Author's Purpose/Perspective
CONTEXT CLUES
CONNOTATION AND DENOTATION
CONNOTATION AND DENOTATION
Latin Roots/Suffixes and Prefixes
Figurative Language
Central Ideas and supporting details
Rhetorical Devices
100
"The Plastic Predicament" by Dr. Maya Saunders
Our oceans are drowning in plastic. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste find their way into our seas, choking marine life and polluting our beaches. As a marine biologist, I've witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of this man-made disaster. From turtles entangled in fishing nets to seabirds with stomachs full of bottle caps, the consequences of our plastic addiction are clear. By making simple changes in our daily lives and demanding corporate responsibility, we can start to stem the flow of plastic into our oceans and preserve their beauty for future generations.
According to the passage, what is happening to plastic waste every year?
It is finding its way into our oceans
100
What is the difference between connotation and denotation?
Connotation is the feeling or idea that a word makes you think of.
Denotation is the dictionary meaning of a word. It's what the word actually means, without any feelings attached.
100
John Adams was the second president of the United States, which means that George Washington was his predecessor.
Which of the following is the meaning of predecessor?
A. one who goes before another in time
B. one who comes after another in time
C. to move or go forward
D. to move or go backward
A. one who goes before another in time
100
excerpt from The Time Machine
by H.G. Wells
I don't know if you have ever thought what a rare thing flame must be in the absence of man and in a temperate climate. The sun's heat is rarely strong enough to burn, even when it is focused by dewdrops, as is sometimes the case in more tropical districts. Lightning may blast and blacken, but it rarely gives rise to widespread fire. Decaying vegetation may occasionally smoulder with the heat of its fermentation, but this rarely results in flame. In this decadence, too, the art of fire-making had been forgotten on the earth. The red tongues that went licking up my heap of wood were an altogether new and strange thing to Weena.
The flame is a symbol of
A. an object of innovation.
B. a complicated problem.
C. a brilliant personality.
D. an adventurous journey.
A. an object of innovation.
100
Fossilized remains of a dinosaur were found in a desert oasis in Egypt. The site was long ago a lush coastal paradise. The remains were of a gigantic plant-eating dinosaur. It was the second most massive animal ever to walk the earth.
The dinosaur has been named Paralititan stromeri. The discovery was made by Joshua Smith. Smith is a 31-year old doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania. He went on a dinosaur hunt at a remote site. The site had had spectacular finds in the first half of the 20th century. Those expeditions were led by German paleontologist Ernest Stromer von Reichenbach.
What is the central idea of this passage?
A. Egypt has had many archeological discoveries.
B. Joshua Smith made a very important discovery.
C. A discovery of dinosaur fossils was made in Egypt.
D. The discovery site was once a lush coastal paradise.
C. A discovery of dinosaur fossils was made in Egypt.
100
What is a rhetorical appeal?
tHE ways that writers or speakers try to convince their audience. There are three main types ETHOS, PATHOS, AND LOGOS.
200
Read the passage:
Geraldine McCaughrean wrote Peter Pan in Scarlet after she won a competition in 2004. Geraldine's sample chapter and plot outline won over the judges who read many entries by novelists. The book is an official sequel to J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan and Wendy. Geraldine's book continues the story of the Lost Boys, the Darling family, and Peter Pan. The book is set in 1926 during the reign of George V and following World War I. The central theme of Peter Pan in Scarlet is the idea of "clothes making the man." The reader will first see this theme when the adult Darlings wear their children's clothing in order to become children themselves. The reader might be baffled when Tootles puts on a girl's dress to become a girl. Later, Peter Pan changes into a form of Captain Hook, when he discovers the pirate Captain Hook's second-best coat and wears it. The coat gives Peter Pan Captain Hook's dark curls and bad temper. Peter can only become himself when he removes the coat.
What is the most likely reason the author wrote the article?
To inform readers about the book Peter Pan in Scarlet
200
The entire class was eagerly waiting for the art teacher to announce the results of the painting competition. Peter was nervous. He looked at Mike, who was leaning back in his chair, and observed that Mike looked relaxed. Mike noticed Peter, smiled at him, and sat upright. Mike's nonchalant attitude baffled Peter because he knew Mike was looking forward to winning the competition. Both Peter and Mike were painters of high caliber, and their art teacher always appreciated their paintings. It was no wonder that everyone expected either of them to win the competition. Finally, the art teacher was about to announce the results, and Peter decided to stay positive, regardless of the outcome. The whole class erupted into applause when the teacher announced that Peter was the winner of the competition.
Read these sentences from the passage.
Mike noticed Peter, smiled at him, and sat upright. Mike's nonchalant attitude baffled Peter because he knew Mike was looking forward to winning the competition.
