Use Context Clues to Determine Meaning
What is the meaning of the word versatile as it is used in paragraph 3 of “The Science of Growing Corn”?
A.never the same
B.used in many ways
C.able to change shape
D.having different talents
What is the meaning of the word versatile as it is used in paragraph 3 of “The Science of Growing Corn”?
A.never the same
B.used in many ways
C.able to change shape
D.having different talents
Ella believes farmers should grow different kinds of crops instead of planting only one crop every year. She thinks growing a variety of crops helps keep the soil healthy and protects farms from harmful insects and diseases.
What is Ella’s perspective about farming?
A. Farmers should only grow corn each year.
B. Farmers should use fewer tools on farms.
C. Growing different crops is good for farms and soil.
D. Growing crops is easier than raising animals.
Ella believes farmers should grow different kinds of crops instead of planting only one crop every year. She thinks growing a variety of crops helps keep the soil healthy and protects farms from harmful insects and diseases.
What is Ella’s perspective about farming?
A. Farmers should only grow corn each year.
B. Farmers should use fewer tools on farms.
C. Growing different crops is good for farms and soil.
D. Growing crops is easier than raising animals.
Which detail from “The Science of Growing Corn” best supports the central idea that crop rotation has a long history?
A.“Oats used to be a common sight all over the Midwest.” (paragraph 8)
B.“And the number of crops has dwindled to exactly two: corn and soybeans.” (paragraph 9)
C.“In early American agriculture, sophisticated farmers like Washington and Jefferson were using crop rotations in their fields.” (paragraph 11)
D.“A modern rotation includes only corn, soybeans, fertilizer, and pesticides.” (paragraph 13)
Which detail from “The Science of Growing Corn” best supports the central idea that crop rotation has a long history?
A.“Oats used to be a common sight all over the Midwest.” (paragraph 8)
B.“And the number of crops has dwindled to exactly two: corn and soybeans.” (paragraph 9)
C.“In early American agriculture, sophisticated farmers like Washington and Jefferson were using crop rotations in their fields.” (paragraph 11)
D.“A modern rotation includes only corn, soybeans, fertilizer, and pesticides.” (paragraph 13)
How many lines are in “A Girl’s Garden”? How many stanzas? Explain your thinking.
A.45 lines, 2 stanzas
B.48 lines, 12 stanzas
C.48 lines, 2 stanzas
D.45 lines, 12 stanzas
How many lines are in “A Girl’s Garden”? How many stanzas? Explain your thinking.
A.45 lines, 2 stanzas
B.48 lines, 12 stanzas
C.48 lines, 2 stanzas
D.45 lines, 12 stanzas
Read the paragraph.
Some farmers prefer planting only corn because it can earn large profits and is easy to grow with modern machines. Other farmers believe growing different crops is better because it improves soil health and reduces harmful pests. Studies have shown that crop rotation can keep soil productive for many years.
How does the author develop the argument in the paragraph?
A. By comparing different opinions about farming methods
B. By describing the history of corn farming only
C. By explaining how to plant corn step by step
D. By telling a personal story about one farmer
Read the paragraph.
Some farmers prefer planting only corn because it can earn large profits and is easy to grow with modern machines. Other farmers believe growing different crops is better because it improves soil health and reduces harmful pests. Studies have shown that crop rotation can keep soil productive for many years.
How does the author develop the argument in the paragraph?
A. By comparing different opinions about farming methods
B. By describing the history of corn farming only
C. By explaining how to plant corn step by step
D. By telling a personal story about one farmer
Read this sentence.
“Farmers relied on crop rotation because it was a reliable way to keep the soil healthy.”
What does reliable mean as it is used in this sentence?
A. expensive
B. dependable
C. difficult
D. harmful
Read this sentence.
“Farmers relied on crop rotation because it was a reliable way to keep the soil healthy.”
What does reliable mean as it is used in this sentence?
A. expensive
B. dependable
C. difficult
D. harmful
Which two details from “The Story of Corn” reveal the author’s perspective toward corn?
A.“cultivated their fields” (paragraph 4)
B.“advantages of planting” (paragraph 5)
C.“vertical plant” (paragraph 5)
D.“entirely unknown” (paragraph 6)
E.“saw its value” (paragraph 6)
Which two details from “The Story of Corn” reveal the author’s perspective toward corn?
