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Talent Development Secondary ·· Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland ·· 2012 1

Student Team Literature Standardized Reading Practice Test

The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural (Knopf Paperbacks, 1992)

Sample Test Questions

DIRECTIONS: Synonyms Choose the word that means the same, or about the same, as the underlined word. Then circle the letter for the answer you have chosen.

SAMPLE A

To fret means: A to play B to whistle C to worry D to scream

DIRECTIONS: Multiple-Meaning Words Read the sentence in the box. Then choose the answer in which the underlined word is used in the same way. Circle the letter for the answer you have chosen.

SAMPLE B

In which sentence does the word face mean the same thing as in the sentence above? F The artist planned for the sculpture to face

the inner courtyard of the school. G Experienced climbers say that the

northern face of this mountain is the hardest one to climb.

H I washed my face carefully and combed my hair before going out.

J I didn’t know how I would face my teacher if I didn’t turn in my book report.

DIRECTIONS: Context Clues As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then circle the letter for the answer you have chosen.

SAMPLE C Dashing forward, I scooped up my little chick and swerved to keep from plunging into the monster’s den. Swerved means - A turned sharply B ducked down C tiptoed quietly D stepped forward

DIRECTIONS Read the passage. Then read each question about the passage. Decide which is the best answer. Circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. SAMPLE D

“The sun had set, but there was a little light left in the sky. The backyard was already engulfed by a blanket of darkness, but I could see the silhouette of the old chicken shack against the sky.

“I stood on the back porch, a statue of fear.” (page 152)

The statement “The backyard was already engulfed by a blanket of darkness” is an example of F foreshadowing G irony H metaphor J simile

“The monster had me so scared I couldn’t even play in my own yard. Then one night I decided to face my monster.”

Reading Vocabulary

Reading Comprehension

2 Talent Development Secondary ·· Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland ·· 2012

Student Team Literature


The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural Standardized Reading Practice Test: “The Legend of Pin Oak”


1. Contemptuous means: A modern B scornful C disgusting D bitter

2. Plausible means: F believable G very impressive H disturbing J exciting

3. Speculated means: A examined B pointed C guessed D decided

DIRECTIONS: Multiple-meaning words Read the sentence in the box. Then choose the answer in which the underlined word is used in the same way. Circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 4.

In which sentence does the word falls mean the same thing as in the sentence above?

F My little cousin is just learning to walk, so she still falls down quite often.

G The meeting of the Student Government Association falls on Friday this week.

H My grandma is moving to a nursing home because she has suffered a number of dangerous falls recently.

J Jermaine took a fantastic picture from above the falls where the water sprayed up.

DIRECTIONS: Context Clues As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 5. Harper’s jealousy of Henri grew each year

until it dominated his life. Dominated means - A controlled B faded out of C brought happiness to D inspired

6. Harper raced to his study, where he barricaded himself against the onslaught of questions. Barricaded means - F calmed G attacked H informed J protected

A cave located behind Topps River Fallswas a well-known hiding place used by the Underground Railroad.

Reading Vocabulary


DIRECTIONS Read the passage. Then read each question about the passage. Decide which is the best answer. Circle the letter for the answer you have chosen.

7 Which of the following is not a reason that contributes to Pin Oak’s financial problems? A poor weather conditions B Harper’s wasteful, selfish spending

habits C Harper’s lack of business sense D Henri’s poor farm management skills

8 Henri probably tells Harper that Pin Oaks is in trouble F because he blames Harper for the

plantation’s problems. G because he wants to frighten

Harper. H because he wants Harper to make

wise decisions. J because he expects to be leaving the

plantation soon.

9 Mr. Kelsey compares Harper selling Henri to a carpenter selling his saw. This is because

A a carpenter needs a saw to make a living, and Harper needs Henri to make money from Pin Oaks.

B a saw is dangerous, and Henri is dangerous to Harper as long as he stays at Pin Oaks.

C a saw is a valuable tool that can be sold for a lot of money, and selling Henri will bring Harper a lot of money.

D Henri does a lot of carpentry work at Pin Oaks.

10 Which of the following is the main reason Mr. Kelsey calls Harper a fool? F Harper does not take an interest in

farming. G Harper wastes so much money on

whiskey. H Harper makes bad business deals.

J Harper’s decision to sell Henri will lead to Pin Oak’s ruin.

