Narrative Techniques
More Narrative Techniques
Grammar Use and Application
Vocabulary and Connotation
Wild Card
100
Read the passage.
The Storm Watcher
For as long as Mateo could remember, his grandfather had taught him to watch the sky. During summer afternoons, they sat together on the porch while his grandfather pointed out changes in the clouds, shifts in the wind, and the sudden silence of birds before a storm. By the time Mateo was thirteen, he could recognize signs of dangerous weather almost immediately.
People in the town sometimes joked that Mateo acted like an old-fashioned weather station. His grandfather would laugh and remind them that farmers had studied the sky long before weather apps existed.
One afternoon, Mateo and his younger sister were hiking behind their family’s property when the wind suddenly cooled. Mateo noticed dark clouds gathering beyond the trees and heard the distant rumble of thunder. “We need to head home now,” he told his sister. Although she complained that they had just arrived, Mateo insisted. Minutes after they reached the house, heavy rain and lightning swept across the trail.
Which statement describing how the author uses a narrative technique is BEST supported by the text?
A. Mateo’s character is developed through dialogue, showing that he learns an important lesson about protecting his sister during the storm.
B. Mateo’s character is developed through exposition, highlighting his knowledge and experience with weather to explain his later actions.
C. The setting is developed through an allusion to traditional weather practices, highlighting the larger history behind the approaching storm.
D. The setting is developed through descriptions of Mateo’s family property, providing important context for the story’s central conflict.
B. Mateo’s character is developed through exposition, highlighting his knowledge and experience with weather to explain his later actions.
100
Read the sentence.
Because the hiking trail had become dangerously crowded, park officials decided to ______ the number of visitors allowed on the trail each morning.
Which word BEST completes the sentence based on its connotation?
A. restrain
B. hinder
C. limit
D. obstruct
C. limit
100
Read the paragraph from a student’s informational report.
Another important Georgia wetland inhabitant is the American alligator, a reptile commonly found in freshwater marshes, swamps, and rivers. Alligators create small ponds called alligator holes that can provide water for other animals during dry periods. These remarkable animals can also influence the populations of fish, turtles, and other organisms in their habitats. Scientists monitor alligator populations because changes in their numbers can provide information about wetland ecosystems. Conservation programs have helped protect alligator habitats throughout the southeastern United States.
Which revision should the student make to remove subjective language and maintain an appropriate style for the assignment?
A. Another important Georgia wetland inhabitant is the commonly observed American alligator.
B. Alligators create small ponds that can provide water for other animals during dry periods.
C. Alligators can influence the populations of fish, turtles, and other organisms in their habitats.
D. Conservation programs have helped protect alligator habitats throughout the southeastern United States.
C. Alligators can influence the populations of fish, turtles, and other organisms in their habitats.
100
Which sentence uses the word competent correctly?
A. Since Marcus was a competent swimmer, the coach trusted him to assist younger students during practice.
B. Despite its high price, the new microscope was competent enough to earn the approval of the science department.
C. Students must complete a competent orientation program, including a safety demonstration and written assessment.
D. Whether or not the new school schedule is competent, families must decide whether they support the proposed changes.
A. Since Marcus was a competent swimmer, the coach trusted him to assist younger students during practice.
100
Explain 3 distinct reasons why you should not use AI to cheat on your assignments or tests?
1. Your teacher would rather see you try your best and get it wrong than cheat and get it right.
Making mistakes is part of learning. I care more about your effort, growth, and honesty than a perfect grade that you did not earn.
2. Cheating with AI does not mean you actually learned the information.
You might get a free A, but you still do not know the content. When you get to something like WriteScore, Milestones, or another assessment where you cannot use AI, you will have to show what you actually know. If AI did the work for you, you will not have the skills or knowledge you need.
3. You are smarter than AI, so give yourself a chance to prove it.
AI can generate an answer, but it does not know what YOU know, think, feel, or understand. Your brain can make connections, ask questions, be creative, solve problems, and learn from mistakes. The goal is not to prove that AI can do your work. The goal is to prove what YOU can do. Do not let a computer do something that your brain is capable of learning to do.
200
A student is writing an informational report about efforts to restore forests damaged by wildfires.
Which sentence BEST uses figurative language to appeal to the reader’s emotions?
A. Environmental groups keep an eye on damaged forests, tracking the growth of newly planted trees and native vegetation.
B. During recent years, restoration programs have planted thousands of trees in areas damaged by severe wildfires.
C. Restoration teams use fallen branches as shelters for small animals to hide, rest, and escape from predators.
D. Replanting efforts help the wounded forest recover like a patient receiving careful treatment after a serious injury.
D. Replanting efforts help the wounded forest recover like a patient receiving careful treatment after a serious injury.
200
Earlier in a story, Malik notices that the lights in the old theater flicker whenever the building’s electrical system becomes overloaded. Later, he and his friends enter the theater during a storm. Just before they reach the basement, the lights begin flickering again.
