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Step Up to the TEKS
7th Reading Practice Bookby GF Educators, Inc.
Table of ContentsReporting Category 1 Understanding and Analysis Across Genres Understanding the Skill ..............................................................................................1-3 Category 1/Vocabulary: Full length passage #1 ..........................................................4-6 Category 1/Vocabulary: Full length passage #2 ........................................................7-10 Reporting Category 1 Answer Key .............................................................................. 11
Reporting Category 2 Understanding and Analysis of Literary Texts Understanding the Skill ............................................................................................... 13 Literary Text/Sensory Language: Full length passage #1 .......................................14-16 Understanding the Skill ............................................................................................... 17 Literary Text/Media Literacy: Full length passage #1 ............................................18-19 Understanding the Skill ............................................................................................... 20 Literary Text/Fiction: Point of View: Full length passage #1 ..................................21-22 Literary Text/Fiction: Point of View: Full length passage #2 ..................................23-26 Literary Text/Fiction: Point of View: Full length passage #3 ..................................27-30 Understanding the Skill ............................................................................................... 31 LiteraryText/LiteraryNonfiction:Fulllengthpassage#1 .....................................32-33 LiteraryText/LiteraryNonfiction:Fulllengthpassage#2 .....................................34-39 LiteraryText/LiteraryNonfiction:Fulllengthpassage#3 .....................................40-43 Literary Text/Poetry: Full length passage #1...........................................................44-45 Literary Text/Poetry: Full length passage #2...........................................................46-47 Literary Text/Poetry: Full length passage #3................................................................ 48 Understanding the Skill ............................................................................................... 49 Literary Text/Drama: Full length passage #1 ..........................................................50-53 Literary Text/Drama: Full length passage #2 ..........................................................54-58 Reporting Category 2 Answer Key .........................................................................59-61Sa
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Reporting Category 3 Understanding and Analysis of Informational Texts Informational Text/Media Literacy: Full length passage #1 ...................................63-64 Informational Text/Media Literacy: Full length passage #2 ...................................65-67 Informational Text/Procedural: Full length passage #1..........................................68-71 Informational Text/Procedural: Full length passage #2..........................................72-75 Informational Text/Procedural: Full length passage #3..........................................76-79 Informational Text/Expository: Full length passage #1 ..........................................80-83 Informational Text/Expository: Full length passage #2 ..........................................84-87 Informational Text/Expository: Full length passage #3 ..........................................88-92 Informational Text/Expository: Full length passage #4 ..........................................93-96 Understanding the Skill ..........................................................................................97-98 Informational Text/Persuasive: Full length passage #1 .........................................99-101 Informational Text/Persuasive: Full length passage #2 .......................................102-105 Informational Text/Persuasive: Full length passage #3 .......................................106-110 Reporting Category 3 Answer Key .....................................................................111-112
Reporting Categories 1-3 Paired Passages Understanding the Skill ............................................................................................. 114 Literary Text/Paired Passages: Set #1 ..................................................................115-122 Literary Text/Paired Passages: Set #2 ..................................................................123-128 Literary Text/Paired Passages: Set #3 ..................................................................129-136 Literary Text/Paired Passages: Set #4 ..................................................................137-142 Literary Text/Paired Passages: Set #5 ..................................................................143-150 Literary Text/Paired Passages: Set #6 ..................................................................151-158 Paired Passages Answer Key ...................................................................................... 159
Vocabulary/Roots & Affixes Readiness 7.2A Understanding the Skill
Greek and Latin Roots and Affixes
Knowing the meanings of common prefixes and suffixes, together with the meanings of common base and root words, will give you the tools for unlocking the meanings of hundreds of words.
PrefixesPrefixes are small, meaningful letter groups that are added before a base word or root. They change the meaning of the word. The change in meaning can be complete as in mis + behave = misbehave, or it can serve to clarify or make the word more specific as in tele + scope = telescope.
Common PrefixesPrefix Meaning Examplescent- hundred century, centurion,
Vocabulary/Roots & Affixes Readiness 7.2A Understanding the Skill
Suffixes and Inflected Endings
Suffixes and inflected endings are letter groups that are added to the end of a base word or root. Suffixes often add information to the meaning of the word. The following charts list the suffixes by meaning according to their part of speech.
Noun SuffixesSuffix/Ending Meaning Examples
-s, -es more than one bodyguards, dairies, revoluntionaries
-er, -or one who does something freighter, piper, traitor, inspector
-ist one who pianist, chemist, socialist, florist
-tion state or quality exploration, explanation, protection
-ty state or quality probability, possibility, electricity
-ment state or quality attachment, government, judgment
-ship state or quality championship, scholarship
-ness state or quality loneliness, cleverness, tardiness
Verb SuffixesSuffix/Ending Meaning Examples
-d, -ed before; in the past challenged, destroyed, mumbled, protected,
-ing continuing accepting, defending, prancing
-en to make flatten, forgiven, slacken, heightenSa
1 Helen Keller was born in Alabama in 1880. At the age of 19 months, Helen contracted a fever, which left her deaf and blind. Helen spent the next several years frustrated and angry because of her inability to communicate. Just before she turned seven, Helen’s parents hired Anne Sullivan to be her tutor. Using a method known as finger spelling, Miss Sullivan was able to teach Helen to express her thoughts and needs.
2 Helen quickly learned to read and write. Although Helen began to speak by the time she was 10 years old, it took more than 25 years for her to learn to speak so that others could understand her. At age 20, Helen entered Radcliffe College. Miss Sullivan was at her side, finger spelling every word of every textbook into Helen’s hand. Within four years’ time, Helen graduated with honors from Radcliffe. By this time, she had mastered several forms of communication including touch -lip reading, Braille, speech, typing, and finger spelling.
3 After college, Keller was intent to learn more about the world and how she could improve the lives of others. Before long, Helen discovered her life's calling of helping blind and deaf -blind people. Helen was an active member of the American Federation for the Blind. She spoke with lawmakers in state and national government, pleading with
Category 1/Vocabulary: Full-Length Passage #1 Mixed Practice
Question 1In paragraph 1, the word contracted means —
D caught
The best definition would be that Helen caught a fever.
Question 2The Latin expressus, mean-ing "clearly presented, distinct, articulated precisely," helps the reader understand that express in paragraph 1 means to —
D make known
By learning to finger spell, Helen was now able to make known or express her thoughts and needs.
Question 3Which definition best matches the meaning of the word communication as it is used in paragraph 2?
A Definition 1 (act of communicating)
Touch lip reading, Braille, speech, typing, and finger spelling are ways for Helen to communicate.
Question 4Which synonym is the best replacement for the word intent in paragraph 3?
A Determined
Helen wanted to learn more about the world and what she could do to improve it; this shows that Helen had determination.
them to improve the welfare of blind people. In her work with the American Foundation of Overseas Blind, Helen traveled to 35 countries on five continents to lecture and to visit areas with a high rate of blindness. She wrote numerous articles and books. Miss Keller met every U.S. President from Grover Cleveland to Lyndon Johnson. She spent her lifetime focusing the world’s attention on the problems of the blind and the need to take measures to prevent blindness.
4 Helen was an intelligent and ambitious woman who accomplished great things in her life. Despite her own challenges, Helen devoted her life to helping others. She is known around the world as an amazing woman who faced overwhelming odds. Through her many speeches and public appearances, she brought encouragement and inspiration to millions of people. She was a powerful example of how determination and hard work can help a person overcome adversity.
Question 8Which sentence from the selection states an opinion?
D Helen was an intelligent and ambitious woman who accomplished great things in her life.
Whether the things Helen accomplished are "great" is a matter of opinion.
Choices A, B, and C are all facts that can be proven.
5 Which sentence from the selection helps explain why Helen was successful?
A Helen quickly learned to read and write. Wrong AnsWer: Just because Helen quickly learned to read and write did not mean she would be successful.
B By this time, she had masterd several forms of communication including touch-lip reading, Braille, speech, typing, and finger spelling.
Wrong AnsWer: Mastering these forms of communication did not make Helen successful.
C Despite her own challenges, Helen devoted her life to helping others.
Wrong AnsWer: Helping others alone does not make one successful.
D She was a powerful example of how determination and hard work can help a person overcome adversity.
right AnsWer: The fact that Helen was determined and worked hard to overcome her physical issues shows that she is successful.
Exercise Reasoning6 Read these sentences from the selection.
Using a method known as finger spelling, Miss Sullivan was able to teach Helen to express her thoughts and needs. (paragraph 1)
Miss Sullivan was at her side, finger spelling every word of every textbook into Helen’s hand. (paragraph 2)
What does the author communicate with these sentences?A Anne Sullivan’s devotion to Helen right AnsWer:
Sullivan worked tirelessly to help Helen be successful, which shows her devotion.
B Helen’s strength and determination Wrong AnsWer: These sentences are representative of what Sullivan did for Helen.
C The importance of a college education Wrong AnsWer: There is nothing about college is in these sentences.
D The obstacles faced by blind college students
Wrong AnsWer: These sentences do not mention college.
7 What sentence best expresses the main idea of the selection?
A Although she was stricken with an illness that rendered her deaf and blind, Helen Keller overcame obstacles in her life and helped others.
right AnsWer: This sentence lets the reader know that Helen started out with physical issues, but she went to college and helped others, which is the main idea of this selection.
B With the help of Anne Sullivan, Helen Keller used a variety of techniques to communicate with others.
Wrong AnsWer: Her communication was only one important detail in the selection, not the main idea.
C Helen Keller devoted her life to helping disabled people in the U.S. and all over the world.
Wrong AnsWer: Her helping other disabled people is only one detail in the selection.
D It is much better to prevent blindness than it is to help people who are blind overcome their condition.
Wrong AnsWer: Preventing blindness was not mentioned in the selection.
9 The author organized this selection by —
A stating facts about Helen and her education and telling how she helped others
right AnsWer: The first two paragraphs provide facts about Helen and her education, and then the last two paragraphs tell how she was able to take what she learned and help others.
B describing the role of Helen’s schooling in her future life
Wrong AnsWer: There is more than just information about Helen's schooling.
C comparing Helen’s life to Sullivan’s life Wrong AnsWer: The author is not attempting to compare the two women.
D explaining why it is important for a hearing person to learn sign language
Wrong AnsWer: Although sign language is important, this is not a persuasive selection about learning sign language.
Which synonym is the best replacement for distinguish in paragraph 1?
D Number 4 (differentiate)
The sentence prior lets the reader know that reptiles and amphibians are alike, then this sentence states that they have things that distinguish them. Using the two sentences, the reader can conclude that differentiate would best replace distinguish - seeing the differences.
Question 3The Latin root accessibilis, meaning “to approach,” helps the reader understand that the word inaccessible in paragraph 2 means —
C difficult to get to
Other species find it difficult to get to the environments where reptiles and amphibians live because they cannot survive in those environments.
Question 2Which words from paragraph 2 best help the reader understand the meaning of ectothermic?
A body temperature depends on the temperature of their surroundings
The word “or” in the passage lets the reader know that a word is going to be defined. The sentence that follows then defines cold-blooded, leading the reader to understand that is the meaning of ectothermic.
Question 4The main message of paragraph 2 is that —
A reptiles and amphibians are cold -blooded animals
The first sentence of paragraph 2 is the topic sentence and tells the main idea.Sa
A explain the difficulties encountered by the amphibian population
Wrong AnsWer: The selection is not just about amphibians.
B identify the five major types of reptiles and describe them
Wrong AnsWer: The selection is not just about reptiles.
C compare and contrast reptiles and amphibians
right AnsWer: The selection does tell how the animals are the same and different.
D classify animals as to whether they are reptiles or amphibians
Wrong AnsWer: It is not about classifying these animals.
Exercise Reasoning
9 From this passage, the reader can tell that reptiles and amphibians —
A are more alike than they are different Wrong AnsWer: This is not supported by evidence in the passage. The reader can not know if they are more alike than different.
B are dangerous animals Wrong AnsWer: Nothing is mentioned about them being dangerous.
C both need water to breed Wrong AnsWer: Reptiles do not need water to breed.
D reproduce by laying eggs right AnsWerBoth amphibians and reptiles lay eggs.
10 What information about lizards is represented in Figure 1 but is not stated in the written selection?
A The times the lizard moves in and out of the sun
right AnsWer: The passage does not mention times of the day; it just refers to the course of the day.
B How body temperature is affected by the rocks on which they climb
Wrong AnsWer: This is briefly discussed in the article but not in the chart.
C The sun rising and the body temperature Wrong AnsWer: The time the sun rises is not included on the chart.
D Where the lizard makes its home Wrong AnsWer: Nothing is shown on the chart about the animals' home.
The theme is the message of the story. It is what the author wants you to take away from the story. The theme is often a moral or a lesson.
Don’t confuse theme with subject. The theme is the idea the writer conveys about the subject.
Theme can be stated or implied, so the reader must search for it throughout the text.
The theme is the story’s main observation, so it should never ignore major parts of the story.
Many stories have more than one theme.
When determining theme:• Think about the story’s title. Does it suggest a message?• Look at the characters and consider how they have changed.• How is the conflict resolved?
A story’s setting is the time and place in which the events of the story occur. • Time includes the time of day, a season, or a period of time in the past, present or
future.• Place is the geographic location – rural or city, house or school, Earth or space, etc.
How does the setting affect the theme?• It provides the surrounding in which the story occurs.• It causes conflict.• It influences a character’s thoughts, feelings, and actions.• It sets the mood of the story.• It affects how the reader interprets the story.
Literary Text/Theme Supporting 7.3 Understanding the Skill
1 A very long time ago, in the Golden Age, everyone was good and happy. The two brothers, Prometheus and Epimetheus, lived in those wonderful days.
2 After stealing the fire for man, Prometheus, knowing that Jupiter would be angry, decided to go away for a time on a distant journey; but before he went, he warned Epimetheus not to receive any gifts from the gods.
3 One day, after Prometheus had been gone for some time, Mercury came to the cottage of Epimetheus, leading by the hand a beautiful young woman, whose name was Pandora. She had a wreath of partly opened rosebuds on her head, a number of delicate gold chains twisted lightly around her neck, and wore a filmy veil which fell nearly to the hem of her tunic. Mercury presented her to Epimetheus, saying the gods had sent this gift that he might not be lonesome.
4 Pandora had such a lovely face that Epimetheus could not help believing that the gods had sent her to him in good faith. So he paid no heed to the warning of Prometheus, but took Pandora into his cottage, and found that the days passed much more quickly and pleasantly when she was with him.
5 Soon, the gods sent Epimetheus another gift. This was a heavy box, which the satyrs brought to the cottage, with directions that it was not to be opened. Epimetheus let it stand in a corner of his cottage; for by this time he had begun to think that the caution of Prometheus about receiving gifts from the gods was altogether unnecessary.
6 Often, Epimetheus was away all day, hunting
Literary Text/Sensory Language: Full-Length Passage #1 Mixed Practice
Question 1This information helps the reader understand that the word delicate in paragraph 3 means —
B fragile
Being twisted lightly shows that the chains are fragile and dainty.
or fishing or gathering grapes from the wild vines that grew along the riverbanks. On such days, Pandora had nothing to do but to wonder what was in the mysterious box. One day her curiosity was so great that she lifted the lid a very little way and peeped in. The result was like lifting the cover off of a beehive. Out rushed a great swarm of little winged creatures, and before Pandora knew what had happened, she was stung. She dropped the lid and ran out of the cottage, screaming. Epimetheus, who was just coming in at the door, was well stung, too. The little winged creatures that Pandora had let out of the box were Troubles, the first that had ever been seen in the world. They soon flew about and spread themselves everywhere, pinching and stinging whenever they got the chance.
Source: Famous Greek Myths by Lillian S. Hyde, D.C. Heath and Co., 1904.
2 The author provides a vivid description of Pandora in paragraph 3 to —
A show Epimetheus’s need for something beautiful in his life
right AnsWer: Epimetheus was lonely and needed someone to be a part of his life, and Pandora’s beauty helped with the gods’ plan.
B explain why Epimetheus is lonely all the time right AnsWer: Pandora's beauty is not the reason why Epimetheus is lonely.
C suggest that Mercury would be jealous of Epimetheus
Wrong AnsWer: Nothing in the passage leads the reader to infer that Mercury would be jealous.
D illustrate that beauty is important in mythology
Wrong AnsWer: Beauty may be important in mythology, but that cannot be inferred.
3 Read this sentence from paragraph 6.
The result was like lifting the cover off of a beehive.
The author uses figurative language in this sentence most likely to —
A demonstrate the magnitude of the fury about to be unleashed
right AnsWer: When a cover is lifted off of a beehive, the bees fly about furiously.
B exaggerate the sound of bees in a hive Wrong AnsWer: No sound is noted in the simile.
C explain why Pandora needed help from Epimetheus to open the box
Wrong AnsWer: Pandora did not need help opening the box.
D identify the contents of the box Wrong AnsWer: Bees were not found in the box.
Media is a powerful influence in our lives. We receive messages from many sources. A few of these are television, the Internet, radio, magazines, newspapers, books, billboards, advertisements, video games and music. All of these influence the way we see the world.
It is important to remember that media products are created by people who make decisions about what to include, what to exclude, and how to present information. The creator’s point of view, opinions, and biases determine the way in which the media is presented. Because of this, media products are never 100% accurate reflections of the real world. This is why we need to be media literate people who have the ability to analyze and evaluate media.
People who are media literate are able to:
• Think critically when encountering media• Interpret messages in various forms of media• Understand the ways in which media messages affect society and
culture• Identify strategies used by media to influence and inform audiences• Recognize what the media maker wants you to believe or do
Here are some questions to ask when you encounter media:
• Who created this media?• What is the purpose of the media?• What beliefs or assumptions are reflected in the content?• How is the message of this media communicated?• How does this media make you feel? • Does this media help someone make money?
Literary Text/Media Literacy Supporting 7.13A, 7.13C Understanding the Skill
1 When entrepreneur Ruth Handler presented her new
Barbie doll to the world, her creation’s tote bag was
chockfull of messages. Ruth’s Barbie was of average
height, fair-skinned, and in complete graceful command
of an hourglass figure that few could attain without the
aid of a personal trainer as well as some time spent at
a ballet bar. Barbie’s original 1959 advertisement
most strongly presents Barbie as beautiful.
There she stands with a bouquet of roses as the jingle
rings, “Barbie’s small and so petite”. The clothes look
astounding and are obviously very important to Barbie.
When she dances, it says that she casts a spell.
2 Barbie had an array of accessories, but consumers
don’t get the impression that she works for the money
for any of them. Barbie has “all the gadgets gals adore.”
But do all women love accessorizing? The closing lines
ring, “Someday I’m going to be exactly like you…until
that day, I will make believe that I am you.”
3 In 1967, a new Barbie was released. This version
was blonde, had real lashes, and a stronger face shape
that elicited the feel of one who frequently visits the
beach. The biggest emphasis of the new doll was that
she twisted at the waist. But do you know that the
advertisers found it prudent to have a child ask, “But
what do I do with my old Barbie?” The advertisement
narrator responds, “Just take your old Barbie down to
the toy store and trade it in for a new Barbie for half the
cost! That’s right. Take your old Barbie and $1.50 down
to the store and get your new Barbie right away! But
don’t delay: offer only good while supplies last!” Then
the ad shows a preadolescent girl swiftly skipping to
the local store and smiling as she inherits the new doll
without any visible exchange of money.
Literary Text/Media Literacy Full-Length Passage #1 Mixed Practice
Question 1Which meaning of array is used in paragraph 2?
C Definition 3 (collection)
Barbie has all the gadgets or a collection of accessories.
Question 2The Latin adolescens, meaning “to grow up,” helps the reader understand that preadolescent in paragraph 3 means —
B preteen
The “pre” in preadolescent means "before." An adolescent is someone growing up. So a preteen is the time period before a child becomes an adolescent or teen.
Question 6Which sentence best supports the idea that advertisers influence what consumers buy?
A Barbie’s original 1959 advertisement most strongly presents Barbie as beautiful.
Barbie being beautiful would influence young girls to want to buy her.
A compare the original Barbie doll to the 1967 doll
Wrong AnsWer: The article is not comparing the two versions of the doll.
B recount the beginning of the Barbie doll right AnsWer: The article does tell about the first two dolls and the advertising of them.
