Grade 11 Curriculum Support
Adjectives and Adverbs
1.
The _________ crowd of students spilled into the school's hallways.
Which word would make the statement appropriate for standard written English?
A. tumultuous
B. tumultuousness
C. tumult
D. tumultuously
Adjectives and Adverbs
2. Choose the answer that is the most effective substitute for the underlined part of the sentence.
If no substitution is necessary, choose "Leave as is."
Jay Leno is the most funniest comedian I have watched.
A. funnier
B. funny
C. funniest
D. Leave as is.
Adjectives and Adverbs
3.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of us all?
In the sentence above, fairest is a
A. comparative.
B. positive.
C. adverb.
D. superlative.
Impact and Tone
On the Sunny Side
Tiara could never keep a straight face in class. She had a habit of cracking up at the mention
of anything and everything in the world. Although her friends loved to be around Tiara's
infectious laughter, sometimes Tiara wanted to just concentrate on the teacher's lectures. Mr.
V.J., the English teacher, had a particularly hard time calming the class down after one of Tiara's
giggle-bursts.
When Mr. V.J. decided to teach Oscar Wilde's The Happy Prince, a story close to his heart,
he had expected the class to be at tears by the end of the lecture. When the swallow will take its
final breath at the feet of the prince, even Tiara will cry, the teacher thought to himself. As the
teacher decided to read a few excerpts from the story, he poured his heart into the words and let
his voice crack when the swallow was about to die.
"He had just strength to fly up to the Prince's shoulder once more. 'Good-bye, dear Prince!' he
murmured, 'will you let me kiss your hand?' "
"Would you like to read the next paragraph, Tiara?" the teacher asked for help as he felt
overwhelmed by emotion and unable to continue reading.
"I would love to, sir," Tiara replied. "But how can a bird kiss with a beak?" And with that
question, she made the class burst into laughter yet again.
4. Which of these best describes the overall tone of the passage?
A. comical
B. derisive
C. disheartened
D. pretentious
Impact and Tone
During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the
clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a
singularly dreary tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew
on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher. I know not how it was—but, with the first
glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit. I say insufferable; for
the feeling was unrelieved by any of that half-pleasurable, because poetic, sentiment with which
the mind usually receives even the sternest natural images of the desolate or terrible. I looked
upon the scene before me—upon the mere house, and the simple landscape features of the
domain—upon the bleak walls—upon the vacant eye-like windows—upon a few rank sedges—
and upon a few white trunks of decayed trees—with an utter depression of soul which I can
compare to no earthly sensation. . . . There was an iciness, a sinking, a sickening of the heart—an
unredeemed dreariness of thought which no goading of the imagination could torture into aught
of the sublime. What was it—I paused to think—what was it that so unnerved me in the
contemplation of the House of Usher?
from The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe
5. How do the words "the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens" contribute to the
opening of Poe's story?
A. It tells the reader that the clouds in the story are depressed.
B. It is a poetic phrase that makes the story hard to understand.
C. It establishes a dark mood and a feeling of something closing in.
D. It shows that the story takes place in a cloudy part of the world.
Impact and Tone
6. Poe's description of the house itself uses phrases like _______ to convey a scary and
foreboding atmosphere or mood.
A. "simple landscape features"
B. "earthly sensation"
C. "natural images"
D. "vacant eye-like windows"
Theme
The Beginnings of Fred Grew
Fred Grew was born near the lush jungles of South Africa. His parents, already famous
anthropologists, had trained him to see the universe in relation to nature. As a little boy, he often
found friendship among the trees. He knew—by heart—the expanse of the branches in Baobab
trees. He could recognize the swerve of the trunks. Fred knew that the trees were more different
from each other than the many groups of people in the world.
As Fred grew up, he attempted very little to initiate friendship with the other kids in the
colony. Despite sharing a language and heritage with them, Fred found the children of the British
officers to be sheltered. These kids liked reading books and playing the piano but did not once
step outside. Fred did not understand that the kids were afraid of the unknown. Unlike his parents
who encouraged him to befriend the earth and the vegetation, many colony mothers had cared for
the kids behind closed walls.
7. What message about life is the author trying to communicate in this passage?
A. People are more similar to each other than we think.
B. Nature is the best answer to all of life's questions.
C. Children are less curious compared to their parents.
D. It is important to figure out your priorities in life.
Theme
8.
Death, be not proud (Holy Sonnet 10)
by John Donne
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou are not so:
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death; nor yet canst thou kill me.
From Rest and Sleep, which but thy picture be,
Much pleasure, then from thee much more must flow;
And soonest our best men with thee do go—
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery!
Thou'rt slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell;
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke. Why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And Death shall be no more: Death, thou shalt die!
Which statement best describes the theme of this poem?
A. Death can be refused by a person who does not wish to die.
B. Death is a "slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men."
C. Death will be conquered and is not something to fear.
D. Death is a "mighty and dreadful" enemy to be dreaded.
Theme
The Colorful Gift
Bethany frowned at the dirt under her fingernails. She shrugged and plunged her fingers back
into the upturned patch of soil in her front yard. She grabbed the soil in clumps and broke it
through her fingers, letting the pieces fall back into the brown mounds.
Once Bethany finished preparing her soil bed, she jumped up to go back in the house.
Leaving a trail of dirt, she went to the kitchen and grabbed the seed packets. She was ready to
bring the seeds to life.
When Bethany stepped back outside, she saw a shiny bottle in the middle of her new flower
bed. She went to pick up the litter and noticed soda has spilled into the soil.
“She looks like a hobo.” The contemptuous voice seemed to float on the breeze, but Bethany
knew where it came from. Sure enough, Viola was sitting on her porch with another girl from
school. Seeing Viola sent a shiver through Bethany. They were friends as little kids, but in ninth
grade, Viola had decided that she was better than everyone else. She always criticized Bethany,
so they stopped being friends.
Bethany felt her face tingle, but she kept her head down to focus on her work. She cleaned up
the mess and carefully worked the seeds into place. After that, she dragged out the hose to soak
the ground. Once she was finished, Bethany collapsed on the ground, hot and tired.
Weeks later, bright flowers—yellows, reds, pinks, and whites—sprung to life.
One afternoon, Bethany got home from school and was greeted with bad news. The night
before, Viola had been in a car accident. She was in the hospital and would have to miss an
entire semester of school. Bethany remembered how Viola had treated her weeks ago. Then, a
stray memory popped up in her mind. She remembered a time that she cut her foot, and Viola
carefully cleaned and bandaged the gash for her. Viola offered to do everything for Bethany so
that she wouldn’t have to walk.
Bethany decided to visit that girl, and she arrived at the hospital room. Viola was sitting
alone, and she could not stop the smile that formed when she laid eyes on the yellow, red, pink,
and white flowers the Bethany carried in.
9. Which of the following is one of the messages of this selection?
A. Careful drivers can avoid car accidents.
B. Kids have more friends than teenagers.
C. Littering is bad for the environment.
D. Everyone deserves an act of kindness.
Formatting and Graphics
MP3 Players
Background Information
Kane Kramer is credited with creating one of the first digital audio players in 1979. The IXI
was able to play back three and a half minutes of recorded audio. However, it never entered mass
production, and Kramer was hired as a consultant by Apple Inc.
MP3 Players Reach the Masses
Audio Highway was the first company in the world to market an MP3 player. The Listen Up
player was announced in September of 1996 and went on to win several awards. The next MP3
player launched was Saehan Information Systems' MPMan in 1998.
Notable Moments
In 2001, Apple Computer Inc. launched its first generation iPod. The second generation,
released in 2002, was also compatible with Windows computers.
2001 was also the first year that MP3 players were embedded in cell phones.
Types of MP3 Players
MP3 players can store media in a number of different ways. Flash-based players hold digital
songs and other media in a memory card that can sometimes be removed. These players require
less battery power and are less likely to skip while being played. Currently, these are available
with up to 64 GB of data storage. Hard drive-based players play music from an internal hard
drive. These are available with up to 500 GB of storage and can hold thousands of songs. There
are also CD players that can play MP3 files that are stored on CDs.
How They Work
Music is added to the device's storage using a computer. Some MP3 players, like iPods and
Zunes, have special programs that are used to organize a user's media library.
10. If the reader wants to find out which kind of MP3 player has the largest hard drive, which
heading would provide this information?
A. under "Types of MP3 Players"
B. under "Background Information"
C. under "How They Work"
D. under "Notable Moments"
Formatting and Graphics
11. What would be the best heading for the text below?
Flash-based MP3 players may handle being dropped better than other players because they have
less moving parts.
A. Notable Moments
B. Types of MP3 Players
C. How They Work
D. Background Information
Formatting and Graphics
Little Town Apartments
Just down Entry Way, there's Little Town Apartments! There are one bedroom, two bedroom,
and three bedroom apartments available. There's plenty of parking, an olympic-sized swimming
pool, and the best maintenance and office staff you could ever ask for. Better yet, the rent is low,
and we will waive any move-in fees if you sign a lease in the next month! We're like one big
happy family here, so come join us!
12. What is the purpose of the map?
A. to inform the reader about living in Little Town Apartments
B. to entertain the reader with a picture of Little Town Apartments
C. to show the reader the layout for Little Town Apartments
D. to explain how much parking there is at Little Town Apartments
Plot
Acting
by J. Robbins
Malcolm adjusted the collar of his costume and tried to calm his nerves. He was playing Puck
in his high school's production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. When auditions
for the play were first announced, Malcolm had no interest in trying out. In fact, his older brother
Reese had promised to make his life miserable if he tried out for the part of Puck. But Piama
Krelboyne, Malcolm's longtime crush who was obsessed with acting, had asked him to rehearse
lines with her, and he had decided to join the play to spend more time with her. He wasn't a fan
of Shakespeare, but he was able to fake it enough for Mr. Hurkabee, the drama teacher, to let him
join the drama club.
"Are you ready, Malcolm?" asked Stevie, his best friend. Malcolm took a deep breath and
checked his costume one last time. As he walked through the long halls that twisted behind the
school theater, he passed many of his fellow actors. He had dreaded spending time talking about
plays at the drama club meetings, but after joining, he was amazed to find how much he liked
talking with the other students. In fact, he had spent most rehearsals chatting with the other
actors and sharing all the juicy gossip that made its way around school.
"Places, everyone!" called Mr. Hurkabee. Malcolm quickly found the correct place on the
stage and stood looking at the heavy red curtain. He found himself wishing the play was already
over—so he could meet with his new friends. Where else could he go for an hour and a half
every day and catch up on the soap opera-like lives of his fellow eleventh-graders? Dewey, the
actor playing the character of Oberon, gave Malcolm a thumbs-up, and the curtain slowly began
to rise.