Though Henri saw no point in telling Harper he was a free man, there was another matter he needed to discuss. “There’s something you should know,” he said with urgency in his voice. “Pin Oak is in trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?” Harper asked, growing nervous. “For the past two years the crops haven’t come in healthy - too much rain one year, not

enough the next. Still, Master Amos said if we toed the line, cut a few corners, and brought in a good crop this year, we could get through these hard times.”

Harper turned his back on Henri. “How dreary. Do what you must to keep the place going.” But meanwhile, Harper continued to spend Pin Oak’s money, on good whiskey and bad

deals. It wasn’t long before the bank threatened foreclosure. Driven by years of anger and resentment, Harper met the bank’s demand payment by

selling the most valuable asset he had—Henri. “You fool!” Mr. Kelsey, a longtime family friend at the bank, shouted when Harper told him.

“Why didn’t you sell the silver? Sell all the furniture? Not Henri. Would a carpenter sell his saw?” (pages 9-10)




The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural Standardized Reading Practice Test: “We Organized”


1. Vividly means: A in a colorful, lively way B angrily C gently D in a lazy, bored way

2. Tyranny is the same as: F kindness G creativity H excitement J cruelty


In which sentence does the word pick mean the same thing as in the sentence above? A Jeff uses a small plastic pick to play his

guitar. B Roseanne took a long time to pick which

dress she would wear to the party. C Mother sent me out to pick some flowers

from the bush in the back yard. D We used a pick and a shovel to dig out the

roots of the dead tree in the vacant lot.

4.

In which sentence does the word grave mean the same thing as in the sentence above? F When the doctor came out, he looked very

grave, and told us that Carlos’ condition was serious.

G When I heard the President’s historic speech, I decided to grave his words in my memory forever.

H The rising cost of gas is a matter of grave concern to many people.

J In the spring, we planted a rosebush in front of Grandfather’s grave.

DIRECTIONS: Context Clues As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 5. During the Great Depression of the

1930s, government agencies sponsored programs designed to put people back to work. Sponsored means -

A criticized B supported C outlawed D discouraged

I can snap a moth in two While it’s still on the wing, Pick a fly off a mule’s ear And never ruffle a hair.

Dancing, chanting,Digging a grave with words…

Reading Vocabulary


DIRECTIONS Read each passage. Then read each question about the passages. Decide which is the best answer. Circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 6 The narrator is

F the Massa. G Ajax, Massa’s driver. H a government researcher. J Corbella, the Congo Woman.

7 Which of the following can we infer from this incident? A Ajax knows he is not good enough

with the whip to bring down the hornets’ nest successfully.

B Ajax is more thoughtful and sensible than the Massa.

C Massa thinks that this kind of hornet does not sting.

D Ajax always does whatever the Massa tells him to do.

8 The statement “Them hornets be trouble” is an example of F irony. G implied meaning. H simile. J dialect.

9 The story about the hornets’ nest gives

a hint or suggestion about the way the slaves will gain their freedom. This kind of hint is called A irony. B foreshadowing. C dialect. D inference.

10 What is the main reason the master

freed all of his slaves? F He heard there was a law that

required him to free them. G He had a change of heart, and

wanted to do what was right for them. H He was afraid that they were killing

him by means of magic. J He was not satisfied with their work.

Selection 1:

… One day Massa say, “Ajax, see that hornets’ nest over there? Snatch it off that tree.” I say, “Naw sir. Not that I can’t do it, But some things just ain’ wise to do.” Massa ask, “Why not?” I come back with, “Them hornets be trouble. They organized.” (page 21)

Selection 2:

…We pin Massa’s black button to a straw doll.

Hang it in a sycamore tree. Spinning, clapping, Calling the names of the ancestors… Old names… Powerful names. Three days dancing in the dark. Three days chanting till dawn.

Way in the night Massa hear the music in his head.

He hear the whispered words In a long refrain… and he comes

screaming. “Lawd! Lawd!” But it’s too late. Come harvest-time Massa be low sick. Near ’bout wasted away. All the mean gone out of him.

Massa calls all us to him. He free the Congo Woman. He free everybody—glad to be rid of us! Wrote out the free papers, right now! (page 23)




The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural Standardized Reading Practice Test: “Justice”


1. A prominent person is one who is: A scholarly B concerned C well known D physically fit

2. To verify information is to: F find out if it is true G pass it on H state that it is false J interpret it

3. A ludicrous idea is: A very exciting B very upsetting C very deep D very silly


In which sentence does the word store mean the same thing as in the sentence above?

