1.
Please read the text below and answer the question.
Most people have had the pleasure of tasting a delicious chocolate chip cookie at some point in their lives. But what most folks do not know is that chocolate chip cookies were invented by accident. Ruth Graves Wakefield, owner of the popular Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, prepared all the food for her guests. People came from all over to stay at the Toll House Inn and eat her famous Chocolate Butter Drop Do cookies. These chocolate cookies were such a hit that Ruth found herself baking them on a daily basis. One day, when she was preparing the recipe, she realized she had run out of baker’s chocolate. She decided to break up a block of Nestle semi-sweet chocolate instead, expecting them to melt and disperse through the cookie dough. To her surprise, when she took the cookies out of the oven, the chocolate morsels retained their shape as “chips” in the cookie, thereby making them the first batch of chocolate chip cookies every baked. Ruth’s chocolate chip cookies were so popular that they ended up permanently replacing her chocolate butter drop do cookies. Thanks to this happy accident, people all over the world get to enjoy one of the best desserts ever invented!
Question: Which sentence is the topic sentence?
Correct Answer
B. But what most folks do not know is that chocolate chip cookies were invented by accident.
Explanation
B. The second sentence of this paragraph expresses the main idea that chocolate chip cookies were invented by accident. This makes it the topic sentence. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.
2.
Please read the text below and answer the question.
Most people have had the pleasure of tasting a delicious chocolate chip cookie at some point in their lives. But what most folks do not know is that chocolate chip cookies were invented by accident. Ruth Graves Wakefield, owner of the popular Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, prepared all the food for her guests. People came from all over to stay at the Toll House Inn and eat her famous Chocolate Butter Drop Do cookies. These chocolate cookies were such a hit that Ruth found herself baking them on a daily basis. One day, when she was preparing the recipe, she realized she had run out of baker’s chocolate. She decided to break up a block of Nestle semi-sweet chocolate instead, expecting them to melt and disperse through the cookie dough. To her surprise, when she took the cookies out of the oven, the chocolate morsels retained their shape as “chips” in the cookie, thereby making them the first batch of chocolate chip cookies every baked. Ruth’s chocolate chip cookies were so popular that they ended up permanently replacing her chocolate butter drop do cookies. Thanks to this happy accident, people all over the world get to enjoy one of the best desserts ever invented!
Question: In the paragraph above, the chocolate chip cookie is:
Correct Answer
A. The topic.
Explanation
A. The topic of a sentence is a word or phrase that describes what the text is about. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.
3.
Please read the text below and answer the question.
Most people have had the pleasure of tasting a delicious chocolate chip cookie at some point in their lives. But what most folks do not know is that chocolate chip cookies were invented by accident. Ruth Graves Wakefield, owner of the popular Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, prepared all the food for her guests. People came from all over to stay at the Toll House Inn and eat her famous Chocolate Butter Drop Do cookies. These chocolate cookies were such a hit that Ruth found herself baking them on a daily basis. One day, when she was preparing the recipe, she realized she had run out of baker’s chocolate. She decided to break up a block of Nestle semi-sweet chocolate instead, expecting them to melt and disperse through the cookie dough. To her surprise, when she took the cookies out of the oven, the chocolate morsels retained their shape as “chips” in the cookie, thereby making them the first batch of chocolate chip cookies every baked. Ruth’s chocolate chip cookies were so popular that they ended up permanently replacing her chocolate butter drop do cookies. Thanks to this happy accident, people all over the world get to enjoy one of the best desserts ever invented!
Question: Which sentence summarizes the main idea of the paragraph?
Correct Answer
C. One of the most classic and popular desserts came about unexpectedly.
Explanation
C. This paragraph presents the story behind the invention of the chocolate chip cookie. It discusses the fact that the dessert was a complete accident. This idea is expressed in a topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.
4.
Please read the text below and answer the question.
Most people have had the pleasure of tasting a delicious chocolate chip cookie at some point in their lives. But what most folks do not know is that chocolate chip cookies were invented by accident. Ruth Graves Wakefield, owner of the popular Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, prepared all the food for her guests. People came from all over to stay at the Toll House Inn and eat her famous Chocolate Butter Drop Do cookies. These chocolate cookies were such a hit that Ruth found herself baking them on a daily basis. One day, when she was preparing the recipe, she realized she had run out of baker’s chocolate. She decided to break up a block of Nestle semi-sweet chocolate instead, expecting them to melt and disperse through the cookie dough. To her surprise, when she took the cookies out of the oven, the chocolate morsels retained their shape as “chips” in the cookie, thereby making them the first batch of chocolate chip cookies every baked. Ruth’s chocolate chip cookies were so popular that they ended up permanently replacing her chocolate butter drop do cookies. Thanks to this happy accident, people all over the world get to enjoy one of the best desserts ever invented!