Which statement BEST explains how foreshadowing and plot structure work together to create an effect?
A. Revealing that Malik dislikes dark spaces creates tension when he must decide whether to enter the basement.
B. Revealing that the theater is old creates relief when Malik and his friends successfully enter the building.
C. Revealing the meaning of the flickering lights creates suspense when they begin flashing before the characters enter the basement.
D. Revealing that flashlights are stored nearby creates anticipation when the electrical system eventually stops working.
C. Revealing the meaning of the flickering lights creates suspense when they begin flashing before the characters enter the basement.
200
Read the paragraph from a student’s draft text.
The red-tailed hawk is a powerful bird of prey that lives throughout North America. It searches open fields for mice, rabbits, and other small animals. Hawks often circle high above the ground while watching carefully for movement. Once an animal is spotted, it is quickly captured by the hawk’s sharp talons.
Which sentence revision is needed to maintain active voice?
A. The red-tailed hawk, a powerful bird of prey, lives throughout North America.
B. It searches open fields and hunts mice, rabbits, and other small animals.
C. Hawks circle high above the ground, carefully watching for movement below.
D. The hawk quickly captures the animal with its sharp talons after spotting it.
D. The hawk quickly captures the animal with its sharp talons after spotting it.
200
A student knows that the Latin root -ject- means “to throw.”
Which word BEST completes the sentence?
During the eruption, the volcano can ________ ash and rock high into the atmosphere.
A. object
B. reject
C. eject
D. project
C. eject
200
Question 12 — Dictionary Entry
Read the dictionary entry.
drift
verb
- to move slowly without a definite direction
- to gradually change from one condition or subject to another
noun
- a slow movement caused by wind or water
- a large pile formed by wind or flowing material
Which definition matches the meaning of drifts as it is used in the sentence?
The small boat drifts quietly across the lake as the gentle current carries it away from shore.
A. definition 1
B. definition 2
C. definition 3
D. definition 4
A. definition 1
300
Question 13 — Connotation and Author’s Purpose
Read the excerpt.
Residents have visited Pine Mountain for generations to hike its trails and enjoy its views. Many longtime visitors affectionately refer to the mountain as “Old Pine,” a nickname heard frequently in nearby communities.
Why did the author MOST LIKELY refer to the mountain by its nickname “Old Pine”?
A. to suggest that visitors are unfamiliar with the mountain’s official name
B. to suggest that local residents have a casual, affectionate relationship with the mountain
C. to suggest that the mountain’s trails are old and difficult for visitors to travel
D. to suggest that the mountain became more popular after hiking trails were developed
B. to suggest that local residents have a casual, affectionate relationship with the mountain
300
Select the sentence that BEST supports the theme about respecting the power of nature.
Maya had visited the ocean every summer since she was a child.
A. She loved walking along the shore and watching sunlight sparkle across the waves.
B. Although Maya was an experienced swimmer, she stayed on shore when the lifeguard warned that the powerful current could pull even strong swimmers away from the beach.
C. Dark clouds gathered beyond the horizon, and waves crashed loudly against the sand.
D. Maya packed her belongings and watched the storm approach from the safety of the hotel.
B. Although Maya was an experienced swimmer, she stayed on shore when the lifeguard warned that the powerful current could pull even strong swimmers away from the beach.
300
A student writes:
Growing best in cool, shaded environments, areas beside mountain streams provide ideal conditions for the maidenhair fern.
Which revision BEST corrects the modifier error?
A. In areas beside mountain streams that remain cool and shaded, the maidenhair fern grows successfully.
B. Areas beside mountain streams that remain cool and shaded support the maidenhair fern, growing successfully.
C. To grow successfully in cool and shaded environments, mountain streams provide ideal conditions for the maidenhair fern.
D. Because it grows successfully in cool, shaded environments, the maidenhair fern is well adapted to areas beside mountain streams.
D. Because it grows successfully in cool, shaded environments, the maidenhair fern is well adapted to areas beside mountain streams.
300
Which word BEST completes the sentence using the correct part of speech and meaning?
After years of ______ rule, the territory established its own independent government.
A. imperial
B. empire
C. emperor
D. imperialized
A. imperial
300
Read the paragraph.
Thunder rolled across the valley, and the wind bent the trees as we hurried toward the shelter. Rain struck the trail harder, and branches snapped somewhere behind us. Then everything stopped.
How does the syntax contribute to the reader’s understanding of the text?
A. Changes in verb tense suggest that unexpected future events will occur.
B. The long opening sentence develops the setting primarily through imagery.
C. The simple sentence following longer sentences impacts the pacing.
D. Adjectives emphasize the quick succession of events leading to the conflict.
C. The simple sentence following longer sentences impacts the pacing.
400
Read the paragraph from a student’s narrative.
The forest narrowed around us as the trail climbed toward the ridge. Branches scratched against our backpacks, and loose stones slipped beneath our shoes. Ahead, the trail disappeared around a steep bend. ________. I grabbed the nearest tree trunk as my feet slid toward the edge of the path.