What does nonchalant mean in this context?
Unconcerned
200
A doctor must write a note for the pharmacist before you can purchase certain types of medicine. What is this note called?
ote called?
A. prescription
B. antiscription
C. postscription
D. unscription
A. prescription
200
Ode to Lemon RD
by c.safos
Of the seven people trudging
down Lemon, only two will see
the crater that waits in the road
like a bear trap. The other five people
will skulk away like over-the-hill boxers,
mumbling and limping with heavy eyes.
The road is an arm—one arm—
stretched out, looking for its twin,
wrapping itself around other streets only
to return back to its shoulder, dislocated.
These are its pieces. This is its path.
Lemon takes its limbs from its pedestrians.
Read the lines from the poem.
The road is an arm—one arm— / stretched out, looking for its twin . . .
What is the effect of the metaphor used in this sentence?
A. to emphasize Lemon Road is old
B. to show that Lemon Road is dangerous
C. to emphasize Lemon Road is colorful
D. to show that Lemon Road is long
D. to show that Lemon Road is long
200
The Rise of Urban Gardening
City dwellers are turning their balconies, rooftops, and small yards into green spaces. Urban gardening is becoming popular for several reasons. First, it provides fresh fruits and vegetables right at home. Second, gardening is a relaxing hobby that reduces stress. Finally, urban gardens help the environment by creating green spaces in cities. From herb pots on windowsills to community vegetable plots, urban gardening is changing how city people think about food and nature.
Which of the following best captures the main idea and supporting details of the passage?
A) Urban gardening is popular because it's easy and cheap.
B) Urban gardening provides fresh food, stress relief, and environmental benefits.
C) Urban gardening is the only way to get fresh vegetables in the city.
D) Urban gardening is mainly done on rooftops and in large spaces.
B) Urban gardening provides fresh food, stress relief, and environmental benefits.
200
What is ethos?
What is Pathos?
What is Logos?
Ethos, pathos, and logos are rhetorical appeals that writers or speakers try to convince their audience. Ethos is an appeal to the trustworthiness/credibility of the speaker/writer. Pathos is an appeal to the emotions/feelings of the audience. Logos is an appeal to reason that uses facts, logic, and statistics.
300
What is the purpose of this political ad?
To persuade the audience to vote for the candidate.
300
The election had been two days ago, and after the results were announced, Marina smiled weakly at her opponent and gave him a reluctant civil handshake. Her classmates could tell that she was upset though. Marina was somewhat cold to those in the room who she was sure voted against her. She was a strong-willed girl and did not show sadness about her defeat, but everybody knew that the results killed Marina.
What does the word strong-willed connote or suggest about Marina?
A. Marina is flexible.
B. Marina is muscular.
C. Marina is stubborn.
D. Marina is enjoyable.
C. Marina is stubborn.
300
The word homogenize contains a Greek root meaning
A. same.
B. carry.
C. break.
D. throw.
A. same.
300
Out on the sea, Captain Wilde and his crew were getting ready to brave through a severe storm. The waves bullied the ship making it toss and turn, and the rain pounded down on the crew. The wind whistled loudly as it moved across the sea and the ship. The only thing that the men could do was to hold on to the sides of the ship. The storm seemed to last for hours until at last, bits of sunshine broke through the dark gray clouds.
The phrase "waves bullied the ship making it toss and turn" means that
A. the waves hit the ship with great force.
B. the waves are deprived of any rest.
C. the waves feel impatient in the sea.
D. the waves are clearing out old ships.
A. the waves hit the ship with great force.
300
The Rise of Urban Gardening
City dwellers are turning their balconies, rooftops, and small yards into green spaces. Urban gardening is becoming popular for several reasons. First, it provides fresh fruits and vegetables right at home. Second, gardening is a relaxing hobby that reduces stress. Finally, urban gardens help the environment by creating green spaces in cities. From herb pots on windowsills to community vegetable plots, urban gardening is changing how city people think about food and nature.
What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Gardening is a fun hobby for everyone.
B) Urban gardening is becoming popular in cities for various benefits.
C) Fresh vegetables are important for a healthy diet.
D) Cities need more green spaces to look beautiful.
B) Urban gardening is becoming popular in cities for various benefits.
300
Does the advertisement use ethos, pathos, or logos?
Ethos
400
"The Plastic Predicament" by Dr. Maya Saunders
Our oceans are drowning in plastic. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste find their way into our seas, choking marine life and polluting our beaches. As a marine biologist, I've witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of this man-made disaster. From turtles entangled in fishing nets to seabirds with stomachs full of bottle caps, the consequences of our plastic addiction are clear. By making simple changes in our daily lives and demanding corporate responsibility, we can start to stem the flow of plastic into our oceans and preserve their beauty for future generations.