A.“cultivated their fields” (paragraph 4)
B.“advantages of planting” (paragraph 5)
C.“vertical plant” (paragraph 5)
D.“entirely unknown” (paragraph 6)
E.“saw its value” (paragraph 6)
What is a central idea of paragraphs 5–6 of “The Structure of a Corn Plant”?
A.The cylindrical part of the corn plant is called a cob.
B.Pollen grains fall from the tassel onto the ear of corn.
C.The tassel plays an important role in plant reproduction.
D.One ear of corn can have up to 1,000 kernels growing on it.
What is a central idea of paragraphs 5–6 of “The Structure of a Corn Plant”?
A.The cylindrical part of the corn plant is called a cob.
B.Pollen grains fall from the tassel onto the ear of corn.
C.The tassel plays an important role in plant reproduction.
D.One ear of corn can have up to 1,000 kernels growing on it.
What rhyme scheme is used in stanza 4 of “A Girl’s Garden”?
A.AABB
B.ABCD
C.ABCC
D.ABCB
What rhyme scheme is used in stanza 4 of “A Girl’s Garden”?
A.AABB
B.ABCD
C.ABCC
D.ABCB
Some farmers are using new technology to monitor their corn crops. Special sensors measure soil moisture and help farmers decide when to water plants. This technology helps crops grow better while reducing wasted water.
How does the author develop the purpose of the passage?
A. By explaining the benefits of farming technology
B. By arguing that farming should avoid all technology
C. By describing how corn is harvested by hand
D. By comparing farms from long ago
Some farmers are using new technology to monitor their corn crops. Special sensors measure soil moisture and help farmers decide when to water plants. This technology helps crops grow better while reducing wasted water.
How does the author develop the purpose of the passage?
A. By arguing that farming should avoid all technology
B. By explaining the benefits of farming technology
C. By describing how corn is harvested by hand
D. By comparing farms from long ago
Read the paragraph:
“Several factors affected the success of the school garden project. Some plants could not grow because certain chemicals were prohibited near the garden area. Students also had to follow rules about where they could plant and water crops.”
Select two phrases from the paragraph that provide clues to the meaning of prohibited.
A. “could not grow”
B. “had to follow rules”
C. “success of the school garden project”
D. “plant and water crops”
Read the paragraph:
“Several factors affected the success of the school garden project. Some plants could not grow because certain chemicals were prohibited near the garden area. Students also had to follow rules about where they could plant and water crops.”
Select two phrases from the paragraph that provide clues to the meaning of prohibited.
A. “could not grow”
B. “had to follow rules”
C. “success of the school garden project”
D. “plant and water crops”
How does the structure of paragraph 14 contribute to the overall meaning of “A Story of Corn”?
A. It summarizes the history of corn harvesting methods.
B. It identifies a solution to the problems with hybrid corn.
C. It compares types of farming methods used to grow corn.
D. It explains some effects of current industrial farming practices.
How does the structure of paragraph 14 contribute to the overall meaning of “A Story of Corn”?
A. It summarizes the history of corn harvesting methods.
B. It identifies a solution to the problems with hybrid corn.
C. It compares types of farming methods used to grow corn.
D. It explains some effects of current industrial farming practices.
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A: How do the two authors mainly differ in their opinions about modern agriculture?
A. One believes technology improves farming, while the other believes diversity in crops is important for healthy soil.
B. One believes corn should only be used for food, while the other believes corn should only be used for fuel.
C. One believes farmers should stop exporting corn, while the other believes exports should increase.
D. One believes soybeans are harmful, while the other believes soybeans are helpful.
Part B: Which detail best supports the difference in viewpoints?
A. “Corn can also be turned into the biofuel called ethanol…”
B. “By focusing their efforts on corn, American growers have cut costs…”
C. “The way we farm now undervalues and undermines good soil.”
D. Both B and C
Part A: How do the two authors mainly differ in their opinions about modern agriculture?
A. One believes technology improves farming, while the other believes diversity in crops is important for healthy soil.
B. One believes corn should only be used for food, while the other believes corn should only be used for fuel.
C. One believes farmers should stop exporting corn, while the other believes exports should increase.
D. One believes soybeans are harmful, while the other believes soybeans are helpful.
Part B: Which detail best supports the difference in viewpoints?