Question: Which of the following sentences from the paragraph is a supporting detail of the topic sentence?
Correct Answer
D. She decided to break up a block of Nestle semi-sweet chocolate instead, expecting them to melt and disperse through the cookie dough.
Explanation
D. The main idea of this paragraph is that chocolate chip cookies were invented by accident. The detail that directly supports this is the one describing what Ruth Graves Wakefield did when she ran out of baker’s chocolate – she broke up a block of Nestle semi-sweet chocolate expecting them to melt. This is a supporting detail. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.
5.
Please read the text below and answer the question.
Most people have had the pleasure of tasting a delicious chocolate chip cookie at some point in their lives. But what most folks do not know is that chocolate chip cookies were invented by accident. Ruth Graves Wakefield, owner of the popular Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, prepared all the food for her guests. People came from all over to stay at the Toll House Inn and eat her famous Chocolate Butter Drop Do cookies. These chocolate cookies were such a hit that Ruth found herself baking them on a daily basis. One day, when she was preparing the recipe, she realized she had run out of baker’s chocolate. She decided to break up a block of Nestle semi-sweet chocolate instead, expecting them to melt and disperse through the cookie dough. To her surprise, when she took the cookies out of the oven, the chocolate morsels retained their shape as “chips” in the cookie, thereby making them the first batch of chocolate chip cookies every baked. Ruth’s chocolate chip cookies were so popular that they ended up permanently replacing her chocolate butter drop do cookies. Thanks to this happy accident, people all over the world get to enjoy one of the best desserts ever invented!
Question: Which sentence would best function as a supporting detail in this paragraph?
Correct Answer
B. Ruth Graves Wakefield tasted the cookies with the chocolate morsels in them and realized immediately how delicious they were.
Explanation
B. All of the above sentences relate to the topic of chocolate chip cookies, but only the sentence about Ruth Graves Wakefield realizing how delicious they were relates directly to the main idea that the chocolate chip cookie was invented by accident. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.
6.
Please read the text below and answer the question.
In the past 10-15 years, koalas have been repeatedly harmed or killed in traffic accidents. When the animals cross busy roads, highways, and intersections to get to their food source, the eucalyptus tree, many of them meet a terrible fate. Australian developers have been taking over koala habitats to keep up with the country’s booming population. This has resulted in the endangerment of the country’s most beloved animal. Concerned individuals have taken action by creating koala “pathways,” routes traveling over roads, highways, and intersections to ensure koalas keep safe. In addition, koala hospitals have been established in these areas to rehabilitate the injured animals.
Question: Which phrase best describes the topic of the group of sentences above?
Correct Answer
B. An account of human impact on an animal species
Explanation
B. All of the above sentences are related in some way to the text, but the topic is specifically about an account of human impact on an animal species. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.
7.
Please read the text below and answer the question.
In the past 10-15 years, koalas have been repeatedly harmed or killed in traffic accidents. When the animals cross busy roads, highways, and intersections to get to their food source, the eucalyptus tree, many of them meet a terrible fate. Australian developers have been taking over koala habitats to keep up with the country’s booming population. This has resulted in the endangerment of the country’s most beloved animal. Concerned individuals have taken action by creating koala “pathways,” routes traveling over roads, highways, and intersections to ensure koalas keep safe. In addition, koala hospitals have been established in these areas to rehabilitate the injured animals.
Question: Which of the following sentences would best function as a topic sentence to unite the information above?
Correct Answer
C. Human encroachment on natural habitats has negatively impacted the koala population.
Explanation
C. The best topic sentence to unite the above information would be the one about human encroachment negatively impacting the koala population. The others would be additional supporting details. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.
8.
Please read the text below and answer the question.
