck.The team helps him plan a route to the flight deck.Cynthia realizes that the team practiced the wrong route.The captain gives him another chance to lead his team.31191205764184041143085725202From events in this story, what can the reader conclude about Captain Nealson?AHe ignores some of the campers.BHe likes people to think independently.CHe is a good judge of character but sometimes makes mistakes.DHe is stern but reasonable.-84455-15875303Before the members of Team Brody can succeed on a timed task, it is necessary for them to —Alearn to use the safety equipmentBdemonstrate that they can tie knotsCknow where the nearest hatch is locatedDpractice skills at different training stationsWhat is the best summary of this story?While attending a summer camp on the USS Lexington, Brody is selected as a team leader. After letting his team down on the first challenge, he realized his huge responsibility of as a leader. He stepped up and led his team to success.During a 5-day summer camp on a Navy aircraft carrier, Brody is chosen as the leader by his team. He fails to teach them to use the map, and they lose a privilege.Brody is not happy about being a team leader at his summer camp. He had his team practice the wrong route on the ship for their first assignment. Cynthia realizes that the team practiced the wrong route.After learning he will be responsible for leading a team, Brody fails to teach them the correct route they need to know on the ship. His team is disappointed, but Cynthia realized it was the wrong route. She led the team to success.1834432377797Cast of Characters: DAD, SELENA, UNCLE FRANK, PAULINA, VOICE OF ASTRONAUT NEIL ARMSTRONG00Cast of Characters: DAD, SELENA, UNCLE FRANK, PAULINA, VOICE OF ASTRONAUT NEIL ARMSTRONGA Life of AdventureACT IScene 1 (Setting: Lights up on the playground of an elementary school in Houston. Paulina is playing hopscotch. Selena, Paulina’s twin sister, enters stage right and climbs the jungle gym.)SELENA: (Calling loudly across the playground) Hey, Paulina! Come over here and climb to the space station with me!PAULINA: (Unwillingly leaving her game and crossing the playground to the jungle gym) If you don’t mind, I’d rather not climb all the way up there. It makes me dizzy to look down.SELENA: That’s ridiculous! Anyone would think you were really going into outer space. Come up right now!PAULINA: Well, okay, but not all the way to the top. (She starts climbing slowly, pausing to get her balance on the rungs of the jungle gym as the lights go down.) I wish you liked hopscotch, though.Scene 2 (Setting: Lights up in a living room. Dad and Uncle Frank are seated in front of small television.)DAD: We’ll remember this date for the rest of our lives – 10:00 P.M. on July 20, 1969. The date we saw people first walk on the moon.(Paulina and Selena enter stage right.)SELENA: (Hands on her hips) We could have been watching this at Uncle Frank’s house tonight, Paulina, on a bigger TV. Except you never want to go anywhere, so he had to come over here!UNCLE FRANK: (To Selena) It’s no problem. I’m glad to be here. (To Dad) I can’t believe this is happening! They actually landed on the moon!DAD: Watch, kids. You’re about to see history being made.PAULINA: (Tossing back her hair) So what if I like staying at home, Selena? SELENA: You never want to do anything different. Or eat anything different. (Imitating her sister’s voice) “I only eat peanut butter for lunch and macaroni and cheese for dinner.” I’m not like you. I like to have adventures. It’s boring at home. (Paulina sits on the couch; Selena sits on the floor, away from her sister.) DAD: I think if you stopped talking for a few minutes, Selena, you’d have an adventure right here in your own living room. UNCLE FRANK: I thought twins were supposed to be friends. PAULINA: We are friends. We’re just different from each other. SELENA: Paulina should try something different once in awhile. DAD: Listen. One of the astronauts is talking. Neil Armstrong. VOICE OF NEIL ARMSTRONG: (From television) I’m at the foot of the ladder. The lunar module footpads are only depressed in the surface about 1 to 2 inches. It’s almost like a powder. I’m going to step off the ladder now. SELENA: (Pointing excitedly) Look, he’s stepping around deep craters on the moon! What would that be like? Can you imagine? PAULINA: I think it would be scary. SELENA: He’s really far from home! Can you imagine just stepping into some kind of strange powdery stuff that no human being has ever seen? PAULINA: You’re right. That would be kind of amazing. And Armstrong is on the chilly side of the moon. SELENA: Dad, what happens if their spaceship breaks down? Will anyone be able to come and help them? DAD: I’m sure that we would think of some way to help them. UNCLE FRANK: Look! He did it! He stepped off the ladder onto the moon! VOICE OF NEIL ARMSTRONG: (From television) That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. PAULINA: (Clapping her hands excitedly) Think about this. He can look up and see Earth in the sky. Nobody has ever been able to do that before. VOICE OF NEIL ARMSTRONG: (From television) It has a stark beauty all its own. It’s like much of the high desert of the United States. It’s different, but it’s very pretty out here. PAULINA: I do like the desert, Selena. Remember when we went to Big Bend National Park? SELENA: (Softly) All of that open space made me feel so small. It made me feel a little scared.