Grammar
What is wrong with this sentence?
The students, who studied hard passed the exam with flying colors.
A) The comma is in the wrong place
B) The sentence needs a semicolon
C) The sentence is missing a subordinating conjunction
D) There are no errors
A) The comma is in the wrong place
(Correct version: The students who studied hard, passed the exam with flying colors.)
What narrative technique is this sentence an example of:
"England's most tightfisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner!"
A. Metaphor
B. Simile
C. Alliteration
D. Paradox
C. Alliteration
What narrative technique does Langston Hughes use in the following sentence?
"She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails."
A) Foreshadowing — hinting at events that will happen later
B) Hyperbole — exaggeration that humorously overstates the purse’s contents and amplifies Ms. Jones’s big presence and personality
C) Metaphor — directly equating the purse with a toolbox
D) Personification — giving the purse human traits
B) Hyperbole — exaggeration that humorously overstates the purse’s contents and amplifies Ms. Jones’s big presence and personality
The scientist’s groundbreaking discovery revolutionized the field of genetics, changing the way researchers approached DNA analysis.
Question:
Which word is closest in meaning to revolutionized as it is used in the text?
A) Improved
B) Transformed
C) Questioned
D) Maintained
B. Transformed
You are investigating how to design a new water system for your school. Compare two pieces of evidence and decide which one is more sufficient. Then, determine whether your evidence is credible, relevant, or both.
Evidence A:
A blog post written by a student about their ideas for improving the school’s water fountains.
Evidence B:
A report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) detailing standards for safe and efficient school water systems.
Evidence B:
A report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) detailing standards for safe and efficient school water systems.
Both: Credible & Relevant
Which word best completes the sentence?
The engineers continued working on the bridge ___ the weather conditions worsened, determined to meet the deadline.
A) although
B) nor
C) whether
D) because
A. Although
Which narrative technique is this sentence an example of?
"Scrooge is as solitary as an oyster."
A. Alliteration
B. Simile
C. Metaphor
D. P.O.V. (Point of View)
B. Simile
What narrative techniques does Langston Hughes use to develop the plot in Thank You, Ma’am?
Answer Choices:
A) He uses flashbacks and dramatic irony to reveal Roger’s past mistakes.
B) He uses dialogue and characterization to show how trust and kindness transform Roger.
C) He uses satire and exaggeration to criticize society’s view of poverty.
D) He uses foreshadowing and symbolism to predict Roger’s future success.
B) He uses dialogue and characterization to show how trust and kindness transform Roger.
If he went into the pool at Jamie's party, he would surely embarrass himself in front of his entire seventh-grade class.
That night at dinner, Kyle explained his terrible predicament to his parents and sister.
Which word is closest to the meaning of the word predicament as used in the text?
A. Celebration, B. Love, C. Decision, D. Challenge
D. Challenge
Question:
You are researching effective strategies to reduce carbon emissions in urban areas. Compare the following evidence and decide:
Evidence A:
A peer-reviewed article in Nature Climate Change analyzes the impact of public transportation on carbon emissions.
Evidence B:
A personal blog post by a city resident describing how biking has helped reduce their carbon footprint.
Evidence A:
A peer-reviewed article in Nature Climate Change analyzes the impact of public transportation on carbon emissions.
What is wrong with this sentence?
Although the committee agreed on the proposal, the chairperson insisted on revisiting the issue, before the final vote was cast.
A) The comma before “before the final vote was cast” is incorrect
B) The sentence needs a semicolon instead of a comma
C) The sentence is missing a subordinating conjunction
D) There are no errors
A) The comma before “before the final vote was cast” is incorrect
(Correct version: …insisted on revisiting the issue before the final vote was cast.)
Read the passage:
"Scrooge was my sole executor, my sole administrator, my sole assign, my sole residuary legatee, my sole friend and my sole mourner."
How is this excerpt structured to achieve a specific purpose?
A) The author uses a comparison of Scrooge's relationship with Marley to highlight toxic relationships.
B) The author uses repetition of the word “sole” to emphasize Scrooge’s isolation and Marley's dependence on him.
C) The author uses dialogue to show Scrooge’s generosity toward Marley.
D) The author uses figurative language to suggest Scrooge was admired by many.
B) The author uses repetition of the word “sole” to emphasize Scrooge’s isolation and Marley's dependence on him.
How does Langston Hughes use plot structure to build suspense in Thank You, Ma’am?
A) By starting with a calm conversation and gradually introducing conflict through dialogue
B) By beginning with an unexpected action—Roger trying to steal the purse—and delaying the resolution to keep readers wondering what will happen next
C) By using flashbacks to reveal Roger’s troubled past and predict his future choices
D) By ending the story with a cliffhanger that leaves Roger’s fate unknown
B) By beginning with an unexpected action—Roger trying to steal the purse—and delaying the resolution to keep readers wondering what will happen next
Choose the correct word from each drop-down menu to correctly complete the sentences using subordinating conjunctions.