In the past 10-15 years, koalas have been repeatedly harmed or killed in traffic accidents. When the animals cross busy roads, highways, and intersections to get to their food source, the eucalyptus tree, many of them meet a terrible fate. Australian developers have been taking over koala habitats to keep up with the country’s booming population. This has resulted in the endangerment of the country’s most beloved animal. Concerned individuals have taken action by creating koala “pathways,” routes traveling over roads, highways, and intersections to ensure koalas keep safe. In addition, koala hospitals have been established in these areas to rehabilitate the injured animals.
Question: Which sentence provides another supporting detail to address the topic of the sentences above?
Correct Answer
D. Australia has erected over 500 koala pathways over the past two years.
Explanation
D. Each of the above sentences is related in some way to the passage, but the detail about the number of koala pathways that have been built is the best fit for the topic of the text. See Lesson: Main Ideas, Topic Sentences, and Supporting Details.
9.
Which graphic would best support a paragraph about the different parts of a car engine and their functions?
Correct Answer
A. Diagram
Explanation
A. A diagram presents a picture with labels that show the parts of an object or functions of a mechanism. This would be the best graphic to support the paragraph mentioned above. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features.
10.
Which graphic would best support a paragraph explaining the percentage breakdowns of how a charity organization plans to spend a large donation?
Correct Answer
D. Pie Chart
Explanation
D. A pie chart is useful for representing all of something- in this case a large donation made to a charity- and the percentage values of its parts. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features.
11.
Read the following text and its summary and answer the question.
Text: In the late 1800s, life was terrible for some children. The Industrial Revolution was in full effect and factories sprang up in urban areas all over the country. Many innocent children left the comforts of home for the big cities to make money for their families. Children as young as 6 were forced to work long hours with dangerous equipment for little pay. A lot of children grew ill or even died on the job. Factory owners justified this abominable treatment by claiming they fed, clothed, and provided shelter for these children.
Summary: The author argues that children led awful lives during the Industrial Revolution due to long work hours, dangerous equipment, and little pay. Factory owners justified this treatment even though children were becoming ill or dying.
Question: Is this summary effective or not? Why or why not?
Correct Answer
B. The summary is effective because it restates the key points in a new way.
Explanation
B. This summary is effective because it restates only the key points and it does it using new words. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features.
12.
Read the following text and its summary and answer the question.
Text: In the late 1800s, life was terrible for some children. The Industrial Revolution was in full effect and factories sprang up in urban areas all over the country. Many innocent children left the comforts of home for the big cities to make money for their families. Children as young as 6 were forced to work long hours with dangerous equipment for little pay. A lot of children grew ill or even died on the job. Factory owners justified this abominable treatment by claiming they fed, clothed, and provided shelter for these children.
Summary: The author argues that children led awful lives during the Industrial Revolution due to long work hours, dangerous equipment, and little pay. Factory owners justified this treatment even though children were becoming ill or dying.
Question: If the first line of the summary were replaced, which of the following lines would make the summary ineffective?
Correct Answer
A. The author claims that in the late 1800s, life was terrible for some children.
Explanation
A. An ineffective summary would copy the original text word for word and only change one or two words. The first sentence is almost exactly like the first sentence of the original text, so this would be structurally plagiarized. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features.
13.
Read the following text and then answer the question.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Get out all your equipment and ingredients. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Then soften 1 cup of butter. Next add the butter and the eggs to the dry mixture and stir until all the ingredients are mixed. Mix in the chocolate chips. Using a tablespoon, spoon out the batter onto a pre-greased cookie sheet. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool before serving.
Question: Which of the following words from the text indicate sequence?
Correct Answer
B. Then, Next
Explanation
B. The words “Then” and “Next” indicate sequence because they tell you when to do a step. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features
14.
Read the following text and then answer the question.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Get out all your equipment and ingredients. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Then soften 1 cup of butter. Next add the butter and the eggs to the dry mixture and stir until all the ingredients are mixed. Mix in the chocolate chips. Using a tablespoon, spoon out the batter onto a pre-greased cookie sheet. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool before serving.
Question: What does the term “pre-greased cookie sheet” tell you?
Correct Answer
B. That you are supposed to grease the cookie sheet at some time before putting the batter onto it
Explanation
B. The prefix “pre” in the word “pre-greased” means “before,” so the cookie sheet needs to be greased sometime before putting the batter onto it. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features
15.
