Grade 12 Curriculum Support
Reference Materials
Look at the entry below from an online thesaurus.
prolong
1 of 1 entries
prolong
verb
to make longer <would like to prolong our vacation
by any means possible>
Synonyms drag (out), draw out, elongate, lengthen,
outstretch, protract, stretch
Related Words amplify, enlarge, expand, increase,
attenuate, thin
Near Antonyms decrease, diminish, lessen, reduce,
thicken
Antonyms abbreviate, abridge, curtail, cut, cut back,
shorten
1. If the reader wants to find the pronunciation of "prolong," what should he or she click on this
Web page?
A. the green "Go" button
B. the link for "draw out"
C. the blue bar in the box
D. the "Dictionary" tab
Reference Materials
2.
Since she didn't want to go home, Cynthia prolonged her outing with her friends by keeping
them engaged in conversation.
Which word(s) would best replace prolonged in the sentence above?
A. amplified
B. diminished
C. curtailed
D. drew out
Reference Materials
festoon [fe-stün] [ME] n. 1. a chain of flowers 2. a representation of a chain of flowers in
architecture or on pottery 3. fabric draped from the ceiling in scallops 4. Dentistry. the garlandlike area of the gums at the base of the teeth v. 5. to decorate with festoons 6. to form into
festoons 7. to connect by festoons 8. Dentistry. to replicate the natural garland-like area around
the teeth
3. The hygienist cleaned the woman's festoon with a metal pick.
According to the definition, what is the standard usage of festoon in the sentence above?
A. noun
B. Middle English
C. [fe-stün]
D. Dentistry
Transitional Devices
(1) A new study shows that rich people try to be nice to jealous people from whom they sense
resentment. (2) Scientists say that people experience a surge of envy when they see someone
with a lot of fortune. (3) The feeling of jealousy is even stronger when they do not like the
person to begin with. (4) _______, when a former classmate is suddenly a millionaire, the less
successful people at the reunion are usually visibly upset. (5) The rich former classmate is used
to the negative feelings. (6) Hence, he or she tries to make up for the dislike through charity and
extra sociability. (7) Habitat for Humanity receives a lot of help from the wealthy.
4. Which of these sentences would best be added between sentences 3 and 4 for cohesiveness?
A. A high school reunion is an excellent setting to study social reactions and displays of envy.
B. This could be a reason a lot of rich people give away money to charitable organizations.
C. Because they anticipate negative feelings from less successful people, rich people act kind.
D. Jealousy is the feeling of rivalry against a person enjoying success or the advantage itself.
Transitional Devices
5. Choose the sentence that best links the ideas of sentences 6 and 7.
A. The very poor and very rich are the most giving groups.
B. Some believe the rich stay rich because they do not donate much.
C. One way to do so is through a well-known charitable organization.
D. Young millionaires are the new leaders in today's economy.
Transitional Devices
6. Identify the best transitional word or phrase to fill the blank in sentence 4.
A. To summarize
B. Nevertheless
C. With attention to
D. As a result
Analyzing U.S. Works and Documents
The Americans of all nations at any time upon the earth have probably the fullest poetical
nature. The United States themselves are essentially the greatest poem. In the history of the earth
hitherto the largest and most stirring appear tame and orderly to their ampler largeness and stir.
Here at last is something in the doings of man that corresponds with the broadcast doings of the
day and night. Here is not merely a nation but a teeming nation of nations. Here is action untied
from strings necessarily blind to particulars and details magnificently moving in vast masses.
Here is the hospitality which forever indicates heroes . . . . Here are the roughs and beards and
space and ruggedness and nonchalance that the soul loves. Here the performance disdaining the
trivial unapproached in the tremendous audacity of its crowds and groupings and the push of its
perspective spreads with crampless and flowing breadth and showers its prolific and splendid
extravagance. One sees it must indeed own the riches of the summer and winter, and need never
be bankrupt while corn grows from the ground or the orchards drop apples or the bays contain
fish or men beget children upon women.
Other states indicate themselves in their deputies . . . . but the genius of the United States is
not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges or
churches or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors . . . but always most in the common
people. Their manners speech dress friendships—the freshness and candor of their
physiognomy1—the picturesque looseness of their carriage . . . their deathless attachment to
freedom—their aversion to anything indecorous or soft or mean—the practical acknowledgment
of the citizens of one state by the citizens of all other states—the fierceness of their roused
resentment—their curiosity and welcome of novelty—their self-esteem and wonderful
sympathy—their susceptibility to a slight—the air they have of persons who never knew how it
felt to stand in the presence of superiors—the fluency of their speech—their delight in music, the
sure symptom of manly tenderness and native elegance of soul . . . their good temper and openhandedness—the terrible significance of their elections—the President's taking off his hat to
them not they to him—these too are unrhymed poetry. It awaits the gigantic and generous
treatment worthy of it.
from Preface to Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman (1855)
1
facial features or outward appearance
7. In the second paragraph, Whitman is primarily concerned with which of the following?
A. the intellectual accomplishments of Americans
B. the personality of American leaders
C. the influence of American culture
D. the qualities that define American people
Analyzing U.S. Works and Documents
8. Read the third sentence of the passage.
In the history of the earth hitherto the largest and most stirring appear tame and orderly to their
ampler largeness and stir.
The phrase "the largest and most stirring" refers to
A. the United States.
B. poets of past generations.
C. people throughout America.
D. the achievements of humanity.
Analyzing U.S. Works and Documents
The Declaration of Independence
WHEN in the course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the
Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of
the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle
them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes
which impel them to the Separation.
WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed
by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the
pursuit of Happiness.—That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men,
deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of
Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it,
and to institute a new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its
Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness.
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light
and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more
disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to
which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing
invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their
Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future
Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity
which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The History of the Present
King of Great-Britain is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having in direct
Object the Establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be
submitted to a candid World.
IN every stage of these Oppressions we have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble
Terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated Injury. A Prince, whose
Character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the Ruler of a
free People.
WE, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in GENERAL
CONGRESS, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our
Intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly
Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, FREE AND
INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and
that all political Connection between them and the State of Great-Britain, is and ought to be
totally dissolved; and that as FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES, they have full Power to
levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and
Things which INDEPENDENT STATES may of right do. And for the support of this
Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of the divine Providence, we mutually pledge
to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
9. The language of the Declaration of Independence could best be described as
A. jovial.
B. soothing.
C. vulgar.
D. passionate.
Adjectives and Adverbs
(1) "Here is the money I promised you," said Desmond as he slid into the booth at the
diner. (2) His friend Penny rolled her eyes and shoved the money back at him.
(3) "I am not going to accept any money from you, Des," Penny told him. (4) "History is my
favorite subject, so tutoring you about the Civil War is a treat for me. (5) Stop acting like it's the
nicest thing anyone has ever done for you."
(6) "I feel badly because I'm taking up your entire afternoon," replied Desmond. (7) "You
scarcely have no free time anyway. (8) How many jobs do you have again?"
(9) "I have two part-time jobs," Penny laughed. (10) "That hardly makes me the
industriousest person in the world. (11) Even my goofy younger brother works hardest than me."
(12) "Well, let's get to work," said Desmond cheerfully. (13) "We are near done with this
semester, after all. (14) I want to finish my junior year at the top of my class."
10. Which sentence from the passage contains an error?
A. sentence 11
B. sentence 3
C. sentence 12
D. sentence 9
Adjectives and Adverbs
11. What is the correct way to write sentence 10?
A. That hardly makes me the more industrious person in the world.
B. That hardly makes me the industriouser person in the world.
C. That hardly makes me the most industrious person in the world.
D. That hardly makes me the industriousiest person in the world.
Adjectives and Adverbs
12. Which sentence from the passage contains a grammatical error?
A. sentence 4
B. sentence 5
C. sentence 2
D. sentence 6
Connotation and Denotation
(1) "Whew! I've never climbed so many stairs in my life," Uli gasped as she and her best
friend Rosque paused to catch their breath at the top of the staircase.
(2) "What about me?" asked Rosque with a smile. (3) "I'll be making that trip several times a
day once classes start."
(4) "Don't remind me," Uli replied. (5) "I'm distressed enough as it is. (6) Why do you have to
go to college so far away? (7) I'll miss hanging out with you."
(8) "I'll miss you, too," Rosque said somberly, his smile gone. (9) "Let's see my dorm room
before we both start crying out on the stairwell." (10) They walked inside the tiny, cramped dorm
and looked around in dismay.
(11) "This is awful," cried Uli. (12) "It's the size of a shoe box and as dirty as a
landfill. (13) That mattress looks prehistoric. (14) I bet George Washington was the last person
to sleep on it."
