Set Up the Story and Characters Practice Test

Read the beginning of the story: "On Saturday afternoon, I spread my note cards across the living room rug and practiced my speech for student council. My sister Keisha sat on the couch with a timer and raised one eyebrow every time I rushed. 'Try again, but slower,' she said, tapping the screen. I took a deep breath because the tryouts were first thing Monday." How does the writer introduce the characters?

The opening paragraph shows: "I pushed open the classroom door and froze because every desk was in a circle. It was my first day at a new school, and I didn’t know where to sit. A boy named Marcus scooted his chair back, making room, while our teacher, Ms. Patel, wrote 'Welcome' on the board." How clearly does the opening establish the situation?