F I had to stop at the corner store on my

way home from school. G I like to store my CDs in a small zippered

pouch that is easy to carry around. H My little brother has quite a store of candy

in his dresser drawer, but he never shares it with anyone.

J Mrs. Phipps sets quite a store by me, because she thinks of me as her adopted daughter.

DIRECTIONS: Context Clues As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 5. At first Hoop reveled in knowing he’d

presided over a lynching, savoring the excitement and power he’d felt. Savoring means - A forgetting B regretting C enjoying D denying

6. Stumbling groggily into the kitchen, Hoop fixed himself a cup of coffee. Groggily means - F alertly G sleepily H sneakily J gracefully

The chief sent Officer Peterson over to the hardware store to verify Alvin’s story.

Reading Vocabulary



7 The main reason that Chief Baker has not arrested Hoop for the lynching is that A he is not sure that Hoop is guilty. B he is a racist and does not care what

happens to black people. C he is under pressure from the mayor to

keep it quiet. D he does not have enough officers to

handle the situation.

8 Which of the following is not a true statement of Chief Baker’s feelings about this situation? F He is ashamed of his own role in

covering up the wrongdoing. G He is disgusted at Hoop’s cruelty and

dishonesty. H He is upset about the way Holt’s

murder has been handled. J He is sorry to hear that Hoop is being

tormented by Alvin’s ghost.

9 Chief Baker’s statement “The whole thing sticks in my throat like a fish bone” is an example of A personification.

B simile.

C foreshadowing.

D irony.

10 A good title for this section would be

F “Chief Baker’s Position.”

G “The Ghost Returns.”

H “Corruption in High Places.”

J “Lynching in the 1930s.”

“It’s Alvin! It’s Alvin!” Hoop pleaded with the chief. “He ain’t dead. He’s come back and is deviling me… doing stuff.”

“Now, why would Alvin choose to devil you?” Baker chuckled sarcastically. “Because.” Silence. Hoop looked at his feet. Chief Baker grabbed Hoop by the collar. “I know that you and them Kluxer maniacs lynched

Alvin Tinsley, who had nothing to do with Holt’s murder. But what’s worse is that I ended up being forced to cover for the lot of you just to save the mayor’s boy, who was out there with y’all. But it’s not over. Alvin didn’t kill Holt. The whole thing sticks in my throat like a fish bone, and I’ve got to hawk it up or choke to death on it. You get my meaning?” Chief Baker released his hold on Hoop.

“Alvin ain’t dead. He’s back.” “Oh, I assure you Alvin is very dead. I saw what you did to that poor man. But if the grave

has delivered him up to torment you, he’s got my eternal blessing. Now get out of here. You sicken me!”

Hoop staggered out of the police station, dreading what awaited him at home. (pages 40-41)




The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural Standardized Reading Practice Test: “The 11:59”


1. Mournful means: A cheerful B gloomy C sleepy D hard working

2. To supplement something means: F to divide it up G to eat it H to take away from it J to add to it

3. A restraint is something: A that must be done over again B that limits freedom C that carries people back and forth D that relaxes people

DIRECTIONS: Multiple-meaning words

Read the sentence in the box. Then choose the answer in which the underlined word is used in the same way. Circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 4.

In which sentence does the word tip mean the same thing as in the sentence above? F I pressed down on my pencil so hard

that I broke the tip. G Dad gave me a really good tip to help

me improve my jump shot. H I reached out quickly to grab the

wobbling pitcher before it could tip over and spill water all over the tablecloth.

J Mom left a tip on the table for our waitress before we left the restaurant.

DIRECTIONS: Context Clues

As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then circle the letter for the answer you have chosen.

5. George Pullman’s sleeping cars provided passengers with comfortable accommodations during an overnight trip. Accommodations means - A places to stay B places to eat C warm clothing D work spaces

6. Lester took joy in mesmerizing his young listeners with all the details.

Mesmerizing means - F frightening G boring H holding the attention of J confusing

Sampson knocked me down getting to wait on the lady, figuring she was sure for a big tip.

Reading Vocabulary



7 Which of the following can we conclude from this passage? A Lester is in excellent health. B Lester feels afraid when he sees Tip’s

ghost. C Lester is happy when he hears the

train whistle. D Lester already heard the train whistle

the night before this takes place.

8 Lester decides to strike a match even though he is afraid of F starting a fire. G a gas explosion. H burning his fingers. J sitting alone in the dark.

