Research
A student is writing a research report about expeditions to the Arctic. He found a print source that is trustworthy and has accurate information. Read Source 1 and the directions that follow.
Source 1
The Arctic is the northernmost point on our planet. It is an extremely cold place that consists of a frozen ocean and frozen soil. Yet, amazingly, some animals such as the polar bear, walrus, and musk ox find it a suitable place to live. Men and women have been fascinated by the region for centuries. What is it like? How can animals live there? What else can be found in such a harsh environment?
As far back as the 1500s, people have set out on expeditions to explore the Arctic. Some people have journeyed to search for new passageways for travel. Others have set out to learn about the land and its inhabitants. History records these trips, including famous voyages of people like John Muir in the 1800s and Richard Byrd in the 1900s
The student needs to find additional sources that contain accurate information about his topic. Which source contains information that accurately supports the information in Source 1?
a. www.arcticenvironmentfund.com; Protecting endangered animals is a topic critical to scientists around the world. Care must be taken to preserve the beautiful animals of the Arctic. Click here to discover ways that you can help with this effort.
b. www.myarcticlife.com; The culture, the climate, the cold. Is it survivable? How about for an entire year? For me, it was. Click here to read my online diary of 365 days in the inhospitable Arctic Circle. Learn what it takes for the average person to survive.
c. www.arctictimeline.com; Over the years, thousands of explorers have set out to investigate the Arctic. Read the details of many of those trips at this site, and compare the quests of different travelers through our interactive timeline.
d. www.coldarcticfun.com; Traveling by ship through a frozen ocean is typically impossible. Traveling on top of the ocean, however, with an experienced pack of dogs is a memorable way to go. Ride along with six friends on their exciting journey in the latest adventure by Vivian Ellsworth.
c. www.arctictimeline.com; Over the years, thousands of explorers have set out to investigate the Arctic. Read the details of many of those trips at this site, and compare the quests of different travelers through our interactive timeline.
"Transitions"
Based on the presentation, which statement best describes how a student can make starting school easier by conserving energy?
a. They can begin new activities.
b. They can gather school supplies.
c. They can give themselves extra rest.
d. They can do some of their favorite summer activities.
c. They can give themselves extra rest.
"Throwing Heat"
Read this summary of the text and the directions that follow.
Jack and Danny walk through the Landon Middle School spring fair looking for the baseball booth. Jack is anxious to test his throwing skills to see if he can beat 75 miles an hour. On the way they run into some classmates, Jaylin and Annie. As they watch Jack warm up, their confidence in him begins to build. After he throws one pitch, his friends cheer for him, even those who bet against him. In the end, Jack throws a great pitch, and everyone is excited for him.
A key event is missing from the summary. Select the paragraph that includes the missing event.
a. By now Jack was several strides ahead of his friends, but he could still hear them arguing.
b. “Jack struck out almost everybody in our league with his fastball last year,” Danny insisted.
c. “But that was from 46 feet,” Jaylin said. “We’re in the Rising Stars League now. He’s got to throw from 60 feet 6 inches this year.”
d. Jack stopped at the edge of the games section and turned around to face his friends. “Okay, so Danny and I say I can do it,” Jack said. He pointed at Jaylin and Annie. “And you guys say I can’t.”
d. Jack stopped at the edge of the games section and turned around to face his friends. “Okay, so Danny and I say I can do it,” Jack said. He pointed at Jaylin and Annie. “And you guys say I can’t.”
"Wild in the City"
Read this statement and the directions that follow.
Cockroaches are tough insects that can withstand harsh conditions.
Select the sentence that best supports the inference.
What about the city’s tiniest wildlife? Although you might not like to think about them, cockroaches are amazingly well adapted to city life. These insects can live for two months without food and haven’t changed much since scurrying around with dinosaurs millions of years ago. No wonder they seem unstoppable! Earthworms are another urban crawler. These marvelous little wrigglers gobble up dead leaves, food scraps, and garbage and turn them into rich soil. Without worms, the trees, grass, and flowers of Central Park would not grow.
These insects can live for two months without food and haven’t changed much since scurrying around with dinosaurs millions of years ago.
