The Aztecs/ Aztec Farming
Read this sentence from this passage.
Perhaps the most lasting contribution of the Aztec Empire to the modern world is its food. (paragraph 2)
The word contribution comes from Latin roots con-, which means "together," and trib, which means "give." Based on this information, what does contribution mean as it used in paragraph 2?
a) cultural treasure
b) large gift
c) something given together
d) community challenge
c) something given together
Why is the cave setting in the passage important to the plot?
A. because it makes the wolf family easy prey for enemies
B. because it has a boundary that forces the grey cub to learn a lesson
C. because it is large enough to protect the entire wolf family
D. because it keeps the grey cub from wondering what is outside
B. because it has a boundary that forces the grey cub to learn a lesson
Read the sentence from the passage.
Also known as “machine learning,” AI isn’t a new field. It is, however, an area that is constantly changing and evolving. (paragraph 1)
The word evolve comes from the Latin word ēvolvere, which means “to unroll, unfold, or open.” Based on this information, what does evolving mean as it is used in the paragraph?
A. improving
B. working
C. reducing
D. expanding
D. expanding
Read the lines from the play.
LIZA [rising, terrified] Sixty pounds! What are you talking about? I never offered you sixty pounds. Where would I get—
HIGGINS. Hold your tongue.
LIZA [weeping] But I ain’t got sixty pounds. Oh—
(lines 14–16)
How does the idiom “hold your tongue” contribute to the tone of this exchange?
A. It suggests Liza is sticking her tongue out at Professor Higgins, adding to the playful tone.
B. It suggests Professor Higgins wants Liza to use her hand to grab her tongue, adding to the violent tone.
C. It emphasizes that Professor Higgins wants Liza to be quiet when she will not stop talking, adding to the impatient tone.
D. It emphasizes that Liza is hiding the money away from Professor Higgins in her mouth, adding to the suspenseful tone.
C. It emphasizes that Professor Higgins wants Liza to be quiet when she will not stop talking, adding to the impatient tone.
How does the setting of the parlor affect Mrs. Spencer’s actions in the passage?
A. She feels uncomfortable with having strangers in her home.
B. She seeks to make her guests comfortable in her home.
C. She wants to show her superior social status to her neighbors.
D. She feels concerned that the others will judge her home.
B. She seeks to make her guests comfortable in her home.
How do the authors of Passage 1 and Passage 2 emphasize the importance of the ancient Aztec civilization in a similar way?
A. Both authors provide evidence of Aztec culture that is still present and used today.
B. Both authors emphasize the variety of foods that the Aztecs used to cook.
C. Both authors describe the farming practices of the Aztecs in great detail.
D. Both authors present a history of the Aztecs and evaluate their influence on the world.
A. Both authors provide evidence of Aztec culture that is still present and used today.
Read this sentence from the passage.
“You woke me up at 6:32 on a Saturday morning!?” Patty moaned, eying both Candace and Whiskers from underneath a mop of disheveled hair. (paragraph 4)
What does the metaphor “a mop of disheveled hair” help readers understand?
A. Whiskers loves to play with cleaning equipment.
B. Candace looks better than Patty at this time of day.
C. Patty is just waking up and not ready to start the day.
D. There is a reason why the kitten jumped on Patty’s head.
C. Patty is just waking up and not ready to start the day.
In the passage, the author uses abductive reasoning to suggest that AI is a positive force. Which sentences from the passage provide examples that support this argument? Select two correct answers.
A. “AI can suggest new music based on your preferences, help people book air travel, and connect commuters who want to share rides to work.” (paragraph 3)
B. “AI will no doubt change the face of many areas and careers.” (paragraph 4)
C. “In fact, many claim that AI will eventually outperform humans to the point where we will no longer have any jobs.” (paragraph 2)
D. “It focuses on creating machines that act, work, and learn just like humans do.” (paragraph 1)
E. “AI is also used on smartphones to autocorrect our spelling and create smart replies that mimic your personal writing style.” (paragraph 3)
A. “AI can suggest new music based on your preferences, help people book air travel, and connect commuters who want to share rides to work.” (paragraph 3)
E. “AI is also used on smartphones to autocorrect our spelling and create smart replies that mimic your personal writing style.” (paragraph 3)
How are the characters of Mrs. Pearce and Liza affected by the setting of Professor Higgins’ home? Select two correct options.
