Teen Curfew a Bad Idea
Teen Curfew a Bad Idea
Traveling Cross Country
Traveling Cross Country
100

Which words from the passage BEST help to strengthen the author's argument against a teen curfew?



A. "violates," "misguided," and "constitutional rights"

B. "crimes," "participate," and "resources"

C. "money," "importantly," and "responsibilities"

D. "activities," "age," and "cause"

A. "violates," "misguided," and "constitutional rights"

100

Imagine you are the author of this passage and wish to change the concluding sentence. Choose the TWO statements from the choices below that could best be used as concluding sentences without changing the meaning of the passage.



A. As you can see, there is only one clear-cut solution to the problems caused by the lack of teen curfews.


B. The best way to ensure that teens become better citizens is to let them stay out as long as they want.


C. There is little doubt in my mind that everyone involved would benefit from the council's vote against teen curfews.



D. Ensuring that teens receive the support they need to increase their responsibilities, instead of removing their constitutional rights, will benefit everyone in our community.


E. Since all parties are in agreement, finding a solution should be an easy fix.

C. There is little doubt in my mind that everyone involved would benefit from the council's vote against teen curfews.

D. Ensuring that teens receive the support they need to increase their responsibilities, instead of removing their constitutional rights, will benefit everyone in our community.

100

How does the author's use of personification help to add meaning to the story?



A. It helps the reader understand why the narrator cares so much about the cats.


B. It helps the reader understand how miserable the trip was for the cats.


C. It helps the reader understand more about travel in an RV.


D. It helps the reader understand why the narrator had to move.

B. It helps the reader understand how miserable the trip was for the cats.

100

Imagine you are writing an argumentative essay about this passage in which you claim that the trip was too difficult for the cats. Which TWO sentences from the passage provide the best evidence to support your claim?



A. While moving across country is a huge enough deal, my relocation was even more complicated due to the three loves of my life -- Sweet Pea, Malcolm, and Lizzie -- my charming cats.


B. I knew I had to get the cats across country, but how?


C. When all the doors were shut, I let them out of their carriers so they could walk around and explore their new home.


D. Malcolm, ever the worrywart, couldn't stop scurrying around the RV, meowing like a madman


E. Lizzie never changed her routine of living under the cupboard while the monster was moving and by my side when it stopped.

D. Malcolm, ever the worrywart, couldn't stop scurrying around the RV, meowing like a madman.

E. Lizzie never changed her routine of living under the cupboard while the monster was moving and by my side when it stopped.

200

Which sentence from the passage helps develop the idea that many teenagers behave like responsible adults?



A. Most night crimes are committed by people over the age of 18, not teenagers.


B. Most importantly, the law would violate the constitutional rights of teenagers as citizens of the United States.


C. I urge the council not to send teenagers in this town the message that the Constitution is meaningless...


D. Many teenagers have to work at night to help support their families and save for college.

D. Many teenagers have to work at night to help support their families and save for college.

200

Read the following sentence from the passage.

This law would clearly infringe on the basic rights of teenage citizens.

What does the phrase "infringe on the basic rights" mean as it is used in this sentence?



A. remove citizenship

B. check the interests

C. limit essential freedoms

D. ensure permission

C. limit essential freedoms

200

Read the following sentence from the passage.

Lizzie never changed her routine of living under the cupboard while the monster was moving and by my side when it stopped. 

What is the “monster” that the narrator refers to in this sentence?



A. a passing truck


B. Steinbeck's companion


C. the RV


D. the cat who is yowling

C. the RV

200

Suppose you have written a series of passages about cats. You would like to publish it in a format that will allow friends, family, and other students to read it and post comments. Choose the best publishing option.



A. digital slideshow presentation

B. online encyclopedia

C. blog post

D. online dictionary

C. blog post

300

Read the following excerpt from the passage.



Furthermore, it is not clear how this law would be enforced. The police are already under tremendous strain. They are understaffed and overburdened with problems that are a great deal more serious than forcing teenagers to be home by 10:00 PM. Police resources are better spent tracking down drug dealers, thieves, and other criminals.

Choose the TWO words that best describe the tone conveyed through this excerpt.

A. amused

B. serious

C. ironic

D. apologetic

E. practical


B. serious

E. practical

300

Imagine you are conducting research based on the topic of this passage. Which research question would provide the most information about the benefits of a teen curfew?

A. What is the curfew for teens who can't drive yet?


B. What were the results in other communities that created a teen curfew?

C. Should teenagers be required to follow the same laws as adults?

D. Can teenagers be members of the city council?

B. What were the results in other communities that created a teen curfew?

300

From the following passage:

To say that the cats failed to agree with my enthusiasm would be a gross understatement.



What does the word "gross" mean as it is used in this sentence?



A. disgusting


B. very rude


C. unintelligent


D. very big


D. very big

300

Imagine you are writing a persuasive essay about the importance of rescuing animals from shelters. Which source of information would NOT need to be cited?

