R.7.2 - Theme & Central Ideas
What is the Central Idea of this story? - The Last Seed
When Mia’s grandfather passed away, he left her a wooden box with a single seed and a note: “Plant this when the time feels right.”
Weeks later, missing him and feeling the weight of change at home, Mia planted the seed in her backyard. She watered it daily, though nothing happened at first.
Eventually, a sprout appeared. Over time, it grew into a small tree—bringing life, beauty, and a quiet comfort that Mia hadn’t felt in a long while.
A) Mia uses the seed her grandfather gave her to help cope with his loss.
B) Mia doesn't understand how to grow plants until she finds the right time.
C) Mia’s family is too busy to take care of the garden, so she does it herself.
D) Mia learns that seeds are a good gift to leave behind after someone dies.
A) Mia uses the seed her grandfather gave her to help cope with his loss.
Long ago, a young shepherd named Kael wandered into a valley where the wind spoke in voices only the pure of heart could hear. The villagers warned him not to stay there after sunset, for the valley was sacred—a place where the gods once whispered their secrets to the earth.
But Kael returned night after night, drawn by the voices. One evening, the wind spoke clearly: “Climb the highest peak and you shall know your purpose.”
He obeyed. At the top, lightning struck the ground where he stood, and the mountain split open, revealing a glowing crystal. The gods had rewarded his courage. That crystal now rests in the heart of the mountain, which is said to still whisper to those who listen with honesty.
Which of the following best explains how the magical qualities of the setting affect the plot of the myth?
A) The enchanted valley leads Kael to a moment of transformation and discovery.
B) The mountain's height prevents Kael from reaching the voices of the gods.
C) The valley’s dangers force Kael to abandon his journey.
D) The sacred valley makes the villagers stronger than Kael.
A) The enchanted valley leads Kael to a moment of transformation and discovery.
“She drifted through the crowd, unnoticed and unhurried.”
What is the connotation of the word drifted as it is used in this sentence?
A) It has a negative connotation that implies aimlessness or lack of control.
B) It has a neutral connotation that indicates precise navigation.
C) It has a positive connotation that suggests peaceful, gentle movement.
D) It has a negative connotation that suggests she was pushed around against her will.
C) It has a positive connotation that suggests peaceful, gentle movement.
Read the following sentence: “Only 15 percent of students said they felt ‘very confident’ using online research tools (Nguyen).”
Why does the author include a reference to a source—“(Nguyen)”—at this point in the selection?
A to support the article’s main claim with evidence
B to signal the end of a paraphrased idea
C to give recognition to the original researcher
D to document the origin of a specific statistic
D to document the origin of a specific statistic
Which of the following indicates that the selection is written from a subjective point of view?
A. The author presents only facts and avoids personal opinions.
B. The author shares personal thoughts and emotions throughout the text.
C. The author maintains a neutral tone and avoids taking sides.
D. The author uses formal language and academic references.
B. The author shares personal thoughts and emotions throughout the text.
Based on your knowledge of the latin root -fin, what does finalize mean?
A. to begin something new
B. to complete or bring to an end
C. to cancel a decision
D. to delay until later
B. to complete or bring to an end
What is the correct verb tense for the sentence below?
By the time you arrive, I will have finished my homework.
A. Present
B. Future
C. Present perfect
D. Future perfect
E. Past perfect
D. Future perfect
Will have
Verbs that usually end in -d, -de, -ve, -se, or -t end in?
A. -tion
B. -shun
C. -sion
D. -ttion
C. -sion
What theme is suggested by the action in the story?
Nina loved to explore the old town near her house. One day, while walking down a narrow alley, she found an old wooden door hidden between two tall fences. It was partly open, as if inviting her in. Curious, she pushed it and stepped inside.
To her surprise, the space behind the door was a beautiful garden. Wildflowers covered the ground, and the scent of jasmine filled the air. A small stone path led to a bench under a willow tree. Nina sat down, amazed at how peaceful and perfect the garden was, tucked away from the world.
For the next few weeks, Nina returned to the garden every day. It became her secret place. She would sit, read, and watch the birds. Eventually, she realized that the garden wasn’t just a beautiful escape—it gave her a sense of calm she couldn’t find anywhere else. It had become her refuge.
A) It's important to keep secrets from everyone to find happiness.
B) Physical spaces can be more important than emotional well-being.
C) Taking time to explore new places can bring unexpected peace.
D) Places of beauty should only be enjoyed by those who own them.
C) Taking time to explore new places can bring unexpected peace.
Every Saturday, Jordan crossed the old wooden bridge at Maple Creek to visit his grandfather, who lived on the other side of town. The bridge had become part of his routine—quiet, steady, and familiar.