For a moment, Malcolm was blinded by the bright stage lights, and he wondered why it was
so quiet on stage. Shouldn't someone be saying something? he wondered. Suddenly, his stomach
dropped into his shoes. Malcolm realized that the other actors onstage were looking at him
expectantly. With a gasp, he realized that he had no idea what to say. I forgot to memorize my
lines! he thought in a panic. All of his rehearsal time had been spent gossiping, and he had never
gotten around to actually learning his role. Malcolm could hear Mr. Hurkabee whispering to him
from the side of the stage, but he couldn't make out his teacher's words. What am I going to do
now? he wondered. He could see Piama glaring at him from her spot beside the curtain.
"Get off the stage!" called Mr. Hurkabee desperately. Malcolm raced off the stage. Francis,
the understudy for the part of Puck, hurriedly took Malcolm's place and began to speak Puck's
lines in a clear, confident voice. As the play continued, Malcolm watched from the side in
dismay. This is actually a great play, he thought sadly. I wish I could have been a part of it.
13. The fourth paragraph is important to this story because it
A. shows the effects of Malcolm's attitude toward the play.
B. shows the effects of Reese's desire to play the part of Puck.
C. shows the effects of Mr. Hurkabee's lack of acting skills.
D. shows the effects of Francis' exclusion from the drama club.
Plot
from The Moonstone
by Wilkie Collins
One of our ladies present at dinner was worthy Mrs. Threadgall, widow of the late Professor
of that name. Talking of her deceased husband perpetually, this good lady never mentioned to
strangers that he WAS deceased. She thought, I suppose, that every able-bodied adult in England
ought to know as much as that. In one of the gaps of silence, somebody mentioned the dry and
rather nasty subject of human anatomy; whereupon good Mrs. Threadgall straightway brought in
her late husband as usual, without mentioning that he was dead. Anatomy she described as the
Professor's favourite recreation in his leisure hours. As ill-luck would have it, Mr. Candy, sitting
opposite (who knew nothing of the deceased gentleman), heard her. Being the most polite of
men, he seized the opportunity of assisting the Professor's anatomical amusements on the spot.
"They have got some remarkably fine skeletons lately at the College of Surgeons," says Mr.
Candy, across the table, in a loud cheerful voice. "I strongly recommend the Professor, ma'am,
when he next has an hour to spare, to pay them a visit."
You might have heard a pin fall. The company (out of respect to the Professor's memory) all
sat speechless. I was behind Mrs. Threadgall at the time, plying her confidentially with a glass of
hock. She dropped her head, and said in a very low voice, "My beloved husband is no more."
Unluckily Mr. Candy, hearing nothing, and miles away from suspecting the truth, went on
across the table louder and politer than ever.
"The Professor may not be aware," says he, "that the card of a member of the College will
admit him, on any day but Sunday, between the hours of ten and four." Mrs. Threadgall dropped
her head right into her tucker, and, in a lower voice still, repeated the solemn words, "My
beloved husband is no more."
I winked hard at Mr. Candy across the table. Miss Rachel touched his arm. My lady looked
unutterable things at him. Quite useless! On he went, with a cordiality that there was no stopping
anyhow. "I shall be delighted," says he, "to send the Professor my card, if you will oblige me by
mentioning his present address."
"His present address, sir, is THE GRAVE," says Mrs. Threadgall, suddenly losing her temper,
and speaking with an emphasis and fury that made the glasses ring again. "The Professor has
been dead these ten years."
14. Which is most likely the cause of conflict in this passage?
A. the practical joke being played on Mrs. Threadgall at dinner
B. Mr. Candy's secret knowledge that Mr. Threadgall is still alive
C. poor communication between Mrs. Threadgall and Mr. Candy
D. cruel behavior by Mr. Candy toward the other dinner guests
Plot
from Storm Catchers
by Tim Bowler
The sound came again, cutting through the night: a sharp, metallic tap that carried even to the
upstairs of the house where Sam lay sleeping. Ella stood over him and listened for it again, but
all she heard was rain spattering against the window. There was a storm coming—a fine start to
the summer holidays—but that wasn't the problem.
The problem was being alone in the house at ten o'clock at night looking after Sam. She
wished now that Fin hadn't slipped out to see Billy, but it was her own fault. She'd insisted he go,
telling him Mom and Dad would never know as long as he was back before they returned from
the pub.
But that could be ages. Billy's parents had gone with them, which meant Mom and Mrs.
Meade would be yakking nonstop and Mr. Meade would be trying to talk Dad into buying a new
car from his showroom or joining the Save-the-Lighthouse project. They wouldn't leave the pub
before eleven, and Fin would take his time, especially as she'd promised him she was all right.
But she wasn't all right. She was terrified.
The sound came again, downstairs. She crept to the door. At least she hadn't undressed for
bed. She'd been thinking of it, but she was still in the jeans, T-shirt, and sneakers she'd slopped
around in all day, and now she was glad of it. It made her feel less vulnerable—though only a
little.
She glanced at Sam. He looked so peaceful as he slept. She didn't remember sleeping like
that when she was three, and now, at thirteen, she hardly slept at all. She was scared of the dark,
scared of the noises she heard in this ancient house, and now, after Mr. Fenner's lecture in
assembly about the need to be vigilant with strangers, she was even scared that someone was
stalking her around the village, though she knew that must be ridiculous.
Tap! The sound came again. She knew she ought to go down and investigate. Fin would. He
might be small for fifteen, but he'd go straight down and look the thing in the face. She made
herself walk to the head of the stairs. Below her the hall stretched away in eerie stillness. The
lights were on, but the house felt oppressive.
There's nothing wrong, she told herself and started to walk down the stairs. It's just a storm
coming. But it was no use. Polvellan was a house that had always frightened her even though
she'd lived here all her life. It wasn't just that it was such an old building. There was something
else, something she didn't understand; she felt uneasy here even when the others were around.
Tap! The sound snapped in the night again. She opened her mouth to call out and ask if
anyone was there, then closed it again. If somebody was in the house, the last thing she should
do was give herself away. She thought of Sam and wondered whether to go back and guard him.
No, check the downstairs rooms first. Make yourself do it. Then go back to Sam.
15. Which of the following is a major conflict for Ella in this story?
A. She is worried that Fin won't come home from Billy's in time.
B. She must find a way to get over her fear of thunderstorms.
C. She gets scared from Mr. Fenner's lecture about strangers.
D. She has to go downstairs to investigate a tapping noise.
Spelling
Studies
by J. Robbins
(1) Andrea and Blake sat in the booth at the restarant and tried to study. (2) The intermittant
cheering from the sports fans at the other tables was distracting, to say the least.
(3) "This is excruciating," complained Andrea. (4) She flipped through the pages of her book
with trepidition. (5) "We're never going to be able to finish this project on medievil warfare."
(6) "Don't be such a grump," Blake admonished her.
(7) "Why don't we just copy some of the paragraphs out of the book?" asked Andrea. (8)
"This book is a million years old. I'm sure no one will notice."
(9) "That's called plagarism," replied Blake. (10) "If you're going to talk like that, I'll have to
find another partner." (11) Andrea rolled her eyes.
(12) "Fine," she agreed sullenly, "but we had better get an A."
16. Which sentence from the passage contains a spelling error?
A. 5
B. 11
C. 8
D. 7
Spelling
17. Which of the following words is spelled incorrectly?
A. establish
B. promote
C. purfect
D. domestic
Spelling
18. Which of the following sentences contains a word that is spelled incorrectly?
A. Ralph and his dog took a short excursion around the block to buy a paper.
B. Julie is practicing the piano for her recital, which will occur in early October.
C. The weather turned from bad to worse, as the light rain turned into a downpour.
D. I reccommend that you read the entire test first before beginning to write.
Phrases and Clauses
19. Which of the following sentences contains a gerund?
A. Babysitting is an absolutely tiresome job when you have to watch kids all evening.
B. A great babysitter can be very influential in a young child's life.
C. Most babysitters find that kids are tough to look after if they have irregular bedtimes.
D. Parents enjoy the luxury of a babysitter after a long workweek.
Phrases and Clauses
20. Which sentence contains a participle?
A. Jeremiah will be finished with all of his exams next Wednesday.
B. Martha thought about buying her boyfriend a singing fish plaque.
C. During Patrick's drivers education class, he ran into a utility pole.
D. If Auburn doesn't beat Alabama this year, Dad will be depressed.
Phrases and Clauses
21. How are the following sentences BEST combined?
Noticing the door was open. Charlie walked into his coach's office to ask the coach a question.
A.
Noticing the door was open Charlie walked into his coach's office to ask the coach a
question.
B.
Charlie walked into his coach's office to ask the coach a question, noticing the door was
open.
C.
Noticing the door was open, Charlie walked into his coach's office to ask the coach a
question.
D.
Charlie walked into his coach's office to ask the coach a question; noticing the door was
open.
Capitalization
Worries
by J. Robbins
(1) Leeza walked into the science building with her head bowed. (2) The lockers and pepsi
machines lining the hallway seemed to blur as her eyes filled with tears. (3) Her experiment had
been a colossal failure, and she was dreading the look of disappointment on professor Dallas'
face. (4) As she entered the classroom, Leeza noticed her classmates were sitting with heads
bowed. (5) No one would look up at her as she took her seat at the front of class.
(6) "Good morning, class," called Dr. Dallas as she entered the laboratory. (7) Leeza felt her
stomach drop into her shoes. (8) What if she gives me a failing grade for the whole Semester?
she thought. (9) The student sitting beside her groaned softly.
(10) "What is wrong?" she whispered to him.
(11) "My experiment didn't work like it was supposed to," the boy told Leeza. (12) "I don't
know what I did wrong." (13) As Leeza started to reply, the teacher spoke up.
(14)"Before we begin today, I need to let you know that there is a mistake in your Biology
textbook," said the professor. (15) "This error may have caused your experiments to fail, and I
apologize. (16) I will show you how to correct the mistake, and you will be given the opportunity
to perform the experiment again." (17) The class let out an audible cheer at their teacher's words.
22. Which sentence in the passage contains a capitalization error?
A. 3
B. 7
C. 6
D. 9
Capitalization
23. Which of the following sentences is capitalized correctly?
A.
After the Talent Show was over, Jeremy's Parents took him to cheesecake haven to
celebrate his first place Trophy.
B.
After the Talent show was over, jeremy's parents took him to Cheesecake haven to
celebrate his First Place trophy.
C.
After the talent show was over, Jeremy's parents took him to Cheesecake Haven to
celebrate his first place trophy.
D.
After the talent Show was over, jeremy's Parents took him to cheesecake Haven to
celebrate his first place trophy.
Capitalization
24. Which of the following sentences is capitalized correctly?
A.
Ursula's Grandmother went to New York city every year to see a different Show on
broadway.
B.
Ursula's grandmother went to new york city every year to see a Different show on
Broadway.
C.
