Inference
We warmed up, and then Coach Bradford said we were going to work on layups and rebounds. We made two lines. The people on the left-hand side were to shoot layups. The people on the right-hand side were to rebound the ball. Over the summer, I’d been so busy practicing my free throws that I had barely worked on doing left-handed layups. The only one who was good at those was Jennifer, and that’s because she was left-handed.
When it was my turn, the ball slipped out of my hands before I could even throw it up to the hoop.
“Did someone grease the ball?” Coach Bradford asked as I ran by.
When it was Jennifer’s turn, everyone watched. Carrie even looked impressed.
What can the reader infer about Jennifer?
A. Jennifer practiced left-handed layups instead of free throws over the summer.
B. Jennifer dropped the ball just like the narrator did.
C. Jennifer is left-handed.
D. Jennifer made a left-handed layup look easy.
A. Jennifer practiced left-handed layups instead of free throws over the summer.
Did you know that all sushi does not contain raw fish? Most of it does, but there are a few versions that have smoked or cooked meat like salmon and crab. Traditional sushi rolls are made of raw fish, sticky rice, and seaweed. However, chefs developed sushi that would appeal to people who couldn’t stomach the idea of eating raw fish. A well-known cooked roll is the Philadelphia roll. It is made of sticky rice, smoked salmon, cream cheese, and avocado. California rolls are also a favorite. They are made of imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber. Some sushi is even fried in tempura batter. This adds texture and allows the fish and other ingredients to be cooked before it is served. If you are squeamish about raw fish, try giving cooked sushi a try.
Which statement expresses a main idea in the passage?
A. Not all versions of sushi include raw fish.
B. Sushi includes raw fish or other raw ingredients.
C. Sushi is a well-known and traditional food that is enjoyed by many.
D. Sushi with cooked meat is much better than sushi with raw fish.
A. Not all versions of sushi include raw fish.
People who do not eat meat can be classified as vegan or vegetarian. However, there is a difference between a vegetarian and a vegan. Vegans do not eat any animal products at all. This includes dairy (like milk and cheese), eggs, or anything that is made from animals. Vegetarians eat these products, but they do not consume meat. Vegans and vegetarians must be careful to get nutrition from other areas. The body usually gets protein from meat. Since vegans and vegetarians do not eat meat, they must get protein from other sources. They can do this by eating nuts, beans, and other protein-rich foods. Also, vegans and vegetarians must be careful to get an adequate amount of vitamin B12. Most of them fulfill this requirement by taking nutritional supplements. Becoming a vegan or vegetarian is a major life decision and is not the easiest to maintain.
Based on the details in the text, which statement is true of vegans and vegetarians?
A. Vegans and vegetarians have the same diet.
B. Vegans don’t eat any animal products, but vegetarians do consume animal products other than meat.
C. Vegetarians don’t eat any animal products, but vegans do consume animal products other than meat.
D. Vegans and vegetarians consume some animal products, but they do not consume any meat.
B. Vegans don’t eat any animal products, but vegetarians do consume animal products other than meat.
Energy drinks have been heavily advertised within the last few years. Because of this, they have become the trend among children and young adults. However, this trend comes with a lot of health concerns. Energy drinks have high amounts of caffeine that can cause a lot of problems. Drinking too much caffeine can cause high blood pressure, heart disease, and dehydration. Other ingredients in energy drinks can also cause health risks. Most of them contain large amounts of sugar, which can lead to diabetes, kidney disease, and obesity. Most young adults drink energy drinks to stay alert throughout the day. However, getting the right amount of sleep each night is the safest way to guarantee alertness without the dangerous side effects.
What is the meaning of the underlined word?
