Literary Elements
Passage 1: from The Grapes of Wrath
The concrete highway was hot and the sun beat down on the black asphalt. The Joad family's old, dilapidated truck, loaded with their meager possessions, groaned and rattled under the weight. Dust kicked up from the unpaved shoulder, coating the car and everything in it in a fine, brown powder. The land around them was parched and cracked, the once-fertile fields now desolate. They were leaving Oklahoma, a place they had known their whole lives, driven out by the relentless dust storms and the bank men who had come to take their farm. They were headed for California, where they had heard there was work, where the orange groves and vineyards were said to be so lush they could live off the land. But as they drove, a sense of despair settled over them. They were not just leaving a home; they were leaving an entire way of life, and the future was an unknown, terrifying landscape.
Part A Which of the following best describes the theme of the passage?
A. The importance of family unity during times of hardship.
B. The destructive power of nature and human greed.
C. The pursuit of the American dream in the face of adversity.
D. The contrast between rural life and urban life.
What is C. The pursuit of the American dream in the face of adversity?
Passage 3: The Dangers of Fast Food Fast food, while convenient and inexpensive, poses a significant threat to public health. The high levels of saturated fat, sugar, and sodium in these meals contribute to a rise in obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The marketing of fast food, often targeting children with bright colors and toys, is designed to create lifelong customers, not to promote healthy eating habits. It is a system that prioritizes profit over people, feeding a public health crisis one burger and fry at a time. We must demand more from our food industry and ourselves.
What is the author's primary purpose in this passage?
A. To entertain the reader with a critique of the fast-food industry.
B. To persuade the reader that fast food is a major cause of health problems.
C. To inform the reader about the ingredients found in fast food.
D. To describe the marketing strategies used by fast-food companies.
What is B. To persuade the reader that fast food is a major cause of health problems?
The Dangers of Fast Food Fast food, while convenient and inexpensive, poses a significant threat to public health. The high levels of saturated fat, sugar, and sodium in these meals contribute to a rise in obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The marketing of fast food, often targeting children with bright colors and toys, is designed to create lifelong customers, not to promote healthy eating habits. It is a system that prioritizes profit over people, feeding a public health crisis one burger and fry at a time. We must demand more from our food industry and ourselves.
How does the author's use of phrases like "significant threat" and "public health crisis" contribute to the rhetoric of the passage?
A. They create a lighthearted tone to make the argument more approachable.
B. They use a professional, detached tone to present objective facts.
C. They appeal to the reader's emotions by highlighting the serious consequences of fast food.
D. They provide a balanced view of both the pros and cons of fast food.
What is C. They appeal to the reader's emotions by highlighting the serious consequences of fast food?
"The old house groaned under the weight of the years, its wooden planks moaning with every gust of wind."
What type of rhetorical device is used in this sentence?
A. Simile B. Metaphor C. Personification D. Hyperbole
What is C. Personification?
"The small, intricate carving was a testament to the artisan's skill."
Which word is an adjective in the sentence above?
A. carving B. artisan's C. intricate D. testament
What is C. intricate?
Passage 1: from The Grapes of Wrath The concrete highway was hot and the sun beat down on the black asphalt. The Joad family's old, dilapidated truck, loaded with their meager possessions, groaned and rattled under the weight. Dust kicked up from the unpaved shoulder, coating the car and everything in it in a fine, brown powder. The land around them was parched and cracked, the once-fertile fields now desolate. They were leaving Oklahoma, a place they had known their whole lives, driven out by the relentless dust storms and the bank men who had come to take their farm. They were headed for California, where they had heard there was work, where the orange groves and vineyards were said to be so lush they could live off the land. But as they drove, a sense of despair settled over them. They were not just leaving a home; they were leaving an entire way of life, and the future was an unknown, terrifying landscape.
Part B Which detail from the passage best supports the theme identified in Part A?
A. "The concrete highway was hot and the sun beat down on the black asphalt."
B. "They were leaving Oklahoma...driven out by the relentless dust storms and the bank men."
C. "They were headed for California, where they had heard there was work, where the orange groves and vineyards were said to be so lush they could live off the land."
D. "a sense of despair settled over them. They were not just leaving a home; they were leaving an entire way of life."
What is B. "They were leaving Oklahoma...driven out by the relentless dust storms and the bank men?"
Excerpt: from The Gettysburg Address Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
What is the main purpose of Lincoln's address?
A. To inspire the living to continue the fight for a unified nation and new freedom.
B. To explain the causes of the Civil War.
C. To mourn the soldiers who died in the Civil War.
D. To detail the history of the United States.
What is A. To inspire the living to continue the fight for a unified nation and new freedom?
Argument A: The most effective way to combat climate change is to transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. These technologies are now more affordable and efficient than ever before. By investing in renewable infrastructure, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and create thousands of new jobs.
