1. Unit 5 Week 1
Sixth Grade

2. Now answer Numbers 1 through 10.
Base your answers on “Through the Eyes of a Spider”.

3. 1. Read this sentence from the passage.
I would take filaments of silver, gold, and all the colors of the rainbow and weave them into magnificent rugs and tapestries.
The origin of the word filament is the Latin word filare, meaning “to spin” or “to draw out in a long line.” What type of materials is Arachne using?
fine threads
bright paints
smooth paper
modeling clay

4. 2. What is the main problem in the passage?
Arachne is young and very foolish.
Arachne offends the goddess Minerva.
Arachne believes she is better than the gods.
Arachne weaves a tapestry that mocks the gods.

5. 3. Read this sentence from the passage.
The looms taunted each other as they rocked with creative activity.
The author compares the looms to people to emphasize
the level of fear Arachne feels.
the level of danger from weaving on large looms.
the level of interest from people watching the contest.
the level of competition between Arachne and Minerva.

6. 4. Read this sentence from the passage.
How can the gods continue to reign over the world if we humans exceed them in our arts and our skills?
The origin of the word reign is the Latin word regis or rex, meaning “king.” Which word is most likely to also come from the same word origin as reign?
princess
regal
run
train

7. 5. Minerva tries to teach Arachne a lesson by
challenging her to a weaving contest.
weaving a tapestry that is better than hers.
appearing to her in disguise with a warning.
threatening to take away her ability to weave.

8. 6. At the end, Arachne brings punishment on herself by
weaving a tapestry that mocks the gods.
boasting that she is better than all the gods.
claiming she is the best weaver in all Greece.
weaving tapestries that make Minerva jealous.

9. 7. Read this sentence from the passage.
“There must be a punishment,” she said sternly, “and it will not be temporary.”
The origin of the word temporary is the Latin word tempus, meaning “time” or “season.” Which word is most likely to also come from the same word origin as temporary?
temperate
temper
temperature
tempo

10. 8. Why does Minerva turn Arachne into a spider?
to teach Arachne a lesson about honor
to punish Arachne for her excessive pride
to take revenge on Arachne for insulting her
to prevent Arachne from winning the contest

11. 9. Read this sentence from the passage.
The change was quite traumatic, let me tell you!
The word trauma comes from a Greek word meaning “wound.” Which best describes the traumatic experience in the sentence above?
a sudden turn
a serious injury
a painful surprise
a shocking memory

12. 10. Which best states a theme of the passage?
Do not be so proud.
Choose your friends wisely.
Taking risks can lead to opportunities.
Do your best work at all times to be successful.

13. Now answer Numbers 11 through 20.
Base your answers on “Rainbow Crow.”

14. 11. What is the main problem in the passage?
Crow loses his rainbow feathers.
The animals are threatened by winter.
Crow must carry the fight of fire to Earth.
The animals must choose a messenger.

15. 12. Read this sentence from the passage.
The animals also considered Owl because of her wisdom and because she was an aerial creature.
The origin of the word aerial is the Greek word aer, meaning “air.” Knowing this, if you aerate something you
drain it.
weigh it.
measure it.
supply air to it.

16. 13. Why does Rainbow Crow fly to see the Great Sky Spirit?
to prove his courage to the other animals
to ask the Great Sky Spirit to stop the snow
to get fire to melt the snow and warm his friends
to ask the Great Sky Spirit to save him from hunters

17. 14. Read this sentence from the passage.
“You are a potent spirit, so you can stop the snow.”
The origin of the word potent is the Latin word potens, meaning “able.” Knowing this, what does it mean if a person has potential?
He or she is powerful.
He or she has a royal heritage.
He or she is skilled at something.
He or she is capable of doing something.

18. 15. The Great Sky Spirit helps the animals by
A. giving Rainbow Crow the gift of fire.
offering to protect them from people.
turning Rainbow Crow’s feathers black.
stopping the snow and ending the winter.

19. 16. Read this sentence from the passage.
All the animals rejoiced, and Crow was acclaimed for his bravery.
The origin of the word acclaim is the Latin word clamare, meaning “to shout.” When Crow is acclaimed, the animals
remember Crow’s bravery.
eagerly praise Crow’s bravery.
are angry about Crow’s bravery.
speak to each other of Crow’s bravery.

20. 17. What problem does Crow face after visiting the Great Sky Spirit?
The other animals do not appreciate his bravery.
The people who appear on Earth hunt him for food.
He loses his rainbow colors and his beautiful voice.
He is buried in the snow that keeps falling on Earth.

21. 18. Read this sentence from the passage.
The Great Spirit came down to the tree where Crow had sought solitude.
The origin of the word solitude is the Latin word solus, meaning “alone.” Knowing this, how many people does it take to play a game called solitaire?
one
two
three
four

22. 19. Which sentence best states a theme of the passage?
Courage is more important than beauty.
Make sacrifices when the reward is great.
True friends will support you in difficult times.
Volunteer for any job that will help your community.

23. 20. Which human characteristic is Rainbow Crow given?
bravery
cleverness
leadership
loyalty

24. Essay Paragraphs
Compare the points of view of the narrators in “Through the Eyes of a Spider” and “Rainbow Crow.” How do the narrators help readers understand the lesson or theme of each story? Include accurate, explicit text evidence about the narrator from each story.