Ursula's Grandmother went to new york city every Year to see a different show on
broadway.
D.
Ursula's grandmother went to New York City every year to see a different show on
Broadway.
Planning
For her English class, Lena is brainstorming for a paper about performing a drama. Use her chart
to answer the question below.
Notes
a. Hold auditions for all parts
A. Actors
b. Actors should have strong, loud voices
c. Smaller roles can be played by same actor
d. Need painters and builders for walls, doors
B.
X
e. Walls and/or furniture should be sturdy and strong
f. Use main roles for auditions
g. Should fit time period of play
C. Props and Costumes h.
Y
i. Should fit the character's personality and background
25. Which item is in the wrong box?
A. item e
B. item f
C. item a
D. item i
Planning
26. Which heading would be appropriate for this chart?
A. When to Perform a Play at School
B. Things to Consider to Perform a Play
C. How Auditions for a Play Can Work
D. Ideas for the School Spring Musical
Planning
27. Paula's school has started a new policy of randomly searching the students' lockers and
backpacks for drugs and weapons. She is writing a paper about the pros and cons of the new
policy.
The random searches
PROS
CONS
find weapons before they are used
could break or mess up belongings
stop kids from selling drugs to others
violate privacy
Which of the following ideas could be added to Paula's chart under "Pros"?
A. use up too much time and money
B. draw attention away from learning
C. make students feel safer at school
D. target students who are often tardy
Editing
Duc d'Orléans
(1) On the island, the towers rose steadily, heaped one on top of another. (2) At the top of
each spire fluttered the banner of Louis, Duc d'Orléans, and his men rode below through the
mouth of the city and down, into the streets of Paris. (3) Horses' hooves ground down the snow
and mud and clattered on the worn weathered streets. (4) At their approach, ravens scattered
from the battlements and rose, passing Louis who stood at his position on the high tower
surveying his entire domain.
(5) Commoners peeking from their houses lined the walks as the army passed them by.
(6) They were, in a sense, happy to see the French return yet saddened that their independence
would soon end. (7) At least they would no longer have to worry about the English who attacked
without warning and took what they wanted. (8) War had raged between England and France for
over thirty years. (9) Such a long period wore heavy on the good people. (10) Armies seized
crops and the thieves stole grain. (11) Horses went to the military leaving the farmers with no
animals to plow the land. (12) Nobles conscripted commoners off the land, and sent them into
battle with little training. (13) Very few returned to their home.
(14) Louis was greatly troubled as he watched his horsemen ride into the city. (15) He knew
the worst of the war was yet to come. (16) A new enemy now, apart from the English, pressed
him. (17) John, Duke of Burgundy, sought to be declared regent of the young Prince. (18) Louis
knew he needed to rein in the growing strength of the Burgundian. (19) Already John demanded
too much. (20) If France struggled with the English. (21) A war with Burgundy would be
impossible.
28. What change, if any, should be made in sentence 3?
A. Add a comma between worn and weathered.
B. Change hooves to hoofs.
C. Change Horses' to Horse's.
D. Add a comma after mud.
Editing
29. What change, if any, should be made in sentence 9?
A. Change good to better.
B. Change heavy to heavily.
C. Change wore to wears.
D. No changes are needed.
Editing
30. Which of the following sentences is correctly written?
A. Her president Joy's classmates elected.
B. Elected her president Joy's classmates.
C. Joy's classmates elected her president.
D. Classmates president Joy's elected her.
Analyzing Multiple Ideas
If a person calls 911 but does not have an emergency, he or she can end up in major trouble.
A Florida woman learned that a non-violent dispute over $3.49 at a McDonald’s is not
considered to be an emergency. The woman ordered a 10-piece chicken nugget meal and paid for
the food. The McDonald’s worker informed her that they had run out of chicken nuggets and that
she would have to order something else from the menu. The woman did not want anything else
from the menu, so she requested a refund for the difference in the meal without the chicken
nuggets. The McDonald’s manager would not refund the woman’s money. The woman called
911 to report that McDonald’s would not give her the money back. A police officer was
dispatched to the McDonald’s. The police issued the woman a court summons for misusing 911.
Another man called 911 because he was dissatisfied with his Subway sandwich. The police
arrived on the scene and arrested the man. Before calling 911, people should make sure that they
have an actual emergency, or they could end up with a citation or jail time.
31. The main idea of this passage is
A. people should only call 911 if it's an emergency.
B. police will respond to all non-emergency 911 calls.
C. a McDonald's in Florida ran out of chicken nuggets.
D. a Subway customer was unhappy with his sandwich.
Analyzing Multiple Ideas
Toys are a major part of childhood in the United States. Children everywhere in the United
States ask their parents to buy them specific games, dolls, action figures, building blocks, etc.
How do the children know what they want? Manufacturers invest millions of dollars into
advertising toys not to adults, but to children. Toy commercials appear during children’s
television show breaks. The advertisers have a captive audience. Children are bombarded with
brand names and the latest and greatest gadget that guarantees popularity. Without television
commercials, toys would not be sold in such large quantities. Research showed that toys
introduced during the children's television show Captain Kangaroo's time slot in the 1950’s had
a great increase in sales. Marketers have successfully been using that strategy ever since.
32. What is the main idea of this paragraph?
A. Toys are an important part of growing up in the United Sates.
B. Toy companies spend a lot of money to advertise to children.
C. Parents spend too much money on buying toys for their kids.
D. Parents should not let their children watch too much television.
Analyzing Multiple Ideas
Jane Goodall has tremendously affected the world with her passion for nature and her desire
to improve the environment for all living creatures. Jane is best known for her dedication to
chimpanzees. She was born on April 3, 1934, in London, England. The stuffed chimp she
received as a toddler was said to have first inspired her love of chimpanzees. At the age of 8,
Jane read Dr. Dolittle and was determined to go to Africa one day. In May of 1956, Jane was
invited to visit a friend's home in Kenya. Jane gladly accepted the invitation. During her stay in
Africa, she met Dr. Louis Leakey, a well-known anthropologist. In April 1957, she became his
secretary. Dr. Leakey arranged for Jane to study the chimpanzees in Tanzania. At the age of 26,
she arrived at the Gombe Chimp Reserve in April 1960. Jane poured herself into her work
observing the chimps. She discovered chimp behaviors that were previously unknown. She was
the first to document chimps hunting, eating meat, and using tools to extract termites from
mounds.
Jane gained recognition for her ground-breaking work in 1963 when National Geographic
published an article about her life and work. Afterwards, Jane went to college and earned a Ph.D.
in Ethology from the University of Cambridge in 1965. The university did not require her to
obtain a bachelor's degree first. After Cambridge, she returned to Tanzania to continue her
chimpanzee research. Through her writings, people worldwide have learned about the behaviors
of chimps.
Researching chimpanzees was not the only contribution Jane has made. In 1977, Ms. Goodall
founded the Jane Goodall Institute, a nonprofit organization that works to preserve nature and
helps poverty-stricken Africans. Jane also founded several education programs called Roots and
Shoots to teach young people about conservation. In 2002, Dr. Goodall became the United
Nations "Messenger of Peace." A "Messenger of Peace" works as an advocate for conflict
resolution, eradication of poverty, weapons disarmament, environmentalism, AIDS/HIV
treatment, and other world issues. She was reappointed to this position in 2007.
Dr. Goodall has received many awards for her extraordinary work. Queen Elizabeth II named
her Dame of the British Empire, which is equivalent to knighthood, in 2003. She has also
received prestigious awards from Tanzania, Austria, Japan, and worldwide organizations.
Internationally, many universities have granted Dr. Goodall honorary doctorates. Jane Goodall
continues to inspire the world with her expertise in environmental and humanitarian-related
issues. She spends a lot of her time speaking about conservation and encouraging others to make
the world a better place to live.
33. What is the main idea of paragraph 4?
A. Dr. Goodall has received many honors for her work.
B. Dr. Goodall continues to speak about conservation.
C. Dr. Goodall has doctorates from several universities.
D. Dr. Goodall was named as a Dame of the British Empire.
Setting
The boat was like a bucking bronco as it reared and thumped against the roaring waves. The
captain kept shouting through the rumble of the water, “Men, don’t let go! We’ll have her reared
in soon.” However, it seemed there would be no end to the trashing by the waves. The waves
rose to a frightening height as the crew members held on tight. Their faces went grey with fear
and their knuckles white as the air tossed their hats off and tore through their hair. Each time the
wave rose, it splashed the men with a gush of frothy water. Faces wet with fear and anxiety, the
men rowed as fast as they could. The captain assured his men about finding a house of refuge
soon, but the trepidation in his voice failed him. The men were beginning to lose hope.
34. What does the setting do to the story?
A. It heightens the tension of the plot.
B. It tells about the life of crew members.
C. It tells what to do in a raging storm.
D. It warns against going out in bad weather.
Setting
35. What does the setting do to the men on the boat?
A. It makes them look for help.
B. It makes them very scared.
C. It makes them want to jump off the boat.
D. It makes them think of their families.
Setting
"A Tryst At An Ancient Earthwork"
by Thomas Hardy
Out of the invisible marine region on the other side, birds soar suddenly into the air, and hang
over the summits of the heights with the indifference of long familiarity. Their forms are white
against the tawny concave of cloud, and the curves they exhibit in their floating signify that they
are sea gulls, which have journeyed inland from expected stress of weather. As the birds rise
behind the fort, so do the clouds rise behind the birds, almost as it seems, stroking with their
bagging bosoms the uppermost flyers.
36. Based on the setting, the author is most probably describing
A. an imaginary world he has created in his mind.
B. underwater life as seen by him in an ocean.
C. an oceanfront hidden from view by a fort.
D. a painting that he's looking at in a museum.
Connotation and Denotation
(1) It was in November. Work was slack and Aunt Sissy was laid off. She sauntered down the
school street just as school was letting out. If the children reported meeting her, it would seem
like an accident, she figured. She saw Neeley first in the crowd. A bigger boy snatched his cap
off, trampled on it, and ran away. Neeley turned to a smaller boy and did the same to his cap.
Sissy grabbed Neeley's arm, and with a raucous cry, he twisted loose and ran down the street.
With poignancy, Sissy realized that he was growing up.
(2) Francie saw Sissy and put her arms around her right there on the street and kissed her.
Sissy took her into a little candy store and treated her to a penny chocolate soda. Then she made
Francie sit down on a stoop and tell her all about school. Francie showed her the primer and her
homework book with block letters in it. Sissy was impressed. She looked long into the child's
thin face and noticed that she was shivering. She saw that she was inadequately dressed against
the raw November day in a threadbare cotton dress, ragged little sweater, and thin cotton
stockings. She put her arm around her and held her close to her own life warmth.
(3) "Francie, baby, you're trembling like a leaf."
