Write or Wrong
What change needs to be made in the sentence below?
Despite feeling unprepared, Lena believed the detailed notes from her History class would help her perform well on the exam.
A. Change "exam" to "Exam"
B. Add a comma after "Lena"
C. Change "History" to "history"
D. Delete the word "detailed"
C. Change "History" to "history"
Sofia pushed open the classroom door and froze when she saw the surprise art display her students had created. Colorful paintings lined the walls, each one signed with a little note of thanks. A soft gasp escaped her when she spotted a banner stretched across the back wall: “You Inspire Us!” As her students peeked out from behind the desks, trying (and failing) to hide their giggles, Sofia felt her heart swell.
Which sentence from the paragraph suggests a grateful or touched mood?
A.) Sofia pushed open the classroom door and froze when she saw the surprise art display her students had created.
B.) Colorful paintings lined the walls, each one signed with a little note of thanks.
C.) A soft gasp escaped her when she spotted a banner stretched across the back wall: “You Inspire Us!”
D.) As her students peeked out from behind the desks, trying (and failing) to hide their giggles, Sofia felt her heart swell.
D.) As her students peeked out from behind the desks, trying (and failing) to hide their giggles, Sofia felt her heart swell.
Which of the following hooks would be the MOST effective for the following prompt?
Write an argumentative essay explaining whether schools should require students to participate in at least one extracurricular activity each year.
A.) “Students today face more homework and stress than ever, which makes many teens wonder how they can manage their time better.”
B.) “Many middle schoolers agree that balancing classes, friends, and personal responsibilities can be challenging.”
C.) “School schedules continue to change, and some students believe they should have more choices about how they spend their time.”
D.) “Every year, thousands of students discover new talents and friendships because they joined extracurricular activities.”
D.) “Every year, thousands of students discover new talents and friendships because they joined extracurricular activities.”
Where can you find the controlling idea/thesis of an informational text?
A.) In the summary
B.) In the fifth paragraph
C.) In the captions
D.) In the introduction
D.) In the introduction
Which verb tense should be used in the following sentence?
The hallway lights flickered softly as students hurried to class, and a gentle excitement ___ through the crowd.
A.) moves
B.) will move
C.) moving
D.) moved
D.) moved
(1) Mila whispered, "I think the storm is getting closer. (2) "We should head inside before it gets worse," she added. (3) Her brother nodded in agreement.
What change should be made to sentence 2?
A. Change added to adds
B. Delete the quotation marks at the beginning of the sentence
C. Add a comma after before
D. Change we to I
B. Delete the quotation marks at the beginning of the sentence
Jordan spread his materials across the kitchen table, trying to figure out why his science fair project wasn’t coming together the way he imagined. After staring at his notes for a long time, he finally asked his older sister to look over the instructions with him. She pointed out a few parts he hadn’t considered, and they talked through different ways he could organize his ideas. When he returned to his project later that evening, he realized this was turning out to be some of his best work.
Based on the events in the passage, what is most likely to happen next?
A.) Jordan will decide to restart his project from scratch.
B.) Jordan will stop working on the project because it feels too confusing.
C.) Jordan will become more confident in his abilities as he continues working on the project.
D.) Jordan will ignore his sister’s suggestions and continue struggling.
C.) Jordan will become more confident in his abilities as he continues working on the project.
Which of the following is the strongest thesis for the essay prompt below?
Prompt: What does the creation of modern inventions—such as smartphones, electric cars, or medical technology—reveal about today’s society?
A.) “Modern inventions such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and medical devices reveal that today’s society values convenience, innovation, and improving people’s quality of life.”
B.) “Modern inventions are interesting, and people today use them in many different ways depending on their needs.”
C.) “There are many types of inventions, and they continue to change as technology gets better.”
D.) “Some people think new inventions are helpful, while others aren’t sure how they affect our lives.”
A.) “Modern inventions such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and medical devices reveal that today’s society values convenience, innovation, and improving people’s quality of life.”
Read the following paragraph and answer the question.