(15) "I don't need anything fancy," Rosque said. (16) "This place may not be extravagant, but
it's tolerable. (17) I'll either be in class or working most of the time, anyway."
(18) "That's true, I guess," agreed Uli. (19) "Well, let the drudgery begin. (20) I'll start
cleaning the walls, and you can start mopping the floor."
(21) "We can make this place shine!" Rosque remarked. (22) His positive attitude made Uli
smile, and she began to feverishly attack the grime on the walls.
(23) "Maybe we'll be featured on 'Best Dorm Room Makeovers' and win a million dollars,"
Uli joked. (24) Rosque laughed and shook his head doubtfully.
(25) "I'll just be happy if we make this room habitable," he told her. (26) "It'll be hard enough
living far away from my friends and family. (27) I'd like a decent place to come back to at the
end of the day." (28) Uli dug around in her backpack until she found a large picture frame.
(29) "Maybe this will help," she said as she handed it to Rosque. (30) He turned the frame
over to see a photograph of all of his friends and family.
(31) "Thanks, Uli," Rosque said warmly. (32) "This photo is the best present I've ever
gotten. (33) It would make a dungeon feel like home."
13. Read sentence 27 from the passage.
"I'd like a decent place to come back to at the end of the day."
In this context, the word "decent" has which of the following meanings?
A. pleasant
B. elaborate
C. decorous
D. lavish
Connotation and Denotation
14. Read sentence 25 from the passage.
"I'll just be happy if we make this room habitable," he told her.
Which of the following substitutes for "habitable" expresses the most positive connotation?
A. passable
B. livable
C. comfortable
D. tolerable
Connotation and Denotation
15. Read sentence 22 from the passage.
His positive attitude made Uli smile, and she began to feverishly attack the grime on the walls.
In this sentence, the word "feverishly" suggests that Uli is cleaning
A. feebly.
B. angrily.
C. desperately.
D. energetically.
Verbs and Mood
Recycling consists of the processes of collecting, processing, re-manufacturing, and reusing
materials instead of discarding them. This helps conserve raw materials as well as energy. In
addition, recycling reduces the amount of waste going into landfills. An equally important
benefit of recycling is decreasing pollution as well. If everybody did his or her share in recycling,
our planet just might be greener for the next generation. Let’s use less plastic and more reusable
items. We don’t all carpool to minimize air pollution? To begin, find out more about recycling
programs or centers in your area, you must learn how you can help.
16. Which is the best way to correct the interrogative verb mood of the following?
We don't all carpool to minimize air pollution?
A. Why don't we all carpool to minimize air pollution?
B. We should all carpool to minimize air pollution?
C. Our carpooling is the best way to minimize air pollution.
D. If we all carpool, should we minimize air pollution.
Verbs and Mood
17. Which of these uses the conditional verb mood?
A.
Recycling consists of the processes of collecting, processing, remanufacturing, and reusing
materials instead of discarding them.
B. An equally important benefit of recycling is decreasing pollution as well.
If everybody did his or her share in recycling, our planet just might be greener for the next
C.
generation.
D. This helps conserve raw materials as well as energy.
Verbs and Mood
18. The following sentence needs to be in imperative mood. Which of these corrects the verb
mood?
To begin, find out more about recycling programs or centers in your area, you must learn how
you can help.
A.
To begin, should you find out more about recycling programs or centers in your area to
learn how you can help?
B.
To begin, if you find out more about recycling programs or centers in your area, you will
learn how you can help.
C.
To begin, find out more about recycling programs or centers in your area; why don't you
learn how you can help?
D.
To begin, find out more about recycling programs or centers in your area to learn how you
can help.
Objective Summary
In this electronic age of lightning-fast technology, most people barely take a few moments to
send an e-card to mark special occasions. Real paper cards with handwritten messages have
nearly gone the way of the dinosaur. Just imagine the joy of receiving one! They may seem
quaint and even old-fashioned, but handwritten cards often have the effect of conveying a deeper
sentiment. The thoughts expressed seem more genuine and heartfelt precisely because it took
more time and effort—and creativity—to send them. So the next time you're considering dashing
off an electronic card to someone you really care about, think about this. Isn't that person worth
the effort to send a "real" card from the heart rather than some anonymous company on the
Internet? If your answer is yes, dust off the ballpoint pen and start writing!
19. Which statement summarizes the above paragraph the best?
A.
It's worth the effort to send handwritten greeting cards because they convey more heartfelt
sentiment than e-cards.
B. Most people can't even remember the last time they received a handwritten greeting card.
E-cards are far more convenient than paper cards, and they don't require ink or postage
C.
stamps.
D.
No one writes handwritten cards anymore today, as it's too slow for those in the computer
age.
Objective Summary
The Red Planet's Rocky History
(1) We've all heard that the Earth could be in big trouble if global temperatures rise by even a
few degrees Celsius. A couple of degrees, scientists say, could cause widespread havoc as the
oceans rise, covering inhabited areas, and plants and animals would struggle to survive. Now
multiply such chaos a million times, and you might get an idea of what the planet Mars has likely
gone through.
(2) The red planet is lined with deep channels that must have formed when great masses of
water passed through. The plains area in the north of the planet shows evidence that oceans once
existed there. There is also a web of valleys across the Martian surface. All of this indicates a
mild, moist climate that may even have supported life. Yet today, we know that Mars is a bitterly
cold, bone-dry environment, inhospitable to life. At its equator, daily average temperatures hover
around 60 degrees Celsius below zero (or about negative 81 degrees Fahrenheit). Though water
has been detected along the edges of impact craters, Mars is still a bleakly cold and desolate
place. Billions of years ago, however, the planet must have been far warmer and more
welcoming.
(3) What happened between then and now is a mystery to scientists. However, by studying
Martian meteorites that have been found on Earth, they are beginning to find answers. One
technique being used is to progressively heat the meteorites (to as high as 1200 degrees Celsius).
This causes the rocks to release gases from the different minerals within them in a sequence.
Data from such experiments should yield a temperature history of the rocks. By learning when
they were at what temperature, scientists hope to plot out the tumultuous geological history of
the red planet.
20. What is the most effective summary of paragraph 2?
A.
Interestingly, some water has been discovered seeping from impact craters on Mars'
surface, giving scientists hope that the planet might be capable of supporting life.
B.
Mars must have once had great bodies of water such as oceans and rivers, evidenced by the
web of valleys and craters that can be seen on its surface.
C.
Geologic evidence such as channels and valleys indicate that Mars went through a major
transformation from a warm, wet climate to a freezing, dry one.
D.
Scientists say that the average temperature near the equator on Mars is about 80 below
zero, which is much too cold to sustain human or animal life.
Objective Summary
21. Which statement most effectively summarizes this selection?
Using highly advanced scientific techniques, scientists are studying Martian meteorites to
A. learn when the rocks were at what temperature, which will tell them how long they have
been around.
Daily temperatures on the red planet are too cold to sustain life, and though water has been
B. discovered seeping out of impact craters, it's unlikely that Mars had the capacity to support
life.
C.
Climate change is the talk of the day, as everyone weighs in on the subject, warning us that
we will face a global doomsday if we do not change our ways quickly.
D.
The scarred surface of Mars indicates that it has gone through catastrophic climate
changes, and scientists are studying Martian meteorites to learn what happened.
Active and Passive Voice
Social trends in the last several decades indicate that people are busier and lonelier in
America. This suggests that people are leaning to pets for the fulfillment they received from their
families or tight-knit neighborhoods. It also explains why a single person or a couple without
children might desire a pet. The fact that people give their pets human names shows that animals
are family to them. Pets have become more than loyal servants or even best friends—they are
now considered by people to be their children.
22. Which is the best way to change the following sentence from active to passive?
It also explains why a single person or a couple without children might desire a pet.
A. Why a single person or a couple without children might desire a pet is also explained by it.
B. Why a single person or a couple without children might desire a pet, it also explains.
Why a single person or a couple without children might be desiring of a pet it also
C.
explains.
D. Why, a single person, or a couple without children might desire a pet, it explains also.
Active and Passive Voice
23. Which of these best changes the last sentence of this passage from passive voice to active
voice?
A.
Now considered by people to be their children; pets have become more than loyal servants
or even best friends.
B.
Now considered, by people, to be their children, pets have become more than loyal
servants or even best friends.
C.
Pets have become more than loyal servants or even best friends—people now consider
them to be their children.
D.
Pets, have become, more than loyal servants or even best friends, considered now by
people to be their children.
Active and Passive Voice
Ravi is beginning to write an essay on child development. Here is a draft.
Child development is known as the process through which a child is able to do more complex
things as he or she gets older. It is understood by experts as a process different than growth. The
developmental skills considered by experts are motor, language, thinking, and social skills.