(4) Francie had never heard that expression and it made her thoughtful. She looked at the little
tree growing out of the concrete at the side of the house. There were still a few dried leaves
clinging to it. One of them rustled dryly in the wind. Trembling like a leaf. She stored the phrase
away in her mind. Trembling…
from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
37. In paragraph 1, which of the following is a connotative meaning of the word slack?
A. not enough work to keep Sissy on
B. sluggish or lacking in energy
C. loose rope or string; not tight
D. slow movement or flow of action
Connotation and Denotation
38.
By using the phrase "shoes for life," the connotation of this shoe ad is that
A. other shoes lead to a better life.
B. Treks will wear out fast.
C. Treks will give you a better life.
D. other shoes will last longer.
Connotation and Denotation
39.
Which of the following is a connotation of the use of the word "hero" in this advertisement?
A. A dog that goes on dangerous rescue missions is a hero.
B. Any dog food your dog eats will make him a hero.
C. Only this particular rescue dog, Benny, is a hero.
D. Your dog will be a hero if he eats this dog food.
Analyzing U.S. Works and Documents
from The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County
by Mark Twain
In compliance with the request of a friend of mine, who wrote me from the East, I called on
good-natured, garrulous old Simon Wheeler, and inquired after my friend's friend, Leonidas W.
Smiley, as requested to do, and I hereunto append the result. I have a lurking suspicion that
Leonidas W. Smiley is a myth; that my friend never knew such a personage; and that he only
conjectured that, if I asked old Wheeler about him, it would remind him of his infamous Jim
Smiley, and he would go to work and bore me nearly to death with some infernal reminiscence
of him as long and tedious as it should be useless to me. If that was the design, it certainly
succeeded.
I found Simon Wheeler dozing comfortably by the bar-room stove of the old, dilapidated
tavern in the ancient mining camp of Angel's, and I noticed that he was fat and bald-headed, and
had an expression of winning gentleness and simplicity upon his tranquil countenance. He roused
up and gave me good-day. I told him a friend of mine had commissioned me to make some
inquiries about a cherished companion of his boyhood named Leonidas W. Smiley. Rev.
Leonidas W. Smiley a young minister of the Gospel, who he had heard was at one time a resident
of Angel's Camp. I added that, if Mr. Wheeler could tell me any thing about this Rev. Leonidas
W. Smiley, I would feel under many obligations to him.
Simon Wheeler backed me into a corner and blockaded me there with his chair, and then sat
me down and reeled off the monotonous narrative which follows this paragraph. He never
smiled, he never frowned, he never changed his voice from the gentle-flowing key to which he
tuned the initial sentence, he never betrayed the slightest suspicion of enthusiasm; but all through
the interminable narrative there ran a vein of impressive earnestness and sincerity, which showed
me plainly that, so far from his imagining that there was any thing ridiculous or funny about his
story, he regarded it as a really important matter, and admired its two heroes as men of
transcendent genius in finesse. To me, the spectacle of a man drifting serenely along through
such a queer yarn without ever smiling, was exquisitely absurd. As I said before, I asked him to
tell me what he knew of Rev. Leonidas W. Smiley, and he replied as follows. I let him go on in
his own way, and never interrupted him once:
40. How does mythic literature influence this tale?
A. The narrator relays a story and is doubtful about its truth.
B. Using fictional names and locations make the story unbelievable.
C. The narrator accepts everything that is told at face value.
D. The part of the story mentioned features gods and monsters.
Analyzing U.S. Works and Documents
The House on the Hill
by Edwin Arlington Robinson
They are all gone away,
The House is shut and still,
There is nothing more to say.
Through broken walls and gray
The winds blow bleak and shrill:
They are all gone away.
Nor is there one to-day
To speak them good or ill:
There is nothing more to say.
Why is it then we stray
Around that sunken sill?
They are all gone away,
And our poor fancy-play
For them is wasted skill:
There is nothing more to say.
There is ruin and decay
In the House on the Hill:
They are all gone away,
There is nothing more to say.
41. What characteristic of the poem connects it to traditional influences?
A. It is about a historical subject.
B. It follows a particular form.
C. The imagery used is classical.
D. The language follows a particular dialect.
Analyzing U.S. Works and Documents
42. What of these is a characteristic of the frame narrative?
A. a story written within and bookended by another story
B. a story framed by four corners of different narratives
C. a story that is told through a series of different documents
D. a story rewritten in a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards
Reference Materials
Carrots: Better Cooked Than Raw
The orange pigment in carrots makes them an excellent source of the cancer-protective
phytochemical beta-carotene, a carotenoid that has antioxidant properties. The body converts
beta-carotene into Vitamin A. Despite popular belief, carrots are better eaten cooked, rather than
raw, because the tough cell walls of the uncooked vegetable hinder the body's ability to
manufacture Vitamin A. Cooking breaks down the cell walls, making absorption easier, and does
not affect beta-carotene levels. The belief that carrots can help you to see in dim light is
correct—Vitamin A helps your eyes to adjust from light to darkness. Carrots do have one
drawback, however; unless they are grown organically, their skin often contains high levels of
pesticides, so if you are unable to buy organic, make sure that you peel them before use.
adapted from The Food Combining Bible by Jan and Inge Dries
43. The selection says that beta-carotene has antioxidant properties. In the nutrition book that this
selection comes from, the glossary gives the following definition for antioxidant:
antioxidant - food additive which slows down the oxidation process—that is, the reaction with
oxygen. Oxidation in food causes the food to spoil.
What does this glossary definition tell the reader about beta-carotene?
A. Beta-carotene helps slow the oxidation process.
B. Beta-carotene is a pigment that absorbs light.
C. Antioxidants and beta-carotene are unrelated.
D. Antioxidants help keep food from spoiling.
Reference Materials
44. Carla wants to find the noun form of the adjective oblivious. Which of the following sources
would BEST help her?
A. a glossary
B. an encyclopedia
C. a dictionary
D. a short story anthology
Reference Materials
45. Use this thesaurus entry to answer the question below.
minute n. 1. sixty seconds 2. meeting records v. 3. to time exactly adj. 4. extremely small
Which meaning of minute fits the following sentence?
As secretary of the student council, Joy always took down the minutes.
A. 1
B. 3
C. 4
D. 2
Supplying and Developing Evidence
Althea Gibson
Althea Gibson is often called “the Jackie Robinson of tennis” for breaking the color barrier in
the professional sport. Gibson won the French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. Gibson
was always a natural athlete. She participated in golf, basketball, and horseback riding. She also
excelled at table tennis.
Gibson won the first ten national championships that were sponsored by the American Tennis
Association, the governing body for all-black tournaments prior to the 1950s. She was not
allowed to participate in the U.S. Championship (now called the U.S. Open) matches until 1950.
In 1953, Gibson graduated from Florida A&M University on a basketball and tennis
championship. In 1953 she won the Italian Championship (the Rome Masters).
Gibson teamed up with a Jewish Englishwoman named Angela Buxton to compete in doubles
tournaments. They won Wimbledon that year. Gibson was the first woman of African descent to
win the tournament and Buxton was the first of Jewish heritage.
In 1957, Althea Gibson won the singles title at the U.S. Championships. She was named
Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year. The 2007 opening night of the U.S. Open marked
the 50 year anniversary of Gibson’s victory there. She was inducted into the U.S. Open Court of
Champions.
46. Which phrase from the passage supports the idea that Gibson was a good athlete?
A. "won the first ten national championships"
B. "Buxton was the first of Jewish heritage"
C. "graduated from Florida A&M University"
D. "not allowed to participate in the U.S."
Supplying and Developing Evidence
47. Which sentence best supports the following statement?
Gas mileage makes compact cars better than SUV's and trucks.
A. The fuel tank on the Mazda 3 holds 14.5 gallons of gasoline.
B. The cost of gas includes crude oil, refining, marketing, and taxes.
C. The 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche gets only 13 miles per gallon in the city.
D. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries was founded in 1960.
Supplying and Developing Evidence
48. Which sentence best supports the statement below?
Being environmentally conscious doesn't have to take much effort or cost a lot of money.
A. Installing solar panels on rooftops is pricey but cost-effective in the long run.
B. The first Earth Day was observed and celebrated in the U.S. on April 22, 1970.
C. Artificial grass always looks really nice, lasts a long time, and conserves water.
D. Using compact fluorescent bulbs is a great way to save energy and money.
Interpreting Figures of Speech
Director from the Black Lagoon
by J. Robbins
"Lights, camera, action!" called Llewellyn as he entered the garage. His friends, who were
rushing around like fireflies in a glass jar, groaned at his words.
"We aren't ready yet," Calliope replied, her voice muffled by the monster mask she was
wearing.
"You'll have to give us five more minutes," said Forsythe. He put the finishing touches on the
set piece he was building and reached for his paintbrush. Unfortunately, Calliope stumbled
backward at that moment and crushed Forsythe's hand like a used soda can. He yelped with pain
and glared up at his masked friend.
"I gave you people an entire week to get ready," stated Llewellyn angrily. He surveyed the
chaos in the garage with a scowl. "My directions were clear and simple, and I cannot accept
excuses."
"You are being unreasonable, Llewellyn," Beryl told him as she quickly stitched the hem of
her costume. "We are helping you out here, not the other way around. There are plenty of places
we'd rather be on a Saturday morning."
"Yeah, I'd rather be in bed asleep," muttered Forsythe. "Instead, I'm working so hard I feel
like a squirrel the day before winter starts."
"This is what the movies are all about, people!" Llewellyn announced with a dramatic
flourish of his hands. "It's not all glitzy red carpets and limousines. It is hard work, blood, sweat,
and tears."
"In that case, why don't you give us a hand?" asked Calliope. "We could get ready a lot faster
with you helping us instead of yelling at us like a drill sergeant." She picked up Forsythe's
paintbrush and attempted to hand it to Llewellyn.
"I am the director of this production," said Llewellyn disdainfully. "I am here to craft my
artistic vision, and I cannot be bothered by petty details."
"Your artistic vision currently consists of three half-costumed 'monsters,' a yet-to-beassembled set, and a group of very irritated volunteers," Beryl reminded him curtly. As he
processed her words, Llewellyn looked as stunned as a deer in the headlights.
"I guess I could do something to help out," he replied reluctantly. "After all, the most
important thing is that Gidflyxt and Hutyxope: A Love Story gets put on film for the audience to
enjoy."
"Super," said Forsythe. "You can start by painting the swamp set. The black and green paint
cans are over by that wall." Llewellyn moved through the bustling activity to stand in front of the
wall. His face looked as blank as the canvas in front of him.
"I guess I don't have as much artistic vision as I thought I did," Llewellyn told himself and
went to ask Forsythe what a swamp looked like.