A. “Corn can also be turned into the biofuel called ethanol…”
B. “By focusing their efforts on corn, American growers have cut costs…”
C. “The way we farm now undervalues and undermines good soil.”
D. Both B and C
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A: What is a central idea of “Did Farmers of the Past Know More Than We Do?”
A. Modern farming is more productive than older farming.
B. Crop rotation has long-term benefits for soil health.
C. Farmers should stop growing corn.
D. Livestock farming is disappearing.
Part B: Which detail best supports the central idea in Part A?
A. “The Romans knew about crop rotation.”
B. “All the animals have moved indoors…”
C. “It produces the same yields…”
D. “The number of crops has dwindled…”
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A: What is a central idea of “Did Farmers of the Past Know More Than We Do?”
A. Modern farming is more productive than older farming.
B. Crop rotation has long-term benefits for soil health.
C. Farmers should stop growing corn.
D. Livestock farming is disappearing.
Part B: Which detail best supports the central idea in Part A?
A. “The Romans knew about crop rotation.”
B. “All the animals have moved indoors…”
C. “It produces the same yields…”
D. “The number of crops has dwindled…”
What theme is best developed in “A Girl’s Garden”?
A. Hard work always leads to great wealth.
B. Personal experiences can shape understanding later in life.
C. Children should avoid difficult responsibilities.
D. Farming is no longer important in modern society.
What theme is best developed in “A Girl’s Garden”?
A. Hard work always leads to great wealth.
B. Personal experiences can shape understanding later in life.
C. Children should avoid difficult responsibilities.
D. Farming is no longer important in modern society.
Many farmers now plant cover crops between corn-growing seasons. These plants help keep the soil healthy by preventing erosion and adding nutrients back into the ground. Some farmers believe cover crops are one of the smartest ways to protect farmland for future harvests.
Which phrase from the paragraph reveals the author’s positive perspective on cover crops?
A. “between corn-growing seasons”
B. “preventing erosion”
C. “one of the smartest ways”
D. “future harvests”
Many farmers now plant cover crops between corn-growing seasons. These plants help keep the soil healthy by preventing erosion and adding nutrients back into the ground. Some farmers believe cover crops are one of the smartest ways to protect farmland for future harvests.
Which phrase from the paragraph reveals the author’s positive perspective on cover crops?
A. “between corn-growing seasons”
B. “preventing erosion”
C. “one of the smartest ways”
D. “future harvests”
Read the paragraph.
“Many factors affect how well crops grow each season. The amount of rainfall, the quality of the soil, and the number of sunny days can all influence a farmer’s harvest. Strong winds and extreme temperatures may also reduce the number of healthy plants.”
Select two phrases from the paragraph that provide clues to the meaning of factors.
A. “amount of rainfall”
B. “healthy plants”
C. “quality of the soil”
D. “each season”
Read the paragraph.
“Many factors affect how well crops grow each season. The amount of rainfall, the quality of the soil, and the number of sunny days can all influence a farmer’s harvest. Strong winds and extreme temperatures may also reduce the number of healthy plants.”
Select two phrases from the paragraph that provide clues to the meaning of factors.
A. “amount of rainfall”
B. “healthy plants”
C. “quality of the soil”
D. “each season”
How does the structure of paragraph 6 affect the meaning of “A Special Producer”?
A.by identifying a cause of the migration of people living in Mexico
B.by comparing the reproduction cycles of different plants
C.by explaining the effect of fertilization on the corn plant
D.by describing problems caused by corn farming
How does the structure of paragraph 6 affect the meaning of “A Special Producer”?
A.by identifying a cause of the migration of people living in Mexico
B.by comparing the reproduction cycles of different plants
C.by explaining the effect of fertilization on the corn plant
D.by describing problems caused by corn farming
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A: What is the author’s perspective in “Did Farmers of the Past Know More Than We Do?”
A. Modern farming methods are always better than older methods.
B. Farmers should stop growing corn completely.
C. Diverse crop rotation is healthier for the soil.
D. Technology has solved all farming problems.
Part B: Which detail best supports the answer to Part A?