Read the following text and then answer the question.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Get out all your equipment and ingredients. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Then soften 1 cup of butter. Next add the butter and the eggs to the dry mixture and stir until all the ingredients are mixed. Mix in the chocolate chips. Using a tablespoon, spoon out the batter onto a pre-greased cookie sheet. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes. Allow cookies to cool before serving.
Question: What sequence word would best fit at the beginning of this sentence from the text? Allow cookies to cool before serving.
Correct Answer
B. Last
Explanation
B. Since this is the final step, you would use the word “last” to indicate it is the final step in the directions. See Lesson: Summarizing Text and Using Text Features
16.
Which words or phrases should be inserted into the blanks below to provide clear transitions between the ideas?
Jose is a determined individual. ________ he spent five days trying to teach himself the guitar since he wants to join a band. _________ his mom claims that he exhibited similar behavior when he wanted to walk; he spent hours getting up and falling down.
Correct Answer
D. For instance; Moreover
Explanation
D. The sentences above would be best served with an example transition and an addition transition. See Lesson: Tone, Mood, and Transition Words.
17.
Read the sentences below.
Dogs are typically friendly, loyal animals that love people. However some people train their dogs to be vicious fighters, so you should always ask pet owners if it’s safe to approach their dog.
What is the function of the underlined transition word in sentence
two?
Correct Answer
A. To express a contrast
Explanation
A. Transition words like “however” express a contrast between ideas. See Lesson: Tone, Mood, and Transition Words
18.
Which word functions as a transition in the sentence below?
Cassandra loved reading and writing books as a child. Thus she became an English teacher in her adult life.
Correct Answer
C. Thus
Explanation
C. The transition is the word that links the two ideas: thus. This word shows how the two sentences have a cause-and-effect relationship. See Lesson: Tone, Mood, and Transition Words.
19.
Which word functions as a transition in the sentences below?
However you celebrate the holidays, it's time to spend with your family. It's also a time to enjoy some good food!
Correct Answer
C. Also
Explanation
C. The transition is the word that links the two ideas: also. The word however here is not a transition word indicating contrast; it's an adverb meaning "in whichever way." See Lesson: Tone, Mood, and Transition Words.
20.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Dear Mr. O’Hara,
I am writing to let you know how much of a positive impact you have made on our daughter. Before being in your algebra class, Violet was math phobic. She would shut down when new concepts would not come to her easily. As a result, she did not pass many tests. Despite this past struggle, she has blossomed in your class! Your patience and dedication have made all the difference in the world. Above all, your one-on-one sessions with her have truly helped her in ways you cannot imagine. She is a more confident and capable math student, thanks to you. We cannot thank you enough.
Fondly,
Bridgette Foster
Question: Which adjective best describes the tone of this passage?
Correct Answer
D. Appreciative
Explanation
D. The tone of this letter is appreciative as the author openly thanks the teacher for all he has done for her daughter. See Lesson: Tone, Mood, and Transition Words.
21.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Dear Mr. O’Hara,
I am writing to let you know how much of a positive impact you have made on our daughter. Before being in your algebra class, Violet was math phobic. She would shut down when new concepts would not come to her easily. As a result, she did not pass many tests. Despite this past struggle, she has blossomed in your class! Your patience and dedication have made all the difference in the world. Above all, your one-on-one sessions with her have truly helped her in ways you cannot imagine. She is a more confident and capable math student, thanks to you. We cannot thank you enough.
Fondly,
Bridgette Foster
Question: Which phrase from the passage has an openly appreciative and warm tone?
Correct Answer
D. We cannot thank you enough
Explanation
D. The author of the letter uses a lot of respectful and admiring language, but the line “We cannot thank you enough” has an especially appreciative and warm tone. See Lesson: Tone, Mood, and Transition Words.
22.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Dear Mr. O’Hara,
I am writing to let you know how much of a positive impact you have made on our daughter. Before being in your algebra class, Violet was math phobic. She would shut down when new concepts would not come to her easily. As a result, she did not pass many tests. Despite this past struggle, she has blossomed in your class! Your patience and dedication have made all the difference in the world. Above all, your one-on-one sessions with her have truly helped her in ways you cannot imagine. She is a more confident and capable math student, thanks to you. We cannot thank you enough.
Fondly,
Bridgette Foster
Question: What mood would this passage most likely evoke in the math teacher, Mr. O’Hara?
Correct Answer
B. Grateful
Explanation
B. A teacher receiving a note like this would likely feel grateful. See Lesson: Tone, Mood, and Transition Words.
23.
