What quote best supports the central idea of the following biography?
Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist whose groundbreaking research in radioactivity changed the course of science forever.
A) Born in Poland, she moved to Paris to study at the Sorbonne, where she earned her degrees in physics and mathematics.
B) Despite facing significant gender-based challenges in a male-dominated field, Curie went on to become the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and later, the first person ever to win two Nobel Prizes in different scientific fields.
C) Her discovery of radium and polonium, along with her pioneering work on radiation therapy, saved countless lives and revolutionized medical treatment.
D) Marie Curie’s dedication to science and her relentless pursuit of knowledge continue to inspire generations of scientists around the world.
D) Marie Curie’s dedication to science and her relentless pursuit of knowledge continue to inspire generations of scientists around the world.
What is the main difference between a theme and a central idea in a text?
A. The theme is the overall message or lesson, while the central idea is the specific topic or main point the text focuses on.
B. The theme is a summary of the text, while the central idea is the moral of the story.
C. The central idea applies universally to all texts, while the theme is unique to one story.
D. The central idea is always stated directly in the text, while the theme is never stated directly.
A. The theme is the overall message or lesson, while the central idea is the specific topic or main point the text focuses on.
The sun beat down relentlessly on the dry, cracked earth of the desert, where David trudged forward with only a half-empty water bottle. The air shimmered with heat waves, and the distant mountains seemed like a mirage, never getting any closer.
What aspect of setting is displayed in this excerpt?
A) Time
B) Place
C) Cultural values
D) Characters
B) Place
The wind howled through the trees, its voice like a thousand wolves crying in the night, sending a chill down Emma's spine.
What is the most likely reason that the author uses similes in this sentence?
A) To suggest that the wind is actually made of wolves.
B) To describe Emma’s fear of the wolves
C) To explain how Emma feels about the trees and the night.
D) To emphasize the intensity of the wind and create a vivid, eerie atmosphere.
D) To emphasize the intensity of the wind and create a vivid, eerie atmosphere.
How do headings help readers?
A) They provide a summary of the entire text, making it easier to understand the main ideas.
B) They create a visually appealing structure, making the text more attractive to the reader.
C)They add unnecessary distractions, making it harder to focus on the content of the text.
D) They break the text into smaller sections, helping readers locate specific information quickly and understand the main points.
D) They break the text into smaller sections, helping readers locate specific information quickly and understand the main points.
The conference room was filled with a group of professionals seated around a large, polished table. A projector displayed a presentation on the wall, showing detailed charts and graphs. The attendees listened intently as the speaker presented data about the company's growth over the past quarter. No one spoke, and the only sound was the hum of the projector as the presentation continued.
Which of the following best describes the author’s point of view?
A) objective, because it includes the author’s opinions alongside facts
B) subjective, because it includes the author’s opinions alongside facts
C) objective, because it includes only factual information and no opinions or feelings
D) subjective, because it includes only factual information and no opinions or feelings
C) objective, because it includes only factual information and no opinions or feelings
In the sentence below, what part of speech is the word "light"?
The artist will light the canvas with strokes of color.
a. noun
b. verb
c. adjective
d. adverb
b. verb
Which of the following is an introductory conjunction?
a. Gonna
b. but on the other hand
c. When we go
d. Afterward
b. but on the other hand
Introductory conjunctions need a Conjunction!
What quote best supports the central idea of the following story?
When Emma started her new job, she felt overwhelmed by the amount of work and the fast pace of her office. At first, she struggled to keep up with her tasks, often staying late and feeling frustrated. However, after asking for help from her coworkers and organizing her time better, she began to feel more confident. Slowly, she realized that asking for support and learning to manage her time were essential skills that helped her succeed in her new role.
A) "Emma struggled to keep up with her tasks, often staying late and feeling frustrated."
B) "Asking for help from her coworkers and organizing her time better, she began to feel more confident."
C) "She felt overwhelmed by the amount of work and the fast pace of her office."
