Context/Connotation
In less than two years, though, the Pony Express became obsolete. Once the telegraph was invented, there was no need for the Pony Express
What is the meaning of the word obsolete as it's used in the passage?
A) strengthened
B) replaceable
C) improved
D) bankrupted
B) replaceable
"Lena stared at the broken bicycle. She had promised her little brother they would ride together today, but now the chain lay twisted on the ground. She sighed, picked up the tools, and began to work. Hours later, the bike was fixed. Her brother ran outside, grinning. Lena smiled too, knowing that keeping her word mattered more than anything."
What is the central theme of the passage?
A. Hard work always leads to success
B. Promises are easy to make but hard to keep
C. Responsibility means honoring commitments even when challenges arise
D. Family activities are important for happiness
C. Responsibility means honoring commitments even when challenges arise
Sofia and Liam were assigned as partners for the science fair. Sofia wanted to build a volcano model, but Liam insisted on creating a solar system display. Their disagreement grew when Liam ignored Sofia’s ideas during planning. Later, Sofia calmly explained why the volcano project mattered to her, and Liam realized he had been dismissive. They decided to combine both ideas into one creative exhibit, impressing the judges.
Which two characters are working together on a science fair project?
Sofia and Liam
Maria loved planting flowers in her backyard. Every spring, she spent hours choosing seeds and caring for the soil. Her neighbors often stopped by to admire the bright colors and sweet smells. Maria believed that a beautiful garden could make people happy.
What is the central idea of this paragraph?
A) Maria wanted to impress her neighbors with her garden.
B) Maria planted flowers to win a contest.
C) Maria enjoyed gardening because it brought joy to others.
D) Maria thought flowers were easier to grow than vegetables.
C) Maria enjoyed gardening because it brought joy to others.
Which rhetorical appeal is this using? Studies show that if you read for 20 minutes every day, your vocabulary skills increase by 71%.
A) Ethos
B) Pathos
C) Logos
C) Logos
He entered Barcelona's prestigious School of Fine Arts when he was only fourteen years old—several years younger than the typical students at this well-regarded school.
What is the meaning of prestigious as used in the passage?
A) expensive
B) large
C) respected
D) experienced
C) respected
"Lena stared at the broken bicycle. She had promised her little brother they would ride together today, but now the chain lay twisted on the ground. She sighed, picked up the tools, and began to work. Hours later, the bike was fixed. Her brother ran outside, grinning. Lena smiled too, knowing that keeping her word mattered more than anything."
Which detail best supports the theme?
A. “Her brother ran outside, grinning.”
B. “She sighed, picked up the tools, and began to work.”
C. “The chain lay twisted on the ground.”
D. “Lena smiled too, knowing that keeping her word mattered more than anything.”
D. “Lena smiled too, knowing that keeping her word mattered more than anything.”
Sofia and Liam were assigned as partners for the science fair. Sofia wanted to build a volcano model, but Liam insisted on creating a solar system display. Their disagreement grew when Liam ignored Sofia’s ideas during planning. Later, Sofia calmly explained why the volcano project mattered to her, and Liam realized he had been dismissive. They decided to combine both ideas into one creative exhibit, impressing the judges.
What caused the initial tension between Sofia and Liam?
a disagreement about the project idea
Every Saturday, James volunteered at the animal shelter. He cleaned cages, fed the animals, and played with the dogs. James didn’t get paid, but he felt proud knowing he helped animals find loving homes.
What is the central idea of this paragraph?
A) James worked at the shelter because he wanted money.
B) James volunteered because he cared about animals.
C) James thought cleaning cages was fun.
D) James wanted to adopt every dog he saw.
B) James volunteered because he cared about animals.
A telegraph is an old-fashioned way to send a written message to someone who is far away. The root tele means far away. What does the root graph mean?
A. Write or draw
B. Hear or listen
C. Bend or curve
A) Write or draw
Which phrase has the more positive connotation?
A. He snickered at the cartoon.
B. He chuckled at the cartoon.
B.) He chuckled at the cartoon.
"Lena stared at the broken bicycle. She had promised her little brother they would ride together today, but now the chain lay twisted on the ground. She sighed, picked up the tools, and began to work. Hours later, the bike was fixed. Her brother ran outside, grinning. Lena smiled too, knowing that keeping her word mattered more than anything."
How does Lena’s response to the broken bike develop the theme?
A. It shows that she values her brother’s happiness more than her own time.
B. It demonstrates that perseverance is necessary to fulfill responsibilities.
C. It suggests that fixing things is easier than expected.
D. It proves that promises should only be made when convenient.
B. It demonstrates that perseverance is necessary to fulfill responsibilities.
Sofia and Liam were assigned as partners for the science fair. Sofia wanted to build a volcano model, but Liam insisted on creating a solar system display. Their disagreement grew when Liam ignored Sofia’s ideas during planning. Later, Sofia calmly explained why the volcano project mattered to her, and Liam realized he had been dismissive. They decided to combine both ideas into one creative exhibit, impressing the judges.
How does Liam’s decision to ignore Sofia’s ideas during planning help develop the plot?
