Narrative Techniques
Author's Purpose
Comparing Texts & Themes
Research & Arguments
Language & Grammar Skills
100

How does the late-night setting in "Thank You, M'am" contribute to the opening conflict?

A. It explains why Roger is late for school.
B. It creates an opportunity for Roger to attempt to steal Mrs. Jones’s purse.
C. It shows that Mrs. Jones is waiting for a visitor.
D. It prevents other people from seeing Roger.

B. It creates an opportunity for Roger to attempt to steal Mrs. Jones’s purse.

100

Diego Rivera is one of Mexico's most famous artists. He is best known for his enormous murals, or paintings on the walls of public buildings. Rivera learned the art of mural painting while studying in Europe. 

What do you think is this author's purpose?

A. to express feelings about Rivera's work
B. to inform readers about Rivera
C. to entertain readers with stories of Rivera
D. to persuade readers to see Rivera's murals

B. to inform readers about Rivera

100

Which comparison of Mrs. Jones (Thank You M'am" and Corporal Keffer (Police Stop) is MOST accurate?

A. Both notice a young person and choose to offer help rather than simply walk away.
B. Both are teachers at the same school.
C. Both give the young person a job.
D. Both first meet the teenager at a restaurant.

A. Both notice a young person and choose to offer help rather than simply walk away.

100

'Social media helps teenagers stay connected with friends and family. However, excessive use can lead to anxiety and sleep problems. Studies show that students who limit social media to one hour per day report better mental health. In conclusion, teenagers should use social media mindfully.' 

What is the author's main claim in this argument?

A. Students who limit social media to one hour per day report better mental health
B. Excessive use of social media can lead to anxiety and sleep problems
C. Social media helps teenagers stay connected with friends and family
D. Teenagers should use social media mindfully to protect their mental health

D. Teenagers should use social media mindfully to protect their mental health

100

Choose the correctly punctuated compound sentence.

A. Roger wanted to run but, he stayed.
B. Roger wanted to run, but he stayed.
C. Roger wanted to run, he stayed.
D. Roger wanted, to run but he stayed.

B. Roger wanted to run, but he stayed.

200

The author organizes paragraph 6 in “A Police Stop Changed This Teenager’s Life” by —

A. explaining a route to work
B. describing a problem and solution
C. giving examples of routes to work
D. comparing walking and driving

B. describing a problem and solution

200

Five Reasons You Should Vote for Stephanie Hill
Our school deserves a class president with experience, vision, and tons of school spirit. That's why you should vote to re-elect our current class president, Stephanie Hill!

Need more specific reasons why? Here are five to remember as you cast your vote next Friday. . . .

What is the author's main purpose for writing this article?

A. to inform people about Stephanie Hill's policies
B. to persuade voters that Stephanie Hill is the best candidate
C. to entertain people with stories about Stephanie Hill's career
D. to explain how to vote in a school election

B. to persuade voters that Stephanie Hill is the best candidate

200

Which statement BEST explains a difference between Roger (Thank You, M'am) & Duncan (Police Stop)?

A. Roger is trying to get to work while Duncan steals a purse.
B. Roger initially makes a harmful choice; Duncan shows perseverance despite a transportation problem.
C. Both refuse all help.
D. Neither has a personal goal.

B. Roger initially makes a harmful choice; Duncan shows perseverance despite a transportation problem.

200

Which research question would best help a student understand the scientific ideas presented in Rogue Wave?

A. Why do people enjoy stories about the ocean?
B. How do rogue waves form, and why are they difficult for sailors to predict?
C. What are the names of famous fictional sailors?
D. How many people own sailboats in California?

B. How do rogue waves form, and why are they difficult for sailors to predict?

200

Which sentence uses a conjunction correctly to show cause and effect?

A. Duncan walked to work because his car had broken down.
B. Duncan walked to work but his car had broken down because.
C. Because Duncan walked to work and.
D. Duncan walked to work, or his car broke down because.

A. Duncan walked to work because his car had broken down.

300

In "Thank You, M'am," what is the effect of the repeated idea that Roger could run through the open door?

A. It emphasizes his internal conflict between escaping and staying.
B. It shows he is unable to find the door.
C. It proves Mrs. Jones locked him inside.
D. It explains why he needs shoes.

A. It emphasizes his internal conflict between escaping and staying.

300

On July 24, 1916, a natural gas explosion trapped 32 men working in a tunnel 250 feet below Lake Erie. The first would-be rescuers who dashed into the tunnel were overcome by gas, and for hours no one else dared to enter the suffocating, poisonous deathtrap. Then, late that night, someone had an idea: Send for Garrett Morgan and

his new invention.

What is the author’s purpose for writing this passage?

A. to inform readers about a natural gas explosion that occurred in 1916
B. to inform readers about a historical figure whose inventions kept people safe
C. to convince readers that Garrett Morgan was one of the greatest inventors of all time
D. to convince readers that Garrett Morgan’s traffic signal was superior to modern signals

B. to inform readers about a historical figure whose inventions kept people safe

300

Part A: Which idea is developed in BOTH "Thank You, M'am" and "A Police Stop Changed This Teenager’s Life?"