D) “ Slowly, she realized that asking for support and learning to manage her time were essential skills that helped her succeed in her new role.”
D) “ Slowly, she realized that asking for support and learning to manage her time were essential skills that helped her succeed in her new role.”
What is the central idea of the following paragraph?
Many people find it difficult to adapt to change, especially when it disrupts their daily routines. For some, even small adjustments can feel overwhelming, leading to feelings of frustration and uncertainty. However, change is often necessary for growth, whether in personal life, career, or society. Embracing change can open up new opportunities, foster creativity, and lead to personal development. Learning to adapt is a crucial skill that helps individuals thrive in an ever-evolving world.
A) Change is always difficult, and it should be avoided whenever possible.
B) Embracing change can be challenging, but it is essential for personal growth.
C) People struggle with change because it disrupts their daily routines and causes frustration.
D) Personal growth can only occur when change is forced upon individuals.
B) Embracing change can be challenging, but it is essential for personal growth.
It was the height of the Great Depression, and Marcus stood in the long line outside the unemployment office, his stomach growling in hunger. As he looked around at the other men, all with weary faces, he couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of shame, as though his worth was defined by his ability to provide for his family.
What aspect of setting is displayed in this excerpt?
A) Time
B) Place
C) Cultural values
D) Characters
A) Time
The abandoned mansion was overrun with weeds, its windows shattered and its doors hanging off their hinges.
Which word with a similar meaning to shattered has the most negative connotation?
A) Broken
B) Damaged
C) Ruined
D) Cracked
C) Ruined
The sun sets in the western sky,
Its colors fading, soft and slow,
A gentle breeze begins to blow,
The stars will rise and then we’ll cry,
That night has come to say goodbye.
What is the rhyme scheme of this poem?
A) ABBCC
B) AABBC
C) ABBAA
D) ABBCD
C) ABBAA
As Jane walked through the park, a feeling of peace washed over her. The sun warmed her face, and she could hear the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze, reminding her of simpler times. It was a perfect afternoon, one that made her forget the stress of her busy life. She smiled, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the beauty surrounding her.
Which of the following best describes the author’s point of view?
A) objective, because it includes the author’s opinions alongside facts
B) subjective, because it includes the author’s opinions alongside facts
C) objective, because it includes only factual information and no opinions or feelings
D) subjective, because it includes only factual information and no opinions or feelings
B) subjective, because it includes the author’s opinions alongside facts
The employee felt bitter after being passed over for the promotion, despite his years of hard work and dedication to the company.
1. Bitter (adjective): Having a sharp, pungent taste or smell, often a taste associated with substances like coffee or dark chocolate.
2. Bitter (adjective): Showing strong feelings of anger, hurt, or resentment, especially because of unfair treatment.
3. Bitter (adjective): Causing sharp discomfort or pain.
Based on the dictionary entry, which statement best describes how the word bitter is used in the text?
A) The word bitter refers to the harsh taste of the employee’s food.
B) The word bitter refers to the employee’s feelings of anger and resentment due to perceived unfairness.
C) The word bitter refers to the employee’s sharp physical discomfort after the promotion.
D) The word bitter refers to the unpleasant taste of the coffee the employee drank.
B) The word bitter refers to the employee’s feelings of anger and resentment due to perceived unfairness.
"I was planning to go to the park, but I was too tired. So, I decided to stay home instead. Gotta relax, right? Maybe tomorrow will be better."
Which type of informal grammar is used in this excerpt?
A) Informal transition: So, I decided
B) Introductory conjunction: but I was too tired
C) Colloquial contraction: Gotta
D) Sentence fragment: Maybe tomorrow will be better
C) Colloquial contraction: Gotta
Which TWO inferences can be drawn based on the following text?
Albert Einstein was known for his genius in physics, but his path to success was not an easy one. As a child, he struggled in school and was considered slow by some of his teachers. Despite these early challenges, Einstein’s curiosity and passion for learning led him to study physics and mathematics at university. Over time, his groundbreaking theories, including the theory of relativity, revolutionized the field of science. Though Einstein faced numerous setbacks, he remained committed to his work, becoming one of the most influential scientists in history.