But one Saturday, Jordan found the bridge blocked off with yellow tape and a “Closed for Repairs” sign. The only other path was a two-mile detour through town. Frustrated but determined, Jordan took the long way.
When he arrived, late and out of breath, his grandfather smiled and said, “Some things are worth the extra effort.” That afternoon, they sat together, talked longer than usual, and shared stories Jordan had never heard before.
When the bridge finally reopened weeks later, Jordan still took the long way sometimes—just to remember what mattered.
Which of the following best explains how the setting affects the plot of the story?
A) The bridge’s closure creates a conflict that Jordan cannot overcome.
B) The bridge’s closure causes Jordan to discover the value of persistence and connection.
C) The bridge’s location allows Jordan to get to his grandfather more quickly.
D) The bridge’s design reminds Jordan of his childhood adventures.
B) The bridge’s closure causes Jordan to discover the value of persistence and connection.
Gliding through the calm waters, the dolphin chirped softly and brushed its fin against the trainer’s hand.
What kind of tone is created by the words gliding, chirped softly, and brushed?
A. a harsh tone
B. a playful tone
C. a tender tone
D. a serious tone
C. a tender tone
Poem: "Morning Walk"
The sky was brushed in shades of rose,
And dew still clung to blades below.
The birds began their gentle song,
A hush that hummed the world along.
Each step I took was slow and still,
The path unfolded past the hill.
The breeze, it danced without a sound,
While sunbeams painted all the ground.
Which of the following lines from the poem contains alliteration?
A) The sky was brushed in shades of rose"
B) "And dew still clung to blades below"
C) "The breeze, it danced without a sound,”
D) "The path unfolded past the hill"
B) "And dew still clung to blades below"
Read the following paragraph from the article:
I would like to thank Dr. Elena Rivera for her guidance throughout the interviews and the staff at the City Archives for granting access to historical documents. I’m also grateful to the volunteers who helped transcribe audio recordings.
What does the information in the paragraph suggest about the author’s research process?
A It was supported by many members of the public.
B It was inspired by an interest in historical records.
C It was very cooperative and relied on the help of others.
D It was done quickly due to limited access to materials.
C It was very cooperative and relied on the help of others.
The quick response of the athlete to the coach’s instructions shows great skill and discipline.
Which phrase gives this statement a subjective point of view?
A. “quick response of the athlete”
B. “to the coach’s instructions”
C. “shows great skill”
D. “great discipline”
C. “shows great skill”
Part A: She grasped the letter tightly in her hands, even as her heart pounded with anticipation. She resolved not to open it until morning.
Using context, choose the most likely meaning of the word resolved.
A. forgot
B. decided
C. argued
D. hoped
Part B: Which context clue best supports the answer to Part A?
A. "grasped the letter tightly in her hands"
B. "her heart pounded with anticipation"
C. "not to open it until morning"
D. "She resolved"
Part A: B. decided
Part B: C. "not to open it until morning"
Which revision to the sentence best corrects a dangling modifier?
While walking to the park, the weather seemed perfect for a picnic.
A. While walking to the park, I noticed that the weather seemed perfect for a picnic.
B. While walking to the park, the perfect weather seemed ideal for a picnic.
C. While walking to the park, the weather was perfect for a picnic.
D. While walking to the park, it seemed that the weather was perfect for a picnic.
A. While walking to the park, I noticed that the weather seemed perfect for a picnic.
Verbs that usually end in -ate end in?
A) -tion
B) -shun
C) -sion
D) -ton
A) -tion
Which central idea is introduced by the heading "How Bees Pollinate"?
The Importance of Bees
Bees are often overlooked, but they play an essential role in the environment. Without bees, many of the foods we eat every day—such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts—would become much harder to grow. These tiny creatures are responsible for pollinating around 75% of flowering plants, making them critical for the growth of plants and crops.
How Bees Pollinate
Bees are attracted to flowers because of their color and scent. When a bee lands on a flower, it collects nectar and pollen on its body. As the bee moves from flower to flower, it transfers pollen, which helps fertilize the plants, allowing them to produce seeds and fruit. This process is known as pollination and is vital for the reproduction of many plants.
A) Bees are attracted to flowers by their scent and color.
B) Pollination is an important process that helps plants reproduce.
C) Bees help fertilize plants by eating their nectar.
D) Pollination is only important for certain types of plants.
B) Pollination is an important process that helps plants reproduce.
Long ago, in a dry and barren land, a girl named Elira found a river that wasn’t marked on any map. The water shimmered like glass, and when she spoke, the river echoed back her words—not once, but three times, each time sounding more like someone else.
