Figurative Language and Poetry
Read this sentence from paragraph 10.
Soon the sky glowed orange, gold, and pink as the sun drifted toward the horizon. In what way does the imagery in the sentence contribute to the story?
A It emphasizes how difficult it is to photograph the colors of a sunset.
B It explains why Michelle thinks a sunset is a good subject for a photo.
C It shows that nature is the best source of inspiration.
D It suggests that Michelle is a talented photographer.
B It explains why Michelle thinks a sunset is a good subject for a photo.
Reasoning: Imagery is the use of vivid language to represent objects, actions, or ideas. In paragraph 10 the author describes a sky at sunset as glowing “orange, gold, and pink.” This language is included to help the reader understand why Michelle is so excited by the idea of taking a photograph of a sunset for her contest.
Which idea about the ancient Egyptians is supported by information in paragraphs 4 and 14?
[4] Dr. Hickey has already studied hundreds of the papyri. Some contain spells that the Egyptians wrote down and carried with them. They believed spells gave them magical protection or power. Other papyri give directions for making powerful medicine. Archaeologists even found 2,000-year-old homework. A schoolboy had copied his lesson over and over with a reed quill.
[14] Some papyri give archaeologists a good idea of what Egyptians read for fun. They enjoyed adventure stories, poetry, plays, and myths.
A They studied a variety of writings while in school.
B They were primarily concerned with maintaining their health and safety.
C They used writing for many different purposes.
D They enjoyed writing for entertainment more than practical reasons.
They used writing for many different purposes.
Reasoning: The idea that ancient Egyptians used writing for many different purposes is supported by the information in paragraphs 4 and 14. In paragraph 4, the author says Egyptians wrote down spells, recipes, and homework. In paragraph 14, the author explains they also read different types of stories written on papyrus.
Brace Yourself
Braces have been around for centuries. Reportedly around 400-300 BC, Hippocrates and Aristotle considered the various ways to straighten teeth and fix dental conditions. Archeologists discovered mummified people with metal bands wrapped around their teeth. Historians claim that natural fibers from animal intestines were also used as a cord around teeth. While the Etruscans buried their dead along with dental appliances for afterlife, a Roman tomb was found with gold wire band around a person’s teeth. Cleopatra wore early form of braces. Some form of orthodontia has been around for a long time while we have specialists today. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry dealing with helping teeth grow straight.
More significant development of orthodontics began in the 18th and 19th centuries. French dentist Pierre Fauchard published “The Surgeon Dentist” in 1728. The book described methods of straightening teeth. Fauchard used a horseshoe-shaped piece of iron, which he called Bandeau, to expand the palate. Fauchard is considered the inventor of modern orthodontics. In 1754, Louis Bourdet, the French royal dentist, published “The Dentist’s Art” and wrote about teeth alignment and application. In the 19th century, several dentists improved dental braces. Delabarre introduced the wire crib in 1819 while Maynard created gum elastics in 1843. In the early 20th century, Edward Angle came up with the classification system for crookedness of teeth. The system of grouping malocclusions of teeth is still used today. He also founded the first school and college of orthodontics, which was in America. Braces have come a long way. Modern technology like 3-D imaging, software, and even robots can be used to custom bend the wire.
Today, five basic types of braces are commonly used.
-Traditional metal-wired braces:
a metal bracket with elastic ties to hold the wire onto the metal brackets
-Gold-plated stainless-steel braces: for patients allergic to nickel
-Lingual braces: custom-made braces to the back of the teeth, externally invisible
-Titanium braces:tighter than steel ones but just as strong, more expensive; for patients allergic to nickel
-Clear removable aligners: used to gradually move teeth into final positions; can’t be used for complex cases
What is the author’s purpose in writing this selection?
A To list all the types of braces that humans used around the world
B To present the problem of crooked or crowded teeth and offer solutions
C To make the reader want to visit an orthodontist for better dental health
D To inform the reader about the history and the development of dental braces
To inform the reader about the history and the development of dental braces
How does the playwright indicate that Owner is surprised by Dog’s ability to speak?
F By describing the noises Dog makes in the stage directions in line 10 [The sound of Dog’s collar jingling and nails clicking across the floor is heard. Dog barks.]
G By having Owner ask questions in line 11 "Huh?" "What? What do you want? "
H By including Dog’s and Owner’s actions in the stage directions in line 11 [Another bark. Owner turns on light. Dog is beside the recliner, nudging Owner’s arm.]
J By indicating pauses in Owner’s dialogue in line 15 "OWNER: [Bolts to his feet.] You’re . . . you’re . . . talking!"
