It’s All Academic

Keep reading to find out more about the experiences of the Schuyler Middle School students who appear on an academic quiz show.

1 The bus was filled with energy and excitement. Students were talking and laughing, but there was also a bit of nervous energy in the air. As the bus rounded the corner and pulled into the parking lot at the television studio, Mr. Ishikawa cleared his throat.

2 “I want to thank each one of you for your hard work. I know that many of you have had to put other activities on hold for the intensive training we’ve done in the past weeks.

3 “Whether or not Schuyler Middle School wins today’s competition, I’m proud of you all,” Mr. Ishikawa continued. “It’s a great honor just to have qualified to be on Quiz Power. Schuyler is proud to have you represent our school. Just do your best, and enjoy yourselves today. ”

4 The members of the team cheered as Mr. Ishikawa finished his speech. The students knew they were ready for almost any question the quizmaster might pose. They couldn’t wait to get started.

5 Inside the studio, the students were met by Annette Cane, the show’s executive producer. Ms. Cane was a tall, friendly woman with thick auburn hair and an infectious laugh. Within a few minutes, she had put all the contestants at ease. When the competing team from Brighton Park arrived, Ms. Cane made quick introductions and passed out drinks.

6 “I’m sure you’ve already heard this a hundred times today,” she told the room of expectant students, “but the most important thing you can do during the competition is to relax and have fun. Do your best to ignore the cameras and the microphones. Once the announcer has finished asking a question, you will want to ring your buzzer as soon as you think you have the answer.

7 “People tend to speak more quickly when they are nervous, so just try to answer slowly and calmly when it’s your turn. ” She smiled sympathetically at the students who were beginning to look tense. “Do you have any questions before we begin taping?”

8 Gabriel, a seventh-grader from Schuyler, waved his hand. “Will the winning team come back to compete for the championship?” he asked.

9 Ms. Cane nodded. “The championships are held in the spring. The winning teams from the rest of the year will participate in playoffs to determine the final four teams. Each member of the winning team will receive a $1,000 college savings bond. The winning school will also receive two brandnew, fully-equipped computers. ”

10 “Who chooses the questions that are used during the show?” asked Monique, an eighth-grader from Brighton Park.

11 “We have a panel of researchers who compile a list of questions. They come together to narrow down the list of questions and determine which ones will actually be used in the show. Each question is given a rating to ensure that the level of difficulty progresses as the game goes on. ” Ms. Cane glanced at the platform where there were places for each team and a podium for the announcer.

12 “Any more questions?” she asked. The students were silent, focused on the task ahead of them. “Then, let the game begin!”

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1. What prize will the team that wins the championship receive?

2. Do you think that Mr. Ishikawa is a good coach? Why or why not?

3. In paragraph 5, the author describes Ms. Cane as having “an infectious laugh. ” What do you think this means?

4. What are three words you could use to describe Ms. Cane’s personality?

5. What purpose would a reader have for reading this selection?

for pleasure or entertainment

for information

to learn how to be on an academic game show

6. Why does Ms. Cane say that the questions are rated?

7. The student contestants are nervous before the quiz show starts. How do you calm yourself when you’re nervous before a big event?

Spectrum Reading Grade 6

103