Trail Map Guide

Teacher Key & Instructional Notes • Summit Seekers ELA

Standards Alignment

RL.4.2

Determine a theme of a story... from details in the text.

RL.4.3

Describe in depth a character... drawing on specific details.

RL.4.9

Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics.

Answer Key & Rationales

1. Answer: B

Rationale: Leo starts the story wheezing and ready to "turn back," convinced he isn't "mountain material." By the end, the text states the "weight of doubt... had started to lift" and he steps forward to continue the climb.

2. Answer: C

Rationale: This choice directly addresses the act of choosing to "keep going" when things are difficult, which is the definition of perseverance. The other options describe the setting (A, D) or the grandfather's actions (B).

3. Answer: C

Rationale: Finley's mother provides encouragement by reframing failure ("Then you will try again") and the sky ("it's for those who never stop trying"). This gives Finley the mental push to try his first flight.

Constructed Response Rubric (4-Point Scale)

Points	Descriptor
4	Identifies a correct theme (e.g., Courage, Overcoming Fear). Uses specific, accurate details from both texts. Explains clearly how both characters demonstrate the theme. Answer is organized and follows RACE.
3	Identifies a correct theme. Uses details from both texts, but one may be vague. Explanation is logical but could be more thorough.
2	Identifies theme but only uses details from one text OR uses details from both but misses the theme connection. Partial explanation.
1	Incorrect theme or vague details. Shows little understanding of the text comparison.

Exemplar Constructed Response (RACE)

[R/A] The theme shared by both "The View from the Summit" and "Finley’s First Flight" is that perseverance and courage are needed to overcome fear and reach your goals.

[C] In the first story, Leo is ready to give up on the mountain climb because he thinks he isn't "mountain material." However, after talking to his grandfather, he "decided not to turn around" and kept climbing even though his legs hurt. Similarly, in the second story, Finley is terrified of falling from his nest. His mother tells him that the sky is for those who "never stop trying," which leads Finley to close his eyes and lean into the air to fly.

[E] Both characters show that even when you are afraid or physically tired, you can succeed if you choose to take the next step or flap your wings. They both have to overcome their own doubts to reach the summit or the sky.

Mountain Mission Teacher Key

Mountain Mission Teacher Key

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