I still remember the first time I tried to swim. I stood at the edge of the pool, nervous and unsure. I took a deep breath and stepped into the water, holding onto the wall _______ I could get used to the feeling. I stayed near the edge_______ I felt ready to try swimming on my own.
Answer Choices: Because, while, until, so that, before
So that & Until
By moving travel underground, subways greatly alleviated traffic. Daily commuters no longer crowded city streets.
Which word is closest to the meaning of the word alleviated as it is used in the text?
A. Increased
B. Reduced
C. Ignored
D. Managed
B. Reduced
What are the errors in this sentence?
The professor explained the concept thoroughly; however the students didn’t understood it, and the lecture notes was incomplete.
A) Incorrect semicolon, verb tense error, and subject-verb agreement
B) Misplaced comma and incorrect pronoun
C) Incorrect verb tense and missing conjunction
D) There are no errors
A) Incorrect semicolon, verb tense error, and subject-verb agreement
(Correct version: …explained the concept thoroughly; however, the students didn’t understand it, and the lecture notes were incomplete.)
"What's Christmastime to you but a time of paying bills without any money; a time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer."
What does this excerpt emphasize about Scrooge?
A) He views Christmas as a joyful celebration of family and generosity.
B) He sees Christmas as a financial burden and a reminder of wasted time.
C) He believes Christmas is the best opportunity to earn more wealth.
D) He considers Christmas irrelevant and ignores its traditions completely.
B) He sees Christmas as a financial burden and a reminder of wasted time.
How does the author of A Christmas Carol use Marley and other characters to develop the plot?
Answer Choices:
A) By showing Marley as Scrooge’s business rival who competes for wealth
B) By using Marley’s ghost and the three spirits to warn Scrooge and guide his transformation
C) By portraying Marley as a symbol of generosity and holiday cheer
D) By introducing Marley as a narrator who tells the entire story
✅ Correct Answer:
B) By using Marley’s ghost and the three spirits to warn Scrooge and guide his transformation
Choose the correct subordinating conjunction to correctly complete the sentence.
I wanted to finish reading my book. I kept turning the pages, eager to know what happened next. I refused to stop reading ___ my phone kept buzzing, ___ I was determined to reach the last chapter before bed.
Answer Options: Since, While, Although, Because, before, after
Although & Because
Choose the correct word from each drop-down menu to complete the sentence using subordinating conjunctions:
Maria couldn’t decide ___ she should join the debate team, ___ did she feel confident enough to speak in front of a large audience.
Answer choices: but also, nor, because, although, since, whether
Whether & Nor
What is the prepositional phrase in the sentence below? Then, rewrite the sentence with a different prepositional phrase. In your new sentence, circle the object of the preposition.
Sentence:
During the heated debate about climate policy, the senator spoke passionately in front of the entire committee.
Multiple-Choice Options:
A) in front of the entire committee
B) during the heated debate
C) about climate policy
D) passionately in front
Trick Answer: A & B
Main Answer: A
Answers may differ
In A Christmas Carol, how does the author use narrative techniques to develop the plot?
A) By describing Scrooge’s wealth in great detail to show his success
B) By using flashbacks, foreshadowing, metaphors, and satire to reveal Scrooge’s flaws and inspire his transformation
C) By focusing only on dialogue to explain Scrooge’s relationships
D) By presenting a series of unrelated events to create suspense
B) By using flashbacks, foreshadowing, metaphors, and satire to reveal Scrooge’s flaws and inspire his transformation
A student is writing a research report about how social media affects teen mental health. The student wants to answer the following question:
What impact does frequent social media use have on anxiety and self-esteem among teenagers?
Select the TWO most credible sources the student should use to gather relevant information to answer the research question:
A) A scholarly study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health examining correlations between social media use and anxiety
B) A YouTube influencer’s video sharing personal tips for “feeling confident online”
C) A report from the American Psychological Association summarizing research on social media and mental health
D) A Reddit discussion where teens share their experiences with social media
A) Scholarly study
C) APA report
Which poetic technique is used when Langston Hughes creates vivid mental pictures of Ms. Jones and Roger in Thank You, Ma’am?
Answer Choices:
A) Symbolism
B) Imagery
C) Irony
D) Alliteration
B. Imagery
A student is writing a research report about how renewable energy impacts local economies. The student wants to answer the following question:
How does the adoption of solar and wind energy influence job creation and economic growth in rural communities?
Select the TWO most credible sources the student should use to gather relevant information to answer the research question:
A) A peer-reviewed article from the Journal of Environmental Economics analyzing employment trends in renewable energy sectors
B) A blog post by a homeowner describing how installing solar panels lowered their electric bill
C) A government report from the U.S. Department of Energy on renewable energy and rural job growth
D) A social media thread debating whether renewable energy is “worth it”
A) Peer-reviewed article
C) Government report