Which sentence should go in the blank to MOST effectively develop the action?
A. A stone suddenly broke loose beneath my shoe, skittering down the slope as I lurched sideways toward the drop.
B. Loose stones covered the narrow trail, sliding across the ground whenever someone stepped on them.
C. I could hear my friends talking behind me, so I turned around and started telling them about the trail.
D. As the trail became more dangerous, I began worrying that I might slip on one of the loose rocks.
A. A stone suddenly broke loose beneath my shoe, skittering down the slope as I lurched sideways toward the drop.
400
In a story, Maya sees a younger swimmer struggling in a dangerous current. Although frightened, Maya alerts the lifeguard, throws a flotation device toward the swimmer, and directs nearby people to call for help.
Which statement BEST explains how the author conveys a theme in the text?
A. The author uses Maya’s actions during the emergency to show that preparation and courage can help people respond effectively in dangerous situations.
B. The author uses descriptions of the changing ocean throughout the story to show that nature can be both peaceful and dangerous.
C. The author uses background information about beach safety rules to show that people should never interact with powerful natural environments.
D. The author uses the swimmer’s distraction before entering the water to show that technology creates more problems than it solves.
A. The author uses Maya’s actions during the emergency to show that preparation and courage can help people respond effectively in dangerous situations.
400
Read the sentences from a student’s draft text.
The monarch butterfly is an important pollinator that helps support many ecosystems. Each year, monarchs travel thousands of miles between Mexico and North America. During the journey, the butterflies stopped at locations where flowering plants provide nectar. Monarchs depend on these habitats for food and shelter.
Which revision should the student make to maintain consistent verb tense?
A. The monarch butterfly is an important pollinator that helps support many ecosystems.
B. Each year, monarchs travel thousands of miles between Mexico and North America.
C. During the journey, the butterflies stop at locations where flowering plants provide nectar.
D. Monarchs can depend on these habitats for food and shelter.
C. During the journey, the butterflies stop at locations where flowering plants provide nectar.
400
Read the dictionary entries.
- equality — the state of being equal
- equilibrium — a state of balance between opposing forces
- equivalence — the condition of being equal in value or function
- equity — fairness or justice
Which word should the student use to complete the sentence?
The district hopes to improve ______ by providing additional academic resources to schools whose students have historically had fewer educational opportunities.
A. Entry 1
B. Entry 2
C. Entry 3
D. Entry 4
D. Entry 4
400
The word metropolis comes from Greek words mētēr, meaning “mother,” and polis, meaning “city.”
Read the sentence.
Because businesses, transportation systems, and communities throughout the region depend on Atlanta, it serves as a major metropolis of the Southeast.
What does the word metropolis suggest about Atlanta?
A. It was the first city established in the Southeast.
B. It controls every smaller city located near it.
C. It is the oldest city in the surrounding region.
D. It is a major central city that influences surrounding areas.
D. It is a major central city that influences surrounding areas.
500
In a modern story, Elena enters a burning building despite the danger in order to rescue a child trapped inside.
Which mythological hero MOST LIKELY inspired the character of Elena?
A. Odysseus, who spent years overcoming obstacles while attempting to return home after war
B. Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans despite Zeus’s command
C. Theseus, who entered the dangerous Labyrinth and defeated the Minotaur to save young Athenians
D. Narcissus, who became so fascinated by his own reflection that he ignored the world around him
C. Theseus, who entered the dangerous Labyrinth and defeated the Minotaur to save young Athenians
500
Read the sentence.
Within minutes, the wildfire became a hungry beast devouring everything in its path.
How does the metaphor help the author achieve a specific purpose?
A. It reveals that dangerous animals are escaping from the burning forest.
B. It emphasizes the firefighters’ panic as they approach the spreading flames.
C. It reveals the narrator’s personal fear of encountering animals during the fire.
D. It emphasizes the destructive and uncontrollable nature of the wildfire.
D. It emphasizes the destructive and uncontrollable nature of the wildfire.
500
asset — Synonym; benefit — Synonym; obstacle — Not a Synonym; possession — Synonym
500
A student is writing a personal narrative about exploring a mountain trail with friends.
Which sentence BEST uses connotative language to convey a sense of adventure?
A. The trail was several miles long, so we packed our water bottles and followed the marked path through the woods.
B. We escaped beneath the towering pines, racing toward the untamed trail as possibility seemed to wait around every bend.
C. We carefully crossed the narrow bridge before stopping beside the quiet stream to rest beneath the trees.
D. The cool mountain air settled around us like a soft blanket as we rested beside the peaceful waterfall.
B. We escaped beneath the towering pines, racing toward the untamed trail as possibility seemed to wait around every bend.
500
Based on its part of speech, which BEST defines protection?
During the storm, the thick concrete walls provided protection from the powerful winds.
A. defense from danger
B. defended from danger
C. to defend from danger
D. defending from danger
A. defense from danger