Passage 1
How does paragraph 2 contribute to the overall purpose of the speech?
A It lists all the recycling rules for the school.
B It explains the jobs of all committee members.
C It compares all three candidates’ environmental ideas.
D It gives evidence that Jordan is qualified by sharing background knowledge and interests.
D. It gives evidence that Jordan is qualified by sharing background knowledge and interests.
A student begins with this research question: “How can students help improve the environment at school?” After reading Jordan’s speech, which step refines the scope of inquiry?
A Changing the topic to “What causes global warming?”
B Switching to research about healthy soil mixtures
C Broadening to “How can people improve the world?”
D Narrowing to “How does student leadership influence environmental action in schools?”
D. Narrowing to “How does student leadership influence environmental action in schools?”
Jordan argues that younger students can still lead if qualified. Which source would be most relevant for supporting this argument?
A A brochure describing environmental clubs at local high schools
B A list of Bayview Elementary staff
C A newspaper article about middle school committee elections from previous years
D A chart of recycling statistics from last month
C. A newspaper article about middle school committee elections from previous years
15. Which phrase best reveals how the author’s imagery deepens understanding of Rolan’s character?
A “He leaned back, inspecting the shape from different angles.”
B “He dipped a long metal pipe into the furnace.”
C “She moved to her usual hiding spot.”
D “He stood at his furnace, the glow casting warm light.”
A “He leaned back, inspecting the shape from different angles.”
PART A: What does Lina learn about Rolan in this passage?
A He works quickly and does not care about quality.
B He works carefully and demands perfection from himself.
C He works selfishly to keep others from learning.
D He works slowly to avoid finishing pieces.
B He works carefully and demands perfection from himself.
2. Which statement best describes how the speaker combines ethos and logos in paragraph 2?
A Jordan lists personal hobbies to seem more relatable to students.
B Jordan tells a humorous story about gardening to inspire classmates.
C Jordan explains that studying environmental leadership shows understanding of how to lead effectively.
D Jordan uses jokes about opponents to make the audience laugh.
C. Jordan explains that studying environmental leadership shows understanding of how to lead effectively.
In paragraph 5, how does Jordan use rhetoric to respond to the concern that only eighth graders should lead committees?
A Jordan appeals to emotion by saying it is unfair to follow rules.
B Jordan reasonably refutes the counterclaim using facts about experience.
C Jordan tries to build credibility by listing science grades from last year.
D Jordan repeats the claim without giving any evidence.
B. Jordan reasonably refutes the counterclaim using facts about experience.
Which evidence from the text best supports Jordan’s claim of having the leadership qualities needed for the role?
A “Some students believe only eighth graders should lead committees…”
B “I wanted to grow vegetables…but the soil was too rocky.”
C “My older sister and I run a weekend ‘Earth Lab.’”
D “I am determined and persistent…even when something appears too complicated.”
D. “I am determined and persistent…even when something appears too complicated.”
How does the personification in paragraph 5 contribute to a shift in tone?
A It shifts from cheerful to optimistic.
B It shifts from admiration to disappointment as the glass collapses.
C It keeps the tone neutral and calm.
D It creates a humorous tone about Rolan’s skills.
B It shifts from admiration to disappointment as the glass collapses.
PART B: Which detail best supports the answer to Part A?
A “Lina held her breath in awe.”
B “Most artisans kept their techniques hidden.”
C “Rolan never accepted his first attempt.”
D “Lina stepped away, counting the days.”
C “Rolan never accepted his first attempt.”
In paragraph 3, what connotative (describes the associated feelings or ideas) meaning of “giving up” best fits the context?
A Throwing away gardening tools
B Becoming distracted and losing motivation
C Literally walking out of the backyard
D Growing vegetables without soil
B. Becoming distracted and losing motivation
Which text structure is mainly used in paragraphs 2–4?
A Cause and Effect – showing how experiences caused Jordan to run for committee chair
B Problem and Solution – identifying environmental issues and offering solutions
C Description/List – giving a list of qualifications, attitude, and ideas to support being elected
D Chronological – explaining events in the order they happened
C. Description/List – giving a list of qualifications, attitude, and ideas to support being elected
Which scenario best demonstrates an appeal to ethos (ethical appeal) in an argument about climate change?
A) "If we don't act now, our children will suffer horribly on a ruined planet!"
B) "Scientists agree that 97% of the evidence points to human-caused global warming."
C) "As a climate researcher with 20 years of experience and published work in Nature, I can confirm these findings."
D) "Don't you feel a moral obligation to protect the Earth for future generations?"
C. "As a climate researcher with 20 years of experience and published work in Nature, I can confirm these findings."
What overall effect does using Lina’s perspective have on the reader’s understanding?
A It invites the reader to share Lina’s awe and fascination.