These developmental skills are measured in terms of developmental milestones. These
milestones, or age-specific sets of tasks, are used by parents to see how well their children are
developing.
24. Identify the sentence that best improves the voice of the following sentence.
These milestones, or age-specific sets of tasks, are used by parents to see how well their children
are developing.
A.
Being used to see how well their children are developing, these milestones or age-specific
sets of tasks are for parents.
B.
These milestones or age-specific sets of tasks that parents use can be seen in how well the
children are developing.
C.
Used by parents, these milestones, or age-specific sets of tasks, show how well the
children are developing.
D.
Parents use these milestones, or age-specific sets of tasks, to see how well their children
are developing.
Supplying and Developing Evidence
Dear Editor:
(1) It's a crime that the apartment managers where my family lives will not let us compost our
food scraps. (2) In this day and age, when recycling is all the rage, you'd think they would get
with the program and let us have composters. (3) There's plenty of room on our back balconies
for small compost units. (4) I know it's too much to ask that the managers provide them, but I'm
sure the tenants would be willing to fork out a few bucks for them. (5) As it is, tons of trash just
go straight to the landfill. (6) If we could turn all that into compost, we could add rich soil to the
gardens around our apartment units. (7) Then maybe we could grow something nicer than those
ugly little shrubs the management planted. (8) I recently read that garbage collectors for the city
have begun distributing and picking up compost containers. (9) They only pick up from houses
and not from apartment buildings. (10) Apartment dwellers should have the same rights as
homeowners when it comes to composting!
Signed,
Adam Lawrence
25. Which of these sentences would add supporting detail to this passage?
A. Unlike raw food scraps, compost actually absorbs odors and neutralizes toxins in the soil.
Compost from local farms can be purchased at nurseries for use in people's home or
B.
community gardens.
C.
Compost bins that are left outside will attract rodents if the material isn't turned over
frequently.
D.
Just ask a city planner, and you'll be amazed how much of your town is built over landfill
sites.
Supplying and Developing Evidence
26. Which sentence should the author delete from this passage?
A. sentence 6
B. sentence 2
C. sentence 7
D. sentence 4
Supplying and Developing Evidence
27. Which statistic below provides the best support for this passage?
A. There are currently 8,550 curbside recycling programs, which is actually less than in 2003.
A good-quality composter can cost from $40 to over $500, though cities sometimes offer
B.
discount coupons.
C.
At least we're doing a better job with paper—50% of all paper products in the United
States are recycled.
D.
In the city of Santa Barbara alone, 25,000 tons of food scraps are hauled to the local
landfill annually.
Theme
I look around and know I don't fit in
Uncomfortable in my own skin
They have a bond as if each is a twin
The only girl in engineering
Someone who the boys find boring
Where can I hide? To what can I cling?
A guy sees my hunched back and then he asks
Why doubt your readiness for these tasks?
Get rid of fear and cowardly masks
Just hit the books and do your projects right
You'll do just fine. Everything will be alright
Even a friend or two might be in sight
28. A theme in this poem is finding oneself. Which of these statements also builds on this theme?
A. The best place to find success is a scientific field.
B. When in doubt, ask your professor about your classes.
C. The past always seems more promising than the future.
D. Sometimes inspiration comes from the unexpected.
Theme
29. Identify a major theme that the speaker reveals in this poem.
A. People who study engineering are often perceived as boring.
B. College makes people confused about their friendships.
C. Engineering makes people rethink their career decisions.
D. Women have a harder time in male-dominated professions.
Theme
Bravery
Avery waited for the class to be over so that he could be alone with his thoughts. Today, the
voice in his heart was loud and clear. It had requested him to stop passing around that flier about
Mrs. Windem, the music teacher. Roberto had also warned him against such stupidity.
"You think you will look cool in front of the class, but you will only be acting like a fool;
trust me!" Roberto had alerted his friend. However, Avery had found it hard to resist his urges.
Often, he acted first and contemplated later. Even though he found mischief thrilling, he felt the
pleasure was getting to be too short-lived. That day, he had passed around the flier to a few boys
and then snatched them back before it reached more of his classmates. He could not understand
why he was behaving that way. Mrs. Windem, who had noticed the commotion in the classroom,
continued with the lesson despite the disturbance.
Avery was not even focusing on the class anymore. He wanted to talk to the teacher face to
face and perhaps utter some words of apology. While Mrs. Windem was still talking about
Mozart, Ted snatched one of the fliers from Avery's hands and passed it to a girl sitting next to
him.
"Are you being a chicken?" Ted hissed at Avery.
Unable to let the awful prank continue, Roberto intervened before the girl opened up the
rolled up flier. He requested the girl to return it to him and thanked her for agreeing to do so.
Avery, the biggest, toughest boy in Virtue High was beside himself that afternoon. When his
eyes met with the teacher's, he recognized the affectionate and understanding expression they
displayed. The eyes told that he was already forgiven. At the same moment, Avery felt a gentle
tap on his back. He knew what Roberto was trying to say to him without using words.
30. Multiple themes in a passage can be represented by multiple characters. The theme of "good
wins over evil" is characterized by
A. Ted.
B. Avery.
C. Mozart.
D. the girl.
Context Clues
Ready, Set, Klootschieten!
Klootschieten is a popular sport in the Netherlands that involves throwing a ball, or kloot, as
far as possible across varying terrain. The three main styles are field, street, and standing. Each
style of Klootschieten is unique, although most Klootschieters are adroit players in all three
styles. Most players are able to switch effortlessly between styles during a single game.
Field Klootschieten can be played either by an individual or a team, and players attempt to
reach a particular goal—usually a patch of grass or sand—in as few throws as possible. The
arduous Klootschieten course is composed of curves, hills, and valleys that push players to their
physical limits in their attempt to reach the goal.
Street Klootschieten is similar to the field style, but the course is mapped out in an urban
rather than a rural location. Additionally, the street kloot is heavier than the one used for field
games. Players in street Klootschieten face the extra challenge of keeping their kloot from
running into ditches, gutters, or traffic. The field and street styles of this game require players to
rely on strategy rather than physical puissance. In fact, the less powerful but more cunning
players often win the top prize in this form of competition.
Standing Klootschieten is played by throwing the kloot from a standing position, and the
player who throws the farthest wins the match. In May 2004, the European Klootschieten
Championship was held in Westerstede, Germany. A German team named Friesischer
Klootschießer Connection was able to surmount the competition to win all street, field, and
standing trophies in both men and women's categories.
31. The word "surmount," as used in the fourth paragraph of this passage, has which of the
following meanings?
A. to overcome
B. to receive
C. to supervise
D. to join
Context Clues
32. In the second paragraph of this passage, the author's description of the Klootschieten course
as "arduous" means that it is
A. uncomplicated.
B. urban.
C. exhausting.
D. high-tech.
Context Clues
33. Which of the following words could be substituted for "adroit" in the first paragraph without
substantially changing the meaning of the sentence?
A. new
B. exempt
C. disorganized
D. skilled
Task, Purpose, and Audience
"How much money do you have left?" Aubergine asked her best friend Deletina as they
wandered through the shopping mall. The bright lights and flashy window displays dazzled her
eyes and made her feel slightly dizzy. Deletina, however, appeared to be having the time of her
life.
"Who cares?" asked Deletina with a wave of her hand. "As long as I can buy whatever I want,
I don't care how light my wallet gets. Why are you worried about money all of the sudden?"
"I promised to help support the Veryork Food Bank over the Christmas season," Aubergine
replied. "They are really struggling this year, and I hate the thought that anyone will go hungry in
our community."
"You're so funny," said Deletina. "I remember when we were little kids, and you gave your
birthday present to a complete stranger, which I would never do. You've always been a sucker
for lost causes."
"I like helping people," Aubergine admitted with a smile. "But don't make me out to be some
kind of saint. I also like shopping at the mall with you."
"Well, sure, who doesn't?" Deletina smirked with a swish of her long hair. "Let's go see if that
leather jacket I want is still available." The girls hurried to the clothing store, and Deletina pulled
a dark purple leather jacket off the rack and tried it on.
"It fits!" she cried excitedly. "I am definitely buying it. You should get one too!"
"Uh, no," said Aubergine. "This jacket costs $200. That would completely wipe out my bank
account. I'd have to go back on my promise to the food bank, and I don't think that is right."
"Don't be a goody two-shoes," Deletina replied in a huff. "It's your money, and you should
spend it however you want."
"I am spending my money on what I want," said Aubergine patiently. "I will get a lot more
enjoyment out of helping others than I would out of this jacket."