Choose the sentence with no errors in spelling.
a. I like to put cookies or chocolate syrup in my milkshakes.
b. I like to put cookies or chocolate syrrup in my milkshakes.
c. I like to put cookies or choclate syrup in my milkshakes.
d. I like to put cookies or chocolate syrop in my milkshakes.
a. I like to put cookies or chocolate syrup in my milkshakes.
A student is writing a paper about the effects of social media. Read the paragraph from his paper and the directions that follow.
Social media has changed the way people receive information and communicate. Many people rely on social media for news. Almost all major news outlets have Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram accounts. Information is right at your fingertips. Social media users can share and comment on news postings. Is this a good way for us to get our news? I think not because of the need for accuracy. While some articles come from the major news stations, others are news sources set out to change your opinion on the facts. They may leave out information or offer a slanted explanation. This leadsleads readers to form an opinion without knowing all the facts. In addition, when news articles are shared, many social media users include an opinion regarding the story. Some people do not readread the entire article and only look to the comments for information. This causes confusion and false reports to spread.
The student found information in additional sources. Choose two pieces of information that best support the claim in the student’s paragraph.
a. Social media sites monitor Internet usage by tracking the clicks made on each news story.
b. Social media sites do not fact-check information that users add when they share news stories.
c. Social media posts are just a headline and not all users click the link to actually read the story.
d. Social media sites earn money by selling advertising space on their websites to different businesses.
e. Some social media contributors for news outlets are required to post news stories to social media each day.
b. Social media sites do not fact-check information that users add when they share news stories.
c. Social media posts are just a headline and not all users click the link to actually read the story.
"Transitions"
Which of the following best describes the purpose of the presentation?
a. The purpose of the presentation is to persuade listeners to establish routines and reconnect with classmates before a new school year.
b. The purpose of the presentation is to give advice on how students can make a difficult transition less hard.
c. The purpose of the presentation is to explain how we use strange terms to describe transitions.
d. The purpose of the presentation is to describe the best ways for students to get enough sleep.
b. The purpose of the presentation is to give advice on how students can make a difficult transition less hard.
"Throwing Heat"
The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part A
Which inference is supported by the text?
a. Jaylin and Annie think Jack is the best athlete at school.
b. Jack wants to be alone on his way to the baseball booth.
c. Jaylin and Annie doubt that Jack can pitch over 75 miles an hour.
d. Jack wants Danny to tell everyone how good he is.
Part B
Which evidence from the text best illustrates the inference made in part A?
a. “Jack didn't say anything. He kept walking, fast.”
b. “ ‘So what?’ Danny said. ‘You're not the best athlete in the school like Jack here.’ ”
c. “Jack smiled to himself as his friend continued to brag about him.”
d. “ ‘But that was from 46 feet,’ Jaylin said. ‘We're in the Rising Stars League now. He's got to throw from 60 feet 6 inches this year.’ ”
Part A
c. Jaylin and Annie doubt that Jack can pitch over 75 miles an hour.
Part B
d. “ ‘But that was from 46 feet,’ Jaylin said. ‘We're in the Rising Stars League now. He's got to throw from 60 feet 6 inches this year.’ ”
"Wild in the City"
Part A
Which statement best summarizes the central idea of the text?
a. Humans should stay away from rats to stay safe.
b. There are many different kinds of insects in cities.
c. Birds can be found on the rooftops of many buildings in cities.
d. Many animals live in cities even though people may not think so.
Part B
Which sentence from the text best shows an example of your answer in part A?
a. “Cities might have been built for humans, but wildlife is everywhere.”
b. “Wild animals need food, water, space to hunt or hide, and a place to raise young.”
c. “The rooftops abound with winged wildlife.”
d. “Rats can climb over almost any barrier, chew through any wall, and swim in nearly any source of water, including sewer pipes.”
Part A
d. Many animals live in cities even though people may not think so.
Part B
a. “Cities might have been built for humans, but wildlife is everywhere.”
Select the sentence that is correctly punctuated.