B It prevents readers from understanding why Lina admires Rolan.
C It makes the reader frustrated with the process of glassblowing.
D It limits the story to technical instructions.
A It invites the reader to share Lina’s awe and fascination.
What does “balance” mean in the sentence: “The glass swelled, thinned, and curved into delicate balance”?
A A dull and uneven shape
B An equal and harmonious shape
C A shape with repeating patterns
D A rough and incomplete form
B An equal and harmonious shape
In paragraph 3, how does the speaker use rhetoric to strengthen the argument?
A By repeating qualifications to warn voters of environmental danger
B By using a personal anecdote to appeal to the audience’s emotions
C By listing scientific terms to prove expertise in soil studies
D By quoting only experts to show that gardening is easy for everyone
B. By using a personal anecdote to appeal to the audience’s emotions
In paragraph 6, Jordan says, “I am not afraid to take on challenges others might avoid.” What does this figure of speech mean?
A Jordan wants to organize obstacle-course races.
B Jordan plans to challenge classmates to competitions.
In paragraph 6, Jordan says, “I am not afraid to take on challenges others might avoid.” What does this figure of speech mean?
A Jordan wants to organize obstacle-course races.
B Jordan plans to challenge classmates to competitions.
C Jordan will confront difficult tasks instead of avoiding them.
D Jordan dislikes traditions and wants to ban them.
D Jordan dislikes traditions and wants to ban them.
C. Jordan will confront difficult tasks instead of avoiding them.
Which of the following statements most effectively uses pathos (emotional appeal) to persuade an audience?
A) "According to the latest studies, 70% of consumers prefer this product."
B) "As a doctor with 20 years of experience, I highly recommend this treatment."
C) "Imagine the joy and relief on a child's face when they receive a warm meal; you can make that happen with just a small donation."
D) "The data clearly shows that implementing this policy will increase efficiency by 15%."
C) "Imagine the joy and relief on a child's face when they receive a warm meal; you can make that happen with just a small donation."
How does the third-person limited point of view shape the reader’s understanding of Rolan?
A Readers hear Rolan’s thoughts and emotions clearly.
B Readers learn detailed explanations for each flaw he finds.
C Readers understand Rolan only through actions and Lina’s observations, making him seem distant yet skilled.
D Readers see only Rolan’s mistakes, making him seem impatient.
C Readers understand Rolan only through actions and Lina’s observations, making him seem distant yet skilled.
Which sentence shows correct comma placement?
A The bright, glowing, lantern hung in the window all night long.
B The bright glowing, lantern hung in the window all night long.
C The bright, glowing lantern hung in the window all night long.
D The bright glowing lantern hung, in the window all night long.
C The bright, glowing lantern hung in the window all night long.
In paragraph 5, the speaker uses the word “tradition.” It contains the Latin root trad- meaning “to hand over” or “pass along.” Based on this, what does “tradition” most likely mean?
A Something that randomly happens once
B Something handed down or done before as a custom
C Something forced by rules and laws
D Something that cannot be changed under any circumstance
B. Something handed down or done before as a custom
Which two central ideas are most strongly developed throughout Jordan’s speech?
A The importance of following old traditions
B The need for stricter environmental rules
C The value of leadership and service to the community
D The importance of athletic competitions at school
C. The value of leadership and service to the community
Which statement best exemplifies the rhetorical appeal of logos?
A) "You can trust me to lead; I've been the mayor for 20 years!"
B) "Think of the happy families enjoying our product!"
C) "Studies show that 80% of users prefer this brand for its superior performance."
D) "Don't delay—act now before it's too late!"
C) "Studies show that 80% of users prefer this brand for its superior performance."
How does the structure of paragraphs 4–7 connect the themes of artistic perfection and respect for mastery?
A It shows Lina’s jealousy toward Rolan’s talent.
B The description of Rolan’s repeated attempts followed by Lina’s reflection shows how observing perfection inspires respect.
C It moves quickly from chores to art to show respect only comes after success.
D It alternates between Lina’s and Rolan’s inner thoughts equally.
B The description of Rolan’s repeated attempts followed by Lina’s reflection shows how observing perfection inspires respect.
Sasha slowly opened the crumpled paper envelope because she wondered what surprise waited inside.
Which sentence uses a comma correctly?**
A Sasha slowly opened the crumpled, paper envelope because she wondered what surprise waited inside.
B Sasha slowly opened the crumpled paper, envelope because she wondered what surprise waited inside.
C Sasha slowly opened the crumpled paper envelope, because she wondered what surprise waited inside.
D Sasha slowly opened the crumpled paper envelope because she wondered what surprise, waited inside.
A Sasha slowly opened the crumpled, paper envelope because she wondered what surprise waited inside.