Vocabulary
What is an inference?
A conclusion/guess/assumption drawn from evidence.
Many scientists agree that protecting bees is essential to maintaining global food supplies. Bees pollinate a large portion of the crops humans eat. Without them, entire ecosystems — and food chains — could collapse.
What is the key idea supported by the details in this paragraph?
A. Bees are important because they produce honey.
B. Bees are vital for pollination and food production.
C. Scientists want to keep bees as pets.
D. Bees can survive without flowers.
B. Bees are vital for pollination and food production.
When I first moved to another country, I struggled to fit in. Over time, I learned that kindness crosses every language barrier. Smiles, patience, and respect became my new words.
What is the author’s message in this essay?
A. Language barriers cannot be overcome.
B. Moving to another country is always difficult.
C. Kindness and empathy can connect people across cultures.
D. Learning a new language is impossible.
C. Kindness and empathy can connect people across cultures.
The book is about a girl. The girl learns about friendship. The girl also learns about courage.
Which revision combines the ideas most effectively?
A. The book is about a girl and friendship and courage.
B. The book is about a girl; she learns about friendship and courage.
C. The book is about a girl who learns about friendship and courage.
D. The book is about friendship, courage, and girls.
C. The book is about a girl who learns about friendship and courage.
“He ran. Not looking back. Heart pounding. Breath ragged. No time.”
How does the author’s use of short, fragmented sentences in the paragraph below contribute to the tone?
A. It creates a relaxed, calm tone.
B. It emphasizes urgency and panic.
C. It establishes a humorous mood.
D. It slows the pace of the story.
B. It emphasizes urgency and panic.
What are the three types of indirect characterization?
Speech, thoughts, actions
(1) Thomas Edison is often credited with inventing the light bulb, but several inventors contributed to its development. (2) Edison’s key achievement was creating a practical design that could be mass-produced and used safely in homes. (3) His work made electric lighting available to the public and transformed daily life.
Which detail best supports the key idea that Edison’s work had a major impact on society?
A. He invented the light bulb before anyone else.
B. He worked mainly at night in his laboratory.
C. He experimented with hundreds of materials.
D. His design allowed electric lighting to be widely used.
D. His design allowed electric lighting to be widely used.
We cannot wait for others to act. Each of us has the power to make change happen — through our voices, our votes, and our values. The future depends on the choices we make today.
What is the author’s purpose and message?
A. To persuade listeners to take responsibility and create change
B. To entertain listeners with a personal story
C. To inform listeners about upcoming elections
D. To criticize those who are unwilling to vote
A. To persuade listeners to take responsibility and create change
The students presented their projects. Each project was different. Each project was creative. Each project reflected hard work.
Which revision best improves sentence flow and effectiveness?
A. The students presented creative, unique projects that reflected hard work.
B. The students presented projects; each one was different, creative, and reflected hard work.
C. The students presented their projects, which were all different and creative and showed hard work.
D. The students presented their projects, and they were creative, different, and reflected work.
A. The students presented creative, unique projects that reflected hard work.
Which sentence uses the word "cold" with a figurative meaning that implies emotional distance?
A. She wore a thick jacket to protect against the cold wind.
B. The cold air bit at her cheeks as she walked.
C. His cold response made it clear he no longer cared.
D. The soup was cold when it arrived.
C. His cold response made it clear he no longer cared.
What do you call it when the audience expects something to happen, and the opposite occurs?
Irony
(1) The author describes the main character, Jordan, as someone who always puts others first. (2) In one scene, Jordan gives up a scholarship so his friend can attend college. (3) Later, he spends his weekends helping to repair homes in his neighborhood. (4) Even when struggling financially, Jordan never stops giving.
What key idea do these details develop?
A. Jordan is selfless and generous.
B. Jordan is too busy to study.
C. Jordan enjoys working on houses.
D. Jordan regrets his decisions.
A. Jordan is selfless and generous.
Schools should start later in the morning. Studies show that teenagers need more sleep to perform well academically and emotionally. A later start time would lead to more alert students and improved learning outcomes.
What is the author’s purpose in this editorial?
A. To inform readers about school schedules
B. To persuade readers to support later school start times
C. To entertain readers with student stories
D. To explain how schools make their schedules
B. To persuade readers to support later school start times
(1) Social media has changed the way people communicate. (2) It allows instant connection across the globe. (3) However, it can also spread misinformation quickly. (4) For example, some users share false information before checking its accuracy. (5) As a result, fact-checking has become increasingly important.
Which sentence would best serve as a new concluding sentence to strengthen organization and focus?