C describe the modern Barbie doll and its influence
Wrong AnsWer: The dolls are described, but the influence on girls is only discussed after the first doll is described.
D explain why they had to create a new Barbie doll
Wrong AnsWer: There is nothing about why the new doll was created.
Exercise Reasoning
4 The author most likely wants the reader to —
A go out and buy a Barbie doll Wrong AnsWer: This article is not persuasive in nature.
B become an informed consumer Wrong AnsWer: Because the dolls are so old, you would not be informed about the newer dolls.
C learn about the first two models of the Barbie doll
right AnsWer: This article does provide information about the first two Barbie dolls.
D understand why the Barbie doll was created Wrong AnsWer: No explanation about why Barbie was created is mentioned in the article.
5 Read these sentences from the selection.Barbie’s original 1959 advertisement most strongly presents Barbie as beautiful. (paragraph 1)Then the ad shows a preadolescent girl swiftly skipping to the local store and smiling as she inherits the new doll without any visible exchange of money. (paragraph 3)
What idea does the author communicate with these sentences?
A Local stores know that the Barbie doll is the best toy for young girls.
Wrong AnsWer: There is nothing in the text that gives evidence that Barbie is the best toy.
B The Barbie doll includes many features that make them appealing.
Wrong AnsWer: The paragraph 3 line does not include anything about Barbie's features.
C Barbie dolls have become presents that do not cost anything.
Wrong AnsWer: Barbie did cost something when originally purchased. Trading in was not free.
D Advertisers win over young girls to prompt them to buy the Barbie doll.
right AnsWer: Advertising was a big part of the original Barbie, and it was used to encourage young girls to want her.
Literary Text/Fiction: Full-Length Passage #1 Mixed Practice
1 It was one of those gray days with steady drizzle. Anna rushed into the house, “Can you drive me to the mall?”
2 “Sure,” I said, picking up a magazine and shuffling its pages. Dead silence! Peeking over the magazine, I caught hold of Anna’s eyes. They could have burned a hole right through the magazine to me!
3 “No, I mean now — I need to go now.”
4 “Okay,” I said. “I didn’t know I needed to jump right up to get you there! Let me find my keys.”
5 Anna sighed as I looked around my chest of drawers. “Got ‘em.”
6 “Okay,” she said nodding her head, “Let’s get going.”
7 As we drove, the urgency of Anna’s voice broke through my daydreaming. “There’s a parking space right by the door.” Sure enough, there was.
8 I wheeled my truck into the convenient spot only to spy that familiar blue and white sign: handicapped. I hit the brakes. “Can’t do it,” I said to Anna. “We aren’t allowed to park in a handicapped space.”
9 “Oh, Greg, come on. Just park in there. We’re in a hurry,” Anna whined.
10 “No way!” I retorted. “Who gets the ticket—you or me? Did you see the fine prices? No. We can find another place.”
11 Wouldn’t you know, just as I backed out, another car pulled into the same parking place? Of course Anna made it her business to evaluate the driver’s physical status. “That lady doesn’t look handicapped!” she said as a woman gets out of the car and walked inside. “We could have parked there!”
12 “Actually, Anna,” I corrected, “whether or not that woman is handicapped will have no bearing whatsoever on my getting a parking fine for not being handicapped. And how would you like it if you, as a handicapped person driving behind us, needed this place only to watch the two of us stroll inside? Shouldn’t we treat people the way we would want to be treated?”
Question 2The figurative language in these sentences emphasizes that Greg thinks Anna is —
A furious
Burning a hole right through me indicates someone that is angry. Note Anna's demanding attitude throughout the story.
Question 3The Latin word urgentem, meaning "to press hard, urge," helps the reader understand that urgency in paragraph 7 means —C insistence
The Latin meaning "pressing hard" helps the reader to infer that Anna's tone of voice was insistent - urgent.
Question 1The point of view from which this story is told gives the reader special insight into —
A Greg’s feelings about doing the right thing
Because Greg is telling the story, we can get insight into how he felt.This is first-person point of view.Sa
13 Once the car was parked, Anna and I headed up to the mall entrance. As I opened the door, the lady from the handicapped-parking place was heading out – with a man in a wheelchair. Anna hung her head. It was the first time since we began our trip to the mall that Anna was quiet!
Question 4In paragraph 13, the description of Anna suggests that Greg —
D believes that Anna is truly sorry for what she had said earlier
By hanging her head, Anna is showing that she is sorry for saying anything about the woman not being handicapped.
6 How does the setting contribute to Greg’s conflict in the story?
A It causes him feel insecure about dealing with Anna.
Wrong AnsWer: The setting has no effect on how Greg is feeling.
B It permits him to share information he is reading in the magazine.
Wrong AnsWer: Greg did not share information from the magazine.
C It pushes him to have a serious conversation with Anna.
right AnsWer: The setting at the mall with the handicapped parking allowed Greg to talk to Anna about handicapped people and parking.
D It gives him an opportunity to learn about handicapped people.
Wrong AnsWer: Greg was not the one who learned something from the mall parking lot.
5 Which sentence from the selection best states the main message of this story?
A "I didn’t know I needed to jump right up to get you there!"
Wrong AnsWer: There is nothing thematic about this sentence.
B Of course Anna made it her business to evaluate the driver’s physical status.
Wrong AnsWer: Anna checking out what someone looks like is not providing a message.
C "Shouldn’t we treat people the way we would want to be treated?"
right AnsWer: Anna not only treated her brother poorly, but she did not have kind things to say about the woman, making this the most likely message.
D It was the first time since we began our trip to the mall that Anna was quiet!
Wrong AnsWer: This sentence does show Ann’s regret but does not provide any kind of lesson learned.
Literary Text/Fiction: Full-Length Passage #2 Mixed Practice
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
The Invisible Man by H. G. WellsAn excerpt from Chapter V
1 The facts of the burglary at the vicarage came to us chiefly through the medium of the vicar and his wife. Mrs. Bunting, it seems, woke up suddenly in the stillness that comes before the dawn, with the strong impression that the door of their bedroom had opened and closed. She did not arouse her husband at first, but sat up in bed listening. She then distinctly heard the pad, pad, pad of bare feet coming out of the adjoining dressing-room and walking along the passage towards the staircase. As soon as she felt assured of this, she aroused the Rev. Mr. Bunting as quietly as possible. He did not strike a light, but putting on his spectacles, her dressing-gown and his bath slippers, he went out on the landing to listen. He heard quite distinctly a fumbling going on at his study desk down-stairs, and then a violent sneeze.
2 At that he returned to his bedroom, armed himself with the most obvious weapon, the poker, and descended the staircase as noiselessly as possible. Mrs. Bunting came out on the landing.
3 The hour was about four, and the ultimate darkness of the night was past. There was a faint shimmer of light in the hall, but the study doorway yawned impenetrably black. Everything was still except the faint creaking of the stairs under Mr. Bunting's tread, and the slight movements in the study. Then something snapped, the drawer was opened, and there was a rustle of papers. Then came an imprecation, and a match was struck and the study was flooded with yellow light. Mr. Bunting was now in the hall, and through the crack of the door he could see the desk and the open drawer and a candle burning on the desk. But the robber he could not see. He stood there in the hall undecided what to do, and Mrs. Bunting, her face
Question 2The Latin root penetrabillis, meaning “able to be pierced,” helps the reader understand that the word impenetrably in paragraph 3 means —
B unable to penetrate
The affix “im” means unable, so the definition that fits best is unable to penetrate – the doorway was completely black.
Question 1The details in paragraph 2 help the reader infer that —
A Rev. Mr. Bunting feared the intruder
He decided to get a weapon to protect himself and his wife which illustrates his fear.
Question 7Which sentence best shows that Mrs. Bunting was cautious about revealing that an intruder was in the house?
A She did not arouse her husband at first, but sat up in bed listening.
By just listening in bed at first, she is careful to make sure that there is someone in the house before rousing her husband. When she does wake him up, she does it quietly to make sure the intruder does not hear them.
white and intent, crept slowly downstairs after him. One thing kept Mr. Bunting's courage; the persuasion that this burglar was a resident in the village.
4 They heard the chink of money, and realized that the robber had found the housekeeping reserve of gold—two pounds ten in half Sovereigns altogether. At that sound Mr. Bunting was nerved to abrupt action. Gripping the poker firmly, he rushed into the room, closely followed by Mrs. Bunting. "Surrender!" cried Mr. Bunting, fiercely, and then stooped amazed. Apparently the room was perfectly empty.
5 Yet their conviction that they had, that very moment, heard somebody moving in the room had amounted to a certainty. For half a minute, perhaps, they stood gaping, then Mrs. Bunting went across the room and looked behind the screen, while Mr. Bunting, by a kindred impulse, peered under the desk. Then Mrs. Bunting turned back the window-curtains, and Mr. Bunting looked up the chimney and probed it with the poker. Then Mrs. Bunting scrutinized the wastepaper basket and Mr. Bunting opened the lid of the coal-scuttle. Then they came to a stop and stood with eyes interrogating each other.
6 "I could have sworn—" said Mr. Bunting.
7 "The candle!" said Mr. Bunting. "Who lit the candle?"
8 "The drawer!" said Mrs. Bunting. "And the money's gone!"
9 She went hastily to the doorway.
10 "Of all the strange occurrences—"
11 There was a violent sneeze in the passage. They rushed out, and as they did so the kitchen door slammed. "Bring the candle," said Mr. Bunting, and led the way. They both heard a sound of bolts being hastily shot back.
12 As he opened the kitchen door he saw through the scullery that the back door was just opening, and the faint light of early dawn displayed the dark masses of the garden beyond. He is certain that nothing went out of the door. It opened, stood open for a moment, and then closed with a slam. As it did so, the candle Mrs.
Question 3The author uses this sentence to show that Mr. Bunting —
C had enough courage to face the robber
The word nerved in this sentence means that he found the courage (nerve) he needed to go after the robber.
Question 4In paragraph 5, the description of the search for the robber emphasizes the Buntings’ —
D annoyance that they were wrong about him still being in the room
They looked all over the room and did not find the robber, and then even looked accusingly at each other. They were looking for evidence, not ignoring it. They were neither excited or disappointed in this paragraph.
Question 5The author uses short sentences in paragraphs 6 – 10 to help create a feeling of —
B frustration
They felt frustrated because they could not find the robber anywhere. There is no indication of disaster or doom or feeling of anger. Sa
Bunting was carrying from the study flickered and flared. It was a minute or more before they entered the kitchen.
13 The place was empty. They refastened the back door, examined the kitchen, pantry, and scullery thoroughly, and at last went down into the cellar. There was not a soul to be found in the house, search as they would.
14 Daylight found the vicar and his wife, a quaintly-costumed little couple, still marveling about on their own ground floor by the unnecessary light of a guttering candle.
Source: The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells, 1897 (public domain)
6 The point of view from which the story is told gives the reader insight into —
A both Mr. and Mrs. Buntings’ fears right AnsWer: Third-person POV lets the reader experience both of the Buntings' fears.
B the reason the robber went to the Buntings’ home
Wrong AnsWer: Although we can assume the robber needed money, we are not given any idea that that is the reason he robbed the Buntings.
C Mrs. Bunting’s suspicion about Mr. Bunting Wrong AnsWer: Mrs. Bunting only appeared to look at Mr. Bunting with interrogating eyes…as he did too.
D the Buntings’ feelings about each other Wrong AnsWer: Nothing in the passage indicates how the Buntings feel about each other – inferring or stated outright.
8 Read the sentences from the selection.He stood there in the hall undecided what to do, and Mrs. Bunting, her face white and intent, crept slowly downstairs after him. (paragraph 3)
Gripping the poker firmly, he rushed into the room, closely followed by Mrs. Bunting. (paragraph 4)
Based on these sentences, the reader can infer that Mrs. Bunting —
A doesn’t trust Mr. Bunting Wrong AnsWer: There is no evidence of a lack of trust.
B wants to keep an eye on Mr. Bunting Wrong AnsWer: Although she is following Mr. Bunting, there is nothing to infer her keeping an eye on him.
C has poor eyesight and needs Mr. Bunting to go first
Wrong AnsWer: Her eyesight is never mentioned in the passage.
D is scared and prefers to follow Mr. Bunting right AnsWer: The fact that Mrs. Bunting's face was white, she was creeping, and Mr. Bunting had a poker in his hand lead the reader to infer that she was fearful and wanted him to go first.
A At the Bunting house, a robber makes a mess while trying to steal their money.
Wrong AnsWer: Nothing is mentioned about the house being a mess.
B When the Buntings hear a noise in their house, they realize a robber is stealing from them, but they are unable to see him.
right AnsWer: This summary mentions the main idea and supporting details.
C When she hears a noise, Mrs. Bunting decides not to wake her husband and instead tries to find the source on her own.
Wrong AnsWer: Mrs. Bunting does not investigate on her own.
D A robber decides to steal food at the Bunting house and has an allergic reaction.
Wrong AnsWer: Although the robber sneezes, we do not know that he has an allergic reaction.
Exercise Reasoning
10 The darkness of the night contributes to the story plot by —
A creating a sense of fear in the characters right AnsWer: The time of day adds to the mood of the story and the plot because it makes the main characters fearful.
B making the burglar's actions invisible Wrong AnsWer: Darkness does not have the ability to make things invisible.
C providing the burglar a place to hide in the garden
Wrong AnsWer: By then it was dawn, and there was faint light in the garden.
D leading Mrs. Bunting to plead with Mr. Bunting not to go outside
Wrong AnsWer: She does not plead with him not to go outside.
11 A theme expressed in this story centers on —
A two heads being better than one Wrong AnsWer: Although the Buntings worked together, that is not the theme.
B never giving up Wrong AnsWer: The Buntings did continue looking for the robber, but this is not the theme.
C thinking things through before you take action
right AnsWer: The Buntings should have thought things through before they went after a burglar.
D appreciating what you have Wrong AnsWer: The Buntings did appreciate what they had.
Literary Text/Fiction: Full-Length Passage #3 Mixed Practice
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Toads and DiamondsBy Andrew Lange
1 Once upon a time there lived a widow with two daughters. The elder was often mistaken for her mother, so like her was she both in nature and in looks; parent and child being so disagreeable and arrogant that no one could live with them.
2 The younger girl, who took after her father in the gentleness and sweetness of her disposition, was also one of the prettiest girls imaginable. The mother doted on the elder daughter naturally enough, since she resembled her so closely—and disliked the younger one as intensely. She made the latter live in the kitchen and work hard from morning till night.
3 One of the poor child’s many duties was to go twice a day and draw water from a spring a good half-mile away, bringing it back in a large pitcher. One day when she was at the spring an old woman came up and begged for a drink.
4 “Why, certainly, good mother,” the pretty lass replied. Rinsing her pitcher, she drew some water from the cleanest part of the spring and handed it to the dame, lifting up the jug so that she might drink the more easily.
5 Now this old woman was a fairy, who had taken the form of a poor village dame to see just how far the girl’s good nature would go. “You are so pretty,” she said, when she had finished drinking, “and so polite, that I am determined to bestow a gift upon you. This is the boon I grant you: with every word that you utter there shall fall from your mouth either a flower or a precious stone."
6 When the girl reached home she was scolded by her mother for being so long in coming back from the spring.
Question 1This information helps the reader understand that the word arrogant in paragraph 1 means —
D self-centered
Knowing that a person who "claims for oneself" is arrogant along with substituting the answer choices helps the reader conclude that self-centered is the best choice for this sentence.
Question 3The mother’s interaction with the younger daughter contributes to the plot by—
C exposing how far the mother will go to hurt the younger girl
The mother was willing to do anything to hurt the girl and this is necessary to move the plot along.
Question 6The young girl’s actions in this excerpt reveal that she —
A desires to help people in need
She knew the woman was old and could not do this on her own, and she wanted to help her. There is no evidence for choices B or C, and the girl had no idea the woman was a fairy.Sa
7 “I am sorry to have been so long, Mother,” said the poor child.
8 As she spoke these words there fell from her mouth three roses, three pearls, and three diamonds.
9 “What’s this?” cried her mother; “did I see pearls and diamonds dropping out of your mouth? What does this mean, dear daughter?” (This was the first time she had ever addressed her daughter affectionately.)
10 The poor child told a simple tale of what had happened, and in speaking scattered diamonds right and left.
11 “Really,” said her mother, “I must send my own child there. Come here, Fanchon; look what comes out of your sister’s mouth whenever she speaks! Wouldn’t you like to be able to do the same? All you have to do is to go and draw some water at the spring, and when a poor woman asks you for a drink, give it her very nicely.”
12 ‘‘Oh, indeed!” replied the ill-mannered girl; ‘‘don’t you wish you may see me going there!”
13 “I tell you that you are to go,” said her mother, “and to go this instant.”
14 Very sulkily the girl went out taking with her the best silver flagon in the house. No sooner had she reached the spring than she saw a lady, magnificently attired, who came towards her from the forest, and asked for a drink. This was the same fairy who had appeared to her sister, masquerading now as a princess in order to see how far this girl’s ill nature would carry her.
15 “Do you think I have come here just to get you a drink?” said the loutish damsel, arrogantly. “I suppose you think I brought a silver flagon here specially for that purpose it’s so likely, isn’t it? Drink from the spring, if you want to!”
16 “You are not very polite,” said the fairy, displaying no sign of anger. “Well, in return for your lack of courtesy I decree that for every word you utter a snake or a toad shall drop out of your mouth.”
17 The moment her mother caught sight of her coming back she cried out, “Well, daughter?”
Question 7The younger daughter’s response in paragraph 7 reveals that she treats her mother with—
B respect
By apologizing for being late, she is showing respect.
Question 2What does masquerading mean in paragraph 14?
18 “Well, mother?” replied the rude girl. As she spoke a viper and a toad were spat out of her mouth.
19 “Gracious heavens!” cried her mother, “what do I see? Her sister is the cause of this, and I will make her pay for it!” Off she ran to thrash the poor child, but the latter fled away and hid in the forest nearby. The king’s son met her on his way home from hunting, and noticing how pretty she was inquired what she was doing all alone, and what she was weeping about.
20 “Alas, sir,” she cried, “my mother has driven me from home!”
21 As she spoke the prince saw four or five pearls and as many diamonds fall from her mouth. He begged her to tell him how this came about, and she told him the whole story.
22 The king’s son fell in love with her, and reflecting that such a gift as had been bestowed upon her was worth more than any dowry, which another maiden might bring him, he took her to the palace of his royal father, and there married her.
23 As for the sister, she made herself so hateful that even her mother drove her out of the house. Nowhere could the wretched girl find anyone who would take her in, and at last she lay down in the forest and died.
Source: The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lange, London: Longmans, Green, 1889.
4 How does the setting influence the plot of the story?
A The incidents at the spring highlighted aspects of the girls’ characters.
right AnsWer: When the younger girl goes to the spring, she helps an old woman (really a fairy), revealing that she is a kind, helpful girl. When the older sister goes to the spring, she meets the same woman (fairy) who is now a princess. She refuses to help the princess, showing her nasty attitude.
B The circumstances in the forest contribute to the conflict the young girl experiences.
Wrong AnsWer: By the time the younger daughter enters the forest, the conflict was already in place.
C The prince’s appearance in the forest changes the story from a moral to a romantic tale.
Wrong AnsWer: While the prince's appearance introduces an element of love, it does not change the story from a moral to a love story.
D The older sister’s attitude would have been different if she had remained at home.
Wrong AnsWer: The older daughter's attitude was bad all the time. It was not influenced by the setting.
5 The point of view from which the story is told gives the reader insight into —
A the mother’s sadness at the death of her husband
Wrong AnsWer: The mother was never sad over her husband’s death.
B the reasons the older sister despises her younger sister
Wrong AnsWer: It is never stated that the older girl hated the younger girl.
C the differences between the two daughters right AnsWer: The third person POV allows the reader to see how the two girls are different.
D the prince’s gratitude to the fairy Wrong AnsWer: The prince never knew about the fairy.
Exercise Reasoning
8 What is the best summary of the story?
A A fairy casts a spell on two daughters, and they use the spell to make diamonds and snakes. The mother wants the younger daughter to run away so the older daughter can marry a prince.
Wrong AnsWer: This does not tell the story in the correct way.
B After a fairy casts a spell on a woman’s younger daughter, she wants her older daughter to have a spell too. The younger daughter runs away so she can marry a prince.