By indicating pauses in Owner’s dialogue in line 15
Reasoning: In line 15, Owner can barely get a whole sentence out and takes pauses (indicated by the ellipses) between words. His inability to speak clearly at that moment shows his surprise at Dog’s ability to speak.
Based on paragraph 2 of the selection “A Massive Mission,” what is the most likely reason Endeavour flew to different places in California before landing at the Los Angeles International Airport?
[2] Endeavour began this final voyage in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Strapped to the back of a specially adapted Boeing 747 airplane, it was flown across the country to Edwards Air Force Base in California. On a celebratory flight around its new home state, Endeavour circled over the Capitol in Sacramento. It then flew over NASA’s research center in San Jose and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. After soaring past the famous Hollywood sign, Endeavour landed at the Los Angeles International Airport. But that was the easy part of the mission. The real challenge had only just begun.
A To allow planners time to prepare the streets for the shuttle
B To test whether the shuttle was still working well
C To give more people the opportunity to view the shuttle
D To remind people how the shuttle was previously used
To give more people the opportunity to view the shuttle
Reasoning: Endeavour’s flight was “celebratory” (paragraph 2), which suggests that the purpose of the flight was to commemorate the shuttle’s arrival in California and allow people to see it.
Read this dictionary entry.
\ bril-y nt\ adj 1. showing great intelligence 2. vivid in appearance 3. full of light 4. excellent or superior in performance
Which definition best matches the way the word brilliant is used in line 4? "Of its brilliant beauty "
A Definition 1
B Definition 2
C Definition 3
D Definition 4
B Definition 2
Reasoning: The poet conveys that the rain forest delights the senses by including references to specific sights such as a “green paradise” and a “blizzard of butterflies.” Based on this context, the reader can conclude that “vivid in appearance” best matches the way the word brilliant is used in line 4.
What is the main message of the poem?
Teacher keeps an eye on me
all week.
I give him no reason
to call me aside,
5 but he does.
“Talk to me, Gabby,” he says.
“Tell me what’s wrong.
I can see you’re not happy.”
I’d argue but my sigh
10 gives me away.
“I miss daydreaming.”
“Then daydream!” says Mr. Spicer,
confusing me.
“But you’re always telling me
15 to stop daydreaming!
You and my mom.”
Teacher taps his top lip
like a door the right words
are hiding behind.
20 “Dreams are great things, Gabby,”
he finally says.
“The best thinkers,
writers, inventors in the world
allow their thoughts
25 to carry them away,
now and then.
Take the Wright brothers.
We wouldn’t have airplanes
if they hadn’t dreamed of them, first.
30 Still, sometimes you have to
slide your daydreams
in a drawer
and let them wait until later,
like after I’m done
35 teaching a lesson
you need to learn.
Got it?”
I nod, wondering if the Wright brothers
40 knew anything about
bringing daydreams
in for a landing.
A It is good to be honest when sharing your feelings.
B Events from history can be relevant today.
C Wise people listen more than they speak.
D There is a right time and place for imagination.
There is a right time and place for imagination.
Reasoning: The main message of the poem is that it is acceptable to use your imagination when the circumstances are right. Gabby used to daydream, but her teacher and her mom told her to stop (lines 14 through 16). Her teacher explains that it’s good to dream, but her daydreams might have to wait until later when he is done teaching (lines 30 through 36).
Read this sentence from paragraph 27.
As Marcos hugged Mom, he looked accusingly over her shoulder at Elena—the aroma of fresh cookies in the air whispered to him that his visit was no surprise. What does the author’s use of personification emphasize?
F Marcos realizes Mom has prepared in advance for his visit.
G Mom understands what Marcos likes to eat.
H Elena wishes that Marcos had not noticed the smell of the cookies.
J Marcos feels welcomed by the smell of his favorite cookies
Marcos realizes Mom has prepared in advance for his visit.
Reasoning: Personification is a type of figurative language where human characteristics are applied to something that is not alive. In this sentence, the author describes the cookies’ aroma as “[whispering]” to Marcos, revealing that the surprise is ruined, and Mom is expecting him.
Read these sentences from line 4 and line 8.
OWNER: You have no idea how good you’ve got it. (line 4)
OWNER: That dog has no idea how good he’s got it. (line 8)
Which idea in the play does this dialogue help develop?
A Owner does not realize that he has neglected Dog.
B Dog is able to speak to Owner.
C Owner does not want Dog to act like a human.
D Dog believes that the mail carrier is a danger to the house.
Owner does not realize that he has neglected Dog.
