reading comprehension

 Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below

                                          The Storm

“Crack-crack…kowowww! Thunder, and then a shock of lightening etched its 
reflection upon the corrugated metal siding,” Rowan read aloud.
She worked to read clearly, with depth and emotion. Her eyes scanned the next 
paragraph. She took a breath to continue, but was interrupted by her younger 
brother Nolan, stretched out on the living room couch, flicking a pencil against his 
forehead.
“I was never a big fan of onomatopoeia,” Nolan said, in his usual, supercilious
manner. “It is impossible to write words that truly sound like a thunderstorm, a jar 
opening, or a falling tree, yes? But please, do continue.”
Rowan sucked her teeth. “That’s why I can’t stand doing this in front of you, Nolli. 
You are no help at all. Haven’t you something better to do?”
“Ha! Better than to annoy you before your moment of reckoning? I don’t think so.” 
Nolan's enjoyment of getting under his big sister’s skin was fully conspicuous.
“Nolli, please keep quiet!” Mother Ann broke in. “This is important. Rowan 
presents in less than an hour. She needs to focus. Row, sweetheart, please 
continue.”
Mother Ann's comments seemed to assuage Rowan’s irritation. She cleared her 
throat and continued where she had left off. “Farmer John knew this was a storm 
of epic proportion. Even the cows retreated to their hutches. Not one person in 
the…”
“The cows retreated? The cows retreated?” Nolan chortled upon hearing the 
repetition of this line in his own voice. “That’s great. Even the stupid cows 
retreated! Oh, man. That must have been one heck of a storm-a-brewin’. Mama, 
I’m scared!” Nolan howled at the ceiling and curled up into a tight little ball of 
laughter.
“Nolli!” Mother Ann shouted suddenly, her thunderous voice tantamount to the 
rumbling storm Rowan was attempting to capture in her reading. Nolan gave a 
little start. "You have no idea how difficult it is to speak in front of a crowd. Your 
sister has been preparing for this presentation for weeks and I swear if you 
don't..."
Mother Ann continued to castigate Nolan most thoroughly, scolding him for his 
rudeness and lack of respect. Then, feeling as though she had achieved the 
intended effect, she sighed rather contentedly and reclined in her chair. 
Sometimes she reminded even herself the fury by which, if completely necessary, she could quell any quarrel.
Nolan had fallen silent and was now sitting upright, his hands folded before him.
He actually appeared a bit remorseful.
“Oh, Mother,” Rowan sighed, crumpling to the floor, despondent . “It’s no use.
‘The Storm’ shall be the end of me.”
“Ahh, but Rowan, my dear,” Mother rejoined. “This is but a mere shower!”



Questions:
1. As used in paragraph 3, which is the best definition for onomatopoeia?
    A. a story that is told orally
    B. a word that imitates the sound it represents
    C. the repetition of the initial letter sound
    D. the repetition of similar vowel sounds
    E. the use of very detailed description

2.Why does Rowan get upset with Nolan?
   I. because he is annoying her
   II. because he interrupts her reading
   III. because he is making fun of her delivery of the reading

   A. I only
   B. II only
   C. I and II
   D. II and III
   E. I, II, and III

3.As used in paragraph 3, which is the 
   best definition for supercilious?
   A. arrogant and haughty
   B. comical and carefree
   C. gifted with words 
   D. youthful and smart
   E. playful and obnoxious



4. Which of the following words best 
    describes Nolan's personality?
    A. juvenile
    B. malicious
    C. intelligent
    D. playful
    E. easygoing


5. What is Nolan most likely referring to when he jokes about Rowan's "moment 
    of reckoning"?
    A. the end of her life
    B. an upcoming presentation
    C. a time when Mother will yell at Rowan
    D. a time when Nolan will annoy Rowan even more
    E. the moment when Rowan's father returns home


6. In the middle of the story, the author writes, "Mother Ann's comments 
    seemed to assuage Rowan’s irritation." Which is the best way to rewrite this 
    sentence, while keeping its original meaning?
    A. Mother Ann's comments made Rowan feel worse. 
    B. Mother Ann's comments were intended to defend Rowan.
    C. Mother Ann's comments did nothing to help Rowan. 
    D. Mother Ann's comments helped to ease Rowan's irritation. 
    E. Mother Ann's comments proved that Rowan is rightfully irritated.


7. As used at the end of the story, which is the best antonym for despondent?
    A. hopeless
    B. irritated
    C. optimistic
    D. critical
    E. humiliated


8.What does Mother Ann most likely mean when she tells Rowan, "This is but 
    a mere shower"?
    A. It has started to rain outside.
    B. Rowan's presentation will be a disaster.
    C. The piece Rowan is to read is poorly written.
    D. Mother's anger with Nolan was just for show.
    E. Rowan’s present situation isn't that bad.


9. If X is tantamount to Y, then X
   A. is longer than Y
   B. is less than Y
   C. equals Y
   D. and Y have no connection

10. If Mother Ann is castigating Nolan, what is she doing?
     A. yelling at him
     B. abusing him
     C. threatening him
     D. punishing him
     E. antagonizing him