A. Drowsy
B. Intelligent
C. Attentive
D. Calm
C. Attentive
Did you know that certain foods can make you sleepy? Cherries, pasta, and lettuce are some of the culprits that can make you feel fatigued, or tired. Cherries contain a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is a natural sleep aid. The body naturally uses it to control when we sleep. It regulates the body’s sleep patterns, as well. However, the melatonin gained from food can add to this effect. Pasta contains a load of carbohydrates. Blood sugar levels can surge because of pasta, thus causing sleepiness. Lettuce contains lactucin, which slows down brain processes and causes fatigue. Because of the effects of these sleep-inducing foods, it is a good idea to eat them in the evening.
Determine the text structure of the text.
A. Cause and Effect
B. Problem and Solution
C. Chronological Order
D. Compare and Contrast
A. Cause and Effect
New Orleans, LA is known for many things like the French Quarter, lively jazz music, great food, and talented artists. The area is very diverse, and it has a rich culture. Millions of people visit the city each year to indulge in the city’s atmosphere. However, New Orleans is also known for another thing...ghosts. As a matter of fact, a person can take a ghost tour when he or she visits. Locals believe that ghosts exist because of the history of New Orleans. The city has seen its fair share of unfortunate events. The Beauregard-Keyes House is one location where locals believe ghosts exist. They believe that the ghosts are connected to General Beauregard somehow. Another location where people believe ghosts exist is Muriel’s Restaurant. At Muriel’s, you can order a delectable seafood dish and possibly view strange occurrences, as well. However, locals don’t want their ghosts to scare you away from their city. They believe that the ghosts are part of the city’s charm.
Which evidence from the text best supports the inference that the residents of New Orleans are proud of their ghostly heritage?
A. They believe that the ghosts are part of the city’s charm.
B. Another location where people believe ghosts exist is Muriel’s Restaurant.
C. The Beauregard-Keyes House is one location where locals believe ghosts exist.
D. They believe that the ghosts are connected to General Beauregard somehow.
A. They believe that the ghosts are part of the city’s charm.
Most people love their dogs; however, housetraining them can be an epic task that can take as long as six months to accomplish. Puppies should be at least 12 weeks old before training begins. This will give them the best chance of being successful. Consistent schedules are needed. This will allow puppies to develop routines. Puppies should be taken out in the morning, after meals, and after resting. Other times can also be added to the schedule. It is important to take them to the same spots, as well. This will allow them to associate the spots with using the restroom. Also, don’t leave puppies alone. They should always be accompanied when they use the restroom to avoid careless accidents. Lastly, don’t forget about positive reinforcement! Puppies love to get attention from their owners. This will solidify good behavior.
Which statement expresses a main idea in the passage?
A. Puppies should never be left alone.
B. Housetraining puppies is not necessary for puppies to live in houses.
C. Puppies behave better when given positive reinforcement.
D. Housetraining puppies is a time-consuming task.
D. Housetraining puppies is a time-consuming task.
The dominant spirit that haunts this enchanted region, and seems to be commander-in-chief of all the powers of the air,
is the apparition of a figure on horseback, without a head. It is said by some to be the ghost of a Hessian trooper, whose head had been carried away by a cannon-ball, in some nameless battle during the Revolutionary War, and who is ever seen by the country folk hurrying along in the gloom of night, as if on the wings of the wind. His haunts are not confined to the valley, but extend at times to the adjacent roads, and especially to the vicinity of a church at no great distance. Indeed, certain of the most authentic historians of those parts, who have been careful in collecting and collating the floating facts concerning this ghost, allege that the body of the trooper having been buried in the churchyard, the ghost rides forth to the scene of battle in nightly quest of his head, and that the rushing speed with which he sometimes passes along the Hollow, like a midnight blast, is owing to his being belated, and in a hurry to get back to the churchyard before daybreak. The ghost is known at all the country firesides, by the name of the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.
Which detail supports the idea that the ghost is well known?