Argument B: While renewable energy is a good long-term goal, the immediate priority for addressing climate change should be to reduce consumption and waste. Individuals can make a significant impact by adopting a "reduce, reuse, recycle" philosophy, and governments should focus on policies that encourage sustainable living, such as carbon taxes and stricter regulations on manufacturing.
Which of the following best describes the main difference between Argument A and Argument B?
A. Argument A focuses on individual action, while Argument B focuses on government policy.
B. Argument A emphasizes technological solutions, while Argument B emphasizes lifestyle and policy changes.
C. Argument A is more pessimistic about the future, while Argument B is more optimistic.
D. Argument A argues for a global approach, while Argument B argues for a national approach.
What is B. Argument A emphasizes technological solutions, while Argument B emphasizes lifestyle and policy changes?
"The politician's callous disregard for the suffering of his constituents was met with widespread outrage."
Based on the context, which of the following is the best synonym for the word callous?
A. Kind B. Emotional C. Compassionate D. Heartless
What is D. Heartless?
Which source would provide the most credible evidence for an argument about the effects of social media on mental health?
A. A personal blog post from a person who feels anxious after using social media.
B. A social media poll asking people if they feel anxious after using social media.
C. A peer-reviewed study from a psychology journal on the correlation between social media use and anxiety.
D. A news article that quotes a celebrity's opinion on social media.
What is C. A peer-reviewed study from a psychology journal on the correlation between social media use and anxiety?
from The Great Gatsby The two young women ballooned slowly to the floor. "We've been everywhere and seen everything and done everything," they complained to a man sitting with them. "Sophisticated—God, I'm sophisticated!" The two girls in white dresses and white hats drifted here and there like a pair of enormous white flags, waving and rippling in the breeze. Then, suddenly, with a gust of air, they were in the middle of a crowd, a sea of bright colors, laughter, and loud music. The house, with its sprawling lawns and extravagant parties, was a world unto itself, a spectacle of wealth and excess that shimmered under the July moon.
What does the setting of this passage suggest about the characters and their lives?
A. That they live in a rural area and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
B. That they are isolated and prefer to be alone.
C. That they are wealthy, superficial, and live a life of extravagance.
D. That they are poor and are looking for a way to improve their lives.
What is C. That they are wealthy, superficial, and live a life of extravagance?
"The rainforest, a lush and vibrant ecosystem, is home to an astonishing array of plant and animal life. Its towering trees form a canopy that filters sunlight, creating a world of dappled light and shadow below. This delicate balance, however, is under threat from deforestation, as logging and farming clear vast swaths of land. The loss of the rainforest has far-reaching consequences, from the extinction of species to the disruption of global climate patterns."
What is the author's primary purpose?
A. To describe the beauty of the rainforest.
B. To entertain the reader with a story about the rainforest.
C. To inform the reader about the rainforest's ecosystem.
D. To persuade the reader that deforestation is a serious problem.
What is D. To persuade the reader that deforestation is a serious problem?
"Students should be allowed to use their cell phones in class for educational purposes. Phones can be used as research tools, calculators, and even for creating presentations and videos. By integrating this technology into the classroom, we can prepare students for a world where digital literacy is essential."
Which of the following is the most relevant evidence to support this argument?
A. A teacher's blog post about how they use cell phones in their classroom.
B. A survey showing that a majority of students own a smartphone.
C. A study from a reputable educational technology journal detailing how cell phones improve student engagement and learning outcomes.
D. A personal anecdote from a student who says they learn better with a cell phone.
What is C. A study from a reputable educational technology journal detailing how cell phones improve student engagement and learning outcomes?
"The old man's courageous stand against the bullies earned him the admiration of the entire neighborhood."
Which of the following words has a stronger connotation than courageous?
A. Brave B. Fearless C. Bold D. Resolute
What is B. Fearless?
"Some people argue that mandatory community service for high school students is a bad idea because it takes up too much of their time. However, this argument is just wrong."
What improvement would you recommend for the student to make their refutation stronger?
A. Add more emotional language to express their opinion.
B. Remove the refutation and just present the counterclaim.
C. Support the refutation with specific evidence and examples, such as how community service hours can be counted as school credit or that it can improve a student's college applications.
D. Make the statement more aggressive to show confidence.
What is C. Support the refutation with specific evidence and examples, such as how community service hours can be counted as school credit or that it can improve a student's college applications?
Which of the following sentences contains a simile?
A. "Her eyes were two shimmering pools of blue."
B. "The moon was a giant pizza in the sky."
C. "He was as sly as a fox."
D. "The fire danced in the hearth."
What is C. He was as sly as a fox?
Which example best demonstrates an appropriate tone for an academic argumentative essay?