9 This passage suggests that Lester may have really died of A a train wreck. B a brain tumor. C a heart attack. D a gas explosion.

10 This story leaves open the question of whether Lester dies of natural or supernatural causes. This type of uncertainty is called F irony. G ambiguity. H personification. J suspense.

Then in the fearful silence [Lester] heard a train whistle. His ears strained to identify the sound, making sure it was a whistle. No mistake. It came again, the same as the night before. Lester answered it with a groan.

Ticktock, ticktock.. He could hear Time ticking away in his head. Gas leak or not, he had to see his watch.

Striking a match, Lester quickly checked the time. 11:57. Although there was no gas explosion, a tiny explosion erupted in his heart. Ticktock, ticktock. Just a little more time. The whistle sounded again. Closer than before. Lester struggled to

move, but he felt fastened to the chair. Now he could hear the engine puffing, pulling a heavy load. It was hard for him to breathe, too, and the pain in his chest weighed heavier and heavier.

Ticktock, ticktock. Time had run out! Lester reached for an explanation that made sense. But reason failed

when a glowing phantom dressed in the porters’ gray uniform stepped out of the grayness of Lester’s confusion.

“It’s your time, good brother.” The specter spoke in a thousand familiar voices. Freed of any restraint now, Lester stood, bathed in a peaceful calm that had its own glow. “Is

that you, Tip?” he asked, squinting to focus on his old friend standing in the strange light. “It’s me, ol’ partner. Come to remind you that none of us can escape the last ride on the

11:59.” “I know, I know,” Lester said, chuckling. “But man, I had to try.” (pages 54-55)




The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural Standardized Reading Practice Test: “The Sight”


1. To probe is to: A supervise B question closely C write a report D solve a problem

2. An intense feeling is one that is: F temporary G gradual H very strong J boring

3. Anguish means: A extreme pain or sorrow B extreme joy or delight C minor irritation D doubt


In which sentence does the word charge mean the same thing as in the sentence above? F I decided to charge my groceries to a

credit card since I was out of cash. G The suspect is being held on a charge of

auto theft. H Before she went to work, Momma put

me in charge of my younger brothers. J The explorers knew they were in trouble

when the elephant turned to charge at their Land Rover.

DIRECTIONS: Context Clues As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 5. As disgusted as Amanda acted and as

reluctant as Esau was to warm up to him, within the hour Tall had them dancing and laughing like puppets on a string. Reluctant means - A unwilling B excited C pleased D tired

6. Esau lay gasping for breath, engulfed in his own fear. Engulfed means - F comforted G delighted H swallowed up J protected

Esau wrestled himself free and continued to charge toward the burning house.

Reading Vocabulary



7 Which of the following is an opinion based on this passage? A Esau hears his wife and children

scream. B Esau keeps running toward the

burning house. C A fire fighter knocks Esau down with

water from the fire hose. D It was a mistake for Esau to pay

attention to “the sight.”

8 We can infer from this passage that F the fire fighters are not well trained. G Esau thought his children were

screaming for him to rescue them. H Esau’s family is trapped inside the

burning house. J Esau knows exactly what to do when

he arrives at the scene.

The boxes show some things that happen in the reading selection.

1

Esau hears his children

scream.

2 3

Esau hears Charity yell “No! No!”

9 Which of the following belongs in Box 2? A Esau turns down Carpenter Street. B A fireman holds Esau back. C A fireman knocks Esau down. D Esau comes to, cold and shivering.

10 Esau’s family is safely outside the house, not trapped inside as he thought. This is an example of – F foreshadowing. G a surprise ending. H figurative language. J a flashback.

When Esau turned down Carpenter Street, he saw volunteer fire fighters with hoses doing what they could to contain the fire.

Esau stumbled onto the scene like a miscued actor. Turning in confusion, he ran toward the flaming house. The heat and smoke choked him and his leg hurt, but he still kept running.

“Daddy! Daddy! Over here!” his children screamed. The smoke billowed out of the broken windows. Esau tried to run, but someone was holding him back—one of the firemen. Strengthened by a burst of adrenaline, he wrestled himself free and continued to charge.

“No! No! No!” he heard Charity Rose yell. A wall of flames towered in front of him. The heat was intense. Suddenly he felt himself

being violently pushed, jerked, and slammed against the ground, rolling and tumbling like a rag doll. He collapsed in anguish.