Reasoning: In lines 4 and 8, Owner repeats his thoughts that Dog is unaware of how good his life is, emphasizing that Owner does not realize how he’s been treating Dog.
What does the word futile mean in paragraph 8?
[8] After they hung up, Elena flopped onto her bed to return to her homework assignment, but concentrating on her work proved futile; she was bursting with the news that her brother had entrusted to her.
F Useless
G Effortless
H Boring
J Troubling
Useless
Reasoning" In paragraph 8, the word futile is closest in meaning to the word “useless.” Elena is so distracted with the news that her brother is coming that concentrating on her homework is useless, or futile.
Which line from the poem best helps the reader imagine the flowers and fruits of the rain forest?
A Is more than can be described.
B Its ponds are crowded
C A palace of fragrance and tastes
D Is pure paradise.
C A palace of fragrance and tastes
Reasoning: The inclusion of this description best helps the reader imagine the flowers and fruits of the rain forest, since flowers have fragrance and fruits have taste.
Which sentence from the selection “DO Look Down!” best explains why the Hualapai wanted to create the Grand Canyon Skywalk?
[1] Nature lovers from around the world come to see the Grand Canyon. They marvel at the giant walls of rock bordering a great chasm.1 In 2007 the world got a new way to experience this attraction—the Grand Canyon Skywalk. It is a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway that protrudes 70 feet beyond the canyon wall. People can look through the floor, straight into the canyon below.
[2] But this skywalk not only creates a unique attraction for tourists, it also solves a problem faced by its builders, members of the American Indian tribe called the Hualapai. Traditionally the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the busiest part, attracting visitors and revenue to the area. However, about 2,000 tribe members of the Hualapai live in a rugged area known as Grand Canyon West, five hours away from the South Rim. Before building the Grand Canyon Skywalk, the Hualapai tried to encourage tourists to visit their part of the Grand Canyon, yet few people made the long journey. They needed an extreme attraction to bring new economic life to their home.
[3] Then one day David Jin, a businessman from Las Vegas, suggested this unique project to the Hualapai tribe members. However, it was not going to be simple. There were many factors to consider when designing the skywalk. How could glass hold the weight of many visitors? Would wind be a problem? What should the walkway look like?
[4] Though it would take a great amount of work, many tribe members liked this idea; they felt the skywalk would provide job opportunities. After much discussion tribal elders supported the idea to build the skywalk. A team of architects and engineers helped the tribe decide on the proper way to build the bridge, addressing various concerns. They settled on a horseshoe shape and took steps to maximize safety and performance.
A Nature lovers from around the world come to see the Grand Canyon. (paragraph 1)
B They needed an extreme attraction to bring new economic life to their home. (paragraph 2)
C Then one day David Jin, a businessman from Las Vegas, suggested this unique project to the Hualapai tribe members. (paragraph 3)
D After much discussion tribal elders supported the idea to build the skywalk. (paragraph 4)
They needed an extreme attraction to bring new economic life to their home. (paragraph 2)
Reasoning: According to paragraph 2, “few people made the long journey” to Grand Canyon West. The Hualapai needed an “extreme attraction” to bring tourists to their area so that they could make money, just as the South Rim attracted “visitors and revenue.”
Read this sentence from paragraph 20. Suddenly, Elena’s cheeks felt as if they were on fire. What does the author’s use of figurative language in this sentence suggest?
A Elena is embarrassed because Mom is not supposed to know about Marcos’s visit.
B Elena begins to feel ill as she rests in her room.
C Elena is angry with her aunt for telling Mom that Marcos is coming to visit.
D Elena panics because she was caught pretending.
Elena is embarrassed because Mom is not supposed to know about Marcos’s visit.
Reasoning: Figurative language is language that uses words that mean something different than their literal interpretation. In this sentence, Elena’s cheeks do not actually feel as hot as if they were on fire. They just feel warm because she is embarrassed, since Mom is not supposed to know about Marcos’s visit.
What can the reader conclude about the tribal elders based on paragraph 4 of the selection “DO Look Down!”?
[4] Though it would take a great amount of work, many tribe members liked this idea; they felt the skywalk would provide job opportunities. After much discussion tribal elders supported the idea to build the skywalk. A team of architects and engineers helped the tribe decide on the proper way to build the bridge, addressing various concerns. They settled on a horseshoe shape and took steps to maximize safety and performance.
F They carefully considered how the skywalk would impact their community.
G They requested that the skywalk be built at a slow pace.
H They wanted the skywalk to include several interesting features.
J They wondered how the number of visitors on the skywalk would be managed.
They carefully considered how the skywalk would impact their community.