When the district worked on its new improvement plan, leaders included several suggestions that were created with help from the LERA.¹ Because the district trusted the organization’s careful research, they used its ideas to guide local efforts—such as adding more dual‑language classes and updating how students are tested—so that their plans matched well‑known national expectations for strong schools.
¹ LERA refers to the Learning and Education Research Alliance, a national organization that studies schools and gives advice to help districts make decisions.
What does the footnote help the reader understand?
A.) Why the district relied on its research when shaping the new improvement plan.
B.) Why the district leaders expanded dual‑language pathways
C.) The purpose of the district’s revised assessment practices
D.) The challenges the district encountered when evaluating new policies
A.) Why the district relied on its research when shaping the new improvement plan.
Read the story and answer the question.
The classroom buzzed with energy as students prepared for the science fair, each idea sparkling like tiny stars waiting to be discovered. Maya nervously adjusted her project board, hoping her hard work would shine. Around her, classmates whispered excitedly about their presentations. The anticipation in the room grew thicker with each passing minute.
Why might the author have used the simile “like tiny stars waiting to be discovered”?
A. To show that the students were confused and unprepared
B. To emphasize the dull and ordinary nature of the projects
C. To help readers visualize the excitement and potential of the students’ ideas
D. To suggest that the science fair was taking place at night
C. To help readers visualize the excitement and potential of the students’ ideas
What change should be made to correct the error in the sentence?
Although the students finished their project early, they celebrated by presenting it to the class.
A. Change Although to Because
B. Delete the comma after early
C. Change finished to finish
D. Change celebrated to celebrate
A. Change Although to Because
For years, the crumbling bridge at the edge of town had been a silent boundary between Clara and her brother Marcus, marking the place where their last argument had driven them apart. When relentless rain swelled the river and threatened to overtake the streets, Clara discovered that the rising waters were not only the result of the storm, but of years of neglected debris lodged beneath the bridge’s foundation. Though Marcus initially dismissed her concerns, he later arrived unannounced with tools in hand, choosing action over apology as they worked side by side in uneasy silence. By morning, the river had begun to recede, and the space between them felt less impassable than it had the night before.
Which interaction most strongly contributes to the resolution of the plot?
A.) Marcus arriving to help Clara clear the debris despite their strained relationship
B.) Clara remembering her last argument with Marcus
C.) The continuing rainfall throughout the night
D.) The town’s long history of ignoring the bridge’s condition
A.) Marcus arriving to help Clara clear the debris despite their strained relationship
Yvette is writing an essay. Read the writing prompt and her thesis.
Prompt: Explain how excessive screen time can affect teenagers’ sleep habits.
Thesis: Excessive screen time can negatively affect teenagers’ sleep by disrupting their natural sleep cycles, limiting the amount of rest they get, and making it harder for them to feel alert during the day.
Which of the following is the strongest topic sentence for the first body paragraph of the essay?
A.) “Many teens enjoy spending time on their phones, computers, and gaming systems.”
B.) “One major reason screen time disrupts teen sleep is that bright screens interfere with the brain’s ability to recognize when it’s time to rest.”
C.) “Teens often stay up late for different reasons, depending on what they like to do.”
D.) “Some screens are brighter than others, and people use them for different activities.”
B.) “One major reason screen time disrupts teen sleep is that bright screens interfere with the brain’s ability to recognize when it’s time to rest.”
Read the following paragraph and answer the question.
Farmers markets have become a popular way for communities to access fresh, locally grown food. Many vendors offer fruits and vegetables harvested the same morning, which makes the produce taste richer and more flavorful. On the other hand, grocery stores often sell a wide variety of packaged snacks. Shoppers also appreciate the chance to speak directly with farmers and learn how their food is grown. Because of these benefits, many families choose farmers markets as a healthier alternative to large grocery stores.
Multiple‑Choice Question
Which detail from the paragraph supports the key idea that farmers markets offer healthier options?
A.) Some farmers enjoy talking to shoppers about weekend activities.
