Lr Xxvi - TAKS
We've prepared a special test just for you. The questionscome from the science, social study and math sections administered to 8th gradersin the spring of 2009. Good luck!
For the 2008/2009 school year, the raw passing scores were:
66% - Science
52% - Social Studies
60% - Math
We set the passing average for this quiz at 60%.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Tomás will earn $45 for each mile he walks in a charity walkathon. Tomás walks between 8 and 12 miles during the walkathon. Which of the following is a possible amount he will earn for the charity?
- A.
$405
- B.
$315
- C.
$630
- D.
$900
Correct Answer
A. $405Explanation
Tomás will earn $45 for each mile he walks in the charity walkathon. If he walks between 8 and 12 miles, the possible amount he will earn can be calculated by multiplying the number of miles by $45. Therefore, if Tomás walks 9 miles, he will earn 9 * $45 = $405.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A store manager collects data showing the number of times each brand of soap is purchased in his store. Which measure of data shows which brand he sells most?
- A.
Range
- B.
Mean
- C.
Mode
- D.
Median
Correct Answer
C. ModeExplanation
The mode is the measure of data that shows which brand the store manager sells the most. The mode represents the value that appears most frequently in a dataset. In this case, the mode would indicate the brand of soap that is purchased the most frequently by customers in the store.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following numbers is greater than –1.075?
- A.
–2.03
- B.
–1.90
- C.
–1.06
- D.
–1.26
Correct Answer
C. –1.06Explanation
The number -1.06 is greater than -1.075 because it is closer to 0 on the number line. When comparing negative numbers, the one that is closer to 0 is considered greater. In this case, -1.06 is closer to 0 than -1.075, so it is the greater number.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Four people plan to drive an equal amount of time during a 16-hour car trip. The first driver accidentally drives 15% longer than he should have. If the other three people evenly divide the remaining driving time, how long will each of the three people drive?
- A.
4.6 hours
- B.
3.8 hours
- C.
4 hours
- D.
5 hours
Correct Answer
B. 3.8 hoursExplanation
The first driver accidentally drives 15% longer than he should have, which means he drives for 1.15 times the amount of time he was supposed to drive. Let's say the total driving time for the four people is x hours. Therefore, the first driver drives for 1.15x hours. The remaining driving time for the other three people is 16 - 1.15x hours. Since they evenly divide the remaining driving time, each of the three people will drive (16 - 1.15x) / 3 hours. To find the value of x, we can set up an equation: 1.15x + 3[(16 - 1.15x) / 3] = x. Solving this equation, we get x = 4. Therefore, each of the three people will drive (16 - 1.15(4)) / 3 = 3.8 hours.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which statement best describes the change in the perimeter of a triangle if all its side lengths are multiplied by 4?
- A.
The new perimeter will be 12 times as large as the perimeter of the original triangle.
- B.
The new perimeter will be 16 times as large as the perimeter of the original triangle.
- C.
The new perimeter will be 4 times as large as the perimeter of the original triangle.
- D.
The new perimeter will be 8 times as large as the perimeter of the original triangle.
Correct Answer
C. The new perimeter will be 4 times as large as the perimeter of the original triangle.Explanation
When all the side lengths of a triangle are multiplied by 4, each side will become 4 times longer. Since the perimeter is the sum of all the side lengths, multiplying each side length by 4 will result in a new perimeter that is 4 times larger than the original perimeter.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Tai sailed east from the marina for 48 miles and then sailed south for 14 miles, as shown in the diagram. What is the shortest distance Tai can sail to return to the marina?
- A.
62 mi
- B.
82 mi
- C.
50 mi
- D.
34 mi
Correct Answer
C. 50 mi -
- 7.
What was one result of President Andrew Jackson’s policies toward Native Americans?
- A.
The Apaches formed an alliance with the Sioux to fight against the U.S. Army.
- B.
The Nez Percé became slaves on southern cotton plantations.
- C.
The Cherokees were forced to move to territory west of the Mississippi River.
- D.
The Iroquois were forced to send their children to public schools in Pennsylvania.
Correct Answer
C. The Cherokees were forced to move to territory west of the Mississippi River.Explanation
President Andrew Jackson's policies toward Native Americans resulted in the forced removal of the Cherokees to territory west of the Mississippi River. This policy, known as the Indian Removal Act of 1830, led to the infamous Trail of Tears, where thousands of Cherokees died during their forced relocation.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Use these statements and your knowledge of social studies to answer the following question. - Landmark ruling - Held that slaves were property and could not be citizens - Contributed to tensions that led to the Civil War Which Supreme Court decision is described above?
- A.
Marbury v. Madison
- B.
Dred Scott v. Sandford
- C.
McCulloch v. Maryland
- D.
Worcester v. Georgia
Correct Answer
B. Dred Scott v. SandfordExplanation
The landmark ruling described above is the Dred Scott v. Sandford Supreme Court decision. This decision held that slaves were property and could not be citizens, which further intensified the tensions between the North and the South and eventually contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Cyrus McCormick’s mechanical reaper changed grain production by —
- A.
Forcing most small farmers out of business
- B.
Improving crop resistance to insects
- C.
Enabling farmers to grow wheat in rocky soil
- D.
Reducing the amount of labor required for harvesting
Correct Answer
D. Reducing the amount of labor required for harvestingExplanation
Cyrus McCormick's mechanical reaper revolutionized grain production by reducing the amount of labor required for harvesting. Before the invention of the reaper, farmers had to manually cut and gather crops, which was a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. The mechanical reaper allowed farmers to harvest crops much more efficiently and quickly, saving them time and effort. This innovation significantly increased productivity and made it easier for farmers to manage larger fields and produce more grain. As a result, the reaper played a crucial role in improving agricultural efficiency and productivity during that time.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense to —
- A.
