Summer Travels
Charlie and his older brother, Bryan were driving to Washington, D. C.—the first week of Summer
Break—-with their parents' minivan for a two–week excursion. This was the first time that the boys had
ever ventured out without the supervision of their parents or the company of their three younger
siblings. They were excited to be free to explore.
"We've finally reached the National Monument Charlie, wake up!" Bryan screeched.
As his brother wiped his face and sat upright in the back of the minivan, he looked around and
responded cheerfully— "By the looks of things, today is going to be an awesome day!"
The brothers scoured the streets near Foggy Bottom, until they were able to find public parking not
too far from the State Department building. They realized they'd have to do some walking but that was
what the trip was all about.
"We've never vacationed outside of Georgia so this is going to be an experience to add to my photo
essay for American Government."
Puzzled, Bryan turned and squinted his eyes. "I never had to write one of those in American
Government, that actually sounds painful!" Bryan sneered.
"Really, Bryan?" remarked Charlie.
The tension between the two brothers quickly mounted, when Bryan blurted out, "Not only do you
have to write an essay about your summer, but pictures too? I'd skip it!"
Prepared to retort something back at his brother with as much cutting sarcasm, Charlie shook his
head and looked out the window. Can I really enjoy the moment, when this means taking pictures for my
essay?
Discouragingly, Charlie unbuckled his seat belt and gathered his things. Understanding that they had
planned their vacation out and had dedicated time for everything, including visiting their aunt Chelsea in
Boston the next day, Charlie collected himself quickly.
Almost quizzically, Bryan thought about the exchange of words he had with Charlie. I wonder if I said
too much to him and now he's discouraged about this? He always gets so wrapped up in school!
Shaking his thoughts off, Bryan yelled out to Charlie to get things moving.
Accepting that he'll have to shake this one off, Charlie climbed out of the car.
"Bry, you always have a way of trying to psyche me out, but not today! This is great experience for a
future photojournalist!"
Bryan smiled and nodded his head, accepting that he could easily turn the situation around for the
worse.
"Make sure you grab the camera and its strap, you're taking pictures, no excuses!" remarked Charlie.
"Sure! I owe you. . . I said a lot, its just that you're a teenager, have fun!" Placing one arm around
Charlie and waving the other in the air, Bryan smiled. "Let's go buddy!"
The brothers walked the distance from where they parked to the monument arm in arm. Realizing that
they were only a few hours from Boston, they jokingly shared about how they planned to extend their
vacation and stay a while longer.

1. Which sentence from the passage supports the idea that Charlie and Bryan have a great relationship?
A. Really, Bryan?" remarked Charlie.
B. We've finally reached the National Monument Charlie, wake up!
C. Bry, you always have a way of trying to psyche me out, but not today!
D. Placing one arm around Charlie and waving the other in the air, Bryan smiled.

2. From the passage the reader can tell that
A. Bryan is confused about why Charlie has to complete a photo essay when he is on summer break.
B. Bryan is thrilled about hearing that Charlie has to use his summer vacation to do homework.
C. Charlie is excited that he will be able to forget about his photo essay because he is on summer
break.
D. Charlie is frustrated that he has to spend his summer vacation working on a photo essay.

3. Which can be inferred from the passage?
A. Both Bryan and Charlie are having problems because of their different points of view.
B. Both Bryan and Charlie are thrilled to be exploring without their parents around.
C. Bryan is more focused on school and his future career, while Charlie is more carefree and enjoys
having fun.
D. Bryan is more carefree and enjoys having a good time and Charlie is more focused on school and
his future career.