Author's Moves + Messages
Students at Westbrook Middle noticed a shift in their school schedule this year. While some appreciated the later start time, others argued it caused conflicts with after-school jobs and responsibilities. The principal stated the change was meant to “support student mental health and academic focus.”
QUESTION:
What is the author’s primary purpose?
A. To entertain with a story about school
B. To explain a schedule change and present perspectives
C. To argue against student jobs
D. To describe a principal’s daily routine
B. To explain a schedule change and present perspectives
f somebody says, “I’m not gon’ lie… that was lowkey crazy,” what are they REALLY doing?
A. Telling the truth politely
B. Soft-launching an opinion before they judge you
C. Asking a question
D. Changing the subject
B. Soft-launching an opinion before they judge you
"To address declining literacy rates, the district first expanded access to digital texts, then implemented daily independent reading time, and finally provided teachers with targeted professional development."
Question:
Which text structure BEST organizes this passage?
A. Cause & effect
B. Problem & solution
C. Sequence
D. Compare & contrast
C. Sequence
Which country consumes the most chocolate per person annually?
A. United States
B. Switzerland
C. France
D. Canada
B. Switzerland
"Schools should integrate financial literacy into the curriculum so students are better prepared to manage real-world responsibilities."
Question:
What is the author’s claim?
A. Students struggle with money
B. Schools should teach financial literacy
C. Real-world responsibilities are difficult
D. Curriculum is too long
B. Schools should teach financial literacy
“Yeah, waking up early used to have me tired all day,” Jamal said. “Now I actually feel ready for class. But my little brother misses the bus since everything changed.”
QUESTION (MULTIPLE RESPONSE):
Which details BEST reveal conflicting perspectives?
A. Jamal feels more prepared for class
B. The schedule changed recently
C. Jamal’s brother misses the bus
D. Students attend school daily
A. Jamal feels more prepared for class
C. Jamal’s brother misses the bus
If your friend texts:
“Don’t play with me. I BEEN knew that.”
They are trying to say:
👉 “I ______ already.”
Answer: knew / been knew
"Because many students lacked reliable internet access at home, the district distributed mobile hotspots, resulting in a measurable increase in assignment completion rates."
Question:
How is the information primarily structured?
A. Chronological order
B. Cause & effect
C. Description
D. Argument
B. Cause & effect
Which artist was the FIRST to reach 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify?
A. Drake
B.Bad Bunny
C. Taylor Swift
D. The Weeknd
D. The Weeknd
A 2023 national survey found that 78% of young adults wished they had learned budgeting skills in school."
Question:
What type of evidence is used?
A. Personal anecdote
B. Expert opinion
C. Statistical evidence
D. Emotional appeal
C. Statistical evidence
Two articles discuss school uniforms:
Question (Fill in the blank):
The difference in focus suggests each author has a different ________.
Answer: perspective
Which situation BEST represents someone being “pressed”?
A. Calm and unbothered
B. Trying too hard to act cool
C. Emotionally invested but pretending not to be
D. Laughing with friends
C. Emotionally invested but pretending not to be
"Unlike traditional classrooms, which rely heavily on direct instruction, project-based learning environments encourage collaboration, inquiry, and real-world problem solving."
Question:
Which statement BEST explains how the structure contributes to meaning?
A. It compares two approaches to highlight differences
B. It lists steps in a process
C. It tells a story
D. It explains a single idea
A. It compares two approaches to highlight differences
Which artist has won the MOST Grammy Awards of all time?
A. Beyoncé
B. Michael Jackson
C. Jay-Z
D. Kanye West
A. Beyoncé
"Some argue that financial literacy should be taught at home; however, not all families have the resources or knowledge to provide this instruction, making school-based learning essential."
Question:
Which argumentative technique is MOST clearly used?
A. Claim only
B. Counterclaim and rebuttal
C. Narrative storytelling
D. Description
B. Counterclaim and rebuttal
"In communities where resources are limited, students often rely on school not only for education, but for meals, safety, and stability."
Question:
Which audience is MOST likely targeted?
A. Elementary students
B. Lawmakers and policymakers
C. Athletes
D. Social media influencers
B. Lawmakers and policymakers
Somebody says: “Yeah… I hear you.”
What does that MOST LIKELY mean in real life?
A. They are DONE with the conversation
B. They are confused
C. They agree with you
D. They want more information
A. They are DONE with the conversation
"Urban gardens are transforming neighborhoods. These spaces not only provide fresh produce but also serve as educational hubs, community gathering spots, and symbols of local resilience."
Question:
Which organizational technique MOST strengthens the author’s message?
A. Presenting opposing viewpoints
B. Including dialogue
C. Using chronological events
D. Listing multiple functions to build complexity of the idea
D. Listing multiple functions to build complexity of the idea
Which fast-food chain is credited with creating the first modern drive-thru?
A. McDonald’s
B. Burger King
C. Wendy’s
D. In-N-Out Burger
D. In-N-Out Burger
"One teacher reported that students ‘seemed more confident’ after a single budgeting lesson, suggesting that financial literacy programs are effective."
Question:
Why is this evidence LESS effective?
A. It lacks sufficient data and relies on a single observation
B. It includes a quote
C. It uses academic vocabulary
D. It supports the claim
A. It lacks sufficient data and relies on a single observation
Some argue later start times improve academic success. However, critics point out that without addressing homework load and screen time, sleep issues may persist.
QUESTION (EBSR STYLE):
Part A: What is the author doing?
A. Presenting only one claim
B. Providing background
C. Changing the topic
D. Introducing a counterclaim
Part B: Which phrase BEST supports your answer?
A. “Some argue…”
B. “However, critics point out…”
C. “academic success”
D. “sleep issues may persist”
Part A: D. Introducing a counterclaim
Part B: B. “However, critics point out…”
I show up when you post.
I disappear when you need me.
I hype you up but don’t really know you.
What am I?
Social media supporters / “fake fans”
"While some critics argue that standardized testing ensures accountability, others contend that it narrows curriculum and overlooks diverse student strengths. This ongoing debate reveals the tension between measurement and meaningful learning."
Question:
How does the structure MOST impact the development of the author’s message?
A. It provides only one perspective
B. It presents opposing viewpoints to deepen the central idea
C. It lists unrelated facts
D. It focuses only on personal opinion
B. It presents opposing viewpoints to deepen the central idea
Which planet spins in the opposite direction compared to most other planets?
A. Mars
B. Venus
C. Jupiter
D. Saturn
B. Venus
Although several studies indicate that financial literacy courses improve long-term decision-making, critics argue that these programs fail to account for systemic economic barriers. This suggests that while education is valuable, it may not be sufficient on its own."
Question:
Which statement BEST evaluates the strength of this argument?
A. It is weak because it includes opposing views
B. It is incorrect because it uses studies
C. It is strong because it considers multiple perspectives and limitations
D. It is biased because it mentions barriers
C. It is strong because it considers multiple perspectives and limitations