"Fine," Deletina grumbled. "I'll just pay for this jacket, and then we can go home so you can
polish your halo." Aubergine rolled her eyes at her friend's dramatic statement and followed her
to the cash register.
The girls walked out of the mall with their arms full of purchases. Deletina, despite wearing
her brand-new jacket, had a sour expression on her face, and Aubergine tried to cheer her up by
telling silly jokes. By the time they reached Aubergine's house, Deletina had resumed her good
humor and had even reluctantly agreed to help her friend serve soup at the Veryork Food Bank
on Christmas Eve.
34. Read this sentence from the passage.
Deletina, despite wearing her brand-new jacket, had a sour expression on her face, and
Aubergine tried to cheer her up by telling silly jokes.
How does the inclusion of this sentence support the author's main purpose in writing the
passage?
A. It supports the idea that spending money is always a foolish decision.
B. It reinforces the idea that friendship is more important than money.
C. It reveals a completely different aspect of Deletina's personality.
D. It highlights the contrasting personalities of the two main characters.
Task, Purpose, and Audience
35. The dialogue in the fourth paragraph is mainly intended to
A. suggest that the conflict between the main characters is groundless.
B. establish Aubergine as the main antagonist of the story.
C. contrast Deletina's childhood with her friend Aubergine's childhood.
D. reveal background information about the two main characters.
Task, Purpose, and Audience
Hypermiling, a term coined by efficiency expert Wayne
Gerdes, means improving a car’s gas mileage using simple
methods. A person who practices hypermiling on a regular basis
can achieve a 50 percent or better improvement in a vehicle’s
official fuel economy estimate.
Improving fuel economy through hypermiling can work for
any vehicle. The driver of a 2005 Honda Accord, for example,
went from 24 mpg to 35 mpg after adopting hypermiling
techniques for one year. Gerdes himself set a world record in
2009 after driving a Ford Fusion Hybrid for 1,445 miles on a
single tank of gas. He was able to achieve a fuel economy of 81
mpg, which is more than double the EPA estimate for fuel
economy in a Fusion.
Most hypermiling techniques are easy to implement. Driving
at lower speeds leads to less fuel consumption. Be sure to drive
the posted speed limit—or even slower—to save money. Slowing
down also benefits drivers by preventing excessive braking,
which reduces gas mileage by as much as 33 percent. Idling the
engine for longer than a few minutes can also be costly at the gas
pump. Simply by making a few common sense changes,
hypermilers can save money and protect the environment.
36. The author mentions the driver of a 2005 Honda Accord in the second paragraph in order to
A. show that hypermiling provides only limited benefits to drivers.
B. provide a real-life example of the benefits of hypermiling.
C. introduce the idea that hypermiling only works on new cars.
D. suggest that hypermiling is a propaganda tool to sell hybrid vehicles.
Impact and Tone
CHARACTERS:
MAYURI, a high school junior
MASAKO, Mayuri's best friend
RYAN, a fraud who fools girls
AITO, the Student Body President
Stage Set: A cloudy afternoon in the park. Mayuri and Masako come here after school every
day.
MASAKO: I mean, how can I describe him? He is sunshine. His voice is like the ocean waves.
His eyes are stars on a moonless night.
MAYURI: I get it. He is awesome.
MASAKO: Gosh! What is wrong with you, Mayuri? When you were smitten, you were all about
Aito. It was Aito this, Aito that . . . all day. Now, you can't even hear me say a thing.
MAYURI: I am sorry, Masako. Please go on. What does he like?
MASAKO: Forget it.
MAYURI: No. I want to know about this guy you like.
MASAKO: Well, he likes poetry and music. Yeah, he is an athlete, but he has a soft side. He is
like the coconut, you know. Oh, and he rescues stray animals in his free time. He is
like—perfect!
MAYURI: Will your parents like him, too?
MASAKO: Hey, take it one day at a time. I have not thought about that far yet. Today, he wrote
me a poem. It goes like this: Nobody, not even rain has such small hands. He said
my hands are like petals and called me a rose.
MAYURI: I know that one. It's by e. e. cummings.
MASAKO: No. Ryan Jennings, silly.
MAYURI: I can write the saddest lines tonight.
MASAKO: What are you talking about?
MAYURI: I am quoting Pablo Neruda. This Ryan guy is playing you, sweetheart. At least, the
poem he said he wrote for you is by e. e. cummings.
MASAKO: You know what. Forget it. Your jealousy is a fog that blinds you. And, your
selfishness stops you from being happy for me.
MAYURI: Forgive me for being honest. Did you even ask me about my day? Did you even
know that my parents are separating? Today is the end of the world for me. Dark
clouds hover everywhere. It will rain endlessly—raindrops bigger than your hands!
(sighs and sobs, after a pause) First, Aito dumped me, and now my parents are
splitting. All you care about is that lying Ryan.
MASAKO: I had no idea.
MAYURI: Honey, you never have any idea. Step out of your castle in the clouds and peer into
the reality! And lose the metaphorical language. It is not your style. You don't have
to sound like the guy you like!
37. What is the impact of the line "Step out of your castle in the clouds and peer into the reality!"
in this play?
A. It shows Mayuri dislikes it when Ryan composes poems.
B. It portrays Mayuri's bitterness for Aito, who dumps her.
C. It reinforces Mayuri's scorn for Masako's happy family.
D. It reflects Mayuri's disgruntlement toward Masako.
Impact and Tone
38. The author uses the words "raindrops bigger than your hands" to portray
A. Aito's loss.
B. Ryan's duplicity.
C. Masako's infatuation.
D. Mayuri's cynicism.
Impact and Tone
39. The author uses poetic technique in the line
A. Forgive me for being honest.
B. Your jealousy is a fog that blinds you.
C. And lose the metaphorical language.
D. All you care about is that lying Ryan.
Understanding Layers of Meaning
Yes, You Can!
by A. Gautam
Growing old with dignity has never been easier. With new "hair in a can" products, senior
citizens or balding boys can now easily hide their bare spots. If you don't mind taking the smell
of spray paint wherever you go, these cans are the right products for you. The can emits fine
powder that may or may not decide to settle on the bald spot. Why wouldn't you want people to
wonder about you and not quite put a finger on your "new" appearance? The can is a perfect way
to distract people from your yellow teeth, stubborn wrinkles, or untimely zits! Wait no more and
buy a "hair in a can" for you or your old, bald loved ones today.
40. Which of these is true about this passage?
A. The author defines the idea of noticing changed appearances.
B. The author suggests improving "hair in a can" products.
C. The author considers buying a "hair in a can" for a loved one.
D. The author pokes fun at people who refuse to age well.
Understanding Layers of Meaning
41. Which of these best describes why this piece is a satire?
A. It disregards other products that actually help one look younger.
B. It ridicules people who cannot notice the spray paint on a person.
C. It denounces the way senior citizens are treated these days.
D. It criticizes a product that robs balding people of their dignity.
Understanding Layers of Meaning
It came as a shock to everyone who knew Benito. He had studied ethics and philosophy in
college. In fact, he showed a strong promise as a professor. Filipe, Benito's father, had never felt
more proud of his offspring. "That gem of mine will surely shine," he was often heard saying.
So, that day, Filipe hung his head low and drove home alone. He was returning from the airport
where he was supposed to pick up Benito. Filipe had just parked his car in the passenger pick up
area and was waiting for Benito to pop up any second. That is when he saw Benito being
dragged out by two police officers. Benito was in handcuffs. He tried his best to avoid eye
contact with his father.
"Sorry, Filipe," Robert, the arresting officer and Filipe's partner said. "He assaulted and
robbed another passenger."
"See you tomorrow at the station, Robert," Filipe calmly uttered. "Take care of him for me. I
will see him tomorrow as well."
42. In this passage, the son of a police officer is arrested. This is an example of
A. understatement.
B. sarcasm.
C. satire.
D. irony.
Capitalization
MEMO
To:
From:
Date:
Re:
All graduating seniors at Fulbright High School
Assistant Principal Valeri Rhesus
February 20, 2010
Important information about The Senior Salute
Congratulations! You are approaching one of the most exciting and momentous days of your life,
May 2, 2010, Commencement day.
The Senior Salute is a special event that will be held in the Watermark coliseum on March 8,
2010. This event heightens the spirit of celebration for the graduating seniors and allows our
faculty members the opportunity to salute your hard work and dedication. The Senior Salute
creates a foundation for a strong community between graduates and Fulbright staff.
In addition to a three course dinner, there will be an opportunity to win raffled prizes of items
that will come in handy for any graduating senior. The prizes were donated by the Knights of
columbus and mayor Castleridge.