A. It introduces the setting of the science fair.
B. It creates conflict that moves the story toward a turning point.
C. It resolves the disagreement immediately.
D. It shows the theme of teamwork from the start.
B. It creates conflict that moves the story toward a turning point.
The city park was once empty and dull, but now it is full of life. Volunteers planted trees, built playgrounds, and created walking paths. Families visit every weekend to enjoy the fresh air and green spaces. The park has become a place where the community comes together.
What is the central idea of this paragraph?
A) The park became popular because of new playgrounds.
B) The park was empty because no one cared about it.
C) Families only visit the park on weekends.
D) Volunteers transformed the park into a lively community space.
D) Volunteers transformed the park into a lively community space.
Which phrase has a more negative connotation?
A. To exploit something
B. To use something
A.) To exploit something
"Lena stared at the broken bicycle. She had promised her little brother they would ride together today, but now the chain lay twisted on the ground. She sighed, picked up the tools, and began to work. Hours later, the bike was fixed. Her brother ran outside, grinning. Lena smiled too, knowing that keeping her word mattered more than anything."
How does the conflict contribute to the theme?
A. The broken bike creates tension that makes the story exciting.
B. The conflict illustrates that promises are meaningless without effort.
C. The conflict shows that mechanical problems are common in family life.
D. The conflict forces Lena to choose between giving up or keeping her promise.
D. The conflict forces Lena to choose between giving up or keeping her promise.
Sofia and Liam were assigned as partners for the science fair. Sofia wanted to build a volcano model, but Liam insisted on creating a solar system display. Their disagreement grew when Liam ignored Sofia’s ideas during planning. Later, Sofia calmly explained why the volcano project mattered to her, and Liam realized he had been dismissive. They decided to combine both ideas into one creative exhibit, impressing the judges.
Which statement best explains how Sofia’s calm explanation marks a turning point in the passage?
A. It increases the tension between the characters.
B. It ends the story without resolving the conflict.
C. It introduces a new character to the story.
D. It shifts the conflict toward resolution and collaboration.
D. It shifts the conflict toward resolution and collaboration.
When Emma started her new school, she felt nervous and alone. Over time, she joined the art club and made friends who shared her love for painting. Emma realized that trying new things could lead to great experiences.
What is the central idea of this paragraph?
A) Emma was nervous because she didn’t like art.
B) Emma learned that making friends is easy.
C) Emma discovered that joining activities can help you feel included.
D) Emma wanted to become the best painter in school.
C) Emma discovered that joining activities can help you feel included.
In a memoir, the author frequently uses first-person pronouns and shares personal struggles with cultural identity. What does this reveal about the author’s perspective?
A) The author maintains an objective, detached viewpoint
B) The author emphasizes personal experience to convey authenticity
C) The author avoids emotional language to remain neutral
D) The author focuses solely on factual evidence
B) The author emphasizes personal experience to convey authenticity
They also brought several European maladies. The natives of North America had never before been exposed to these strange new diseases.
What is the meaning of maladies as used in the passage?
A. fruits and vegetables
B. Machines
C. Sicknesses
D. Weapons
C.) Sicknesses
"Lena stared at the broken bicycle. She had promised her little brother they would ride together today, but now the chain lay twisted on the ground. She sighed, picked up the tools, and began to work. Hours later, the bike was fixed. Her brother ran outside, grinning. Lena smiled too, knowing that keeping her word mattered more than anything."
Which statement best expresses the theme in an experienced way?
A. True responsibility means honoring commitments despite obstacles.
B. Always work hard to achieve your goals.
C. Family relationships depend on shared activities.
D. Promises should never be broken under any circumstances.
A. True responsibility means honoring commitments despite obstacles.
Sofia and Liam were assigned as partners for the science fair. Sofia wanted to build a volcano model, but Liam insisted on creating a solar system display. Their disagreement grew when Liam ignored Sofia’s ideas during planning. Later, Sofia calmly explained why the volcano project mattered to her, and Liam realized he had been dismissive. They decided to combine both ideas into one creative exhibit, impressing the judges.
How do Sofia and Liam’s different reactions to the disagreement help develop the plot?
A. Both characters ignore the problem, creating suspense.
B. Their reactions do not affect the plot.
C. Sofia’s calm approach and Liam’s realization lead to compromise and resolution
D. Their reactions only describe the setting of the science fair.
C. Sofia’s calm approach and Liam’s realization lead to compromise and resolution
Technology has changed the way people communicate. In the past, letters took days to arrive. Now, messages are sent instantly through phones and computers. While this makes life easier, some worry that face-to-face conversations are becoming less common.
What is the central idea of this paragraph?
A) Technology makes communication faster but reduces personal interaction.
B) Letters were better than phones for communication.
C) People should stop using computers to talk.
D) Technology has made life harder for most people.
A) Technology makes communication faster but reduces personal interaction.
An author uses sarcastic tone when describing a politician’s promises to the country. What does this suggest about the author’s perspective?
A) The author strongly supports the politician’s views
B) The author is neutral and objective
C) The author is skeptical of the politician’s sincerity
D) The author avoids expressing personal opinions
C) The author is skeptical of the politician’s sincerity