A) Einstein’s teachers initially believed he would not achieve great success.
B) Albert Einstein faced little opposition or challenges in his academic journey.
C) Einstein’s success was largely due to his strong academic record from an early age.
D) Einstein's theories were accepted immediately by the scientific community.
E) Einstein’s passion for learning played a key role in overcoming his early struggles.
A) Einstein’s teachers initially believed he would not achieve great success.
E) Einstein’s passion for learning played a key role in overcoming his early struggles.
What is the central idea of the following paragraph?
Endangered animals face numerous threats, from habitat loss to poaching, and their survival is increasingly at risk. As forests are cut down and cities expand, many species lose the natural spaces they need to live and find food. Additionally, illegal hunting and the demand for animal products have led to steep declines in populations of animals like elephants and tigers. Conservation efforts, such as wildlife reserves and anti-poaching laws, are critical to protecting these species. While challenges remain, global awareness and action are key to ensuring these animals don’t disappear forever.
A) Endangered animals are at risk due to habitat loss and poaching, but conservation efforts can help.
B) Habitat loss is the only major factor threatening endangered animals.
C) Wildlife reserves and anti-poaching laws have solved the problem of endangered species.
D) Poaching is not a major issue for animals that are already endangered.
A) Endangered animals are at risk due to habitat loss and poaching, but conservation efforts can help.
In the small, fog-covered town of Merton, the narrow streets are often damp and slick with rain, making it hard to walk without slipping. The houses are packed tightly together, their windows mostly shuttered against the cold wind that blows in from the sea. Lily stared out the window trying to decide what to paint. Everything was gray. Drab. Boring.
How does this setting shape the challenges Lily faced?
A) The damp streets make it difficult for Lily to focus on her art, causing her to feel physically exhausted.
B) The cold weather forces Lily to stay indoors, where she discovers new techniques that help her art flourish.
C) The rainy, foggy weather makes it difficult for Lily to find any inspiration.
D) The close proximity of the houses and constant noise make it impossible for Lily to concentrate on her work.
C) The rainy, foggy weather makes it difficult for Lily to find any inspiration.
The city streets seemed to breathe, alive with the hum of distant voices and the pulse of passing cars.
What is the best analysis of the figurative language?
A) The speaker uses a simile to suggest that the city’s streets are silent and still, giving a sense of calm and emptiness.
B) The speaker uses to personification suggest streets are a chaotic, unpredictable force
C) The speaker uses a simile to compare the hum of the city to music, suggesting the city is peaceful and harmonious.
D) The speaker uses personification to describe the city as if it has a heartbeat, implying that it is a living entity full of energy and movement.
D) The speaker uses personification to describe the city as if it has a heartbeat, implying that it is a living entity full of energy and movement.
What is the main difference between organizing an interview chronologically and organizing it by broad categories?
A. Chronological organization is best for formal interviews, while broad category organization is only used for casual conversations.
B. Broad category organization emphasizes the sequence of events, while chronological organization ignores the timeline.
C. Chronological organization focuses on presenting information in the order events occurred, while broad category organization groups information by related topics or themes.
D. Chronological organization combines unrelated ideas, while broad category organization lists events in order.
C. Chronological organization focuses on presenting information in the order events occurred, while broad category organization groups information by related topics or themes.
The recent surge in online learning has undoubtedly provided greater accessibility to education, especially for people in remote areas. 30% of K-12 students in the United States are currently engaged in some form of online or hybrid learning. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this shift hasn’t been entirely positive. Many students struggle with the lack of in-person interaction and the absence of a structured environment.
Which of the following best describes the author’s point of view?