Reasoning: Tribal elders had “much discussion” and met with architects and engineers before moving forward with the skywalk. The reader can conclude that they carefully considered the impact that the skywalk would have on their community.
Read the dictionary entry for the word bolt. bolt \'bōlt\ v 1. to break away from control 2. to stop participating in an activity 3. to run off 4. to move suddenly or rapidly Which definition best matches the way the word bolts is used in line 15?
F Definition 1
G Definition 2
H Definition 3
J Definition 4
Definition 4
Reasoning: The word bolts in line 15 is closest in meaning to definition 4, “to move suddenly or rapidly.” Owner is surprised that Dog is talking and rapidly gets up out of the chair into a standing position.
In stanza 3, the phrase “Everywhere there is music” indicates that the speaker —
F is distracted by the different sounds of nature
G finds the sounds of the rain forest enchanting
H wishes he could imitate the sounds he hears
J can recognize certain birds by the sounds they make
G finds the sounds of the rain forest enchanting
Reasoning: In stanza 3, the speaker states, “Everywhere there is music.” The speaker goes on to describe “The sounds of rivers,/A rustling of leaves,/An outpouring of mockingbirds,/And the forlorn cooing of turtledoves,” indicating that the speaker finds the sounds of the rain forest enchanting.
Which sentence from the selection “A Massive Mission” best shows that people were enthusiastic about Endeavour’s journey?
F On October 13, 2012, the space shuttle Endeavour, one of four retired NASA shuttles, began its last mission. (paragraph 1)
G On a celebratory flight around its new home state, Endeavour circled over the Capitol in Sacramento. (paragraph 2)
H Several police officers were needed to redirect traffic as the shuttle passed. (paragraph 3)
J This historic move, which cost approximately 10 million dollars to complete, also became a huge social event. (paragraph 4)
This historic move, which cost approximately 10 million dollars to complete, also became a huge social event. (paragraph 4)
Reasoning: In this sentence, the author describes the move as a “huge social event,” meaning that it attracted a large crowd of people who were there to see and support the shuttle’s journey. This shows that spectators were enthusiastic about the event.
29 The word scribe comes from the Latin word scribere, which means “to write.” What does scribe mean in the following paragraph?
History leaps to life from each repaired papyrus. Dr. Hickey and other papyrologists found a police report to a royal scribe about a missing person. It reads: “On the 5th of the present month when patrolling the fields near the village . . . I learn from the villagers that Theodotos son of Dositheos, having set out in that direction, has not yet returned. I make this report.”
A A person who records messages
B A book of laws to be followed
C A person who lives in a palace
D A book of unsolved mysteries
A person who records messages
Reasoning: In the paragraph, the word scribe is closest in meaning to “a person who records messages.” The royal scribe recorded a police officer’s report about a missing person.
In paragraph 1, why does the author call the papyri in the box a “rare treasure”?
[1] Dr. Todd Hickey opens a rusted tin box filled to the brim with tattered pieces of 2‚000-year-old paper from Egypt. Dr. Hickey, a papyrologist (pap-eh-ROL-ah-jist), is excited about this rare treasure. It isn’t covered in gold, but it is priceless. That’s because those tattered pieces of paper are papyrus. Papyrus tells us much about the secrets of life in ancient Egypt.
F To show that they are worth a lot of money to Dr. Hickey
G To suggest that they can provide information about a past time that has many mysteries
H To demonstrate that they contain messages that are hard to decode
J To explain that they are delicate and need to be handled with extreme care
To suggest that they can provide information about a past time that has many mysteries
Reasoning: The words “rare treasure” are used to suggest that the papyri can provide information about a past time about which little is known. The author considers them valuable because there are not many other things that can “[tell] us much about the secrets of life in ancient Egypt.”
Read this sentence from paragraph 1 of the selection “A Massive Mission.” As one observer said, the move was a “once-in-forever moment in history.” Which statement from the selection best supports the idea in this sentence?
F Strapped to the back of a specially adapted Boeing 747 airplane, it was flown across the country to Edwards Air Force Base in California. (paragraph 2)
G After soaring past the famous Hollywood sign, Endeavour landed at the Los Angeles International Airport. (paragraph 2)
H Huge steel plates were placed atop streets along the route. (paragraph 3)
J Dozens of photographers and filmmakers were on hand to capture every minute. (paragraph 3) The author's reason for writing a story is also called this.
Dozens of photographers and filmmakers were on hand to capture every minute. (paragraph 3) The author's reason for writing a story is also called this.
