Antoine of Oregon
The reader can infer that the narrator is in charge of the group. Which sentence from the text best supports this inference?
A. There we drove down a dry ravine on our winding way to the river bottoms, stopping now and then to gather a store of wild currants and gooseberries which grew in abundance.
B. There was in the company a girl of about Susan's age, whose name was Mary Parker, and from that time I had two companions as I rode in advance of the train.
C. I could have found no fault with these new members of our company, for they obeyed my orders without question from the oldest man to the youngest child.
D. It was such a sight as I had seen more than once, but to my companions it was terrifying at the same time that it commanded their closest attention.
C
The reader can infer that the Perlmans believe in both practice and passion.
Which sentence from the text best supports this inference?
A. "First of all, you have to love what you do. That's number one. And number two, you have to have some sort of discipline."
B. "All students must also sing in the chorus, where they harmonize and experience a different form of musical expression. Time for recreational sports and arts and crafts rounds out the program."
C. "Mrs. Perlman said, 'At the end of the session, we have two concerts. One is an evening of orchestral and choral music, and then we have a chamber music marathon.'"
D. "Everybody who comes to visit gets it. They're there for a minute and a half and they want to stay forever."
A
Read the sentences from the text.
Near the mouth of the ravine we came upon a small log cabin, which had evidently been built by trappers, but the emigrants on their way into the Oregon country had converted it into a post office, by sticking here and there, in the crevices of the logs, letters to be forwarded to their friends in the States. Hung on the wall where all might see it, was a general notice requesting any who passed on their way to the Missouri River to take these missives, and deposit them in the nearest regular post office.
What does the word missives most likely mean?
A. logs
B. signs
C. letters
D. trappers
C
A student is writing an editorial for the student newspaper about the effects of watching television. Read the draft of the editorial and complete the task that follows.
Choose two sentences that are not relevant to the student's argument and so should be deleted.
Television has become part of many people's everyday life. While there is such a thing as too much television viewing, it is not something that needs to be eliminated completely. Each year, television manufacturers and broadcast companies make new products like high-definition screens and on-demand program selection. People's lives are busier than ever. After a long day at school or on the job, people need to unwind. Watching a show can achieve the relaxation that people are looking for. A comedy or sporting event can act as entertaining stress relief. Additionally, the full schedules of most households leave little room for family time. Again, television can be the answer. A program that all family members enjoy can be one of the few times in the busy week that can be set aside to be together. News programs also provide information to stay updated on current events. When used correctly, television offers a chance for relaxing and bonding.
1. Each year, television manufacturers and broadcast companies make new products like high definition screens and on-demand program selection.
2. News programs also provide information to stay updated on current events.
Which of the following is not a question type on SBAC?
A. Multiple Choice
B. Multiple Select
C. Two-Part Multiple Choice (Part A/Part B)
D. Fill in the Blank (Writing in a Missing Word)
E. Short Constructed Response
D
Read the sentence from the text.
One could compare the scene to nothing more than to an ocean of dark water surrounding us on every side, pitching and tossing as if under the influence of a strong wind.
It was such a sight as I had seen more than once, but to my companions it was terrifying at the same time that it commanded their closest attention.
Which of these most likely describes why the author ended with these lines of text?
A. The author wanted to share his fondest memory about traveling on the Oregon Trail.
B. The author wanted to include a summary of the events that occurred on the Oregon Trail.
C. The author wanted to inform the reader that there were many herds of animals on the Oregon Trail.
D. The author wanted to describe a scene on the Oregon Trail that could be harsh for those experiencing it for the first time.
D
Read the following paragraph from the text.
From personal experience, Mr. Perlman advises students that in order to succeed in music, art, or anything outside of "normal" activities, "First of all, you have to love what you do. That's number one. And number two, you have to have some sort of discipline. I always felt I was more successful when I had a routine . . . routine is much easier. You spend a certain time of the day doing A and a certain time of the day doing B. In music, for example, no matter how much of a gift you have, practicing is very important, so if you're serious, you have to practice. Being programmed, in some ways, is very, very effective. And as long as you program in some free time, just to rest, then you're O.K. Whatever the extracurricular activities, dancing or sports or music, if you're programmed up to the gills, as a result—at least I found this in my case—you can lose enjoyment."
