Text Analysis
The Amazon rainforest is home to more than three million species of plants and animals. Many of these species cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. However, large areas of the rainforest are being cut down for farming and logging. Scientists warn that if deforestation continues at the current rate, many plant and animal species will become extinct.
What is the main idea of this passage?
A) The Amazon rainforest has unique biodiversity that is threatened by deforestation
B) Farming and logging are important industries in the Amazon region
C) Scientists are studying the species in the Amazon rainforest
D) The Amazon rainforest has more species than any other forest
A) The Amazon rainforest has unique biodiversity that is threatened by deforestation.
The old car sputtered and coughed as it climbed the steep hill. "Come on, just a little further," Maria whispered, patting the dashboard gently.
Question: What literary device is used in this passage, and what effect does it create?
A) Simile; it compares the car to a mountain climber
B) Metaphor; it suggests the car is part of Maria's family
C) Personification; the car is given human-like qualities (sputtering, coughing), creating the effect of showing Maria's emotional connection to her car and the tension of the moment
D) Hyperbole; it exaggerates how difficult it is for the car to climb the hill
C) Personification; the car is given human-like qualities (sputtering, coughing), creating the effect of showing Maria's emotional connection to her car and the tension of the moment.
Which research question would be most effective for a focused, in-depth report?
A) What are animals?
B) Why are tigers interesting?
C) How has climate change affected polar bear hunting patterns in the Arctic?
D) Do people like cats?
C) How has climate change affected polar bear hunting patterns in the Arctic?
Which word is a synonym for "benevolent"?
A) Kind
B) Malicious
C) Indifferent
D) Curious
A) Kind
In a story, what is the difference between the protagonist and the antagonist?
A) The protagonist is the main character whose actions and decisions drive the story forward; the antagonist is the character or force that creates conflict and opposes the protagonist
B) The protagonist is the hero of the story; the antagonist is the villain
C) The protagonist appears at the beginning of the story; the antagonist appears at the end
D) The protagonist tells the story; the antagonist listens to the story
What is: A) The protagonist is the main character whose actions and decisions drive the story forward; the antagonist is the character or force that creates conflict and opposes the protagonist.
The great white shark is one of the ocean's most powerful predators. With rows of serrated teeth and a streamlined body, it is perfectly adapted for hunting. The shark can detect even tiny amounts of blood in the water from miles away. Despite its fearsome reputation, attacks on humans are rare. In fact, more people are killed each year by bees than by sharks.
Question: What is the author's purpose in the last two sentences of this passage?
A) To frighten readers about shark attacks
B) To challenge common misconceptions about sharks by providing surprising facts about their limited danger to humans
C) To suggest that bees are more dangerous than sharks
D) To explain why sharks attack humans
B) To challenge common misconceptions about sharks by providing surprising facts about their limited danger to humans.
The night wrapped its dark blanket around the city. Street lights stood like silent guardians along empty roads. Even the buildings seemed to sleep with their darkened windows.
Question: Identify two examples of figurative language in this passage and explain their effect.
A) "Dark blanket" is a metaphor, "silent guardians" is personification; they create a scary, threatening mood
B) "Night wrapped its dark blanket" is personification giving night human-like action; "street lights stood like silent guardians" is a simile comparing lights to watchful protectors. The effect is creating a peaceful but slightly mysterious nighttime atmosphere
C) "Dark blanket" is a simile, "buildings seemed to sleep" is an idiom; they create a cozy feeling
D) "Night wrapped" is onomatopoeia, "silent guardians" is alliteration; they create a rhythmic effect
B) "Night wrapped its dark blanket" is personification giving night human-like action; "street lights stood like silent guardians" is a simile comparing lights to watchful protectors. The effect is creating a peaceful but slightly mysterious nighttime atmosphere.
Which primary source would be most useful for researching what daily life was like for children during the American Colonial period?
A) A history textbook published in 2020
B) A documentary film about the American Revolution C) A diary written by a 12-year-old in Massachusetts in 1735
D) A website about colonial crafts
C) A diary written by a 12-year-old in Massachusetts in 1735
What does the root "chron" mean in the words "chronological," "chronic," and "synchronize"?