Explain why the American colonies should form an alliance with Spain
- B.
Increase public support for American independence
- C.
Criticize the military strategies of General George Washington
- D.
Criticize King George III for his support of the French and Indian War
Correct Answer
B. Increase public support for American independenceExplanation
Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense to increase public support for American independence. Common Sense was a pamphlet published in 1776, during the early stages of the American Revolution. Paine used persuasive arguments and clear language to appeal to the common people, urging them to break away from British rule and establish an independent nation. His writings played a significant role in rallying public opinion and galvanizing support for the revolutionary cause.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The Puritans came to live in the Americas for the purpose of —
- A.
Establishing new religious communities
- B.
Creating economic opportunities for England
- C.
Preventing Spain from establishing its own colonies
- D.
Growing new types of crops in the fertile soil
Correct Answer
A. Establishing new religious communitiesExplanation
The Puritans came to live in the Americas with the intention of establishing new religious communities. They sought to create a society based on their strict religious beliefs and practices, free from the influence of the Church of England. They believed in the concept of a "City upon a Hill," where they could serve as a model for others and create a society that adhered to their religious ideals. Therefore, establishing new religious communities was their primary goal in coming to the Americas.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The trade pattern shown on this map, known as the triangular trade, involved the direct exchange of —
- A.
Fish for lumber
- B.
Sugar for ivory
- C.
Guns for rice
- D.
Rum for slaves
Correct Answer
D. Rum for slavesExplanation
The correct answer is rum for slaves. The triangular trade was a historical trade pattern that involved three main regions: Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Rum from the Americas was exchanged for slaves from Africa, who were then transported to the Americas to work on plantations. This trade pattern was a significant part of the transatlantic slave trade during the colonial period.Rate this question:
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- 13.
A drain cleaner consists of sodium hydroxide and aluminum. When the drain cleaner is added to water, bubbles of hydrogen are produced, and the solution becomes very hot. Which of these best describes what happens to form the bubbles when the cleaner is added to water?
- A.
A chemical reaction
- B.
Condensation
- C.
A physical change
- D.
Evaporation
Correct Answer
A. A chemical reactionExplanation
When the drain cleaner is added to water, a chemical reaction occurs between the sodium hydroxide and aluminum. This reaction produces hydrogen gas, which forms bubbles. Additionally, the reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat, causing the solution to become very hot. This indicates that a chemical reaction is taking place rather than a physical change like condensation or evaporation.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of these would most likely improve the air quality in large Texas cities?
- A.
Limiting the number of cars on the roads
- B.
Switching to wood stoves for home heating
- C.
Requiring large vehicles to use diesel fuel
- D.
Maintaining filters in large buildings
Correct Answer
A. Limiting the number of cars on the roadsExplanation
Limiting the number of cars on the roads would most likely improve the air quality in large Texas cities because cars are a major source of air pollution. By reducing the number of cars on the roads, there would be less emissions of pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. This would lead to cleaner and healthier air in the cities. Switching to wood stoves for home heating, requiring large vehicles to use diesel fuel, and maintaining filters in large buildings may have some impact on air quality, but limiting the number of cars on the roads would have a more significant and immediate effect.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which process below uses carbon dioxide and the sun’s radiant energy to produce chemical energy?
- A.
Evaporation
- B.
Photosynthesis
- C.
Respiration
- D.
Decomposition
Correct Answer
B. PhotosynthesisExplanation
Photosynthesis is the process that uses carbon dioxide and the sun's radiant energy to produce chemical energy. During photosynthesis, plants and some other organisms convert sunlight into glucose, a form of chemical energy that can be stored and used later. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll absorbs sunlight and converts it into chemical energy through a series of reactions. The glucose produced during photosynthesis is then used by the organism for energy, growth, and other metabolic processes.Rate this question:
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- 16.
A cook touches a hot stove and quickly moves his hand away. What are the two primary body systems that work together to produce this response?
- A.
Integumentary and endocrine systems
- B.
Muscular and respiratory systems
- C.
Nervous and muscular systems
- D.
Skeletal and nervous systems
Correct Answer
C. Nervous and muscular systemsExplanation
The nervous system is responsible for detecting the heat from the stove and sending signals to the muscles in the hand. The muscular system then contracts and moves the hand away from the hot stove. These two systems work together to produce the quick response of removing the hand from the hot stove.Rate this question:
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- 17.
A recent study concluded that about 90% of all large predatory fish such as tuna have disappeared from the world’s oceans in the past 50 years. Which of these is most likely the direct cause of this loss?
- A.
Urban development near the coast
- B.
Commercial harvesting from the ocean
- C.
Climate change on Earth
- D.
Acid precipitation over the oceans
Correct Answer
B. Commercial harvesting from the oceanExplanation
Commercial harvesting from the ocean is the most likely direct cause of the loss of large predatory fish. This is because commercial fishing activities, such as overfishing and the use of destructive fishing methods, have led to a significant decline in fish populations. The high demand for fish, particularly for species like tuna, has put immense pressure on these populations, leading to their depletion. Urban development near the coast, climate change, and acid precipitation may have indirect impacts on fish populations, but they are not the primary direct cause of the loss.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The picture below shows a pulley being used to move a load. In which direction will the load move if the force applied to the rope is greater than the force of gravity on the load?
- A.
Right
- B.
Left
- C.
Up
- D.
Down
Correct Answer
C. UpExplanation
If the force applied to the rope is greater than the force of gravity on the load, the load will move in the upward direction. This is because the force applied to the rope is overcoming the force of gravity, causing the load to move against gravity's pull.Rate this question:
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