Graduating seniors are entitled to have two guests attend the event with them. (Guests will not be
eligible for raffle prizes.) The guest must be a member of the senior's immediate family or a legal
guardian. Please register both of your guests by contacting principal Davis before March 5th.
We look forward to seeing you on March 8th!
43. Which sentence from the memo contains a capitalization error?
A. Please register both of your guests by contacting principal Davis before March 5th.
The Senior Salute creates a foundation for a strong community between graduates and
B.
Fulbright staff.
C. Graduating seniors are entitled to have two guests attend the event with them.
D. The guest must be a member of the senior's immediate family or a legal guardian.
Capitalization
44. Read this sentence from the passage.
"The prizes were donated by the Knights of columbus and mayor Castleridge."
How should the author rewrite this sentence to correct the capitalization?
A. The prizes were donated by the Knights of Columbus and mayor Castleridge.
B. The prizes were donated by the Knights of columbus and Mayor Castleridge.
C. The prizes were donated by the Knights of Columbus and Mayor Castleridge.
D. The prizes were donated by the knights of columbus and mayor Castleridge.
Capitalization
45. Read this sentence from the passage.
"The Senior Salute is a special event that will be held in the Watermark coliseum on March 8,
2010."
How should the author rewrite this sentence to correct the capitalization?
A.
The senior salute is a special event that will be held in the Watermark Coliseum on March
8, 2010.
B.
The Senior Salute is a special event that will be held in the watermark coliseum on March
8, 2010.
C.
The senior salute is a special event that will be held in the Watermark coliseum on March
8, 2010.
D.
The Senior Salute is a special event that will be held in the Watermark Coliseum on March
8, 2010.
Analyzing Multiple Ideas
Believe it or not, some of the most important political movements have been sparked by
people in their 20s or younger. Student activism is work that has been done by students to
encourage change—be it political, environmental, or social. Some young protestors and
advocates say adding the “student” label to their activist titles is another form of oppression.
Even so, it is clear that education centers around the world have seen students united.
In Indonesia, students have been the first to stage protests demanding government change at
several points during history. In 1928, Sumpah Pemuda (the Youth Pledge) protested
colonization. During the 1960s, several student groups called for then-President Sukarno to
remove Communists from his government. They also called for his resignation, and he
eventually stepped down in 1967. Sukamo was replaced by Army General Suharto, and in 1998,
students led demonstrations that voiced discontent with him and eventually lead to his downfall.
Students in the United Kingdom have been involved in politics since the 1880s when student
representative councils were formed. Union organizations were formed to represent students’
interests, and they eventually became a part of the National Union of Students that was formed in
1921. The Vietnam War and racism prompted student activism at British universities during the
1960s. In 1965, students protested the Vietnam War outside of the American Embassy in
Edinburgh. In 1966, the Vietnam Solidarity Campaign and the Radical Student Alliance were
both formed, and the London School of Economics saw the first student sit-in. As a result, more
than 100,000 students rallied around the nation.
As far back as the 1930s, the American Youth Congress was involved in protests against
racial discrimination and lobbyied Congress for support of youth programs. First Lady Eleanor
Roosevelt is said to have been a major supporter of the AYC. In the 1960s, the Student
Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and Students for a Democratic Society and other
organizations were outlets for political activism. The largest American student strike took place
in 1970 as students rallied in response to the shootings at Kent State University and America’s
invasion of Cambodia. Modern students have become active in anti-war protests with
organizations like the Campus Antiwar Network.
One thing’s for sure, student activism is still alive and thriving all around the world. Today’s
student movements vary greatly and include students from elementary school to graduate school.
They encompass all races, socioeconomic backgrounds, and political viewpoints. Prominent
issues include student rights, school funding, drug policy reform, anti-racism education, and
campus workers’ rights.
46. Which statement best states the main idea of paragraph 3?
A. The National Union of Students was formed in 1921 to represent students' interests.
B. 100,000 students rallied around the United Kingdom to protest the Vietnam War.
C.
The Vietnam Solidarity Campaign and the Radical Student Alliance were both formed in
1966.
D. Students in the United Kingdom have been politically active since the 1880s.
Analyzing Multiple Ideas
47. What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Many activists feel being labeled as "students" is another form of oppression.
B. Students in Indonesia have been responsible for two presidents stepping down.
C. The United Kingdom has the longest record of student activist involvement.
D. Student activists have made major impacts on countries around the world.
Analyzing Multiple Ideas
48. What is the main idea of paragraph 5?
A.
Student rights and anti-racism education are new issues that modern students have to deal
with.
B.
Student activism is still taking place across cultural and social boundaries all around the
world.
C.
Today's student movement has different concerns than those of the past and is much less
effective.
D.
Students as young as elementary school age are getting involved in the student activism
movement.
Precise Language
(1) Manga is a popular form of literature in Japan and is read by people of all generations.
(2) These things generate billions of dollars in revenue for Japan. (3) Its popularity has also
spread to other countries that put their own twist on this style of writing.
(4) Manga consists of comics that covered a variety of topics from love to sports. (5) This
appealed to a large audience, and the books were usually in black and white to save money.
(6) In Japan, manga is serialized in magazines, which are the size of books used to find phone
numbers. (7) When a manga reaches popularity, it can be reprinted in a paperback called
tankobon.
(8) In the 1980s, manga reached America, and manga grew in popularity. (9) One problem
that American readers faced was the way the books were made. (10) Manga was bound on the
right, meaning that page one was found at the end of the traditional American books. (11) From
there, the readers had to read the panels. (12) They had to read them from right to left.
(13) Despite these changes, popular mangas, like Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z, and Pokémon,
created a sensation in the U.S. (14) Because of this, the market for manga exploded, making it
the leader in sales over traditional comic books.
49. What is the best way to combine sentences 11 and 12 for precision?
A. From there, the readers had to read the panels from right to left.
B. From there, the readers had to read right and left panels.
C. From there, the readers had to read the panels, and they had to read them from right to left.
D. From there, the readers had to read the panels and had to read them from right to left.
Precise Language
50. Read the following sentence from the passage.
In Japan, manga is serialized in magazines, which are the size of books used to find phone
numbers.
How can the sentence be revised to make it more precise?
A. In Japan, manga is serialized in magazines that are the size of telephone books.
B. In Japan, manga is serialized in magazines that resemble books that find phone numbers.
C. In Japan, manga is serialized in telephone-book-sized magazines.
D. In Japan, manga is serialized in telephone books.
Applying Sources of Information
51. Which research question would lead to the most information about techniques public schools
can use to strengthen literacy at all grade levels?
A. How do literacy programs in other countries compare to those in the United States?
B. Does each private preparatory school provide free after-school tutoring?
C. What is the average entrance exam score for students accepted to colleges?
D. Which literacy improvement techniques have proven most effective with students?
Applying Sources of Information
The Running-Form Debates
(1) Runners, coaches, scientists, and shoe manufacturers debate about
how a person should run. (2) For years, shoe manufacturers heavily
marketed shoes with cushioned soles. (3) These are great for runners who
land on their heels when they run—heel runners.
(4) A few experts believe that heel running is fine. (5) Most, however,
say that heel running creates too much shock and injuries are reduced when
runners run more naturally (the way they would without shoes).
(6) For this reason, many runners have transitioned to running on the
middle or ball of the foot—midfoot or forefoot running. (7) Shoe
manufactures now make and market shoes for midfoot and forefoot runners,
like the Quick Silver 3000 and the Sure Foot 80 Gels. (8) These shoes have
more support in the front and down the middle. (9) Midfoot and forefoot
runners normally show increased speed and reduced injury.
(10) However, to get the most natural gait, many runners prefer running
barefoot. (11) They claim that they run more lightly when barefoot. (12)
Podiatrist Kelly Schlagel said, "Artificial support from shoes makes the
muscles lazy and desensitizes runners from realizing that they are pounding
too hard with their feet." (13) Many experts oppose this method of running,
though, because it is dangerous and impractical.
(14) Other doctors believe that changing one's form could cause more
harm than good. (15) "People should do what comes naturally to them," said
orthopedic surgeon Neil Williamson. (16) "After running a certain way for
20 or so years, people could severely hurt themselves adjusting to a new
gait."
52. This article should be avoided as a source if published by a
A. pro marathon runner.
B. running magazine.
C. medical journal.
D. shoe manufacturer.
Planning
Ming is writing about the stories that surround the origin of chop suey. She creates the following
sequence map to plan her essay.
53. Which of these is an appropriate title for these notes?
A. The Legend of Chop Suey
B. Ambassadors in the U.S.
C. The Trouble with Delicacies
D. People's Fascination with Food
Planning
54. What is missing in the sequence map?
A. Indian Chinese cuisine also extensively uses chop suey.
B. Some claim the local Chinese did not eat chop suey at first.
C. Americans are fascinated by the food Chang eats in the U.S.
D. Chinese American dishes first became popular in New York.
Pronouns
Farmer's Markets
In the past, many people in the U.S. bought his or her fruits
and vegetables at the supermarket, and our nation's small
farmers had few options for selling their food to the public.