A) Objective, because it gives the author’s opinions alongside factual information
B) Subjective, subjective, because it gives equal parts author’s opinion and factual information
C) Mostly objective, because it gives more factual information than opinions or feelings
D) Mostly subjective, because it gives more opinions and feelings than factual information
D) Mostly subjective, because it gives more opinions and feelings than factual information
How does the nonfiction paragraph compare to the historical fiction paragraph?
Nonfiction Paragraph:
The Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, separating East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It stood as a physical and ideological barrier, symbolizing the division between the communist East and the democratic West. The wall was dismantled in 1989, following years of pressure from the people of East Germany and political changes within the Soviet Union.
Historical Fiction Paragraph:
Anna stood in the shadow of the Berlin Wall, her heart heavy with fear and longing. The cold concrete towered above her, separating her from her brother in the West. She remembered the day the wall went up, the chaos in the streets, and how she and her family had been forced to say goodbye without knowing when they would see each other again.
A) The nonfiction paragraph focuses on the emotions of a character, while the historical fiction paragraph provides factual information.
B) The nonfiction paragraph describes how the wall was built, while the historical fiction paragraph describes a worker who helped build the wall.
C) The details in the nonfiction paragraph contradict the character’s experiences in the historical fiction paragraph
D) The details in the nonfiction paragraph are supported by the descriptions in the historical fiction paragraph
D) The details in the nonfiction paragraph are supported by the descriptions in the historical fiction paragraph
Based on your knowledge of the latin prefix -in, what does the word inadequate mean?
A) “not” sufficient or adequate
B) “able to” do or be
C) “caused by” something
D) “against” something
A) “not” sufficient or adequate
Which sentence uses coordinate adjectives correctly?
A)The elegant modern architecture of the building stood out against the old traditional ones nearby.
B)The elegant, modern architecture of the building stood out against the old, traditional ones nearby.
C) The elegant, modern, architecture of the building stood out against the old, traditional, ones nearby.
D) The elegant modern, architecture of the building stood out against the old traditional, ones nearby.
B)The elegant, modern architecture of the building stood out against the old, traditional ones nearby.
Which TWO inferences can be drawn based on the following story?
Samantha loved spending time at the local animal shelter, helping care for abandoned pets. Though she had always been fond of animals, it wasn’t until her family adopted a dog from the shelter that she truly understood how important her work was. Samantha quickly developed a bond with one dog in particular, a scruffy terrier named Max, who had been at the shelter for months without being adopted. She spent extra time with him, talking to him and taking him for long walks, hoping he would find a home soon. When Max was finally adopted by a loving family, Samantha felt a deep sense of pride and happiness, knowing that she had made a difference in his life.
A)Samantha did not enjoy her time at the animal shelter until she got a dog of her own.
B) Samantha developed a personal connection with Max, which made her work at the shelter more meaningful.
C) Samantha was able to adopt Max herself, which made her proud of her work.
D) Samantha’s work at the shelter helped her realize the importance of caring for animals in need.
E) Max was adopted right away, thanks to Samantha’s efforts.
B) Samantha developed a personal connection with Max, which made her work at the shelter more meaningful.
D) Samantha’s work at the shelter helped her realize the importance of caring for animals in need.
What are TWO themes in the following story?
Lily had always dreamed of traveling the world, but her fear of the unknown held her back. After years of staying in her comfort zone, she finally decided to take a leap and booked a solo trip to a foreign country. At first, everything felt overwhelming—strange languages, unfamiliar foods, and lonely moments. However, as she explored new places and met new people, she began to realize how much she had grown. By the end of her trip, Lily understood that stepping outside her comfort zone had not only made her braver, but also opened her eyes to the beauty of the world.
