Close-Reading
What is the main purpose of close reading?
To carefully analyze a text for deeper understanding and meaning
Read the passage then answer the question.
Passage: "Zara's fingers danced across the keys, coaxing melodies from the old piano that hadn't been played in years. As the dust settled around her, she felt a presence in the room - not threatening, but curious. The portrait of her great-grandmother seemed to smile, as if pleased to hear music once again. But Zara couldn't get too comfortable. The smile was small, tight, and Zara imagined it slowly folded into a scowl of dissapointment."
Question: Identify the main conflict in the story.
Zara's connection to her family's past through music. She is uneasy about her late grandmother's approval of her piano playing.
Read the passage then answer the question.
Bioluminescence, the production of light by living organisms, is a fascinating phenomenon found in various species. From fireflies to deep-sea creatures, these organisms use chemical reactions to create light. This ability serves multiple purposes, including communication, camouflage, and attracting prey or mates."
Question: What is the main idea of the passage?
Answer: The main idea is that bioluminescence is a natural light-producing ability found in different organisms, serving various purposes in their survival.
Listen to the passage then answer the question.
What is the main topic of this announcement?
Answer: The main topic of the announcement is the school's annual talent show.
Choose the sentence that correctly uses a comma in a series.
A. I packed sandwiches, apples and water bottles for the hike.
B. I packed sandwiches apples, and water bottles for the hike.
C. I packed sandwiches, apples, and water bottles for the hike.
D. I packed, sandwiches, apples and water bottles for the hike.
C: I packed sandwiches, apples, and water bottles for the hike.
Passage: "Close reading is a thoughtful, disciplined reading of a text. It involves analyzing the text in detail to develop a deep understanding of its form, craft, meanings, etc."
Question: Which close reading strategy would be most effective for understanding the author's purpose in this passage?
A. Annotating the text
B. Summarizing the main idea
C. Analyzing word choice
D. Identifying text structure
C: Analyzing word choice
Read the passage then answer the question.
"The neon signs of Little Tokyo buzzed and flickered, casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the rain-slicked streets. Mei adjusted her VR goggles, switching between the augmented reality of advertisements and the underlying architecture of buildings that had stood for centuries. In this blend of old and new, she searched for clues to solve the digital scavenger hunt."
Quetion: How does the setting influence the characters' actions in the passage?
The futuristic, blended setting of traditional architecture and advanced technology directly influences Mei's actions as she navigates both the physical and digital aspects of her environment to participate in the scavenger hunt.
Read the passage. Then, answer the question.
Passage: "Urban foraging, the practice of gathering edible plants from city environments, is gaining popularity. Enthusiasts collect items like dandelion greens, blackberries, and even mushrooms from parks and green spaces. While it offers a connection to nature and free, local food, foragers must be cautious of pollution and local regulations. Proper identification of plants is crucial to avoid harmful look-alikes."
Which statement best summarizes the author's perspective on urban foraging?
A. Urban foraging is dangerous and should be avoided.
B. Urban foraging is a passing trend with little significance.
C. Urban foraging is a beneficial practice with no drawbacks.
D. Urban foraging can be rewarding but requires knowledge and caution.
D. Urban foraging can be rewarding but requires knowledge and caution.
Listen to the passage then answer the question.
According to the speaker, what are two benefits of recycling?
Answer:
Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence: "If I [was/were] you, I would study harder."
Were
Passage:
“In the heart of the forest, the trees whispered secrets to each other. The sun filtered through the leaves, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the forest floor. Sarah wandered deeper, drawn by the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of a babbling brook. She felt a sense of peace envelop her, as if the forest was welcoming her home.”
Questions
B) Sarah enjoys the beauty of the forest.
Read the passage then answer the question
Passage:
Arlo: "I'm telling you, these 'glitches' aren't random. The system is evolving!"
Priya: "That's impossible. It's just code, Arlo. Complex, but still just a program."
Arlo: "Then explain how it solved a problem we didn't even know existed."
Priya: "Coincidence. Or maybe we subconsciously programmed it that way."
Arlo: "You're not listening. It's becoming aware!"
Priya: "And you're letting your imagination run wild. We need facts, not science fiction."
Question: Compare and contrast the perspectives of Arlo and Priya in the dialogue.
Arlo believes the AI system is developing consciousness, while Priya maintains a skeptical, scientific viewpoint. Arlo is excited and open to new possibilities, whereas Priya is cautious and relies on established facts.
Read the passage, then answer the quesiton.
Passage: "Soundscapes, the acoustic environments that surround us, play a crucial role in our daily lives. From the bustling streets of cities to the serene sounds of nature, these audio landscapes affect our mood, productivity, and overall well-being. Recent studies have shown that exposure to natural soundscapes can reduce stress and improve cognitive function. Conversely, constant exposure to urban noise pollution has been linked to increased anxiety and sleep disturbances. As a result, some cities are now implementing 'quiet zones' and incorporating more green spaces to create balanced urban soundscapes.
