QUESTION STEMS
“Based on paragraph , what is the central idea of this section?”
(Standards: RI/RL.9–10.1, RI/RL.9–10.2)
1. What is the paragraph about?
“After the test, my brain felt like mush.”
Expected answer: Simile
Word: Sequence (RI.10.3)
Definition: The order in which events or ideas happen in a text.
In one sentence, what is Janelle’s main realization at the end of the passage?
Use only A in ACES...
Janelle realizes that speaking up for something that matters can change not only a decision, like saving the tree, but also how people see a place and themselves.
What event causes Janelle to start caring about the oak tree again?
She notices the orange sign that says the tree is scheduled to be cut down on Friday at 3 p.m.
“What inference can be made about the author’s attitude toward the topic based on paragraph ?”
(Standards: RI/RL.9–10.1)
1. Based on the paragraph, what do think is the author's opinion on the topic?
“The rumor sprinted through the hallway before the first bell rang.”
Expected answer: Personification
Word: Effect (RI.10.3)
Definition: What happens because of something else; the result of a cause.
Which sentence from the passage best supports the idea that Janelle’s actions helped change the principal’s decision?- CITE
A. “Only Janelle stopped long enough to read the small orange sign.”
B. “That afternoon, Janelle went to the principal’s office.”
C. “On Friday at 2:45, a small crowd gathered under the branches.”
D. “He looked at the group, then at the tree. ‘We can reroute the sidewalk,’ he said slowly.”
D. “He looked at the group, then at the tree. ‘We can reroute the sidewalk,’ he said slowly.”
According to the passage, what concern does the principal give as the main reason for cutting down the tree?
A. The tree blocks the view of the school.
B. The tree is too old and no longer useful.
C. The roots are damaging the sidewalk and weak branches could fall.
D. The school needs more parking spaces.
C. The roots are damaging the sidewalk and weak branches could fall.
“How does paragraph contribute to the development of the author’s argument in the passage?”
(RI/RL.9–10.5)
“How does paragraph help build the author’s claim and stance in the passage?”
“I told you a thousand times to put your phone away during class.”
"The lifeguard drowned while he was on duty."
Expected answer: Hyperbole and Irony
Word/phrase: False reasoning RI.10.8
Definition: Thinking that sounds logical but is actually wrong, because it is based on bad, missing, or misleading evidence.
Does the passage provide strong enough evidence to show that speaking up can lead to change? Use at least one detail from the text in your answer.
Use AC in ACES
A (Answer): Yes, the passage gives strong evidence that speaking up can lead to change.
C (Cite): For example, after Janelle goes to the principal and makes a flyer, “a small crowd gathered under the branches,” and the principal finally says, “We can reroute the sidewalk… and we’ll have the branches trimmed instead of cutting it down.”
Based on the passage, what can you infer about why other people join Janelle under the tree on Friday?
A. They were ordered to be there by the principal.
B. They also have personal memories or respect for the tree.
C. They want to protest against Janelle.
D. They are hoping to get out of taking a test.
B. They also have personal memories or respect for the tree.
“How does the author’s use of figurative language in paragraph impact the tone of the passage?”
“Which statement best explains how the author’s point of view influences the way the events are described?"
(Standards: RL/RI.9–10.4, RL/RI.9–10.6)
1. “How does the figurative language in paragraph shows how the author feels?
2. “Which answer best explains how the author thinks the events are told?”
“Her smile was a crack of sunlight in a stormy sky.”
“The clock glared at me from the wall, reminding me that I was already late.”
Expected answer: Metaphor and Personification
Word 1: Author’s purpose (RI.10.6)
Word 2: Inference (RI.10.1)
Definition 1: The reason the writer wrote the text (for example, to inform, persuade, or entertain).
Standard connection
Definition 2: A conclusion you figure out using clues in the text plus your own knowledge (not directly stated)
Using ACES, explain how the principal’s words, “We can reroute the sidewalk,” show a change in his thinking.
Sample ACES response:
A (Answer): The principal’s words show that he changes his mind and decides to listen to the students.
C (Cite): At first, he tells Janelle that cutting the tree down is “safer,” but later he says, “We can reroute the sidewalk,” and agrees to trim the branches instead of removing the oak.
E (Explain): This shows a change in his thinking because he moves from seeing the tree as only a safety problem to looking for a solution that protects both safety and the students’ connection to the tree.
S (Sum up): His new decision proves that Janelle’s actions and the group’s support influenced him to reconsider, rather than just doing what was easiest.
How does the second paragraph (beginning “She remembered eating lunch…”) help develop the passage?
A. It explains the scientific reasons the tree is unhealthy.
B. It describes the principal’s opinion of the tree.
C. It introduces a new setting that replaces the school.
D. It shows how Janelle’s connection to the tree has changed over time.
D. It shows how Janelle’s connection to the tree has changed over time.
“Which statement best evaluates the effectiveness of the author’s reasoning in developing the claim in the passage?”
“How would the meaning of the passage change if the author had ended with a different final paragraph? Use details from the text to support your answer.”
(Standards: RI.9–10.8, RI/RL.9–10.5, plus constructed-response style for English II EOC)
1. “Which answer best shows how well the author’s reasons and evidence support the main point of the passage?”
2. “If the author changed the last paragraph, how would that change what the passage is mainly saying? Explain your answer using details from the text.”
“By refusing to choose a side, he made the most powerful decision of all.”
“The audience found the comedian to be seriously funny.”
Paradox and Oxymoron
Word 1: Analyze (RI.10.3 & RI.10.5)
Word 2: Mystery (RI.10.2 / RI.10.5)
Definition 1: To break something into parts and examine it carefully to understand it better.
Definition 2: Something that is not fully explained or understood, often creating questions or suspense for the reader.
Using a full ACES paragraph, answer:
How does the author develop the idea that one student’s courage can influence an entire community?
Sample ACES response:
A (Answer): The author develops the idea that one student’s courage can influence an entire community by showing how Janelle’s small actions lead others to get involved and change the outcome.
C (Cite): First, Janelle goes alone to the principal’s office to question the decision to cut the tree, even though her voice “shook a little.” Later, she makes a flyer and posts it online, and “a small crowd gathered under the branches: students, a few teachers, even the custodian.” Finally, when the principal sees the group, he decides, “We can reroute the sidewalk,” and only trim the tree instead of cutting it down.
E (Explain): These details show the progression of her influence: she starts as one nervous student asking a question, then inspires others to stand with her, and eventually persuades the principal to change his plan. Her courage to take the first step creates a chain reaction in the school community.
S (Sum up): By tracing how Janelle’s individual choice spreads to classmates, staff, and the administration, the author proves that a single student’s courage can reshape decisions and how people value their shared spaces.
Which statement best expresses a theme of the passage?
A. School traditions are always more important than safety.
B. One person’s decision never affects a community.
C. Speaking up for something meaningful can inspire others and lead to change.
D. Social media is the only way to convince people to listen.
C. Speaking up for something meaningful can inspire others and lead to change.