A) Color
B) Time
C) Knowledge
D) Sound
B) Time
"Mom, I swear I didn't break the vase," said Tyler, avoiding his mother's eyes as he hid his baseball glove behind his back.
Question: What can readers infer about Tyler based on this passage?
A) Tyler really didn't break the vase; someone else did
B) Tyler is afraid of his mother because she has a bad temper
C) Tyler is likely lying about breaking the vase; the evidence is that he avoids eye contact (a sign of dishonesty) and hides his baseball glove (suggesting it was involved in breaking the vase)
D) Tyler is nervous because he's going to be late for baseball practice
C) Tyler is likely lying about breaking the vase; the evidence is that he avoids eye contact (a sign of dishonesty) and hides his baseball glove (suggesting it was involved in breaking the vase).
When Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955, she wasn't the first person to do so. Nine months earlier, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin did the same thing. However, civil rights leaders decided that Parks, an adult with a calm demeanor and respectable job, would be a better face for their movement. Parks' arrest triggered the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted 381 days.
What is the main idea of this passage, and which sentence contains the most important supporting detail?
A) The main idea is that Rosa Parks was a civil rights hero; the most important supporting detail is that she refused to give up her bus seat
B) The main idea is that Rosa Parks wasn't the first to refuse giving up her bus seat, but became the face of the movement; the most important supporting detail is "Parks' arrest triggered the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted 381 days"
C) The main idea is that Claudette Colvin was the first to refuse to give up her seat; the most important supporting detail is that she was only 15 years old
D) The main idea is that the Montgomery Bus Boycott was important; the most important supporting detail is that it lasted 381 days
B) The main idea is that Rosa Parks wasn't the first to refuse giving up her bus seat, but became the face of the movement; the most important supporting detail is "Parks' arrest triggered the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted 381 days."
: How does the author's word choice and sentence structure contribute to the mood of this passage?
A) The author uses energetic verbs ("roared," "jumped," "high-fiving") and sound effects ("BZZZZ!") to create excitement. The countdown creates suspense. Short, quick sentences after the buzzer mirror the fast-paced action, creating an exhilarating mood
B) The author uses long, flowing sentences to create a sense of calm during an important moment
C) The author uses formal language to create a serious, professional sports atmosphere
D) The author uses repetitive words to create a monotonous feeling that matches the exhaustion of the players
A) The author uses energetic verbs ("roared," "jumped," "high-fiving") and sound effects ("BZZZZ!") to create excitement. The countdown creates suspense. Short, quick sentences after the buzzer mirror the fast-paced action, creating an exhilarating mood.
Which research question would require consulting multiple sources and synthesizing information?
A) When was the Declaration of Independence signed? B) Who was the first U.S. President?
C) How did transportation technology change American society in the 19th century?
D) What is the capital of Pennsylvania?
C) How did transportation technology change American society in the 19th century?
In the sentence "The nebulous explanation left everyone confused," what does "nebulous" mean based on context clues?
A) Clear and precise
B) Vague and unclear
C) Scientifically accurate
D) Unnecessarily long
B) Vague and unclear
In this small farming community, the annual harvest festival marked the most important day of the year. Everyone participated—young and old, rich and poor. For one day, all disagreements were set aside as the entire town worked together, sharing food and stories long into the night. The festival connected them not only to each other but to generations past who had celebrated in the same way.
Question: What theme is developed in this passage?
A) Farming is difficult but rewarding work
B) The importance of tradition and community in bringing people together across differences and through time
C) Festivals are more fun than regular workdays
D) Rural communities are better than urban communities
B) The importance of tradition and community in bringing people together across differences and through time.
Passage A: The ancient Egyptians believed the heart was the center of intelligence and emotion. During mummification, they carefully preserved the heart but removed the brain, which they considered unimportant.
Passage B: Modern medical science has proven that the brain controls our thoughts, emotions, and body functions. The heart, while vital for pumping blood, is not responsible for thinking or feeling.
Question: How do these two passages present conflicting information, and what can we learn from comparing them?
