The Last Bus
Written by Studio AM.
Your result
- Words per minute
- Score
- Pace
Words per minute mean something only with the score beside them. They describe this passage on this read. With fewer than 3 right, try the next slower pace.
Choose a pace and select Start. The passage is paced and timed, then the questions check what you understood. How pace mode works
Reading time 0:00
Mara watched the bus pull away from the stop, its red lights shrinking into the dark. She had been three steps too slow. For a moment she just stood there, her bag heavy on her shoulder, the rain starting again.
Then she laughed, a small surprised sound. She could have walked the long way home and arrived tired and grumpy. Now she had a reason to call her sister, who lived two blocks away and always kept the kettle warm. She turned up her collar and headed down the side street, almost glad the bus was gone.
The passage is hidden while you answer. It comes back with your result.
Questions
Choose an answer. The explanation appears after you answer.
-
Question 1 of 4
How does Mara feel by the end of the passage?
The answer is A: Quietly pleased about a change of plans
She laughs and is 'almost glad the bus was gone' because missing it gives her a reason to visit her sister.
-
Question 2 of 4
Why does Mara decide to go down the side street?
The answer is B: To visit her sister who lives nearby
The text says her sister lives two blocks away and she heads off to call her, turning toward the side street.
-
Question 3 of 4
In this passage, 'grumpy' most nearly means
The answer is B: irritable
She imagines arriving 'tired and grumpy,' meaning bad-tempered or irritable.
-
Question 4 of 4
What is this story mostly about?
The answer is A: A missed bus that turns into a welcome visit to her sister
Mara misses the bus, but instead of staying upset she sees the good side: now she has a reason to visit her sister. She heads off "almost glad the bus was gone."
Score: none answered yet.