A. Mrs. Pearce feels intimidated and obedient to Professor Higgins.
B. Eliza feels inspired to become a lady.
C. Mrs. Pearce feels entitled to give orders to Eliza.
D. Mrs. Pearce feels jealous of Professor Higgins’ wealth.
E. Eliza feels the need to defend herself.
C. Mrs. Pearce feels entitled to give orders to Eliza.
E. Eliza feels the need to defend herself.
Read this sentence from the passage.
Marilla looked at Anne and softened at sight of the child’s pale face with its look of mute misery—the misery of a helpless little creature who finds itself once more caught in the trap from which it had escaped. (paragraph 8)
What does the author’s use of the metaphor “a helpless little creature who finds itself once more caught in the trap” help readers understand about Anne and her situation?
A. It shows that Miss Cuthbert understands what Anne is going through because she has been in a similar situation herself.
B. It shows that Anne’s reaction to her situation was out of proportion to the actual danger she faced.
C. It shows that Anne’s situation is unlikely to improve if adopted by Mrs. Blewett instead of the Cuthberts.
D. It shows that in her situation, Anne was more likely to be treated like a criminal than a daughter.
C. It shows that Anne’s situation is unlikely to improve if adopted by Mrs. Blewett instead of the Cuthberts.
Read the following sentences from the passage.
Today, the Aztecs are no longer around, but you can still see the chinampas they left behind. In fact, some are still in use today. (paragraph 3)
Why does the author use the words In fact in these sentences?
A. to confirm that the statement is reliable
B. to highlight the author’s knowledge of the topic
C. to emphasize an interesting fact
D. to contradict an opposing claim
C. to emphasize an interesting fact
How does the author use a change in perspective to help develop the story?
A. The story leads with an omniscient voice that introduces the family, then goes inside the mind of each member to show the reader their inner thoughts.
B. The story begins by showing the reader what the cat thinks, then moves to the father’s point of view to describe the scene at the farmstand.
C. The story starts out by showing Patty’s feelings about the cat, then shifts to Candace’s opposite point of view.
D. The story introduces the cat through Candace’s observation of him, then switches to an omniscient voice that describes how the family got the cat.
D. The story introduces the cat through Candace’s observation of him, then switches to an omniscient voice that describes how the family got the cat.
How do paragraphs 4 and 5 help support the author’s purpose in the passage?
A. They contain details that show how the author went from doubting the usefulness of AI to believing strongly in it.
B. They provide specific examples that support the author’s belief that AI will lead to better living.
C. They explain how the use of AI will lead to more jobs instead of fewer.
D. They challenge the idea that everyone is in favor of the increased use of AI.
B. They provide specific examples that support the author’s belief that AI will lead to better living.
How does the playwright use contrasting points of view to help develop the story?
A. Liza believes that changing her speech will elevate her station in life, while Higgins thinks that speech is less important than behavior.
B. Mrs. Pearce believes that people should be treated equally no matter their social status, while Higgins treats Liza as an inferior.
C. Pickering believes that Liza’s speech can be transformed, while Higgins does not. This develops a conflict between the men.
D. Higgins sees Liza as a challenge to his teaching abilities, while Mrs. Pearce sees her as a girl who needs protection.
D. Higgins sees Liza as a challenge to his teaching abilities, while Mrs. Pearce sees her as a girl who needs protection.
How does the section titled “Train Rides Begin” contribute to the text as a whole?
A. It explains which towns were stops for orphan trains.
B. It explains what happened to orphans who were sent across the country.
C. It explains how orphans were affected by their experiences.
D. It explains why orphans were sent across the country.
B. It explains what happened to orphans who were sent across the country.
What evidence from the text supports the abductive reasoning for the claim that “many aspects of Aztec culture can still be seen today” (paragraph 1)? Select two correct answers.