Wrong AnsWer: This is not what happens in the story.
C A mother wants her older daughter to get a spell like her younger daughter, but the older daughter’s spell is bad. The mother blames the younger daughter, who runs away. The young daughter finds and marries a prince, and the older daughter ends up alone.
right AnsWer: This gives the plot correctly and in the right order.
D A young daughter wants a spell, so she has a fairy give her one. Then her older sister decides she wants one. Once the mother finds out that the older daughter receives a bad spell, she goes after the younger daughter. Then a prince asks the younger sister to marry him.
Wrong AnsWer: The younger girl does not have a fairy give her a spell.
9 A theme expressed in this story centers on —
A diamonds being a girl’s best friend Wrong AnsWer: Diamonds were not a main part of this story.
B knowing what goes around comes around right AnsWer: The fact that if you do wrong it will come back to you is a strong message in the story.
C appreciating what you have Wrong AnsWer: The older girl does not learn to appreciate what she has.
D he who has the gold, rules Wrong AnsWer: This was not learned by anyone in the story.
Literary Text/Literary Nonfiction Full-Length Passage #1 Mixed Practice Read the selection and choose the best answer to each
question.
Reagan’s Reply 1 In 1984, Andy, a seventh-grader from South Carolina
wrote a letter to then President Ronald Reagan. In his letter,
Andy wrote, “Today my mother declared my bedroom a
disaster area. I would like to request federal funds to hire a
crew to clean up my room.”
2 Here is a copy of Reagan’s reply:
3 Andy Smith Irmo, South Carolina May 11, 1984
4 Dear Andy:
5 I'm sorry to be so late in answering your letter, but as you know, I've been in China and found your letter here upon my return.
6 Your application for disaster relief has been duly noted, but I must point out one technical problem: the authority declaring the disaster is supposed to make the request. In this case your mother.
7 However, setting that aside, I'll have to point out the larger problem of available funds. This has been a year of disasters: 539 hurricanes as of May 4th and several more since, numerous floods, forest fires, drought in Texas, and a number of earthquakes. What I'm getting at is that funds are dangerously low.
8 May I make a suggestion? This administration, believing that government has done many things that could better be done by volunteers at the local level, has sponsored a Private Sector Initiative program, calling upon people to practice volunteerism in the solving of a number of local problems.
9 Your situation appears to be a natural. I'm sure your mother was fully justified in proclaiming your room a disaster. Therefore, you are in an excellent position to launch another volunteer program to go along with the more than 3,000 already underway in our nation — congratulations.
10 Give my best regards to your mother.
Sincerely, Ronald Reagan
Question 7The details in paragraph 1 help the reader infer that –
D Andy has a sense of humor
Andy does have a sense of humor as a 7th grader to send this letter. There is no evidence to support answer choices A, B, or C.
Question 4Reagan includes the question in paragraph 8 most likely to –
D suggest a change to Andy’s idea
Reagan is trying to move Andy towards starting a volunteer program that might fit his situation - becoming a help to the nation, instead of a taker.
Question 2Ronald Reagan uses this sentence to explain how his disaster relief fund –
C only allowed him to help real disasters
If funds are low, he could not have helped a boy trying to be funny.
Question 1In paragraph 6, the word relief means –
A assistance
Applying indicates that you need assistance.
Question 6What is ironic about Andy requesting disaster relief?
A Andy realizes that the one who declared his room a disaster had to request help.
Andy went over his mother’s head to get help, but she has to apply for the help.
A She thought that telling her son about his room would encourage him to clean it.
right AnsWer: Telling Andy his room was a disaster should have encouraged him to clean.
B She gave her son an ultimatum to get his room cleaned or she would have to rope it off.
Wrong AnsWer: He was not given an ultimatum.
C She concentrated on a plan to get him help from the community to start a new volunteer program.
Wrong AnsWer: She did not get him set up with community help. This was a suggestion from the President to encourage Andy to do something for the community.
D She came to the conclusion that her son must have had a natural occurrence in his room.
Wrong AnsWer: She knew it was not something in nature that caused the room’s mess.
Exercise Reasoning
8 Which sentence from the passage best shows that Reagan most likely agrees with Andy’s mother about the condition of his room?
A I'm sorry to be so late in answering your letter, but as you know, I've been in China and found your letter here upon my return.
Wrong AnsWer: This just indicates that he was late in responding.
B … the authority declaring the disaster is supposed to make the request. In this case your mother.
Wrong AnsWer: This just lets the reader know that his mother can declare the disaster.
C I'm sure your mother was fully justified in proclaiming your room a disaster.
right AnsWer: Saying his mother was justified reveals that he agrees with Andy's mother.
D Give my best regards to your mother. Wrong AnsWer: Reagan is telling Andy to acknowledge Andy's mother for him.
9 The tone of President Reagan’s letter is –
A scolding Wrong AnsWer: No words used indicate a scolding.
B hopeful Wrong AnsWer: He may be hopeful that Andy cleans his room, but the tone is not hopeful.
C light-hearted right AnsWer: The words used indicate light-heartedness: “the authority declaring the disaster is supposed to make the request. In this case your mother.
D dismissive Wrong AnsWer: Reagan does not dismiss Andy's problem.
5 What lesson does Andy learn from reading the President’s letter?
A Respect other people’s property. Wrong AnsWer: He was not disrespecting someone else’s property.
B Money doesn’t buy happiness. Wrong AnsWer: Andy wasn’t looking for money for happiness.
C Sometimes you should listen to other’s advice.
right AnsWer: Andy needs to listen to the President’s advice.
D Be thankful for the things your parents give you.
Wrong AnsWer: Andy did not receive anything, so he isn't focusing on himself.
Literary Text/Literary Nonfiction Full-Length Passage #2 Mixed Practice
Apples AppealJanuary 1980
1 I’m ready to move out of the hustle of Houston life
and into the quiet Hill Country. I won’t miss the stress
of my life as a petroleum geologist. Besides, it seems
that the oil business is starting to drop off. I think
ranching might be a good change of pace for our family.
Next weekend we will begin the search for a good piece
of land in the Texas Hill Country.
June 1980
2 After months of searching, we’ve finally found the
right place. The land is in Bandera County, about ten
miles west of the small town of Medina. The property
is a little bit neglected and run down but has some
beautiful bottomland and lots of water from the creek
that runs through it. There is a beautiful spot for a
home nestled in a grove of trees on top of a hill. We
camped there last night, and I woke to a majestic
sunrise. The land has never been used as cropland,
and there seems to be an abundant supply of grass and
water. I think cattle will do well here.
August 1980
3 This has been a dry summer. There’s been so little
rain and the few cows that we own have eaten every bit
of the grass. There’s hardly a blade of grass left
on the ranch. I need to sell the cattle since there
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
In 1980, Baxter and Carol Adams established Love Creek Orchards, Texas’ first successful commercial apple orchard. Read the following entries from Baxter’s journal to learn more about these modern-day agricultural pioneers.
Question 1What is the main point of the August 1980 journal entry?
A The dry summer showed the Adams that their land was not well-suited for raising cattle.
The Adams decided to sell their cows and figure something else to do on their land.Sa
4 Which sentence from the June 1987 journal entry best supports the idea that Love Creek Orchards has expanded beyond the orchards?
A We now have approximately 10,000 apple trees.
Wrong AnsWer: We do not know if this expanded the orchards.
B We’ve brought in members of our family to act as sales managers and production managers for our orchards.
Wrong AnsWer: Bringing in family members for the orchards is not expanding beyond the orchards.
C We are experimenting with several exotic apple varieties, a vineyard, and maple seedlings.
Wrong AnsWer: Experimenting with different varieties of apples has to do with the orchards.
D We have a small shop in a nearby town where we sell our apples, fresh cider, apple products, and handcrafted goods.
right AnsWer: Adding a shop that sells more products shows an expansion.
Exercise Reasoning
5 How does the setting influence the plot of the story?
A The decline in the oil industry contributes to Baxter Adam’s conflict.
Wrong AnsWer: The oil industry does not have anything to do with his conflict.
B The condition of the land in Medina inspires Baxter to try new things.
right AnsWer: The fact that the land could not be used to raise cows inspired Baxter to try something new, which caused the diary entries to evolve in a new direction.
C The citizens become influential characters in Baxter’s journal.
Wrong AnsWer: The citizens were not influential.
D Baxter’s family encourages him to work harder to make more money
Wrong AnsWer: The family was not motivated by money.
6 What lesson does Baxter Adams learn while spending time in his orchards?
A Weather usually has complex effects on nature.
Wrong AnsWer: Weather was not a problem with the orchards.
B If you do many things, you will have better results.
Wrong AnsWer: They did not do many things in the orchards. They only grew apples.
C Being persistent with something helps it to be successful.
right AnsWer: They had to be persistent with learning how to grow the apples, what needed to be done on the land, what kind of apples to grow, etc. All of this helped them to be successful.
D Things happen in their own time frame. Wrong AnsWer: This was not something learned while being in the orchards.
Literary Text/Literary Nonfiction Full Length Passage #3 Mixed Practice
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Meatloaf1 The orange light of sunset shown in the window as
I worked on my math homework. Math is my favorite
subject. My pencil moved like a flash as I labored
through first the section on fractions, then the
page of long division. Not expecting the phone to
ring, I was startled to hear the sound. The caller ID said
it was Dad.
2 “Hey, Adam!” Dad tried being upbeat, but I could tell
something was up. “I hate to ask this, but I’ve had an
unexpected delay in my project. Seems like first it’s one
thing, then another, and there’s always a snag with that
other company! I need to catch the contractor between
now and five o’clock. If I stay here until five, the traffic
will be so bad that there’s no way I’ll be home in time to
get supper on the table at a decent hour. Do you think
you could help me by fixing dinner tonight? It’s
pretty straightforward.”
3 Puzzled, I decided to see if I could at least find what
needed to be cooked. Walking to the refrigerator, I saw
the recipe card: meatloaf. “Is it this meatloaf card that’s
on the refrigerator?”
Question 3The author includes this sentence most likely to show–
A how fast Adam was completing his math work
If your pencil moves like a flash, it is going fast. Think of a flash of lightning – it is quick.
Question 1Which meaning of decent is used in paragraph 2 of the selection?
D Definition 4 (suitable, appropriate)
The words suitable/appropriate are the best substitution for the word decent. Supper at a suitable time.
Question 4What can the reader infer about the author’s father?
D He believed that his son was capable of stepping in to help out.
If the father did not believe his son could make the meal, he would not have called to ask him. He walked him through where everything was for the meal and was confident that he could do it.Sa
2. Using a fork, mix the first seven ingredients together well.
3. Put into loaf pan and bake one hour.
4. Wash the potatoes and pierce each one several times with a fork. Place the potatoes on the oven rack to bake while the meatloaf cooks. They will take about one hour.
5. Remove potatoes and pan of meatloaf using potholders.
6. Serves 4-6 people, depending on how hungry they are.
4 “If that’s where Mom put the recipe, yes. Read the
ingredients to me.” After I read the list, Dad said, “Go to
the pantry and verify that we have that much bread.”
5 I was perturbed that so much was being asked: not
only the cooking, but also the hunting of ingredients.
Couldn’t they at least have the ingredients on
hand? Instead I said nothing and went to the pantry. I
picked up a wad of orange-brown plastic to spy only the
heel. “Nope.”
6 “I think your mom has used oatmeal when she
doesn’t have bread. Get the oatmeal, then, and see how
full it is,” Dad continued. I reported that the seal of the
oatmeal carton was intact. “Great — that’ll work, then.
Use up that heel since no one wants it anyway, and
we can hide it in the meatloaf. Fill up the remainder of
that half-cup portion with the oats. Okay — everything
else, we should have. I’ve got to get back to calling this
contractor. I’m sorry for the trouble, but I know you
Question 9The directions in this story are about how to –
B make meatloaf and baked potatoes
Question 2What does the word perturbed mean in paragraph 5 of the selection?
B Bothered
The author is bothered by what is being asked of him.
Question 6The author includes the question in paragraph 5 most likely to –
D imply that Adam is frustrated with what is being asked of him
Adam was frustrated because he didn't want to search for ingredients. He thought they should have everything on hand for a meal that needed to be made.Sa
7 Read the following sentences from the selection.
“There!” I proclaimed with a level of satisfaction. (paragraph 8)
“It was me, Mom,” I asserted with my chest out and a smile on my face. (paragraph 11)
What idea does Adam communicate with these sentences?
A He didn’t really want to cook the meatloaf. Wrong AnsWer: While this is indicated in the passage, Adam not wanting to make the meatloaf is not communicated by these two sentences.
B He was proud of what he had accomplished. right AnsWer: Being satisfied and sticking his chest out with a smile illustrate that Adam was proud.
C He would rather cook than do his homework. Wrong AnsWer: The idea communicated by the sentences is not Adam's attitude toward his homework.
D He was concerned about being asked to make the meatloaf.
Wrong AnsWer: Adam was concerned, but that is not the idea communicated in these two sentences.
8 What information is included in the selection, but missing from the recipe?
A Piercing the potatoes Wrong AnsWer: Piercing the potatoes is in paragraph 9 of the selection and Step 4 of the recipe.
B Preheating the oven Wrong AnsWer: Preheating the oven is mentioned in paragraph 9 of the selection and Step 1 of the recipe.
C Using potholders Wrong AnsWer: Potholders are mentioned in Step 5 of the recipe, but not in the selection.
D Using oatmeal right AnsWer: The oatmeal is mentioned in the selection, but not in the recipe. The recipe refers to breadcrumbs, not oatmeal.
Literary Text/Poetry Full-Length Passage #1 Mixed PracticeRead the poem and choose the best answer to each question.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy EveningBy Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
5 My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
10 To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sounds the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
15 And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Source: Poem Hunter (www.poemhunter.com/poem)
Question 2What is the effect of the repetition of the last two lines of the poem?
A Reveals a literal and metaphorical interpretation to the lines
The lines refer to the fact that he literally has miles to go before he sleeps for the night, and metaphorically speaking, he has miles to go to complete the work he has left to do in life before he sleeps in death.
Question 1Why does the speaker stop by the woods?
C He is drawn to the quietly falling snow and is inspired to watch.
Lines 3 and 4 are evidence as to why he stops.
Question 3Which line in the poem reminds the speaker that he cannot linger in the woods?
D But I have promises to keep
If he has promises to keep, he cannot linger in the woods.
1 The reader can conclude that the speaker’s flower –
A was only stolen for its beauty Wrong AnsWer: The reason it was stolen is not given.
B grew in beautiful gardens Wrong AnsWer: There is no mention of beautiful gardens.
C was a weed and no one liked it Wrong AnsWer: It was called a weed, but after the speaker planted it and it was later sown far and wide, people called it splendid and they liked it.
D offered something new to people right AnsWer: When the speaker planted the flower, it grew to be beautiful, and the people liked the new plant.
Exercise Reasoning
3 This poem is mostly about someone who –
A decides to follow what everyone else does and calls the flower a weed
Wrong AnsWer: The speaker does not call the flower a weed, nor does he follow everyone else.
B has a new idea that people cannot accept at first, but after time they decide it is good
right AnsWer: The speaker saw the beauty in the flower even though no one else did, so he grew the flower, and people came to like it. The flower is a metaphor for something new that people had a hard time accepting.
C goes into the neighbor's yard, steals his idea, and gives it to everyone
Wrong AnsWer: This is not what happened. Others came into the speaker's property and stole the seed.
D tries the same method for creating a flower and is not successful because people call it a weed
Wrong AnsWer: He didn't create the flower. The flower was already there, and he planted the seed and grew beautiful flowers in his garden.
5 Which lines from the poem best suggest that the speaker’s idea is accepted?
A Once in a golden hour/I cast to earth a seed Wrong AnsWer: This lets us know he planted the flower.
B Sow'd it far and wide/By every town and tower,
Wrong AnsWer: This lets us know that the people who stole the seeds planted them over a wide area.
C Most can raise the flowers now,/For all have got the seed.
right AnsWer: The people took the seeds and grew the flower if they wanted to. The flower is now common and accepted.
D And some are pretty enough,/And some are poor indeed;
Wrong AnsWer: This explains what happened when they planted the flower. Not all of the plants look alike.
Literary Text/Drama Full-Length Passage #1 Mixed PracticeRead the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
A Lesson in MannersAdapted from a story by the same name in Fifty Famous People, by James Baldwin, New York: American Book Company, 1912
Characters:
James, Mr. Boyle’s delivery man
Annie, a servant girl
Dean Swift, the owner of the home
Scene 1
1 A large entry hall in Dean Swift’s home. Window
flanking each side of the door look out on Dean Swift’s
manicured gardens. In the adjoining drawing room
is a fireplace with fire burning. On the walls are four
bracketed gas lamps. The room contains a large writing
table, a sofa and two overstuffed chairs. Annie is
dusting the furniture in the drawing room.
2 At the rise of curtain, a knocking is heard on the
front door. Annie swiftly sets aside her cleaning and
moves to answer the door.
3 Annie: (opens the door) May I help you, sir?
4 James: (steps in from outside and hands Annie a
recently killed fine duck) Here’s a present for the Dean.
It’s from Mr. Boyle.” (He turns and walks away.)
Scene 2
5 A few days later in Dean Swift’s entry hall. There is
an insistent knocking on the door.
6 Annie: (opens the door) Oh, Mr. James, I wasn’t
expecting you. What can I do for you today?
7 James: Well, you know Mr. Boyle spends most of
his time hunting. He thinks highly of Dean Swift, so he’s
Question 1Why does the playwright include the stage directions at the beginning of Scene 1?
D To provide information about the setting of the story
This introduction allows the reader to see where the play is about to take place -- the entry hall, its appearance, how it is furnished, and what is happening as the curtain rises.
Question 2What does the word insistent mean in paragraph 5?
A Repeated
This definition best fits that the door is being knocked on continuously. The person is insisting that the door be opened by knocking repeatedly.
3 In Scene 3, the dialogue between Annie and James reveals that Annie –
A does not appreciate James’s actions right AnsWer: Annie saying “That man!” and shaking her head shows she does not like what James is doing.
B enjoys talking to James Wrong AnsWer: She shut the door firmly, which shows she does not like to talk to James.
C refuses to clean the quail Wrong AnsWer: Nothing points to the fact that she will not clean the quail.
D is outspoken around Dean Swift Wrong AnsWer: Dean Swift doesn't criticize James. He only tells Annie that he will speak to him the next time he comes.
Exercise Reasoning
4 Which of the following lines does the playwright include to show that Dean Swift is supportive?
A Dean Swift: (shaking James’ hand) See, there, young man. Don’t forget this lesson in manners. The next time your bear gifts to anyone’s home, be sure to be polite.
Wrong AnsWer: Dean is not being supportive to James; just giving him a word of notice on how to behave.
B Dean Swift: Annie, did you say something to me? (notices Annie’s agitated state) What seems to be the problem here?
Wrong AnsWer: Asking Annie what is going on does not show support.
C Dean Swift: (bows gracefully) If you please, sir, Mr. Broyle’s compliments, and he wishes you to accept this fine rabbit.
Wrong AnsWer: This is Dean play-acting with James, not showing support.
D Dean Swift: Let me know the next time he comes. I will go to the door.
right AnsWer: Letting Annie know that he will go to the door shows that Dean is supportive of Annie’s plight.
5 The playwright uses the sound of pounding throughout the play mainly to –
A illustrate to the audience about the thickness of the door
Wrong AnsWer: This is not showing that the door is thick; that would have no bearing on the play.
B give the Dean a reason to answer the door Wrong AnsWer: The pounding does not make Dean answer the door; he only answers after he sees that Annie is annoyed.
C help the audience understand James’s attitude
right AnsWer: By pounding on the door, James is showing his annoying attitude; he could just knock, not pound.
D indicate how Annie knocks on the door Wrong AnsWer: Annie is not knocking on the door.
8 Which line does the playwright include to show that Amanda is surprised?
A Amanda: Freddy—the boy you were engaged to before the war?
right AnsWer: The fact that she asks this as a question shows her surprise about Freddy.
B Amanda: Deanna, what are you thinking about? You seem lost in time.
Wrong AnsWer: This shows that Amanda is concerned about her friend.
C Amanda: (speaking softly) And he never did.
Wrong AnsWer: This does not have enough detail to reveal anything about Amanda.