(Paulina sits next to Selena on the floor and puts her arm around her.) PAULINA: I thought it was pretty cool.(Selena and Paulina look at each other. Then they burst out laughing.)ACT IIScene 1 (Setting: Twelve years later. Lights up on Dad and Selena sitting together at a kitchen table.) SELENA: (Glancing at the clock on the wall) I wonder why she’s so late. That’s not like Paulina at all. She’s always on time. DAD: Maybe her flight was delayed. By the way, how is your work going? SELENA: Well, it’s fine. I like helping other people find employment. And I enjoy talking with people about their goals. So I guess I picked the right career. DAD: That’s fine, then. Well, should we start making dinner? Maybe by the time it’s on the table, Paulina will be here. SELENA: Sure! I’ve wanted to try out a new chili recipe. DAD: You’ve turned out to be a great cook. (He smiles, as if remember something from the past. Lights go down as father and daughter start making preparations for the meal.)Scene 2 (The kitchen, two hours later) PAULINA: (Setting down her fork with a contented sigh) That was delicious. I don’t have much time to cook these days, you know. DAD: Well, you’re always flying back and forth across the country. SELENA: Who would have thought that you’d be the one to end up with the exciting job? PAULINA: I do like being a pilot. No flight ever seems too long. And when we land and I get to explore a new city, it’s incredibly thrilling. But I do love returning to Houston as often as possible. DAD: My two girls. The one who stayed on the ground…and the one who found out that she loved the sky.(All three begin to laugh softly, thinking back…)ConsensogramAt this exact moment in time...How confident are you in TRULY understanding the structure and elements of drama? Lacking Confidence but Willing to Learn!Somewhat ConfidentCompletely ConfidentBefore After “A Life of Adventure”ACT I, Scene 1Selena and Paulina, twin sisters, are playing on the playground at their school. While Paulina was playing hopscotch, Selena was climbing on the jungle gym. “Hey, Paulina! Come over here and climb to the space station with me!” Paulina, who didn’t like heights, did not really want to go play with Selena, but her sister was so excited about the imaginary game, she decided to go play with her. “I really wish you liked hopscotch!” Paulina said.“A Life of Adventure” QuestionsThe play is divided into scenes because –A a character in Scene I is not present in Scene 2 (Act I)B the setting changes between Scene I and Scene 2 (Act 2)C the conflict is presented in Scene I and resolved in Scene 2 (Act I)D the dialogue begins in Scene 2 (Act I)What can the reader infer about a drama?A A drama can only have one setting.B Dramas do not have plots composed of events.C The scenes in a drama are like the chapters in a book.D There are few if any characters in a drama.Selena’s reaction to the moon landing shows that she –A wishes she could be an astronautB does not always feel adventurousC thinks her sister is being foolishD is not really interested in space missionsWhat effect did the moon landing have on the theme of this play?A Watching the moon landing helped the country be brave.B The moon landing caused the sisters to change in surprising ways.C The moon landing reminded the sisters about the importance of family.D The moon landing helped the family learn to work together.***ANSWER KEY***BCBB “A Life of Adventure” QuestionsWhat event introduces the problem?A Selena insists that Paulina climb the jungle gym.B Selena does not want to sit on the sofa with Paulina.C Dad wants the girls to watch the moon landing.D Uncle Frank does not want the twins to argue so much.When Neil Armstrong said, “That’s one giant small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” he meant –A he only took small steps on the moon’s surfaceB the spaceship leaped through outer spaceC the moon landing represented great progressD many people participated in the flight to the moonWhat is the best summary of Act I, Scene 2?A Selena and Paulina watch Neil Armstrong land on the moon on television.B Selena and Paulina are fighting while watching TV with their father. C Neil Armstrong lands on the moon, and the twins think it is funny.D Selena and Paulina discuss going back to Big Bend National Park.