Question: How does the author's comparison of urban and natural soundscapes contribute to the reader's understanding of the topic?
A. It emphasizes the contrasting effects of different acoustic environments on human well-being.
B. It suggests that urban soundscapes are always harmful and should be eliminated.
C. It proves that natural soundscapes are the only solution to urban noise problems.
D. It demonstrates that soundscapes have no significant impact on daily life.
Answer: A. It emphasizes the contrasting effects of different acoustic environments on human well-being.
Listen to the passage. Then, answer the question.
How does the speaker explain the causes and effects of the Dust Bowl? Use two pieces of information from the passage in your answer.
Answer:
Causes:
Identify the part of speech of the word in [brackets] in the sentence: "The running dog [quickly] chased the cat."
Adverb
Passage:
“In the heart of the forest, the trees whispered secrets to each other. The sun filtered through the leaves, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the forest floor. Sarah wandered deeper, drawn by the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of a babbling brook. She felt a sense of peace envelop her, as if the forest was welcoming her home.”
Question:
B) She is curious and adventurous.
Read the passage then answer the question:
Passage: "The Mist Weavers worked tirelessly, their gossamer threads shimmering in the twilight. Each strand they spun carried whispers of forgotten dreams and half-remembered wishes. As Luna approached their ethereal loom, she felt the weight of unspoken stories pressing against her skin, urging her to listen with more than just her ears."
Question: How does the author's use of figurative language in this passage contribute to the mood of the story?
The figurative language, such as "gossamer threads" and "whispers of forgotten dreams," creates a mystical and otherworldly mood. It emphasizes the magical nature of the Mist Weavers' work and the intangible quality of the stories they weave.
Read the two passages and then answer the qustion.
Passage 1: "Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are becoming increasingly popular. They produce clean energy without harmful emissions and can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. However, their output can be inconsistent, depending on weather conditions."
Passage 2: "While renewable energy has its benefits, fossil fuels remain a reliable and efficient energy source. They provide consistent power output and are currently more cost-effective. However, their use contributes to air pollution and climate change."
Question: Compare and contrast how these two passages present information about energy sources. In your response, identify one similarity and one difference in their approaches, using evidence from both texts.
• Similarity:
• Difference:
• Evidence:
Listen to the passage. Then, answer the question.
Evaluate the speaker's presentation of the homework debate. How does the speaker address different viewpoints, and what evidence is provided?
Answer:
Analyze the following sentence and identify all the clauses present:
Although it was raining heavily, Sarah decided to go for a run because she needed to prepare for the upcoming marathon.
A. One independent clause and two dependent clauses
B. Two independent clauses and one dependent clause
C. Three independent clauses
D. One independent clause and three dependent clauses
"Although it was raining heavily, Sarah decided to go for a run because she needed to prepare for the upcoming marathon."
A. One independent clause and two dependent clauses
“In the heart of the forest, the trees whispered secrets to each other. The sun filtered through the leaves, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the forest floor. Sarah wandered deeper, drawn by the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of a babbling brook. She felt a sense of peace envelop her, as if the forest was welcoming her home.”
Read the passage then answer the qustion:
Passage: "The last seed of the Whispering Tree lay in Elara's palm, its iridescent shell pulsing with the faintest of lights. Around her, the once-lush forest stood silent, its inhabitants long gone. Elara knew that planting the seed meant staying behind, becoming rooted like the tree itself. But letting it die meant the end of everything she'd fought to protect. With each passing moment, the seed's glow dimmed, mirroring the fading of an entire world's hopes."
Question: Analyze how the author develops the theme of sacrifice throughout the passage.
The author develops the theme of sacrifice through Elara's internal conflict. The last seed represents hope for renewal, but planting it requires Elara to give up her freedom. The imagery of the dying forest and fading seed emphasizes the urgency and importance of her choice, highlighting that meaningful sacrifice often comes at great personal cost but can have far-reaching consequences
Read the passage then answer the question.
Passage: "The homework debate continues among educators. Proponents argue that it reinforces classroom learning and develops crucial skills like time management. Critics say excessive homework can lead to stress and diminished interest in learning. Recent studies suggest that homework's effectiveness may depend on factors such as the student's age, the type of assignment, and the subject matter."
Question: Evaluate the author's presentation of the homework debate. In your response, discuss how the author presents different viewpoints and incorporates recent research.
Author presents balanced view:
Listen to the passage. Then, answer the question.
Analyze how the speaker presents the impact of Artificial Intelligence. In your response, discuss:
Answer:
Identify and correct the misplaced modifier in the following sentence:
"Walking down the street, a cat caught my eye."
"Walking down the street, I saw a cat that caught my eye."