Whales are known to be the largest living animals in the world.Whales are known to be the largest living animals in the world. The blue whale is the largest existing whale weighing 130 tons, and measuring 115 feet in length.The blue whale is the largest existing whale weighing 130 tons, and measuring 115 feet in length. Imagine the length of approximately three school buses parked end to end and you will have the size of a whale.Imagine the length of approximately three school buses parked end to end and you will have the size of a whale. Blue whales are known to be larger than any dinosaur, that lived years ago.Blue whales are known to be larger than any dinosaur, that lived years ago.
“Whales are known to be the largest living animals in the world.”
A student is writing a research report about bears for his science teacher. Read the trustworthy sources that the student found and the directions that follow.
Source 1
Brooks Camp, part of the Katmai National Park in southern Alaska, is a great place to view a brown bear in its natural habitat. Each year, the same bears return to this area to catch salmon, which are abundant in the summer and fall. Researchers at the park have noticed that the number of bears that visit the camp is increasing. They say this is because of mild weather and an increase in the number of salmon. The park has a live webcam that can be accessed through the Internet. The webcam provides a safe view of the bears.
Source 2
The average brown bear is between five and eight feet and weighs around 700 pounds. Bears can reach a speed of 30 miles per hour while running. Bears do not like to be surprised and may attack if startled. They may also attack if they feel their cubs are threatened. When planning a camping trip to a state that has bears, always do research ahead of time to determine if there are bears in the area. While visiting a forested area that might contain bears, talk and make other noises while walking to avoid startling a bear. Bears may feel threatened by dogs, so leave your pets at home.
The student wants to include the information from the sources in his report but does not want to plagiarize the authors’ ideas from the sources. Read the paragraph from the student’s report. Click on one sentence in the paragraph that is plagiarized.
It is always amazing to see an animal in its own natural habitat. The national parks of America are a great place to do this. If you would like to see bears, the Katmai National Park in Alaska is a great place to go. Each year, bears travel to a place called Brooks Camp to feed on salmon. Researchers at the park have noticed that the number of bears is increasing. However, brown bears are extremely dangerous to humans, so the best way to observe the bears might simply be the webcam. If you visit the webcam site on the Internet, you can see everything the bears do, but you will be safe in the comfort of your own home.
Researchers at the park have noticed that the number of bears is increasing.
"Transitions"
If the purpose of the presentation is to "give advice on how students can make a difficult transition less hard," which text from the presentation best supports the purpose?
a. “Have you ever noticed that many of the terms we use to describe transitions come from the world of machines?”
b. “Here are some things that may help ease your transition from summer vacation to back-to-school.”
c. “Gathering school supplies and reconnecting with classmates help ease the transition.”
d. “Morning and bedtime routines make the rest of the year easier.”
b. “Here are some things that may help ease your transition from summer vacation to back-to-school.”
"Throwing Heat"
Read the sentence from the text.
“He looks like a decent athlete,” Jaylin whispered to Jack.
A synonym is a word that means the same or nearly the same as another word. Which word is a synonym of decent?
a. attractive
b. former
c. famous
d. worthy
d. worthy
"Wild in the City"
Read the line from the text.
But many animals have adapted to the sewers, parks, and alleys of the "concrete jungle."
What does the underlined phrase concrete jungle suggest about the author's point of view in the text?
a. The author is showing that the city is designed to mimic a jungle.
b. The author is supporting his belief that the city is an excellent place for animals.
c. The author is supporting his belief that it is necessary for animals to live in jungles.
d. The author is showing that the city has as many unique areas as the jungle does for animals.
d. The author is showing that the city has as many unique areas as the jungle does for animals.
Choose the sentence that is correctly punctuated.
a. The Sun (which is very strong today) will burn you, put on some sunblock.
b. The Sun which is very strong today, will burn you. So put on some sunblock.
c. The Sun (which is very strong today)will burn you, so put on some sunblock.
d. The Sun which is very strong today will burn you (so put on some sunblock).
c. The Sun (which is very strong today)will burn you, so put on some sunblock.
A student is writing a research report about streetcars. The student found a source. Read the source and select two underlined claims that the author makes that are supported by credible, or trustworthy, evidence.