***ANSWER KEY***BCAfrom Out of Darkness: The Story of Louis Brailleby Russell Freedman Visions of dots and more dots danced in Louis’s head. He wanted to simplify Captain Barbier’s system so that each dotten symbol could be “read” with a quick touch of the finger. His days were filled with classes and school activities, so he experimented whenever he could find the time – between classes, on weekends, at night in dormitory. When everyone else had gone to bed, and the only sound was the breathing of his sleeping classmates, he would take out his stylus and paper and begin to juggle dots. Often, he would doze off himself, the stylus grasped in his hand as though he wanted to keep on working in his sleep. On some nights, he lost all track of time. He would be sitting on the edge of his bed, punching dots, when the rumbling of the wagons on the cobblestones outside told him that morning had come. After staying up all night, he fell asleep in class. And like several other students, he developed a hacking cough. Winter coughs were common at the Institute. The old school building always felt damp and cold. Louis’s mother worried about him when he came home for vacation. He looked so pale and gaunt. She wanted to fatten him up, and she insisted that he go to bed early. Monique would climb the stairs to the garret bedroom, tuck Louis in, and kiss him good-night, as though he were still a little boy. A few weeks of fresh country air did wonders. Louis’s cough vanished. He felt revived. On fine mornings, he would walk down the road with his cane, carrying a stylus, writing board, and paper in his knapsack. He would sit on a grassy slope, basking in the sun and working patiently as he punched dots into paper. People would pass by and call out, “Hello there, Louis! Still making pinpricks?” They weren’t sure what he was trying to do, but whatever it was, he was obviously lost in thought. Gradually, Louis managed to simplify Captain Barbier’s system, but he wasn’t satisfied. The dotted symbols he came up with were never simple enough. Sometimes he shouted in frustration and ripped the paper he was working on to shreds. Then an idea came to him – an idea for an entirely different approach. It seemed so obvious! Why hadn’t he thought of it before? Captain Barbier’s symbols were based on sounds – that was the problem! There were so many sounds in the French language. With sonography, a dozen dots or more might be needed to represent one syllable, as many as a hundred dots for a single word. Instead of sounds, suppose the dot-and-dash symbols represented letters of the alphabet? The alphabet would be so much easier to work with. Of course, Louis could not simply have one dot stand for a, two dots for b, and so on. That way, a blind reader would have to count twenty-six dots to read the letter z. Additional dots would be needed for numbers and punctuation marks. But now that he had changed his thinking, Louis made real progess. He invented a simple code that allowed him represent any letter of the alphabet within the space of a fingertip. At the beginning of the fall term in 1824, he was ready to demonstrate his new system. He had been working on it for three years. First, he asked for a meeting with the school’s director, Dr. Pignier. Louis sat in a big armchair opposite Pignier’s desk, a writing board and paper on his lap, a stylus in his hand. He asked the director to select a passage from a book, any book he chose. “Read from it slowly and distinctly,” Louis said, “as if you were reading to a sighted friend who was going to write down all your words.” Pignier picked a book from the shelf behind him. He opened it and began to read. Louis bent over his writing board and paper, his hand flying as he punched dots. After a few lines, he told Pignier, “You can read faster.” When Pignier finished reading the passage, Louis ran his finger over the raised dots on the back of the paper, as if to reassure himself. Then, without hesitating, he read every word he had taken down, at about the same speed as the director had read them. Pignier couldn’t believe his ears. He picked out another book, another passage, and asked Louis to repeat the demonstration. Then, rising from the desk with a burst of emotion, the director embraced Louis and praised him. Soon the entire school was talking about Louis’s new language of raised dots. Dr. Pignier called an assembly to introduce the students and teachers to the new system. Louis sat in the middle of a big classroom, working with his stylus as one of the sighted teachers read a poem aloud. The other sighted teachers leaned forward in their seats, watching Louis’s hand move across the paper. The blind instructors and students cocked their heads and listened as the point of the stylus punched out dots. Then Louis stood up. He cleared his throat and recited the poem, his fingers moving as he spoke, without missing a word or making an error. When he finished, an excited murmur filled