The village elders told Elira the river was cursed, but she returned anyway, believing the echoes were voices from her ancestors. One evening, the river echoed her question—“What must I do to help my people?”—with a reply: “Bring them here.”
Elira led her village to the river. As they arrived, the ground trembled, and fresh water burst forth, spreading across the land. The drought was ended. The river, once feared, had been a test of trust.
Which of the following best explains how the magical qualities of the setting affect the plot of the myth?
A) The river's strange sounds frighten Elira into keeping its location secret.
B) The river causes Elira to lose her way and brings disaster to the land.
C) The river speaks directly to the village elders, warning them of Elira’s plans.
D) The river's magical echoes guide Elira to a solution that saves her village.
D) The river's magical echoes guide Elira to a solution that saves her village.
“The young elephant lingered near the fence, hesitant to leave the safety of its caretakers.”
What is the connotation of the word lingered as it is used in this sentence?
A) It has a positive connotation that implies confidence and exploration.
B) It has a negative connotation that suggests laziness or disobedience.
C) It has a neutral connotation indicating time spent out of necessity.
D) It has a negative connotation that suggests reluctance or being scared.
D) It has a negative connotation that suggests reluctance or being scared.
Poem: "Morning Walk"
The sky was brushed in shades of rose,
And dew still clung to blades below.
The birds began their gentle song,
A hush that hummed the world along.
Each step I took was slow and still,
The path unfolded past the hill.
The breeze, it danced without a sound,
While sunbeams painted all the ground.
Which line from the poem best creates a peaceful tone?
A) "The breeze, it danced without a sound"
B) "The sky was brushed in shades of rose"
C) "Each step I took was slow and still"
D) "And dew still clung to blades below"
C) "Each step I took was slow and still"
Which central idea is best introduced by the heading “Wings of Innovation”?
A Engineers are designing new drones based on the flight patterns of hummingbirds.
B Scientists struggle to replicate the speed and agility of bird wings in robotic devices.
C Certain bird species have wing structures too fragile to inspire practical engineering uses.
D Aviation researchers are focusing solely on large aircraft rather than small-scale flyers.
A Engineers are designing new drones based on the flight patterns of hummingbirds.
Which of the following indicates that the selection is written from an objective point of view?
A. The author presents only facts and avoids personal opinions.
B. The author uses emotional language to persuade the reader.
C. The author frequently includes personal anecdotes and experiences.
D. The author clearly states their beliefs and interpretations throughout the text.
A. The author presents only facts and avoids personal opinions.
Part A: The villagers gathered in silence, watching as the old woman recounted the tale with a distant look in her eyes. Her voice trembled, but she persisted, determined to finish her story.
Using context, choose the most likely meaning of the word persisted:
A. refused
B.remembered
C. whispered
D. continued
Part B: Which context clue best supports the answer to Part A?
A. "gathered in silence"
B. "recounted the tale"
C. "Her voice trembled"
D. "determined to finish her story"
Part A: D. continued
Part B: D. "determined to finish her story"
Which revision to the sentence best corrects a misplaced modifier?
After baking for an hour, the smell of cookies filled the kitchen.
A. After an hour, the smell of cookies baking filled the kitchen.
B. After baking for an hour, the smell filled the kitchen of cookies.
C. The smell of cookies after baking for an hour filled the kitchen.
D. After baking for an hour, the kitchen was filled with the smell of cookies.
D. After baking for an hour, the kitchen was filled with the smell of cookies.
What is the way of spelling this word?
A) confosian
B) confushion
C) confusion
D)confuscion
C) confusion
What TWO themes are in the story below:
Mateo liked to paint the sky. Clouds, stars, sunrises—whatever matched his mood. He never told anyone, but he started noticing a pattern: when he painted dark skies, storms rolled in. When he painted sunshine, the days felt brighter.
He didn’t test it. He didn’t brag. He just painted what felt right.
One summer, a heat wave hit. His mother hinted they could use a little rain. The town whispered about dry crops. But Mateo didn’t feel like painting rain—he was tired and restless. Still, the sky stayed dry.
The next day, he sat in front of a blank canvas. He closed his eyes, picked up his brush, and painted what he felt: not rain, not sun—just soft gray clouds.
The following morning, a gentle drizzle fell.
A) Listening to your feelings can guide your choices.
B) People must always do what others expect.
C) There is strength in quiet actions.
D) Only artists can understand nature.
E) Weather always matches human emotion.
A) Listening to your feelings can guide your choices.
C) There is strength in quiet actions.
Long ago, in a dry and barren land, a girl named Elira found a river that wasn’t marked on any map. The water shimmered like glass, and when she spoke, the river echoed back her words—not once, but three times, each time sounding more like someone else.