D Amanda: Reckon we’ll have to shop in San Marcos now.
Wrong AnsWer: This just shows that Amanda and Deanna have to find a new place to shop.
Exercise Reasoning
9 Deanna: (sternly interrupting) THAT’S RIGHT Joey and I got married and THAT’s supposed to make everything FINE. (Deanna faces Amanda, both hands thrown down, crying harder).
What is ironic about Deanna’s statement about marrying Joey?
A Deanna does not want to reveal that she really did not want to marry Freddy.
Wrong AnsWer: This does not indicate that she did not want to marry Freddy. It only reveals that marrying Joey was supposed to solve her problems.
B Deanna lies about her feelings to Amanda. Wrong AnsWer: She is not lying at this time.
C Deanna realizes that marrying Joey may not have been what she wanted.
right AnsWer: The bold capitals of THAT’s and FINE shows that Deanna may have been wrong. And the fact that she cries.
D Deanna has Joey and their children even though she doesn’t have Freddy.
Wrong AnsWer: This fact isn't mentioned in this statement.
Literary Text/Multiple Themes Page 271 C2 Paragraph 1 supports the first theme, and paragraph 2 supports the second theme.
Page 281 C2 A3 Change of power: She at least acknowledged that others would now have to share the meal preparation: she hadn’t room to dictate the entire menu. Change vs. tradition: This meant instead of the standards, Health Kick Aunt Ouida brought kale, which is not as bad as you think, and there was homemade vanilla ice cream for dessert because Sister Netty couldn’t shut up about her new ice-cream maker.
Literary Text/Conventions in Myths and Epic TalesPage 301 B2 B3 D4 A5 C
Page 311 C2 D3 B
Literary Text/Influence of Place and Time on ThemePage 321 D2 B3 A
Page 331 C2 D3 A
Page 341 B2 D3 A4 B
Page 351 B2 D3 The physical act of the curtains rising affected Crystal, but her preparation kept her calm and collected.
Literary Text/Sensory LanguagePage 361 C2 D
Page 371 A2 C3 A4 C
Page 381 B2 C3 D
Page 391 A2 C3 A
Page 401 D2 A3 D4 C
Page 411 Each game a player is involved in is new. There are never two exactly the same. So he means that everything Tex was about to do was something he had never done before.2 C3 B
Page 551 C2 B3 A4 Several times Marty calls to Caitlin to get started on the chores. Because Caitlin ignores him, they do not finish their chores. Because of this, they have sandwiches and not pizza for dinner.5 Because Caitlin was older, Marty chose to not “tell” her to start the chores. If he did, the conflict would have been resolved, and the chores would have been done.6 A
Literary Text/Fiction: Point of ViewPage 581 C2 A3 D
Page 591 A2 The reader gets the full effect of LeAnn’s anguish because she is the one relating what she is feeling.3 C4 D
Page 741 C2 A3 D4 “Dear Diary," and personal account5 The author of the diary is a student on the first day of school - “This is not a good way to start the first day of school.” The author of the fictionalized account wrote it from the POV of a dog - Sometimes I wonder about my owners. Like today, the girl who’s supposed to feed me—didn’t even remember.
MARYLAND TRAVEL BLOGAlarms and Alerts Spring/Summer, 2016
1 A boom in the black bear population has forced rural homeowners and farmers in western Maryland to take aim at the problem themselves. Longtime residents say the potential for tragedy is high, especially with city dwellers headed for vacation hot spots like Deep Creek Lake where bear sightings are up dramatically.
2 “These bears will kill you over a candy bar because they want food,” says area resident Janna Barnes. “I’m worried that someone might get killed, and it will most likely be some kid walking around with a sandwich in his hand.”
3 Thanks to the state’s ban on hunting bears, the bear population is now about 400, compared with less than 200 a decade ago and up from an estimated low of 20 in 1953. The bears have no natural predators in Maryland, except cars and trucks. Western Maryland residents say the state needs to resurrect a bear-hunting season, something Maryland hasn’t had since 1953.
Informational Text/Media Literacy Full-Length Passage #1 Mixed Practice
Question 1Which synonym would best replace the word boom as it is used in paragraph 1?
C Number 3 (growth)
Substitution shows that growth fits the sentence – growth in the black bear population.
Question 3The reader can conclude that -
A food is the main attractor of bears
This sentence is evidence that the bears want food.
Question 2 The image is included in the selection most likely to –
B illustrate that many bears are coming into rural areas
The picture shows bears out of the woods and out in the open area. There are no people in the picture.Sa
4 Which emotion is the photograph most likely intended to evoke in the reader?
A Awe at how many bears there are Wrong AnsWer: The emotion is not "wonder" at the number of bears.
B Worry for the residents of Maryland right AnsWer: Three bears, especially a mother and her cubs, should cause the people in the area to be worried about what may happen.
C Excitement about seeing black bears Wrong AnsWer: People should not be excited for bears to be living in their area.
D Disappointment in the friendliness of the bears
Wrong AnsWer: The bears are not friendly.
Exercise Reasoning
5 The homeowners took things into their hands to –
A search for bears in their neighborhood Wrong AnsWer: They did not search for the bears.
B find the bears at Deep Creek Lake Wrong AnsWer: They were not trying to find bears at Deep Creek Lake.
C stop attacks before vacationers come right AnsWer: The residents are trying to get the state to end the hunting ban on the bears.
D leave the area before the bears take over Wrong AnsWer: They did not want to leave - they wanted the bears gone before tourists arrived.
6 The author included the Janna Barnes’ comments in this post to –
A explain why black bears are dangerous right AnsWer: Janna’s statement reinforces the fact that the bears are a problem.
B imply that the state does not know what it is doing
Wrong AnsWer: Her comments did not imply this idea.
C show that children are the most vulnerable Wrong AnsWer: Any person, no matter what age, is vulnerable if they have food.
D suggest that the black bears belong in the area
Wrong AnsWer: She does not mention that black bears belonged there.Sam
Informational Text/Media Literacy Full-Length Passage #2 Mixed PracticeRead the selections and choose the best answer to each question.
School Board Accepts Resignation of Travis Junior High Principal
1 School officials will be looking for a new junior
high school principal once Sabrina Rosson leaves
Feb. 5. Rosson’s letter of resignation was accepted
Monday by the district’s board of education. In her
letter, she expressed mixed feelings about leaving.
She has been hired by the Texas Education Agency
as Texas’ associate state director for STAAR testing.
Rosson is the fourth TJHS staff member to leave to
work for TEA in the past 12 months.
2 Superintendent James Hesson wished Rosson
well in her new endeavor. Rosson said she is looking
forward to gaining a new perspective on Texas
schools.
3 “I’m very excited,” Rosson said about her
new job. She will help schools develop STAAR
remediation programs, and so may visit Travis
Junior High periodically in that capacity.
Travis Junior High Principal Sabrina Rosson has resigned. Read the two passages below to see how the local newspaper reported the resignation and one citizen’s reaction to Rosson’s resignation.
Question 1The Latin root resignare, meaning "to check off, annul, cancel, give back, give up," helps the reader understand that the word resignation in paragraph 1 in the article means –
B departure
A letter of resignation is a departure from one’s job. The root definition "give up" helps the reader to infer this as the meaning.
Question 4What is most likely the reason that the author included paragraph 3 in the newspaper article?
D To give readers information about how Ms. Rosson feels
The paragraph lets the reader know that Rosson is “excited” about her new job.
Question 9 What can the reader conclude about Ms. Rosson?
B She may work at TJHS with TEA .
She could go work at TJHS as part of her job with TEA.
Question 2Which meaning of capacity is used in paragraph 3 of the article?
B Definition 2 (official role)
Ms. Rosson may be able to go to TJHS in her official role as associate state director for STAAR testing.
Informational Text/Procedural Full-Length Passage #1 Mixed PracticeRead the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Texting through the Night
1 Look around you almost any place you go. You are
probably surrounded by people who are using their
phones to talk, check their social media, and text. While
cellular phones have given us flexibility in many areas,
there are also harmful aspects to their use. If it’s not
bad enough that teens are constantly on their phones
during the day, a more alarming issue is that many
of them are texting throughout the night and causing
themselves harm by doing so. This trend is deeply
disturbing.
2 According to a 2015 report by the Pew Research Center,
88% of teens in the United States have access to a
mobile phone, and 73% of teens have a smartphone.
The study also revealed that teenagers use text
messaging more than any other form of communication.
The average number of text messages teens send
is more than 3400 per month. That’s up from an
average of 1500 messages per month in 2009. And that
number doesn’t even include the number of messages
sent through messaging services such as Facebook
Messenger™, WhatsApp™, and Snap Chat™.
Question 5Which emotion is the photograph most likely intended to evoke in the reader?
C Curiosity about the content of text messages
Seeing the girl under her covers, reading a text, and smiling makes the reader feel curious about what she is reading. Choices A and B are too broad, and choice D cannot be inferred from the article.
Question 6The image included with the article helps the reader understand –
C what teens are actually doing at night
It does show what the girl is doing at night. None of the other choices are things that can be determined from the photograph.
mature and set limits on yourself instead of waiting for
your parents to do so. By doing this, you will take a step
in the right direction toward becoming a responsible
decision maker.
Nine Steps to Breaking FreeFrom Your Phone’s Nocturnal Grasp
1. Set realistic limits for the amount of time you spend on your phone.
2. Don’t send emails or post on social media for at least an hour before you plan to go to bed.
3. Resist the urge to text after 10 p.m. Most things can wait until morning.
4. Turn off your phone when it is time to sleep.5. Remove the phone from your bedroom.6. Use an actual alarm clock rather than using your
phone’s alarm function.7. If you insist on having your phone at your
bedside, turn off the notifications.8. Learn how to use the “Do Not Disturb” mode on
your phone.9. Prepare yourself for symptoms of withdrawal.
This won’t be easy!
Question 3According to the information in “Nine Steps to Breaking Free From Your Phone’s Nocturnal Grasp,” when is the best time to stop sending emails?
D An hour before you go to bed
This is in Step 2.
Question 10The author organizes the selection by –
D stating a problem and then suggesting ways to resolve the problem
The article begins by describing night-time texting as the problem, and ends with a chart suggesting ways to stop the problem.
Exercise Reasoning4 The author wrote this selection most likely to –
A describe the steps to stop texting at night Wrong AnsWer: The steps are just one part of the selection.
B explain why texting at night is harmful right AnsWer: The author explains the research and why texting at night is harmful.
C present research about late night texting Wrong AnsWer: Research is only one part of the selection.
D show that teens should never text at night Wrong AnsWer: This is not correct according to the passage.
8 Which sentence from the selection states an opinion?
A This trend is deeply disturbing. right AnsWer: This is only how someone feels, maybe not everyone believes this is deeply concerning.
B All of this message sending takes time. Wrong AnsWer: This can be proven.
C A 2012 study conducted by researchers in Belgium found that late night texting affected the sleep cycles of nearly 45% of that country’s teens.
Wrong AnsWer: These are the objective findings of a research study and can be proven.
D Healthy, uninterrupted sleep increases alertness and creativity, as well as helping you be more productive and improving your general well being.
Wrong AnsWer: This can be proven.
9 Read these sentences from the selection.
If it’s not bad enough that teens are constantly on their phones during the day, a more alarming issue is that many of them are texting throughout the night and causing themselves harm by doing so. (paragraph 1)
Researchers are beginning to study the effects of late night texting on teens’ sleep habits and their rates of daytime sleepiness. (paragraph 4)
What idea does the author communicate in these sentences?
A Texting at night is harming teens. right AnsWer: Both sentences have information about the harmfulness of night texting.
B Phones are constantly affecting teens. Wrong AnsWer: This topic is not addressed in these sentences.
C Daytime sleepiness is a problem for adults. Wrong AnsWer: The sentences mention daytime sleepiness, but not specifically for adults.
D Phones increase the level of harmful texting. Wrong AnsWer: The phones don't increase the levels of texting. It is how teens choose to use their phones that affects the level of harmful texting.
Informational Text/Procedural Full-Length Passage #2 Mixed PracticeRead the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Designing Ideas
1 Go to any discount or department store and you will find display cases filled with jewelry. While the glitz and the glitter are certainly appealing, it all begins to look the same after a while. Did you ever long to have some accessories that are uniquely yours? If so, maybe you should consider designing your own jewelry. It’s really not as hard as you might think.
Search for Inspiration2 As in any situation where a person is designing
something new, you should begin by gathering ideas. Look at your own collection of jewelry. What things appeal to you? Are you drawn to a certain style of jewelry? You can take elements of pieces you already own and combine them to create a one-of-kind ornamental piece. Do you prefer bracelets to pendants, or are you particularly drawn to earrings? As you examine your assortment of jewelry, determine if there is a certain type of jewelry you might need. Perhaps you have several pairs of hoop earrings, but you need something different for more formal occasions. It’s always easier to justify the time and expense you’ll expend creating a new ornament when you know you really need it.
3 Don’t limit yourself to your jewelry. Study the jewelry of your family members and friends. Do they have pieces you particularly like? Look on television, in magazines and catalogs, and on the Internet. Visit sites like Pinterest and Etsy to see what other people are making and selling. Go to stores to see what’s trending this season. Decide if you like vintage, classic, or trendy
Question 1Which synonym would best replace the word accessories as it is used in paragraph 1?
C Number 3 (adornments)
Jewelry is an adornment for a person. So this is the best word to replace accessories.
Question 2Which meaning of ornamental is used in paragraph 2 of the selection?
B Definition 2 (decorative)
Jewelry is decorative, so that is the best definition for the word as it is used in the sentence.
Question 6The author includes questions in paragraph 2 most likely to –
D prompt the reader to think about what to make
The questions are trying to guide readers to decide what their area of interest may be in order to craft something in which they have an interest.
Question 4What emotion is the photograph most likely to evoke in the reader?
C Excitement about starting a new business
The picture paired with the selection indicates an excitement at starting a new business.
styles. Armed with all of this information, you’ll be ready to proceed to the next step of jewelry design.
Select Your Materials4 Most jewelry is made from a combination of metals
such as clasps, chains, and wires, which form the foundation for the piece of jewelry and hold the materials together. You might want to use beads or gemstones. This is very common when making rings and pendant necklaces. Depending on the style of the jewelry you are making, you may choose to use other elements such as twine, natural fibers, wood, seedpods, or other natural materials.
5 While you will probably have access to a greater variety of materials and you might even save a little money if you search websites for jewelry supplies, it is usually best for a novice designer to visit local craft stores or specialty shops. In larger cities, you can find entire stores that are exclusively devoted to the sale of beads and beading supplies and accessories. One of the benefits of patronizing a brick-and-mortar store is that you can get expert advice from the store’s staff. They will steer you to the best materials for your products and help you avoid costly mistakes. Specialty stores often offer classes from beginner levels all the way to advanced where you can work on projects with the guidance of an expert. An additional benefit is meeting other people with whom you have a common interest.
Make It Your Own6 As you learn new techniques and methods, you will
probably become more comfortable in creating your own designs. Keep pencil and paper close at hand so you can sketch out your designs based on your inspirations. Use graph paper and pencil to be sure your creations are balanced and to help you in determining the materials you need for your project. You will follow these designs as you fabricate your finished product. With any luck, you’ll create unique jewelry that will be
the envy of all your friends.
Question 8Paragraph 6 is mainly about the –
D reasons to make your own designs
Being creative and comfortable, using your own inspiration, and creating something unique are all reasons to make your own design.
Choices A & B are details, not the main idea. Choice C is incorrect because Pinterest and Etsy are not mentioned in paragraph 6.Sa
How to Make Beaded Necklaces1. Choose a length for your
necklace and purchase that much beading thread, plus a few extra inches.
2. Make sure you have enough beads, including spacer beads (the small beads that go between the larger beads). You will also need a clasp and two bead tips, which are used to secure the ends of your necklace so the clasp can be attached.
3. Lay your beads out on a flat surface atop a towel to keep them from rolling away. Determine the design of your necklace and in what order the beads will be strung.
4. Knot a thread end and use scissors to trim the excess thread. The knot should be at the very end of the thread, but not so close that it runs the risk of unknotting.
5. Place a small amount of craft glue on the knot to keep it from coming undone and allow it to dry.
6. Push the unknotted end of your thread through one open end of the bead tip and thread it through the hole. Pull the thread all the way through so that the knot you made rests firmly against the hole.
7. String your beads and then thread on the other bead tip so that the open end of the tip faces away from the strung beads.
8. Tie a loose knot in the thread end and use a long, straight pin to push the knot down into the open end of the bead tip. The knot should rest securely against the hole. Trim the excess thread and use pliers to close the bead tip.
9. Attach one clasp piece onto one bead tip hook so that the loops at the end of each are joined. Use the pliers to close one ring over the other. Repeat with the remaining clasp piece at the other end of the necklace.
Question 3What is the most likely reason the author has included “How to Make Beaded Necklaces” in the selection?
A To instruct readers about how to make a necklace
HINT: Look at the title!
The author provided this information for anyone wanting to start creating necklaces.
There are no bracelet directions, and describing beads is only a part of the selection. For choice D to be correct, this part of the selection would have to be a narrative. Instead, this is a procedural text.
Question 5The reader can conclude that the people completing the project in “How to Make a Beaded Necklace” would learn how to make it at –
B an arts and crafts store
Arts and Crafts stores sell beads and wire and provide classes on jewelry making.
The other 3 choices are not places where one can buy materials for or take classes in jewelry making.Sa
Exercise Reasoning7 Which sentence from the selection suggests that the author thinks you should research
before you start making jewelry? A Go to any discount or department store and
you will find display cases filled with jewelry.Wrong AnsWer: Looking at cases does not help you see what people are interested in, just what the store sells. Not only that, these are mass produced items.
B Visit sites like Pinterest and Etsy to see what other people are making and selling.
right AnsWer: When you are looking at Etsy and Pinterest, you are researching what items are currently being made.
C Decide if you like vintage, classic, or trendy styles.
Wrong AnsWer: This does not entail research. You only need to answer a question.
D An additional benefit is meeting other people with whom you have a common interest.
Wrong AnsWer: Meeting people does not necessarily mean you are researching them.
9 Based on the information in the selection, which of these places would the author most likely visit?
A Superstore Wrong AnsWer: While a superstore carries both jewelry and craft supplies, it is unlikely that it will have a great collection of jewelry making supplies.
B Department store Wrong AnsWer: Department stores usually sell jewelry, but they don't sell craft supplies.
C Jewelers’ supply store right AnsWer: A jewelry supply store would be the best place to visit since it would have the best selection of jewelry making supplies, as well as having employees who can give helpful advice.
D Bookstore Wrong AnsWer: A bookstore might sell books on designing and making jewelry, but the store won't have crafting supplies.
10 The selection is organized by —
A describing the process of starting a crafting business
right AnsWer: The selection relates the process of what needs to be accomplished to start a craft business - specifically a jewelry business.
B stating general information about crafting businesses
Wrong AnsWer: The selection contains specific, not general, information.
C outlining the development of a business from start to finish
Wrong AnsWer: There is no outline on the development of a business. There is no business plan, how to get funding, etc.
D comparing how to start a craft business to how to start an Etsy store
Wrong AnsWer: There is no comparison of a craft business to an Etsy store.
1 Show that you respect others by listening to them and talking in a polite manner. Do not look around at other things in the room or occupy yourself with other activities while you are involved in a conversation.
2 Never shout or use improper language. Cursing and vulgar language should not be a part of your conversations.
3 Carefully listen to what the other person is saying. Do not interrupt or decide what the person is saying before he or she has finished talking. Give the other person the opportunity to fully explain her position or feelings.
4 If you do not understand, ask questions. Remember, asking questions indicates that you are interested in what the other person is saying.
5 Do not dominate the conversation by taking it over. Let the other person have plenty of opportunities to respond to what you say.
6 Avoid criticism that is negative and general. Never attack the person. Instead, discuss the action. For example, rather than saying, “You ruined everything!” try to give a specific example of what is wrong and then say, “What do you think we can do to solve this problem?”
7 Accept responsibility for the things that you have said and done. Do not blame others for your actions.
8 Set a goal of enjoying, understanding, and trusting others. Then work toward achieving that goal.
4 How well you get along with others around you is greatly
influenced by the manner in which you communicate. It is
important for you to learn to express yourself clearly and
be a good listener. It takes attention and effort to develop
good relationships with others. Setting a goal of becoming
a good communicator is the first step toward developing
good relationships. If you make the effort to improve your
communication skills while you are young, you will find
that you will benefit from your efforts in all of your adult
relationships.