A) Lily experienced new things by traveling; she grew as a person
B) The world is a dangerous place; comfort zones are essential for personal happiness and safety
C)Lily had a rough time when she traveled because everything was new; she decided to go home
D) Facing your fears can lead to personal growth; embracing unfamiliar experiences allows people to grow and see the world differently
D) Facing your fears can lead to personal growth; embracing unfamiliar experiences allows people to grow and see the world differently
Carlos was worried. He kept thinking about the harvest festival. He didn’t know what he would do. In San Mateo, it was a tradition to demonstrate your skills in farming and crafts to earn the respect of their elders at the Harvest Festival. Carlos had just moved to the village to get away from the city. He couldn’t weave a basket and wasn’t strong enough to compete in hay throwing. He wasn’t good at anything. Everyone would be so disappointed.
How does the setting most clearly affect the narrator?
A) The village’s traditions help the narrator embrace his strengths and stand out from the community.
B) The festival’s focus on competition encourages the narrator to showcase his superior skills in farming and crafts.
C) The respect for elders and traditions makes the narrator feel like an outcast
D) The cultural emphasis on tradition makes the narrator feel isolated and anxious about not meeting expectations.
D) The cultural emphasis on tradition makes the narrator feel isolated and anxious about not meeting expectations.
Plants create food or energy through the process of photosynthesis. They absorb light which triggers a chemical reaction that converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The efficiency of photosynthesis is affected by factors such as light intensity, temperature, and the availability of water.
In these sentences, how does the author use syntax and diction to create a specific voice?
A) The author creates an expert and informative voice by using technical terms like "chloroplasts" and "biochemical reaction" and including a clear, factual sentence structure.
B) The author creates a poetic voice by including sensory language like "absorb light" and "triggers" and using long descriptive sentences.
C) The author creates a casual voice by including easy to understand terms like “light intensity” and “temperature” and using a short, simple sentence structure
D) The author creates a confusing and unclear voice by using specialized jargon and a complex sentence structure
A) The author creates an expert and informative voice by using technical terms like "chloroplasts" and "biochemical reaction" and including a clear, factual sentence structure.
The river flows, the river runs,
Its current pulls beneath the sun.
The river calls, the river sings,
A song of peace that nature brings.
In what way does the repetition of sounds and words in these lines most clearly add to the meaning of the poem?
A) The repetition emphasizes the river's constant motion and the soothing, eternal rhythm of nature.
B) The repetition suggests that the river is unpredictable and chaotic, mirroring the turmoil in the natural world.
C) The repeated words create a sense of tension, showing how the river disrupts peace.
D) The repetition highlights the sadness of the river’s journey, making it sound lonely and quiet.
A) The repetition emphasizes the river's constant motion and the soothing, eternal rhythm of nature.
In recent years, the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, has increased significantly worldwide. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy accounted for nearly 29% of global electricity generation in 2022, up from 26% in 2020. This growth is primarily driven by advancements in technology, government incentives, and the increasing urgency to address climate change. The shift toward renewables is needed to address climate change.
Which of the following best describes the author’s point of view?
A) Objective, because it gives the author’s opinions alongside factual information
B) Subjective, subjective, because it gives equal parts author’s opinion and factual information
C) Mostly objective, because it gives more factual information than opinions or feelings
D) Mostly subjective, because it gives more opinions and feelings than factual information
C) Mostly objective, because it gives more factual information than opinions or feelings
What important insight do both texts share?
Passage 1 (Nonfiction):
Plastic pollution in the oceans has reached alarming levels. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the seas, harming marine life and disrupting ecosystems. Sea creatures often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion that can be deadly. The plastic breaks down into microplastics, which enter the food chain, affecting not only marine animals but also humans. Reducing plastic waste is crucial for protecting ocean life and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Passage 2 (Historical Fiction):
Lena stood on the beach, staring out at the vast ocean. She had grown up near the sea, and it always filled her with wonder. But today, the water was dotted with plastic bottles, bags, and fishing nets. A seagull struggled to fly with a piece of plastic tangled around its wings. Lena thought about how the ocean, once so full of life, was now choked with waste. She wondered if future generations would ever know the ocean as she had—clear, blue, and alive with creatures.
A) The role of government regulations in preventing ocean pollution.
B) The beauty of the ocean and the importance of preserving it for tourism.
