Context Clues
Transition Words
Persuasive Techniques
Morphology
Main Idea/Claim/Theme
100

The frigid air made my fingers numb, and I had to put on gloves to stay warm. What does the word frigid most likely mean?

A) Warm
B) Cold
C) Wet
D) Dry

B) cold

100

What is the best transition word for this sentence? "He didn't study for the test. ______, he failed.
a) Similarly
b) Consequently
c) Although
d) Furthermore

b) Consequently

100

What is one way an author can logically support their claim in a text? (appeal to logic and reason)

A) By including personal opinions without evidence
B) By using facts and examples that relate to the claim
C) By making the text longer with extra words
D) By ignoring counterarguments

B) By using facts and examples that relate to the claim

100

What is a meaning of the Latin suffix -ation (or -ion)? 

a) say, speak, or tell

b) condition or process of

c) capable of or worthy of

b) conditon or process of

100

Maria loved spending time in her grandmother's garden. Every Saturday, she would visit and help her grandmother tend to the flowers. Her grandmother taught her how to care for each plant, explaining that with patience and love, anything could grow. Maria realized that just like plants, people also need care and kindness to bloom. This thought stayed with her as she grew older, reminding her of the importance of nurturing relationships.

What is the theme of the paragraph?

  • A) The importance of friendship
  • B) The joy of traveling
  • C) The value of patience and kindness
  • D) The excitement of adventure

C) The value of patience and kindness

200

Lena found the cat’s peculiar behavior strange; it kept staring at the wall and meowing. What does the word peculiar most likely mean? 

A) Normal
B) Unusual
C) Friendly
D) Quiet

B) unusual

200

Which transition word shows cause and effect?

A) First
B) Although
C) As a result
D) Meanwhile

C) As a result

200

What type of appeal is used when an author presents statistics to support their argument?

a) appeal to emotion 

b) appeal to reason

c) appeal to authority

b) Appeal to reason

200

Based on your knowledge of the Latin suffix -ation, what does the word acculturation mean as it is used in the following sentence? Moving to a new country can lead to acculturation as people adjust to different foods, languages, and lifestyles.

A) A sudden change in a country’s population
B) The process of adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of another group
C) The rejection of all new customs and traditions
D) A temporary visit to another country 

B) The process of adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of another group

200

Every year, monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles from North America to central Mexico. This journey is one of the most fascinating migrations in the animal kingdom. Scientists have studied their migration patterns for years, but many questions remain unanswered. Monarchs rely on environmental cues like temperature and sunlight to guide their journey. Along the way, they face numerous challenges such as predators and loss of habitat. Despite these obstacles, the monarchs' migration continues to be an incredible natural phenomenon.

What is the main idea of the passage?

  • A) Monarch butterflies are endangered.
  • B) Monarch butterflies have a fascinating migration journey.
  • C) Scientists know everything about monarch migrations.
  • D) Monarchs only live in central Mexico.

B) Monarch butterflies have a fascinating migration journey.

300

The old bridge was in a precarious condition, swaying dangerously in the strong winds.
What does the word precarious most likely mean?

A) Safe
B) Unstable
C) Strong
D) New


B) Unstable

300

Which transition word best completes the sentence?

We packed our bags, checked out of the hotel, and, ______, got into the taxi to the airport.
A) Finally
B) Before
C) Instead
D) Although

A) Finally

300

Which method of persuasion is primarily focused on making the audience feel something?

  • a) Ethos (appeal to ethics/credibility)
  • b) Pathos (appeal to emotion)
  • c) Logos (appeal to reason)

b) Pathos (appeal to emotion)

300

The Latin root -gratulari- means "to wish joy." Which of the following words uses this word part?

A) Congratulate
B) Gratitude
C) Gravitate
D) Graduate

A) Congratulate

300

Many people believe that school uniforms should be mandatory in all schools. They argue that uniforms create a sense of equality among students, reducing bullying and peer pressure related to clothing choices. Additionally, uniforms can save parents money and time spent on choosing outfits. On the other hand, some argue that uniforms limit personal expression and individuality. Despite this, the benefits of having uniforms, such as creating a focused learning environment, outweigh the drawbacks.

What is the main claim in the passage?

  • a) Uniforms limit personal expression.
  • b) Uniforms are expensive.
  • c) Uniforms create a focused learning environment.
  • d) Uniforms are unnecessary.

c) Uniforms create a focused learning environment.

400

After hiking in the hot sun for hours, Liam was parched and needed a big glass of water. What does parched most likely mean? 

A) Very tired
B) Very thirsty
C) Very hungry
D) Very cold

B) Very thirsty

400

Which transition word shows contrast between two ideas?

A) Similarly
B) In addition
C) However
D) Therefore

C) However

400
  1. What is being used when a speech makes the audience feel inspired and motivated?

    • A) Ethos (appeal to ethics/credibility)
    • B) Pathos (appeal to emotion)
    • C) Logos (appeal to reason)

B) Pathos (appeal to emotion)

400

Which source would be the best one for determining the origin of a word?

a) thesaurus

b) dictionary

c) atlas

b) dictionary

400

Recycling is an essential practice for protecting our environment. It helps reduce waste in landfills, conserves natural resources, and decreases pollution. By recycling, we can save energy and reduce the need for raw materials. Individuals and communities should prioritize recycling to ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

What is the main claim of the paragraph?

  • A. Recycling is too difficult for most people.
  • B. Recycling is essential for protecting our environment.
  • C. Recycling is only important for businesses.
  • D. Recycling costs too much money.

B. Recycling is essential for protecting our environment.

500

Even though the two sisters had a contentious relationship, they always supported each other in tough times.
What does the word contentious most likely mean?

A) Friendly
B) Cooperative
C) Argumentative
D) Loving

C) Argumentative

500

Which sentence(s) uses a transition word correctly?

A) We were hungry. Because, we went to a restaurant.
B) She loves to read. For example, she finishes one book every week.
C) I wanted to go outside. Next, it was raining.
D) He studied hard. Before, he passed the test.

B) She loves to read. For example, she finishes one book every week.

500

Which persuasive technique is being used in the following argument? 

We should have a longer recess because research shows that increased playtime improves focus and concentration in the classroom, allowing students to learn better after recess.

appeal to reason

500

What does centralization mean in the following sentence?

The centralization of the school district meant that all the schools had to follow the same rules made by the main office.

A) The process of making independent decisions in different places.
B) A process whereby social groups and institutions become increasingly dependent on a central group or institution
C) The act of removing rules and allowing more freedom.
D) A way to separate groups so they can work on their own.


B) A process whereby social groups and institutions become increasingly dependent on a central group or institution

500

Cell phones have become an essential part of our daily lives. Many people argue that they are necessary for staying connected with family and friends. However, others claim that cell phones can be a distraction, especially in school settings. Some believe that students should not be allowed to use cell phones during school hours because they can interfere with learning. On the other hand, some argue that cell phones can be valuable educational tools when used appropriately.

What is the main claim made against cell phones in schools?

  • A) They are too expensive.
  • B) They can interfere with learning.
  • C) They are outdated technology.
  • D) They help students make friends.

B) They can interfere with learning.

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