the room and everyone crowded around him. Louis was just fifteen years old when he demonstrated the first workable form of his system. During the next few years, he would continue to improve and add to this system, but he had already devised the basic alphabet that would open the doors of learning to blind people all over the world. “Out of Darkness” IQ Slapdown QuestionsWhat literary language does the author use to show how hard Louis is thinking about a solution?A Visions of dots and more dots danced in Louis’s head.B He wanted to simplify Captain Barbier’s system.C The only sound was the breathing of his sleeping classmates.D After staying up all night, he fell asleep in class.Which words from paragraph 3 appeal to the sense of hearing?A lost all track of timeB sitting on the edge of his bedC punching dotsD rumbling of the wagons on the cobblestonesRead this sentence from paragraph 6 of the selection.66294070485He would sit on a grassy slope, basking in the sun and working patiently as he punched dots into paper.00He would sit on a grassy slope, basking in the sun and working patiently as he punched dots into paper.What do the sensory details in this sentence show a reader?A They show that Louis was too tired to play games.B They show that Louis did not enjoy his vacation.C They show that Louis enjoyed working alone outside.D They show that the countryside around Louis’s home was hilly.Look at the following chart.4314663139700002269490139700Created a system based on the alphabet00Created a system based on the alphabet196215139700Understood the limits of Captain Barbier’s method00Understood the limits of Captain Barbier’s method3162935183515930275183515004609215183648051562038573Improved the lives of blind people00Improved the lives of blind peopleWhich information belongs in the empty space?A Was often ill as a childB Convinced others to try his systemC Attended a school for the blind in FranceD Was frustrated when he ran into problemsAnswer KeyADCB4077586-568842Word Bank-paraphrased most important parts-events that make the person memorable-no distractor details-why are they worthy of having their life story told?0Word Bank-paraphrased most important parts-events that make the person memorable-no distractor details-why are they worthy of having their life story told?ODD ONE OUT531693714101Despite health problems, Louis Braille attended a school for the blind that was often damp and cold. He worked very hard to invent a new system of reading and writing for the blind. Soon other people used the Braille system.31191205764184041143085725202Louis Braille invented a new system of reading and writing for the blind. Louis’s system was based on the alphabet rather than on sounds. The Braille system eventually improved the lives of blind people.-84455-15875303Louis Braille invented a system of reading and writing that is still used by blind people. Louis sat in a big armchair and demonstrated the new method to the director of the school he attended. The director hugged and praised Louis and told the teachers and students to try the Braille system.The inventor of the Braille system was Louis Braille, a blind boy who lived in France. He thought only of how to make his system better than that of Captain Barbier. Louis worked very hard, even during vacations. Finally, he succeeded with his new method of reading and writing. His symbols were based on the alphabet.Baseball by Bill ZavatskyWe were only a farm teamnot “good enough” to make Little Leaguewith it’s classic uniforms,5deep lettered hats.But our coach saidwe were just as good,maybe better,so we played10the Little League champsin our stenciled tee shirtsand soft purple capswhen the season was over. What happened that afternoon 15 I can’t remember – whether we won or tied.But in my mind I lean backTo a pop-up hanging In the sunny sky,20stopped,nailed to the blue,losing itself in a cloudover second basewhere I stood waiting.25Ray Michaud, who knew, my up-and-down careeras a local player,my moments of graceful genius,my unpredictable ineptness,30 screamed arrows at mefrom the dugoutwhere he waited to bat:“He’s gonna drop it! Hedon’t know how to catch,35you watch it drop!”The ball kept climbing higher, a black dot,no rules of gravity, nobrakes, a period searching40for a sentence, and the sentence read:“You’re no good, Bill.You won’t catch this one now;You know you never will.”I watched myself looking up45and felt my body rust, fallingin pieces to the ground,a baby trying to stand up,an ant in the shadow of a house.I wasn’t there –50had never been born,would stand there forever,a statue squinting upward,pointed out, laughed atfor a thousand years55teammates, forgotten,anyone who played baseballforgotten,baseball forgotten, played no more,played by robots on electric fields60who never missedor cried in their own sweat.I’m a lot older now.That game was over a million years ago.65All I rememberof