Determine Main Idea of a Passage
A) Americans appreciate the colorful leaves of fall, but the Japanese view the cherry blossoms of spring as part of their culture.
B) Japan's spring cherry blossoms often serve as symbols of change or new beginnings in works of Japanese art or literature.
A) Americans appreciate the colorful leaves of fall, but the Japanese view the cherry blossoms of spring as part of their culture.
In September 2013, President Obama stated that he was on the fence about ordering a military strike against Syria.
A) The president was firmly against the military strike.
B) The president was undecided about the military strike.
B) The president was undecided about the military strike.
Which word means appearing repeatedly?
Jacqueline Woodson has written more than thirty books, and readers of all ages find them engaging and meaningful. In many of her books, Woodson's characters deal with the challenges of growing up and finding their way in the world. In fact, a character's coming of age is a recurring theme in Woodson's work.
A) engaging
B) meaningful
C) recurring
C) recurring
Which author's purpose is suggested by the text?
Load the laundry into the washing machine and close the door tightly. Make sure not to overload the machine. Next, slide open the detergent drawer, add detergent, and then slide the drawer shut. Select the wash setting (whites or darks), temperature (hot, warm, or cold), and load size (small, medium, or large). Then, press the start button. The washing machine will stop automatically when the wash cycle is complete.
A) to inform readers about the benefits of different temperature settings
B) to teach readers how to operate a washing machine
B) to teach readers how to operate a washing machine
Complete the sentence with the best conjunction.
An electric saw is a useful tool, ___ it can be difficult to handle.
A) yet
B) or
A) yet
What is the main, or central, idea of the passage?
In 2016, Vallecito Elementary School in San Rafael, California, became the first U.S. school to replace all of its ordinary desks with raised desks that students stand at. Speaking to a reporter from TIME for Kids magazine, one student at the school gave the standing desks high praise. "You feel happier, you're less tired, and you're more active," she said. According to several studies, children working at standing desks burn more calories and are more focused on tasks. However, some teachers and parents are opposed to the change. They are concerned that standing for long periods of time could cause fatigue, strain on the legs and feet, or posture problems. In addition, standing desks are more expensive than seated desks. Only time will tell whether standing desks will prove to be the next big trend or a failed experiment.
A) Studies have shown that standing desks help students focus on their schoolwork while being more active.
B) Some people say that standing desks promote good study habits, but others are wary about the new desks.
B) Some people say that standing desks promote good study habits, but others are wary about the new desks.
For many runners who prefer running barefoot but still want some support and protection, minimalist shoes are the best thing since sliced bread.
A) The shoes are a fabulous invention.
B) The shoes are comfortable and flexible.
C) The shoes are as soft as freshly baked bread.
A) The shoes are a fabulous invention.
Which word means declared somethin to be true?
Most Americans have safe drinking water pouring from their taps at home. However, in some areas of the United States and elsewhere, potable drinking is scarce. In some cases, water supplies are tainted with pollutants that can cause serious illness or even death. The United Nations has affirmed that access to clean water is a basic human right and called upon its members around the world to work to provide pure, safe drinking water to all.
A) scarce
B) affirmed
C) tainted
Which author's purpose is suggested by the text?
Does your shampoo leave your hair dry or damaged? Flat and lifeless? Then Organi-Goo is the shampoo for you! Using only the finest organic ingredients, Organi-Goo gives you stronger, shinier, healthier hair.
Organi-Goo's powerful, all-natural formula penetrates the hair shaft to rebuild strength, body, and shine. Every strand of hair is pampered and revitalized when you use Organi-Goo. Are you ready for the best hair of your life? Then try Organi-Goo today!
A) to describe the experience of using Organi-Goo
B) to persuade readers to buy Organi-Goo
C) to inform readers about the ingredients in Organi-Goo
B) to persuade readers to buy Organi-Goo
Complete the sentence with the best conjunction.
The cabin was cold, ___ we lit a fire in the fireplace.
A) or
B) so
B) so
What is the main, or central, idea of the passage?
Bison and buffalo belong to the Bovidae, or cattle, family, but they are different species and have distinct characteristics. Many people refer to the creatures that once roamed the American West as buffalo; however, these animals are actually American bison, and they are only found in North America. On the other hand, two species of buffalo-the cape buffalo and the water buffalo-are found in Africa and Asia, respectively. Unlike the American bison, which has short horns similar to those of cows, buffalo have broad, sweeping horns. In addition, the American bison has a broad head carried low and a massive hump at the shoulders. In contrast, buffalo don't have shoulder humps and their heads are smaller than the bison's.
A) American bison are often mistakenly called buffalo, but the two creatures are quite different.
B) American bison can be distinguished from buffalo by the size and shape of their horns.
C) Buffalo and American bison are both members of the Bovidae family.
A) American bison are often mistakenly called buffalo, but the two creatures are quite different.
The hum of the computer concerned John. Was the problem with the power supply or the hard drive?
A) simile
B) onomatopoeia
C) allusion
B) onomatopoeia
What is the meaning of meticulously as used in the passage?
The Great Pyramid of Giza is the largest of the ancient Egyptian pyramids. When completed around 2560 BCE, it stood 481 feet high, as tall as a modern 44-story building. The Great Pyramid was the world's tallest building for more than three thousand years. More than two million huge stone blocks were used to construct it. The builders of the pyramid positioned it meticulously so that it perfectly faces true north. Scientists aren't sure how the ancient Egyptians knew how to place the base.
A) happily, without any hesitation
B) in a great hurry
C) carefully, with attention to detail
C) carefully, with attention to detail
Which author's purpose is suggested by the text?