B.) Farmers markets allow people to shop outdoors in pleasant weather.
C.) Many vendors harvest their fruits and vegetables the same morning.
D.) On the other hand, grocery stores often sell a wide variety of packaged snacks.
C.) Many vendors harvest their fruits and vegetables the same morning.
Mira felt a strange excitement as she stepped onto the stage, a feeling akin to the rush she got before the first day of school. The bright lights didn’t calm her nerves, but the familiar buzz of the audience reminded her that she’d handled big moments before. She took a deep breath, trusting that the energy she felt would help her perform.
Based on the way the word “akin” is used in the paragraph, what does it most likely mean?
A.) Completely unrelated to
B.) Similar to
C.) Confusing or unclear
D.) Much stronger than
B.) Similar to
Which revision corrects the error in the sentence?
The experiment was a success, it revealed important data about chemical reactions.
A. The experiment was a success, because it revealed important data about chemical reactions.
B. The experiment was a success and it revealed important data about chemical reactions.
C. The experiment, was a success, it revealed important data about chemical reactions.
D. The experiment was a success, revealing important data about chemical reactions.
D. The experiment was a success, revealing important data about chemical reactions.
As Lena stood on the stage awaiting the announcement of the scholarship winner, she felt her hands tremble under the bright auditorium lights. She suddenly remembered the afternoon years earlier when she had nearly quit piano after a disastrous recital, only to be persuaded by her teacher to keep practicing despite her frustration. That memory steadied her breathing as she listened to the final envelope being opened. When her name was called, Lena stepped forward with a confidence rooted not just in the present moment, but in the struggle she had overcome long before.
How does the flashback contribute to the development of the plot?
A.) It shows why Lena dislikes performing in front of others
B.) It introduces a new conflict between Lena and her teacher
C.) It explains how Lena developed the perseverance that leads to her success
D.) It suggests that Lena is unprepared for the scholarship competition
C.) It explains how Lena developed the perseverance that leads to her success
Read the following excerpt and then answer the question.
(1) People today are becoming more interested in simple ways to improve their health and reduce daily stress. (2) One option that is often overlooked is spending time outdoors, even for just a few minutes each day. (3) Whether someone enjoys walking, hiking, or simply sitting under a tree, nature offers many powerful benefits. (4) Spending time in nature helps reduce stress in meaningful ways. (5) It also improves overall physical and emotional health
Which of the following is the strongest way to combine the sentences 4 and 5 to create a clear thesis for this essay?
A.) Spending time in nature helps reduce stress in meaningful ways, and many people enjoy outdoor activities for different reasons.
B.) Nature improves people’s lives, and some people feel healthier when they spend time outdoors.
C.) Spending time in nature can be relaxing, and there are many activities that people like to do outside when they have free time.
D.) Spending time in nature helps reduce stress in meaningful ways, and it also improves overall physical and emotional health.
D.) Spending time in nature helps reduce stress in meaningful ways, and it also improves overall physical and emotional health.
Read the following paragraph and answer the question.
To keep a classroom plant healthy, students can follow a few simple steps. First, they should place the plant in an area that receives plenty of sunlight. Next, they need to water it regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not soaked. Finally, students should check the leaves each week for any signs of insects or dryness so they can fix problems early.
How is the paragraph organized to develop its main idea?
A.) By comparing different types of plants and how they grow
B.) By explaining a cause and its effect on plant health
C.) By listing steps in a specific order to show how to care for a plant
D.) By describing what a plant looks like in vivid detail
C.) By listing steps in a specific order to show how to care for a plant
The ancient forest had grown strangely silent after Liora, a young apprentice mage, whispered a spell she had only half‑studied. Although she felt a brief thrill at the shimmer in the air, the sudden stillness around her suggested the magic had reached farther than she intended. As she walked deeper among the trees, faint lights flickered at the edge of her vision, weaving patterns that seemed to guide her toward a forgotten stone archway. The archway pulsed softly, as if expecting her arrival, and the forest’s silence deepened in response. Realizing the spell had awakened something long dormant, Liora stepped forward, sensing that only by confronting it could she restore balance to the woods.