A. “All the animals have moved indoors…”
B. “The number of crops has dwindled to exactly two…”
C. “It sharply reduces the toxicity of freshwater runoff…”
D. “Corn crops dominate the American agricultural landscape.”
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A: What is the author’s perspective in “Did Farmers of the Past Know More Than We Do?”
A. Modern farming methods are always better than older methods.
B. Farmers should stop growing corn completely.
C. Diverse crop rotation is healthier for the soil.
D. Technology has solved all farming problems.
Part B: Which detail best supports the answer to Part A?
A. “All the animals have moved indoors…”
B. “The number of crops has dwindled to exactly two…”
C. “It sharply reduces the toxicity of freshwater runoff…”
D. “Corn crops dominate the American agricultural landscape.”
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A: Which central idea is supported in both texts?
A. Farmers should avoid using technology.
B. Agriculture affects the environment and the economy.
C. Corn should replace all other crops.
D. Livestock farming is more important than crop farming.
Part B: Which detail from each article best supports the central idea in Part A?
A. “They export an average of $10 billion worth of corn per year” and “It sharply reduces the toxicity of freshwater runoff”
B. “Corn can also be turned into biofuel” and “The Romans knew about crop rotation”
C. “Corn is the most widely grown crop” and “Oats used to be a common sight”
D. “Farmers no longer need to diversify” and “The way we farm now undervalues good soil”
Part A: Which central idea is supported in both texts?
A. Farmers should avoid using technology.
B. Agriculture affects the environment and the economy.
C. Corn should replace all other crops.
D. Livestock farming is more important than crop farming.
Part B: Which detail from each article best supports the central idea in Part A?
A. “They export an average of $10 billion worth of corn per year” and “It sharply reduces the toxicity of freshwater runoff”
B. “Corn can also be turned into biofuel” and “The Romans knew about crop rotation”
C. “Corn is the most widely grown crop” and “Oats used to be a common sight”
D. “Farmers no longer need to diversify” and “The way we farm now undervalues good soil”
Which detail best supports the idea that the girl took pride in her garden despite its imperfections?
A. “He thought of an idle bit / Of walled-off ground…”
B. “She had to work it all by hand…”
C. “Her crop was a miscellany / When all was said and done…”
D. “She has long mistrusted / That a cider apple tree / In bearing there to-day is hers…”
Which detail best supports the idea that the girl took pride in her garden despite its imperfections?
A. “He thought of an idle bit / Of walled-off ground…”
B. “She had to work it all by hand…”
C. “Her crop was a miscellany / When all was said and done…”
D. “She has long mistrusted / That a cider apple tree / In bearing there to-day is hers…”
In the past, many farmers planted several different crops each year. Today, some farms mainly grow corn and soybeans because these crops are profitable and easier to manage with modern machines. However, other farmers still support crop rotation because it helps keep soil healthy.
How does the author develop the main idea in the paragraph?
A. By comparing past and present farming practices
B. By giving directions for planting crops
C. By telling a story about one farm
D. By explaining how machines are built
In the past, many farmers planted several different crops each year. Today, some farms mainly grow corn and soybeans because these crops are profitable and easier to manage with modern machines. However, other farmers still support crop rotation because it helps keep soil healthy.
How does the author develop the main idea in the paragraph?
A. By comparing past and present farming practices
B. By giving directions for planting crops
C. By telling a story about one farm
D. By explaining how machines are built
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A: What is the meaning of the word resilient as it is used in paragraph 2 of “The Case for Keeping Corn”?
A. able to grow quickly
B. able to survive difficult conditions
C. able to produce many seeds
D. able to change into other products
Part B: Which detail from paragraph 2 best helps readers understand the meaning of resilient?
A. “corn is the most widely grown crop”
B. “bred to produce high yields”
C. “can flourish in a variety of climates”
D. “dominate the American agricultural landscape”
Part A: What is the meaning of the word resilient as it is used in paragraph 2 of “The Case for Keeping Corn”?
A. able to grow quickly
B. able to survive difficult conditions
C. able to produce many seeds
D. able to change into other products
Part B: Which detail from paragraph 2 best helps readers understand the meaning of resilient?
A. “corn is the most widely grown crop”
B. “bred to produce high yields”
C. “can flourish in a variety of climates”
D. “dominate the American agricultural landscape”
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A: How does the graph in “The Case for Keeping Corn” add meaning to the text?