A. extend at times
B. most authentic historians
C. collating the floating facts
D. all the country firesides
D. all the country firesides
Burning yourself can bring pain and anguish, especially if the burns are not treated correctly. Treatment methods depend on the degree of injury to the skin. There are first-, second-, and third- degree burns. An extensive amount of injury can result in third-degree burns. They occur when damage is done to both the skin’s outer and inner layers. Third-degree burns should be treated by a medical professional. A surface layer burn is a first-degree burn. First-degree burns and some second-degree burns can be treated at home. First, run cool tap water over the burn. Then, apply a cool compress. After that, apply soothing creams like hydrocortisone or a numbing lotion. Ice and ice water should never be applied to burns! This will cause tissue damage. If you are unsure about the severity of a burn, please consult a doctor. Additionally, if there is irritation or signs of infection, a doctor’s visit is necessary.
What is the meaning of the word anguish as it is used in the sentence?
A. Trouble
B. Torment
C. Experience
D. Angry
B. Torment
Alligators and crocodiles have many differences and similarities. Both of them can roam the land freely, but most alligators prefer to live around fresh water, while crocodiles prefer salt water. Their snouts may look alike, but look closely, and you will see subtle differences. An alligator’s snout is wider than a crocodile’s snout. It is also curved. An alligator’s snout is also stronger. A crocodile has a pointed snout that resembles a V. The alignment of their teeth is also different. When an alligator closes its mouth, you cannot see any teeth. However, a crocodile’s smile is more menacing. When a crocodile closes its mouth, a shiny, pointy tooth will show over its top lip. Both animals have scaly skin that allows them to live in the roughest of conditions, and both of them also have sensory glands located in their mouths. This helps them hunt prey and safely live in water.
Determine the text structure of the text.
A. Cause and Effect
B. Description
C. Problem and Solution
D. Compare and Contrast
D. Compare and Contrast
Many people love the vibrant colors of autumn. Some plants have naturally colored leaves, but weather plays a major role in determining the colors of other leaves. Green plants maintain their color because of a chemical called chlorophyll. Plants make plenty of chlorophyll during the warmer months. However, due to lowering temperatures during autumn and winter, less chlorophyll is made. This causes green plants to turn orange, yellow, and other fall colors. Water also plays a big role when determining the colors of leaves. If plants experience a drought, the leaves will wither and lose color.
Based on the details in the text, what can you infer about weather and plants?
A.Weather and plants are independent of each other.
B.The weather is important to plants.
C. Plants are the same no matter what the weather is like.
D. Weather has no direct result on plants.
B.The weather is important to plants.
Although they are generally thought of as annoying insects, ants have distinctive characteristics that are worth mentioning. First of all, they're over 10,000 different types of ants, and they exist all over the world. Ants can live in mounds on top of the ground, underground, in trees, and in people’s homes. Ants exhibit a strong sense of teamwork. When faced with adversity, they work together to accomplish monumental tasks. Although they are small, they can bare three times their body weight. Ants live in colonies with one or more queens, and male ants only mate with the queen to produce the entire colony. Some ants in the colony are designated as worker ants. The worker ants are females that do not lay eggs. They work hard to sustain life in the colony. Ants have a unique way of communicating. They use chemicals in their bodies to advise of possible dangers or food. Ants do not have picky diets. They will eat anything from fungus to paper. Ants are small but mighty creatures.
Which statement expresses a main idea in the passage?
A. Ants are annoying insects.
B. Ants are interesting insects with distinctive characteristics.
C. Ants work hard to keep the colony alive and thriving.
D. Ants will eat most anything.
B. Ants are interesting insects with distinctive characteristics.
Plastic Pollution is a serious problem. Many times, the plastic is polluting the Ocean. There are ways to help like recycling, reusing plastic, and not using single-use plastic. However, I believe people should reduce the amount of single-use plastic they use. The first thing we can do is “refuse any single-use plastics that we don’t need” (Hutchinson 2). There are a lot of single-use plastics that we don’t need. For example, water bottles, plastic bags, food wrappings like sandwich bags, bubble wrap for packaging, and utensils like forks, spoons, knives, and cups. All these have alternatives or “alternative versions of those products” (Hutchinson 2). You can easily use a reusable water bottle like a hydroflask. You can use reusable grocery bags, paper bags, old newspaper, foam, metal utensils, and reusable cups. In 2015 alone, 448 million tons of plastic was produced around the world (Anastasia 1). By using alternatives, we’re already reducing the amount of single-use plastic being thrown out.