When Esau came around, it was just as he’d seen in the vision; he was cold and shivering, coughing, and sore. But he was surrounded by his family. Charity Rose had covered him with a warm, dry blanket.

‘Sorry I had to turn the hose on you, Esau,” said one of the firemen. “That was the only way to stop you from going inside.”

“I thought my family was—” “We were over here, Daddy,” one of his sons said. “Didn’t you hear us calling?” “The sight proved to be a blessing to us,” Amanda comforted him. “We’re safe. We’re safe.

You saved us.”




The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural Standardized Reading Practice Test: “The Woman in the Snow”


1. Altered means: A wrote down B changed C became old D fastened with a knot

2. Coaxed means: F trained G complained H insisted J persuaded

3. Substance is the same as: A material B interest C shape D desire


In which sentence does the word record mean the same thing as in the sentence above?

F Many writers keep a notebook in

which they record ideas that come to them throughout the day.

G Dante ran a record race at the state track championship last week.

H My teacher says she has no record that I turned in my homework assignment last week.

J My grandma made us listen to an old record she has of Diana Ross and the Supremes.

DIRECTIONS: Context Clues As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 5. When slick with ice and snow, the

road was even more hazardous. Hazardous means - A scenic B crowded C dangerous D bumpy

6. Although she wore a shawl over her lightweight jacket and flimsy dress, her clothing offered little protection against the elements. Flimsy means - F thin G sturdy H woolen J fashionable

Exactly one year later, on the anniversary of the record snowstorm, Grady was assigned the Hall Street Express again.

Reading Vocabulary



7 Ray decides to open the doors for Eula Mae because A he does not believe in ghosts. B he has no fear of ghosts. C she reminds him of his cousin, and he

feels sorry for her. D he is afraid she will haunt him if he

doesn’t let her on the bus.

8 Which of the following does not describe Ray’s feelings when he sees Eula Mae’s ghost? F fear G curiosity H compassion J pleasure

9 Which of the following can we infer from this passage? A Ray Hammond has never heard of

Eula Mae before this night. B Ray Hammond has never seen Eula

Mae before this night. C Ray Hammond has been looking

forward to this meeting with Eula Mae.

D Ray can hear but not see Eula Mae and her baby.

10 Ray realizes that Eula Mae hesitates to board the bus because F she has never seen an African-

American bus driver before. G she is afraid that Ray may hurt her. H she is afraid of the warm gusts of air

on the bus. J her earlier experience was so bad that

she never wants to ride a bus again.

But parked at the east side loop, staring into the swirling snow mixed with ice, Ray felt tingly, as if he were dangerously close to an electrical charge. He’d just made up his mind to close down the route and head back to the garage when he saw her. Every hair on his head stood on end.

He wished her away, but she kept coming. He tried to think, but his thoughts were jumbled and confused. He wanted to look away, but curiosity fixed his gaze on the advancing horror.

Just as the old porch stories had described her, Eula Mae Daniels was a small-framed woman frozen forever in youth. “So young,” Ray whispered. “Could be my cousin Carolyn in a few more years.” He watched as the ghost came around to the doors. Ray heard the baby crying. “There but for the grace of God goes one of mine,” he said, compassion overruling his fear. “Nobody deserves to be left out in this weather. Ghost or not, she deserves better.” And he swung open the doors.

The woman had form but no substance. Ray could see the snow falling through her. He pushed fear aside. “Come on, honey, get out of the cold,” Ray said, waving her on board.

Eula Mae stood stony still, looking at Ray with dark questioning eyes. The driver understood. He’d seen that look before, not from a dead woman but from plenty of his passengers. “It’s okay. I’m for real. Ray Hammond, the first Negro to drive for Metro. Come on, now, get on,” he coaxed her gently. (pages 83-84)




The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural Standardized Reading Practice Test: “The Conjure Brother”


1. Precisely means: A quietly B quickly C exactly D loudly

2. Vigorously means: F with great energy G sleepily H angrily J in an unsure manner

3. Confronting means: A writing down B challenging C encouraging D examining


In which sentence does the word punch mean the same thing as in the sentence above?

F Mrs. Tisbet poured the ginger ale and

orange juice into the huge punch bowl. G I need to punch holes in these

handouts so I can put them away in my binder.

H Allan gave me such a hard punch that I am sure I will have a black eye tomorrow.

J My dad has to punch in on a time clock when he arrives at his job.