However, farmer's markets are becoming more popular due to
their fresh produce. Farmer's markets are usually held in
outdoor locations such as parks or empty lots. Local farmers
and gardeners support themselves by selling to the public.
Shoppers can purchase fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, eggs,
honey, and many other items. Purchasing local produce can
help people reduce their use of fossil fuels and support small
businesses. When visiting another nation, travelers can visit
farmer's markets to practice their language skills and learn
about local culture. Most farmers are eager to develop good
relationships with they customers. The location of most
farmer's markets in the United States can be found on the
World Wide Web.
55. What change, if any, should be made to the first sentence of the passage?
A. change his or her to their
B. The sentence is correct as is.
C. change our to its
D. change their to his or her
Pronouns
56. Which sentence from the passage contains an error in pronoun-antecedent agreement?
A.
Purchasing local produce can help people reduce their use of fossil fuels and support small
businesses.
B. Local farmers and gardeners support themselves by selling to the public.
C. Most farmers are eager to develop good relationships with they customers.
D. However, farmer's markets are becoming more popular due to their fresh produce.
Author's Point of View
125 Burton Avenue
Chillicothe, OH 97555
March 17, 2010
Principal Dylores Munchausen
Spencer High School
1010 Mayfair Avenue
Chillicothe, OH 97555
Dear Principal Munchausen:
As president of our school's Environmental Action Group, I am responsible for finding creative,
Earth-friendly projects for the student body. My proposal for this year's EAG project is a rooftop
garden for our school. Currently, our school's roof is nothing more than wasted space, and the
only purpose it seems to serve is to provide birds with a place to nest. It would take very little
time, effort, and money to turn this wasted space into a thriving garden.
The proposed rooftop garden at Spencer High School will be important not only for growing
vegetables but also for expanding students' minds. We will need all of our skills to be successful
urban gardeners—especially our math, science, and communication skills. The garden would be
an extension of our school's classrooms and laboratories.
In preparation for this project, the EAG has consulted with three local organic gardeners, and
they have provided information about soil, seeds, and watering. A local church has offered to
donate 220 square feet of raised planting boxes, an irrigation system, and custom soil mix. The
cost for setting up the rooftop garden will be minimal, and by serving the vegetables in our
cafeteria, the school will actually save money. The entire student body will have access to
delicious, healthy organic vegetables.
Working in the rooftop garden will be on a volunteer basis. All seven EAG members have
offered their time. Unfortunately, we haven't found any other volunteers from the student body,
but the EAG is hopeful that once they see how much fun gardening can be, more students will
become involved. Several teachers, including Dr. Kavanaugh, the head of the biology
department, are excited about this project. The only drawback to the rooftop garden is that a
school employee will need to be on campus to let students onto the roof in the afternoons.
I hope that you will consider our proposal. We believe that our school can be a positive influence
on our community and our environment by creating a rooftop garden.
Sincerely,
Qi'beth Gutchberg
President of the Environmental Action Group
57. Which sentence from the letter best supports the author's viewpoint?
A.
"The only drawback to the rooftop garden is that a school employee will need to be on
campus to let students onto the roof in the afternoons."
B.
"Currently, our school's roof is nothing more than wasted space, and the only purpose it
seems to serve is to provide birds with a place to nest."
"Unfortunately, we haven't found any other volunteers from the student body, but the EAG
C. is hopeful that once they see how much fun gardening can be, more students will become
involved."
D.
"The cost for setting up the rooftop garden will be minimal, and by serving the vegetables
in our cafeteria, the school will actually save money."
Author's Point of View
58. The author of this letter believes the rooftop garden will
A. provide well-paying jobs for members of the EAG.
B. replace the school classrooms and laboratories.
C. provide organic vegetables for a local church.
D. benefit all students at Spencer High School.
Interpreting Figures of Speech
Her eyes were a report card
They always summed up my grades
Without using words
An "A" on compassion
And a "B" on bad jokes
On a good day,
A "B" on style
She was a mirror and not a judge
My mother had a way
Of keeping it real
59. The author uses an analogy in this poem to
A. compare a teacher to a mirror and an impartial judge.
B. compare the speaker's sense of style as academic.
C. compare being a mother to being a substitute teacher.
D. compare the mother's feedback to a report card.
Interpreting Figures of Speech
The Kutchin and the Black Bear
By Memory Stay
The Kutchin hunters dressed themselves in thick animal skins and painted their faces with red
paint. They gathered to receive a blessing of protection from the tribe’s Holy Man. Whitehorse
and Blackcrow sung their songs to the Great Bear Chief. They asked him to provide a big bear
for them to take home for their village. In return, they promised to keep the land safe from
invaders. Then, they left the village to pursue the great black bear. They silently crept through
the dense forest. After a few hours of walking, they spotted a a spectacular black bear. He was
tall and fat with glossy black fur. The bear was sluggish, as if he had just woken up. The Kutchin
hunters stared at the beautiful animal. Then, Whitehorse said, “The Great Bear Chief has given
us this magnificent beast. Let us take the gift.” The hunters pulled back their bows and aimed
their arrows at the huge creature. When the hunt was over, the Kutchin men thanked the Great
Bear Chief and carried their quarry back to the village. They paid their respects to the bear by
decorating its head with carved trinkets, pretty stones, and colorful feathers.
The Kutchin tribe deeply loved, feared, and respected the black bear. They relied on the
species for its meat, fat, and fur. The Kutchin only hunted the fierce bear during its hibernation
season when it was not as strong alert. The children were not allowed to wander deep into the
woods for fear that the black bear would attack them. The Kutchin people savored the taste of
black bear meat. They used every part of the beloved animal for food, clothing, tools, medicine,
and oil. The Kutchin never failed to thank the Great Bear Chief for every black bear that they
took.
60. Which of the following actions from the story best demonstrates a paradox?
A. The Kutchin tribe asks for protection for the hunters even though they are very brave.
The Kutchin people fear the black bear, so they don't let their children go deep into the
B.
woods.
C. The Kutchin men believe that the Great Bear Chief gives them the bear.
D. The Kutchin hunters love and respect the black bear, but they hunt it.
Punctuation
"Hey, are you sure there are fish in this lake?" Thomas asked doubtfully. "We haven't had a
bite all afternoon." His best friend Annette rolled her eyes at him.
"Of course there are fish in the lake," she replied. "It's called Bass Lake. My dad and I fish
here all the time! My uncle, who fishes here every year, promised we'd be able to catch
something. Maybe you're just a terrible fisherman." Thomas laughed and bobbed his fishing pole
in the water thoughtfully.
"This is relaxing after all the pressure of studying for finals," he said with a yawn. "I barely
survived taking calculus, geography, English literature and chemistry. My brain is tired."
"Mine too," agreed Annette. "I can't believe we're finally done with high school."
"You're still going to Havergal University, right" Thomas asked as he watched a duck paddle
past the boat.
"Yes," Annette replied with a sigh. "I'm going to miss you! At least your sister, and I are
going to be roommates."
"Dunicia is about to burst with excitement," laughed Thomas. "She was afraid she wouldn't
know anyone on campus."
"You'll be halfway across the world at Mission Saint Navarro," Annette grumbled. "You'd
better email me and Dunicia and we expect at least one postcard."
"Plus, I'll send you both presents," promised Thomas just as his fishing pole jumped in his
hands "I think I've got a bite over here!"
61. Which sentence from the passage contains a punctuation error?
A. "You'll be halfway across the world at Mission Saint Navarro," Annette grumbled.
B. "My uncle, who fishes here every year, promised we'd be able to catch something."
C. Thomas laughed and bobbed his fishing pole in the water thoughtfully.
D. "You'd better email me and Dunicia and we expect at least one postcard."
Punctuation
MEMO
To:
From:
Date:
Re:
All graduating seniors at Montgomery High School
Principal Albi Dean
April 12, 2010
Important information about the Senior Carnival
Please be advised that our Twenty First Annual Senior Carnival will be held on May 7, 2010 at
5:00 p.m. Seniors are welcome to attend this event with their families. Entry admission for
students will be free, but family members will be required to pay a minimal fee. The cafeteria
staff will provide funnel cakes and hot dogs, as well as gluten free cookies. Additionally, our
very own physics teacher, Dr. Renault, will perform karaoke songs at the carnival. The first
thirty five seniors who arrive at the carnival will receive gift bags with t shirts, books, and
backpacks.