that afternoonwhen the ballcame downis that70I caught it.Synectics SnowballReading and understanding poetry is most like…(Circle the picture that completes the comparison best in your opinion)because _________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________.2652533-495383Rank the drinks in order of what you like LEAST to BEST.1.2.3.4.Rank the drinks in order of what you like LEAST to BEST.1.2.3.4.Reading Mystery -52705170180035052014605A00A853440017145B00B10998202540In lines 19-20, the poet uses the words sunny sky, stopped to—A create a pattern of soundsB create a pattern of rhymeC compare two similar thingsD describe his mood at the timeIn line 38, the words no rules of gravity mean the –A pitcher broke the rulesB ball kept on risingC ball was lost foreverD players forgot the rulesHow does the poet feel while the ball is in the air?A ConfidentB HopelessC CheerfulD StubbornThe poet repeats the word forgotten three times in lines 55-58 to—A explain that he cannot really remember the game fullyB describe what happened during the gameC predict what will one day happen to the game of baseballD show how long this part of the game seemed to him00In lines 19-20, the poet uses the words sunny sky, stopped to—A create a pattern of soundsB create a pattern of rhymeC compare two similar thingsD describe his mood at the timeIn line 38, the words no rules of gravity mean the –A pitcher broke the rulesB ball kept on risingC ball was lost foreverD players forgot the rulesHow does the poet feel while the ball is in the air?A ConfidentB HopelessC CheerfulD StubbornThe poet repeats the word forgotten three times in lines 55-58 to—A explain that he cannot really remember the game fullyB describe what happened during the gameC predict what will one day happen to the game of baseballD show how long this part of the game seemed to him85350354645660D00D81940405046676002127254570095C00C-43180496570000-457201962150080797408191500Reading Mystery Questions for “Baseball”In lines 19-20, the poet uses the words sunny sky, stopped to—A create a pattern of soundsB create a pattern of rhymeC compare two similar thingsD describe his mood at the timeIn like 38, the words no rules of gravity mean the –A pitcher broke the rulesB ball kept on risingC ball was lost foreverD players forgot the rulesHow does the poet feel while the ball is in the air?A ConfidentB HopelessC CheerfulD StubbornThe poet repeats the word forgotten three times in lines 55-58 to—A explain that he cannot really remember the game fullyB describe what happened during the gameC predict what will one day happen to the game of baseballD show how long this part of the game seemed to him***ANSWER KEY***ABBDQuestions for “Baseball”Which of the following is the best summary of this poem?A The poet remembers how nervous he felt while waiting for what seems like forever to catch a baseball during an important game. Even though he thinks he will fail, the poet catches the ball.B The poet is named Bill. Long ago, he played a game of baseball against a better team with good uniforms. The poet hopes he will not drop the ball. He thinks he will laugh if he does not catch it.C The poet recalls a game of long ago. Waiting and Waiting, the ball seems to take forever to drop, giving the poet time to feel sorry for himself. However, he astonishes himself by catching the ball, which is something he is still proud of.D The poet wishes his team were as good as the Little League team. One hot summer day, the speaker waits at second base to catch a pop-up. He does not think that he will be able to make the catch, and that worries him. One of his teammates yells out that he is sure to drop the ball.The poem is mostly about a speaker who—A is the worst player on a Little League teamB is remembering a proud moment in a baseball game when he was youngerC experiences problems during a game and lets his team downD can hardly wait to play baseball again***ANSWER KEY***CBThe Toy for All Ages4580890240030006428105732155? Iorboaz/00? Iorboaz/The number 915,103,765 is pretty big. You might be surprised to know that that is the number of different ways six eight-stud LEGO bricks can be arranged. No wonder LEGOs have been a popular toy for so many years.Making LEGO BricksIn the 1930s a Danish carpenternamed Ole Kirk Christiansen started making wooden toys. He called his company LEGO, a blend of the Danish words leg godt, meaning “play well.” After making wooden toys for years, Christiansen wanted to accelerate production so that he could make more toys in less time. He invested in a machine that would allow him to make plastic toys. In 1958 he produced the first plastic LEGO brick.Making LEGO bricks is a fairly simple process. Small plastic granules are heated at an extreme temperature. A machine then presses the melted plastic into brick molds. Once the plastic cools and hardens, the bricks are ready to be packaged