Read the passage and answer the question.
Dear Mr. O’Hara,
I am writing to let you know how much of a positive impact you have made on our daughter. Before being in your algebra class, Violet was math phobic. She would shut down when new concepts would not come to her easily. As a result, she did not pass many tests. Despite this past struggle, she has blossomed in your class! Your patience and dedication have made all the difference in the world. Above all, your one-on-one sessions with her have truly helped her in ways you cannot imagine. She is a more confident and capable math student, thanks to you. We cannot thank you enough.
Fondly,
Bridgette Foster
Question: Which transition word or phrase from the passage adds emphasis to the writer’s point?
Correct Answer
D. Above all
Explanation
D. The phrase “above all” adds emphasis to the writer’s point that the teacher has made a significant impact on the daughter. See Lesson: Tone, Mood, and Transition Words.
24.
An author’s purpose is the:
Correct Answer
B. Reason an author writes something.
Explanation
B. An author’s purpose is his or her reason for writing. See Lesson: Understanding Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.
25.
What is the most likely purpose of a cookbook full of Mediterranean recipes?
Correct Answer
B. To inform
Explanation
B. Informational texts like cookbooks are usually meant to inform. See Lesson: Understanding the Author's Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.
26.
What is the most likely purpose of an article explaining why Eastern medicine is better than Western medicine?
Correct Answer
C. To persuade
Explanation
C. The article argues a point, so it is meant to persuade. See Lesson: Understanding the Author's Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.
27.
What is the most likely purpose of a realistic fiction book about one family's experience living in a foreign country?
Correct Answer
D. To entertain
Explanation
D. Entertaining texts tell stories. This story is about one family's experience moving to a foreign country. See Lesson: Understanding the Author's Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.
28.
Read the passages below and answer the question.
Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures. If you were to look at a termite mound, you would see first hand how incredible these insects are.
These masters of construction work together to erect high-functioning, green-energy skyscrapers out of nothing but soil, saliva, and dung. The largest one documented is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mound, measuring 12.8 meters (41.9 feet) tall, has heat regulation and air conditioning systems. It also contains numerous chambers for food storage, gardens, and babies.
And just think: a termite is only .6 cm long, yet it is still capable of building a sophisticated structure that’s 2,013 times its size!
*
As we hiked along the dusty trail deep within the Congo, our tour guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand.
Panic rose inside me, as I expected to see a ghastly hyena or other vicious predator in our midst. But he slowly pointed toward a large mound off the side of the path.
What on earth?
It rose high above us, a tall, sandy structure, its arms outstretched to the sky.
“This,” he began in a whisper so as not to disturb its inhabitants, “is a termite mound. Inside are thousands of termites. These tiny little insects have worked together to build this massive structure. And not only is it ventilated to keep them cool, but there are tons of little rooms or chambers inside for different purposes.”
WHOA. A termite mound? How on earth did those pesky little bugs do that?
Question: What is the purpose of the first paragraph of Passage 1?
Correct Answer
C. To persuade
Explanation
C. Passage 1 is intended to persuade readers that termites are amazing insects. See Lesson: Understanding the Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.
29.
Read the passages below and answer the question.
Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures. If you were to look at a termite mound, you would see first hand how incredible these insects are.
These masters of construction work together to erect high-functioning, green-energy skyscrapers out of nothing but soil, saliva, and dung. The largest one documented is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mound, measuring 12.8 meters (41.9 feet) tall, has heat regulation and air conditioning systems. It also contains numerous chambers for food storage, gardens, and babies.
And just think: a termite is only .6 cm long, yet it is still capable of building a sophisticated structure that’s 2,013 times its size!
*
As we hiked along the dusty trail deep within the Congo, our tour guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand.
Panic rose inside me, as I expected to see a ghastly hyena or other vicious predator in our midst. But he slowly pointed toward a large mound off the side of the path.
What on earth?
It rose high above us, a tall, sandy structure, its arms outstretched to the sky.
“This,” he began in a whisper so as not to disturb its inhabitants, “is a termite mound. Inside are thousands of termites. These tiny little insects have worked together to build this massive structure. And not only is it ventilated to keep them cool, but there are tons of little rooms or chambers inside for different purposes.”
WHOA. A termite mound? How on earth did those pesky little bugs do that?
Question: What is the primary purpose of Passage 2?