We look forward to seeing you on May 7th!
62. Read this sentence from the memo.
"The first thirty five seniors who arrive at the carnival will receive gift bags with t shirts, books,
and backpacks."
How should the author rewrite this sentence to correct the punctuation?
A.
The first thirty five seniors who arrive at the carnival will receive gift bags with t-shirts,
books, and backpacks.
B.
The first thirty-five seniors who arrive at the carnival will receive gift bags with t shirts,
books, and backpacks.
C. The sentence is correct as is.
D.
The first thirty-five seniors who arrive at the carnival will receive gift bags with t-shirts,
books, and backpacks.
Introducing and Closing Topics
Beverley is writing a travel article about the city of Monterey, California. She wants to include
the following points in her article:
1. Due to Monterey’s mild climate, tourists can scuba dive, surf, and kayak year-round.
2. Animal lovers will enjoy watching unique animals at the Monterey Bay National Marine
Sanctuary.
3. People can visit Monterey’s original adobe homes, still present on many of the city’s
street corners.
63. Based on the points Beverley would like to include, which of the following would make a
good topic sentence for a supporting paragraph?
A.
Monterey hosts many summer festivals, including the Monterey Seafood Celebration and
Fisherman's Days.
B.
Monterey's business districts are packed with extraordinary shops, inns, hotels, and
restaurants.
C.
The Monterey County Convention and Visitor's Bureau is happy to offer advice on family
activities.
D.
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the best place to see animals in their
natural habitats.
Introducing and Closing Topics
Anne Bradstreet was born in England in 1612, and she traveled to America after her marriage.
Life in colonial America was difficult. She was often ill with various diseases, including
smallpox and tuberculosis. She also lost several of her children due to fatal diseases. Bradstreet
channeled her feelings into beautiful poetry. Her book of poems, The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung
up in America, was the first book by a female author to be published in America.
64. Which is the best closing sentence for this paragraph?
A.
Anne Bradstreet was born in Northampton, England, to Thomas Dudley, who was steward
of the Earl of Lincoln, and his wife Dorothy.
B.
On July 10, 1666, the Bradstreet family was devastated when a fire tore through their home
and destroyed their belongings.
C.
Both Anne Bradstreet's father and her husband served as governors of the Massachusetts
Bay Colony on the east coast of the U.S.
D.
Despite her tragic losses, Anne Bradstreet's poetry resounds with hope and touches on
themes of death, loss, faith, and love.
Phrases and Clauses
(1) "I just got your message, Kiefer," said Luella as she raced into her friend's
garage. (2) "What happened to you?" (3) Kiefer was sitting with his leg propped up on a card
table, and he was holding a bag of ice over his ankle.
(4) "Oh, I had a terrible biking accident," Kiefer moaned. (5) "I slid on a patch of loose
gravel, and my bike flipped over. (6) I don't think I'll be able to help you at the Charity Fair on
Saturday." (7) Luella looked over at Kiefer's bike, which was leaning on the wall of the
garage. (8) It didn't have a scratch on it that she could see. (9) She was about to question him
about his accident when Kiefer's older brother walked into the garage.
(10) "Kiefer, Mom sent me out to check on you," Manny said with a concerned
look. (11) "What's wrong with your ankle?"
(12) "He claims to have had an accident on his bicycle," stated Luella. (13) "After examining
his bike, though, I'm not so sure."
(14) "Oh, no!" exclaimed Manny. (15) "We were supposed to go mountain climbing with Dad
on Saturday." (16) Luella looked over at Kiefer for an explanation keeping her temper in
check. (17) Kiefer's face began to turn red, and he shifted uncomfortably on his seat.
(18) "Wrecking my bike is not something I could have planned," he stammered
weakly. (19) "Once I hit that patch of ice on the sidewalk."
(20) "I thought you said it was a patch of loose gravel," said Luella. (21) "Are you just trying
to weasel out of helping me at the Charity Fair?" (22) Who was beginning to lose his temper, the
angry questions poured out of Manny.
(23) "How could you do this to Luella? (24) Don't you care about your
community?" (25) Manny yelled at his brother. (26) Kiefer ducked his head and tried to appear
as woebegone as possible.
(27) "Don't worry, Manny," Luella told him. (28) "We can set up a special chair at the Charity
Fair for Kiefer. (29) He'll be able to ice down his ankle all day and still follow through on the
promise he made." (30) Manny laughed at the shocked expression on his brother's face.
(31) "Sounds great," Kiefer managed to squeak. (32) His brother and Luella rolled their eyes
as they walked out of the garage together.
65. Read the following excerpt from the passage.
"Once I hit that patch of ice on the sidewalk."
What is the best way for the author of this passage to revise this excerpt?
A. Once I hit that patch of ice on the sidewalk, I was doomed to crash.
B. Even though I crashed my bike once I hit that patch of ice on the sidewalk.
C. Limping and crying in pain, once I hit that patch of ice on the sidewalk.
D. Once I hit that patch of ice on the sidewalk, after I crashed my bike.
Phrases and Clauses
66. How should the author revise sentence 22 to fix the error in grammar?
A. Manny poured out several angry questions, who was beginning to lose his temper.
B. After pouring out several angry questions and who was beginning to lose his temper.
C. Angry questions poured out of Manny, who was beginning to lose his temper.
D. Beginning to lose his temper, as Manny was pouring out angry questions.
Subject-Verb Agreement
(1) "We will never find the hotel at this rate," Gregory complained. (2) His three friends,
Shellie, Samson, and Timothy, was too busy looking around the city to pay attention to
him. (3) This were their first trip to New York City, and everyone but Gregory was having a
great time.
(4) "Look at all the people!" Shellie exclaimed. (5) "There are a million people on this
sidewalk."
(6) "More like two million," muttered Gregory. (7) "At least they knows where they are
going." (8) Timothy playfully punched Gregory in the shoulder.
(9) "Cheer up, gang," Samson said as he pointed to a small news stand nearby. (10) "Someone
go over and buy a map for us, and we'll figure out how to get to the hotel."
(11) "This city are too big and confusing," Gregory groaned.
(12) "Oh, stop complaining," said Shellie. (13) "Everyone else is having a great
time. (14) Why doesn't you join the fun?" (15) Gregory looked at his friends' smiling faces and
felt his heart lift.
(16) "I'll buys the map for us," he volunteered with a grin. (17) "Plus, I think we deserve some
hot dogs from that street vendor over there." (18) Gregory's friends let out a loud cheer at his
improved attitude.
67. Which sentence from the passage contains an error in subject-verb agreement?
A. sentence 11
B. sentence 18
C. sentence 9
D. sentence 12
Subject-Verb Agreement
68. How should the author rewrite sentence 3 to correct the problem of subject-verb agreement?
A.
This was their first trips to New York City, and everyone but Gregory were having a great
time.
B.
This were their first trip to New York City, and everyone but Gregory were having a great
times.
C.
This was their first trip to New York City, and everyone but Gregory was having a great
time.
D.
This were their first trips to New York City, and everyone but Gregory was having a great
time.
Parallel Structure
(1) Most school districts across the United States are experiencing a financial
crisis. (2) Smaller budgets have resulted in fewer jobs for teachers, layoffs and furloughs, and
eliminating special programs such as drama and music. (3) Some school systems in rural areas of
the U.S. have adopted a four-day school week in an attempt to save money. (4) Students are
encouraged to use the extra day off to study for their classes, volunteering in the community, and
there are programs at local churches or community centers.
(5) Results from the four-day school week experiment have been mixed. (6) Not only have
several school systems reported increased test scores, but also many schools have experienced
higher attendance rates. (7) Supporters of the shortened week claim that students are well-rested,
focused, and they pay more attention. (8) Other districts have reverted back to a five-day
schedule because of decreased student performance. (9) Only time will tell if moving to a shorter
school week will be beneficial or harming U.S. students.
69. How should the author revise sentence 4 to demonstrate correct parallel structure?
A.
Students are encouraged to use the extra day off to study for their classes, to volunteer in
the community, and to attend programs at local churches or community centers.
B.
Students are encouraged to use the extra day off to study for their classes, volunteering in
the community, and attending programs at local churches or community centers.
C.
Students are encouraged to use the extra day off to study for their classes, volunteer in the
community, and they can attend programs at local churches or community centers.
D.
Students are encouraged to use the extra day off to study for their classes, to volunteer in
the community, and attend programs at local churches or community centers.
Parallel Structure
70. How should sentence 2 be rewritten to correct the error in parallel structure?
A.
Smaller budgets have resulted in fewer jobs for teachers, layoffs and furloughs, and they
have eliminated special programs such as drama and music.
B.