Reasoning: The idea that the shuttle’s move was a “once-in-forever moment in history” is supported by the statement that “[d]ozens of photographers and filmmakers” wanted to capture the shuttle’s trip through Los Angeles. The knowledge that this would likely only happen once made the event worthy of being filmed and photographed.
A walk through my rain forest is haunting.
Its greatness makes me feel very small.
What I see
Of its brilliant beauty
5 Is more than can be described.
I walk into a hidden, green paradise—
Paradise within paradise.
Every corner reveals
Unexpected wonders!
10 Its ponds are crowded
By a blizzard of butterflies.
Everywhere there is music—
The sounds of rivers,
A rustling of leaves,
15 An outpouring of mockingbirds,
And the forlorn cooing of turtledoves.
The rain forest is the home
Of exotic plants: resurrection lily
Snakewood and zigzag begonia.
20 The rain forest is my home,
A palace of fragrance and tastes
That delight the senses.
Where the rain forest begins
And ends
25 Is pure paradise.
When I turn to leave,
The trees wave
Good-bye!
The poem’s structure helps the reader —
A picture what a trip to the rain forest is like for the speaker
B understand how much time the speaker spends in the rain forest
C examine how the speaker’s emotions about the rain forest change
D realize how the speaker feels about the rain forest compared with other places
A picture what a trip to the rain forest is like for the speaker
Reasoning: The poet structures the poem to help the reader know what a trip through the rain forest is like for the speaker. The speaker’s walk is introduced in stanzas 1 and 2. In stanza 3, the speaker visits the pond and then continues on to view exotic plants. Finally, the rain forest ends and the speaker turns to leave.
Read this sentence from paragraph 1 of the selection “A Massive Mission.”
As one observer said, the move was a “once-in-forever moment in history.”
Which statement from the selection best supports the idea in this sentence?
F Strapped to the back of a specially adapted Boeing 747 airplane, it was flown across the country to Edwards Air Force Base in California. (paragraph 2)
G After soaring past the famous Hollywood sign, Endeavour landed at the Los Angeles International Airport. (paragraph 2)
H Huge steel plates were placed atop streets along the route. (paragraph 3)
J Dozens of photographers and filmmakers were on hand to capture every minute. (paragraph 3)
Dozens of photographers and filmmakers were on hand to capture every minute. (paragraph 3)
Reasoning: The idea that the shuttle’s move was a “once-in-forever moment in history” is supported by the statement that “[d]ozens of photographers and filmmakers” wanted to capture the shuttle’s trip through Los Angeles. The knowledge that this would likely only happen once made the event worthy of being filmed and photographed.
In the following lines, the poet uses personification most likely to emphasize that successful people often —
"allow their thoughts
to carry them away, "
F travel
G imagine
H create
J communicate
imagine
Reasoning: Personification is a type of figurative language where human characteristics are applied to something that is not alive. In the lines, the poet uses personification to emphasize that successful people (writers and inventors) use their imaginations. The phrase “‘allow their thoughts/to carry them away,’” is another way to say “imagine.”
What do lines 9 and 10 suggest about Gabby?
Teacher keeps an eye on me
all week.
I give him no reason
to call me aside,
5 but he does.
“Talk to me, Gabby,” he says.
“Tell me what’s wrong.
I can see you’re not happy.”
I’d argue but my sigh
10 gives me away.
“I miss daydreaming.”
“Then daydream!” says Mr. Spicer,
confusing me.
F She cannot hide her frustration from her teacher.
G She is calm while listening to her teacher.
H She has difficulty expressing herself to her teacher.
J She is confident that her teacher will understand her situation
She cannot hide her frustration from her teacher.
Reasoning: Based on lines 9 and 10, “I’d argue but my sigh/gives me away,” the reader can infer that Gabby “cannot hide her frustration from her teacher.” She wants to argue that she is fine, but sighs out loud, revealing to her teacher that something is wrong.
The word protrudes has a Latin root, trudere, meaning “to thrust.” What does protrudes mean in paragraph 1 of the selection “DO Look Down!”?
[1] Nature lovers from around the world come to see the Grand Canyon. They marvel at the giant walls of rock bordering a great chasm. In 2007 the world got a new way to experience this attraction—the Grand Canyon Skywalk. It is a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway that protrudes 70 feet beyond the canyon wall. People can look through the floor, straight into the canyon below.
A Works differently than intended
B Appears separate from a main part
C Has a variety of uses
D Sticks out from an area
D Sticks out from an area
Reasoning: The word protrudes is closest in meaning to “Sticks out from an area.” The walkway sticks out “70 feet beyond the canyon wall.”