C) The negative effects of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems.
D) The historical significance of the ocean in human cultures and societies.
C) The negative effects of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems.
Using context clues, choose the meaning of the word "elaborate" as it is used in the paragraph below:
"The scientist gave an elaborate explanation of the experiment, detailing each step carefully and providing examples to help the audience understand."
A) Simple and easy to understand
B) Brief and to the point
C) Detailed and thorough
D) Unclear or confusing
C) Detailed and thorough
What is the best way to revise the sentence to use commas correctly?
Original sentence: "In the middle of the night we heard loud noises coming from the attic."
A) In the middle of the night, we heard loud noises coming from the attic.
B) In the middle of the night we, heard loud noises coming from the attic.
C) In the middle, of the night we heard loud noises coming from the attic.
D) In the middle of the night we heard, loud noises coming from the attic.
A) In the middle of the night, we heard loud noises coming from the attic.
What are TWO themes in the following story?
Max loved reading detective novels, so when his school announced a mystery-themed scavenger hunt, he was excited to join. Armed with a notebook and a magnifying glass, he quickly teamed up with a group of friends to solve the clues. As they moved from one location to another, Max realized that paying attention to small details and thinking critically were key to solving the puzzle. Just when they thought they had hit a dead end, Max spotted a hidden clue under a bench, leading them to the final prize. The experience reminded him that teamwork and observation often lead to success in unexpected ways.
A) Success comes from hard work and individual effort, and paying attention to details is always important.
B) Teamwork and careful observation can help overcome challenges, and using critical thinking leads to solving problems.
C) Max didn’t need his teammates to solve the problems; his own critical thinking skills were the most important thing.
D) Max worked with his teammates to achieve success; in the end, he was able to solve the problem by paying attention to the small details.
B) Teamwork and careful observation can help overcome challenges, and using critical thinking leads to solving problems.
Interviewer: "Can you describe the most important lesson you’ve learned during your career?"
Expert: "The biggest lesson I've learned is the value of perseverance. Early in my career, I faced numerous setbacks—failed projects, tight deadlines, and tough competition. But over time, I realized that the key was never giving up, no matter how difficult things seemed. It wasn’t always easy, but each failure taught me something valuable."
Interviewer: "That’s insightful. Can you give an example of a specific challenge where perseverance paid off?"
Expert: "Sure, there was one project where I thought we were going to miss our deadline, but staying focused and pushing through allowed us to complete it successfully."
What is the interview structure?
A) The interview presents questions related to a broad category to explore various aspects of the subject’s life.
B) The interview presents background information along with each question to help readers better understand the topic.
C) The interview presents questions in a chronological pattern to show how the subject’s life events have unfolded over time.
D) The interview presents follow-up questions related to information the subject shares in order to further explore the responses.
D) The interview presents follow-up questions related to information the subject shares in order to further explore the responses.
If benevolent means kind and caring, which words from the sentence below help you to understand its meaning.
"The benevolent teacher always stayed after class to help students who needed extra assistance, offering guidance with patience.”
A) teacher
B) help
C) patience
D) always
B) help
What is the best way to revise the sentence?
Original sentence: "I wanted to go for a walk, it was raining outside."
A) I wanted to go for a walk because it was raining outside.
B) I wanted to go for a walk it was raining outside.
C) I wanted to go for a walk but, it was raining outside.
D) I wanted to go for a walk, but it was raining outside.
D) I wanted to go for a walk, but it was raining outside.
What is the most effective way to combine the two sentences?
Original sentences:
"Amy studied Spanish in high school. She can no longer speak it as an adult”
A) Amy studied Spanish in high school, but she can no longer speak it as an adult.
B) Amy studied Spanish in high school; as an adult, she can no longer speak it.
C) Amy studied Spanish in high school, she can no longer speak it as an adult
D) Amy studied Spanish in high school, can no longer speak it as an adult
A) Amy studied Spanish in high school, but she can no longer speak it as an adult.