Select the phrases that best explain why the author chose to include this paragraph. Select two options.
A. to show that Perlman loves discipline more than he loves music
B. to show that Perlman suggests that music students practice more than they relax
C. to show that Perlman uses his own life experiences to help guide the music students
D. to show that Perlman does not wish for students to choose to participate in normal activities
E. to show that Perlman feels that programming students will cause them to lose love for their art
F. to show that Perlman believes that students can benefit greatly from having structured schedules
C, F
Read the sentences from the text.
When we broke camp in the morning it seemed as if the entire land was covered with the animals. They were in such throngs that the sound of their hoofs was like the rumbling of distant thunder.
One could compare the scene to nothing more than to an ocean of dark water surrounding us on every side, pitching and tossing as if under the influence of a strong wind.
Which statement best describes what the underlined metaphor in the sentence adds to the meaning of the text?
A. The reader can tell that the companions accepted the fact that there were many animals around them.
B. The reader can tell that the companions were very concerned about all of the animals near them.
C. The reader can tell that the companions were very much wondering where all the animals came from.
D. The reader can tell that the companions were surprised to see so many herds of animals in the distance.
B
A student is writing a narrative for her English teacher about a recipe gone wrong. The student wants to revise the draft to better organize its details. Read the draft of the narrative and complete the task that follows.
Recipe Gone Wrong
The recipe was simple enough: flour, baking powder, salt, eggs, and milk; what could go wrong? I gathered the dry ingredients and dumped them in the mixing bowl; flour floated in the air, sticking on my lips and lashes. Many types of flour exist, but I chose bread flour because it is high in protein. Cracking the eggs was much more difficult than I had expected. Shell pieces floated in the bowl, and I used my fingers to pick them out one by one. Eventually, all the ingredients were amassed and ready inside my mixing bowl. My mixer is a swanky, bright blue stand-up type with a large bowl—very impressive, if I do say so myself. As soon as I turned it on, sticky yellow batter flew from the bowl and dotted the counters, cabinets, and me. "How do you turn this thing down?" I yelled to Mom in the next room.
Choose the two sentences that are distracting or interrupt the flow of the narrative.
1. Many types of flour exist, but I chose bread flour because it is high in protein.
2. My mixer is a swanky, bright blue stand-up type with a large bowl—very impressive, if I do say so myself.
Which of the following is the best test-taking tip.
A. Stay up all night studying
B. Eat an apple before the test
C. Feel anxious and worried
D. Finish the exam quickly
B.
Research shows eating an apple 30 minutes before an exam can increase brain activity and focus. Staying up all night, feeling anxious, and rushing through the exam may hinder a student's ability to focus.
This question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part A
Which statement best summarizes the central idea of the text?
A. Several small families traveled the lengthy Oregon Trail.
B. There were numerous small towns along the Oregon Trail.
C. Many hardships and obstacles were met on the Oregon Trail.
D. Stormy weather often faced the travelers on the Oregon Trail.
Part B
Which detail from the text best supports your answer in part A?
A. Susan rode with me, as she had from the beginning of the journey. Nothing of note happened to us, unless I should set down that this day was stormy, and on that day the sun shone, until we came into the valley of the North Fork of the Platte, through a pass which is known as Ash Hollow.
B. Truly it was a small company to set out on so long a march, and when the leader begged that they be allowed to join us, I could not object, understanding that unless the strangers had someone of experience to guide them,
C. the chances were strongly against their arriving at the Columbia River.
D. Mary Parker was a companionable girl, and she and Susan often cheered me on the long way, for even when the rain was coming down in torrents, drenching them to the skin, they rode by my side, laughing and singing. E. This fort, if it can be called such, is simply a wall enclosing an open square of twenty-five yards each way, along the sides of which are the dwellings, storerooms, blacksmith shops, carpenter shops, and offices all fronting inside, while from the outside can be seen only two gates, one of which faces the north and the other the south.
Part A: C
Part B: B
This question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part A
Choose the statement that best provides an inference that can be made about the author’s opinion of the Perlman Music Program.