Question 5The most likely reason that the author has included "Steps to Improve Your Communication Skills" in the selection is to –
C give readers information on how to communicate effectively
Following these steps will help the reader be a better communicator.
This section is not about the study of communication, nor does it compare two forms of communication. Although there are some poor communication characteristics in the "Steps," that is not why this section is included.
Question 3Which meaning of dominate is used in Step 5 of "Steps to Improve Your Communication Skills"?
A Definition 1 (to rule over; govern; control)
If you are dominating the conversation, you are trying to control it.
Exercise Reasoning7 Which sentence from the selection states an opinion?
A People communicate their thoughts, feelings, and opinions through sending and receiving messages.
Wrong AnsWer: This is a statement of fact concerning the ways people communicate.
B Verbal communication is when you use words to express your ideas or feelings.
Wrong AnsWer: This statement defines verbal communication. A definition is a statement of fact.
C When you use your body to send a message, this is non-verbal communication.
Wrong AnsWer: This statement defines non-verbal communication. A definition is a statement of fact.
D How well you get along with others around you is greatly influenced by the manner in which you communicate.
right AnsWer: The word "greatly" indicates that this is an opinion.
9 The main idea of this selection is –
A you should ask questions if you do not understand
Wrong AnsWer: This is a detail from the selection. It is not the main idea of the entire selection.
B good communication is important in building good relationships
right AnsWer: The whole selection is about being able to communicate and that to have good relationships, you must have the ability to communicate well.
C you must accept responsibility for the things you say
Wrong AnsWer: This is a detail from the selection. It is not the main idea of the entire selection.
D communication can be both verbal and non-verbal
Wrong AnsWer: This is a detail from the selection. It is not the main idea of the entire selection.
10 The reader can conclude that the author –
A believes in showing respect when communicating
right AnsWer: Everything that the author discusses has to do with respect. Listening carefully, proper language, being careful of non-verbal language, and tone are several of the things mentioned.
B thinks taking over conversations is important
Wrong AnsWer: This would be the exact opposite of what the author believes. See step 5 in the graphic.
C agrees with using only verbal communication Wrong AnsWer: The author writes about properly using both verbal and non-verbal communication.
D recommends shouting over someone to be heard
Wrong AnsWer: Step 2 of the graphic shows that the author would not agree with this statement.
Informational Text/Expository Full-Length Passage #1 Mixed PracticeRead the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
The Evolution of the Hair Dryer
1 In the 1890s, French hairdresser Alexandre Godfrey invented the first hair dryer for use in his hair salon. His large, seated hair dryer consisted of a cap that was attached to the chimney pipe of a gas stove. It was not portable or handheld, but instead could only be used by having the person sit underneath it.
2 The idea of blow-drying hair at home originated in vacuum cleaner advertisements. An early 1900s advertisement for the Pneumatic Vacuum Cleaner showed a woman seated at her bathroom counter, drying her hair with a hose connected to the vacuum’s exhaust. The caption of the ad assured readers that while the front end of the vacuum sucked up and safely trapped dirt, the back end generated a “current of pure, fresh air from exhaust.” This ad planted the idea of blow-drying hair in the minds of the American public. A 1924 issue of Popular Mechanics instructed women how to make a hair dryer from a vacuum cleaner and an electric toaster.
3 The modern electric hair dryer is the offspring of two unrelated appliances — the vacuum cleaner
Question 1Which synonym would best replace the word cap as it is used in paragraph 1 of the passage?
C Number 3 (bonnet)
Bonnet is the best substitution for cap in the sentence.
Question 6The primary purpose of the diagram next to paragraph 2 is to -
A illustrate how a vacuum and toaster were used to create a blow dryer
Examine the diagram carefully. This picture is used to show how to make a hair dryer with a toaster and a vacuum.The type of vacuum cleaner is not listed, nor does the diagram mention different types of toasters. Choice D is incorrect since there are no steps listed.
and the blender. The development of a hand-held electric hair dryer was delayed by the absence of a small, efficient, low-powered motor. In 1910, this motor was developed for small appliances such as a blender. Thus, the hot-air exhaust of the vacuum cleaner was combined with the compact motor of the blender to produce the modern hair dryer. The first hair dryers were difficult to handle, heavy, and frequently overheated. However, it was more convenient for styling hair than the vacuum cleaner.
4 In the 1930s and 1940s, the hair dryer was greatly improved. The main focus for improving hair dryers was improving the wattage and the exterior materials. Since early hair dryers only operated on 100 watts of power, it took a long time to dry the hair. Modern hair dryer motors use up to 2000 watts of power and are much more efficient. Newer models also allowed for different temperature settings and speeds. Lightweight plastic models appeared on the market in the mid-twentieth century. These lightweight models were the best ones so far. Hair dryers were popular with women from their introduction, but it wasn’t until the late 1960s, when men began to experience the difficulty of drying and styling long hair, that the market for hair dryers rapidly expanded. As improvements have
been made, hair dryers have changed from noisy, bulky, heavy contraptions to the powerful and streamlined plastic models that people use today.
Question 2What does convenient mean in paragraph 3?
C useful
By substitution, the word useful is the best choice for a synonym.
Question 4Which of the following belongs in the empty box?
A A motor was developed for small appliances
Paragraph 4 states that this occurred in 1910. Godefrey developed his hair dryer in the 1890s. The referenced Popular Mechanics came out in 1924.Choices B and D occurred after the 1924 Popular Mechanics article.Choice C contains incorrect information.
Exercise Reasoning8 The images included in the article help the reader understand –
A how a blow dryer works Wrong AnsWer: Only one image shows how a blow dryer works.
B why the invention of the blow dryer is important
Wrong AnsWer: Neither image shows why the invention of the blow dryer was important.
C how the blow dryer has changed over time right AnsWer: From the first to the second image the reader can see how the blow dryer has changed over time.
D the materials used to make a blow dryer Wrong AnsWer: The second image does not give a good idea of the material used to make the blow dryer.
9 Which of these is the best summary of the article?
A In 1890, Alexandre Godefrey invented the first blow dryer. In the decades that followed improvements were made to the original design. Today the blow dryer is streamlined and lightweight.
right AnsWer: This summary has the pertinent information from the selection.
B Popular Mechanics had the first do-it-yourself instructions on how to make a blow dryer. Since then, women have tinkered with this design until the new streamlined blow dryer of today was created.
Wrong AnsWer: Women have not tinkered with the design of the blow dryer.
C Alexandre Godefrey created a bonnet attached to a stovepipe and called it a blow dryer. Popular Mechanics made improvements to this model and sold it through its magazine.
Wrong AnsWer: This is missing a lot of information about changes after the Popular Mechanics article.
D Men finally decide that they needed a machine to style their long hair, so Alexandre Godefrey created a stovepipe blow dryer using a vacuum cleaner. Today the blow dryer is lightweight and streamlined.
Wrong AnsWer: The fact that men decided that they needed to style their hair came much later and is only a small detail.
1 Clothing nonverbally communicates societal expectations and norms. What is acceptable, attractive, and reasonable is seen through children’s clothes. Clothing enables or inhibits movement. The style of clothing dictates how children are to act and look.
2 In the 1700s, young children’s clothing lacked gender distinction. In fact, even European men and women wore some gown or tunic lacking gender inclination. But when males divided their breeches, meaning their pants, everything changed. Male and female clothing became more distinctive. The breeches remained reserved for men and older boys, while women and younger boys continued wearing skirted items. Such gowns were considered appropriate for young boys.
3 Another influence on male styles was the ancient practice of swaddling babies. Originally people wrapped their infants in linen strips of cloth to immobilize them because they believed the practice was necessary to force babies’ limbs to grow straight. When medical concerns overruled and showed that this immobilization weakened the arms and legs, people stopped swaddling and placed the young children in loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that allowed freedom of movement. This became the most popular clothing style for the children. John Locke’s 1693 influential publication Some Thoughts Concerning Education highly influenced this movement. Locke’s ideas became popular and were so widely spread by other philosophers that by 1800 most English and American parents had ceased swaddling. The boys then began wearing male breeches about age five.
Informational Text/Expository Full-Length Passage #2 Mixed PracticeRead the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Question 1Which word from paragraph 1 helps the reader understand the meaning of the word inhibits in the paragraph?
B enables
The word or lets us know that the two words are opposite. That will help the reader understand that inhibits means to not enable.
Question 2What does swaddling mean in paragraph 3?
A Wrapping
The sentence after the word swaddling is used lets the reader know that it means wrapping.
Question 3In paragraph 3, the information about swaddling suggests that it –
D damaged the babies’ limbs
The swaddling weakened the babies' arms and legs.
Question 7The ideas in John Locke’s publication, Some Thoughts Concerning Education, were –
C embraced by other philosophers
The sentence says it was "widely spread" by other philosophers, which means they embraced it.
The Development of Boys’ Clothing Styles, 1500-1900
Babies and young children wore dresses. The dresses for both boys and girls were almost identical. By 5 to 7 years of age boys were put into small replicas of the styles worn by their fathers. There was little in the way of styles designed specifically with children in mind.
The fashion of the day was knee breeches for both men and boys. For the first time, some English parents at mid-century began dressing their sons in sailor suits. For the first time, some parents began to think of special styles designed specifically for children. In the latter part of the century new juvenile fashions developed, involving long trousers and frilly or ruffled open necked blouses.
Throughout the century, babies and toddlers were kept in dresses-- little different from those worn by their sisters. Both boys and girls wore white frilled lacy pantalets under their frocks which covered their legs to their ankles. Sometime between the ages of 3 to 6 years, boys were put into various styles of smocks, tunics or suits. Older boys were allowed to wear various boyish styles of suits, such as sailor suits.
Babies and toddlers were still kept in similar dresses. After they graduated from their toddler dresses at about 5 or 6 years of age, English boys were put into various styles of fancy suits, especially kilts, tunics with matching bloomers, and sailor suits. English styles greatly influence upper-class American dress and middle class Americans followed the styles adopted by the upper class.
A generation of American and British boys were introduced to fancy velvet suits, often with elaborate lace collars and trim. Some mothers added long hair and curls to complete the effect. While mothers often adored this style, it was generally despised by even the youngest boys.
Clothing styles for boys became somewhat less formal. Little boys emerged from dresses at earlier ages. Rompers for toddlers and little boys became popular nursery attire.
Exercise Reasoning8 Which sentence expresses the main idea of the selection?
A Boys’ clothing was gender-free until time and other influences caused it to change.
right AnsWer: Boys and girls wore the same clothing until the bifurcated breeches. This and the swaddling led to the clothing changes.
B Boys’ clothing during the 1700s consisted of smocks and gowns and hasn’t changed much today.
Wrong AnsWer: Boys’ clothing has changed quite a bit. The passage includes this information in paragraph 2.
C Boys’ clothing consists of breeches and shirts that are long like gowns.
Wrong AnsWer: Boys' clothing didn’t always consist of breeches and shirts. They also wore gowns.
D With the exception of breeches, boys’ clothing has evolved little since the 1700s.
Wrong AnsWer: By looking at current clothing styles, the reader knows boys' clothing has gone through many changes since the 1700s.
9 Which of these is the best summary of the article?
A When boys split their gowns and created breeches, everything about boys’ clothing changed. John Locke encouraged this by saying swaddling was bad.
Wrong AnsWer: There are important details missing from this summary.
B Children’s clothing indicated norms and expectations, but for many years boys’ and girls’ clothing were similar. Once pants were created, this changed for men and older boys. When swaddling was discredited, younger boys started wearing breeches.
right AnsWer: This summary includes the introduction, how clothes changed for men and older boys, and the changes for younger boys.
C John Locke wrote a publication called Some Thoughts Concerning Education, which encouraged young boys to wear breeches or pants. This led to a distinction between boys’ and girls’ clothing.
Wrong AnsWer: There are important details missing from this summary.
D In the 1700s, children wore clothing that was undistinguishable between boys and girls. Then pants were created, and that changed the styles for only older boys. Mothers started dressing younger boys in velvet clothes and made them grow long hair with curls.
Wrong AnsWer: This summary includes information from the timeline.
10 Which idea is emphasized in the selection and the timeline?
A As time passed, gender-free clothing changed for boys.
right AnsWer: The timeline and the selection indicate that boys changed from wearing gowns to breeches or pants.
B Smocks and dresses remained the mainstay in boys’ clothing.
Wrong AnsWer: These did not remain mainstays. Breeches or pants were worn by boys.
C Boys’ clothing became more formal over time.
Wrong AnsWer: This information is only in the chart.
D Breeches were the only things different in boys’ clothing.
Wrong AnsWer: The chart lists other things that changed – lace collars, velvet suits.
every sport, but especially football. By age seven,
he learned many sports facts as he studied and
collected baseball and football cards. But 71 years
of coaching? He proved me wrong!
2 Amos Stagg coached for 71 years of his life
before retiring at the age of 98. Known as the
“grand old man of college football,” Stagg served
as a head coach for 54 years, spending 41 of
those years at the University of Chicago. While at
the University, he led the team to a national
championship in 1905. Chicago won the Big
Ten title in 1899, 1905, 1907, 1908, 1913, and
1924, and tied for the conference championship
in 1922. Stagg was chosen “Coach of the
Year” at age 81 and was elected to both the
College Football Hall of Fame and the College
Basketball Hall of Fame.
3 Amos Alonzo Stagg, “Lon”, was born in West
Orange, New Jersey, August 16, 1862, the fifth
of eight children. His father was a shoemaker. An
excellent baseball player, Lon was offered a full
scholarship to Dartmouth College. However, he
chose to attend Yale, where he planned to study for
the ministry. During his time at Yale, Lon had little
money and ate little more than crackers at times.
Once he was even hospitalized for malnutrition. In
Informational Text/Expository Full-Length Passage #3 Mixed PracticeRead the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Question 1What does avid mean in paragraph 1?
A Enthusiastic
Enthusiastic is the best replacement in the passage for avid to describe Kenneth.
Question 2Paragraph 2 focuses primarily on Amos Stagg’s –
C accomplishments for his 71 years as a coach
All of these are accomplishments of Amos Staggs.
Question 3The main difference between Stagg’s college baseball career and football career is that baseball –
D provided him with a scholarship
Stagg was malnourished because he declined his scholarship and had very little money. Football was his favorite sport to coach, and he never coached baseball.
In 1889, Stagg was named to the first All-American football team. (paragraph 3)He was named college football’s “Coach of the Year” and “Football Man of the Year.(paragraph 7)
What idea does the author communicate with these sentences?
A The NFL thought that Stagg was an excellent player.
Wrong AnsWer: The NFL is not mentioned in this selection.
B Stagg was rewarded as both a player and coach.
right AnsWer: The first sentence shows Stagg was rewarded as a player, and the second sentence shows he was rewarded as a coach.
C The College Board rewarded Stagg as a coach.
Wrong AnsWer: This sentence does not address the information in the first sentence.
D Stagg has become a legend in sports history.
Wrong AnsWer: Even though the reader can infer from the passage that Stagg was a legend, this is not the information communicated by the two sentences.
9 The reader can conclude that Amos Stagg’s first coaching job –
A was his only coaching position Wrong AnsWer: Stagg also coached at the University of the Pacific, Susquehanna College, and Stockton Junior College.
B provided him with a great retirement Wrong AnsWer: The quality of Stagg's retirement is not mentioned.
C was successful for 41 years, but was not his only coaching job
right AnsWer: Stagg had a 41-year career at the University of Chicago and then went on to coach at other schools.
D offered him the opportunity to coach the sport for which he received a scholarship
Wrong AnsWer: In Chicago, Stagg coached basketball and football. His scholarship was for baseball.
10 The author organizes this selection by –
A relating Stagg’s career from a college student to coaching to retirement
right AnsWer: This selection is a chronology of Stagg's career from college until his final retirement.
B describing the awards Stagg earned, how he earned them, and where he earned them
Wrong AnsWer: This is included in the selection, but it is not the organizational pattern.
C comparing Stagg’s career and its influence on his son’s career
Wrong AnsWer: While Stagg's son did become a coach, the passage does not mention Stagg's influence on his son's career.
D providing general information about Stagg and then relating specifics about each place he coached
Wrong AnsWer: The passage is written in time order, not in a general to specific organization.
Space Station. Their preparatory training included
spacecraft simulations and spacewalking. Much
exercise and healthy eating helped ensure
that the crew members were healthy and in
shape for the duration of their mission.
2 Mike grew up on a farm near Richard, Missouri.
There he kept active by playing in the creeks
and nearby woods. He played basketball in
2nd grade and began playing football in 4th
grade. Hopkins continued playing football
throughout college. Hobbies such as skiing,
backpacking, running, and CrossFit helped
to keep him active and fit. The best activity to
keep him fit was playing basketball.
3 When the Expedition 37 crew members were
in space, they exercised about two hours per day.
Informational Text/Expository Full-Length Passage #4 Mixed PracticeRead the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Question 1The Latin word praeparat, meaning “made ready beforehand,” helps the reader understand that the word preparatory in paragraph 1 means –
B done in preparation
The training the astronauts completed was done in preparation for travel into space. The Latin root's meaning of "making ready beforehand" qualifies this as the answer.
Question 2Paragraph 2 focuses primarily on –
A Hopkins' activities as a child
The paragraph lets the reader know the activities Hopkins participated in when he was younger.Sa
included a specially designed treadmill that used a
harness to hold the astronaut in place, an exercise
bicycle, and a one-of-a-kind exercise device.
4 Why was exercise so important to the
astronauts? While the astronauts were in space,
exercises helped limit changes to muscles, bones,
and the cardiovascular system. They participated
in studies conducted to show how the human body
reacts to the space environment. The research
also helped with medical problems here on Earth.
Astronauts better adjust to gravity when they
return to Earth if they maintain their strength
while on their missions.
5 Astronaut Mike Hopkins desired to help
young people and adults be healthy and fit.
While he was in space, he helped create a fitness
community to show how anyone can train like an
astronaut. He and his “Train Like an Astronaut”
support team posted regular updates on the
Internet. These included workout videos from
space and exercise tips from NASA trainers. The
program was open to people of all ages. Programs
like this prove that working out and staying healthy
are very important in the life of an astronaut.
Adapted from Train Like an Astronaut with Mike Hopkins, www.NASA.gov, 2013
Question 3In paragraph 4, the word adjust means –
A adapt
Analyzing the choices given in the question, adapt would be the meaning of adjust in the sentence. The astronauts were able to adjust to the gravity of the Earth when they returned.
Question 6Hopkins hopes that his training as an astronaut will –
B inspire people to be healthier
Paragraph 5 states that Hopkins' desire is to help people be healthy.
Choices A & D are not mentioned in the selection.
Although fitness videos are mentioned, they were created in space and do not indicate the possibilty of a fitness video career.
Question 4Which of these conclusions about Mike Hopkins is supported by paragraph 5?
C He was a role model for people to become healthier.
The paragraph reveals that Mike did many things to help others be healthier: fitness community, Internet updates, open to everyone. These great things shows that he is being a good role model, not just with his online presence, but as an example for others to follow.Sa
7 Read these sentences from the selection.Much exercise and healthy eating helped ensure that the crew members were healthy and in shape for the duration of their mission. (paragraph 1)Programs like this prove that working out and staying healthy are very important in the life of an astronaut. (paragraph 5)What idea does the author communicate with these sentences?
A Astronauts must be fit and healthy to travel in space.
right AnsWer: Both sentences emphasize the importance of fitness and health in the life of an astronaut.
B Exercise and good nutrition are part of the requirements to be an astronaut.
Wrong AnsWer: Exercise and nutrition are important, but the sentences don't address the requirements for being an astronaut.
C The crew members had to compete with each other during their missions.
Wrong AnsWer: There is no mention of competition among the crew members.
D The world’s best fitness experts created the exercise program used by astronauts.
Wrong AnsWer: There is no mention of the world’s best fitness experts creating the astronauts' program.
8 The author organizes this selection by –
A comparing different astronauts’ fitness programs and then telling which is the best
Wrong AnsWer: No particular programs are mentioned, just workout items.