A. a website you used to gain research information for your topic

B. someone you interviewed at the animal shelter

C. your own personal story about rescuing animals

D. statistics printed in a local newspaper about animal rescue


C. your own personal story about rescuing animals

400

Imagine one of your classmates asks the following question during a discussion about this passage.

"Why does the author state 'The Constitution applies to all citizens, regardless of age.'?"

Which statement below uses relevant evidence from the passage and would be the BEST way to respond to your classmate's question?



A. The author says that she is "writing to express my frustration." She mentions the Constitution to show others that she is very knowledgeable. She wants to be viewed as smart so that people believe her claims.

B. In the first paragraph, the author states as one of her claims that the curfew "violates the constitutional rights of teenage citizens." By referencing the Constitution, the author is providing support for that claim. She is explaining that teenagers are protected under the Constitution as well as adults.


C. The author states that "Most night crimes are committed by people over the age of 18." She is letting people know that teenagers follow the Constitution while many adults do not. She wants people to know that adults are creating the crime problem.


D. The author is very frustrated with the Clayton City Council and she wants everyone to know that she needs to work late to pay for college. She feels that paying for college with money she earns is a constitutional right.

B. In the first paragraph, the author states as one of her claims that the curfew "violates the constitutional rights of teenage citizens." By referencing the Constitution, the author is providing support for that claim. She is explaining that teenagers are protected under the Constitution as well as adults.

400

Which sentence is written correctly?

A. We also offer other banking programs and services, such as credit cards ATM cards and electronic banking.


B. We also offer other banking programs and services such as: credit cards; ATM cards; and electronic banking.


C. We also offer other banking programs and services, such as credit cards, ATM cards, and electronic banking.


D. We also offer other banking programs, and services such as credit cards, ATM cards, and electronic banking.

C. We also offer other banking programs and services, such as credit cards, ATM cards, and electronic banking.

400


Part B

Select TWO of the following details from the passage that together support the development of the theme selected for Part A.

A. I adored that book and always wanted to hit the road in a camper with a furry companion at my side.

B. When all the doors were shut, I let them out of their carriers so they could walk around and explore their new home.

C. After skulking around and sniffing everything, they all started meowing as if to say, "Why are we in this horrible prison?"

D. Once the furniture arrived, the cats and I settled in our new home, and the trip across country became but a distant memory.

E. Luckily, I love Monterey.

C. After skulking around and sniffing everything, they all started meowing as if to say, "Why are we in this horrible prison?"

D. Once the furniture arrived, the cats and I settled in our new home, and the trip across country became but a distant memory.

400

Read the following sentence.

Proponents of imposing driving restrictions on adolescents say that some teens are too immature to remember their homework, so how can we expect them to handle the pressure and responsibility of operating a heavy machine?

What is the meaning of the word "proponents" as it is used in this sentence?



A. those who argue in opposition of something


B. those who know little about something


C. those who argue in favor of something


D. those who battle against each other


C. those who argue in favor of something

500

Imagine you are having a discussion about this passage with a group of your classmates. The following claims were made by members of the group during the discussion. Which claim is BEST supported by the passage?



A. Students should be required to take a class to learn about the Constitution.

B. A teen curfew will not solve community problems.


C. The town needs to recruit more new police officers.


D. Teenagers cannot be trusted.

B. A teen curfew will not solve community problems

500

Read the following paragraph.

It was an awful, terrible day. First, my alarm didn't go off so I had to rush around in an awful hurry to get ready. When it was time to go outside, my dog refused to move past the concrete steps because the terrible dew on the grass was awfully irritating to his delicate paws. The awful and tedious search for car keys went on for many minutes until I realized they were right there in my hand. Rushing through the kitchen I grabbed the most terrible breakfast, peanut butter on wheat bread, yuck! In the final sprint to my awful job, I hit every red light on my awful route. The morning ended as terribly as it began, with my boss greeting me at the front door as I arrived fifteen minutes late.

How does the author's repetition of the words "terrible" and "awful" affect the tone of the paragraph?



A. It helps the reader feel the author's stress and frustration.


B. It helps the reader know why the alarm clock did not work.


C. It helps the reader understand why the author does not like his job.


D. It helps the reader know more about the author's dog.

A. It helps the reader feel the author's stress and frustration.

500

Part A

Based on the passage, complete this two-part item.

Select the main theme for this passage.

A. Silence is golden.

B. Love endures all things

C. The best things in life are free.

D. There is beauty in nature.The passage does not support this theme. 

B. Love endures all things

500

Read the following sentence.

Mom and I were walking through the forest when she said to me, "Keep your eyes peeled for snakes."

What is the meaning of the phrase "keep your eyes peeled" as it is used in this sentence?



A. stay on the lookout

B. be smart and safe

C. remove an outer layer

D. prepare for the worst

A. stay on the lookout