A. Therefore, social media has both positive and negative effects on society.
B. People use social media to express themselves in creative ways.
C. Misinformation is not a big problem on social media.
D. The internet is the main reason people are online today.
A. Therefore, social media has both positive and negative effects on society.
“Everyone clapped when I walked on stage, but the applause felt distant, as if it belonged to someone else’s dream.”
Based on the excerpt above, what can the reader infer about the narrator’s internal conflict?
A. The narrator enjoys being in the spotlight but pretends to be modest.
B. The narrator feels disconnected from their success and uncertain about their goals.
C. The narrator is proud and confident in their performance.
D. The narrator dislikes public speaking and wishes to leave.
B. The narrator feels disconnected from their success and uncertain about their goals.
What's the "formula" to come up with the theme of a story?
Story Topic + Revelation = Theme
(1) Maria volunteered at the community garden every Saturday. (2) She believed that growing food locally could help families save money and eat healthier meals. (3) Even on rainy mornings, she could be found planting seedlings or pulling weeds. (4) “It’s worth it,” she said, “because we’re planting a better future.”
Which sentence best expresses the key idea of this passage?
A. Maria enjoys spending time outdoors.
B. Maria is committed to helping her community through gardening.
C. Maria prefers to work alone rather than with others.
D. Maria dislikes wasting time indoors.
B. Maria is committed to helping her community through gardening.
Many people think of Shakespeare as outdated, but his plays still influence modern storytelling. The themes of love, ambition, jealousy, and power remain timeless, appearing in movies, TV shows, and books today.
What is the author’s purpose in this passage?
A. To persuade readers to stop studying Shakespeare
B. To inform readers about Shakespeare’s continued influence
C. To entertain readers with stories from Shakespeare’s plays
D. To argue that modern stories are better than classics
B. To inform readers about Shakespeare’s continued influence
(1) Electric cars are becoming more common. (2) They are expensive for many buyers. (3) However, prices are falling each year. (4) As a result, more people can afford them.
Which transition best connects sentences (2) and (3)?
A. For example,
B. On the other hand,
C. However,
D. In addition,
C. However,
“Shadows crept along the walls, stretching and slinking like whispered fears.”
How does the author's diction and syntax in the following sentence contribute to the mood?
A. The poetic syntax creates a calming and peaceful mood.
B. The informal diction adds a humorous tone.
C. The direct syntax and neutral diction create a factual tone.
D. The figurative diction and flowing syntax build a suspenseful, eerie mood.
D. The figurative diction and flowing syntax build a suspenseful, eerie mood.
The author includes several charts showing the effects of sleep deprivation on students’ academic performance. In addition, the author cites recent research from universities to support the argument that high schools should start later in the morning.
Which word best describes the author’s purpose in this excerpt?
A. To entertain: to amuse the reader with a funny story
B. To persuade: to convince the reader to support later school start times
C. To inform: to present neutral facts about sleep and learning
D. To describe: to create a vivid picture of tired students
B. To persuade: to convince the reader to support later school start times
(1) The author describes the main character, Jordan, as someone who always puts others first. (2) In one scene, Jordan gives up a scholarship so his friend can attend college. (3) Later, he spends his weekends helping to repair homes in his neighborhood. (4) Even when struggling financially, Jordan never stops giving.
What key idea do these details develop?
A. Jordan is selfless and generous.
B. Jordan is too busy to study.
C. Jordan enjoys working on houses.
D. Jordan regrets his decisions.
A. Jordan is selfless and generous.
Over the past decade, scientists have developed new materials that can replace single-use plastics. These biodegradable alternatives decompose naturally, reducing pollution and protecting wildlife. Consumers can make a real difference by choosing these products over traditional plastics.
What is the author’s purpose in this article?
A. To entertain readers with a story about pollution
B. To inform readers about new materials that reduce waste
C. To persuade readers to switch to biodegradable products
D. To criticize companies for producing plastics
C. To persuade readers to switch to biodegradable products
(1) The school cafeteria recently added salad options. (2) Students voted on new lunch choices. (3) Many students said they preferred healthier meals. (4) The school board approved the new menu last week.
Which revision creates the most logical order of ideas?
A. 2, 3, 1, 4
B. 3, 1, 2, 4
C. 1, 2, 4, 3
D. 2, 1, 3, 4
A. 2, 3, 1, 4
Which student response best combines textual evidence and commentary to support an interpretive claim?
Claim: The protagonist struggles with identity throughout the story.
A. “He looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the face staring back.” This means he is physically changing.
B. “He looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the face staring back.” This shows he’s confused about who he is inside, not just his appearance.
C. “He wore a disguise every day to fit in.” This shows he likes pretending.
D. “He never talked to anyone at school.” This proves he’s quiet.
B. “He looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize the face staring back.” This shows he’s confused about who he is inside, not just his appearance.