Evidence
Vocab!
Read the following sentence.
Elephants are big (an African elephant can stand thirteen feet tall ), but a little tender, loving care still can benefit, or help, them.
Which word in the sentence below has the same meaning as the word benefit?
a. Like
b. Adjust
c. Help
d. Standby
c. Help
Which of the following statements might be the theme of a piece of literature?
a. Natural beauty
b. I stood alone in a field of daisies.
c. Observing nature can change how you view the world.
d. The flowers were pretty.
c. Observing nature can change how you view the world.
Read the following passage.
Cause of Colds
The common cold is caused by a virus, which travels through the air into the nose. There are more than 100 types of cold viruses! The most common is the rhinovirus.
Which sentence from this passage reflects the main idea?
a. The common cold is caused by a virus, which travels through the air into the nose.
b. There are more than 100 types of cold viruses!
c. The most common is the rhinovirus.
d. Everyone gets colds.
a. The common cold is caused by a virus, which travels through the air into the nose.
Plot
At which stage in the story is the conflict at its most dramatic?
a. Exposition
b. Rising Action
c. Climax
d. Resolution
c. Climax
Read the following title and subheading.
Title: Nutrition and You
Subheading: Why You Need Protein
What might be the main idea of a paragraph under this title and subheading?
a. Some sources of protein are meat, fish, eggs, beans, and dairy products.
b. Protein is necessary for keeping your body healthy.
c. It is important to eat calcium to have strong bones.
d. Eating sugary foods gives you an energy rush—but doesn't provide any nutrition for your body.
b. Protein is necessary for keeping your body healthy.
How would you correctly cite this source in MLA format?
Source: “Grow: Edible Bounty” by Johanna Silver, page 62. Published in Sunset May 2016.
Sentence: It’s easy to grow vegetables in raised beds for several reasons, including drainage.
a. (Silver 62).
b. (Silver).
c. (Johanna Silver).
d. (Silver, pg. 62).
a. (Silver 62).
Vocab!
Read the following passage.
Frans de Waal, a primatologist, has studied chimpanzees and other primates for more than twenty years. He believes they have an innate sense of fairness similar to that of humans.
Which word in the passage means “present from birth?”
a. Primatologist
b. Primates
c. Innate
d. Sense
c. Innate
Read the following passage.
Ten years ago, scientists thought that the weather on Mars was calm and peaceful. However, recent studies have shown otherwise. "Martian dust devils" are storms of swirling dust that can rise up to five miles in the air. Strong winds move large sand dunes, and enormous cyclones race across the planet.
What is the central idea of this passage?
a. The weather on Mars is calm and peaceful.
b. A Martian dust storm can rise up to five miles in the air.
c. There are sand dunes on Mars.
d. Stormy weather can be found on Mars.
d. Stormy weather can be found on Mars.
Setting
Read the passage below.
Eliot stared at the giant rollercoaster. Then, remembering his little sister, he called out to her. Turning around, he realized with a shock that she was gone. Eliot ran through the packs of people, searching everywhere. Finally, he stopped under a tree to catch his breath. Where could Sierra be? And how would he ever find her in this crowded park?
How does the setting affect the plot?
a. It only tells where the story takes place.
b. It tells important details about the story.
c. It makes the conflict more complicated.
d. It tells when the story takes place.
c. It makes the conflict more complicated.
Read the passage below.
"Seeing an anaconda up close for the first time changed my life," says animal expert Rowena Lewis. Anacondas are some of the biggest snakes in the world. On average, they are about 20 feet long and 300 pounds. Members of the boa constrictor family, these reptiles make their homes in the wet jungles of the Amazon in South America.
Why do you think the writer included the quotation by Rowena Lewis?
a. to tell a story about anacondas
b. to get readers interested in anacondas
c. to persuade readers to become animal experts
d. to describe the life of an animal expert
b. to get readers interested in anacondas
How would you correctly cite this source in MLA format?
Source: “The Only Game in Town?” by Timothy Shenk, page 27. Published in Nation 7 Mar. 2016:
Sentence: In 2014, the Federal Reserve gave close to $100 billion back to the government.
a. (Timothy Shenk 27).
b. (Shenk 27).
c. (Shenk page 27).
d. (Timothy 2016).
b. (Shenk 27).