A. Markets with a wide range of food including spaghetti, fruits, and vegetables all began with the Aztecs and are available today.
B. The capital city, Tenochtitlán, is an amazing city built on an island you can visit today.
C. The practice of farming on hillsides and mountains using step-like fields is a technique passed down from the Aztecs and still used today.
D. Foods such as chocolate, tomatoes, peppers, and maize spread from the Aztec civilizations to Europe and can be found all over the world today.
E. Words from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztec people, were adapted by English speakers and are used today.
C. The practice of farming on hillsides and mountains using step-like fields is a technique passed down from the Aztecs and still used today.
D. Foods such as chocolate, tomatoes, peppers, and maize spread from the Aztec civilizations to Europe and can be found all over the world today.
E. Words from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztec people, were adapted by English speakers and are used today.
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
Which sentence states two similar themes of the passage?
A. A young animal focuses only on food, and it can be fearless.
B. A young animal’s life is always in danger, but it adapts quickly.
C. A young animal is always learning, and its life is a pleasant one.
D. A young animal is innocent at first, but it quickly learns to break rules.
Part B
Which sentence from the passage supports both themes in Part A?
A. “She possessed a gentle, caressing tongue that soothed him when it passed over his soft little body, and that impelled him to snuggle close against her and to doze off to sleep.” (paragraph 2)
B. “Most of the first month of his life had been passed thus in sleeping; but now he could see quite well, and he stayed awake for longer periods of time, and he was coming to learn his world quite well.” (paragraph 3)
C. “His world was gloomy; but he did not know that, for he knew no other world.” (paragraph 3)
D. “But he had early discovered that one wall of his world was different from the rest.” (paragraph 4)
C. A young animal is always learning, and its life is a pleasant one.
B. “Most of the first month of his life had been passed thus in sleeping; but now he could see quite well, and he stayed awake for longer periods of time, and he was coming to learn his world quite well.” (paragraph 3)
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
Which are two central ideas of the passage?
A. AI seems to be very simple, but it will bring big changes to the world.
B. AI is a rapidly growing field, and it brings improvement to people’s lives.
C. AI is dangerous, but it may soon change the healthcare industry.
D. AI is a controversial technology, but it is also misunderstood.
Part B
How does the author support both central ideas?
A. by explaining ways AI could affect marketing and health care
B. by pointing out ways it could affect different industries
C. by pointing out positive and negative views of AI
D. by giving examples of helpful new uses for AI
B. AI is a rapidly growing field, and it brings improvement to people’s lives.
D. by giving examples of helpful new uses for AI
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
Which statement describes two themes in the passage?
A. Money is the key to happiness; those who are poor are always seeking wealth.
B. Speech is an indicator of social class; the wealthy treat others as playthings.
C. People of different backgrounds cannot get along; learning a common language can aid communication.
D. Differences of opinion are bound to happen; disagreements are caused by different ways of seeing things.
Part B
Which sentence from the passage supports the answer in Part A?
A. “Yes: in six months—in three if she has a good ear and a quick tongue—I’ll take her anywhere and pass her off as anything.” (line 36)
B. “I do hope, sir, you won’t encourage him to do anything foolish.” (line 33)
C. “It’s no use talking to her like that, Mr. Higgins: she doesn’t understand you. (line 24)
D. “You know, Pickering, if you consider a shilling, not as a simple shilling, but as a percentage of this girl’s income, it works out as fully equivalent to sixty or seventy guineas from a millionaire.” (line 9)
B. Speech is an indicator of social class; the wealthy treat others as playthings.
A. “Yes: in six months—in three if she has a good ear and a quick tongue—I’ll take her anywhere and pass her off as anything.” (line 36)
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
Which choice states two themes of the passage?
