1) Which nonfiction genre teaches the reader a process?(1 point)
Responses
biography
biography
humor
humor
how-to
how-to
history
history
2) Use the paragraph to answer the question.
The platypus is an Australian mammal that is not easily classified. It is one of only two mammals (the other being the echidna) that bears young by laying eggs. In some respects, the platypus resembles a duck; both have webbed feet and bills. The platypus has a tail like a beaver’s and a furry body similar to an otter’s. Its unusual hybrid of body parts makes it well-suited for its largely aquatic life. The platypus uses its webbed feet to paddle through water, and its tail serves as a kind of rudder for steering. While underwater, the platypus uses its bill to scoop up bits of food, such as insects and shellfish, from the water’s bottom. The platypus also scoops up bits of gravel, which grind up the food, as the platypus is toothless. The platypus stores the food and gravel in its cheeks until it reaches the water’s surface. Once the platypus surfaces, it consumes its meal.
Which sentence describes the central idea?
(1 point)
Responses
The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique.
The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique.
The platypus uses an interesting method to consume its meals.
The platypus uses an interesting method to consume its meals.
The platypus has features similar to an otter and a beaver.
The platypus has features similar to an otter and a beaver.
The platypus lives in Australia.
The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique.
3) Use the paragraph to answer the question.
It happens way too often: oil leaking from wells beneath the ocean or tankers spilling their cargo into the waves. One disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, called the Tyler spill, has been leaking hundreds of barrels of oil per day into the ocean for the past 14 years. While safety has not been made a priority, something can be done to clean up oil spills that does not involve pouring chemical cleanup agents into the already polluted waters. The question is, when will the oil industry embrace this effective, safe method?
Which sentence best summarizes the text?
(1 point)
Responses
The oil industry needs to work more more efficiently.
The oil industry needs to work more more efficiently.
The oil industry should focus on the fastest way to clean up oil spills.
The oil industry should focus on the fastest way to clean up oil spills.
There is no reason that oil spills occur as often as they do.
There is no reason that oil spills occur as often as they do.
There is a smart solution to the ongoing problem of oil spills the industry should use.
There is a smart solution to the ongoing problem of oil spills the industry should use.
4) Use the sentences to answer the question.
Many people believe a European named Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. However, Gutenberg’s press was actually building on inventions that appeared centuries earlier in China.
What is the connection between the ideas in these sentences?
(1 point)
Responses
problem and solution
problem and solution
cause and effect
cause and effect
contrast
contrast
comparison
comparison
5) Use the sentences to answer the question.
A Buddhist book called The Diamond Sutra, printed around 868 C.E., is the oldest known printed book. It was printed using page-sized panels of wood blocks. These blocks were carved by hand with Chinese characters shown in reverse.
Which word or phrase describes the relationship between the ideas in the sentences?
(1 point)
Responses
contrast
contrast
description
description
cause and effect
cause and effect
problem and solution
description
6) Use the paragraph to answer the question.
All around the world, millions of people watch hundreds of new movies each year. Most people are aware that these movies have actors and actresses, directors, stunt doubles, and camera operators. But have you ever wondered how the crack of a bat in a baseball scene sounds so authentic even though the camera must be dozens of feet away?
Which word means the same as authentic as it is used in the paragraph?
(1 point)
Responses
fast
fast
boring
boring
distant
distant
real
real
7) Use the paragraph to answer the question.
You may not think earthquakes and volcanoes can go together, but they are unlikely friends, creating sensations under the earth’s surface. Most earthquakes occur because of the movement of tectonic plates previously described. Sometimes earthquakes happen below a volcano. This happens because magma, which is hot molten rock beneath the earth’s surface, pushes on rock until it breaks the rock and seeps into it. Then, the magma builds more pressure until it leaks more magma into the crack. Little earthquakes happen each time the rock breaks and lets in more magma. These little earthquakes are too small to feel. They are called harmonic tremors, perhaps because of their constant release of energy, like one long song played underground.
What does the analogy "they are called harmonic tremors, perhaps because of their constant release of energy, like one long song played underground" from the paragraph mean?
(1 point)
Responses
The same amount of energy is released by music and small earthquakes.
The same amount of energy is released by music and small earthquakes.
The tremors from small earthquakes follow unpredictable patterns, unlike musical meter.