A. Small acts of support can have lasting effects on young people.
B. Only money can solve every problem.
C. Adults should avoid talking to teenagers.
D. Unexpected encounters always lead to danger.

A. Small acts of support can have lasting effects on young people.

300

Select TWO details that best support the conclusion that rogue waves are extremely dangerous.

A. The wave traveled almost 7,000 miles.
B. The Pacific looked brilliant and blue.
C. The approaching wave had already killed thirteen people.
D. Rogue waves can reach heights of 100 feet or more.
E. Scoot listened to music while preparing food.

C. The approaching wave had already killed thirteen people.
D. Rogue waves can reach heights of 100 feet or more.

300

Read the following sentence:

As the Titans could now make no more trouble, there was comparative peace and quiet on the earth.

The word comparative comes from the Latin word par, meaning “equal.” Which word is closest to the meaning of comparative as it is used in the sentence?

A. complete

B. less

C. relative

D. sometimes

C. relative

400

How does the peaceful description of the sailing conditions before the rogue wave arrives function as foreshadowing?

A. It guarantees that the characters will complete the trip safely.
B. It creates a contrast that makes the sudden disaster more shocking.
C. It explains that Sully expected the wave to arrive.
D. It reveals how the story will end.

B. It creates a contrast that makes the sudden disaster more shocking.

400

"Seeing an anaconda up close for the first time changed my life," says animal expert Rowena Lewis. Anacondas are some of the biggest snakes in the world. On average, they are at least 20 feet long and weigh 300 pounds. Members of the boa constrictor family, these reptiles make their homes in the wet jungles of the Amazon in South America.

What is the author's main purpose for writing this passage?

A. to inform you about Rowena Lewis's life
B. to entertain you with snake stories
C. to inform you about anacondas
D. to persuade you to study anacondas

C. to inform you about anacondas

400

Which theme is best developed through Scoot’s actions after the boat overturns?

A. People should avoid learning difficult skills.
B. Courage means acting even while experiencing fear.
C. Nature can always be controlled through technology.
D. Family members should solve problems independently.

B. Courage means acting even while experiencing fear.

400

Which of these sounds like the most logical to include in an argument?

A. The first ten amendments to our Constitution, known collectively as the "Bill of Rights," are necessary because they're needed.
B. As times change, our Bill of Rights could use re-examining and updating.
C. Most people in Europe aren't smart enough to learn English.
D. Today's teenage fashions are responsible for climate change.

B. As times change, our Bill of Rights could use re-examining and updating.

400

Which revision uses the MOST precise word? “Duncan was very surprised when he received the bicycle.”

A. Duncan was bored when he received the bicycle.
B. Duncan was astonished when he received the bicycle.
C. Duncan was tired when he received the bicycle.
D. Duncan was angry when he received the bicycle.

B. Duncan was astonished when he received the bicycle.

500

How does the author’s use of dialogue contribute to the text "Thank You, M'am"?

A. It lists historical facts about the neighborhood.
B. It reveals the changing relationship between Roger and Mrs. Jones.
C. It explains how to buy shoes.
D. It interrupts the story with unrelated information.

B. It reveals the changing relationship between Roger and Mrs. Jones.

500

"Seeing an anaconda up close for the first time changed my life," says animal expert Rowena Lewis. Anacondas are some of the biggest snakes in the world. On average, they are at least 20 feet long and weigh 300 pounds. Members of the boa constrictor family, these reptiles make their homes in the wet jungles of the Amazon in South America. 

Why do you think the writer included the quotation by Rowena Lewis?

A. to tell a story about anacondas
B. to get readers interested in anacondas
C. to persuade readers to become animal experts
D. to describe the life of an animal expert

D. to describe the life of an animal expert

500

In what ways do the texts "Thank You, M'am" and "A Police Stop Changed..." differ?

A. Both are first-person poems.
B. The short story develops fictional characters through plot and dialogue; the news article reports real events using quotations and details.
C. Both are scientific explanations.
D. The article is a play, and the short story is a recipe.

B. The short story develops fictional characters through plot and dialogue; the news article reports real events using quotations and details.

500

Read this passage: 'Video games are harmful to teenagers because they reduce study time. Critics argue that games help hand-eye coordination, but research shows that excessive gaming leads to lower grades. Therefore, schools should limit student access to gaming during the school day.' 

Which argumentative technique is the author using when mentioning that 'games help hand-eye coordination'?

A. Acknowledging a counterclaim to show the author understands the opposing viewpoint
B. Providing evidence that supports the author's claim that video games are harmful
C. Concluding the argument by summarizing why schools should limit gaming
D. Weakening the argument by introducing information that contradicts the main claim

A. Acknowledging a counterclaim to show the author understands the opposing viewpoint

500

Choose the answer that correctly uses a nonrestrictive clause in the underlined section in the sentence below. 

Later in his life, Johnson invented the Super Soaker that became one of the most popular toys of the past 30 years.

A. the Super Soaker, which became one of the most popular toys of the past 30 years

B. the Super Soaker, that became one of the most popular toys of the past 30 years

C. the Super Soaker one of the most popular toys of the past 30 years

D. correct as is


A. the Super Soaker, which became one of the most popular toys of the past 30 years