ACT English Practice Test 10

Lil’ Lou

The old cedar chest hadn’t been opened nor its contents examined in years, maybe even a decade or more. My grandmother had asked me to help her sort through some of her old belongings, giving me a rare opportunity to hear some of her stories from long ago and, consequently, revealing my own personal history. Grandma had been widowed long ago, and I knew very little about my grandfather other than what a wonderful man he had been. This was the recurring description of my grandfather whenever his name was mentioned Q1 to anyone who had known him: the person would slowly move his lowered head from side to side and softly mutter, “A wonderful man … he was a wonderful man.”

[1] That afternoon, I found myself standing in front of the chest with my grandmother by my side. [2] Grandma had been putting off opening the chest, which was sure to be an emotional experience. Q2 [3] She knew better than anyone else that vast memories were stored in this treasure, trove, and the Q3 mere opening of its lid would stir up a flood of happiness and grief, spinning and growing like a hurricane out of control. [4] Truth be told, the kind of help Q4 my grandmother needed when opening the chest was more likely emotional than physical. [5] I was ready and eager, and with my help as a buffer, Grandma was ready, too. Q5

The moment the air hit the wooden box interior, Q6 a strong waft of cedar scent made its way to our noses.

My grandmother having explained Q7 that the source of this forest-like aroma made it possible for the artifacts inside the chest to remain intact, with no moth holes or tattered fabric. Sure enough, as my grandmother lifted the first item out of its tomb, I could see that the garment was very old, but at the same time it appeared very new. It was my grandfather’s wool flying jacket from World War II. Grandma hugged it to her chest for several moments before holding it out in front of her, as if she could see my grandfather wearing it. I simply sat and watched, waiting for her to tell me about it and about him.

Grandpa had been a pilot during the war, flying Q8 what was known as a Stinson L-5 Sentinel. Besides, when Q9 Grandpa first decided to fly, his dream had been to man bomber planes; he desperately wanted to be on the frontline of the air defense. After taking the appropriate instruction, he was removed from the bombing corps because of his imperfect eyesight, and his dream was shattered. For Grandma, this was her dream come true; Grandpa’s chances of returning home safely to his new wife, and, daughter Q10 were much higher with their Q11 new designation as a liaison pilot. Q12

As my grandmother told my grandfather’s story, she mindlessly examined his jacket, putting her hand down one sleeve, turning to see its back, and sticking her fingers into each lined pocket. Tucked into the breast pocket of my grandfather’s heavy flight jacket was a small black and white photo. It was my grandfather standing in front of his large plane,Q13 his “Lil’ Lou,” which was painted on the plane’s nose, along with a happy little pink rabbit with a bright orange carrot. I knew instantly that the L-5’s nickname was a loving reference to my grandmother, whose Q14 given name was Louise.

Q15