Question

narrative passage: the forgotten backpack
marcus stood near the edge of the playground, shifting the weight from one foot to the other. the bell had already rung, and most students were heading inside the school building. the sky was gray, and a cool breeze pushed fallen leaves across the blacktop. marcus glanced toward the swings, then down at the ground near the bench where he had been sitting earlier.
earlier that morning, marcus had rushed out of the house after realizing he was running late. he stopped briefly and barely remembered to grab his jacket. with internal panic, he ran to avoid being late to the science presentation he was supposed to give that day. now, standing alone and feeling jittery, his heart began to race.
marcus suddenly turned and jogged toward the bench. his backpack was still there, resting against the metal leg. he let out a long breath and picked it up, holding it tightly. the school doors were still open, and he knew he could make it in time for the bell.
as marcus walked inside, the hallway lights flickered on, and the sound of lockers slamming echoed around him. he adjusted the strap on his backpack and straightened his shoulders. this time, though, he wouldn’t be in such a panic. marcus felt ready to start the rest of the day.

inferential comprehension questions:

1. who is most likely the first person marcus will see after entering the school?

a. his best friend
b. a teacher or staff member
c. the principal at an assembly
d. his parents

1. what time of day does the story most likely take place?

a. late afternoon
b. early evening
c. early morning
d. midnight

1. where was marcus before he realized his backpack was missing?

a. in the science classroom
b. at home
c. on the playground near the bench
d. in the hallway

1. why does marcus feel his heart begin to race?

a. he is afraid of the weather
b. he remembers he left something important behind

Explanation:

Question 1

To determine who Marcus will see after entering the school, we analyze the passage. The text mentions "the sound of teachers chattering around him" and "he adjusted the straps on his backpack and straightened his shoulders. From inside, he could hear the principal’s voice over the intercom, 'Marcus! I need you to start the reason of the day'". This implies a school staff member (teacher or staff) interaction. Option B (A teacher or staff member) aligns with this context. Option A (best friend) has no support, C (principal at assembly) – the intercom is a call, not an assembly yet, D (parents) is unlikely as he's at school.

For the time of day, the passage says "Earlier that morning, Marcus had rushed out of the house...", "The sky was gray, and a cool breeze...", and he is heading to school (implies morning). "Late afternoon" (A) or "Early evening" (B) don't fit the "earlier that morning" context. "Midnight" (D) is wrong. So "Early morning" (C) is correct.

To find where Marcus was before realizing his backpack was missing, the text states "Earlier that morning, Marcus had rushed out of the house after realizing he was running late. He stopped briefly to grab his jacket. With internal protests, he ran to the science presentation he was supposed to give that day. Now, standing alone..." Then he realizes the backpack is missing. So before this, he was at home (B). A (science classroom) is where he was going, C (playground) is outside school, D (hallway) is after entering.

Answer:

B. A teacher or staff member

Question 2