Streetcars
Ricky Fellows, a New York artist, thinks that getting around the city is difficult. Transit in cities has always been a challenge. Streetcars were one solution to that challenge. Beginning in 1832, streetcars were cars that were pulled along rails by horses. Because the cars were on rails, it was easier for horses to pull heavier loads. This system did not work very well. According to StreetcarMuseumStories.org, these horse cars were difficult to operate and did not move very quickly. Also, cities had to hire lots of workers to keep the streets clean.
In the late 1800s, the cable car was invented. This invention changed cities forever. Transportation history expert Arthur Landing agrees. Cable cars were bigger and faster than horse cars, so horse cars were no longer used. But cable cars didn’t adjust their speed well. They would go around corners really quickly and were dangerous. Blogger Martin Carrigan guesses that hundreds of people were hurt by streetcars. Once the city of Richmond built an electric streetcar line, they became popular. Then cities got even bigger because people had good transit and could livelive farther from work. Subways, city buses, and light rail lines have replaced most streetcars today.
This system did not work very well.
AND
This invention changed cities forever.
"Transitions"
Read the sentence from the presentation and the directions that follow.
“New activities require greater physical and emotional energy than routines.”
Which statement best explains the meaning of this sentence?
a. It takes a lot of energy to maintain routines.
b. It's easier to start new routines than keep old ones.
c. New activities require more emotional energy than physical energy.
d. It takes more energy to begin new activities than to continue established ones.
d. It takes more energy to begin new activities than to continue established ones.
"Throwing Heat"
Select two details from the text that best support the idea that Jaylin and Annie do not think Jack will achieve his goal at the fair.
a. “ ‘You only have three chances to throw 75 miles an hour,’ said Jaylin Jackson.”
b. “ ‘No way,’ Annie Li said. ‘I pitch softball and throw about 50 miles an hour.’ ”
c. “ ‘Yeah, but 75 miles an hour? That’s almost as fast as major league pitchers,’ Jaylin said.”
d. “ ‘Wait a minute,’ Annie said to Jack. ‘We didn’t say you could warm up.’ She held up three fingers.”
e. “ ‘He’s pitching in our first game on Tuesday. We’d better let him warm up.’ ”
f. “ ‘Oh, no! I can’t believe it!’ Jaylin shouted.”
b. “ ‘No way,’ Annie Li said. ‘I pitch softball and throw about 50 miles an hour.’ ”
c. “ ‘Yeah, but 75 miles an hour? That’s almost as fast as major league pitchers,’ Jaylin said.”
"Wild in the City"
Read the paragraph from the text.
“Sometimes New York gets unexpected visitors. As the forests surrounding New York fill with more and more people, wild animals are forced to find new homes. New Yorkers have spotted coyotes, white-tailed deer, and gray foxes in the city. A black bear was spotted wandering past a high school just 20 miles away from the city. And in 2009, a 30-foot-long humpback whale swam into New York Harbor. Biologists, engineers, and politicians work hard to make sure city wildlife stays healthy and interacts safely with humans. A special nest for four eaglets was constructed in New York's Inwood Park. Bald eagles, which were once endangered, can now be spotted flying over Central Park. So the next time you're in New York (or any other big city), take a moment to look up, look under, and look closer."
How does the paragraph affect the central idea of the text? Select two choices.
a. The paragraph gives a vivid description of New York City.
b. The paragraph shows how cities impact endangered species.
c. The paragraph shows how the growth of cities changes the behavior of wildlife.
d. The paragraph gives more examples of animals that live in cities.
e. The paragraph gives an explanation of how bald eagles were endangered.
f. The paragraph shows why whales have even made their way to New York City.
c. The paragraph shows how the growth of cities changes the behavior of wildlife.
d. The paragraph gives more examples of animals that live in cities.
A student wrote a sentence that contains errors in punctuation. Select the two words that should be followed by a comma.
Although the teacher planned a fun creative lesson using technology the Internet connection was down that day.
“fun” AND “technology”
A student is writing a research report about healthy foods. He found a trustworthy source. Read Source 1 and the directions that follow.
