The Sneeze That Nearly Silenced History
October 14th
The air in the Great Library of Oakhaven is always thick with the scent of aged parchment, linseed oil, and the dry, sweet smell of dust. To most, it is the scent of knowledge; to me, it is a constant, tickling threat. My name is Ignis, and I am a dragon. I am also the head conservator of the Rare Manuscripts Wing. This is a precarious combination of identities, much like storing a lightning bolt in a glass jar. My kin usually spend their days guarding mountains of gold in drafty caves, but I found my calling among the vellum and the ink. The problem, however, is that I am biologically programmed to be a walking furnace.
- Conservator:
- A person responsible for the repair and preservation of historical items or museum collections.
- Vellum:
- A high-quality writing surface traditionally made from the skin of a young animal.
- Precarious:
- Not securely held or in a position that is dangerously likely to fall or collapse.
- Mitigate:
- To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
- Radiate:
- To emit energy, especially light or heat, in the form of rays or waves.
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Main Idea
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Context Clues
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Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Point of View
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Purpose
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Structure
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Language & Tone
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1Why does Ignis consider the scent of the library to be a 'tickling threat'?
- 2What is Ignis's specific job title at the Great Library of Oakhaven?
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About this diary entry passage for Middle School
“The Sneeze That Nearly Silenced History” is a diary entry reading passage about Self-Discipline, written for Middle School. It takes about 6 minutes to read (890 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.