Word Meaning & Usage
Interactive Toys announced that their sales for video games are beginning to prosper.
What does “prosper” mean?
A. Decline
B. Advertise
C. Fail
D. Grow
Grow
Courtney asked her neighbor if she could borrow an egg to complete a recipe that she had already started. The next day, Courtney brought an egg to her neighbor along with a thank you card.
Which word BEST describes Courtney?
A. Grateful
B. Selfish
C. Shy
D. Talented
Grateful
(1) Did you read Charlotte’s Web as a child? (2) The story takes place on a farm. (3) Wilbur the pig is worried because the family wants a ham dinner for Christmas. (4) Charlotte the spider tries to help him out by spinning words in her web. (5) He wins a prize at the fair, and it is decided that he will live. (6) Charlotte then lays her eggs. (7) Eventually, the eggs hatch and three baby spiders stay behind with Wilbur.
Which sentence represents the climax?
Sentence 5
Sally became infuriated when her two-year old sister, Casey, accidently knocked over her science project. It took her two hours to make it, and now she has to start all over again.
“I’m sorry,” said her mother.
“This is all your fault!” Sally screamed at her mother.
With a sigh, her mother picked up Casey and walked away.
Which is the BEST theme?
A. Friendship
B. A young girl knocks over her sister’s project.
C. People should be punished when they make mistakes.
D. It is important to control your temper, and be understanding of others.
D. It is important to control your temper, and be understanding of others.
Athletes of the past and present have played a huge role in giving young people a voice and inspiring them to take action. Rock the Vote is teaming up with those in the sports world to empower and inspire a new generation.
What is the central idea of this excerpt?
A. The importance of playing a sport.
B. Rock the Vote inspires young people to vote for athletes who want to run for office.
C. Athletes can help inspire young people to vote.
D. The connection between rock music and playing sports.
C. Athletes can help inspire young people to vote.
Seven-Eleven has a college tuition program. People who have worked there for four years or longer are eligible for tuition assistance.
What does “eligible” mean?
A. Qualified
B. Required
C. Interested
D. Profitable
Qualified
During math class, Angelina raised her hand to write the problem on the board. She painstakingly worked out the problem. While she was gone, Daniella went into Angelina’s desk, and stole three markers. Mrs. Henry called Daniella to the board to complete the next problem. She was pleased because both of the girls solved the problems correctly.
Which word BEST describes Daniella?
A. Intimidating
B. Desolate
C. Devious
D. Generous
C. Devious
There are two after school clubs on Thursday afternoons. The chess club requires attention to detail, discipline, and logic. The book club, however, requires a commitment to read at least three books, and the ability to comprehend them. Both clubs are very popular.
What is the structure of this excerpt?
A. Sequence/Order
B. Problem and Solution
C. Compare and Contrast
D. Cause and Effect
C. Compare and Contrast
Life is like a bicycle,
Left out in the storm.
If it's not used often,
Rust begins to form.
What is the main idea of this poem?
A. Life is a gift to be enjoyed.
B. Exercise is good for the soul.
C. Stormy weather enters everyone’s life once in a while.
D. Rust can be avoided if treated at the first sign.
A. Life is a gift to be enjoyed.
Hospital volunteers work without pay in health care settings, under the supervision of nurses. Their work is difficult, but they persevere. Hospitals are grateful for their volunteers. Most have openings for this position.
Which is a good summary of the excerpt?
A. Hospital volunteers work harder than other volunteers.
B. Volunteers are needed at every hospital.
C. Hospital volunteers work just as hard as nurses.
D. Hospital volunteers work hard and are greatly appreciated.
D. Hospital volunteers work hard and are greatly appreciated.
Briefly describe your science fair theme, and show how your preliminary studies resulted in the direction of your finished project.
What does “preliminary” mean?
A. Central
B. Outcome
C. Obsolete
D. Initial
Initial
While on the school bus, Kimberly looked out of the window and wished she were already home. Maria pulled hard on Anna’s braid, and laughed when she cried out in pain. Jessica missed what happened. She was too busy working on her math problems. She was determined to get them all done before she walked off of the bus. Carrie, on the other hand, saw Maria hurting Anna, and told her to stop.
Which word BEST describes Jessica?
A. Uncaring
B. Uncooperative
C. Desperate
D. Diligent
D. Diligent
Timothy was very upset with his math grade. His parents weren’t delighted either. He decided his best course of action would be to pay attention in class, complete all assignments, and ask questions when he was confused. He was very happy with the results. He received an A on his next math test!
Which is the BEST way to define this text structure?