Source 1
Recent research shows that certain foods can help you get a better night’s sleep if consumed in the evening. For example, almonds are a great bedtime snack because they contain magnesium which helps muscles to relax. Bananas also contain magnesium and in addition have potassium, which is connected to restful sleep too. Tart cherries, whether they are fresh, frozen, dried, or juiced can help a person fall asleep and stay asleep. They contain properties that help the body produce melatonin, which is a necessary hormone for sleep. Healthy diets should include daily consumption of at least one of these foods.
The student found two additional sources. Read Source 2 and Source 3. One of the additional sources is trustworthy. Select two facts from only the trustworthy source that support the author’s argument in Source 1.
Source 2
Ease Your Pain by Richard Weiss, blogger
site updated January, 2010
Scientists around the globe have proven that cherry juice can change your life. Drinking several ounces a day can really help certain conditions. One of these is arthritis, a condition that affects the body’s joints. Researchers think that chemicals in cherries can cause a decrease in the swelling of joints. Arthritis affects millions of Americans. People who have it can have difficulty sleeping.
Source 3
Improving Health by Tammy Craig, registered dietitian
site updated November, 2013
For years, doctors have recommended that patients eat plenty of fruits and vegetables each day for sound health. Recent studies confirm these recommendations and they specifically show why certain fruits and vegetables are good for you. For example, cherries contain many vitamins, chemicals, and antioxidants that can make you healthier. A study completed by the USDA shows that consuming 2 cups of tart cherries reduces pain from a condition called gout. Furthermore, eating tart cherries can help you sleep. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study that demonstrated that drinking cherry juice on a regular basis helped people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Furthermore, eating tart cherries can help you sleep.
AND
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study that demonstrated that drinking cherry juice on a regular basis helped people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
"The History of the Pet Cat"
Which additional information could be added to the presentation to support the claim that the relationship between humans and cats started 12,000 years ago? Select two options.
a. a comparison of ancient pet cats to modern pet cats
b. an explanation of how ancient people tamed wild cats
c. information about when humans brought pet cats to Cyprus
d. a description of societies that have valued cats throughout time
e. research showing why pet cats were important to ancient Egyptians
f. evidence showing the age of the grave with the human and the pet cat
c. information about when humans brought pet cats to Cyprus
f. evidence showing the age of the grave with the human and the pet cat
"Throwing Heat"
Select two sentences that best support the inference that Jack reached his goal.
a. Jack tossed the final baseball up and down a couple times and took a few deep breaths.
b. Finally, he wound up and threw with every ounce of his strength.
c. The ball smacked the canvas like a clap of thunder.
d. “Oh, no! I can’t believe it!” Jaylin shouted.
e. “I told you he could do it,” Danny said.
f. “Take it from me, he’s gonna strike out everybody on Tuesday.”
d. “Oh, no! I can’t believe it!” Jaylin shouted.
e. “I told you he could do it,” Danny said.
The following question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part A
What inference can be made about the author's opinion of animals living in the city?
a. The author believes that people may be frightened by wild animals.
b. The author believes that wild animals living in the city struggle to survive.
c. The author believes that animals should stay in the wild and out of the city.
d. The author believes that people can benefit from wild animals living in the city.
Part B
Which sentence from the text best supports your answer in part A?
a. “Wild animals need food, water, space to hunt or hide, and a place to raise young.”
b. “These winged mammals can eat eight mosquitoes, flies, or moths a minute.”
c. “These animals nest in sewers, attics, and in the ventilation systems of buildings.”
d. “Bald eagles, which were once endangered, can now be spotted flying over Central Park.”
Part A
d. The author believes that people can benefit from wild animals living in the city.
Part B
b. “These winged mammals can eat eight mosquitoes, flies, or moths a minute.”
Click on the two sentences that are punctuated correctly.
It was a cloudy stormy afternoon. Two children walked along a twisty narrow country road. Suddenly, a tall woman with black hair and brown eyes ran up to the children. The children were surprised to see, that it was their mother. She urged, the children, to hurry. She explained that a cold driving rain was coming. The children quickly headed toward their warm, dry house.
Suddenly, a tall woman with black hair and brown eyes ran up to the children.
AND
The children quickly headed toward their warm, dry house.