The village elders told Elira the river was cursed, but she returned anyway, believing the echoes were voices from her ancestors. One evening, the river echoed her question—“What must I do to help my people?”—with a reply: “Bring them here.”
Elira led her village to the river. As they arrived, the ground trembled, and fresh water burst forth, spreading across the land. The drought was ended. The river, once feared, had been a test of trust.
How does the setting of the mysterious river influence Elira’s actions in the story?
A) The river makes Elira afraid to return to her village.
B) The river’s magical echoes encourage Elira to seek help from the gods.
C) The river’s hidden location allows Elira to escape from her responsibilities.
D) The river causes Elira to mistrust the village elders.
B) The river’s magical echoes encourage Elira to seek help from the gods.
Which line from a story contributes to the suspenseful mood, and how?
A) “Bright beams of sunlight spilled across the forest floor, revealing a trail of wildflowers.”; by describing a cheerful, colorful setting
B) “She paused at the cave’s entrance, listening to the faint drip of water echoing inside.”; by using sensory details that create tension
C) “He laughed loudly, tossing the ball high into the air before catching it with ease.”; by portraying carefree behavior
D) “She handed out cookies and smiled at the children gathered around her feet.”; by conveying warmth and friendliness
B) “She paused at the cave’s entrance, listening to the faint drip of water echoing inside.”; by using sensory details that create tension
1 If I could weave a perfect dream
2 Like silver threads in moonlit gleam,
3 Like whispers soft on twilight's breeze
4 That sway and dance among the trees.
What is the impact of the repetition of the word "like" in lines 2 and 3?
A) It showcases the fragile, fleeting nature of dreams.
B) It creates a rhythmic flow that reflects a scary scene.
C) It emphasizes the speaker’s longing for something unattainable.
D) It creates a contrasting rhythm that disrupts the flow of the poem.
C) It emphasizes the speaker’s longing for something unattainable.
relic (rel-ik) n.
SYNONYMS: remnant, artifact, trace, keepsake
ANTONYMS: innovation, replacement, modernity
These synonyms and antonyms suggest that the word relic means —
A. a recently discovered invention
B. a duplicate of something common
C. a sacred or valuable object from the past
D. a futuristic design with limited use
C. a sacred or valuable object from the past
Which revision corrects an error in the sentence?
The group of hikers were excited to reach the mountain summit.
A. The group of hikers are excited to reach the mountain summit.
B. The group of hikers have been excited to reach the mountain summit.
C. The group of hikers was excited to reach the mountain summit.
D. The group of hikers were being excited to reach the mountain summit.
C. The group of hikers was excited to reach the mountain summit.
What is the way of spelling this word?
A) decision
B) decition
C) decesion
D)decission
A) decision
Long ago, a young shepherd named Kael wandered into a valley where the wind spoke in voices only the pure of heart could hear. The villagers warned him not to stay there after sunset, for the valley was sacred—a place where the gods once whispered their secrets to the earth.
But Kael returned night after night, drawn by the voices. One evening, the wind spoke clearly: “Climb the highest peak and you shall know your purpose.”
He obeyed. At the top, lightning struck the ground where he stood, and the mountain split open, revealing a glowing crystal. The gods had rewarded his courage. That crystal now rests in the heart of the mountain, which is said to still whisper to those who listen with honesty.
Which best describes a magical event in the myth and explains how it affects the plot?
A) Magical Element: The wind speaks to Kael with a human voice. How It Affects the Plot: Kael is warned to stay away from the mountain and never returns.
B) Magical Element: A glowing crystal appears when lightning strikes the mountain. How It Affects the Plot: The gods punish Kael for entering a sacred place.
C) Magical Element: The wind tells Kael to climb the mountain, and lightning reveals a glowing crystal. How It Affects the Plot: Kael follows the voice, discovers his purpose, and the mountain becomes a sacred place.
D) Magical Element: Kael hears whispers in the wind only during storms. How It Affects the Plot: Kael chooses to leave his village in search of shelter.
C) Magical Element: The wind tells Kael to climb the mountain, and lightning reveals a glowing crystal.
How It Affects the Plot: Kael follows the voice, discovers his purpose, and the mountain becomes a sacred place.
What is the most effective revision to make in the sentence below?
By eating more vegetables, your health improves quickly.
A. By eating more vegetables, you will improve your health quickly.
B. By eating more vegetables, your health improved quickly.
C. By eating more vegetables, your health had improved quickly.
D. By eating more vegetables, you are improving your health quickly.
A. By eating more vegetables, you will improve your health quickly.