B) Passage A presents the ancient Egyptian belief that the heart was the center of intelligence while the brain was unimportant; Passage B presents the modern scientific understanding that the brain controls thoughts and emotions; comparing them shows how scientific understanding has evolved over time and how cultural beliefs can differ from scientific facts
C) The passages don't actually conflict; they're just describing different organs
D) Passage A describes mummification while Passage B describes modern medicine; we learn that medical practices have become more complex
B) Passage A presents the ancient Egyptian belief that the heart was the center of intelligence while the brain was unimportant; Passage B presents the modern scientific understanding that the brain controls thoughts and emotions; comparing them shows how scientific understanding has evolved over time and how cultural beliefs can differ from scientific facts.
Passage A: The tornado destroyed everything in its path. Houses were reduced to splinters. Cars were tossed like toys. Trees that had stood for decades were uprooted in seconds.
Passage B: According to meteorologists, the F4 tornado that struck on May 3rd created winds between 207-260 mph. The storm system affected three counties and caused approximately $25 million in property damage.
Question: How do these passages differ in point of view and word choice? What is the likely purpose of each passage?
A) Passage A is written in first person while Passage B is written in third person; both are meant to warn about tornado danger
B) Passage A uses technical language while Passage B uses emotional language; both are meant to describe tornado damage
C) Passage A uses vivid descriptive language and imagery from an eyewitness perspective, likely to create an emotional impact about the tornado's destruction. Passage B uses precise scientific terms, measurements, and factual information from an objective perspective, likely to inform readers about the technical aspects of the tornado
D) Passage A focuses on natural destruction while Passage B focuses on man-made structures; both are meant to educate about tornado formation
C) Passage A uses vivid descriptive language and imagery from an eyewitness perspective, likely to create an emotional impact about the tornado's destruction. Passage B uses precise scientific terms, measurements, and factual information from an objective perspective, likely to inform readers about the technical aspects of the tornado.
Mini-Passage: School uniforms should be required in all public schools. First, uniforms create equality among students by eliminating clothing competition. Also, they help students focus on learning instead of fashion. Most importantly, uniforms create a sense of community and school pride.
Question: How could this persuasive paragraph be strengthened with specific evidence?
A) The writer could add more opinions about why uniforms look better than regular clothes
B) The writer could explain that uniforms are cheaper than regular clothes
C) The writer could add specific evidence such as: statistics showing improved academic performance in schools with uniforms, quotes from students or teachers about reduced bullying related to clothing, or examples of specific schools where uniforms improved school culture and community
D) The writer could describe what school uniforms typically look like
C) The writer could add specific evidence such as: statistics showing improved academic performance in schools with uniforms, quotes from students or teachers about reduced bullying related to clothing, or examples of specific schools where uniforms improved school culture and community.
Choose the word that best completes this analogy: Skeptical is to believing as _____ is to accepting.
A) Curious
B) Resistant
C) Eager
D) Thoughtful
B) Resistant
Mini-Passage: The spaceship hurtled through the cosmos, its damaged engine sputtering. Captain Chen checked the oxygen levels—only six hours remained. With communication systems down and the nearest outpost days away, she faced an impossible situation. Then her eyes fell on the experimental emergency beacon they had been testing. It had never been used in real conditions before.
Question: What type of conflict is presented in this passage, and how does it create tension in the story?
A) Person versus society conflict; it creates tension through the captain's rebellion against space authority rules
B) Person versus self conflict; it creates tension through the captain's inner doubts about her abilities
C) Person versus person conflict; it creates tension through the crew's disagreements about what to do
D) Person versus environment/nature conflict; it creates tension through the time pressure (oxygen running out), isolation (communicati
D) Person versus environment/nature conflict; it creates tension through the time pressure (oxygen running out), isolation (communication down, help far away), and the uncertain solution (untested emergency beacon).
The Amazon River runs through the heart of the rain forest, carrying one-fifth of Earth's freshwater. The river stretches nearly 4,000 miles from the Andes Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. In some places, it's so wide that you can't see the opposite shore! Scientists continue to debate whether the Amazon or the Nile is truly the world's longest river.
Question: What text structure is used in this passage, and what would be a logical next paragraph if the author continued with the same structure?
