Claim
In paragraphs 3 and 4, what kind of argument is the author making?
A. Emotional appeal
B. Personal narrative
C. Cause-and-effect supported by research
D. Counterargument
Cause-and-effect supported by research
In paragraph 9, the word competence means —
A. intelligence
B. talent
C. expertise or a level of skill
D. motivation
C. expertise or a level of skill
Veronica wants to combine the ideas in sentences 2 and 3.
Write a new sentence that combines the ideas clearly and effectively.
While praise can make children feel good in the moment, it can also prevent them from learning how to handle failure.
What central idea is shared by Of Mice and Men and “The Value of Struggle”?
A. Dreams are more important than responsibility
B. Dependence on others can limit personal growth
C. Friendship guarantees success
D. Authority figures should control decision-making
Dependence on others can limit personal growth
What is the overall tone of the opening chapter of Of Mice and Men?
A. Cheerful and lighthearted
B. Calm but uneasy
C. Angry and aggressive
D. Hopeful and celebratory
Calm but uneasy
Which quotation challenges the idea that children need constant praise?
A. “Encouragement is important.”
B. “Overpraising can actually weaken a child’s ability to face challenges independently.”
C. “Adults can guide without controlling.”
D. “Support should be balanced.”
B. “Overpraising can actually weaken a child’s ability to face challenges independently.”
What is the author’s primary purpose for writing the article?
Support your answer with evidence from the text.
To argue that productive struggle builds independence and confidence more effectively than constant praise.
Evidence: The author states that “children develop confidence not by being told they are successful, but by experiencing effort, failure, and growth” (paragraph 2).
Veronica wants to use a more appropriate transition in sentence 12.
Which word or phrase should be added to the beginning of sentence 12?
A. For example,
B. As a result,
C. However,
D. In contrast,
B. As a result,
How does the author’s claim in “The Value of Struggle” help explain George’s role in Lennie’s life?
A. George’s guidance always strengthens Lennie
B. George’s protection prevents Lennie from facing consequences
C. George refuses to support Lennie when needed
D. George encourages Lennie to solve problems independently
B.George’s protection prevents Lennie from facing consequences
How does Steinbeck’s description of the riverbank most strongly affect the mood of the novel?
A. It creates a sense of danger and chaos
B. It establishes a peaceful mood that contrasts with later events
C. It makes the setting feel crowded and overwhelming
D. It emphasizes excitement about the future
B. It establishes a peaceful mood that contrasts with later events
Paragraph 14 provides support for the author’s claim that —
A. praise should be eliminated
B. struggle helps prepare children for adulthood
C. adults should avoid involvement
D. confidence comes from rewards
B. struggle helps prepare children for adulthood
Veronica has not used the most effective word in sentence 10.
Which word should replace use in this sentence?
A. apply
B. give
C. offer
D. limit
D. limit
Veronica wants to add a call to action after sentence 25.
Which sentence should she insert?
A. Children struggle every day.
B. Adults must allow children to fail and grow through effort.
C. Praise is helpful sometimes.
D. Confidence is important for success.
B. Adults must allow children to fail and grow through effort.
Which quotation from Of Mice and Men best supports the author’s claim that constant support can weaken independence?
A. “Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world.”
B. “I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you.”
C. “An’ live off the fatta the lan’.”
D. “I can still tend the rabbits, George?”
B. “I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you.”
How does Lennie’s personality most directly influence the plot of the novel?
A. His intelligence allows him to plan for the future
B. His loyalty helps George achieve the dream
C. His lack of self-control creates repeated conflicts
D. His independence allows him to survive alone
C. His lack of self-control creates repeated conflicts
Which sentence best expresses the controlling idea of the article?
A. “Many people believe that constant praise is the key to building confidence in children.”
B. “Children develop confidence not by being told they are successful, but by experiencing effort, failure, and growth.”
C. “Some critics argue that removing praise entirely may harm self-esteem.”
D. “Over time, independence builds confidence.”
“Children develop confidence not by being told they are successful, but by experiencing effort, failure, and growth.”
20. How does the organization of the article help develop the author’s argument?
A. By presenting a problem, offering a solution, and ending with a call to action
B. By listing facts in random order to show complexity
C. By comparing two unrelated viewpoints without explanation
D. By focusing only on emotional appeals
A. By presenting a problem, offering a solution, and ending with a call to action
In Veronica's argument, what change, if any, should be made to sentence 18?
They gain confidence, and they develop skills.
OR
They gain confidence; they develop skills.
How do the endings of both texts emphasize the consequences of dependence?
A. Both reveal that dependence creates vulnerability
B. Both show independence guarantees success
C. Both suggest dependence leads to happiness
D. Both argue dependence strengthens relationships
A. Both reveal that dependence creates vulnerability
How does the ranch setting contribute to a major theme of the novel?
A. It highlights loneliness and isolation
B. It emphasizes wealth and opportunity
C. It shows the importance of education
D. It proves that hard work always leads to success
A. It highlights loneliness and isolation
Which interpretation best supports the author’s position in the article?
A. Children should avoid failure whenever possible
B. Praise builds confidence more than effort
C. Independence develops through guided struggle
D. Adults should solve problems for children
C. Independence develops through guided struggle
Why does the author include paragraph 11, which references literature and characters who lack independence?
A. To summarize the article’s main idea
B. To provide a counterargument to the author’s claim
C. To connect the argument to real-world and fictional examples
D. To introduce a new topic unrelated to praise
C. To connect the argument to real-world and fictional examples
What change, if any, should be made in sentence 7?
No change needed
Which statement best explains how the article deepens a reader’s understanding of Of Mice and Men?
A. It proves George is entirely responsible for Lennie’s fate
B. It explains why struggle is unnecessary for growth
C. It provides a real-world explanation for the dangers of dependency shown in the novel
D. It argues Lennie should have been abandoned
C. It provides a real-world explanation for the dangers of dependency shown in the novel
Which statement best expresses a central theme of Of Mice and Men?
A. Friendship can exist even in harsh conditions
B. Dreams always come true with enough effort
C. Power guarantees respect
D. Independence is easy to achieve
A. Friendship can exist even in harsh conditions