49. What analogy does Calliope use to describe how she feels about Llewellyn's attitude?
A. She compares him to a drill instructor.
B. She compares him to a firefly in a jar.
C. She compares him to a scary swamp.
D. She compares him to a broken paintbrush.
Interpreting Figures of Speech
Anxiety Testing
by A. Gautam
My heart is an orchestra
The drums beat like thunderstorms
I am an ice storm
Shivering and freezing to the core
The professor hands out the test
As calm as the face of a saint
I try to throw him a confident smile
Yet I sweat like summer rain
The classroom is an operation theater
I stare at my test under the glaring light
I wait to operate—myself and my test—
Regretting that I did not study my best!
50. What type of figurative language does the poet use to describe the professor?
A. personification
B. hyperbole
C. simile
D. metaphor
Subject-Verb Agreement
51.
My _______ which had several large holes, were finally recycled to make a new purse.
Choose the correct subject for this sentence.
A. jeans
B. blouse
C. coat
D. dress
Subject-Verb Agreement
52. Which of the following sentences uses an incorrect verb?
A. There is only one good candidate.
B. Many good candidates are possible.
C. There is many possible candidates.
D. A good candidate is hard to find.
Context Clues
Last week, the Seahaven Sea Hawks flew to victory on the wings of their new quarterback,
Truman Burbank. As Truman led his team to victory in the fourth quarter, a cacophonous cheer
rang out from the excited crowd and nearly drowned out the referees' voices. The cheers did,
however, cover the groans of the losing team whose ignominious defeat came after they failed to
score even one touchdown the entire game. The Sea Hawk's now-famous quarterback is humble
about his victory.
"To tell you the truth," Truman told this reporter, "I am even more surprised than I am
excited. This was the first football game I have ever played." The team's new quarterback, a selfdescribed dilettante, is also the captain of the yacht club, the founding member of the chess team,
and an active participant in the environmental activism group.
53. Ignominious, as used in this passage, means
A. embarrassing.
B. praiseworthy.
C. interesting.
D. misunderstood.
Context Clues
The produce at the grocery store can be hit or miss. Last week, I bought a bunch of grapes that
were extremely sour; however, this week I bought a cantaloupe that was fresh, sweet, and
flavorful.
54. What does the underlined phrase mean?
A.
The produce section of the grocery store is disorganized and not well-planned for
shopping.
B.
The different produce at the grocery store can be used to practice hitting with a bat in
baseball.
C. The produce from the grocery store is good to eat some of the time but not all the time.
The produce at the grocery store is sometimes available to buy, but sometimes it is out of
D.
stock.
Pronouns
55. What pronoun goes in the blank?
Debby ate the cake all by ___________.
A. herself
B. her
C. ourselves
D. themselves
Pronouns
56. Revise the following sentence so that the pronoun and antecedent agree.
Larry and his friends were bored, so he decided to go to a movie.
A. Larry and his friends were bored, so we decided to go to a movie.
B. Larry and his friends were bored, so you decided to go to a movie.
C. Larry and his friends were bored, so they decided to go to a movie.
D. Larry and his friends were bored, so them decided to go to a movie.
Inferences
Hero
by J. Robbins
"I am so excited that I can hardly sit still," said Vasilisa as she gripped the armrests of her
wheelchair. She and her friends had been waiting outside the Chekhov County Library for hours
waiting for Vasilisa's favorite celebrity to arrive for a book signing.
"I'm so bored that I can hardly stay awake," Dokthan, Vasilisa's younger brother, replied
grumpily. He had agreed to accompany his sister and her friends only after they had promised to
take him to Video Game Warehouse afterward. For the last few hours, he had been annoying
everyone with his whining.
"You should be excited to see a true hero," commented Masha. "Esther Vergeer is a five-time
Paralympics wheelchair tennis champion. I can't believe she's coming to our library."
"Don't forget that she won the 1997 championship in wheelchair basketball," Vasilisa said.
She had become an expert on Vergeer after watching her play tennis on television. Before
watching that match, Vasilisa had not known that people with disabilities could excel as athletes.
"I just hope she hurries up so we can go to Video Game Warehouse," said Dokthan. "The new
World of War Skill expansion pack will be in stores today, and I have to buy it as soon as it's
released." Before his sister could respond, the door to the library opened. Vasilisa motioned
excitedly to her friends and Dokthan as she rolled up the ramp into the library.
"This is it!" she said with a huge grin.
57. The passage supports which of the following inferences about Dokthan?
A. He is an impatient person.
B. He is not talented at sports.
C. He is ashamed of his sister.
D. He has a crush on Masha.
Inferences
Insomnia
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or to maintain a restful sleep throughout the night.
People who suffer from insomnia—also called insomniacs—often experience decreased energy,
mood swings, and difficulty performing well in school and work activities. This sleep disorder
can last for days, weeks, or years. People who suffer from this disorder can experience early
insomnia (difficulty falling asleep), middle insomnia (waking up in the middle of the night), or
late insomnia (waking up earlier than desired).
There is not one single cause for insomnia. Some insomniacs experience sleep disturbances
because of depression, anxiety, or a mental illness. Other times, insomnia is caused by outside
influences such as a noisy sleeping environment, a lack of exercise, or too much caffeine
ingested during the day. Often a doctor will investigate a patient's lifestyle and sleeping habits as
a first step in diagnosing the cause of his or her insomnia.
Insomnia can be treated in many different ways, and most often, lifestyle changes are
recommended by doctors. Some of the most commonly suggested home remedies for insomnia
are sticking to a sleep schedule, avoiding naps during the day, removing electronic devices and
bright lights from the bedroom, and drinking warm milk before attempting sleep. If insomnia
persists or begins to negatively impact the sufferer's life, medical attention should be sought.
58. Which of the following inferences is supported by this passage?
A. Home remedies have proven to be less effective than taking medication.
B. Insomnia is the most harmful sleep disorder for a person to experience.
C. A person with insomnia should not let a loud pet sleep in the bedroom.
D. All cases of insomnia are cured by changing the lighting in the bedroom.
Author's Point of View
Dear Students:
As your student body president, and a cat owner myself, I wanted to e-mail you all to get your
views on the little cat who seems to have adopted our school. Many of you have seen her lapping
up a bowl of milk at the back door of the cafeteria kitchen. I've spoken to a number of you who
have already grown quite attached to her. She's been unofficially named Smokey, for her coat of
grey-black fur. At least a dozen students have approached our principal about adopting her, but
Mr. Haggerty and I agree that letting one student have her wouldn't be fair to everyone else. The
problem is, winter is fast approaching, and we all want to make sure she is warm and cared for.
She has no tags, so we assume she is wild. It's clear she needs a permanent home if she is to have
the best possible life. Please help me and Mr. Haggerty solve this dilemma. E-mail me your
suggestions, or write them up and drop them in the box marked "Smokey" in the principal's
office. The deadline for suggestions is November 1. Thanks in advance for your help!
Sincerely,
Tara Morris
President, Wilson High Student Body
59. The author wrote this e-mail to
A. get students' input on the dilemma about the cat.
B. encourage students who want to adopt Smokey to come forward.
C. provide students with information about Smokey the cat.
D. explain that the school will be adopting the grey-black cat.
Author's Point of View
60. The author is probably concerned about this issue because
A. the cat is disruptive to the school.
B. she is a cat owner herself.
C. the principal told her to be.
D. feeding Smokey costs the school money.
Sentence Structures
Lester could feel the cold inching its way up his back.
Every word he spoke exhaled a cloudy haze. The cold was
everywhere and seemed to be affecting his every move. Even
as his teeth involuntarily chattered out a song he could barely
remember. The cold made its home in Lester's legs.
In the beginning. Lester thought waiting in line for the
early release of the video game The Legacy was a good idea.
Knowing that he was at the head of a long line that snaked
around the block did little to make Lester feel better about the
wait, and it did little to keep him warm either.
In fact, the more he focused on warm thoughts, the less he
could feel his toes. Just when things looked like they couldn't
get much worse the rain began to come down. The crowd let
out a groan. At first, it fell in little inconsistent drips. As the
drips turned into a heavy rhythm that drowned out Lester's
chattering teeth. Lester would have gladly given up his place
in line for a hot cup of soup and an umbrella.
61. Read the following sentence from the passage.
Knowing that he was at the head of a long line that snaked around the block did little to make
Lester feel better about the wait, and it did little to keep him warm either.
Which shows the best way to change this compound sentence into two simple sentences?
A.
Knowing that he was at the head of a long line that snaked around the block did little to
make Lester feel better about the wait. It did little to keep him warm either.
B.
Knowing that he was at the head of a long line that snaked around the block did little to
make Lester feel better. About the wait, it did little to keep him warm either.
C.
Knowing that he was at the head of a long line. That snaked around the block did not make
Lester feel better about the wait, and it did little to keep him warm either.
D.
Knowing that he was at the head of a long line that snaked around the block. Did little to
make Lester feel better about the wait and did little to keep him warm either.
Sentence Structures
62. Read the sentences below.
Just when things looked like they couldn't get much worse the rain began to come down. The
crowd let out a groan.
Which is the best way to fix or edit these sentences?
A.
Just when things looked like they couldn't get much worse the rain began to come down,
the crowd let out a groan.
B.
Just when things looked, like they couldn't get much worse, the rain began to come down,
the crowd let out a groan.
C.
Just when things looked like they couldn't get much worse the rain began to come down
and the crowd let out a groan.
D.
Just when things looked like they couldn't get much worse, the rain began to come down,
and the crowd let out a groan.
Precise Language
Mariah is writing a short essay about John Steinbeck for her English class. This is her first draft.
(1) Though John Steinbeck is probably best known for his novel The Grapes of Wrath, this
great American novelist had a lot of other novels, novellas, and short story collections. (2)
Steinbeck most often wrote about the homeless and the hopeless in America, trying to live in an
ever-changing country. (3) Many of his novels take place west of the Mississippi River. (4) The
Grapes of Wrath, for example, follows a family who migrates from Oklahoma to California
during the Dust Bowl. (5) Steinbeck himself was from California, which is why his works often
take place in the West. (6) Steinbeck had a long career, beginning in 1929. (7) Steinbeck’s first
novel, Cup of Gold, was published in 1929. (8) He did not receive much recognition for his
works, however, until Tortilla Flat was published in 1935. (9) Steinbeck’s name soon became
more well-known, and more people knew that he was a great American writer. (10) He kept
writing for decades. (11) In 1962, Steinbeck won the Nobel Prize for Literature.
63. Which is the MOST precise way to write the underlined portion of sentence 1?
A. wrote numerous
B. did many
C. published
D. did tons of
Precise Language
64. Which is the MOST precise way to rewrite the underlined portion of sentence 2?
A. attempting to try to live in a country always changing
B. trying to live in a country that changed all the time
C. trying to live and find a way to survive in America
D. struggling to survive in an ever-changing country
Technical Meanings
When most people think of pyramids, they immediately think of Egypt. It is a little known
fact that Sudan has 220 extant pyramids—the most in the world. These are pyramids that tourists
can still see today, though many of their treasures have been removed during the process of
excavation. Sudan’s pyramids were constructed around 300 B.C. to serve as tombs for kings and
queens, and they only took a few hundred years to build. Not only does Egypt have fewer
pyramids (approximately 120), but in Egypt they took a lot longer to build (3000 years)!
