Cooling the School
How Geothermal Works
Words Matter
Compare Passages
Fix it Fast
100

1. What is the main reason Valley Creek Middle School chose to install a geothermal system?

B. To reduce long-term cooling costs

100

5. The model described in paragraph 6 of Passage 1 is most likely used to—

Answer: B – show visitors how underground cooling works

100

11. In paragraph 3 of Passage 2, the word circulating contains the root circ. What does this root suggest?

Answer: C – circle / movement around

100

16. How do both passages highlight long-term benefits of geothermal systems?

Answer: C – They both explain how geothermal systems save money over time

100

Replace "has"

b. have

200

2. Which statement best describes how geothermal systems work, according to Passage 2?

C. They use steady underground temperatures to cool buildings.

200

6. According to Passage 2, why do geothermal systems operate quietly?

Answer: A – They do not use outdoor fans

200

12. The word underground begins with the prefix under-. What does this prefix mean in the passage?

Answer: B – beneath

200

17. Which idea is supported by both passages?

Answer: C – Energy efficiency is becoming more important

200

Replace "it show"

c. it shows

300

3. Based on Passage 1, what role did state grants play in the school board’s decision?

C. They helped make the project financially possible.

300

7. What is the most important difference between traditional air conditioners and geothermal cooling systems?

Answer: C – Geothermal systems use less electricity

300

13. In paragraph 5 of Passage 2, the word rebates most nearly means—

Answer: A – refunds or discounts

300

9. Which detail from Passage 1 best supports the idea that geothermal cooling is becoming more popular?

Answer: D – A local firm predicts geothermal use may triple by 2030

300

Replace "who was impressed" 

c. who were impressed 

400

4. What is one similarity between the geothermal systems described in both passages?

B. Both depend on underground temperatures.

400

What color car does Mr. Martinez drive?

Grey (I will also accept silver or dark grey)

400

14. In paragraph 4 of Passage 1, the word alternative likely means—

Answer: B – an additional choice

400

10. What inference can be made about Valley Creek Middle School’s old cooling system?

Answer: A – It used too much electricity

400

Replace "then"

b. than

500

What month is Mr. Martinez's birthday?

March

500

8. What is the author’s purpose in paragraph 1 of Passage 2?

Answer: B – To show how cooling technology has changed over time

500

15. What does the suffix -er in the word cooler suggest in the phrase “cooler building temperatures”?

Answer: B – more cool

500

How tall is Mr. Martinez?

5'11

500

Replace "improve"

a. improve (no change)