The tremors from small earthquakes follow unpredictable patterns, unlike musical meter.
Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.
Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.
When little earthquakes occur, they make sounds similar to music.
Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.
8) Why would a student include an allusion to Albert Einstein, an accomplished scientist with a famously bad memory, in a paper about how people learn?(1 point)
Responses
to show that memorization is important to everyone
to show that memorization is important to everyone
to show that memorization is important when learning something new
to show that memorization is important when learning something new
to show how famous people are remembered
to show how famous people are remembered
to show how remembering something is not as important as understanding it
to show that memorization is important when learning something new
9) Use the sentences to answer the question.
"Mary is such a quiet child," said Aunt Lydia. "It makes me wonder what will become of her."
Which word would give the sentence a negative tone if it replaced the word quiet?
(1 point)
Responses
sullen
sullen
reserved
reserved
disciplined
disciplined
calm
sullen
10) Use the paragraph to answer the question.
The crowd gathered around a chain-link fence and waited for the show to begin. The artist approached the large tree stump and powered up his chainsaw with a loud roar. Everyone was startled even though they knew the sound was coming. Swinging the saw in rhythmic motions and lunging forward to make quick stabs at the wood, the artist began to create an image. The people in the crowd turned their heads and squinted their eyes, trying to make out what shape the sculpture would take. Time passed quickly and the buzz of the saw dominated the scene for most of the afternoon. Then, just as the evening light softened the forest, the artist set down his saw and touched the face of the giant grizzly bear with his bare hand.
Which piece of evidence from the paragraph supports the inference that the artist is inspired by nature?
(1 point)
Responses
His work requires physical strength.
His work requires physical strength.
He performs in front of a crowd.
He performs in front of a crowd.
He likes to be hands-on with his work.
He likes to be hands-on with his work.
He carves animals out of wood.
He carves animals out of wood.
11) What is the most likely purpose for writing an explanatory article in third-person point of view that includes many facts and details about a topic?(1 point)
Responses
to inform
to inform
to express an opinion
to express an opinion
to entertain the reader
to entertain the reader
to persuade
to inform
12) Read the passage below & then answer the prompt in the space provided.
"To Stand or Not to Stand?"
In 2016, Vallecito Elementary School in San Rafael, California, became the first U.S. school to replace all of its ordinary desks with raised desks that students stand at. Speaking to a reporter from TIME for Kids magazine, one student at the school gave the standing desks high praise. "You feel happier, you're less tired, and you're more active," she said. According to several studies, children working at standing desks burn more calories and are more focused on tasks. In spite of this, some teachers and parents are opposed to the change. They are concerned that standing for long periods of time could cause fatigue, strain on the legs and feet, or posture problems. In addition, standing desks are more expensive than seated desks. However, Vallecito Elementary School is proving that the benefits of using standing desks are well worth the extra costs, and the studies prove that students are more focused using this new technology. School districts should consider implementing standing desks to help their students.
Prompt: In 3-5 complete sentences, use the RAD strategy to explain the following about the above passage:
Central idea,
Author’s purpose (perspective),
Why the author acknowledges the differing opinions. (What effect does this have on the argument?)
Be sure to check for spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure before you submit your response.
(4 points)
The central idea of the passage is that Vallecito Elementary School in California replaced ordinary desks with raised standing desks, and the students have found benefits from using them.
The author's purpose is to persuade school districts to implement standing desks for their students. This is evident from the positive language and the use of studies to support the benefits of standing desks.
The author acknowledges the differing opinions, such as concerns about fatigue and cost, to show that they have considered potential counterarguments. By addressing these concerns, the author strengthens their argument and shows that they have considered the potential drawbacks of standing desks.
While scientists understand how climate change works, some of its effects are still difficult to predict. Some scientists expect an increase in so-called “extreme weather” events, such as hurricanes and floods. Others foresee a rise in levels of sea water. While exactly what changes will happen are unclear, Wally Broecker, a scientist, has warned that people should be prepared for some large disturbances. In an interview with the Guardian, a British newspaper, in 2008, he compared the earth’s climate to a wild animal. Sometimes, when provoked, the animal will react violently and unpredictably. "If you're living with an angry beast, you shouldn't poke it with a sharp stick," he said.
Which of the following sentences contains an analogy?