Archeologists studying the pyramids of Sudan can learn a lot about indigenous architecture
and burial customs. Each necropolis showcases the mummified remains of different royal
lineages. The bodies were often placed in huge granite sarcophagi—far roomier than the coffins
we use today. Other finds include the remains of bows and arrows, horse harnesses, furniture,
pottery, colored glass, and many other artifacts attesting to extensive trade with Egypt and the
Hellenistic world during antiquity.
65. As it is used in the passage, the word extant most nearly means
A. existing.
B. untouched.
C. buried.
D. destroyed.
Technical Meanings
66. What is an excavation?
A. a test
B. a dig
C. a gift
D. a burial
Revising
(1) Food processing dates back to the prehistoric ages when crude processing incorporated
slaughtering, fermenting, sun drying, preserving with salt, and various types of cooking—such as
roasting, smoking, steaming, and oven baking. (2) Up until the introduction of canning methods,
salt-preservation was especially common for foods that constituted warrior and sailors' diets. (3)
These crude processing techniques remained essentially the same until the advent of the
industrial revolution. (4) Modern food processing technology in the 19th and 20th century was
largely developed to serve military needs. (5) In 1809, Nicolas Appert invented a vacuum
bottling technique that would supply food for French troops. (6) This contributed to the
development of tinning, and then canning, by Peter Durand in 1810. (7) Although initially
expensive and somewhat hazardous due to the lead used in cans, canned goods would later
become a staple around the world. (8) Pasteurization, discovered by Louis Pasteur in 1862, was a
significant advance in ensuring the micro-biological safety of food. (9) In the 20th century,
World War II, the space race, and the rising consumer society in developing countries—
including the United States—contributed to the growth of food processing with such advances as
spray drying, juice concentrates, freeze drying, and the introduction of artificial sweeteners,
colorants, and preservatives such as sodium benzoate and saccharine. (10) In the late 20th
century, products such as dried instant soups, reconstituted fruits and juices, and self cooking
meals such as MRE food rations were developed. (11) An MRE is a Meal Ready-to-Eat and is
most common in the military. (12) Because the 20th century witnessed a rise in the pursuit of
convenience, food processors marketed their products to middle-class working wives and
mothers. (13) Frozen foods—often credited to Clarence Birdseye—found their success in the
sales of juice concentrates and Swanson's "TV dinners." (14) Processors utilized the perceived
value of time to appeal to the postwar population, and this same appeal contributes to the success
of convenience foods today.
67. Sentences 9 through 14 contain two main ideas with supporting sentences for each. For
clarity, the main ideas should be separated into two separate paragraphs. Which sentence best
marks the beginning of the second paragraph in these sentences?
A. sentence 12
B. sentence 13
C. sentence 10
D. sentence 11
Revising
(1) Would you believe that blue, not green, was originally the color associated with St.
Patrick’s Day? (2) The green most people associate with the holiday probably originates from the
18th century. (3) “Wearing the green” was a symbol of support of Irish independence. (4) St.
Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in Ireland. (5) Up until the 1970s, all pubs were closed on St.
Paddy's Day.
(6) The people of North America, New Zealand, and several other countries typically use St.
Patrick’s Day as a day to celebrate Irish culture. (7) People enjoy Irish food and drink, wear
green, and attend parades.
(8) To many people of Irish decent, St. Patrick’s Day is a day of religious observance. (9)
Saint Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland. (10) He was one of the earliest missionaries who
spread the message of Christianity abroad.
68. Which sentence would fit best after sentence 1?
A. People prefer "Irish green" to the "St. Patrick's blue" that was originally used.
B. Irish Catholics observe St. Patrick's Day as a religious day during the Lenten season.
C. In fact, "St. Patrick's blue" is still used in Ireland's flag and the Irish Guard's uniforms.
D. St. Patrick used the green shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish people.
Structuring Text
Wheelchair Curling
by J. Robbins
Curling is a popular sport that involves two teams taking turns guiding a heavy stone ball, or
"rock," across an indoor ice field. In the late 1990s, the sport was extended to wheelchair users.
Wheelchair curling has many of the same rules as traditional curling with only minor adaptations
for people with mobility impairments. Teams can include both men and women, and participants
must be either dependent on a wheelchair or unable to walk short distances.
As more wheelchair users began participating in this form of curling, it became an
international sensation. The first World Wheelchair Curling Championships were held in
Switzerland in 2002, and in 2006, the sport was included in the Winter Paralympic Games in
Italy. The 2009 World Championship took place in Canada, and Team Canada defeated Team
USA by a margin of 9-2. Today, there are both professional and amateur wheelchair curling
leagues in nations all over the world.
69. The author most likely organized this passage in chronological order to
A. show the progression of a sport over time.
B. describe the lives of wheelchair curling players.
C. explain the decline in popularity of a sport.
D. create a sense of suspense in the passage.
Structuring Text
It is easy to see why sea turtles are officially considered a threatened species. Sea turtles must
survive several threats in their lives in order to survive. Snakes and gulls are natural predators,
especially for the youngest sea turtles. Baby sea turtles are born in holes in the sand, and when
they hatch, they make a dash for the sea. Many sea turtles do not make it to the sea because the
predators are waiting and watching. The biggest threat to sea turtle populations, however, is
humans. Some cultures eat the eggs and meat of sea turtles and use the shells in decorations. In
addition, large sea turtles can get caught in fishing nets. When they can't escape, they end up
starving. Pollution can also destroy the sea turtles’ natural environment, resulting in too many
deaths. However, some humans are trying to help sea turtles. Nature groups have established
preserves to protect turtles. Laws have been passed in several countries to make killing sea
turtles illegal. Furthermore, scientists continue to observe and study sea turtles to learn as much
as possible, hoping that new knowledge will give them more tools to help these impressive
creatures.
70. Why do scientists want to learn more about sea turtles?
A. They want to watch baby sea turtles hatch.
B. They want to see how humans use turtle shells.
C. They want to learn how to save more sea turtles.
D. They want to keep people from polluting the water.
Multiple Meaning Words
deliberate [adj. dih-lib-er-it; v. dih-lib-uh-reyt] [ME] adj. 1. intentional, carefully thought out 2.
slow and careful 3. unhurried, at leisure, slow and even v. 4. to consider carefully 5. to consult or
discuss formally
71. Based on the definitions of deliberate and the context of the sentence below, what is the
meaning of the word deliberately?
The mischievous cat deliberately coughed up its hairball on my pillow.
A. intentionally
B. leisurely
C. slowly and carefully
D. while consulting
Multiple Meaning Words
72. Which meaning of deliberate is used in the sentence below?
The college valedictorian took plenty of time to deliberate where she would attend graduate
school.
A. definition 5
B. definition 2
C. definition 1
D. definition 4
Citations
73.
Cho, Lee. "Symbolism and Foreshadowing in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night." English
Language Arts Online. U of North Dakota, 13 March 2005. 20 May 2008.
What is wrong with the format of this bibliography entry for an online article?
A. The medium of publication should be included in the entry.
B. The dates should not include the days or the months.
C. The author's name should be after the title of the article.
D. The name of the university should be in quotation marks.
Citations
74. Which bibliography entry is correctly written?
A.
Johnson, Jim. "A Deaf Baseball Pitcher's Life in the Hearing World."
Minnesota: Beaver's Pond Press, 2008. Print.
B.
Johnson, Jim. A Deaf Baseball Pitcher's Life in the Hearing World.
Minnesota: Beaver's Pond Press, 2008. Print.
C.
Jim Johnson. A Deaf Baseball Pitcher's Life in the Hearing World.
Minnesota: Beaver's Pond Press, 2008. Print.
D.
A Deaf Baseball Pitcher's Life in the Hearing World by Jim Johnson.
Minnesota: Beaver's Pond Press, 2008. Print.
Active and Passive Voice
It's Your Life
(1) Did you know that over 400,000 people in the U.S. die each year from smoking-related
illnesses? (2) One in five deaths in the U.S. is attributed to smoking. (3) Many people continue to
smoke despite these statistics.
(4) Smoking negatively impacts the respiratory and digestive systems. (5) Cancer of the
lungs, mouth, and throat can be caused by smoking. (6) Doctors have linked smoking to
stomach, kidney, and pancreatic cancers. (7) People who smoke may experience difficulty
breathing at some point in their lives. (8) Smokers may also experience heartburn, ulcers, and
liver disease. (9) The risks of these diseases can be reduced by people if they quit smoking early
on. (10) A person who smokes for 15 years and stops is at a greater risk of developing a
smoking-related illness than a person who smokes for only one year.
(11) The nicotine found in cigarette tobacco makes it hard for many people to quit smoking.
(12) It takes some people several attempts to stop smoking. (13) The best way to steer clear of
this addiction and its associated illnesses is to never start smoking cigarettes.
75. What is the best way to change sentence 4 from active voice to passive voice?
A. The respiratory and digestive systems are negatively impacted by smoking.
B. Smoking impacts the respiratory and digestive systems negatively.
C. Smoking can negatively impact the respiratory and digestive systems.
D. The negative impact on the respiratory and digestive systems is from smoking.
Active and Passive Voice
76. Which sentence from the passage is written in passive voice?
A. "Many people continue to smoke despite these statistics."
B. "Doctors have linked smoking to stomach, kidney, and pancreatic cancers."
C. "Smokers may also experience heartburn, ulcers, and liver disease."
D. "One in five deaths in the U.S. is attributed to smoking."
Applying Sources of Information
Mylenol is Different
Physicians and leading care providers recommend Mylenol more often than any other brand
of over-the-counter analgesic. Regular Strength Mylenol is the pain reliever most often used by
hospitals. Mylenol works safer and easier on the body because it dissolves quickly and is gentler
than other leading pain reliever brands.
Mylenol reduces pain by elevating the body’s pain threshold. It starts working faster than
aspirin or ibuprofen, and it will not irritate the stomach like aspirin or ibuprofen sometimes can.
Please follow all drug instructions carefully. We here at Mylenol would rather sell less of our
product than put your life in danger.
77. This passage is taken from the News section of Mylenol's Web site.
How does the author's motivation affect the credibility of the writing?
A. to sell Mylenol and prevent lawsuits
B. to confuse people about how Mylenol works
C. to convince people to stop taking Mylenol
D. to inform people where Mylenol is used
Applying Sources of Information
78. You are writing a research paper about adult illiteracy in the United States. You are
considering using the following sources to support your thesis. Based on the motivations of each
individual or agency, which of the following sources would be the least credible to use in your
paper?