Correct Answer
D. To entertain
Explanation
D. Passage 2 tells a story, which is meant to entertain. See Lesson: Understanding the Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.
30.
Read the passages below and answer the question.
Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures. If you were to look at a termite mound, you would see first hand how incredible these insects are.
These masters of construction work together to erect high-functioning, green-energy skyscrapers out of nothing but soil, saliva, and dung. The largest one documented is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mound, measuring 12.8 meters (41.9 feet) tall, has heat regulation and air conditioning systems. It also contains numerous chambers for food storage, gardens, and babies.
And just think: a termite is only .6 cm long, yet it is still capable of building a sophisticated structure that’s 2,013 times its size!
*
As we hiked along the dusty trail deep within the Congo, our tour guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand.
Panic rose inside me, as I expected to see a ghastly hyena or other vicious predator in our midst. But he slowly pointed toward a large mound off the side of the path.
What on earth?
It rose high above us, a tall, sandy structure, its arms outstretched to the sky.
“This,” he began in a whisper so as not to disturb its inhabitants, “is a termite mound. Inside are thousands of termites. These tiny little insects have worked together to build this massive structure. And not only is it ventilated to keep them cool, but there are tons of little rooms or chambers inside for different purposes.”
WHOA. A termite mound? How on earth did those pesky little bugs do that?
Question: With which statement would the author of Passage 1 most likely agree with?
Correct Answer
A. Things are not always what they seem.
Explanation
A. Passage 1 says, “Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures.” This suggests that termites are misunderstood and things are not always what they seem. See Lesson: Understanding the Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.
31.
Read the passages below and answer the question.
Many people find termites to be destructive little pests, but they are actually ingenious little creatures. If you were to look at a termite mound, you would see first hand how incredible these insects are.
These masters of construction work together to erect high-functioning, green-energy skyscrapers out of nothing but soil, saliva, and dung. The largest one documented is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mound, measuring 12.8 meters (41.9 feet) tall, has heat regulation and air conditioning systems. It also contains numerous chambers for food storage, gardens, and babies.
And just think: a termite is only .6 cm long, yet it is still capable of building a sophisticated structure that’s 2,013 times its size!
*
As we hiked along the dusty trail deep within the Congo, our tour guide suddenly stopped and held up his hand.
Panic rose inside me, as I expected to see a ghastly hyena or other vicious predator in our midst. But he slowly pointed toward a large mound off the side of the path.
What on earth?
It rose high above us, a tall, sandy structure, its arms outstretched to the sky.
“This,” he began in a whisper so as not to disturb its inhabitants, “is a termite mound. Inside are thousands of termites. These tiny little insects have worked together to build this massive structure. And not only is it ventilated to keep them cool, but there are tons of little rooms or chambers inside for different purposes.”
WHOA. A termite mound? How on earth did those pesky little bugs do that?
Question: The author of Passage 1 supports his/her points primarily by:
Correct Answer
B. Relying on facts and logic.
Explanation
B. The author of Passage 1 uses primarily facts and logic, although she could strengthen her points by clearly identifying sources or establishing her credentials. See Lesson: Understanding the Author’s Purpose, Point of View, and Rhetorical Strategies.
32.
Read the following paragraphs and answer the question.
The idea of getting rid of homework at the elementary school level is debatable, but giving young children a well-needed break after school is undoubtedly beneficial. A study of elementary age children and homework showed that daily homework causes high rates of anxiety and depression in young people. In contrast, schools that have gotten rid of the homework requirement have reported a drop in depression and anxiety among students.
According to a nationwide analysis of standardized testing scores, schools that have gotten rid of homework have seen benefits. Test scores have gone up incrementally from year to year. On the contrary, schools that mandate daily homework have seen stagnant test scores. Therefore, it is safe to say that homework does nothing to enhance student learning at all.
Question: Which statement expresses an opinion?
Correct Answer
A. The idea of getting rid of homework at the elementary school level is debatable, but giving young children a well-needed break after school is undoubtedly beneficial.
Explanation
A. The argument that getting rid of homework is undoubtedly beneficial is an opinion statement because it makes a judgment. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument.
33.
Read the following paragraphs and answer the question.
The idea of getting rid of homework at the elementary school level is debatable, but giving young children a well-needed break after school is undoubtedly beneficial. A study of elementary age children and homework showed that daily homework causes high rates of anxiety and depression in young people. In contrast, schools that have gotten rid of the homework requirement have reported a drop in depression and anxiety among students.