Read the passage below.
"Why can't you just pack me salami or tuna sandwiches? That's what everyone else eats."
"Don't you like the lunches I pack you?" Abu seemed surprised that I was complaining.
"Of course I love your mansaf, Abu, but it . . . it just smells so strong. People think the jameed in it smells like dirty socks. I feel like everyone's staring at my weird food," I said.
"Are you ashamed of being different?"
I didn't answer my father. He continued, "We have a beautiful heritage. There is no shame in eating the foods your grandparents and great-grandparents ate! Never look down on your traditions, my child."
I knew in my heart Abu was right.
Which sentence states the best theme of the passage.
a. It’s hard to fit in
b. Be proud of your heritage.
c. One should eat ethnic foods.
d. Some people don’t like to appear “different.”
b. Be proud of your heritage.
Vocab!
Read the passage below.
“What can I get you?” I asked the customer at the counter. He gave me his order and then told me all sorts of superfluous information about himself: how he couldn’t find a parking spot near the coffee shop, how he was running late for work, and how he was taking a much-needed vacation next week. While he shared these unnecessary details, a line of annoyed customers gathered behind him.
What is the meaning of the word “superfluous” as it is used in the passage?
a. Extra, or more than is needed
b. Intimate or personal
c. Boring or interesting
a. Extra, or more than is needed
Perspective
Read the passage below.
Ann finished her driving test and headed for the parking lot. She couldn't help grinning as she walked up to her father.
"I guess things went well this time?" he asked.
"Yes!" Ann jumped up and down, holding up her temporary driver's license. "I'm so happy!"
"You should be," her father said. "But I knew you could do it."
"I think it's the lucky socks that did the trick." She looked down at the bright green socks peeking out between the tops of her sneakers and her jeans.
Her father squeezed her shoulder. "I don't know. I think all those hours of practice helped more." Then, he climbed in on the passenger side of the car and smiled at Ann as she sat down behind the wheel.
What do the actions and words of Ann’s father reveal about him?
a. He is proud that Ann's hard work resulted in a driver's license.
b. He is surprised that Ann did well on her exam.
c. He believes the green socks helped Ann get her license.
d. He thinks Ann is overemphasizing her success.
a. He is proud that Ann's hard work resulted in a driver's license.
Read the following title and excerpt from an article.
Five Reasons You Should Vote for Stephanie Hill
Our school deserves a class president with experience, vision, and tons of school spirit. That's why you should vote to re-elect our current class president, Stephanie Hill!
Need more specific reasons why? Here are five to remember as you cast your vote next Friday. . . .
Based on this title and excerpt what do you think is the purpose of this article?
a. to inform people about Stephanie Hill's policies
b. to persuade voters that Stephanie Hill is the best candidate
c. to entertain people with stories about Stephanie Hill's career
d. to explain how to vote in a school election
b. to persuade voters that Stephanie Hill is the best candidate
Read the following passage.
(1) "Why can't you just pack me salami or tuna sandwiches? (2) That's what everyone else eats."
(3) "Don't you like the lunches I pack you?" Abu seemed surprised that I was complaining.
(4) "Of course I love your mansaf, Abu, but it . . . it just smells so strong. (5) People think the jameed in it smells like dirty socks. (6) I feel like everyone's staring at my weird food,"? I said.
(7) "Are you ashamed of being different?"
(8) I didn't answer my father. (9) He continued, "We have a beautiful heritage. (10) There is no shame in eating the foods your grandparents and great-grandparents ate! (11) Never look down on your traditions, my child."
Which statement best supports the story's theme that one should be proud of his or her traditions?
a. Sentence 1
b. Sentence 4
c. Sentence 7
d. Sentence 11
d. Sentence 11
Read the following passage.
A Fox once saw a Crow fly off with a piece of cheese in its beak and settle on a branch of a tree. "I want that cheese," thought Fox. He walked up to the foot of the tree. "Good-day, Miss Crow," he cried. "How well you are looking today: how glossy your feathers; how bright your eyes. I feel sure your voice must surpass that of other birds. Please sing one song so that I may enjoy your lovely voice." The Crow lifted up her head and began to caw her best, but the moment she opened her mouth the piece of cheese fell to the ground, only to be snapped up by Fox.
