(1) When I was little, Grandma always played with me. (2) She taught me how to dance, and she made beautiful clothes for my dolls. (3) She was my special friend, but I had no idea just how special until I was in ninth grade. (4) Since my family did not have much money, I knew I would never be able to buy a great dress for the school dance. (5) That did not stop me from dreaming, however. (6) Many nights, after I had finished my homework, I would sketch the "perfect" dress. (7) I kept all the sketches on my bedside table. (8) I guess I figured that was a good place to store impossible dreams.

(9) One Monday, Mom and Grandma agreed that we should start shopping for my dress. (10) I dreaded shopping for it; I knew I would face a big disappointment when I found nothing close to my "perfect" dress. (11) Nevertheless, we decided that we would shop for my dress on Saturday.

(12) That Friday night at dinner, Grandma seemed unusually cheerful as she asked, “What’s cooking, Natalie?” (13) When I replied, “Not much,” she sang out, like a happy little bird, “Oh, Natalie! I have a surprise,” and reached under the table to pull out a huge, flat box. (14) When I opened it, I gasped and burst into tears. (15) Grandma had made my “perfect” dress! (16) When I looked over, I saw that she was crying, too. (17) "I'm sorry," she said, now laughing. (18) "I was so worried it wouldn't be what you hoped for," she said. (19) "I love it," I said and gave her a hug.

Which of these best describes the main conflict that Natalie faces?

A. an internal conflict: her decision about whether to go to the dance

B. an internal conflict: her feelings about her grandmother's gift

C. an external conflict: her struggle to design a perfect dress for the dance

D. an external conflict: her inability to obtain a perfect dress for the dance

In sentence 12, Grandma uses the expression, "What's cooking?" How does her use of this expression help characterize her?

A. It hints at the gift she is about to give Natalie.

B. It suggests that she does not respect Natalie.

C. It shows that she is cheerful and informal.

D. It suggests that she is helpful and full of ideas.

Which statement best describes Grandma as the author presents her?

A. She is practical and quite stern.

B. She is helpful and generous.

C. She is funny and full of jokes.

D. She is thrifty and a bit argumentative.

Which statement best expresses the main theme of this passage?

A. Social events are very important.

B. Many people care too much about their appearance.

C. It is very hard to do without material goods.

D. Love can help make dreams come true.

The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.

Part A

Given the details in the passage and your own knowledge of human behavior, what inference can you make about why Grandma made Natalie's "perfect" dress?

A. Grandma wanted to make Natalie's dream come true.

B. Grandma always loved to make doll clothes for Natalie.

C. Grandma did not want to buy Natalie a beautiful dress.

D. Grandma was bored and wanted an interesting project.

Part B

What details from the passage help support the answer to Part A?

A. She taught me how to dance, and she made beautiful clothes for my dolls.

B. . . . after I had finished my homework, I would sketch the "perfect" dress.

C. Nevertheless, we decided that we would shop for my dress on Saturday.

D. "I was so worried it wouldn't be what you hoped for," she said.

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