We are excited to tell all students about this year's fundraiser. Instead of asking you to sell magazines or candy, we are asking you to read during our online Read-a-Thon! We can't do this without you. To meet our fundraising goal of five thousand dollars, we need all students to register online and create an account. Next, we need you to invite sponsors via email or social media. Sponsors can either pledge a dollar amount for every hour that you read, or they can pledge a fixed amount. Improve your reading ability and support your school at the same time. Get started today!
A) to encourage students to take part in the fundraiser
B) to teach students how to create an online account for the Read-a-Thon
C) to inform students about why the fundraiser is necessary
A) to encourage students to take part in the fundraiser
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
Allie made a wire sculpture of a tree for her art project. She used steel wool to make ___ leaves.
A) its
B) it's
A) its
What is the main, or central, idea of the passage?
The Atlantic cod was once the mainstay of the United States fishing industry. However, warming of the ocean along the shores of New England has caused the stock of cod to disappear almost completely. According to scientists at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, the Gulf of Maine is heating up faster than a majority of the rest of the planet's oceans. As a result of warmer ocean waters, female cod produce fewer offspring, and these fish are less likely to survive to maturity. Even though recreational cod fishing was banned in 2014, and strict limitations were placed on the number of fish commercial fishermen could catch, these measures have not been enough to protect the cod.
A) Because the Gulf of Maine is warming unusually quickly, Atlantic cod are disappearing.
B) Female cod are producing fewer offspring in the Gulf of Maine.
C) Because cod used to be abundant in the Atlantic, it was once the backbone of the U.S. fishing industry.
A) Because the Gulf of Maine is warming unusually quickly, Atlantic cod are disappearing.
Which figure of speech is used in this text?
Rodrigo is a real Benedict Arnold. After promising to work on my campaign for class president, he decided to support my opponent.
A) allusion
B) personification
C) idiom
A) allusion
As a teenager in Ghana in the 1930s, Esther Afua Ocloo started making and selling her own marmalade to local shoppers. Hoping to turn her efforts into a successful business, she applied for loans, but banks assumed she would not make large profits and refused to lender her money. Undaunted, Ocloo continued to work hard to grow her business. She used the proceeds from her sales to buy more supplies and gain new customers.
A) not discouraged by a challenge
B) not sure of what to do next
C) not able to improve
A) not discouraged by a challenge
Which author's purpose is suggested by the text?
Falling safely is important for ice skaters at any ability level-but especially for beginners. To practice falling, skaters must bend their knees, reaching their hands forward for balance, and fall sideways. To get up, they move onto their hands and knees, lift one knee, and place both hands on that knee to stand up. The next step is to master marching -doing high knee lifts while walking on the ice. Marching helps beginner skaters feel out how to balance on the sharp, thin blades. After marching -and falling -for a while, skaters can try the two-foot glide. It starts with several marches. Then, skaters put both Skates together, feet parallel, and glide forward. Now, on to harder skills!
A) to describe the feeling of gliding on the ice
B) to describe how ice skaters look when falling
C) to explain the beginning steps of ice skating
C) to explain the beginning steps of ice skating
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
After Kathleen and Danielle pitched ___ business plan to the investors, they received enthusiastic praise and support.
A) they're
B) there
C) their
C) their
What is the main, or central, idea of the passage?
When a patient is suspected of having a concussion, or brain injury, doctors often turn to computed tomography, or CT, scans to find out for sure. In a CT scan, a series of X-rays is taken. Each one shows an individual "slice" of the brain, and they can be combined to form a complete three-dimensional picture. Because of the amount of radiation patients are exposed to, however, doctors question the use of the scans, especially for children. Now researchers have proposed an alternative way of diagnosing head injuries: a simple blood test. The test detects proteins that burst out of brain cells into the bloodstream immediately after an injury.
It allows doctors to determine whether a patient has suffered head trauma and needs further treatment.
A) A new blood test can identify proteins that are present in the blood following a brain injury.
B) A new blood test makes it easier and safer to detect concussions.
C) Doctors commonly use CT scans to test for brain injuries.
B) A new blood test makes it easier and safer to detect concussions.
Which figure of speech is used in this text?
Elderly American ladies leaning on their canes listed toward me like towers of Pisa.
A) hyperbole
B) metaphor
C) simile
C) simile
What is the meaning of trial as it is used in the passage?
In 1963, Irish travel writer Dervla Murphy began a six-month journey from Europe to India, all by bicycle. The trip was filled with challenges, from below-zero temperatures in high mountain ranges to intense desert heat. While corssing Pakistan's Babusar Pass over 13,000 feet above sea level, Murphy experienced some of her greatest trials: she waded knee-deep through snow and carried her bike around her neck to climb steep glaciers. At the end of her pass, she had to be treated for starvation.
A) a hardship or difficulty
B) an unexpected opportunity
C) a regret or sad memory
A) a hardship or difficulty
Which author's purpose is suggested by the text?
Members of Winchester Fire and Rescue freed eight young ducklings from a storm drain early Tuesday morning. The firefighters responded to an anonymous call that ducklings were trapped below a storm grate near the intersection of North Main and Garden Court. When the crew arrived, they noticed a mother duck circling the storm grate. Eight ducklings were then found trapped below it. The firefighters worked quickly to remove the grate, free the ducklings, and reunite the family.
A) to inform readers about the location of the storm grate
B) to explain the process of rescuing ducklings
C) to inform readers about the duckling rescue
C) to inform readers about the duckling rescue
Correct the two errors in the sentence below.
Were definately going to celebrate tonight!
We're definitely going to celebrate tonight!