PARCC Grade 8 ELA Practice Test Questions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 1. What is the best way to describe Gawaine's character?
- Fearless and excitable
- Careless and frigid
- Spiritual and careful
- Cowardly and apathetic (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Cowardly and apathetic
Based on the context of the story (implied by the series of questions about Gawaine), Gawaine is consistently portrayed as unwilling to face challenges and lacking enthusiasm. His actions and attitudes throughout the narrative suggest a character who is both afraid (cowardly) and indifferent (apathetic) to his responsibilities, particularly regarding dragon fighting.
Question 2: 2. What is the meaning of "his better nature"?
- An increased sense of honesty
- A man's ignoble ideas
- A desire for propriety
- A man's nobler instincts (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A man's nobler instincts
The phrase 'his better nature' refers to the more virtuous, honorable, or moral aspects of a person's character. It implies a person's higher qualities or impulses, often in contrast to more selfish or base instincts. Therefore, 'a man's nobler instincts' is the most accurate and direct interpretation of this idiom.
Question 3: 3. How does the Headmaster put the professor at ease about Gawaine?
- He tells him that Gawaine will only fight small dragons.
- He assures him that Gawaine's contract has not expired.
- He talks to him about the animals that have been killed by the dragons.
- He mentions that Gawaine will be given a magic word. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: He mentions that Gawaine will be given a magic word.
In the narrative, the Headmaster attempts to reassure the professor about Gawaine's safety and prospects. He does this by revealing that Gawaine will be equipped with a 'magic word,' implying it will offer protection or assistance in his dragon-fighting endeavors. This specific detail is presented as the Headmaster's method of alleviating the professor's concerns.
Question 4: 4. What would be a good question for the Headmaster to consider?
- Will Gawaine try hard to fight the dragons?
- Will Gawaine want to learn about fighting dragons? (Correct answer)
- Will the professor let Gawaine learn about dragons?
- Will the professor teach Gawaine to fight the dragons?
Correct answer: Will Gawaine want to learn about fighting dragons?
Given Gawaine's implied character (cowardly and apathetic from Q7), a crucial consideration for the Headmaster should be Gawaine's willingness to engage with the training. It's not enough for the professor to be willing to teach or for the opportunity to exist; Gawaine's personal desire and motivation to learn about fighting dragons are paramount to any potential success.
Question 5: 5. Suppose that Gawaine's parents have him removed from the school. Would the Headmaster still want Gawaine to learn to fight dragons?
- No, he would be happy with the tuition payment. (Correct answer)
- No, he would think that Gawaine would eventually return.
- Yes, because Gawaine is naturally very tall and strong.
- Yes, because Gawaine will get a special word for protection.
Correct answer: No, he would be happy with the tuition payment.
The Headmaster's primary concern, as suggested by the context of the story, appears to be financial gain rather than Gawaine's personal development as a dragon fighter. If Gawaine's parents removed him but the tuition was already paid, the Headmaster would likely be content with the payment and the absence of a potentially difficult student, indicating his motivation is transactional.
PARCC Grade 8 ELA Practice Test Questions 1
1.
What is the best way to describe Gawaine's character?