and sold.LEGO has produced more than 400 billion of its plastic LEGO bricks over the years. Today more than two million LEGO items are produced every hour, or about 40,000 a minute. Approximately seven LEGO sets are sold around the world every second. The company must work at a fast pace to keep up with demand.Christiansen believed in producing good products. LEGO toys today are still manufactured to Christiansen’s high standards. LEGOs last for many years. In fact, a standard-size LEGO brick made today can be attached to any other LEGO brick made since 1958.Building with LEGO SetsAlthough Christiansen’s original LEGO bricks all had the same basic rectangular shape, there now are 2,400 different-shaped LEGO bricks made in a variety of colors. LEGO creates building sets for children of all ages. LEGO blocks for preschoolers are larger and easier for toddlers to handle. The company also offers sets for older children and teens. These sets contain intricate parts that are more detailed and challenging to put together. With such a variety ofproducts available, it is understandable that children of all ages enjoy playing with LEGO toys.Becoming a LEGO ProfessionalAs LEGOs have been shared with friends and family and new sets have been purchased throughout the years, many generations of builders have used their creativity to construct LEGO masterpieces. Some people enjoy working with LEGO products so much that they have made building with LEGO bricks their career. Many of these LEGO professionals build projects for LEGOLAND theme parks. They also display their projects in museums and art galleries.LEGO ArtistLEGO CreationsInteresting FactNathan SawayaKnown for creating 3-D figures from LEGO piecesNicknamed his most popular LEGO figures Red, Yellow, and BlueSean KenneyKnown for his LEGO model of Yankee StadiumMakes LEGO products as his full-time jobMariann AsanumaOnce constructed models as a “master model builder” at LEGOLANDSells her own LEGO creations onlineAmazingly, the appeal of LEGO products continues to grow. Today, there are LEGO video games, theme parks, and stores worldwide. Christiansen had a great idea for a toy in 1958, but he probably never predicted that a plastic brick would inspire the imaginations of so many people.1823085-2609215005768975-570230? Sandy Huffaker/CORBIS00? Sandy Huffaker/CORBIS“Master model builders” at LEGOLAND work on a model of the U.S. Capitol made entirely of LEGOs.ConsensogramAt this exact moment in time...How confident are you in TRULY understanding the structure and elements of expository text? Lacking Confidence but Willing to Learn!Somewhat ConfidentCompletely ConfidentBefore After “The Toy for All Ages” Questions1 By the end of the selection, what can the reader conclude about LEGO products?LEGO products are more popular with adults than with children.LEGO products are not as popular outside the United States.LEGO has designed its products to appeal to people of all ages.LEGO has created theme parks and video games to replace its original products.What is paragraph 2 mainly about?AChristiansen worked as a carpenter.BThe word “LEGO” is a Danish word that means “play well.”CChristiansen changed LEGO toys from wood to plastic.DThe first plastic LEGO brick was produced in 1958.Read this sentence from the selection.2349500-8699500In fact, a standard-size LEGO brick made today can be attached to any other LEGO brick made since 1958.What can the reader conclude about LEGO products from this sentence?People have shared LEGO sets with friends and family for a long time.The basic design of the LEGO has stayed the same.LEGO toys made of plastic last longer than those made of wood.Ole Kirk Christiansen believed in making LEGO toys that were fun and entertaining.Which statement best explains the appeal of LEGO products over the years?APeople appreciate visiting theme parks where LEGO models are displayed.BPeople enjoy toys that allow them to be creative in many ways.CToys made from plastic are lighter than those made from other materials.DLEGO is able to produce the plastic bricks quickly.***ANSWER KEY***CCBBFact or Fib ShowdownFACT or FIB StatementMy Original Slap Down AnswerWhat I Learned After the Teacher’s Clarify/VerifyWhat is paragraph 2 mainly about?Christiansen changed LEGO toys from wood to plastic.The first plastic LEGO brick was produced in 1958.Which of these is the best summary of the selection?In the 1930s Ole Kirk Christiansen made wooden toys. Then in 1958 he began producing plastic LEGO bricks. Today there are thousands of different shaped LEGO bricks in many colors and sizes.The first plastic LEGO bricks were made in 1958 by Ole Kirk Christiansen. Today millions of LEGO bricks are made in many shapes, sizes, and colors. People of all ages enjoy building with LEGO bricks, and LEGO products continue to be very popular. ................
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