DIRECTIONS: Context Clues As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 5. In the waning light they saw the

hideously deformed creature with horrible vampire teeth. Hideously means - A horribly B slightly C wonderfully D gently

6. “I won’t apologize,” Josie said defiantly. Defiantly means - F soothingly G helpfully H cheerfully J rebelliously

Josie fired off a punch to Adam’s chin, and he hit her back—hard.

Reading Vocabulary



7 Josie went back to see Madam Zinnia because A she wanted to see how Madam

Zinnia’s garden was growing. B she was hot and thirsty. C she wanted to get her money back. D she wanted to know why she got an

older brother instead of a baby.

8 Why does Madam Zinnia say that the conjure did not work correctly? F Josie said the wrong words. G Josie did the conjure in the wrong

place. H Josie did the conjure at the wrong

time. J Josie did the conjure with the wrong

attitude.

9 A good subtitle for this section would be A Big Brothers Are a Pain B Why Didn’t the Conjure Work? C Rules for Planting Roses D Rosebushes and Lemonade

10 In this passage, Madam Zinnia’s yellow roses are a physical reminder of the time and patience needed to grow living things. This is an example of F suspense. G foreshadowing. H symbolism. J irony.

“But I didn’t ask for an older brother,” [Josie] complained to Madam Zinnia. “I thought my brother was supposed to be a little baby. What happened?”

The conjure woman stopped weeding her garden, stood, and took off her sunbonnet. “Ahhh, flowers take time and lots of care to grow so pretty,” she said, wiping her brow. “Okay, now what’s this about the conjure not working? Did you do exactly as I told you?”

Josie looked down at her feet. “Not quite. I couldn’t stay awake until midnight, so I did it all at ten o’clock.”

Madam Zinnia shook her head. “Why do people mess with my stuff? That’s what happened,” she said, snipping roses. “If you had done the conjure at one minute past midnight, the beginning of a new day, you would have gotten a new life, a baby. But you went to sleep at ten, so you got a ten-year-old brother. Sorry, but Madam cannot guarantee a conjure unless it is done properly. I’m afraid you have to live with your big brother.”

Josie helped Madam Zinnia plant a beautiful yellow rosebush. “Yellow roses are my favorite,” the woman said later, pouring Josie a glass of lemonade. “It takes patience to grow them, lots and lots of patience.” (pages 95-96)




The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural Standardized Reading Practice Test: “Boo Mama”


1. Repulsion is the same as: A disgust B attraction C concern D anger

2. Someone who is bewildered is: F very tired G excited H upset J confused

3. To thrive is to: A do well B become ill C have problems D behave strangely


In which sentence does the word spring mean the same thing as in the sentence above? F The lioness crouched down, ready to

spring on the clueless young goat. G An underground spring supplied pure,

fresh water to the farm. H I am so tired of snow that I just can’t

wait until spring arrives. J The spring on our back door is broken,

so it doesn’t shut by itself any more.

DIRECTIONS: Context Clues As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 5. Rummaging through a box, Leddy

found Nealy’s tattered old brown teddy bear. Rummaging means - A walking B discarding C leaping D searching

6. The year 1968 was full of conflict and contradiction, a tumultuous time of highs and lows. Tumultuous means - F calm G troubled H pleasing J dull

Spring was inching its way up Orchard Mountain, but Leddy paid no mind to the flowering dogwoods that laced the woods.

Reading Vocabulary



7 What are Leddy’s feelings toward the hairy creature? A trust and affection B pity and concern C excitement and curiosity D fear and distrust

8 We can infer from this passage that F Leddy was hiding as she waited to see

what would happen. G Leddy has never used a gun before. H Nealy has never seen the creature

before. J The hairy creature does not

understand English.

9 Which of the following is not a sign of Nealy’s relationship with the creature?

A Nealy rushes toward it, talking in his strange language.

B The creature scoops him up in a big hug. C Nealy looks to it for permission to go

back to Leddy. D The creature does not answer most of

Leddy’s questions. 10 The hairy creature in this story

F is a kind of bear. G is a female. H frightens Nealy. J wants to hurt Leddy.

A hairy creature, big like a bear but with human features, emerged from a clump of bushes opposite Leddy. Without a single measure of fear or repulsion, Nealy rushed toward the creature, jabbering in his unknown tongue.

Gently the creature bent to scoop the child in its enormous arms, enveloping him with a big hug. “Boo Mama!” Nealy squealed happily.

