The first Saturday after they moved to Gordenton, Marta and her older brother,
Chase, set out on foot to explore the downtown area. Marta and Chase lived at the top of a hill on the east end of Main Street. From their home, they had a view of the town's center, which was about six blocks away.
As they strolled down the hill, Chase shoved his hands into his jeans pockets and let out a "Humph!" while looking around the neighborhood. "I'm going to be bored out of my gourd here," he complained. "I wish we'd never left Houston." In Houston, Chase had been an actor in a community theater and had helped design scenery for productions, and he was now certain that his life in the theater had come to a screeching halt.
The two passed a flower shop and then a restaurant that had a big "Closed- Gone
Fishing!" sign posted on the front door. Next, they passed Mike's Appliance and Furniture Store, and then Mrs. Johnson's Bakery, where delicious odors drew them inside to buy two molasses cookies from Mrs. Johnson herself.
"What a charming place," observed Marta after they left the bakery to resume their inspection of Gordenton.
"Humph!" responded Chase sullenly.
As the two continued their tour of Main Street, Marta noticed a theater across the street whose sign said, "Thornton Wilder's Our Town, June 14 through 28."
"Wonder of wonders!" Marta exclaimed to her brother, whose eyes grew wide when he saw the theater. The kids crossed the street for a closer look at the theater.
Taped to the box office window was a small notice that read "Actors needed for upcoming production. Stagehands and scenery designers also needed. Contact Nancy Hagerty at 555-6897." Chase memorized the phone number. "Wonders indeed!" he said with raised eyebrows and a smile, exaggerating his acting voice.
"Perchance I shan't be bored in Gordenton after all."
1. What is the main idea of the story?
A. A boy wants to return to his hometown so he can act in the school play.
B. A brother and sister discover a quaint bakery in a new town.
C. A brother and sister have a hard time making friends in a new town.
D. A brother and sister come across interesting opportunities in a new town.
2. What is the result of the siblings' walk through their new town?
A. They see that the new town has appealing things to offer.
B. They see many places they want to revisit another day.
C. They see a big pond and decide to go fishing.
D. They ask their parents if they can move back to Houston.
3. What can the reader infer about Chase's initial attitude towards the town?
A. He is looking forward to finding new activities
B. He is worried about having trouble finding friends.
C. He thinks Gordenton will lack theater opportunities.
D. He thinks the town will have several theater groups.
4. What will most likely happen next in the story?
A. Chase will continue to resent the family move to Gordenton.
B. Chase and Marta will ask their parents if they can move back to Houston.
C. Chase will have a hard time finding friends who share similar interests.
D. Chase and Marta will enjoy living in Gordenton.
D. Chase and Marta will enjoy living in Gordenton.
1. The main idea of the story is D. A brother and sister come across interesting opportunities in a new town.
2. The result of the siblings' walk through their new town is A. They see that the new town has appealing things to offer.
3. The reader can infer that Chase's initial attitude towards the town is C. He thinks Gordenton will lack theater opportunities.
4. Based on the story, the most likely to happen next is D. Chase and Marta will enjoy living in Gordenton.