According to the passage, which statement supports the main idea?
A. Plastic is bad for the Ocean
B. People do not need plastic
C. There is not enough plastic
D. There is too much plastic
B. People do not need plastic
The honorable role of the First Lady of the United States started with Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. Mrs. Washington was born in Virginia on June 2, 1731 to John and Frances Dandridge. When she married Daniel Parke Custis in 1750, she was 18 years old. She gave birth to four children during this marriage, but two of them died before they reached five years old. Her husband died in 1757, leaving her with two young children. Her next marriage to President George Washington began in 1759. She fully supported her husband’s political endeavors, and she set the stage for future first ladies. Martha Washington died in Mount Vernon on May 22, 1802.
Determine the meaning of the underlined phrase, "set the stage" as it is used in the text.
A. Prepared the way
B. Decorated the rooms
C. Made it more difficult
D. Helped interview
A. Prepared the way
Beekeeping can provide an enjoyable way to earn a living with the bonus of acquiring a delicious treat! Before you venture into beekeeping, be sure to follow these guidelines.
1. Read and conduct research about beekeeping. This will give you the background knowledge that is needed to be successful.
2. Purchase the right equipment. Basic beekeeping equipment includes the hive frames in which the bees will build their hives, the hive stand, a smoker, a hive tool, a veil or full beekeeper’s suit, gloves, a honey extractor, and a bee brush.
3. Purchase your bees. The safest way to do this is to purchase a colony. Otherwise, you will have to catch a swarm. This is not advised!
4. Take care of your bees. Nurture them and be careful to maintain their health. Beekeeping can be a rewarding experience if these steps are followed.
Determine the text structure of the text.
A. Cause and Effect
B. Problem and Solution
C. Chronological Order
D. Compare and Contrast
C. Chronological Order
Former First Lady Michelle Obama was born as Michelle LaVaughn Robinson on January 17, 1964 in Chicago, Illinois. She skipped second grade, and she took gifted classes in elementary school. Mrs. Obama did not attend her neighborhood high school. Instead, she was able to attend Chicago’s first magnet high school, Whitney Young High School. She was the salutatorian of her graduating class. From there, she attended Princeton University. In 1985, she graduated with honors. She received a Bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in African-American studies. After her time at Princeton, she attended Harvard Law School. She received a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard in 1988. After graduating from Harvard, Mrs. Obama obtained a job at a law firm. It was there that she met the future 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. Before becoming the first lady, she worked for the University of Chicago, and she also held a job as an executive director of a nonprofit organization in Chicago.
What can you infer about Michelle Obama?
A. Michelle Obama had strict parents.
B. Education is important to Michelle Obama.
C. Michelle Obama wanted to be a lawyer since she as a child.
D. Extra curricular activities were important to Michelle Obama.
B. Education is important to Michelle Obama.
Former First Lady Laura Bush has always had a love for reading. This interest was shared by a previous first lady and her mother-in-law, Barbara Bush. While in office, Barbara Bush created the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. The foundation encouraged children to read. It also provided resources to schools. Barbara Bush also became involved in reading organizations, and she even led a few reading committees while her husband was in office. As a former librarian, former First Lady Laura Bush continued the organization while also growing it. She pushed the government to establish funding for early childhood literacy programs. Laura Bush believed in the power of libraries, so she helped raise approximately one million dollars for public libraries. She created the Laura Bush Foundation. It also provides financial support for public libraries. Both former First Lady Laura Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush had great impacts on our nation’s quest for literacy.
Which statement expresses a main idea in the passage?
