A Visit Beneath the Ice
1. Read these sentences from paragraph 1.
“The research submarine Orca glided under the frozen ceiling of the Arctic like a dark marble rolling beneath a pane of cloudy glass.”
“Long curtains of ice drifted gently in the current.”
The author uses this figurative language to suggest that—
A the submarine is trapped with no escape
B the underwater world is calm, mysterious, and beautiful
C the submarine is moving too fast for safety
D the narrator feels nervous about the mission
B the underwater world is calm, mysterious, and beautiful
7. What is the author’s general purpose for writing this article?
A to entertain readers with a fictional underwater story
B to inform readers about lantern fish and their adaptations
C to persuade readers to protect lantern fish from extinction
D to compare lantern fish to other glowing sea creatures
B to inform readers about lantern fish and their adaptations
14. How does Article 1 differ from Article 2?
A Article 1 argues that print planners have advantages; Article 2 argues that digital planners are more efficient.
B Article 1 rejects all technology; Article 2 rejects all paper systems.
C Article 1 claims students should avoid digital devices; Article 2 claims students should avoid handwriting.
D Article 1 describes the history of planners; Article 2 explains how planners are made.
A Article 1 argues that print planners have advantages; Article 2 argues that digital planners are more efficient.
22. Which sentence has an error in homophone usage?
A sentence 1
B sentence 3
C sentence 5
D sentence 7
A sentence 1
6. Read this sentence from paragraph 11.
“Uh, Captain? If it keeps poking the equipment like that…”
What is the connotation of the word poking as it is used here?
A gentle and slightly playful
B aggressive and dangerous
C careless and clumsy
D quiet and respectful
A gentle and slightly playful
2. Read these sentences from paragraph 7.
“A soft glow bloomed out of the darkness.”
“Its body shimmering like a sheet of liquid silver.”
The language in these sentences helps create a mood of—
A danger and suspicion
B anticipation and wonder
C frustration and confusion
D regret and disappointment
B anticipation and wonder
9. The author’s specific purpose for writing this article is to help readers —
A understand how lantern fish defend themselves and support the ocean ecosystem
B become aware of the dangers lantern fish pose to humans
C compare lantern fish to other migrating species
D learn why lantern fish should be kept in aquariums
A understand how lantern fish defend themselves and support the ocean ecosystem
15. The argument in Article 2 is less logical at points than the argument in Article 1.
Which sentence from Article 2 best supports this claim?
A “With a few taps, you can organize your entire week…” (paragraph 1)
B “Tasks can be moved, edited, or color-coded in seconds…” (paragraph 1)
C “If you misplace your phone, your planner is still backed up online…” (paragraph 2)
D “Her experience proves that digital organizing is the most effective way to succeed.” (paragraph 3)
D “Her experience proves that digital organizing is the most effective way to succeed.” (paragraph 3)
23. Which revision best uses a subordinating conjunction to combine sentences 4 and 5 in a complex sentence?
A Although many residents rely on these programs to access information, they also provide thousands of books and online resources.
B Because many residents rely on these programs to access information, libraries also provide thousands of books and online resources.
C Many residents rely on these programs to access information, although they also provide thousands of books and online resources.
D Libraries provide thousands of books and online resources because many residents rely on these programs to access information.
B Because many residents rely on these programs to access information, libraries also provide thousands of books and online resources.
10. The word camouflage contains the root -flage-, meaning “to hide.”
What does camouflage mean as used in paragraph 3?
A bright display
B hidden protection
C rapid movement
D sound-based defense
B hidden protection
4. Read these sentences from paragraph 1.
“I pressed my hand to the cold window, imagining what secrets lay hidden in the blackness below.”
Why does the author use this description?
A to explain how cold the submarine is inside
B to emphasize the narrator’s sense of curiosity and anticipation
C to describe how thick the submarine window is
D to suggest the narrator is afraid of the dark
B to emphasize the narrator’s sense of curiosity and anticipation
11. Read this phrase from paragraph 4:
“Researchers also believe lantern fish play an important role in the ocean’s carbon cycle…”
What tone does this phrase help create?
A humorous
B dramatic
C scientific and informative
D frightening
C scientific and informative
18. In paragraph 2 of Article 1, the author suggests that print planners are reliable.
Which is the most accurate evaluation of the evidence the author provides for this claim?
A The evidence is relevant because it explains how paper avoids problems caused by technology failures.
B The evidence is irrelevant because students always keep their devices charged.
C The evidence is insufficient because it does not include specific statistics.
D The evidence is irrelevant because digital planners cannot malfunction.
A The evidence is relevant because it explains how paper avoids problems caused by technology failures.
21. Compare paragraph 3 in Article 1 with paragraph 3 in Article 2.
Which statement best evaluates the reasoning in these paragraphs?
A Both authors fail to provide sufficient evidence, weakening their arguments.
B Both authors give relevant and sufficient evidence, strengthening their arguments.
C Article 1 uses sound reasoning, while Article 2 relies mainly on anecdotal evidence.
D Article 1 is weak because it uses an example, while Article 2 is strong because it lists features.