According to a nationwide analysis of standardized testing scores, schools that have gotten rid of homework have seen benefits. Test scores have gone up incrementally from year to year. On the contrary, schools that mandate daily homework have seen stagnant test scores. Therefore, it is safe to say that homework does nothing to enhance student learning at all.
Consider the following sentence from the passage:
On the contrary, schools that mandate daily homework have seen stagnant test scores.
Question: Is this statement a fact or an opinion? Why?
Correct Answer
C. A fact because it shares test score results which is something that can be verified.
Explanation
C. The statement is a fact because it discusses the results of standardized test scores, which can be measured. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument.
34.
Read the following paragraphs and answer the question.
The idea of getting rid of homework at the elementary school level is debatable, but giving young children a well-needed break after school is undoubtedly beneficial. A study of elementary age children and homework showed that daily homework causes high rates of anxiety and depression in young people. In contrast, schools that have gotten rid of the homework requirement have reported a drop in depression and anxiety among students.
According to a nationwide analysis of standardized testing scores, schools that have gotten rid of homework have seen benefits. Test scores have gone up incrementally from year to year. On the contrary, schools that mandate daily homework have seen stagnant test scores. Therefore, it is safe to say that homework does nothing to enhance student learning at all.
Question: What is the primary argument of the passage?
Correct Answer
B. There are no clear benefits from giving elementary aged students daily homework.
Explanation
B. The main argument in this passage is that there are no clear benefits from giving elementary aged students daily homework. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument.
35.
Read the following paragraphs and answer the question.
The idea of getting rid of homework at the elementary school level is debatable, but giving young children a well-needed break after school is undoubtedly beneficial. A study of elementary age children and homework showed that daily homework causes high rates of anxiety and depression in young people. In contrast, schools that have gotten rid of the homework requirement have reported a drop in depression and anxiety among students.
According to a nationwide analysis of standardized testing scores, schools that have gotten rid of homework have seen benefits. Test scores have gone up incrementally from year to year. On the contrary, schools that mandate daily homework have seen stagnant test scores. Therefore, it is safe to say that homework does nothing to enhance student learning at all.
Question: Which sentence in the passage displays faulty reasoning?
Correct Answer
D. Therefore, it is safe to say that homework does nothing to enhance student learning at all.
Explanation
D. The sentence about homework doing nothing to enhance student learning at all is an overgeneralization. The term “at all” makes a big over-arching claim that cannot be verified, as the author does not even explore some of the potential benefits of daily homework. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument.
36.
Read the following passage and answer the question.
Most children under the age of 18 are very overweight. Statistics show that 1 in 3 children have been diagnosed as obese. This is way too much. There is no reason for so many children to be obese. Children must eat a balanced diet devoid of processed foods, get at least one hour of exercise every day, and make sure to sleep for 9-10 hours or suffer a life full of health problems. It is concerning to see so many unhealthy young people in our country. Children should be active and engaged instead of sedentary and apathetic.
Question: What is the primary argument in the passage?
Correct Answer
B. Childhood obesity is a major problem in our country.
Explanation
B. This passage argues that childhood obesity is a major problem in our country. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument
37.
Read the following passage and answer the question.
Most children under the age of 18 are very overweight. Statistics show that 1 in 3 children have been diagnosed as obese. This is way too much. There is no reason for so many children to be obese. Children must eat a balanced diet devoid of processed foods, get at least one hour of exercise every day, and make sure to sleep for 9-10 hours or suffer a life full of health problems. It is concerning to see so many unhealthy young people in our country. Children should be active and engaged instead of sedentary and apathetic.
Question: Which excerpt from the text, if true, is a fact?
Correct Answer
B. Statistics show that 1 in 3 children have been diagnosed as obese.
Explanation
B. Factual information is verifiable and not based on personal beliefs or feelings. The statistic about the number of children who have been diagnosed as obese is a fact. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument
38.
Read the following passage and answer the question.
Most children under the age of 18 are very overweight. Statistics show that 1 in 3 children have been diagnosed as obese. This is way too much. There is no reason for so many children to be obese. Children must eat a balanced diet devoid of processed foods, get at least one hour of exercise every day, and make sure to sleep for 9-10 hours or suffer a life full of health problems. It is concerning to see so many unhealthy young people in our country. Children should be active and engaged instead of sedentary and apathetic.