A. Former First Lady Laura Bush has always had a love for reading.
B. This interest was shared by a previous first lady and her mother-in-law, Barbara Bush.
C. As a former librarian, former First Lady Laura Bush continued the organization while also growing it.
D. Both former First Lady Laura Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush had great impacts on our nation’s quest for literacy.
D. Both former First Lady Laura Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush had great impacts on our nation’s quest for literacy.
“A Merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!” cried a cheerful voice. It was Scrooge’s nephew, who came upon him so quickly that this was the first intimation he had of his approach.
“Bah!” said Scrooge. “Humbug!”
He had so heated himself with rapid walking in the fog and frost, this nephew of Scrooge’s, that he was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled; and his breath smoked again.
“Christmas a humbug, uncle!” said Scrooge’s nephew. “You don’t mean that. I am sure.”
“I do,” said Scrooge. “Merry Christmas! What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You’re poor enough.”
Which of the following details from the text shows you that Scrooge and his nephew have different ideas about what should make a person happy?
A. “Merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!” cried a cheerful voice.
B. His face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked again.
C. “Bah!” said Scrooge, “Humbug!”
D. “What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You’re poor enough.”
D. “What right have you to be merry? What reason have you to be merry? You’re poor enough.”
Many students today are victims of bullying. There are four types of bullying- physical, verbal, cyber, and social bullying. Physical bullying includes any act that causes physical harm to another person. Verbal bullying occurs when individuals are taunted with words. Cyber bullying occurs over the Internet. Cyber bullying usually occurs on social media. Lastly, social bullying occurs when individuals isolate others on purpose. All forms are bullying are unacceptable, and they can be experienced by both children and adults. Bullying can result in long-term mental anguish, such as depression and/or anxiety. It can also cause victims to have a lack of trust in friends and family. Children who are bullied should seek help from their teachers and parents. Adults can report bullying to their supervisors and even the police. It is important to show the pattern of bullying when it is reported. No one has the right to cause harm to another person. Bullying is despicable behavior!
Determine the meaning of the underlined word as it is used in the text.
A. Spoken
B. Isolated
C. Mocked
D. Praised
C. Mocked
Owls are fascinating creatures. Their physical features mimic some features of humans, but some physical characteristics are vastly different. First, owls can turn their heads 270 degrees. Humans can only turn their heads about 90 degrees to each side. Humans and owls both have binocular vision, but owls cannot move their eyes around because they don’t have eyeballs! They have tube-like eyes that are fixed in place by their bones. Humans and owls are both warm-blooded vertebrates. Lastly, both humans and owls rely on their sense of hearing. An owl’s hearing is more defined, however. They rely heavily on their hearing to catch prey. Humans and owls can be nocturnal (active at night) or diurnal (active during the day). Most owls are nocturnal, however, and they hunt at night.
Determine the text structure of the text.
A. Problem and Solution
B. Chronological Order
C. Compare and Contrast
D. Cause and Effect
C. Compare and Contrast
Police officers provide an important service to the public. In most states, police cadets must be at least 18 years old to enter a police academy. Each cadet must have a high school diploma. However, it is not uncommon for police officers to have college degrees. A police officer must also have a driver’s license and a clean driving record. Another important requirement is physical agility. A police officer’s job can be very physically demanding, so physical fitness is crucial. Having good judgment skills, strong character traits, and a high level of integrity are more skills that successful police officers have, as well as the ability to multitask. Because the job is dangerous, police officers must be willing to sacrifice their lives for a better society. Being a police officer is a thrilling and selfless job.
Which evidence from the text best supports the inference that education is important to many police officers?