B describing the equipment that astronauts use and then providing information about the equipment’s role in space
Wrong AnsWer: Only one paragraph mentions their equipment.
C stating facts about NASA’s space program and then discussing how it has impacted fitness programs on Earth
Wrong AnsWer: Facts about the space program are not in the selection – just health and fitness.
D explaining astronauts’ need to be healthy and fit and then using Hopkins as an example
right AnsWer: The overriding idea of health and fitness is throughout the selection, and Hopkins is shown as an example.
5 Which sentence from the selection states an opinion?
A As a NASA astronaut, his goal was to maintain his health and fitness continually.
Wrong AnsWer: This is a fact and can be proven.
B He played basketball in 2nd grade and began playing football in 4th grade.
Wrong AnsWer: This is a fact and can be proven.
C The best activity to keep him fit was playing basketball.
right AnsWer: Whether basketball was the best activity for fitness is a matter of opinion. Key in on the words "the best."
D When the Expedition 37 crew members were in space, they exercised about two hours per day.
Exercise Reasoning9 Which of these ideas is reinforced throughout the selection?
A An astronaut’s background has changed drastically over the years.
Wrong AnsWer: The background of astronauts is not discussed in the selection.
B It takes astronauts time and effort to be prepared physically to travel in space.
right AnsWer: The astronauts had to prepare themselves with healthy eating and exercise. This takes both time and effort.
C NASA’s duties to the astronauts include ensuring that the Space Station is safe.
Wrong AnsWer: The safety of the Space Station is not mentioned.
D Astronauts are required to provide a fitness community for young people and adults.
Wrong AnsWer: Nothing states that they had to create a fitness community.
10 Which sentence from the selection helps explain how astronauts help in the medical field?
A Some of the workout items on the space station include a specially designed treadmill that used a harness to hold the astronaut in place, an exercise bicycle, and a one-of-a-kind exercise device.
Wrong AnsWer: This is about the equipment on the space station.
B While the astronauts were in space, exercises helped limit changes to muscles, bones, and the cardiovascular system.
Wrong AnsWer: This is about how the astronauts’ exercise helps keep the body from too many changes.
C The research also helped with medical problems here on Earth.
right AnsWer: This lets the reader know that research helps in solving medical problems, and the astronauts are involved in the research.
D Astronaut Mike Hopkins desired to help young people and adults be healthy and fit.
Wrong AnsWer: This tells how they helped young people and adults.
11 The author wrote this selection most likely to –
A recount how Hopkins became physically fit Wrong AnsWer: This is one aspect of the selection, but it is not the primary purpose for writing it.
B describe how the astronauts created a fitness community
Wrong AnsWer: The fitness community is only a small part of the selection.
C compare Hopkins to the other astronauts Wrong AnsWer: No comparisons are made in the selection.
D explain why it is important for astronauts to be fit and healthy
right AnsWer: The selection emphasizes the need to be fit and healthy as an astronaut.
need to understand that re-entering their cars will
create static electricity that can cause a fire. The
Institute has documented more than 150 incidents
of static ignition at the fuel pump in the United
States. More than half of them have been reported
since 1999. The PEI estimates that there are
hundreds of unreported incidents each year.
5 Static electricity is most often generated
when motorists get back into their vehicles
while refueling. Renkes said, “While filling up their
vehicles with gasoline, many motorists will return
to their cars to stay warm, make a phone call, or
retrieve their purse or wallet. When they slide out
of their car, static charge is generated. Then,
when they touch the nozzle, a spark can ignite
fuel vapors around the nozzle.”
6 By following safe refueling procedures, you can
lower the risk of these kinds of accidents. The
most important thing you can do is to remain
outside your vehicle when pumping gas.
7 There are many reasons you might be tempted
to get back in your car.
• You need to get your wallet or credit card. • The weather is hot or cold or rainy. • Your cell phone is ringing. • You want to hear something on the radio or
talk to a passenger in your car.
8 The average fill-up takes only two minutes.
Staying outside the vehicle lowers the risk of
any build-up of static electricity that could
be discharged at the nozzle. If you can’t avoid
getting back in your car, before you touch the
nozzle a second time, you should always use your
Question 4What evidence does the author use to support the claim that you should stay outside your car when you are fueling?
D It lowers the risk of static electricity that could cause a fire.
Lowering the risk of static electricity that would start a fire is the evidence needed to not get back into the car.
Question 3The author mentions the Petroleum Equipment Institute in paragraph 4 to –
B suggest that an authority backs up the author’s claim
In order to make a good argument in a persuasive selection, it is appropriate to have an authority to agree with your claim.
Question 6The reader can conclude that static electricity –
C can be created by going in and out of the car
These sentences are the evidence necessary to prove that you can create static electricity by going in and out of a car.
Question 8The author uses this statement to support the claim that –
C eliminating static electricity can prevent fires
Static causes the fire and staying outside the vehicle will help eliminate the static that can cause the fire.
bare hand to touch a metal object that is not close to your fuel pipe. That way, if
there is a spark from the static, it won’t be around the gas fumes.
9 By staying outside your car while you get gas, you can prevent a build-
up of static electricity. If you eliminate static electricity at the pump, then you
can eliminate fires. By eliminating fires at the pump, you make refueling safer for
you, your passengers, and everyone at the gas station. Next time you put gas in
your car, think about how you can do it safely.
1. Before you get out of your car, make sure you have everything you need. 2. Stay outside your car while the gas is pumping. 3. If you have to go back in the car, make sure you touch something metal to
discharge any static electricity before you get close to the gas nozzle. 4. Be safe. Otherwise, you and your pump fire might get posted on YouTube
for the entire world to see!
Exercise Reasoning5 Which of the author’s statements is an example of stereotyping?
A Teenagers are the worst at getting back in to check their phones or GPS.
right AnsWer: This stereotypes teenagers as “the worst.”
B The most important thing you can do is to remain outside your vehicle when pumping gas.
Wrong AnsWer: No one is being portrayed stereotypically in this sentence.
C If you eliminate static electricity at the pump, then you can eliminate fires.
Wrong AnsWer: No one is being portrayed stereotypically in this sentence.
D Next time you put gas in your car, think about how you can do it safely.
Wrong AnsWer: No one is being portrayed stereotypically in this sentence.
7 With which of the following statements would the author agree?
A Station attendants should stop people when they try to get back in their cars.
Wrong AnsWer: This article is about pumping gas yourself. If an attendant pumped your gas, you wouldn’t get out of your car.
B Fill up your car at night to avoid sparks. Wrong AnsWer: Darkness does not stop static sparks.
C Summer temperatures do not affect static. Wrong AnsWer: Temperature is not mentioned as a cause of static. Also, people are more prone to get in and out of their cars on hot days.
D Gas pumps should display signs about static electricity and sparks
right AnsWer: Most people do not have this information, so it would be good to have signs posted. The author would agree.
people at all levels that have language skills other
than English. Companies from fast food restaurants
to high-powered international corporations and
everywhere in between, need employees who
have the ability to speak a foreign language
fluently. The ever-growing immigrant populations
in the United States need people who can speak
their native languages as well as help them learn
English. With so many companies working at an
international level, knowing a second language
can often provide an edge when applying for
a job. Foreign businesspeople are impressed
by the commitment shown by people who care
enough to learn their language. Many business
deals have been won or lost through language. The
ability to communicate in another language is a
definite asset in many fields of business.
5 Not only does knowing a foreign language have
educational and professional benefits, but it also
can be a social asset. Most social relationships are
expressed through language. A person who can
deal with a language other than English can watch
television, listen to the radio, and speak to teachers,
students, and people on the street in that language.
This person will be better equipped to travel abroad
because she can converse with others, especially in
restaurants and other public places.
6 Another rationale for learning a foreign language
is the respect it communicates for the other culture.
When Americans travel outside of the United States,
it is said we are identified by our loud clothes,
our loud mouths, and our inability to speak any
language but our own. People in other countries
are understandably offended when we expect them
to accommodate our ignorance and speak to us
Question 9The author would agree that –
C knowledge of a foreign language may influence an international business to hire someone
Knowing a foreign language would give you an edge when applying for those foreign jobs, so the author would agree that a foreign language would help you in the international business world.
Question 6A professional benefit of speaking a second language is–
C having the respect of foreign businesspeople
If you work at an international company, knowing the language would add respect to the partnership with the foreign business. Knowing a foreign language would give you an edge when applying for those foreign jobs, so the author would agree that a foreign language would help you in the international business world.
Question 2In paragraph 4, the word asset means –
C advantage
If you can speak a second language, businesses will think it is an advantage.Sa
Exercise Reasoning3 What evidence does the author use to support the claim that students should learn a
foreign language?A Universities require students to take a
foreign language.Wrong AnsWer: Universities requiring a foreign language is not the evidence to support the author’s claim.
B Knowing a foreign language will benefit a student educationally, professionally, and socially.
right AnsWer: Knowing a foreign language would help in study abroad, business, and help one converse in other cultures. This evidence supports the value of learning a foreign language.
C Knowledge of a foreign language will only help a student in the educational field.
Wrong AnsWer: It would help in other areas as well – business and speaking to people from other cultures.
D Learning a foreign language requires hard work on the students’ part.
Wrong AnsWer: This doesn't support the claim that a student should learn a foreign language.
4 The author mentions businesses in paragraph 4 to –
A add support to the claim that a foreign language helps beyond the education world
right AnsWer: The business applications of speaking a foreign language are an additional reason to learn one.
B imply that you can only get a job if you know a foreign language
Wrong AnsWer: The text implies that it might be easier to get a job, not that you can ONLY get a job if you know a foreign language.
C imply that knowing English is all that is necessary in the business world
Wrong AnsWer: The passage states that knowing a foreign language is becoming increasingly important in the business world.
D suggest that businesses will help employees learn a foreign language
Wrong AnsWer: There is no suggestion that this would happen.
5 Which sentence from the selection provides a categorical claim about learning a foreign language?
A All students should learn a foreign language because of its educational, professional, and social benefits.
right AnsWer: Saying that all students should learn a foreign language is making a categorical claim.
B College-bound students find that most universities require them to have at least two years of coursework in a foreign language.
Wrong AnsWer: This is not a universal claim about all universities, so it is not a categorical claim.
C Being well versed in a second language has professional benefits as well.
Wrong AnsWer: This is not a universal claim about all people, so it is not a categorical claim.
D A person who puts forth the time and effort to learn a second language will grow as an individual.
Wrong AnsWer: This is not a universal claim about all people, so it is not a categorical claim.
they often are some of the nicest people you know.
These young superstars share a long list of qualities
that have helped them become successful. Learning
some of their secrets will help you discover how you
too can shoot for the stars!
Be Self-Confident
2 The first step in becoming a winner is to be
confident in yourself and your abilities. In other
words, you must think like a winner if you want
to be a winner. Winners focus on the things they
can do rather than on those things they cannot
do. Everyone has good qualities and strengths.
Take a few minutes to list ten things you like
about yourself. When trying times come, and you
momentarily doubt your value and abilities, remind
yourself of the good qualities you listed. This can
be a real confidence-booster. Prove to yourself and
others that you can achieve the things that you set
out to achieve.
Set Realistic Goals
3 Before you can achieve anything, you must
have an idea of what it is that you want to do. A
predominant characteristic of successful people
is that they have solid goals in mind. The great
majority of these people set goals they can aim
for and then direct their energies toward these
goals. These goals will then help you set your
priorities, deciding which things should hold the
Informational Text/Persuasive Full-Length Passage #3 Mixed PracticeRead the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Question 1The word confident in paragraph 2 means –
C self-assured
By using substitution, the best synonym to confident is self-assured.
Question 10In which section of the selection does the author fail to present any evidence to support his claims?
C “Be Self-Confident"
In the other sections, the stars, Olympic athletes, Nobel Prize winners and Thomas Edison are evidence to support the author's claim. This section contains a series of claims with no evidence to support them.
Question 2Which words in paragraph 3 help the reader understand what the word priorities means?
B deciding which things should hold the most important place in your life
The comma after the word priorities indicates that what is being presented after it is the meaning of the word priorities – deciding which things should hold the most important place in your life.
most important place in your life. If earning a piano
scholarship for college is your goal, then practicing
the piano should be a priority in your life. Once
you set your goals, you must plan to do the things
necessary to help you achieve those goals. As
Mister Rogers says, “You’ve got to do it—every little
bit.”
Work Hard
4 It takes hours of hard work to make sure your
dreams come true. Wishing for something will never
make it happen. If you ask any Olympic athlete,
professional musician or Nobel Prize winner
what was responsible for his or her success,
you can count on the fact that each will
mention lots of hard work. Sometimes reaching
a goal requires so much hard work that you feel like
you would rather quit than continue trudging on. If
you want to be a winner you must throw the word
“quit” out of your vocabulary. Sometimes things
will come easily, and at other times you will have to
work really hard. The important thing to remember
is that you should not give up if you want to achieve
your goals.
Take Risks
5 There is something far worse than quitting:
not trying. Until you are willing to do something
you know could be difficult, you will never discover
your capabilities. The fear of failure keeps many
people from doing things they might enjoy. Remind
yourself of the saying, “It is better to have tried and
lost than never to have tried at all,” or as Thomas
Edison said, “I have not failed. I've just found
10,000 ways that won't work.”
Be Yourself
6 Winners realize that the best way to be a star
is to make sure you are yourself. Do not be afraid
to go against the crowd - be a leader instead of a
Question 3In paragraph 4, “Work Hard,” the author included examples most likely because he –
D wants to highlight people who have gained much from working hard
The accomplishments of the people in the paragraph who worked hard help show what can be accomplished by working hard.
Question 5What idea is suggested in the section entitled “Take Risks?”
B Not trying is worse than quitting.
You will discover your capabilities when you take risks and try new or difficult things.
Question 4Wishing for something will never make it happen.
The author uses this sentence to support the claim that –
A you will have to work hard to achieve your goals
You cannot just wish for things to happen – you have to work hard.There is nothing wrong with wishing for something to happen. You just have to be willing to work to make your dreams come true.
Exercise Reasoning6 In this selection, the author claims that –
A people who are superstars have everything going their way
Wrong AnsWer: Superstars work hard to have their way, but this is not the claim being made.
B to make your own star qualities, you must shine through
Wrong AnsWer: You have to work hard to make your star qualities -- not just shine through.
C being a star means believing in yourself, setting goals, and working to achieve them
right AnsWer: This claim has been made throughout the selection. Evidence: be confident in yourself and your abilities, have solid goals in mind, and It takes hours of hard work to make sure your dreams come true.
D the only way to be a winner is to be confident in yourself and your abilities
Wrong AnsWer: This is only one of the things you must do to be a winner.
7 The author of this article is most likely to –
A work hard to reach his or her goals right AnsWer: One section of the passage is entitled "Work Hard." This would indicate the author is likely to work hard because he or she sees the value of hard work.
B set unrealistic goals Wrong AnsWer: The fact the passage has a section called "Set Realistic Goals," would mean the author is unlikely to set unrealistic goals.
C believe life is predictable Wrong AnsWer: There is a section of the passage that points out that life is unpredictable.
D compare himself or herself to others Wrong AnsWer: The last section of the passage points out the danger od comeparing yourself to others. The author is unlikely to do this.
8 Which of the author’s statements is an example of exaggeration?
A A predominant characteristic of successful people is that they have solid goals in mind.
Wrong AnsWer: Nothing in this sentence is exaggerated.
B The fear of failure keeps many people from doing things they might enjoy.
Wrong AnsWer: Nothing in this sentence is exaggerated.
C Everyone loves a leader, and they always stand out in a crowd.
right AnsWer: The words "everyone" and "always" make this sentence an exaggeration.
D Although failures serve to redirect our focus, it is also true that failures cannot cause us to lose our focus.
Wrong AnsWer: Nothing in this sentence is exaggerated.
Exercise Reasoning4 The point of view from which the story is told gives the reader insight into –
A the man’s desire to acquire great wealth Wrong AnsWer: Third person POV allows us to see all the characters.
B the relationship between the man and his wife
Wrong AnsWer: Third person POV allows us to see all the characters.
C the man and the people he encounters right AnsWer: Because it is third person POV, we get a look at all the characters’ insights.
D the man’s feelings about the experience Wrong AnsWer: Third person POV allows us to see all the characters.
5 Read theses sentences from the story.
The servant answered, "I will be satisfied with the three admonitions." (paragraph 3)
But he, remembering the three admonitions of his master, answered, "No, my friends, I will keep on this road." (paragraph 6)
Based on these sentences, the reader can infer that the man –
A has not learned anything from the abbot Wrong AnsWer: The man more than learned from the abbot because he took what he learned to heart and made the harder choice.
B is willing to learn even after he left the abbey
right AnsWer: Going through the three admonitions as he travelled home shows that he learned after he left the abbey.
C should make an effort to be a better servant Wrong AnsWer: He was a prince -- the son of a raja. He is not a servant.
D is a disappointment to his wife for not taking the gold
Wrong AnsWer: His wife was not disappointed.
6 Which sentences best shows that the man approaches the admonitions with thoughtfulness?
A He said to the abbot, "Sir, I have served you thus long, but now I wish to return to my country."
Wrong AnsWer: This only lets the reader know the man is ready to go home.
B But he, remembering the three admonitions of his master, answered, "No, my friends, I will keep on this road."
right AnsWer: The man got to a place in the road, thought about what the abbot told him, and kept on the way he knew he was meant to go.
C "I have gained the second hundred ounces," said the good man, who did not think his skin was safe until then.
Wrong AnsWer: This shows that he was earning gold, not thinking about the admonitions.
D "Ah, is that he?" and he was on the point of coming forth and giving him a sound beating;
Wrong AnsWer: This does not show that he thought about the admonitions.
The Prince Who Acquired WisdomA Folktale from India
1 There once was a raja who had an only son. The raja was always urging his son to learn to read and write, so when he came to his kingdom, he might manage well and be able to decide disputes that were brought to him for judgment. But the boy paid no heed to his father’s advice and continued to neglect his lessons. At last, when he was grown up, the prince saw that his father was right, and he resolved to go away to foreign countries to acquire wisdom. So he set off without telling anyone but his wife, and he took with him a purse of money and three pieces of gold. After traveling for a long time, he saw a man plowing in a field, and he asked him if there were any wise men living in that neighborhood. "What do you want with wise men?" asked the plowman.
2 The prince said that he was traveling to get wisdom. The plowman said that he would give him instruction if he were paid. Then the prince promised to give him one gold piece for each piece of wisdom.
3 The plowman agreed and said. "Listen attentively! My first maxim is this. You are the son of a raja. Whenever you go to visit a friend or one of your subjects and they offer you a bedstead, or stool, or mat to sit on, do not sit down at once but move the stool or mat a little to one side. This is one maxim. Give me my gold coin." So the prince paid him.
4 Then the plowman said, "The second maxim is this. You are the son of a raja. Whenever you go to bathe, do not bathe at the common bathing place, but at a place by yourself. Give me my coin," and the prince did so.
5 Then he continued, "My third maxim is this. You are the son of a raja. When men come to you for advice or to have a dispute decided, listen to what the majority of those present say and do not follow your fancy. Now pay me." The prince gave him his
Question 8Which of these best describes the raja’s son’s internal conflict in the story?
C He is unhappy that he did not listen to his father about his lessons.
The son realizes that he did not listen and had to resolve this problem, so he went out to become wise.
Question 7What phrase from paragraph 2 helps the reader understand the meaning of the word maxim in paragraph 3?
D each piece of wisdom
Paragraph 2 says he will pay for each piece of wisdom, and then the plowman proceeds to give the maxims – pieces of wisdom.
Question 9The raja’s son’s interaction with the plowman contributes to the plot by –
A causing the son to pay someone to help him learn
The son wants to learn, so he pays someone to learn. By doing this, he is trying to resolve his problem.Sa
6 "Well," said the plowman, "Your lesson is finished, but still I will give you one more piece of advice free, and it is this. You are the son of a raja restrain your anger; if anything you see or hear makes you angry, still, do not at once take action. Hear the explanation and weigh it well, then if you find the cause, you can give rein to your anger and if not, let the offender off!"
