Common Core Practice Test Reading Passages

Common Core Practice Test Reading Passages with Bloom's and WEBB's Test Questions | One or Two minute Fluency Drills 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade 

Grade | Class  4, 5 and 6 Fluency Drills

Tales of Space and Time | The Crystal Egg

Wells, H. G.

There was, until a year ago, a little and very grimy-looking shop near Seven Dials, over which, in weather-worn yellow lettering, the name of "C. Cave, Naturalist and Dealer in Antiquities," was inscribed. The contents of its window were curiously variegated. They comprised some elephant tusks and an imperfect set of chessmen, beads and weapons, a box of eyes, two skulls of tigers and one human, several moth-eaten stuffed monkeys (one holding a lamp), an old-fashioned cabinet, a flyblown ostrich egg or so, some fishing-tackle, and an extraordinarily dirty, empty glass fish-tank. There was also, at the moment the story begins, a mass of crystal, worked into the shape of an egg and brilliantly polished. And at  that two people, who stood outside the window, were looking, one of them a tall, thin clergyman, the other a black-bearded young man of dusky complexion and unobtrusive costume. The dusky young man spoke with eager gesticulation, and seemed anxious for his companion to purchase the article. CWPM 164

While they were there, Mr. Cave came into his shop, his beard still wagging with the bread and butter of his tea. When he saw these men and the object of their regard, his countenance fell. He glanced guiltily over his shoulder, and softly shut the door. He was a little old man, with pale face and peculiar watery blue eyes; his hair was a dirty grey, and he wore a shabby blue frock coat, an ancient silk hat, and carpet slippers very much down at heel. He remained watching the two men as they talked. The clergyman went deep into his trouser pocket, examined a handful of money, and showed his teeth in an agreeable smile. Mr. Cave seemed still more depressed when they came into the shop. The clergyman, without any ceremony, asked the price of the crystal egg. Mr. Cave glanced nervously towards the door leading into the parlor, and said five pounds. The clergyman protested that the price was high, to his companion as well as to Mr. Cave—it was, indeed, very much more than Mr. Cave had intended to ask, when he had stocked the article—and an attempt at bargaining ensued. Mr. Cave stepped to the shop-door, and held it open. "Five pounds is my price," he said, as though he wished to save himself the trouble of unprofitable discussion. As he did so, the upper portion of a woman's face appeared above the blind in the glass upper panel of the door leading into the parlor, and stared curiously at the two customers. "Five pounds is my price," said Mr. Cave, with a quiver in his voice. CWPM 275 + 164

Blooms and WEBB'S DOK Discussion Questions!! 

1. How would you finish writing this story? 
2. What conclusions can you draw from both people wanting to buy the article (The Crystal Egg)?
3. How would you react to finding a brilliantly polished Crystal Egg in a thrift shop?
4. Can you predict some outcomes if ether or neither of the men purchase the The Crystal Egg?
5. What is your interpretation of the author’s main idea or moral to this story?
6. How would you describe the opening sequence of events and their importance to the story?
7. Can you elaborate on the reason why the author used contrasting characters that want to buy the The Crystal Egg?
8. What would happen if the The Crystal Egg has supernatural power or amazing alien technology?
9. Can you formulate a theory for why the men want to buy The Crystal Egg?
10. Can you explain what it means when Anna feels ground to the bone by her boss?
11. How would you compare the tone of The Crystal Egg to other Science fiction stories? 
12. How would you summarize the feelings of the merchant towards the customers?
13. What do you notice about the authors use of Mr. Caves demeanor and falling countenance? 

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Antiquity noun

(usually plural) objects or customs belonging to ancient times.

This wing of the museum is dedicated to antiquities.

Comprise transitive verb    

    

to include. The fitness center comprises a pool as well as racquetball courts.

to consist of. This list comprises the names of all the students who passed the reading test.

Countenance noun

approval or an expression of approval.

She gave little countenance to her assistant's proposal.

His parents refused to give their countenance to the marriage.

Dusky adjective

dark or rather dark in hue.

a dusky complexion

Gesticulation noun

the act or an instance of using hand movements, as to add emphasis or expressiveness to speech. He could not hear what she was saying, but her frantic gesticulation told him that something was very wrong.

Inscribe transitive verb

to write one's name or a short comment or dedication in or on (a book, photograph, or the like given as a present). He asked the composer to inscribe his copy of the sheet music.

Naturalist noun

a person who has expertise in or is devoted to the study of the natural sciences, especially botany and zoology.

Peculiar adjective

belonging distinctively or uniquely to a person, group, thing, or situation. a habit that is peculiar to bats

Unobtrusive adjective

not noticeable; inconspicuous.

Variegated adjective

showing variety or diversity, especially in having patches, spots, streaks, or the like of various colors.

MORE CCSS ELA Reading Test Passages all Grades