Editorial Development: Bonnie Brook Communications

SKILL PRACTICE
Read each question. Fill in the bubble next to the correct answer.
 1. When did the Poe Toaster visit Edgar Allan
Poe’s grave?
A 
on the anniversary of Poe’s death
B 
on Poe’s birthday each year
C 
on Halloween
D 
on a different day each year
 2. It is most likely that the Poe Toaster visited the 
grave each year to 
.
A 
encourage people to read poetry
B 
pay tribute to Poe’s legacy
C 
solve the mystery of Poe’s death
D 
hide his identity from others
 3. The setting where the Poe Toaster’s ritual takes 
place can best be described as 
.
A 
sad and traditional
B 
remote and secret
C 
melancholy and dark
D 
chaotic and maddening
 4. The people who gathered to watch the Poe Toaster 
in later years were 
.
A 
interested in the ritual
B 
curious about his identity
C 
suspicious of his motives
D 
critical of an old tradition
STRATEGY PRACTICE
List one or two words you found confusing and describe how you figured out
their meanings.
 
Character and Setting
3458.indb 66
10/31/12 7:34 AM

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© Evan-Moor Corp. • EMC 3458 • Daily Reading Comprehension 
67
Name: 
WEEK 10
DAY 3
READ THE PASSAGE
As you read, underline information in the passage that hints at the passage’s theme.
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
People often think about the importance of making a good first impression at a job interview, but you 
also make an impression any time you meet someone new. Whether the context is making new friends at 
school or meeting new co-workers on the job, you can take purposeful, positive steps to make sure that 
the first impression you make is your best.
Although it may sound like a contradiction, one of the best ways to make a good impression is to focus 
on the other person, not yourself. Show that you are interested in a new person by asking him or her 
questions and listening to the responses carefully. Repeating someone’s name when you first meet is a 
good way to show that you are paying attention, and it can also help you remember the person’s name 
later. Try not to tell long stories about yourself right away. Even your most amusing stories can fall flat if 
you have not gained someone’s respect first.
It is important to be yourself and act naturally when you meet someone for the first time, but you 
should also try to present your best side. Be positive and energetic; whining or complaining right away can 
make you seem negative. Do not push yourself to be funny or entertaining. Straining to tell a funny joke 
may come across as desperate, and some humor, such as sarcasm, can turn people off.
How you physically appear can be as important as what you say. You do not have to look perfect, just 
clean. Pay attention to your grooming, and think about what your clothes say about you when deciding 
what to wear. Your body language is equally important. Slouching or crossing your arms in front of you can 
make you seem uninterested or insecure. Stand straight, look people in the eye, and do not forget to smile.