7 After this, the prince set his face homewards since he had spent all his money, and he began to repent of having spent his gold pieces on advice that seemed worthless. However on his way, he turned into a bazaar to buy some food, and the shopkeepers on all sides called out, "Buy, buy." He went to a shop, and the shopkeeper invited him to sit on a rug. He was just about to do so when he remembered the maxim of his instructor and pulled the rug to one side. When he did so he saw that it had been spread over the mouth of a well and that if he had sat on it, he would have been killed, so he began to believe in the wisdom of his teacher.
8 Then he went on his way, and on the road, he turned aside to a tank to bathe. Remembering the maxim of his teacher, he did not bathe at the common place but went to a place apart. Then having eaten his lunch, he continued his journey. He had not gone far when he found that he had left his purse behind, so he turned back and found it lying at the place where he had put down his things when he bathed. Thereupon he applauded the wisdom of his teacher, for if he had bathed at the common bathing place, someone would have seen the purse and have taken it away.
9 When evening came on he turned into a village and asked the headman to let him sleep in his verandah. There was already one other traveler sleeping there, and in the morning it was found that the traveler had died in his sleep. Then the headman consulted the villagers, and they decided that there was nothing to be done but to throw
Question 11The raja’s son’s thoughts in this excerpt reveal that he -
C believes he spent the gold foolishly
Saying that he received advice that seemed worthless reveals he thinks it was a foolish way to spend the money.
Question 10How does the setting contribute to the plot of the story?
B The experiences on the way home contribute to how the son solves his conflict.
Leaving home to find out how to become wise, and then applying those things as he started back home, show how these travels helped the prince solve his problem.
Choices A and C do not refer to the setting, and the event in Choice D never happened.Sa
away the body, and since the prince was also a traveler he should do it.
10 At first, he refused to touch the corpse as he was the son of a raja, but the villagers insisted. Then he bethought himself of the maxim that he should not act contrary to the general opinion, so he yielded and dragged away the body, and threw it into a ravine. Before leaving it he remembered that it was proper to remove the clothes, and when he began to do so, he found a roll of coins around the waist of the body. So he took this and was glad that he had followed the advice of his teacher.
11 That evening he reached the boundary of his territory and decided to press on home although it was dark. At midnight he reached the palace and without arousing anyone went to the door of his wife's room. Outside the door, he saw a pair of shoes and a sword. At the sight he became wild with rage and drawing the sword, he called out, "Who is in my room?"
12 As a matter of fact, the prince's wife had asked the prince's little sister to sleep with her, and when the girl heard the prince's voice she got up to leave. But when she opened the door and saw the prince standing with the drawn sword she drew back in fear. She told him who she was and explained that they had put the shoes and sword at the door to prevent anyone else from entering, but in his wrath, the prince would not listen and called to her to come out and be killed. Then she took off her cloth and showed it to him through the crack of the door and at the sight of this he was convinced. Then he reflected on the advice of his teacher and repented because he had nearly killed his sister through not restraining his wrath.
Adapted from: Folklore of the Santal Parganas by Cecil H. Bompas (London: David Nutt Co., 1909)Sa
Exercise Reasoning12 What theme is found in both selections?
A Don’t take advice from strangers. Wrong AnsWer: The raja's son did take advice from a stranger.
B Gold will make you happy. Wrong AnsWer: This cannot be the theme since the man took the admonitions, and the raja's son gave away his money.
C The third try is always successful. Wrong AnsWer: They were both given three pieces of advice, not three tries.
D One can profit from good advice. right AnsWer: Both men were given good advice, and they did profit from it.
13 Read these lines from “The Three Admonitions.”
"Ah, is that he?" and he was on the point of coming forth and giving him a sound beating; but there came to his mind the final admonition of the abbot: "Think over a thing before you do it, for a thing deliberated is very fine;" and he refrained.
Which sentence from “The Prince Who Acquired Wisdom” best matches the feeling expressed by the author of “The Three Admonitions” in the lines provided?
A Then he continued, "My third maxim is this. You are the son of a raja. When men come to you for advice or to have a dispute decided, listen to what the majority of those present say and do not follow your fancy. Now pay me."
Wrong AnsWer: This is advice being given, not being applied.
B Thereupon he applauded the wisdom of his teacher, for if he had bathed at the common bathing place, someone would have seen the purse and have taken it away.
Wrong AnsWer: The sentence from "The Three Admonitons has no reference to thinking about something before acting.
C That evening he reached the boundary of his territory and decided to press on home although it was dark.
Wrong AnsWer: The sentence from "The Three Admonitons" has no reference to learning or applying what was learned.
D Then he reflected on the advice of his teacher and repented because he had nearly killed his sister through not restraining his wrath .
right AnsWer: The raja's son thought about what he learned and decided against doing something rash, just as the man deliberated before doing something he would regret.
14 How does the man in “The Three Admonitions” differ from the raja’s son in “The Prince Who Acquired Wisdom”?
A The man went out searching for gold. Wrong AnsWer: Neither went out in search of gold.
B The man did not think about harming the person in his home.
Wrong AnsWer: They both thought about hurting a person in their homes.
C The man did not go out searching for wisdom.
right AnsWer: The man was at an abbey serving an abbot; he did not go out to search for wisdom as the raja's son did.
D The man did not get the gold at the end. Wrong AnsWer: The man did get the gold at the end.
There was a little comet who lived near the Milky Way! She loved to wander out at night and jump about and play.
The mother of the comet was a very good old star; She used to scold her reckless child for venturing out too far.
She told her of the ogre, Sun, who loved on stars to sup,And who asked no better pastime than in gobbling comets up.
But instead of growing cautious and of showing proper fear,The foolish little comet edged up nearer, and more near.
She switched her saucy tail along right where the Sun could see,And flirted with old Mars, and was as bold as bold could be.
She laughed to scorn the quiet stars who never frisked about; She said there was no fun in life unless you ventured out.
She liked to make the planets stare, and wished no better mirthThan just to see the telescopes aimed at her from the Earth.
She wondered how so many stars could mope through nights and days,And let the sickly faced old Moon get all the love and praise. And as she talked and tossed her head and switched her shining trailThe staid old mother star grew sad, her cheek grew wan and pale.
Literary Text/Paired Passages Set #2: Poem & Literary Nonfiction Read the selections and choose the best answer to each question.
Question 1Which line from the poem best supports that the star did not listen to his mother?
A She used to scold her reckless child for venturing out too far
The mother scolded the star for not listening to her and venturing out too far.
Question 3The poet describes the sun in this way to make it seem –
B human
Talking about supper and gobbling up comets makes the sun seems human.
Question 6The imagery in stanzas 5 through 9 helps the reader understand –
C the young star is clearly aware of what it is doing
The star switched its tail at the Sun knowing it was unadvised by its mother. She had warned about the Sun and what it would do.
Science in the Middle AgesExcerpted from When Knights were Bold by Eva
March Tappan, 1911
1 The good folk of the Middle Ages were as much interested in the world of nature around them as are the people of today. They wondered what made lightning and thunder, why men died in the water and fish in the air, what would cure their various illnesses, why the moon rises, where the sun goes when it sets, and hundreds of other questions. Most of the studying of the day was carried on in monasteries, as has been said before, and the Venerable Bede and others wrote long treatises on nature, together with some remarkable explanations of its mysteries. In the twelfth century numerous universities were founded; and by the time that they were well established and had become strong and powerful, a fresh supply of knowledge came to them through the Saracens. Long before this, the Saracens had translated into their language, the Arabic, the works of the learned Greeks of centuries earlier, including especially what they knew of stars and planets and comets and eclipses. Many Saracens were now living around the Mediterranean Sea, and through them, manuscripts were brought into Europe and translated from the Arabic into the European tongues.
2 Astronomy was looked upon as an exceedingly practical study because it was by this science that the festivals of the Church were dated. The astronomers of the time knew something of eclipses, and they had tables of stars and planets. They studied the observations made by the wise men of the East for many centuries and learned a great deal. Unfortunately, they made one great mistake. For four hundred years it has been known that the Earth and the other planets revolve around the sun. In the Middle Ages, however, people believed that the sun revolved around the earth. The sky, they thought, was a vast hollow sphere which revolved once a day. It was because of this mistake that when they
Question 7Which definition best fits the meaning of hollow as it is used in paragraph 2?
A Definition 1 (not solid)
By substitution, not solid fits as the meaning of hollow in paragraph 2.Sa
tried to reason about what they had seen, their conclusions were all wrong, no matter how correct their observations might have been.
3 Now when people believed that the whole starry universe was made for their especial benefit, it was not very unreasonable to take it for granted that the stars, their arrangement in the sky, and their movements had something to do with human affairs. Anything unusual was always alarming. Comets were a source of terror. No one knew whence they came or whither they were going. They were uncanny, and even the educated feared some awful disaster when one of these fiery wanderers appeared in the sky. In the middle of the fifteenth century, a large comet was seen which terrified all Europe. Even before its appearance people were in dread, for the Turks had crossed the Hellespont, and there was reason to believe that they would overrun the Continent. Then came the added horror of the comet, and no one could tell what awful calamity this might portend. It is no wonder that the Pope ordered the church bells to be rung at noon, and prayers to be said three times a day instead of twice. To this prayer was added the petition, "Lord, save us from the Devil, the Turk, and the Comet."
Source: When Knights were Bold by Eva March Tappan (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1911)
Question 8The author uses this sentence to show how people –
D were afraid of things they didn’t know about
If something is unusual, it can be uncommon and alarming. Therefore the people were afraid because they didn’t know about it.
Question 9In this sentence the author –
C shares the people’s anxiety over comets
There was “horror” over the comets, as well as wondering about the “awful calamity” they might foreshadow.
Exercise Reasoning13 How are the poem and the selection different?
A The poem focuses on the sun, while the selection focuses on the church.
Wrong AnsWer: The selection does not focus only on the church.
B The poem relates facts, while the selection relates a personal experience.
Wrong AnsWer: The poem is not about facts, and the selection is not a personal account.
C The poem focuses on having fun, while the selection focuses on learning.
right AnsWer: The poem is about a certain star having fun, and the selection is about learning about stars and comets.
D The poem discourages being obedient, while the selection encourages fear of the unknown.
Wrong AnsWer: The poem does discourage disobedience, but the selection does not encourage people to fear the unknown.
14 Read these lines from the poem.
She liked to make the planets stare, and wished no better mirth
Than just to see the telescopes aimed at her from the Earth.
Which sentence from the selection best matches an idea present in these lines?
A They wondered what made lightning and thunder, why men died in the water and fish in the air, what would cure their various illnesses, why the moon rises, where the sun goes when it sets, and hundreds of other questions.
Wrong AnsWer: This is what the people were wondering and wanting to learn about the sky.
B In the Middle Ages, however, people believed that the sun revolved around the earth.
Wrong AnsWer: This does not connect to the star enjoying being watched.
C Now when people believed that the whole starry universe was made for their especial benefit, it was not very unreasonable to take it for granted that the stars, their arrangement in the sky, and their movements had something to do with human affairs
right AnsWer: The line from the poem shows that the star knew the people on Earth were looking up at her. She was there for the humans. The same with the quote from the selection. The people believed that the stars were there for them to look at.
D They were uncanny, and even the educated feared some awful disaster when one of these fiery wanderers appeared in the sky
Wrong AnsWer: This sentence is about people's fear of comets.Sam
first lending library in America opened. Soon, other
towns began to imitate that first library until reading
became fashionable, even among the less educated.
Inventor
3 At the age of forty-two, I retired from printing
to explore my other interests. I devoted this time to
inventing. During my life, I invented many things,
including swim fins, bifocals, a glass harmonica,
watertight bulkheads for ships, the lightning rod, an
odometer, and the wood stove called the Franklin
stove.
4 In addition to inventing, I enjoyed experimenting.
One thing that always fascinated me was electricity.
One stormy night, my son William and I were
experimenting with lightning. You see, during my
time, people thought that lightning was a mysterious
force that was a punishment from God; however,
I wanted to prove that lightning is a form of
electricity.
5 I attached a pointed metal piece on the top of
my kite and a metal key to the base of the string.
Lightning struck the kite and traveled down the
kite string to the key. When I touched the key with
my knuckle, there was a spark! It’s a good thing I
didn’t electrocute myself. I had been knocked
unconscious twice before when experimenting
with electricity, but diligence is the mother of
good luck. I did prove that lightning is electricity!
Afterward, I invented the lightning rod to protect
buildings and ships from lightning damage. Although
I received much recognition from my inventions, I
did not profit from them. Instead, I chose to give my
inventions to the world freely.
Question 2Franklin uses this sentence to explain –
C how his persistence paid off
By being diligent, Franklin created the lightning rod. It was his "good luck" which came from being persistent even after he had been knocked out by lightning.Sa
and Intolerable Acts angered the colonists to rebel
against Mother England. On April 19, 1775, the
colonists went to war for their freedom.
7 During the fight for independence, I was sent
to Europe to represent the colonies. In 1776,
I signed the Declaration of Independence
and, in 1778, the Treaty of Alliance with France.
In addition, I negotiated with the French to
help the colonists and became the first United
States minister to France. I helped secure
guns, ammunition, and other provisions for
the army as well as volunteer troops. When the
colonists won their independence in 1781, I helped
negotiate peace with England and signed what
ultimately became known as Treaty of Peace with
Great Britain in 1782.
Timeline
8 Now that the colonists were free and
independent, it became necessary to decide
what type of government would be established.
I was not in my prime, and my health was
starting to fail; at eighty-one, I was the oldest
delegate at the Constitutional Convention. Upon
signing the Constitution on September 17, 1787, I
became the only Founding Father to have signed
all five documents that established American
independence: the Declaration of Independence,
the Treaty of Amity and Commerce with France,
the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of
Question 5Paragraph 7 is important to the selection because it shows –
B how Franklin contributed to making America independent
The information in the paragraph shows the things Franklin did to help prepare the US for the war for independence and how he negotiated the peace treaty.
From Boyhood to Manhood: Life of Benjamin Franklin, 1889
1 Not long after Benjamin became a printer,
a prominent citizen of Boston, Matthew Adams,
who had heard of his talents and love of reading,
met him in the printing office and entered into
conversation with him.
2 “You are a great reader, I learn,” he said.
3 “Yes, sir, I read considerable every day.”
4 “Do you find all of the books you want to read?”
5 “Not all. I should like to read some books I can’t
get.”
6 “Perhaps you can find them in my library; you
can come take out of it any book you would like.”
7 “Thank you, very much,” answered Benjamin,
exceedingly gratified by this unexpected offer. “I
shall take the first opportunity to call.”
8 “Boys who like to read as well as you do, ought
to have books enough,” continued Mr. Adams. “I
think you will find quite a number of entertaining
and useful ones. You will know when you examine
for yourself.”
9 “That I shall do very soon, and be very grateful
for the privilege,” answered Benjamin.
10 Within a few days, the printer-boy paid Mr.
Adams a visit. The latter gave him a cordial
welcome, causing him to feel at ease and enjoy
his call. He examined the library to his heart’s
content and found many books therein he
desired to read.
11 “Come out anytime, and take out any and all of
the books you please, and keep them until you are
done with them,” was Mr. Adams’ generous offer.
Question 6Which synonym would best replace the word prominent as it is used in paragraph 1?
B Number 2 (important)
By substituting, the best word to fit in the sentence is important.
Question 7The Latin gratus, meaning “pleasing, thankful,” helps the reader understand that gratified in paragraph 7 means –
A pleased
Because he was able to choose any book he wanted, Franklin was pleased with Adams' allowing him to borrow books.
Question 8The author uses this sentence to show that Benjamin-
D was excited about all the books available to him
By looking over the books to his “heart’s content,” and finding as many books as he “desired” to read, the reader can tell he was excited about the books he could read.
Exercise Reasoning9 Which sentence best summarizes the excerpt?
A Benjamin never had enough books to read, so he went around the town begging people to lend him books.
Wrong AnsWer: Franklin did not beg for books.
B Benjamin loved reading, and people decided to let him borrow books to satisfy his desire to read.
right AnsWer: Franklin was able to get books from a variety of people because they knew he loved to read.
C When Benjamin went to Mr. Adams’ house, he borrowed books and was inspired with the idea of opening a library.
Wrong AnsWer: This statement does not share important details from the entire passage.
D The apprentices let Benjamin borrow books, but he never returned them to the apprentices
Wrong AnsWer: Franklin did return the books.
10 Which sentence shows that Benjamin appreciated what the apprentices did for him?
A “I think I can read it through before I go to bed, and I can leave it when I got to the office in the morning."
Wrong AnsWer: This sentence has no words of appreciation.
B “Your favor is so great." right AnsWer: Saying that the favor is great is showing appreciation.
C Benjamin made the most of this new opportunity.
Wrong AnsWer: There is no mention of appreciation in this sentence.
D As long as he lived, he never forgot the generous aid of this man.
Wrong AnsWer: This sentence is only about one man - Adams - not the apprentices.
11 What is the significance of Benjamin going to all the apprentices to borrow books?
A It emphasizes that he wanted to learn and loved to read.
right AnsWer: Going to all the apprentices, who had different books they were responsible for, meant Franklin had access to more books to read and more from which he could learn.
B It suggests that he wanted to learn their trade.
Wrong AnsWer: He did not want to learn their trade. In fact, he said his love of reading would overcome his love of work.
C It suggests that they wanted him to start a library.
Wrong AnsWer: Although Franklin did eventually help establish a public library, this idea was not put in his mind by the apprentices.
D It emphasizes the apprentices’ large collections of books.
Wrong AnsWer: Books were few in numbers at the time, so they did not have large collections.
Exercise Reasoning12 How does “Benjamin Franklin: My Story” differ from “Books from His Boyhood?”
A “Benjamin Franklin: My Story” describes events in the order that they happened.
Wrong AnsWer: Both selections tell about events in order.
B “Benjamin Franklin: My Story” explains that Franklin started the first lending library.
Wrong AnsWer: It is not only about Franklin starting the first lending library.
C “Benjamin Franklin: My Story” focuses on only one event in Franklin’s life.
Wrong AnsWer: "Books From His Boyhood" focuses on one event in Franklin's life.
D “Benjamin Franklin: My Story” describes events occurring over a longer period.
right AnsWer: "Benjamin Franklin: My Story" does take place over a longer period of time.
13 How is Benjamin the same in “Benjamin Franklin: My Story” and “Books of His Boyhood”?
A Both selections describe him as a statesman.
Wrong AnsWer: Only "Benjamin Franklin, My Story" describes him as a statesmen.
B Both selections relate his desire to read and learn.
right AnsWer: The first sentence in "Benjamin Franklin: My Story" says he loved to read; the whole excerpt “Books of His Boyhood” is about his love of reading.
C Both selections recount his time as an apprentice.
Wrong AnsWer: He was an apprentice in “Benjamin Franklin: My Story.” Apprentice booksellers are in “Books of His Boyhood, but it does not mention that Franklin was an apprentice.”
D Both selections include his experience inventing things.
Wrong AnsWer: Only “Benjamin Franklin: My Story” refers to his experience with inventing.
14 Read this sentence from “Benjamin Franklin: My Story.”
As a child, I loved to read, write, and collect books;
Which sentence from “Books of His Boyhood” best matches the idea expressed by Franklin in the sentence from his autobiography?
A “Yes, sir, I read considerable every day.” Wrong AnsWer: This says he read, not that he loved to read.
B There were several bookstores in Boston at that time, although the number of books was very limited as compared to with the present time.
Wrong AnsWer: This tells about the limited number of books in Boston.
C “You won’t have time for much sleep if you read that book before going to bed.”
Wrong AnsWer: This states that it will take him a long time to read the book.
D “It would just suit me to be in the company of books all the time.”
right AnsWer: If he wants to be in the company of books all the time, it is because he loves them.
William Worrall Mayo, M.D., (1819-1911) center, with sons, Dr. Charlie (1865-1939), left, and Dr. Will (1861-1939). Both brothers often said, "Our father taught us," in explaining their commitment to excellence in patient care, research, and education. (Photo credit: MayoClinic.org)
1 In 1863, Dr. William Mayo settled in Rochester,
Minnesota and established a medical practice. His
two sons, William and Charles, joined the practice
in 1883 and 1888. Together they founded the
world famous Mayo Clinic. From the beginning,
they were doctors who brought the newest and best
practices in medicine to the United States from
all over the world. All three wanted to learn
more about medicine in order to save lives lost
from the spreading of infection. They decided
that one doctor would travel and learn new
discoveries and techniques while the other
two stayed to help the patients.