A. The Perlman Music Program is limited in its value because of how few students it accepts.
B. The Perlman Music Program is most suitable for students who would not do well in a competitive environment.
C. The Perlman Music Program offers students a unique opportunity to learn from accomplished musicians in a nurturing setting.
D. The Perlman Music Program offers students a unique opportunity to learn new instruments from experienced orchestral musicians.
Part B
Click on the section from the text that best supports your answer in part A. Choose one option.
A. Special features make this two-week August sleep-away program different and unusual. As Mrs. Perlman, the artistic director, explained to me, "One of the unique aspects of our program is that we are small, only thirty-five students, and small means intimate. I always know what's going on with each child." She continued, "Second, the playing level is very high, but it's highly noncompetitive." Instead of auditioning for seats in the orchestra according to ability, as is tradition, "Our kids are seated in the section randomly. Often the smallest gets to sit in front," she said, laughing. Participants know there is no penalty for musical problems, and that Toby's motto, "If you don't do well, it doesn't mean it's your fault," rules.
B. "We care about the total child. We try to create a healthy, happy, normal environment during their stay. It doesn't mean they don't work really hard, but there's a lot of talking that goes on. They come to us and suddenly they're a part of a community, a family, and they find out that many of the feelings they have are shared by other kids. It's very nice."
C. The students, who come from all over the world, attend a weekly dinner at the Perlmans' house, themed to discuss such issues as dealing with stage fright. All students must also sing in the chorus, where they harmonize and experience a different form of musical expression. Time for recreational sports and arts and crafts rounds out the program.
Part A: C
Part B: B
Read the sentences from the text Antoine of Oregon.
When we broke camp in the morning it seemed as if the entire land was covered with the animals. They were in such throngs that the sound of their hoofs was like the rumbling of distant thunder. What does the phrase broke camp mostly suggest? Select three options.
A. The travelers left the territory.
B. The travelers ruined the area.
C. The travelers woke at sunrise.
D. The travelers moved from the site.
E. The travelers destroyed the supplies.
F. The travelers evacuated the surroundings.
A, D, F
Choose the two sentences that contain errors in spelling.
A. Students should consider their school an institution of learning.
B. The lungs are a major organ involved in the respiration process.
C. The restaurant earned a satisfactory rating from the restaurant inspector.
D. A computer technician sometimes has to be industreous in his or her job.
E. The grocery store superviser watched over the cashiers closely during the busy time of the day.
F. The teacher's rubric contained many provisions to be met for students to earn an A on their research paper.
D. industrious
E. supervisor
Test taking terminology:
What does the word conclude mean when a test question reads, "What you can conclude about the author's opinion from the first paragraph?"
To arrive at a decision, to summarize
This question has two parts. First answer part A. Then, answer part B.
Part A
What inference can be made about the travelers' feelings toward their stay at Fort Laramie?
A. They were glad for their time at Fort Laramie.
B. They felt overwhelmed by the size of Fort Laramie.
C. They felt humbled by the condition of Fort Laramie.
D. They were cautious about staying in Fort Laramie.
Part B
Which sentences from the text best supports your answer in part A?
A. Fort Laramie is on the west side of a stream known as Laramie's Fork and about two miles from the Platte River. It is a trading post belonging to the North American Fur Company, and built of adobe, by which I mean sun dried bricks, with walls not less than two feet thick and twelve or fourteen feet high.
B. Just south of the fort is a wall enclosing about an acre of land, which is used as a stable or corral, while a short distance farther on is a cultivated field, the scanty crops of which give good evidence that the soil is not suitable for farming.
C. About a mile below Fort Laramie, and having much the same appearance as that fortification, although not so large, is Fort John, which is in possession of the St. Louis Fur Company. We were given quarters inside Fort Laramie, which was much to our liking.
D. Ten days after we celebrated the independence of this country we encamped near the Narrows, within sight of the snow-capped Wind River Mountains, and then it was that our company got some idea of what a herd of buffaloes looked like.
Part A: A
Part B: C
Summarize the author’s message about the Perlmans’ dedication to the camp. Use evidence from the text to support your summary.