A. an interview with a teacher of adult literacy programs in your area
B.
a teacher running for your local School Board who gives statistics in his arguments for a
new adult literacy program
C. adult literacy data from the United States Department of Education's Web site
D. an article in the Los Angeles Times called "We Ain't Dumb, Just Illiterate"
Punctuation
(1) In 1970, Victoria, Australia passed the first law worldwide making safety belts required
for drivers and front-seat passengers. (2) By 1991, over 80 jurisdictions worldwide had followed
suit with the United States joining in 1984.
(3) Like all new things, the law was first met with ridicule and scorn. (4) Opponents claimed
that it was an unwarranted intrusion by government into their personal lives and that it denied
people the right to determine their own safety and health standards. (5) However, numerous
reports have proved that the laws are necessary to save lives. (6) A study conducted in 1998 for
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) called the Motor Vehicle Occupant
Safety Survey (MVOSS) revealed that "80 percent of the respondents use [safety belts] because
doing so is required by law." (7) Considering that seat belts have saved over 135,000 lives
between 1975 and 2001 imagine how high the death toll would be if seat belts were NOT
required by law. (8) A statistical analysis conducted by the NHTSA says, an estimated 5,500
lives could be saved each year by increasing the level of safety belt use in the United States to 90
percent." (9) Currently, only 68 percent of Americans wear safety belts.
79. Which phrase in sentence 2 should be placed in parentheses?
A. with the United States joining in 1984
B. suit with the United States joining
C. had followed suit
D. jurisdictions worldwide
Punctuation
80.
After showing up late for practice all season, Matt Saracen was given plenty of pep talks by his
coach, Eric Taylor but his attitude problem, caused by his relationship troubles, continued to
worsen.
How should this sentence be changed to correct the error in punctuation?
A. The sentence is punctuated correctly.
B. Add a colon after problem.
C. Add a comma after Taylor.
D. Remove the comma after troubles.
Objective Summary
Have you ever seen a hamster rolling around in a hamster ball? If so, you have already been
introduced to the sport of zorbing. Zorbing involves climbing inside a large plastic ball and
rolling downhill. This plastic ball, called an orb, is a transparent, double-sectioned sphere. Riders
climb into the inner sphere through a tunnel, and the outer sphere, which is filled with either air
or water, cushions them as they bounce along the ground. Some orbs have straps for riders to
hold onto while they roll, and others leave riders free to be tossed around. Zorbing has increased
in popularity since its creation in 1994, and facilities are available in many countries, including
New Zealand, the United States, England, Japan, and India.
81. Which is the best summary of this passage?
A.
Zorbing is popular new sport that allows riders to roll downhill while cushioned inside a
giant plastic ball.
B.
Riders who want to try zorbing must climb through a tunnel into the inner sphere of the
large plastic orb.
C.
The inner spheres of orbs used in zorbing can be constructed with or without safety straps
for riders.
D.
Zorbing can be done in many countries around the world, including the United States, New
Zealand, and Japan.
Objective Summary
82. There are certain activities that require extreme physical exertion and controlled
breathing. Swimming, running, singing, and yoga are some of these activities. They require great
lung capacity. There are several ways to increase the efficiency of our lungs. Breathing is the
only autonomic function over which we also have conscious control. To understand the right
way to breathe, watch a baby resting on his/her back. The baby's belly swells like a balloon when
it inhales, and deflates when it exhales. There is a steady rhythm to its breathing. By following
this deep and relaxing breathing technique ten times every morning the capacity to hold one's
breath will increase significantly.
Choose the best possible summary from the following answer choices.
A.
Human beings have forgotten the right way to breathe. It is only by watching a baby
breathe can human beings return to their original form of breathing and learn how to relax.
B.
The secret of increasing one's lung capacity lies in watching a baby breathe. When the
abdomen swells and deflates like a balloon, accurate breathing can be achieved.
C.
Some physical activities that require physical exertion demand greater lung capacity. By
practicing deep breathing every day, a person can increase his or her lung capacity greatly.
Swimming, running, singing, and yoga are the only exercises that help increase lung
D. capacity. These exercises should be done ten times each morning to feel stronger and
healthier.
Task, Purpose, and Audience
As a comet reaches perihelion, the Sun’s gravity causes the nucleus of the comet to deposit
more debris, making the antitrail denser. Leonid meteors are remnants left in the trail of the
P55/Temple-Tuttle comet. These showers occur frequently across Earth about every 33 years
when the planet passes through the debris trail of the comet. This phenomenon is possible
because the orbit of the planet transects the orbit of the comet almost exactly.
The Leonid meteor storm of 1833 was unprecedentedly brilliant with over 100,000 per hour.
This particular storm was so intense that it incited mass hysteria. Many people wrongly believed
the incredible number of meteors marked the end of the world.
Oddly enough, though the cycle occurs every 33 years, the Earth does not always pass
through debris left from the previous year’s perihelion. For example, when the Earth last passed
through the comet’s trail of debris in 2009, the planet encountered debris left behind from the
1466 and 1533 perihelions, which suggests an even larger and more complex algorithmic cycle.
83. Which statement best describes the purpose of this article?
A. The author has written an informative article meant for a textbook or scientific journal.
B. The author has written an entry describing a meteor shower for an online blog.
C. The author has written a persuasive article meant for a newspaper or magazine article.
D. The author has written an entertaining passage meant for a science fiction novel.
Task, Purpose, and Audience
84. Lily is writing a story for her little sister, who is nine. Lily should be MOST concerned with
A. choosing paper her sister thinks is pretty.
B. writing the bibliography correctly.
C. using vocabulary her sister understands.
D. giving the story a descriptive title.
Introducing and Closing Topics
The Story of Tiffany & Co.
The company that came to be known as Tiffany & Co. was founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany
and his friend John Young in 1837. With $1000 borrowed from Tiffany’s father, the pair opened
a stationary and gift shop in New York City. Their first few days in business only netted them a
$4.38 profit, but they persevered. A couple of years later they were still in business and had
expanded their inventory to include cutlery, clocks, glassware, porcelain, and jewelry.
In 1841, the store changed its name to Tiffany, Young, and Ellis and began manufacturing its
own jewelry. It established a reputation for selling only the finest goods, and Tiffany was
responsible for introducing the “sterling” silver standard to the U.S. from England.
He went on to open other stores in London, Paris, and the flagship Fifth Avenue store that is
still used today. In 1886, the store introduced the Tiffany setting, a six prong setting that allows
diamond solitaires to receive the maximum amount of light and reflect the maximum amount of
brilliance. The next year, Tiffany & Co. was able to procure some of France’s crown jewels. This
solidified the company’s reputation as a retailer of fine jewels.
85. Which of these sentences would make the best topic sentence if a new paragraph were added
to this passage?
A.
The most famous Tiffany Diamond of all currently resides in the company's flagship store
in New York City.
B.
Hepburn's performance of the song "Moon River" helped musicians Johnny Mercer and
Harry Mancini win an Oscar.
C.
It is a 128.54 carat canary yellow diamond that was approximately 287.42 carats before it
was cut and shaped.
D.
One of Audrey Hepburn most famous roles was when she played Holly Golightly in the
film Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Introducing and Closing Topics
86. Which of these sentences below is the best concluding statement for this paragraph?
Let us not forget that many senior citizens are living on very restricted incomes. Without
assistance, they are unable to afford simple things like food and shelter. For many, trips to the
doctor are expensive enough. These elderly people cannot afford to pay for the prescriptions they
are given, even at the reduced generic price, when choosing medication means going without a
meal. The financial break purchasing drugs over the Internet could provide them is substantial.
A.
In addition, many elderly people could really use someone to make sure they take their
medication every day, eat properly, and get cardiovascular exercise.
B.
In conclusion, I think many people wind up in nursing homes because their families are too
busy and overworked to provide for their healthcare needs.
C.
In summary, I feel that if the government refuses to make prescriptions more affordable, it
should regulate the purchase of generic drugs from other countries.
D.
The average American citizen cannot afford to pay for food, clothing, and shelter for their
families of four or more during these hard economic times.
Characters
Dreams
by J. Robbins
"Here are the papers I need you to file before you leave," said Mr. Cooper as he walked up to
Vanessa's desk. "And don't forget to restock all the books in the American History section."
Vanessa suppressed a sigh as she looked at the clock. Her biology report was due tomorrow
morning, and she would never get home to write it at this rate. She had been working after school
at the 50% Off Bookstore for six months, and every day her boss, Mr. Cooper, managed to add to
her workload. I'm just a kid! she wanted to yell. Can't you give me a break?
Vanessa sighed as she began to file the paperwork covering her desk. All of her friends had
taken after school jobs at local fast-food restaurants. Tyrese, her boyfriend, worked part-time at
an auto repair shop, and he was always complaining to her that he never had enough to do at
work. Walk a mile in my shoes, bub! Vanessa thought. She winced as she cut her finger on one of
the papers. Maybe it would be easier all around if I just quit, she thought.
"Excuse me, miss," said a voice behind her. "Could you please help me find this book?"
Vanessa turned to see an elderly man waiting by her desk. He had a list of books in his hand, and
she noticed that each book had been crossed off except for one.
"Of course, sir," she told him with a smile. The elderly man looked relieved as he handed her
his list.
"Let's see," Vanessa said. "Trespassing: My Sojourn in the Halls of Privilege by Gwendolyn
Parker. That would be in our autobiography section. It's right this way." The elderly man
followed her as she walked through the twisting rows of books.
"Thank you, my dear," he told her. "My name is Mr. Washington. This book is for my
granddaughter. She is several years older than you. She's just been accepted into Harvard
Business School, and she will be flying halfway across the country. I'm collecting books for her
to read on the airplane. Plus, I want her to have something that will remind her of me."
"That's wonderful, Mr. Washington," Vanessa said as she handed him a copy of the book.
"Your granddaughter will love it." Mr. Washington clasped the book in his hands with a smile.
"You know," he said. "You remind me a lot of my granddaughter. Keep working hard, and
you'll accomplish your dreams, too." As he walked away, Vanessa thought about Mr.
Washington's words. She had taken this job because she wanted to open her own bookstore one
day. Even though the work was difficult, she loved learning about business and interacting with
customers.
"Anything worth having in this life is worth working hard for," Vanessa whispered to herself.
As she headed back to work, she grabbed a copy of the book Mr. Washington had requested for
his granddaughter. She wanted to keep it on her desk to remind her to follow her dreams.
87. In this story, Mr. Washington can best be described as
A. encouraging.
B. distraught.
C. demanding.
D. impatient.
Characters
88. How does Vanessa's attitude change as the story progresses?
A. from sympathetic to angry
B. from depressed to determined
C. from inspired to melancholy
D. from passionate to apathetic
Understanding Layers of Meaning
The Betrayal
Pauline stopped abruptly when she saw Betty and Katherine ahead. With their arms linked
and heads close together, they were both deeply engrossed in conversation.
