Selection

Name: Date:
Test

Read the paired selections in your Student Edition and choose the best answer to each question.

Embarrassed? Blame Your Brain

by Jennifer Connor-Smith

The Ravine
by Graham Salisbury

1 Based on the “Words Do Hurt Like Sticks and Stones” subheading in “Embarrassed?,” the
reader can reasonably predict that paragraphs 5–8 will —
provide examples of how some kids are bullied
list advantages of conducting scientific research
define the technical terms in the illustration above
explain how negative feelings are similar to physical pain

2 Read this sentence from paragraph 9 of “Embarrassed?”

Activity in one system can amplify or cancel out activity in another.
Amplify and cancel out are antonyms. What is the meaning of the word amplify as used in
this sentence?
Strengthen
End
Make louder
Take away

3 In “Embarrassed?,” the section “Embarrassment Has an Unfair Advantage” is organized to

show the —
ways teens can overcome negative thoughts
positive and negative impacts of social pain
types of positive feelings teens may experience
way understanding of social pain has changed over time

Grade 6 1 Selection Test

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4 Read this sentence from the informational box titled “Need Help?” in “Embarrassed?”
You can’t directly shut down this threat alert system, but you can trick your brain into
doing it.
What is the most likely meaning of the phrase threat alert system in this context?
A system that turns off one’s feelings
A system that prepares one’s body to fight
A system that cannot be controlled
A system that helps trick the brain

5 Which sentence shows the correct use of commas?

Because, their brains are not fully developed teens often experience more embarrassment
than adults.
Because their brains, are not fully developed, teens often experience more embarrassment
than adults.
Because their brains are not fully developed, teens often experience more embarrassment
than adults.
Because their brains are not fully developed teens, often experience more embarrassment
than adults.

6 How does Vinny feel about going to the pond and the waterfall, based on paragraphs 13–17 of
“The Ravine”? Cite evidence from the story to support your answer.

Grade 6 2 Selection Test

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7 In “The Ravine,” which word or phrase from paragraph 31 helps the reader understand the
meaning of the word murky?
large boulder
pond
brown water
waterfall

8 Which two words best describe how Vinny feels at the end of “The Ravine”?
Boastful
Calm
Curious
Embarrassed
Relieved

9 In “The Ravine,” which detail indicates that Vinny’s friends do not agree with the choice
he made?
They tell him that they don’t agree.
They do not speak to him.
They shout and wave at him.
They laugh and joke with each other.

10 Which quote from “Embarrassed?” best explains the main conflict in “The Ravine”?
Spending time with other kids becomes a top priority. (paragraph 3)
Fitting in becomes essential. (paragraph 3)
Some people have especially reactive pain-response systems. (paragraph 8)
Social pain hurts, but it also makes us nicer. (paragraph 13)

Grade 6 3 Selection Test

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11 Based on the information in “Embarrassed?” and the plot events in “The Ravine,” how do
you think Vinny will react the next time his friends try to persuade him to do something he
does not want to do? Cite evidence from both selections to support your answer.

12 Read the sentence below.

Vinny’s brain sent signals of embarrassment ________ his friends said he was too afraid
to jump.
Which subordinating conjunction best fills in the blank and connects the two thoughts?
although
if
unless
when

Grade 6 4 Selection Test

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National Common Core State Standards - English - 2010 K–12 Answer Key:
Embarrassed? Blame Your Brain / The Ravine
Selection Test
Item Item Stem Correct CCSS DOK
Number Answer

1 Based on the “Words Do Hurt Like D RI.6.3 2

Sticks and Stones” subheading in
“Embarrassed?,” the reader can
reasonably predict that paragraphs 5–
8 will —

2 Read this sentence from paragraph 9 A L.6.5.b 2

of “Embarrassed?”
Activity in one system can amplify or
cancel out activity in another.
Amplify and cancel out are antonyms.
What is the meaning of the word
amplify as used in this sentence?

3 In “Embarrassed?,” the section B RI.6.3, 2

“Embarrassment Has an Unfair RI.6.5
Advantage” is organized to show
the —

4 Read this sentence from the B L.6.4.a 2

informational box titled “Need Help?”
in “Embarrassed?”
You can’t directly shut down this
threat alert system, but you can trick
your brain into doing it.
What is the most likely meaning of
the phrase threat alert system in this
context?

5 Which sentence shows the correct use C L.6.2.a 2

of commas?

Grade 6 5 Selection Test

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 Item Item Stem Correct CCSS DOK
Number Answer

6 How does Vinny feel about going to Sample Answer: Vinny feels uneasy about going RL.6.1, 3
the pond and the waterfall, based on to the waterfall with his friends. His actions RL.6.3,
paragraphs 13–17 of “The Ravine”? reveal this. He “grabbed at roots and branches RL.6.5
Cite evidence from the story to to keep from falling,” “winced,” and “saw a
support your answer. footprint in the mud and stepped around it.”

7 In “The Ravine,” which word or phrase C L.6.4.a 2

from paragraph 31 helps the reader
understand the meaning of the word
murky?

8 Which two words best describe how B, E RL.6.3 2

Vinny feels at the end of “The
Ravine”?

9 In “The Ravine,” which detail indicates B RL.6.1, 2

that Vinny’s friends do not agree with RL.6.3
the choice he made?

10 Which quote from “Embarrassed?” B RI.6.9 3

best explains the main conflict in “The
Ravine”?

11 Based on the information in Sample Answer: The next time his friends try to RL.6.1, 3
“Embarrassed?” and the plot events persuade him to do something he doesn’t want RL.6.9,
in “The Ravine,” how do you think to do, Vinny will likely be better able to stand up RI.6.1
Vinny will react the next time his to them. After he backs out of jumping, Vinny
friends try to persuade him to do feels a sense of peace. The positive feelings
something he does not want to do? Vinny experiences will likely cause him to fear
Cite evidence from both selections to rejection less in the future. In addition,
support your answer. “Embarrassed?” says that people experience the
most fear of rejection and embarrassment in
their teens, so Vinny will soon be growing out of
these feelings. The author also says that the
more we practice talking ourselves out of
negative thoughts, the more we are able to
withstand them. The text says, “Over time, it
rewires your brain.”

Grade 6 6 Selection Test

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 Item Item Stem Correct CCSS DOK
Number Answer

12 Read the sentence below. D L.6.3.a 2

Vinny’s brain sent signals of

embarrassment _______ his friends
said he was too afraid to jump.

Which subordinating conjunction best

fills in the blank and connects the two
thoughts?

Grade 6 7 Selection Test

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