C Article 1 uses sound reasoning, while Article 2 relies mainly on anecdotal evidence.
13. Which two inferences can be drawn about lantern fish based on textual evidence?
A Lantern fish rely on glowing organs to avoid predators.
B Lantern fish migrate upward only during the winter.
C Lantern fish are not important to the food chain.
D Lantern fish help move carbon through ocean systems.
E Lantern fish use their bioluminescence to attack other animals.
A Lantern fish rely on glowing organs to avoid predators.
D Lantern fish help move carbon through ocean systems.
5. Read this sentence from paragraph 6.
“Whatever it is… it’s alive.”
Now read the dictionary entry.
alive (adj.)
• living
• functioning
• full of emotion
Which definition BEST matches the way alive is used in the sentence?
A living
B functioning
C full of emotion
D active
A living
8. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, then Part B.
Part A
Based on paragraph 2, what does silhouette most likely mean?
A a glowing pattern
B a shadow or outline
C a type of organ
D a predator’s movement
Part B
Which words in paragraph 2 best support the answer to Part A?
A “their name from their bioluminescent organs”
B “glow like miniature bulbs along their bodies”
C “blend into the faint traces of light above them”
D “predators below less likely to spot their silhouette”
Part A is B a shadow or outline
Part B is D “predators below less likely to spot their silhouette”
19. What was the author’s primary purpose for writing Article 1?
A to entertain readers with a story about organization
B to encourage readers to rely only on digital tools
C to convince readers that print planners remain valuable in schools
D to compare different types of handwriting styles
C to convince readers that print planners remain valuable in schools
24. Which revision of sentence 3 adds an infinitive phrase that functions as an adverb?
A In recent years, librarians have created free workshops to teach computer skills, which is helpful.
B In recent years, librarians have created free workshops to make learning computer skills easier.
C In recent years, librarians have created free workshops, where they teach computer skills.
D In recent years, librarians have created free workshops that teach computer skills to the public.
B In recent years, librarians have created free workshops to make learning computer skills easier.
17. In paragraph 1 of Article 2, which type of diction does the author use, and how does it affect the tone?
A Informal; it creates a casual tone that appeals to students.
B Formal; it creates a serious, academic tone.
C Informal; it creates a tense tone about planning.
D Formal; it creates a humorous tone about digital tools.
A Informal; it creates a casual tone that appeals to students.
3. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.
Part A
What inference can be made about the glowing creature?
A It is much smaller than the crew believed.
B It is hostile toward the submarine.
C It is unable to interact with technology.
D It relies on camouflage to hide itself.
Part B
Which quotations from the selection best support the answer to Part A? Choose two options.
A “The shape is small… but the density reading is off the charts.” (paragraph 4)
B “Whatever it is… it’s alive.” (paragraph 6)
C “The mapping drones made it look enormous on video.” (paragraph 8)
D “‘It’s tiny,’ I said, unable to look away.” (paragraph 9)
E “If it keeps poking the equipment like that…” (paragraph 11)
Part A is A It is much smaller than the crew believed.
Part B is C “The mapping drones made it look enormous on video.” (paragraph 8)
AND
D “‘It’s tiny,’ I said, unable to look away.” (paragraph 9)
12. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.
Part A
Which is the best description of the writer’s diction in this passage?
A strictly technical, creating a dense scientific tone
B casual and humorous, creating an entertaining tone
C a blend of technical and conversational language, creating an engaging tone
D highly emotional, creating a persuasive tone
Part B
Which is the best example of the diction identified in Part A?
A “Imagine standing in total darkness—so dark you cannot see your own hand…” (paragraph 1)
B “Lantern fish feed mostly on plankton…” (paragraph 3)
C “Researchers also believe lantern fish play an important role…” (paragraph 4)
D “Without them, the deep-sea food web… would be dramatically different.” (paragraph 5)
Part A is C a blend of technical and conversational language, creating an engaging tone
Part B is A “Imagine standing in total darkness—so dark you cannot see your own hand…” (paragraph 1)
20. The author of Article 2 distinguishes their position from Article 1 by —
A rejecting both paper planners and digital planners
B highlighting the benefits of digital planners and using personal experience as support
C criticizing the reliability of digital tools
D providing statistics that support print planners
B highlighting the benefits of digital planners and using personal experience as support
25. Which revision of sentence 7 adds a dependent clause that is an adjective clause telling more about libraries?
A Libraries continue to adapt to new technology and changing needs, although many people overlook this.
B Libraries continue to adapt to new technology and changing needs because the community depends on them.
C Libraries continue to adapt to new technology and changing needs, which makes them valuable for years to come.
D Libraries continue to adapt to new technology and changing needs, that helps them stay important.
C Libraries continue to adapt to new technology and changing needs, which makes them valuable for years to come.
16. In paragraph 1 of Article 1, the author uses the word distractions to describe notifications.
How does this word choice affect the tone of the article?
A It adds a negative tone, suggesting notifications interfere with organization.
B It adds a humorous tone, mocking digital tools.
C It adds a neutral tone to emphasize objectivity.
D It adds a positive tone by highlighting helpful features.
A It adds a negative tone, suggesting notifications interfere with organization.