Pauline felt a stab of jealously. They were always telling secrets to each other and leaving her
out. For once, she wanted to be the one in on the secret. She walked quickly to catch up to them
but slowed down a few paces behind them, straining to hear what they were saying.
“I can’t believe it! Your sister’s pregnant! That’s awesome!” she heard Katherine say.
“Yea, but don’t tell ANYONE, ok? She hasn’t even told her husband yet.”
“You know you can trust me.”
Pauline drew further away from them and smiled. With a plan forming in her mind, she
headed quickly toward homeroom.
*****
Grateful for a break in the day, Pauline rushed to the cafeteria to meet Betty and Katherine.
After grabbing a slice of pizza, Pauline plopped down in a seat next to them. “Hey, you two!
What’s going on?”
“Hey! Nothing much. Just trying to recover from algebra.” Betty said, rolling her eyes.
“Was the test bad? I don’t have that class until last period.”
“You should do fine. I bet you’ve been studying all week,” Katherine grinned. “I have to run
to the restroom. Be right back!”
After Katherine was gone, Pauline smiled conspiratorially at Betty and said, “So I heard
you're going to be an aunt! Congratulations!”
Betty froze and looked at her in disbelief. “How do you know?”
“Katherine told me during 2nd period,” Pauline lied.
“What? She promised me she wouldn’t tell anyone!”
Pauline shrugged and bit into her slice of pizza. “She didn’t act like it was a secret or
anything.”
“I can’t believe she broke her promise! Who knows what other secrets she’s spilled!”
“Sorry! I had no idea! Please don’t get mad at her. I would hate to be the cause of a fight
between you two!”
“Oh, don’t worry. I won’t say that you told me anything. I’ll find some other way to get back
at her. Don’t say anything to her either, ok?"
“My lips are sealed.”
“Thanks, Pauline. You’re the only one I can trust now.”
89. At the end of the story, Betty tells Pauline, "You're the only one I can trust now." Based on
the excerpt, why is this an example of dramatic irony?
A. because Pauline is actually untrustworthy
B. because Betty can't keep a secret either
C. because Pauline wants to have Betty's trust
D. because Betty doesn't mean what she says
Understanding Layers of Meaning
The Templetons' Nightmare
The Templetons had decided to pack their bags and leave for their villa in Vermont. They
needed to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Besides, their teenage kids had agreed
to keep them company. The Templetons left at once, before their children could change their
minds. They drove with great hopes for a quiet weekend as Mrs. Templeton announced, "Kids,
prepare to sit back and do absolutely nothing. We are going to have a blast!"
The drive was not without incident. The family had survived a deer attack on their SUV.
Following the deer fiasco, the back tires were flat. Tyler had misplaced the toolbox when he was
helping his father change tires. After that, Jen decided to scream every time her mother hit the
brakes. After much fuss and screaming, the Templetons finally arrived at their villa.
They had not been to the villa in a few years. The caretaker had abandoned the villa in a state
of pity. There was mold in the bathroom and curtains of spider web in every single room of the
building. Jen and Tyler whined as they were asked to help their parents clean the villa. By the
time the Templetons were done turning their vacation home into a livable condition, it was time
to head back to their busy city lives.
"I am as refreshed as a factory worker after a long day," Tyler remarked as the Templetons
left the villa.
90. Which sentence from the story is an example of irony?
A. "They had not been to the villa in a few years."
B. "The caretaker had abandoned the villa in a state of pity."
C. "I am as refreshed as a factory worker after a long day."
D. "The family had survived a deer attack on their SUV."
Textual Evidence
(1) I went back to the Devon School not long ago, and found it looking oddly newer than
when I was a student there fifteen years before. . . .
(2) I started the long trudge across the fields and had gone some distance before I paid any
attention to the soft and muddy ground, which was dooming my city shoes.
(3) A little fog hung over the river so that as I neared it I felt myself becoming isolated from
everything except the river and the few trees beside it. The wind was blowing more steadily here,
and I was beginning to feel cold. There were several trees bleakly reaching into the fog. Any one
of them might have been the one I was looking for. Unbelievable that there were other trees
which looked like it here. It had loomed in my memory as a huge lone spike dominating the
riverbank, forbidding as an artillery piece, high as the beanstalk.
(4) This was the tree, and it seemed to me standing there to resemble those men, the giants of
your childhood, whom you encounter years later and find that they are not merely smaller in
relation to your growth, but that they are absolutely smaller, shrunken by age.
(5) The tree was tremendous, an irate, steely black steeple beside the river. I was [not about to]
climb it. No one but Phineas could think up such a crazy idea.
(6) He of course saw nothing the slightest bit intimidating about it. He wouldn't, or wouldn't
admit it if he did. Not Phineas.
(7) "What I like best about this tree," he said in that voice of his, the equivalent in sound of a
hypnotist's eyes, "what I like is that it's such a cinch!"
(8) "Is that what you like best?" I said sarcastically. I said a lot of things sarcastically that
summer in 1942.
(9) "Aey-uh," he said, which always made me laugh, as Finny knew, so I had to laugh, which
made me feel less sarcastic and less scared.
(10) There were three others with us—Phineas in those days almost always moved in groups
the size of a hockey team—and they stood with me looking with masked apprehension from him
to the tree. Its soaring black trunk was set with rough wooden pegs leading up to a substantial
limb which extended farther toward the water. Standing on this limb, you could jump far enough
out into the river for safety. So we had heard. At least the seventeen-year-old bunch could do it;
but they had a crucial year's advantage over us. No Upper Middler, which was the name for our
class in the Devon School, had ever tried. Naturally, Finny was going to be the first to try, and
just as naturally, he was going to inveigle others, us, into trying it with him.
(11) We were not even Upper Middler exactly. For this was the Summer Session. We were in
shaky transit that summer from the groveling status of Lower Middlers to the near-respectability
of Upper Middlers. The class above, seniors, draft-bait, practically soldiers, rushed ahead of us
toward the war. They were caught up in accelerated courses and first-aid programs and a
physical hardening regimen, which included jumping from this tree. We were still calmly,
numbly reading Virgil and playing tag in the river farther downstream. Until Finny thought of
the tree.
adapted from A Separate Peace by John Knowles
91. Which line from the selection supports the conclusion that Phineas and his classmates were
going through an awkward and difficult time in their lives?
A.
"We were in shaky transit that summer from the groveling status of Lower Middlers to the
near-respectability of Upper Middlers."
B.
"Its soaring black trunk was set with rough wooden pegs leading up to a substantial limb
which extended farther toward the water. . . ."
C. "Any one of them might have been the one I was looking for."
D. "Standing on this limb, you could jump far enough out into the river for safety."
Textual Evidence
92. Based on the evidence in paragraph 10, the reader can conclude that
A. Phineas will be drafted to fight in the war.
B. Phineas's classmates looked up to him.
C. it was against school rules to jump from the tree.
D. jumping from the tree was perfectly safe.
Author's Argument
Spring cleaning is a health necessity. The results of a study by the American Allergen
Association show that people that did a thorough, annual, spring cleaning of their home over the
past five years have less than 60% of the allergy-related health problems of people that did not
do spring cleaning.
93. What method does the author use to persuade?
A. argument by authority
B. argument by anecdote
C. argument by emotion
D. argument by logic
Author's Argument
Amanda desperately wants a pet dog. She tries to convince her mom to let her have a dog.
“Mom, a pet dog would be like a best friend to me. Whenever I feel lonely, I could just
cuddle up with my dog and talk to it about all of my problems. I would have so much fun playing
fetch with my dog and taking it for walks.”
94. What could Amanda do to strengthen her argument?
A. tell about how much all of her best friends enjoy owning dogs
B. give examples of how she will be responsible for the dog's care
C. give more examples of the fun activities she can do with a dog
D. tell about all of the characteristics she wants her dog to have
Parallel Structure
Gettysburg Address
by Abraham Lincoln
Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation:
conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war . . . testing whether that nation, or any nation so
conceived and so dedicated . . . can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war.
We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here
gave their lives that this nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do
this.
But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate . . . we cannot consecrate . . . we cannot hallow this
ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here have consecrated it, far above our
poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here,
but it can never forget what they did here.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who
fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great
task remaining before us . . . that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that
cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion . . . that we here highly resolve that
these dead shall not have died in vain . . . that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of
freedom . . . and that government of the people . . . by the people . . . for the people . . . shall not
perish from this earth.
95. Which of the following from the speech has a parallel structure?
A. "The world will little note, nor long remember"
B. "It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated"
C. "Now we are engaged in a great civil war"
D. "We have come to dedicate a portion"
Parallel Structure
96. Which of the following from the speech has a parallel structure?
A. "and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal"
B. "that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated"
C. "our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation"
D. "which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced"
Verbs and Mood
97.
paper, plastic, and glass to keep extra trash out of the landfill.
This sentence should be in the imperative mood. What word belongs on the blank line?
A. Recycle
B. Recycled
C. Recycles
D. Recycling
Verbs and Mood
98.
I insist that he
the painting to a new museum.
This sentence should be in the subjunctive mood. What word belongs on the blank line?
A. takes
B. taken
C. take
D. took
Transitional Devices
(1) The old proverb that lightning never strikes twice is just not true. Take
Roy Cleveland Sullivan, who for much of his life worked as a forest ranger at
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. All told, Mr. Sullivan was struck by lightning seven times
within a 40-year time span.
(2) He was first struck while in a lookout tower in 1942. The second strike came almost 27
years later, when he was again struck while driving along a mountain road. After that, the strikes
came at almost regular intervals for the next eight years. Just before the sixth time, Sullivan
believed he saw a cloud that was following him. He tried to run away but was struck down.
(3) Sullivan suffered various injuries throughout these encounters, though none were serious
enough to be life threatening. He lost a toenail in one encounter. His eyebrows were burned off
in another. His hair also caught fire on more than one occasion.
(4) Therefore, it seems that lightning can indeed strike more than once. Though it’s unlikely
that anyone would ever suffer the same misfortune as Roy Sullivan, it never hurts to be on the
lookout.
99. Read the first sentence of Paragraph 3.
"Sullivan suffered various injuries throughout these encounters, though none were serious
enough to be life threatening."
Which transitional phrase would best begin the sentence?
A. Consequently,
B. Specifically,
C. Furthermore,
D. Immediately,
Transitional Devices
100. Read these sentences from paragraph 1.
"The old proverb that lightning never strikes twice is just not true. Take, ___________, Roy
Cleveland Sullivan, who for much of his life worked as a forest ranger at Shenandoah National
Park in Virginia."
Which transitional word or phrase would best fit in the blank?
A. as a result
B. for example
C. at last
D. in other words