2 The Mayos studied Louis Pasteur’s findings on
sterilizing surgical instruments to kill germs that
caused infections. They set up a hospital that
was clean, and they protected the patients
from infection. They brought other new
discoveries, such as the microscope, to their
Informational Text/Paired Passages Set #4: Two Biographies Read the selections and choose the best answer to each question.
Question 5The image included with the article helps the reader understand –
A how doctors used to dress
The image allows the reader to see how doctors use to dress - suits and ties.
Question 1Paragraph 1 is mainly about the–
A early days of the Mayo Clinic
This is about the founding of the clinic and what the Mayos wanted to do at the beginning to make it excellent.
Question 3The Mayo doctors focused their attention on –
C healing their patients
With their careful treatment of infections and their willingness to travel to learn new discoveries, they were focused on healing their patients.Sa
sick and also a place for doctors to learn. During
this period, medicine advanced and began to save
more lives. The Mayo doctors were the doctors
that led the way in the team approach to medicine
where a team of specialists comes together to
serve patients. This technique is known as the
Mayo Clinic Model of Care. Today, the Mayo
Clinic carries on the Mayo family philosophy
of “giving back.” It employs more than 3,800
physicians and scientists, as well as 50,900
allied health staff members. While the clinic’s
primary focus is on patient care, it spends
over $500 million a year on medical research.
Exercise Reasoning4 Which of these is the best summary of the article?
A When they first established the Mayo Clinic, William Mayo and his sons could never have known the far-reaching effects of their efforts. With the help of Louis Pasteur, the Mayos wiped out infection and improved the quality of hospital care.
Wrong AnsWer: Pasteur did not personally work with the mayos. They studied his findings.
B When the Mayos opened their clinic, people were dying because hospitals were not clean. The Mayos changed all of that, so many people came to their clinic wanting the best medical care they could find. The people found this great care at the Mayo Clinic.
right AnsWer: This summary is missing pertinent information.
C Two brothers, William and Charles Mayo, followed the family tradition and entered the medical field. They worked with their father and began to research medicine and infection. Now, their clinic is the best medical clinic worldwide.
Wrong AnsWer: This summary is missing pertinent information.
D The Mayo family doctors established a medical clinic. This clinic was known for using modern medical practices and having excellent patient care. Doctors from all over the world came there to learn. Today, the Mayo Clinic carries on the tradition of outstanding patient care and research.
Wrong AnsWer: tThis summary provides all of the pertinent information from the selection.
Question 6Which sentence from the selection best suggests that the Mayos thought healthcare is important?
B The Mayo Clinic became known for excellent patient care.
Excellent patient care shows that they think healthcare is important. Patients are what is important to healthcare.
Question 2In paragraph 3, the word specialists means –
B doctors
The specialists are serving the patients, which in this case makes them doctors.
Question 7From the information in the selection, the reader can conclude that –
D the Mayo family was generous and charitable.
The Mayos spend $500 million a year on research, and they hire more than 54,000 physicians, scientists, and allied health staff members.
Exercise Reasoning14 The Mayos and Alexander Graham Bell would most likely agree about the importance of –
A finding discoveries in your country Wrong AnsWer: The Mayos went to other countries to find new discoveries.
B parents have a great influence in our lives right AnsWer: The Mayo's father was the reason they got into medicine; Bell's father invented Visible Speech which caused Bell to work on helping deaf people.
C doctors being the ones who help physically challenged
Wrong AnsWer: Bell was not a doctor, and he helped the physically challenged.
D allowing patients to make important decisions
Wrong AnsWer: Neither selection mentioned this.
15 What is one difference between the selections?
A “The Mayo Family of Doctors” discusses traveling to find new discoveries, while “Alexander Graham Bell” focuses on staying in the United States.
Wrong AnsWer: “Alexander Graham Bell” never mentioned staying in the US or traveling.
B “The Mayo Family of Doctors” names an expert to support the idea that infections are bad, while “Alexander Graham Bell” relies on the telephone company to encourage his Visible Speech.
Wrong AnsWer: The telephone company is not mentioned as encouraging people to use Visible Speech in “Alexander Graham Bell."
C “The Mayo Family of Doctors” focuses on going out to find new discoveries and techniques to help people, while “Alexander Graham Bell” used his own methods to help deaf people.
right AnsWer: The Mayos had one person travel to find new discoveries, and Bell worked with his methods for teaching speech and lip reading.
D “The Mayo Family of Doctors” was only about one person who helped people, while “Alexander Graham Bell” was about a group of people who helped others
Wrong AnsWer: The Mayos was about a group of people, and Bell was about one person.
16 The information presented in “The Mayo Family of Doctors” and “Alexander Graham Bell” support the idea that -
A innovations and breakthroughs stretch the limit of what is possible
right AnsWer: Both the Mayos and Bell did many different things to help people. They wanted more to help people.
B companies are more successful than individuals when it comes to helping people
Wrong AnsWer: This is not inferred in either passage.
C improvements in the medical field will help people heal faster
Wrong AnsWer: Deaf people would not be healed by what Bell did, so this would not be supported in both.
D success with new techniques in the medical field is best left to doctors
Wrong AnsWer: Bell was not a doctor, so this would not be supported in both.
Exercise Reasoning5 The author organizes “The Musgrave Pencil Factory” by –
A identifying the reasons Colonel Musgrave built the factory
Wrong AnsWer: The selection tells the reasons at the beginning of the selection and not throughout it.
B providing information about the factory in chronological order
right AnsWer: The selection starts with WWI and moves through modern times.
C comparing the factory to other industries at the timer
Wrong AnsWer: Factories are not being compared.
D listing the steps in making a pencil Wrong AnsWer: Listing steps is in the second selection.
6 Which of these ideas is reinforced throughout the selection?
A Colonel Musgrave and his factory are a testament to devotion and hard work.
right AnsWer: The selection shows how Musgrave started a company, how he helped families during WWII, and that the company is still active today. This is devotion and hard work.
B The Musgrave Pencil Factory makes the best pencils.
Wrong AnsWer: This is not reinforced throughout the selection.
C Pencils provide the best way to make money in small town America.
Wrong AnsWer: Being in a small town is mentioned in the selection.
D World War I created the need to generate jobs in a slower economy.
Wrong AnsWer: Only the beginning of the selection mentions WWI.
7 Which sentence expresses an opinion?
A He turned to American manufacturers to start a company.
Wrong AnsWer: This is a fact that can be proven.
B In 1919 the Pencil Makers Association was organized.
Wrong AnsWer: This is a fact that can be proven.
C It is difficult to conceive how hard times were during the depression.
right AnsWer: The word difficult makes this sentence an opinion - difficulty is a matter of opinion.
D In the 1950s, Governor Buford Ellington named Shelbyville "The Pencil City."
Have you ever wondered how a pencil is made? Read on to learn about the 10 step process that transforms a tree into a pile of pencils.
Ten Steps to a Perfect Pencil1. The process of making cedar pencils begins
at a sawmill, where cedar logs are cut into lumber called pencil stock. This lumber product is dried before being shipped to the slat factory. At the slat factory, pencil stock is cut into pencil blocks that are slightly longer than the normal length of a pencil. The small amount of extra length is called trim allowance.
2. Specially designed circular saws are used to cut pencil blocks into pencil slats. The saw blades are very thin in order to reduce the amount of sawdust waste produced. Due to the natural grain and defect characteristics of the wood, slats are sorted by width and grade for further processing. Full ply slats are without defects. To eliminate the defects and to produce a variety of usable grades and plies of pencil slats, the remaining slats are cut to smaller widths called narrow ply, or shorter lengths known as memos.
3. The pencil slats are treated with wax and stain to obtain uniform color. The waxing helps the slats pass through the machinery more easily and improves the pencils’ sharpening characteristics. After treatment, the slats are packaged and shipped to pencil factories all over the world.
4. At the pencil factory, a grooving machine cuts grooves into the slats to accept the writing core, or lead.
Question 8Which definition of uniform is used in Step 3 of the pencil making process?
D Definition 4 (without variation)
If you want uniform colors in pencils, you want them not to have any variation.
Question 11This sentence indicates that –
D the pencil making process takes place in multiple factories
Sending the slats to other factories shows that pencils are made in several factories.
Question 9According to the information in “Ten Steps to a Perfect Pencil,” how does waxing help during the pencil making process?
A Makes it easier for slats to pass through the machinery
The answer is in step 3.
Question 13According to the illustration, during the pencil making process –
C the writing cores are added before the pencil slats go to the shaper machine
5. Writing cores, made from a mixture of graphite and clay, are placed into the grooves. Colored pencils use wax-based cores, while other formulations are used in cosmetic pencils.
6. A second grooved slat is glued onto the first – making a sandwich – by a machine called a lead layer. The sandwiches are then clamped and held together tightly while the glue dries.
7. Once the glue dries, the sandwiches go to a shaper machine. They are trimmed to make sure the sandwich is square and that all the pencils will be the correct length. Then the sandwich is cut into pencil shapes, which can be round, triangular, or hexagonal.
8. Single pencils cut from the sandwich are ready to be processed. Any pencils with defects, such as uncentered leads or chipped wood, are discarded at this point.
9. Next, each pencil is painted in a machine. Pencils receive from 4-10 coats of lacquer, depending on the desired quality of the finish. After painting, some pencils are wrapped in decorative film or foils with fancy designs, although most pencils are imprinted with the brand name by stamping a foil logo into the surface of the pencil.
10. Using a tipping machine, an eraser and the metal ring that holds the eraser are crimped into place on each pencil.
Question 12From the information in “Ten Steps to a Perfect Pencil,” the reader can conclude that –
B writing cores can be made from different materials
Colored pencils use wax-based, other formulations are used for cosmetic pencils.
Question 10In “Ten Steps to a Perfect Pencil,” the layers of the pencil are glued together in –
B Step 6
Answer is in the step – layers of pencils are glued together.
• A pencil will write in space, upside down, and under water.
• A pencil can write 45,000 words.
• More than 2 billion pencils are sold in the U.S. each year.
• The average pencil can draw a line 35 miles long.
Source: Pencil Making Today: How to Make a Pencil in 10 Steps (www.pencils.com)
Exercise Reasoning
14 How are “The Musgrave Pencil Factory” and “From Tree to Pencils” different?
A “The Musgrave Pencil Factory” tells the chronological history of the factory, while “From Tree to Pencils” records the steps to making a pencil.
right AnsWer: This is exactly what is done in each selection – chronological history in “The Musgrave Pencil Factory” and steps in “From Tree to Pencils.”
B “The Musgrave Pencil Factory” discusses Colonel Musgrave and his idea, while “From Tree to Pencils” gives examples of how pencils are used.
Wrong AnsWer: Colonel Musgrave is not the only thing discussed in “The Musgrave Pencil Factory”, and examples are only a part of “From Tree to Pencils.”
C “The Musgrave Pencil Factory” focuses on jobs, while “From Tree to Pencils” focuses on factories.
Wrong AnsWer: Jobs are a part of “The Musgrave Pencil Factory”, and factories just a part of the steps are accomplished in “From Tree to Pencils.”
D “The Musgrave Pencil Factory” discusses the need for women in the workforce, while “From Tree to Pencils” focuses on the history of pencils.
Wrong AnsWer: Women working is a small part of “The Musgrave Pencil Factory”, and the history of pencils is not discussed in “From Tree to Pencils.”Sa
Exercise Reasoning15 Both “The Musgrave Pencil Factory” and “From Tree to Pencil” provide –
A a how-to for crafting a pencil Wrong AnsWer: Only “From Tree to Pencils” has a how-to.
B thoughts about both WWI and WWII Wrong AnsWer: WWI and WWII are only included in “The Musgrave Pencil Factory.”
C historical information about pencil manufacturing
right AnsWer: “The Musgrave Pencil Factory” is historically written about pencil making, and “From Tree to Pencils” has a timeline as part of the selection.
D trivia about pencils Wrong AnsWer: Only “From Tree to Pencils” has pencil trivia.
16 From the information on the timeline and “The Musgrave Pencil Factory,” the reader can conclude that –
A the French sold Musgrave the patent to the pencil
Wrong AnsWer: Nothing in either selection states this.
B the English manufactured pencils before Musgrave
right AnsWer: Musgrave started in the early 20th century, and England started in 1832.
C colored pencils were invented for school children
Wrong AnsWer: There is nothing about why colored pencils were invented in either selection.
D the French created metallic pencils in 1795 Wrong AnsWer: The French invented the modern pencil in 1795; the metallic pencil was created in 1999.
17 Read this line from the “The Musgrave Pencil Factory” selection. The cedar rails were already dry and weathered. They were perfect to be cut into pencil slats at the mill in Shelbyville.Which sentences from the “Tree to Pencils” selection best matches an idea present in these lines?
A The process of making cedar pencils begins at a sawmill, where cedar logs are cut into lumber called pencil stock. This lumber product is then dried before being shipped to the slat factory.
right AnsWer: Both are about drying the cedar and the sawmill cutting into slats.
B At the slat factory, pencil stock is cut into pencil blocks that are slightly longer than the normal length of a pencil. The small amount of extra length is called trim allowance.
Wrong AnsWer: This sentence does not have anything about the cedar or cutting slats.
C The saw blades are very thin in order to reduce the amount of sawdust waste produced. Due to the natural grain and defect characteristics of the wood, slats are sorted by width and grade for further processing.
Wrong AnsWer: This sentence does not include drying or cutting the slats.
D Single pencils cut from the sandwich are ready to be processed. Any pencils with defects, such as uncentered leads or chipped wood, are discarded at this point.
Wrong AnsWer: This sentence does not have anything about the cedar or cutting slats.
the rule of Spain, and Mexican rebels were plotting
a revolution. Groups of Texans had organized an
invasion to free Texas from Spanish rule. To say
the least, the political climate was volatile,
ready to explode at any minute. According to
most people of that day, Texas was no place for a
woman.
2 Jane Long’s husband, Dr. James Long, was
a leader in Texas’ fight for freedom. He led an
army of three hundred men in an expedition from
Natchez to Nacogdoches, Texas, where Long and
his men proclaimed the independence of Texas and
set up a government. After the birth of their
second child, Jane set out for Nacogdoches to
join her husband. She and her escorts traveled
over dirt roads and through rain-swollen streams,
Informational Text/Paired Passages Set #6: Two Historical Accounts Read the selections and choose the best answer to each question.
Question 6The reader can infer that when Jane Long first traveled to Texas, she felt –
C frightened
The paragraph has information about Texas being “rough,” pirates were on the coast, the Comanche were angry, and the political climate was volatile. This would frighten her.
Question 1Which of the following events happened to Jane immediately before she set out to join her husband in Nacogdoches?
C Jane gave birth to her second child.
After the birth of her son, Jane headed out to Nacogdoches.
Kian, her servant girl. Only a handful of soldiers
remained to protect the residents of Bolivar Point.
Jane gave birth to her daughter, alleged to be the
first Anglo-American child born in Texas, giving
Jane her famous title. Fearful of Indian attacks,
all but Jane, her two daughters, and Kian
evacuated the fort. Jane remained, saying, “My
husband left me here to wait for him, and I shall
stay until he returns.” Jane and Kian spent almost
a year alone at Galveston Bay.
4 The Karankawa Indians, which occupied
nearby Galveston Island, were known for being
warlike. Kian and Jane kept a close watch on the
campfires of these Indians. One day Kian spotted
a Karankawa canoe coming toward Bolivar Point.
She pointed the one cannon they had toward the
Indians while Jane used her red petticoat as a
warning flag flying over the fort. Jane loaded and
fired the cannon, and the Indians turned back. The
women left the red flag flying over Fort Bolivar, and
Jane occasionally fired the cannon to frighten the
Indians. After this incident, Jane and Kian wore
soldiers’ uniforms when they went to the beaches
to gather oysters.
5 In 1822, Jane received word that her husband,
who had been captured and held prisoner in
Mexico, had been killed in Mexico City. Jane then
became the sole support of her family. While many
women in such a position would have returned
to the home of their parents, Jane Long chose to
remain in Texas. She and her children set out for
Question 4What caused the soldiers to abandon Jane Long at the fort in Bolivar Point?
A The fear of Indian attacks drove them off.
Only a handful of soldiers stayed to protect the residents of Bolivar Point. But there was a fear of attacks, so everyone but Jane, her daughters, and Kian left.
Exercise Reasoning3 Which sentence expresses an opinion?
A Jane Wilkinson Long is often referred to as the “Mother of Texas.”
Wrong AnsWer: This is a fact that can be proven.
B According to most people of that day, Texas was no place for a woman.
right AnsWer: "Most people" makes this sentence an opinion.
C Fearful of Indian attack, all but Jane and Kian evacuated the fort.
Wrong AnsWer: This is a fact that can be proven.
D In 1831, Jane settled in Brazoria and opened a boarding house.
Wrong AnsWer: This is a fact that can be proven.
5 “Mother of Texas” is an appropriate name for Jane Long because she -
A ran a boarding house in Brazoria right AnsWer: Many Texas patriots gathered in Jane Long's boarding house and the plan for Texas independence was "born" there.
B gave birth to her child at Bolivar Point Wrong AnsWer: Many women had children in Texas. This would not make her the mother of Texas.
C left her parents to live in Texas Wrong AnsWer: Many other people left their parents to come to Texas.This would not make her the mother of Texas.
D became the sole support of her family Wrong AnsWer: This is specific to her family and not to Texas. It would not make her the mother of Texas.
7 Read these sentences from the selection.
She and her escorts traveled over dirt roads and through rain-swollen streams, arriving in Nacogdoches in October of 1819. (paragraph 2)
While many women in such a position would have returned to the home of their parents, Jane Long chose to remain in Texas. (paragraph 5)
Based on these sentences, the reader can infer that Jane was –
A stronger than most women of that time right AnsWer: Traveling over rough roads and not returning to her parents makes her stronger than most women.
B forced to stay in Texas Wrong AnsWer: She was not forced to stay in Texas.
C disappointed with her life in Texas Wrong AnsWer: Nothing about disappointment is in the sentences.
D cut off from her parents Wrong AnsWer: It does not say she was cut off from her parents.
Question 11How does the Lubbock reveal the reason for all his mosquito bites?
D By describing the experience of getting lost in the Brazos River bottom
He tells about the noises he hears: wolves, the panthers, and the mosquitoes.
Mexican panther, and the never-ending hum
of mosquitos. Being green from the States,
I almost despaired of life, while anxiously
waiting the issue. The welcome morning
brought me deliverance, but on my arrival
at the boarding house, my face appeared so
disfigured by mosquito bites that my wife
scarcely recognized me. This horrible night's
experience in the Brazos bottom six decades ago is
still distinct in my memory.
Source: Six Decades in Texas, The Memoirs of Francis Richard Lubbock, edited by C.W. Raines (Austin: Ben C Jones & Co., 1900)
Exercise Reasoning13 What lesson does Lubbock learn while spending time in the Brazos bottom?
A Enjoy your comfortable life while you can. Wrong AnsWer: He only spent a short time there, which would not make this a lesson learned.
B Be careful not to cry, “Wolf!” Wrong AnsWer: He heard wolves cry; he did not cry wolf.
C People can be out of place in nature. right AnsWer: Lubbock did not know enough about nature, so he as out of place in it.
D Persistence pays off. Wrong AnsWer: One night did not make him persistent.
14 How does the author’s purpose in “The Remarkable Jane Long” differ from Lubbock’s observations about Long in “Removal to Texas”?
A The author communicates by sharing stories, while Lubbock communicates by relating history.
Wrong AnsWer: These are opposite of what they should be. “Removal to Texas” is stories, and “The Remarkable Jane Long” was relating history.
B The author reveals the important moments in Long’s life, while Lubbock highlights the idealism of Long’s life.
right AnsWer: “The Remarkable Jane Long” highlights her life in Texas, and “Removal to Texas” mentions the romanticism of her life.
C The author downplays everything Long accomplished, while Lubbock tells about Long’s guests at the boarding house.
Wrong AnsWer: The author speaks highly of Jane Long and does not downplay her accomplishments. Lubbock's description of Long's guests is not an observation about Jane Long.
D The author compares Long to other famous Texas women, while Lubbock compares her to his wife.
Wrong AnsWer: No other Texas women are in “The Remarkable Jane Long,” and Lubbock does not compare his wife to Long in “Removal to Texas.”