A. A police officer’s job can be very physically demanding, so physical fitness is vital.
B. In most states, police cadets must be at least 18 years old to enter a police academy.
C. Because the job is dangerous, police officers must be willing to sacrifice their lives for a better society.
D. However, it is not uncommon for police officers to have college degrees.
D. However, it is not uncommon for police officers to have college degrees.
Scientists were able to find many telltale signs of warming of the atmosphere, one of the biggest signs being oceans. Ocean temperatures have been rising about .12 degrees Celsius per decade on average over the past 50 years. The ocean covers a good amount of the Earth. It has deep parts which man haven’t even been able to reach because of the pressure at that depth. Now with the warming of oceans comes bigger problems. It creates problems that will backfire on our economy and affect us in many ways. The higher temperatures are driving marine life toward the poles in search of livable habitats, bleaching coral reefs, and causing severe impacts on fisheries and aquacultures. It also contribute to more frequent and extreme weather events. In the three back to back deadly hurricanes of 2017 – Harvey, Irma, and Maria – warmer waters played a role in worsening the storms.
What is the main idea?
A. We need to help save ocean life.
B. Scientists are working to stop global warming.
C. Life is centered around the destruction of the Oceans.
D. The warming of the Oceans is negatively impacting life on Earth.
D. The warming of the Oceans is negatively impacting life on Earth.
James, who was quickly beginning to love fishing almost as much as his father, gazed out at the point where his fishing line met the water. He was waiting for the tug that would tell him that there was more than a lure and hook at the end. The early morning sunlight glinted off of the line, reminding him of a spider’s web.
A few feet away, James’s brother, David, sat holding a rod, too. James and their dad had dragged him out of bed before the sun was even up. David let out a sigh that caused his dad to look over and his brother to glare at him. For David, the quiet was too heavy. He just wanted to yell or jump in the water, anything other than to sit one more minute without talking. He couldn’t wait for the moment when his dad would stand up, stretch, and say, “Well, let’s head in, boys.”
Which quotation from the passage supports the claim that James and his father have a shared passion for fishing?
A. The early morning sunlight glinted off the line, reminding him of a spider’s web.
B. A few feet away, James’s brother, David, sat holding a rod, too.
C. James, who was quickly beginning to love fishing almost as much as his father, gazed out at the point where his fishing line met the water.
D. For David, the quiet was too heavy.
C. James, who was quickly beginning to love fishing almost as much as his father, gazed out at the point where his fishing line met the water.
Rosa Parks was an important part of the Civil Rights era. Her actions on December 1, 1955 forever changed the face of the movement. During this time in history, segregated facilities and public transportation existed. There were separate facilities for white Americans and African-Americans. Parks worked as a seamstress in Montgomery, AL. After working a long shift, she boarded a city bus and sat down in a section that was reserved for African-American passengers. However, when the white section of the bus reached capacity, Parks was asked to give up her seat in the African-American section of the bus. She refused because she thought that it was unfair treatment. Because of her refusal, she was arrested for violating the segregation laws. Her behavior was a starting point for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. After this incident, Rosa Parks continued to speak against racism and segregation.
Which quotation best helps the reader understand the meaning of “segregated”?
A. Rosa Parks was an important part of the Civil Rights era.
B. There were separate facilities for white Americans and African-Americans.
C. She refused because she thought that it was unfair treatment.
D. Her behavior was a starting point for the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
B. There were separate facilities for white Americans and African-Americans.
Writing an essay can be easy if you adhere to the following steps. First, you must create a prewriting diagram. This will allow you to put your ideas on paper in a logical form. A prewriting diagram will also narrow your focus for writing and help organize your essay. Once you’re done with your prewriting diagram, you’re ready to write. Your first paragraph should contain your topic sentence. Then, write three factual statements that support your topic sentence. Next, go on to your second paragraph. It should begin with a transition and your first factual statement from the first paragraph. Then, write three supportive sentences for that statement. Do the same thing with your third and fourth paragraphs. Be sure that each factual statement has three supporting sentences. The last paragraph is your conclusion. Restate your topic sentence, and sum up your evidence. Writing an essay can be a manageable task if you follow these steps.
Determine the text structure.
A. Problem and Solution
B. Description
C. Chronological Order
D. Cause and Effect
C. Chronological Order