PARCC Grade 6 ELA Practice Test Questions 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: 1. What is the setting for this story?

A youth center
A homeless shelter (Correct answer)
A community center
A school

Correct answer: A homeless shelter

The story explicitly states that the narrator is volunteering at 'The Lighthouse,' which is described as a homeless shelter. This detail directly identifies the primary setting where the events of the story unfold.

Question 2: 2. If you were describing this story, what classification would you use?

Memoir (Correct answer)
Biography
Autobiography
Fiction

Correct answer: Memoir

A memoir is a narrative written from personal experience, focusing on a specific period or event in the author's life, often reflecting on its significance. This story, being a personal account of volunteering at a homeless shelter and the insights gained, fits the definition of a memoir.

Question 3: 3. In paragraph 9, what does the word "stereotype" mean?

A textbook definition of a concept
Height, weight, and physical features
A generalized idea of what something is like (Correct answer)
A description given by an authority figure

Correct answer: A generalized idea of what something is like

In paragraph 9, the word 'stereotype' refers to a widely held but oversimplified and fixed image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. It represents a generalized and often inaccurate perception, which the narrator challenges through their experience.

Question 4: 4. What point of view is used to tell this story?

First person (Correct answer)
Second person
Third person
All of the above

Correct answer: First person

The story is told from the first-person point of view, indicated by the consistent use of pronouns like 'I,' 'me,' and 'my.' The narrator is a character within the story, sharing their personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences directly.

Question 5: 5. What is the main theme of this story?

Kids can be homeless
Potatoes are difficult to peel
Serving at a homeless shelter is a good Thanksgiving project
Homelessness is everybody's problem (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Homelessness is everybody's problem

The main theme of the story is that homelessness is a pervasive issue affecting diverse individuals and families, challenging preconceived notions and highlighting its universal impact. The narrator's experience reveals that homelessness is not limited to a specific 'type' of person but can touch anyone, emphasizing its broad societal relevance.

Question 6: 6. Part A: What does the author compare the potatoes to in paragraph 3?

A tower
A mountain range
Mt. Everest (Correct answer)
A mound

Correct answer: Mt. Everest

In paragraph 3, the author uses a simile to describe the immense pile of potatoes, comparing it directly to 'Mt. Everest.' This comparison emphasizes the daunting size and quantity of potatoes they had to peel.

Question 7: 6. Part B: Based on your answer in Part A why does he make that comparison?

They were the biggest potatoes he had ever seen.
The potatoes were shaped like mountains.
The potatoes were piled really high. (Correct answer)
He just likes Mt. Everest.

Correct answer: The potatoes were piled really high.

The comparison to Mt. Everest is used to convey the sheer volume and height of the potato pile. It highlights the overwhelming task ahead of the volunteers, emphasizing that the potatoes were 'piled really high,' much like a towering mountain.

Question 8: 7. Which of the following items was not included in the Thanksgiving dinner at the shelter?

Turkey
Cranberry sauce (Correct answer)
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Pumpkin pie

Correct answer: Cranberry sauce

The story lists several items served at the Thanksgiving dinner, including turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and pumpkin pie. Cranberry sauce is not mentioned as one of the dishes served, making it the item that was not included.

Question 9: 8. What major event in the life of Chris's family led to their homelessness?

Their house burned down
Chris's mom lost her job
They had to live in their car
Chris's dad got sick and died (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Chris's dad got sick and died

The story explicitly states that Chris's family became homeless after his dad got sick and died. This tragic event led to the loss of their home and their subsequent need for shelter services.

Question 10: 9. Part A: What do you think the author's primary purpose was in telling this story?

To persuade the reader to do something about homelessness (Correct answer)
To inform the reader about The Lighthouse homeless shelter
To educate the reader on Thanksgiving service projects
To entertain the reader with a story about a personal experience

Correct answer: To persuade the reader to do something about homelessness

While the story informs and entertains, its primary purpose is persuasive. The author shares a personal experience to challenge stereotypes about homelessness and evoke empathy, ultimately encouraging readers to recognize the issue's broad impact and consider taking action or changing their perspective.

Question 11: 9. Part B: Which paragraph from the story best supports your answer in Part A?

Paragraph 3
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 1 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Paragraph 1

Paragraph 1 sets the stage by introducing the narrator's initial reluctance and preconceived notions about homelessness, which are then challenged throughout the story. This opening establishes the narrative's intent to explore and ultimately shift perspectives on the issue, supporting the persuasive purpose.

Question 12: 10. Which of the following is the best summary of this story?

In the beginning, Ben hates homeless people, but at the end, he loves them
Ben goes to a homeless shelter to serve Thanksgiving dinner and learns that homelessness affects everyone (Correct answer)
The Lighthouse is a wonderful shelter that serves individuals and families who are homeless
Ben peels potatoes, serves food, meets Chris, and then goes home

Correct answer: Ben goes to a homeless shelter to serve Thanksgiving dinner and learns that homelessness affects everyone

This summary accurately captures the protagonist's journey and the central message of the story. It highlights Ben's experience volunteering at the shelter and the profound realization he gains about the widespread and diverse nature of homelessness, which is the core takeaway.

Question 13: 11. Which of the following is Ben most likely to do in the future as a result of meeting Chris at The Lighthouse?

Avoid homeless people
Give away all his money
Try living on the street
Serve at a homeless shelter again (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Serve at a homeless shelter again

The question implies a positive and impactful experience for Ben at The Lighthouse. Serving at a homeless shelter again suggests that his meeting with Chris fostered empathy, understanding, or a renewed sense of purpose, leading him to continue contributing to the community. The other options represent negative, extreme, or unlikely outcomes given the context of a meaningful interaction at a shelter.

PARCC Grade 6 ELA Practice Test Questions 1

1.
What is the setting for this story?