A) Compare/contrast structure; a logical next paragraph would compare the Amazon to the Nile
B) Chronological structure; a logical next paragraph would describe events that happened along the Amazon River
C) Problem/solution structure; a logical next paragraph would propose solutions to pollution in the Amazon
D) Descriptive text structure; a logical next paragraph would continue describing another feature of the Amazon River, such as its unique wildlife, depth, or how it changes during different seasons
D) Descriptive text structure; a logical next paragraph would continue describing another feature of the Amazon River, such as its unique wildlife, depth, or how it changes during different seasons.
The ancient tree stood at the edge of the playground, its branches spread wide like a guardian's arms. Some days, when the sun was bright, children huddled in its cool shade during recess. Other days, they climbed its gnarled trunk or hung from its sturdy limbs. The tree had watched generations of children grow up, carrying their secrets and laughter in its rings.
Question: Analyze how the author uses extended metaphor in this passage, and explain how it affects the reader's understanding of the relationship between the tree and the children.
A) The author extends the metaphor of the tree as a timekeeper, showing how it marks the passing years; this helps readers understand the tree as merely a backdrop to children's activities
B) The author extends the metaphor of the tree as a guardian or protector throughout the passage ("guardian's arms," "watched generations," "carrying their secrets"); this personification creates a sense that the tree is a conscious, caring presence rather than just an object, helping readers understand the tree as a constant, nurturing figure in the children's lives, connecting generations through time
C) The author extends the metaphor of the tree as a playground equipment, showing how children use it differently; this helps readers understand the practical value of trees
D) The author extends the metaphor of the tree as a living being; this helps readers understand basic plant biology
B) The author extends the metaphor of the tree as a guardian or protector throughout the passage ("guardian's arms," "watched generations," "carrying their secrets"); this personification creates a sense that the tree is a conscious, caring presence rather than just an object, helping readers understand the tree as a constant, nurturing figure in the children's lives, connecting generations through time.
When evaluating an online source for research, which of these factors is most important in determining reliability?
A) The website design looks professional
B) The information confirms what you already believe C) The site clearly identifies the author, their credentials, and provides citations for factual claims
D) The article is very long and detailed
C) The site clearly identifies the author, their credentials, and provides citations for factual claims
Mini-Passage: Despite the inclement weather, the intrepid hikers persevered up the mountain. Though the path was arduous and visibility poor, their tenacity was ultimately rewarded with a magnificent vista when the clouds finally dissipated.
Question: Define three of the advanced vocabulary words in this passage and explain how they contribute to the tone.
A) "Inclement" means pleasant, "intrepid" means tired, "arduous" means easy; these words create a tone of relaxation
B) "Inclement" means harsh or severe (weather), "intrepid" means fearless or adventurous, "arduous" means difficult or requiring great effort; these formal, precise words create a tone of admiration for the hikers' determination and the challenging nature of their journey
C) "Inclement" means unpredictable, "intrepid" means experienced, "arduous" means steep; these words create a tone of danger
D) "Inclement" means cold, "intrepid" means unprepared, "arduous" means lengthy; these words create a tone of criticism
B) "Inclement" means harsh or severe (weather), "intrepid" means fearless or adventurous, "arduous" means difficult or requiring great effort; these formal, precise words create a tone of admiration for the hikers' determination and the challenging nature of their journey.
Mini-Passage: When the family loses their home in the hurricane, Sarah initially feels helpless and defeated. Throughout their stay in the emergency shelter, she begins to notice how her parents manage to create moments of normality—continuing bedtime stories, celebrating her brother's birthday with a makeshift cake, and helping other families. By the time they move to temporary housing, Sarah has started a children's reading circle and takes pride in how she's helping younger kids cope.
Question: How does Sarah's character develop throughout this passage, and what theme does this development illustrate?
A) Sarah develops from being self-centered to family-oriented; this illustrates the theme that family comes first
B) Sarah develops from feeling helpless and defeated to becoming proactive and helpful to others; this illustrates the theme that adversity can lead to personal growth and that finding purpose in helping others can help people overcome their own hardships
C) Sarah develops from being shy to becoming more outgoing; this illustrates the theme that emergency situations can change personalities
D) Sarah develops from being a child to taking on adult responsibilities; this illustrates the theme that growing up happens during difficult times
B) Sarah develops from feeling helpless and defeated to becoming proactive and helpful to others; this illustrates the theme that adversity can lead to personal growth and that finding purpose in helping others can help people overcome their own hardships.