Re-read the following sentence from the passage: Children must eat a balanced diet devoid of processed foods, get at least one hour of exercise every day, and make sure to sleep for 9-10 hours or suffer a life full of health problems.
Question: What type of faulty reasoning does this sentence display?
Correct Answer
A. Either/or fallacy
Explanation
A. This statement takes a complex issue and presents it as if only two possible options are in play. This is an either/or fallacy. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument
39.
Read the following passage and answer the question.
Most children under the age of 18 are very overweight. Statistics show that 1 in 3 children have been diagnosed as obese. This is way too much. There is no reason for so many children to be obese. Children must eat a balanced diet devoid of processed foods, get at least one hour of exercise every day, and make sure to sleep for 9-10 hours or suffer a life full of health problems. It is concerning to see so many unhealthy young people in our country. Children should be active and engaged instead of sedentary and apathetic.
Re-read the following sentence from the passage:
There is no reason for so many children to be obese.
Question: The reasoning in this sentence is faulty because it:
Correct Answer
C. Restates the argument in different words instead of providing evidence.
Explanation
C. The sentence in question is an example of circular reasoning. That is, it restates the argument in different words instead of providing evidence to back it up. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument
40.
Read the following passage and answer the question.
Most children under the age of 18 are very overweight. Statistics show that 1 in 3 children have been diagnosed as obese. This is way too much. There is no reason for so many children to be obese. Children must eat a balanced diet devoid of processed foods, get at least one hour of exercise every day, and make sure to sleep for 9-10 hours or suffer a life full of health problems. It is concerning to see so many unhealthy young people in our country. Children should be active and engaged instead of sedentary and apathetic.
Re-read the following sentence from the passage:
Most children under the age of 18 are very overweight.
Question: This sentence is an opinion because it:
Correct Answer
A. Reflects a belief, not a verifiable fact.
Explanation
A. The phrase “very overweight” in this sentence reflects a judgment that is subject to interpretation. This indicates that the sentence reflects a belief rather than a fact. See Lesson: Facts, Opinions, and Evaluating an Argument.
41.
Which of the following is an example of a primary source?
Correct Answer
D. An interview
Explanation
D. Primary sources are written by people who witnessed the original creation or discovery of the information they present. An interview would be an example of a primary source. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions
42.
What type of source is an online video presentation on the works of a famous artist?
Correct Answer
B. Secondary
Explanation
B. Secondary sources respond to, analyze, summarize, or comment on primary sources. In this case, the artist’s work is considered the primary source, so the commentary on the artwork would be a secondary source. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions
43.
Which source would provide the least credible information to a researcher interested in studying changes in parenting techniques over the past forty years?
Correct Answer
A. An op ed piece in today’s newspaper on the hardships of being a parent of an adolescent
Explanation
A. Readers must use judgment to determine how credible a source is in a particular circumstance. An op ed piece in a newspaper would be biased since it expresses the opinion of the author. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.
44.
An art major finds a video presentation of a group of people commenting on the works of a famous artist she has been studying. She is deciding if it is a credible source. Which detail about the video, if true, would not give her reason to trust the video?
Correct Answer
D. The video is highly edited and some speakers are cut off mid-sentence
Explanation
D. Highly edited videos can be biased because parts could be purposely removed. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.
45.
Which of the following is not a primary source on Betty Friedan?
Correct Answer
D. An article about Betty Friedan’s contributions to the women’s movement
Explanation
D. An article about Betty Friedan’s contributions to the women’s movement would be a secondary source. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.
46.
Study the infographic below and answer the question.
Resource: The Food and Drug Administration
Question: Which of the following is a sign that the infographic is credible?
Correct Answer
B. The information comes from a government agency
Explanation
B. The information comes from a government agency called the FDA, and government sources are credible. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.
47.
Study the infographic below and answer the question.
Resource: The Food and Drug Administration
Question: What could a skeptical reader do to verify the facts on the infographic?
Correct Answer
B. Contact the agencies whose phone numbers are listed at the bottom of the page.
Explanation
B. One way to verify facts is to call all the numbers of the government agencies listed at the bottom of the page for more information. See Lesson: Understanding Primary Sources, Making Inferences, and Drawing Conclusions.