(2 Point Response)
The Perlmans' dedication to the camp is one that is filled with passion and excitement. They have an overall look on what exactly they want the camp to be like, and they follow through with that vision. In the text it says things such as "play to their hearts content" and "love what you do." These are quotes that show that music is something they think comes from the heart. It shows that the Perlmans' have a goal, and that is to want the children to play music from their hearts. They also have a certain system that happens at the camp. For example in the text it says that at the end of the session, they have two concerts; and orchestral and choral concert and then a chamber music marathon. It seems as though the Perlmans' put a lot of time and effort into creating their camp and their dedication to it shines through.
(1 Point Response)
Perlmans' dedication to their sleep away camp is very strong. They care about taking care of the kids, trying to give them a happy and healthy environment. They try to make it as fun as possible for them so they can do what they really want to do which is make beautiful music.
Read the paragraph from the text.
From personal experience, Mr. Perlman advises students that in order to succeed in music, art, or anything outside of "normal" activities, "First of all, you have to love what you do. That's number one. And number two, you have to have some sort of discipline. I always felt I was more successful when I had a routine . . . routine is much easier. You spend a certain time of the day doing A and a certain time of the day doing B. In music, for example, no matter how much of a gift you have, practicing is very important, so if you're serious, you have to practice. Being programmed, in some ways, is very, very effective. And as long as you program in some free time, just to rest, then you're O.K. Whatever the extracurricular activities, dancing or sports or music, if you're programmed up to the gills, as a result—at least I found this in my case—you can lose enjoyment."
Why did the author use the phrase programmed up to the gills in the paragraph? Select two options. to show that Perlman does not believe that students should be overly scheduled
A. to show that Perlman does not believe that students should be overly scheduled
B. to show that Perlman suggests that students should have extremely rigorous schedules
C. to show that Perlman feels that when students are programmed they lose enjoyment in their activities
D. to show that Perlman suggests that students participate in programs that teach them about their craft
E. to show that Perlman believes that students should not participate in more than one program at a time
F. to show that Perlman believes that having a schedule that is too full can make students feel as though they cannot breathe
A, F
Choose the two sentences that are punctuated correctly.
A. While I was growing up in the Midwest my favorite question to hear from my parents was “Guess where we're going this time?”
B. Although by that point, my parents had the whole vacation planned out; the moment they told me, I started looking up the location to see what activities were available.
C. When I was eight my family voted on a vacation to New York City where we stayed in downtown Times Square. Then later when I was ten we flew to Florida again, this time we departed on a cruise to Mexico, Jamaica and the Bahamas for a second time.
D. The average life expectancy is seventy years on this planet, this planet has so many different geological features, different climates and different cultures.
E. The places I have already visited make my curiosity even greater, and I think that it's important to view the world and ways of life from a different point of view.
F. Last year when I was sixteen we went on another cruise where we sailed the Western Caribbean to Puerto Rico, the Bahamas yet again and St Thomas.
B, E
Terminology:
What is a claim?
A statement that asserts something to be true
What is the author's message about the Oregon Trail? Use details from the text to support your answer.
(2 Point Response)
The author’s message is about even though the journey may be tough, with great people around, you can make it in the end and can have a great reward. In the text, it states that Susan and Mary Parker were great companions and cheered her on. It also says that they were glad to have quarters in Fort Laramie. They faced many roadblocks traveling to Fort Laramie, including storms and being homesick, but made to the camp and pleased to be there. They felt rewarded for their tough journey.
(1 Point Response)
The authors message is that the Oregon Trail is hard and heartbreaking. Some people may even die. People can also get homesick, but it is nice when you have friends to keep you company
What inference can be made about the author’s opinion on the likelihood of students returning for multiple years? Support your answer with evidence from the text.
(2 Point Response)
I think that the author's opinion is that students will return to Mr. Perlman's camp for multiple years. i think this because the author describes the camp as a 'noteworthy and nurturing summer program.' the author tells the reader that the camp has special features that make the program different and unusual. for example, Mrs. Perlman is caring of all the children and, since it is an intimate group, knows what might be troubling the children. the camp is highly noncompetitive and Mrs. Perlman's motto is 'if you don't do well, it doesn't mean it's your fault.' so i think the author is recommending this summer program because it is safe, secure, noncompetitive, and devoid of pressure.
