Passage Picker

Important

Pages: 50 – 51 Paragraph: 6

First two words: They drove

Last two words: dazzled him.

This is an important passage because ­it shows us that Mark is finally starting to realize that things might not be so bad in his new hometown.

How do you think Mark felt when he looked out the window of Leon’s car and saw all of the beautiful surroundings?

            I think Mark felt relieved.  He felt relieved because he finally started to see that there were beautiful things all around him.

Answer one of these questions in a complete sentence(s): Why did the author include this passage in the story?  What does this passage add to the story?

            I think the author decided to include this passage in the story because it shows a turning point in Mark’s attitude.  So far in the book, Mark has been very sad and negative, and this passage is showing that his attitude may be beginning to change.

Descriptive

Page: 59 Paragraph: 4

First two words: ­The door

Last two words: was rusty.

This is a descriptive passage because it describes what Mark sees as he enters the old barn for the first time.

How do you think Mark felt when he opened the barn doors and saw all of the things mentioned in the passage?

            I think Mark felt excited.  He has just found a new place to explore, and this passage talks about all of the things in the barn for Mark to see.

Answer one of these questions in a complete sentence(s): Why did the author include this passage in the story?  What does this passage add to the story?

            I think the author included this passage in the book to describe to readers what Mark sees as he opens the barn doors.

Informative

Page: 63 Paragraph: 2

First two words: During those

Last two words: hours outside.

This is an informative passage because it informs us of how many new things Mark discovered in his first two weeks in his new home.

How do you think Mark felt when he learned all of these new things?

            I think Mark felt very accomplished.  He was having trouble adjusting to his new home, and when he started exploring and learning so many new things, he began to adjust better.

Answer one of these questions in a complete sentence(s): Why did the author include this passage in the story?  What does this passage add to the story?

            I think the author included this passage in the story to inform readers of all the things Mark had learned thus far.

Foreshadowing

Page: 65 Paragraph: 1 (first full paragraph on page 65)

First two words: On the

Last two words: for action.

This is a foreshadowing passage because it introduces us to the fact that Mark has gotten an idea and it gives the readers a hint that this idea will play an important part in the story.

How do you think Mark feels now that he has an idea?

            I think Mark is excited about his idea.  The last sentence in the paragraph states that it was time for action, and this shows that Mark is excited about what he has come up with.

Answer one of these questions in a complete sentence(s): Why did the author include this passage in the story?  What does this passage add to the story?

            This passage adds suspense to the story.  The passage tells us that Mark has an idea, but not what the idea is.  This keeps readers in suspense as to what the idea is and what will happen next.