Leddy watched the bizarre reunion with a mixture of fear and surprise. She was bewildered by the obvious trust and affection Nealy had for the creature. None of it made sense. Stepping from the safety of her hiding place, she aimed the shotgun at the creature’s head. “Put my baby down, or I’ll blow you to kingdom come.”

The creature pivoted and lowered Nealy to the ground. The boy clung to its legs. “Come to me, Nealy,” Leddy ordered in her no-nonsense voice, holding out her arm. Nealy was confused and looked to the creature for permission. It nodded. “Mama.” The boy walked toward Leddy, looking back to make sure his friend

was still there. “Who? What are you?” Leddy asked. “What have you done to my child?” The creature remained motionless, gazing at the gun with wondering red eyes. Leddy studied the creature cautiously. “You’re not a bear or an ape,” she reasoned. No response. “Look,” Leddy said, “if you can understand me, please say something… do

something to show me you don’t want to hurt Nealy and me.” Still no response. “Look at my son’s eyes!” she screamed. “Look at his back! He’s changing

into—what?” Hot tears stung Leddy’s face. She pushed Nealy behind her. “Please tell me what’s going on. What have you done to him? Try to understand. Nealy is all I have in the world.”

The creature sighed. “I know.” The voice was thick and raspy but clearly female. Speaking slowly, she said, “I brought him back to you.”

Nealy slipped from around his mother and rushed toward the creature. “Boo Mama!” (pp. 121-123)




The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural Standardized Reading Practice Test: “The Gingi”


1. Arrogance means: A pride B anger C enthusiasm D pleasure

2. Universal means: F thrilling G sneaky H worldwide J state-of-the-art

3. Outrageous means: A woodsy B shocking C very angry D very bright


In which sentence does the word reserve mean the same thing as in the sentence above?

F Once a month, my cousin Ben drills with

his military reserve unit. G Please reserve me a seat at lunch, since

I will be arriving late. H Little Sarah was very shy at first, but she

soon lost her reserve and joined in her classmates’ games.

J I decided to reserve judgment on Khamari’s picture until he finished painting it.

DIRECTIONS: Context Clues As you read each sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 5. Right away, Laura attacked the drab

walls with bright paint and colorful wallpaper. Drab means - A weakened B dull; plain C high D damaged

6. Laura accused the cat of the mischief and banished him to the basement. Banished him means - F entrusted him G attracted him H invited him J sent him away

“Wait,” Mrs. Aswadi called, all of her cool reserve melting away.

Reading Vocabulary



7 Mrs Aswadi does not want to sell Laura the statue because A it has sentimental value for her. B she considers it dangerous. C she doesn’t think Laura has the artistic

knowledge to appreciate it. D she is saving it for another customer.

Look at the T-chart below. Laura Mrs. Aswadi

American customer

X

African shopkeeper

believes in the spirit world8 What belongs in the space marked X ?

F teacher G well-to-do H believes in things she can understand J courteous

9 Mrs. Aswadi sets the price for the statue twenty dollars too high because A she hopes Laura will give up the idea

of buying it. B she wants to make a good profit. C she doesn’t know its real value. D she doesn’t understand American

money very well. 10 Which of the following is not true?

F Mrs. Aswadi believes the statue will put Laura and her family in danger.

G Mrs. Aswadi believes the statue contains an evil spirit in disguise.

H Mrs. Aswadi believes the statue is of Yoruban origin.

J Mrs. Aswadi believes the statue is just a piece of wood.

“How much is this piece?” Laura asked.Mrs. Aswadi looked confused, almost startled. “I—I don’t know. In fact, I’ve never seen it

before. Where’d you find it?” Laura pointed to the window display. “That’s strange,” the woman said. “This is definitely not an Asante design. And all my

pieces are Asante.” She studied the sculpture more carefully. “It looks Yoruban to me.” Worry lines creased Mrs. Aswadi’s forehead as she turned the figure over and over in her

hand. Her eyes fluttered, and she whispered something in a language Laura didn’t recognize. Then shifting to English, Mrs. Aswadi said, “I feel this is a wicked thing—very old and very powerful.” She paused. “Among the Yoruba there are terrible spirits known as the Dabobo. The Dabobo disguise themselves and wait to be taken into a home—their evil nature is awakened by this invitation.”