Why may the author have chosen to use a cause‑and‑effect organizational structure in the passage?
A.) emphasize how Liora’s spell changes the forest around her
B.) explain the steps Liora follows as she explores the woods
C.) show that Liora’s journey leads her to a successful discovery
D.) describe how the forest’s reaction influences Liora’s decisions
A.) emphasize how Liora’s spell changes the forest around her
What change needs to be made in the sentence?
This ecosystem includes producers, which make their own food and consumers, which rely on other organisms for energy.
A. Change includes to include’s
B. Insert a comma after food
C. Change consumers to consumer’s
D. Change rely on other organisms to rely on other organism’s
B. Insert a comma after food
Read the story and answer the question.
Riley trudged into the after‑school photography club, wishing he’d convinced his mom to let him go straight home instead. He was surprised to find his classmates, Gabriel and Anna, gathered around a table, excitedly comparing the photos they had taken that week. They motioned him to sit at their table. Anna showed him how she captured reflections in puddles, and Gabriel demonstrated a trick for adjusting camera angles. When they were getting picked up Anna shouted out, "See you next next week!" As Riley walked to his mom's vehicle, he had a noticeable pep in his step.
In the story, the setting of the photography club influences Riley’s beliefs by providing a space that allows for—
A.) students to quietly work alone without talking
B.) people to connect through shared interests
C.) club members to compete for the best photos
D.) students to avoid participating in activities
B.) people to connect through shared interests
Read the following introduction from an essay about public parks.
Many communities are looking for creative ways to encourage people to stay active and healthy. One popular solution is building more public parks that offer walking trails, playgrounds, and open green spaces. These parks give families a safe environment to exercise, have fun, and spend time outdoors. As a result, public parks can play an important role in improving the overall well‑being of a community.
Which sentence would best belong in the conclusion paragraph of this essay?
A.) Public parks provide safe spaces where people of all ages can enjoy nature and improve their health.
B.) Because parks offer a variety of activities, families often visit them for different reasons throughout the week.
C.) Many cities continue to add new park features, such as fitness stations or shaded picnic areas, to meet community needs.
D.) Some parks become very crowded at certain times of day, especially on weekends or holidays.
A.) Public parks provide safe spaces where people of all ages can enjoy nature and improve their health.
Read the following paragraph and answer the question.
Over the past semester, the city’s Youth Environmental Council has documented a noticeable increase in students participating in weekend clean‑up events along local parks and waterways. Organizers explain that many participants arrive early to collect supplies, ask questions about conservation, and track their volunteer hours using digital logs. In response to this growing interest, the council has begun developing more advanced workshops on topics such as habitat restoration and the impact of urban pollution on local ecosystems.
What can the reader infer from the information in the paragraph?
A.) Students are showing a rising commitment to environmental issues in their community.
B.) Organizers plan to reduce the number of clean‑up events due to low attendance.
C.) Most students prefer learning about conservation only through classroom lessons.
D.) Advanced workshops are unlikely to interest students who already volunteer.
A.) Students are showing a rising commitment to environmental issues in their community.
Read the following prompt and then answer the question.
When the town announced plans to tear down the old community garden, many residents felt a wave of disbelief. For years, the garden has been a place where neighbors share vegetables, stories, and peaceful moments away from busy streets. Replacing it with another row of shops might bring in money, but it would also erase a space that helped people feel connected and calm. Losing the garden would mean losing one of the few quiet places the community has left.
What does the author’s language reveal about their attitude toward removing the community garden?
A.) The author’s descriptions of the garden’s activities reveal that they accept the town’s decision as an unavoidable change.
B.) The use of emotional language reveals that the author strongly values the garden.
C.) The author’s focus on the new shops shows they are excited about the economic benefits the change will bring.
D.) The author’s neutral tone reveals they are unsure whether the garden is important or not.
B.) The use of emotional language reveals that the author strongly values the garden.