Which statement below best communicates the theme of the passage?
a. Don’t trust those who flatter you.
b. Appreciate what you have.
c. Beauty is only skin deep.
d. Be careful what you wish for.
a. Don’t trust those who flatter you.
Read the following central idea.
The design of roller coasters is based on the laws of physics.
Which of the following details does NOT support this central idea?
a. There are no engines on roller coasters; kinetic energy drives the coaster forward.
b. The amount of friction on the wheels affects the speed of the ride.
c. Wooden roller coasters are scarier than steel roller coasters.
d. Inertia is the force that keeps you in your seat during a loop-the-loop.
c. Wooden roller coasters are scarier than steel roller coasters.
Vocab!
Use context clues to determine the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence below.
Many laws and plans are helping to keep elephants alive. As a result, the species’ chances of survival may be improving.
To provide a clue into the meaning of survival, the writer…
a. speaks of having a plan
b. refers to keeping the elephant species alive
c. refers to having a disaster
d. tells about governments making new laws
b. refers to keeping the elephant species alive
Read the following passage.
What is your favorite food? Mine is quesadillas, a delicious Mexican treat. They are toasted tortillas filled with melted cheese and any other fillings you like. Here's how to make a quesadilla: 1) Heat some oil or butter in a skillet. 2) Put in a flour tortilla and flip a few times until you see bubbles. 3) Add shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, mushrooms, or other fillings, and cook until the cheese melts. 4) Fold the tortilla in half; serve with shredded lettuce, salsa, and guacamole.
Why would the author include the question at the beginning of the passage?
a. To get the reader interested by thinking about their favorite foods
b. To give the first step of the recipe.
c. To introduce an argument about favorite foods.
d. To encourage readers to research their favorite foods.
a. To get the reader interested by thinking about their favorite foods
Read the passage below:
Many television programs present information in more engaging ways than textbooks or online materials.
Dr. Martin Forest says that students should limit the amount of television they watch each day.
Which sentence offers evidence that's relevant and appropriate to the following claim?
Watching television can be good for students.
a. Ninety-eight percent of American households contain at least one television.
b. Dr. Martin Forest says that students should limit the amount of television they watch each day.
c. I think that television is terrific! I watch at least three shows a day.
d. Many television programs present information in more engaging ways than textbooks or online materials.
d. Many television programs present information in more engaging ways than textbooks or online materials.
Read this stanza from a poem by Emily Dickinson.
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all, . . .
Which statement best communicates the theme?
a. Hope has feathers.
b. Tunes don’t need to have words.
c. Hope is what keeps people going.
d. Hope is the same thing as love.
c. Hope is what keeps people going.
Read the following passage.
Depression is a common illness that is easy to treat. Unfortunately, many people don't take their symptoms seriously and don't talk to their doctors about their problems. They don't know that depression has a physical cause; it is not a sign of weakness or a mood that will just go away.
Which of the following details would best support the central idea of this passage?
a. Jorge doesn't feel like himself anymore.
b. Girls are more likely to suffer from depression than boys.
c. Depression often runs in families.
d. Many people try to hide their depression and avoid getting help.
d. Many people try to hide their depression and avoid getting help.
Conflict
Read the passage below.
Mark stopped quickly, got off his bike, and walked back to the intersection. The small child was standing dangerously close to the curb. No adult was in sight.
"Hi, buddy," Mark said, smiling. The child started to cry.
"Are you lost?" Mark asked. The child nodded.
Team tryouts were starting in 20 minutes. Taking time to help the lost boy would definitely make Mark late.
Mark groaned. He had worked hard for this chance. He didn't want to miss out now! He looked at the little boy again. What should he do?
What is Mark’s conflict?
a. He is unable to find the child's parents.
b. He struggles against traffic to get back to the child.
c. He is worried that he won't make the team.
d. He wants to help, but he doesn't want to miss tryouts.
d. He wants to help, but he doesn't want to miss tryouts.
Vocab!
Use context clues to determine the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence below.
Elephants need plenty of land because they migrate, moving from place to place in search of food.
To give a clue into the meaning of migrate, the writer...
a. describes in great detail the elephants’ diet
b. notes how elephants move from place to place
c. explains that elephants need a lot of sleep
d. describes the life of elephants that live in zoos
b. notes how elephants move from place to place