Laura laughed. “I don’t believe in such things. This is just a piece of wood.” “No,” Mrs. Aswadi insisted. “That is what the spirit wants you to think. Once you willingly

take it into your home, you unlock its rage. You and your family could be in grave danger.” “Oh, please,” Laura protested. “You can’t expect me to believe something so outrageous.

Are you going to sell me the piece or not?” Mrs. Aswadi stiffened. “You African Americans have forgotten so much of Africa.” She

sighed, then pulled herself tall. “Fifty dollars.” The price was too high and they both knew it. Laura decided it was time to leave. But when

she touched the figure again, tracing its shape with her fingers, she realized she had to have it. Resigning herself, she paid twenty dollars more than it was worth. (pages 128-130)




The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural

Standardized Reading Practice Test: “The Chicken-Coop Monster”


1. Quavered means: A became quiet B shook C frightened D frowned

2. Dreaded means: F disbelieved G read aloud H prepared J feared

3. Devoured means: A worried B stared at C ate quickly D threatened

DIRECTIONS: Multiple-meaning words Read the sentence in each box. Then choose the answer in which the underlined word is used in the same way. Circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 4.

In which sentence does the word spell mean the same thing as in the sentence above?

F I need to learn how to spell these words before the test on Friday.

G We had a terrible spell of hot weather the last three weeks of July.

H Will the Green Fairy reverse the spell cast by the evil witch?

J I need to rest for a short spell before I can go back in the game.

5.

In which sentence does the word scales mean the same thing as in the sentence above? A The fish was covered with beautiful

overlapping scales in a rainbow of colors.

B The butcher put the meat on the scales to weigh it before he wrapped it up.

C Each contestant scales the climbing wall using the handholds provided.

D Jerome had to learn to play seven major and minor scales before his audition for the city orchestra.

DIRECTIONS: Context Clues As you read the sentence, use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out what the underlined word means. Then circle the letter for the answer you have chosen. 6. Mustering my courage, I hugged Ma

Franky and Daddy James, just in case I didn’t get back. Mustering means - F ignoring G in spite of H gathering J denying

Obviously this monster had fourth-level power, because it had put a spell on Ma Franky.

“I imagine the monster has two big yellow eyes that glow in the dark, razor-sharp scales, and three-fingered claw hands and claw feet.”

Reading Vocabulary



7 Daddy James asks Melissa to describe

the monster in the chicken coop for all of the following reasons except: A He knows she needs to talk about

her fears to get them out in the open. B He wants her to trust him. C He is worried about what the

monster might do to the chickens. D He wants to find out exactly what she

is afraid of.

8 Which of the following pieces of information does Melissa not give her grandfather?

F what the monster looks like G the sound the monster makes H the smell of the monster J what Ma Franky thinks of the

monster

9 Most readers can probably guess that Melissa’s monster does not really exist. This is an example of - A an unreliable narrator. B verbal irony. C foreshadowing. D a flashback.

10 What is Daddy James’ purpose in telling Melissa about the monster he feared when he was a boy? F He wants to show Melissa that he

knows more about monsters than she and her friends do.

G He wants to show that he is braver than Melissa.

H He just likes to talk about old times. J He wants to encourage Melissa to

face and overcome her fear.

For a while [Daddy James and I] walked in silence. “Missy,” he said at last. “Tell me about the monster in your grandmama’s chicken coop.”

What? Was my very own grandfather a believer? I tested him. “Ma Franky doesn’t think it exists.”

“I know. But monsters are sneaky like that,” he said. “They want people not to believe in them.”

How lucky could a kid get? My grandfather knew about monster tricks. He listened while I talked about Jay, the MWA, and all ten monster rules.

“I’ve never really seen the thing in the coop, but I can feel it. And once this summer I saw its shadow. It was big! Since it lives in a chicken coop, I bet it looks a lot like a big chicken.”

“Makes sense.” “I imagine it’s got two big yellow eyes that glow in the dark, razor-sharp scales, and three-

fingered claw hands and claw feet. It stinks like a sewer.” “That sounds like a pretty powerful monster,” he said, chuckling softly. “It was a long, long

time ago, but a monster like that lived in the crawlspace under my house.” “Really?” “The thing had me so scared I couldn’t even play in my own yard. Then one night I decided

to face my monster.” “You broke monster rule one?” Daddy James laughed. “Is that the rule that says you shouldn’t face a monster alone?” I

nodded. He went on. “’Spec I did. But to keep that ol’ slinky, slimy thing from beatin’ me down, I had to take it on face to face.” (pages 162-163)


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