A. Definition/Description
B. Problem and Solution
C. Compare and Contrast
D. Sequence/Order
B. Problem and Solution
Kevin looked back on his summer vacation with regret. He didn’t accomplish any of his summer goals. His intentions were good, especially in the beginning, but he never followed through with his plans. He didn’t spend enough time with his family or his friends. His video games received the most attention.
Which is the main idea of the excerpt?
A. Kevin should never play video games again.
B. Kevin is irresponsible, and needs to make some changes.
C. Kevin regrets having so many goals to accomplish in the summer.
D. Kevin regrets spending too much time with video games, and too little time with friends and family.
D. Kevin regrets spending too much time with video games, and too little time with friends and family.
Florida is home to an amazing array of fish, wildlife, and the habitats in which they live and thrive. These multitudes of species are dependent upon natural habitats such as tropical coral reefs, and the grasses of the Everglades.
Which key idea will continue to be developed with this excerpt?
A. The beauty of Florida’s tropical reefs.
B. Florida’s wildlife and their habitats should be protected.
C. The expense of maintaining habitats for wildlife in Florida.
D. Photographers love the wildlife and their habitats found in Florida.
B. Florida’s wildlife and their habitats should be protected.
Bob went home disappointed. The dance was an exercise in futility. He should have just stayed home. At least if he stayed home, he could have gotten a few hours of sleep.
What is emphasized with the metaphor in this excerpt?
A. Bob’s disappointment
B. Bob’s lack of sleep
C. The pointlessness of the dance
D. The reason Bob was tired
C. The pointlessness of the dance
“How many times have I told you to clean your room?” yelled Mrs. Jones.
“I forgot, I’m sorry,” Jim replied with tears in his eyes.
“Don’t worry Jim, it won’t take long,” whispered Mr. Jones.
“Get moving young man!” said Mrs. Jones.
Jim slowly turned around, climbed the stairs, and went into his room.
Which of the following BEST describes how Mr. Jones is feeling about Jim?
A. He thinks Jim is irresponsible.
B. He doesn’t understand why Jim forgot to clean his room.
C. He feels sorry for Jim.
D. He thinks Jim moves too slowly.
C. He feels sorry for Jim.
(1) Have you read the Tragedy at Mountain Pass? (2) The story opens in Austria during World War II. (3) A young man, Liam, has to fight in the war, but does not want to leave his girlfriend, Elsa. (4) Liam and Elsa run away together. (5) They are only two miles away from Switzerland when they are captured. (6) Liam is taken away, and Elsa eventually makes her way back home. (7) Liam and Elsa meet again years later, but the spark has gone out of their flame.
Which sentence introduces the conflict of the story?
Sentence 3
Andrew did not make the basketball team. Although discouraged, he didn’t give up. He shot hoops every day after school. On the weekends, he joined neighborhood games. He also practiced dribbling and passing. The next year, his name was listed with those who made the team!
What is the theme?
A. Basketball is fun.
B. Work hard to reach goals in life.
C. Everyone should make the team.
D. Be careful what you wish for.
B. Work hard to reach goals in life.
Candy wrappers, cups, and other items on the ground, entangled in tree branches, or floating in water can wash away the enjoyment of spending time with your friends and family. Littering should have serious financial consequences.
What does this excerpt infer?
A. Families should spend time together.
B. Litter on the ground is worse than litter in the water.
C. Fines should be given to those who litter.
D. Litter in the water is dangerous to marine life.
C. Fines should be given to those who litter.
The garden was a wonderland. The bees played hide and seek as they buzzed in and out of the flowers. The children stayed outside for hours, enjoying everything the garden had to offer.
What is emphasized with the personification in this excerpt?
A. The excitement of the garden
B. The movement of the bees
C. The sound of the bees
D. The length of time the children played outside
B. The movement of the bees
Mark grabbed his lunch and went to the back of the room. Charles sat down with him, hitting Ben on the head along the way. Kent wiped off the table, his seat, and his tray before sitting down. Alexander laughed about a joke that no one thought was funny.
Which boy can be considered “meticulous”?
Kent
If you wrote a murder mystery, during which element of plot would the punishment for the murderer most likely be revealed?
Resolution
Life is like a fire.
If you can't control your flame,
You're bound to be burned.
What theme is being addressed in this poem?
Energy
Self-Control
Revenge
Pity
Self-Control
“For three years, George skipped school, failed exams, and shut himself away from people to create a new personality in his electronic universe.”
Which idea is being introduced with this quote?
A. Better personalities can be developed by playing video games.
B. Video games are great way to relieve stress.
C. Playing video games should be illegal.
D. Video games have a negative influence both academically and socially.
D. Video games have a negative influence both academically and socially.