A. Children should always mind their manners, and those who do are rewarded.
B. Adults’ lives are enriched by children, but they seldom appreciate children.
C. Adults should be respectful of children, and children have much to offer to adults.
D. Children are at the mercy of adults, but adults should be compassionate toward children.
Part B
Which sentence from the passage supports the answer in Part A?
A. “The baby’s awful fractious, and I’m clean worn out attending to him.” (paragraph 7)
B. “That is real lucky, for we can settle the matter right away.” (paragraph 1)
C. “So if you’re still of the same mind you were yesterday, I think she’ll be just the thing for you.” (paragraph 3)
D. “Marilla looked at Anne and softened at sight of the child’s pale face with its look of mute misery—the misery of a helpless little creature who finds itself once more caught in the trap from which it had escaped.” (paragraph 8)
D. Children are at the mercy of adults, but adults should be compassionate toward children.
D. “Marilla looked at Anne and softened at sight of the child’s pale face with its look of mute misery—the misery of a helpless little creature who finds itself once more caught in the trap from which it had escaped.” (paragraph 8)
DAILY DOUBLE
Complete the table to show whether each detail supports the central idea “The Aztecs found creative ways to improve their lives,” or “Aztec culture continues to influence us today,” or both.
How do the authors of Passage 1 and Passage 2 develop the topic of the lives of young animals differently?
A. The author of White Fang illustrates the dangers of life outside the cave; however, the author of “Life with Cat” does not show the dangers of life outside the apartment.
B. The author describes the thoughts and feelings of the grey cub in White Fang; however, the author of “Life with Cat” uses dialogue and third-person narration to tell Whisker’s story.
C. The author shares details about the siblings of the grey cub in White Fang, but the author of “Life with Cat” does not include details about Whisker’s siblings.
D. The author of White Fang contrasts the grey cub to his siblings, but the author of “Life with Cat” does not tell how Whiskers is different from his siblings.
B. The author describes the thoughts and feelings of the grey cub in White Fang; however, the author of “Life with Cat” uses dialogue and third-person narration to tell Whisker’s story.
Read the sentence from the passage.
Some critics have cautioned that AI poses serious complications for humanity. (paragraph 2)
What is the effect of the word serious as it is used in this sentence?
A. It signals that AI cannot be used to generate humorous content.
B. It highlights the many possible ways that AI can improve lives.
C. It indicates that the technology used for AI is complicated.
D. It emphasizes the concerns some people feel about the effects of AI.
D. It emphasizes the concerns some people feel about the effects of AI.
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
How does the setting of the play contribute to the plot in this excerpt?
A. The setting of London makes clear the dangers that lie in wait for Liza if she does not change her life.
B. The setting of London highlights the possibilities that exist for Liza once she learns how to speak differently.
C. The setting of Higgins’s house emphasizes that Liza has entered a world that is very different from the one she knows.
D. The setting of Higgins’s house creates focus on the friendship between Higgins and Pickering.
Part B
Which sentence from the passage supports the answer in Part A?
A. “LIZA: [haughtily] Who told you I only—” (line 12)
B. “PICKERING: [very courteous] Won’t you sit down?” (line 3)
C. “HIGGINS: Somebody is going to touch you, with a broomstick, if you don’t stop snivelling. Sit down.” (line 18)
D. “THE FLOWER GIRL: Ah—ah—ah—ow—ow—oo! [She stands, half rebellious, half bewildered].” (line 2)
C. The setting of Higgins’s house emphasizes that Liza has entered a world that is very different from the one she knows.
B. “PICKERING: [very courteous] Won’t you sit down?” (line 3)
What is one way that Anne’s experience in Anne of Green Gables is different from the information provided in “Orphan Trains”?
A. Anne’s birth parents are still alive, but too poor to care for Anne.
B. Anne’s story is not set during the time period specified in “Orphan Trains.”
C. Anne is treated with love and care at her orphanage.
D. Anne is sent to a home in a location different from those noted in “Orphan Trains.”
D. Anne is sent to a home in a location different from those noted in “Orphan Trains.”