A. It explains how farmers rotate crops.
B. It shows that corn yields have increased over time.
C. It compares corn production in different countries.
D. It proves that corn is better than soybeans.
Part B: Which idea from the article is best supported by the graph?
A. Corn farming has become more productive through modern agriculture.
B. Corn is more nutritious than other crops.
C. Farmers should stop planting soybeans.
D. Crop rotation harms soil quality.
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A: How does the graph in “The Case for Keeping Corn” add meaning to the text?
A. It explains how farmers rotate crops.
B. It shows that corn yields have increased over time.
C. It compares corn production in different countries.
D. It proves that corn is better than soybeans.
Part B: Which idea from the article is best supported by the graph?
A. Corn farming has become more productive through modern agriculture.
B. Corn is more nutritious than other crops.
C. Farmers should stop planting soybeans.
D. Crop rotation harms soil quality.
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A: In “The Science of Growing Corn,” what is the author’s perspective toward four-crop rotation?
A.He thinks it is valuable.
B.He thinks it is unsustainable.
C.He thinks it should be replaced.
D.He thinks it should be on the rise.
Part B: Which detail best supports the perspective in Part A?
A. “All the animals have moved indoors, into crowded confinement operations.” (paragraph 9)
B. “. . . modern rotation includes only corn, soybeans, fertilizer, and pesticides.” (paragraph 13)
C. “It produces the same yields, it sharply reduced the toxicity of freshwater runoff . . .” (paragraph 14)
D. “The way we farm now undervalues and undermines good soil.” (paragraph 15)
Part A: In “The Science of Growing Corn,” what is the author’s perspective toward four-crop rotation?
A.He thinks it is valuable.
B.He thinks it is unsustainable.
C.He thinks it should be replaced.
D.He thinks it should be on the rise.
Part B: Which detail best supports the perspective in Part A?
A. “All the animals have moved indoors, into crowded confinement operations.” (paragraph 9)
B. “. . . modern rotation includes only corn, soybeans, fertilizer, and pesticides.” (paragraph 13)
C. “It produces the same yields, it sharply reduced the toxicity of freshwater runoff . . .” (paragraph 14)
D. “The way we farm now undervalues and undermines good soil.” (paragraph 15)
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A: Which sentence best supports the idea that crop rotation has environmental benefits?
A. “All the animals have moved indoors…”
B. “The number of crops has dwindled to exactly two…”
C. “It sharply reduces the toxicity of freshwater runoff.”
D. “Corn crops dominate the American agricultural landscape.”
Part B: Which environmental problem is reduced by crop rotation according to the text?
A. overcrowded livestock operations
B. water pollution
C. food shortages
D. global trade problems
Part A: Which sentence best supports the idea that crop rotation has environmental benefits?
A. “All the animals have moved indoors…”
B. “The number of crops has dwindled to exactly two…”
C. “It sharply reduces the toxicity of freshwater runoff.”
D. “Corn crops dominate the American agricultural landscape.”
Part B: Which environmental problem is reduced by crop rotation according to the text?
A. overcrowded livestock operations
B. water pollution
C. food shortages
D. global trade problems
Corn is one of the most widely grown crops in the United States. Farmers use corn to feed livestock, produce food products, and create fuel like ethanol. Because corn can be used in many ways, it plays an important role in the American economy.
Select two sentences that are important to include in a summary of the paragraph.
A. “Corn is one of the most widely grown crops in the United States.”
B. “Farmers use corn to feed livestock, produce food products, and create fuel like ethanol.”
C. “Because corn can be used in many ways, it plays an important role in the American economy.”
D. “American farmers work in many different climates.”
Corn is one of the most widely grown crops in the United States. Farmers use corn to feed livestock, produce food products, and create fuel like ethanol. Because corn can be used in many ways, it plays an important role in the American economy.
Select two sentences that are important to include in a summary of the paragraph.
A. “Corn is one of the most widely grown crops in the United States.”
B. “Farmers use corn to feed livestock, produce food products, and create fuel like ethanol.”
C. “Because corn can be used in many ways, it plays an important role in the American economy.”
D. “American farmers work in many different climates.”