(1 Point Response)
The author has a very confident view on students returning. "Everybody who comes to visit gets it. They're there for a minute and a half and they want to stay forever."
A student is writing a presentation for social studies class about a famous person. Read the draft of the presentation and complete the task that follows.
Sojourner Truth was a woman whose ideas were advanced for the time in which she lived. After escaping slavery, she often spoke at women's rights conventions. At the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in 1851, Sojourner Truth gave a speech that she had not written down or practiced, but it would become famously known as her "Ain't I a Woman?" speech. Her powerful, on-the-spot speech inspired the crowd with ideas of women being intelligent and strong, both physically and mentally. The 19th Constitutional amendment, which gave women the right to vote, did not pass until almost 40 years later.
Choose the best way to revise the italicized phrase so that the presentation maintains a consistent tone.
A. argumentative
B. elaborate
C. motivated
D. unplanned
D
A student is writing a realistic fiction narrative for language arts class. Read the draft of the narrative and complete the task that follows.
An Important Decision
With a few clicks on the school's website, I find what I am looking for - the dates for volleyball tryouts. Nothing makes me happier than that sport. Whether I am casually bumping the ball with friends in the backyard or spiking one into the opposition's court with laser accuracy, I feel completely alive. Even though the official tryouts are a few weeks away, I have been practicing relentlessly when the gymnasium is open to students.
My excitement leads me to call my best friend Katelyn. As soon as I hear the line ringing, a thought occurs to me and makes my heart flutter. The first day of tryouts is the same date as Katelyn's dance recital! She is depending on my moral support. When Katelyn's chipper voice answers, a sudden paralysis takes over my mind and body. Eventually I mumble, "Hey Katelyn . . . hang on a second . . . uh, let me call you back."
Continue the narrative by writing one to three paragraphs that help readers better understand the central conflict of the story.
2 Point Sample Response:
I do not know what to do next. Should I choose my best friend or the opportunity to be on the volleyball team? I mean, I Love Katelyn, as she is my best friend. However, volleyball is important to me, too! I have been playing volleyball since I can remember, and it is a part of who I am. Panic spreads throughout my body as I can think of a solution to my problem. Maybe if Katelyn’s dance recital is in the afternoon, I can go after my tryouts. Or if my tryouts are in the morning, and her recital is in the afternoon, I could still go. My heart is beating really fast. I can feel the beads of sweat forming on my forehead. What should I do!? Should I go talk to my mom and ask for advice? Suddenly, I remember she went grocery shopping. Now I know that is out of the question. I should probably handle this by myself. I don’t know if I should choose sports over my best friend. They are both important to me and I love them both. I made a mental list of pros and cons of how it would affect me to go to my tryouts first. The disadvantage of going to my tryouts first is that I could lose my best friend. Katelyn might never talk to me again. When I thought of the consequences, I suddenly knew what I should do… After a thoughtful discussion with myself, I decided to call Katelyn. After the third ring, she answered. She said, “Hey, what’s going on?” “Hey Katelyn,” I said. “Your dance recital happened to be on the same day as my volleyball tryouts. I decided I’m going to your dance recital instead. I know you know how much being in this volleyball team means to me, but my bestfriend is more important than anything. My tryouts can wait until the second day. I want to be there for you for moral support. So…yeah. What do you think?” Katelyn said, “Oh my gosh, really? Uh, okay! Thank you so much! I will return to the favor to you eventually. I will be there whenever you need me. Thank you! I owe you one! Oh – I got to practice again. Talk to you later, bye! Love you!” And with that, she hung up the phone. I knew I made the right choice.
1 Point Sample Response:
I think to myself what am i going to do, i can’t miss the tryouts or Katelyn’s recital. My life feels like a disaster as my mind fights its self trying to choose between my dream and my best friend. I have to think of of the effects of choosing one over the other, if i choose vollyball than Katelyn would lower her opinion of me and might not be my friend, and if i choose the recital all the time of training would come to a waste but i would still have my best friend. As I finally made a choice I called her up and tell her what i was going to do.
Write a paragraph that explains why your teacher is the best. Include a claim, evidence, and explanation.
Answers may vary.