A. "I think the government is totally corrupt and shouldn't be trusted."
B. "The government, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to ignore the needs of the people."
C. "Research indicates that the proposed policy may have unintended economic consequences for low-income households."
D. "OMG! The government's new policy is so dumb!"
What is C. "Research indicates that the proposed policy may have unintended economic consequences for low-income households?"
Argument: The Case for a Four-Day School Week Implementing a four-day school week is a beneficial change that would improve student and teacher well-being. A longer weekend would allow students more time for rest, hobbies, and family activities, leading to reduced stress and burnout. Teachers would also benefit from the additional day for professional development and lesson planning, which could lead to a more effective classroom environment. Furthermore, schools could save money on transportation and utility costs, and the community would see a boost in local businesses as families have more leisure time.
Which of the following is a counterclaim that would weaken this argument?
A. A four-day school week would require longer school days, which may be difficult for younger students to manage.
B. Many parents would have to find and pay for childcare for the extra day off.
C. A longer school week could lead to more opportunities for extracurricular activities.
D. The four-day school week would make it easier for students to complete their homework.
What is B. Many parents would have to find and pay for childcare for the extra day off?
"The old, rickety bridge was deemed unsafe for heavy traffic."
Which word in the sentence is an adjective?
A. bridge B. unsafe C. traffic D. was
What is B. unsafe?
Passage 2: from Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race In the early days of the space program, before the advent of powerful computers, complex calculations were done by human "computers." At the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, these human computers were a group of brilliant women, many of whom were African American. They worked in a segregated unit, their intelligence and dedication often overlooked in a society that still clung to the notion of "separate but equal." They calculated trajectories and launch windows with astonishing accuracy, all while navigating the social and professional barriers of their time. They were integral to the missions that would define an era, yet their contributions were largely invisible to the public.
Based on the historical context of the passage, what can be inferred about the challenges these women faced?
A. They had to prove their technical skills were superior to their male counterparts.
B. They were given the most complex calculations because of their advanced training.
C. They had to overcome both racial and gender discrimination to do their jobs.
D. They were recognized for their work but not given credit for their accomplishments.
What is C. They had to overcome both racial and gender discrimination to do their jobs?
from The Alchemist The boy, Santiago, was a shepherd who had a recurring dream about a treasure buried at the foot of the Egyptian pyramids. He had a simple life, content with his sheep, but the dream nagged at him. An old king told him to follow his "Personal Legend," the path that the universe had destined for him. The boy sold his sheep and began his journey, facing challenges and learning valuable lessons along the way. He was robbed, he worked for a crystal merchant, he met an Englishman obsessed with alchemy, and he fell in love. Through all of these experiences, he learned that the journey itself, not just the destination, was the true treasure.
Which of the following sentences from the passage most clearly reveals the theme?
A. "The boy, Santiago, was a shepherd who had a recurring dream about a treasure buried at the foot of the Egyptian pyramids."
B. "An old king told him to follow his 'Personal Legend,' the path that the universe had destined for him."
C. "He was robbed, he worked for a crystal merchant, he met an Englishman obsessed with alchemy, and he fell in love."
D. "Through all of these experiences, he learned that the journey itself, not just the destination, was the true treasure."
What is D. "Through all of these experiences, he learned that the journey itself, not just the destination, was the true treasure?"
"The new smartphone, with its clunky design and sluggish performance, is a monumental disappointment. It's a testament to the fact that bigger isn't always better, and that sometimes, a company should stick to what it knows instead of trying to reinvent the wheel. The battery life is abysmal, the camera is a joke, and the user interface is a confusing mess. It's an embarrassment."
What is the tone of this review?
A. Humorous B. Sarcastic C. Admiring D. Condescending
What is D. Condescending?
"Standardized tests are a necessary and effective tool for measuring student progress and holding schools accountable. They provide a common metric to compare students across different schools and districts, and they motivate both students and teachers to strive for academic excellence."
Which of the following sentences presents a counterclaim to this argument?
A. Standardized tests can cause anxiety in students and may not accurately reflect a student's full range of knowledge.
B. Standardized tests are an important part of a student's academic career.
C. Standardized tests help identify areas where students need extra help.
D. Standardized tests are a fair way to evaluate schools.
What is A. Standardized tests can cause anxiety in students and may not accurately reflect a student's full range of knowledge?
Which of the following phrases contains an example of an oxymoron?
A. "The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas."
B. "The deafening silence of the empty theater was unsettling."
C. "She ran as fast as a cheetah."
D. "The wind whispered secrets through the trees."
What is B. "The deafening silence of the empty theater was unsettling?"
Which of the following words, derived from the Latin prefix "pro-", means "forward" or "in favor of"?
A. Progress B. Prohibit C. Protect D. Propose
What is D. Propose?