Based on the passage, which statement best reflects Dr. Saunders' perspective on addressing plastic pollution?
Both individual actions and corporate responsibility are necessary to address the issue.
400
Shantelle’s favorite hobby is restoring old cars, especially cars made before the 1950s.
Which word could replace old to describe the cars more positively?
A. aged
B. unique
C. antique
D. outdated
C. antique
400
The prefix "astro-" means relating to stars, space, or astronauts. Which word below uses the prefix "astro-" correctly?
A) Astrodog: a dog that can fly
B) Astronaut: a person who travels in space
C) Astroball: a new type of baseball
D) Astrocook: someone who cooks very fast
B) Astronaut: a person who travels in space
400
Everybody in the room was silent as my grandmother, walking unsteadily, brought my birthday cake from the darkened kitchen. The family members gathered in the cramped room began singing “Happy Birthday.” They were interrupted by a thunderclap that was followed by a cold breeze that came in through the open window. The breeze blew out 3 of the 13 candles on the cake. As they started singing for the second time, I shivered and watched the distorted shadows cast on the walls by the flickering candles.
Which word best describes the mood of this story?
A. amused
B. gloomy
C. reverent
D. sarcastic
B. gloomy
400
Before weight machines, stationary bikes, and step aerobics, people practiced yoga for spiritual and physical health. Yoga's origins predate written history. Archaeologists have found stone carvings that show figures in yoga positions. These stones, from the Indus Valley, are at least 5,000 years old! Yoga can still contribute plenty to your weight loss program in the 21st century.
Which statement best describes the central idea of this paragraph?
A. Yoga came from the Indus Valley.
B. Aerobics is very similar to yoga.
C. Everyone needs to try yoga.
D. Yoga has existed for centuries.
D. Yoga has existed for centuries.
400
Ethos, Pathos, or Logos? Why?
ALL THREE
Pathos- tries to make an emotional appeal through language and image "get unhooked"
Ethos- NHS is a national, accredited organization
Logos- "The average smoker needs over five thousand cigarettes a year."
500
Although challenging, one of the most important advantages of learning a new language is that it increases brain power. It also improves memory and problem-solving skills. The brain is not only forced to remember things it has learned for a previous language, but it also has to work out the correct way to arrange the newly learned vocabulary and grammatical rules to produce clear sentences. Decision-making also improves when the brain learns new patterns and structures of language.
How does the author address a conflicting viewpoint?
By acknowledging why learning a new language is a challenge for most people
500
Experts are sharply divided over whether the economy will rebound strongly in the second half of the year or languish in a slow-growth mode.
What does the word languish mean?
A. to grow weak
B. to expand
C. to become strong
D. to rebound
A. to grow weak
500
The Latin root "sentire" means "to feel" or "to perceive." Which word below comes from this root and means "able to feel or perceive things"?
A) Sensible
B) Sensational
C) Sensitive
D) Senseless
C) Sensitive
500
The human brain comprises three main parts—the cerebral cortex, the cerebellum, and the brainstem. The brainstem is positioned at the top of the spinal column, just below the cerebellum. It is the crossroads of the brain. Every impulse generated in the cerebral cortex or cerebellum to the rest of the body must go through the brainstem on its way to that muscle or organ or nerve cell. By the same token, any nerve impulse generated in the body below the head must travel through the brainstem to get to the cortex or cerebellum for processing.
Which of these choices is a metaphor?
A. Nerve impulses generated in the body.
B. The brainstem is just below the cerebellum.
C. The brainstem is the crossroads of the brain.
D. It is positioned at the top of the spinal cord.
C. The brainstem is the crossroads of the brain.
500
Shuttle Endeavour will thunder into orbit this week with an American flag on its right wing. The ship will carry its most international crew ever launched. The spaceship is headed for the International Space Station. Four Americans are on board, along with Russian, Canadian, and Italian astronauts. This multinational crew will be symbolic of those who will work and live on the growing outpost. The station is a joint project of 16 nations on four continents.
This paragraph is mainly about
A. the American flag on the space shuttle's wing.
B. the Russian aboard the American space shuttle.
C. the brand new International Space Station.
D. the cultural crew aboard the space shuttle.
D. the cultural crew aboard the space shuttle.
500
What is the purpose of this political cartoon?
A. to persuade the audience that parents rely too much on television to babysit using pathos
B. to convince the audience that television is important in the life of a child using logos
C. to encourage the audience to allow television to babysit their children using ethos
D. to instruct the audience how to babysit their children using technology using logos
A. to persuade the audience that parents rely too much on television to babysit using pathos