Smaller budgets have resulted in fewer jobs for teachers, layoffs and furloughs, and
eliminate special programs such as drama and music.
C.
Smaller budgets have resulted in fewer jobs for teachers, layoffs and furloughs, and the
elimination of special programs such as drama and music.
D.
Smaller budgets have resulted in fewer jobs for teachers, layoffs and furloughs, and special
programs such as drama and music have been eliminated.
Setting
Floral Expressions
Burnadette was getting ready to open her floral shop for the day. She closed her eyes and
inhaled the sweet scent of hyacinth mixed with the strong perfume of gardenia and the fresh
fragrance of daisy.
Ahhh, Burnadette thought, these flowers are powerful. Their scent is invigorating and
soothing all at once. Their petals are soft and sensual. And their colors and shapes are vibrant
and intriguing. The combinations are endless, and I get to arrange them however I want. Oh
what beautiful elements I get to use for my masterpieces.
Floral Expressions, Burnadette's shop, was small but well-organized. Eight-foot-tall coolers
lined the entire left interior wall and wrapped halfway around and down the back wall. The
flowers in the coolers were arranged by color. Burnadette started with white, then followed the
spectrum of the rainbow and ended with black. The counter was in the back right-hand corner. A
cash register, a catalog of floral arrangements, a vase filled with Burnadette's special creation of
the day, a pen, and an order book sat on the counter. In the middle of the store, a few shelves
displayed cards, vases, and potted plants. Although the temperature was chilly, the overhead
lights were almost as bright as sunlight. Burnadette turned on the overhead speaker system and
played her favorite Jazz album. The cheerful trumpet bursts, smooth trombone moans, snazzy
drum beats, steady bass plucks, and wild piano rifts infused the air with energy. Burnadette was
ready for a busy day of serving her customers with her unique flare.
Right as the florist unlocked the front door, an older gentleman appeared.
"Good morning, sir. Please let me know how I may serve you," Burnadette greeted the man
with a warm smile.
The man returned a polite smile and walked into the store. He looked around for a moment.
Then he said, "I guess I'll take a dozen roses."
"What color would you like?" Burnadette asked.
"Red? No, yellow. Or maybe pink," the man said indecisively.
"Who are they for?" Burnadette asked.
"My daughter-in-law just had a baby. It's my first grandchild! A girl! My wife sent me to pick
up a bouquet of flowers for Sonya, my son's wife," the man explained.
"Congratulations! May I suggest a special flower arrangement?" Burnadette inquired.
"Sure. Please do. I really don't know what I'm doing," the man confessed.
"Let's do some large, bright Gerber daisies, mixed with some other flowers! I'll put them in a
basket that can be reused for storing baby stuff," Burnadette exclaimed.
"That sounds wonderful! I am so glad that I came here. You've been very helpful," the new
grandfather said.
Burnadette arranged the flowers, attached a little note card, accepted payment, and sent the
happy customer on his way. It was the start to another glorious day!
71. Which sentence from the passage best describes the way the setting sounds?
A.
The cheerful trumpet bursts, smooth trombone moans, snazzy drum beats, steady bass
plucks, and wild piano rifts infused the air with energy.
B. Although the temperature was chilly, the overhead lights were almost as bright as sunlight.
She closed her eyes and inhaled the sweet scent of hyacinth mixed with the strong perfume
C.
of gardenia and the fresh fragrance of daisy.
D.
Eight-foot-tall coolers lined the entire left interior wall and wrapped halfway around and
down the back wall.
Setting
72. What does the setting reveal about Burnadette?
A. She is lonely.
B. She is a musician.
C. She is orderly.
D. She is reclusive.
Citations
The following is an excerpt from a research paper written by a student named Aaron about
password use.
(1) For most Web sites, you are required to have a user name and a password. (2) This is
supposed to give you a secure way to save information about yourself without having to enter the
same information each time you visit a Web site. (3) However, sometimes, the passwords that
you choose leave you vulnerable to cyber hackers. (4) Some people choose passwords that are
simple to remember; however, these passwords may be too easy to figure out for hackers.
(5) According to "The Power of the Password," "a majority of Internet users choose to use the
numbers 123456 as their passwords." (6) Because this password is so common, these people are
vulnerable to computer attacks and identity thefts. (7) The best way to protect yourself is to
choose a password that would be difficult to decipher. (8) Such passwords include "a mixture of
numbers, special characters (@, !, &, %, or #), and capitalized letters."
73. What needs to be added to sentence 8 in order to correctly cite the quoted material?
A. the author's last name and the page reference
B. the source's title and the publication date
C. the page reference and the publisher's name
D. the author's last name and the source's title
Citations
74. For sentence 5 of the research paper, Aaron uses information from page A2 of the article
"The Power of the Password" by Sabra Johnson. The article was published in the newspaper
Frontera Bay on June 24, 2010.
What is the best way to cite the information found in sentence 5?
A.
According to "The Power of the Password," "a majority of Internet users choose to use the
numbers 123456 as their passwords" (2010).
B.
According to "The Power of the Password," "a majority of Internet users choose to use the
numbers 123456 as their passwords" (Frontera A2).
C.
According to "The Power of the Password," "a majority of Internet users choose to use the
numbers 123456 as their passwords" (Johnson A2).
D.
According to "The Power of the Password," "a majority of Internet users choose to use the
numbers 123456 as their passwords" (Sabra 2010).
Revising
(1) Tornadoes, which are also called twisters, occur more frequently than
hurricanes, but they are smaller storms. (2) The zig-zag path of a tornado averages
about sixteen miles in length and only about a quarter of a mile wide. (3) But the
tornado is, pound for pound, the more severe storm. (4) When one touches the
ground, it leaves a trail of total destruction. (5) The state of Florida has been
damaged by many natural disasters recently, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and
brush fires.
75. Which sentence strays from the main idea of the paragraph?
A. 1
B. 5
C. 3
D. 4
Revising
(1) The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful structures in the world. (2) It is also a grave.
(3) The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tribute to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. (4)
The Taj Mahal became a United Nations World Heritage site in 1993. (5) Construction on it
started in 1632, one year after Mumtaz passed away. (6) With the help of thousands of
craftsmen, it was completed around 1653.
76. How should sentence 3 be revised?
A. The Taj Mahal was built as a tribute to Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Emperor Shah Jahan.
B. Mumtaz Mahal built the Taj Mahal as a tribute to her husband Emperor Shah Jahan.
C. Emperor Shah Jahan wanted a tribute to his wife, so he commissioned the Taj Mahal.
D. Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a tribute to his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Author's Argument
Public Figures, Private Morality
Most people would agree that citizens have a right to privacy and that what goes on in their
homes is nobody’s business as long as it is not against the law or detrimental to public welfare.
So, why is it that people want to know the intimate details of public figures’ lives? Does the
private life and morality, or lack thereof, of a public figure impact his or her ability to serve?
I would say there is some information I would rather not know about the local news person.
However, a wise person once said, “Character is what you do when no one else is looking.”
When someone is in a position to make decisions that affect my everyday life, I want to know
who this person is when the cameras aren’t on.
As the adage says, “Actions speak louder than words.” A person who has proven to be
untrustworthy in a smaller arena should not be trusted with taxpayer money, regardless of his or
her ability to say all the right things.
We must also consider the amount of income these public figures generate from the public.
(This includes politicians’ salaries as well as money spent on movies and CDs that celebrities
pocket.) To a certain extent, all elections are based on character. Many politicians and other
people in the public eye rise to notoriety on the basis of their self-proclaimed stances on family
values and moral issues. In the same vein, many entertainers often gain support for their music
and movies based on their positive images. These people are the ones putting their own character
on display. So why shouldn’t we examine it?
The best leaders have great character. These are the people who have the courage to stand up
for what they believe in, even when it gets tough. They are also the ones who tell the truth and
keep their promises. The public should be allowed to decide whether or not to support
someone based on the individual’s character. This is why I support the media’s right to
investigate and publish details of public figures' lives.
Politicians who have a record of accepting favors and gifts from the wealthy will more than
likely look out for their wealthy friends’ interests. Voters should be privy to this information.
Likewise, if someone in a leadership position personally espouses views that are discriminatory,
then this information should also be made public.
But make no mistake. I don’t support prying into every detail of a public figure’s life. I don’t
need to know what kind of toothpaste someone uses or all the gory details of private
indiscretions. Wisdom and decency should be considered when deciding what to publish and
what to keep private.
77. How could the author better support this argument?
A.
by including specific information about leaders with character flaws that affected the
public interest
B.
by showing readers how many of the country's founding fathers had serious personal
indiscretions
C.
by providing statistics on whether or not people think a right to privacy is a fundamental
right
D.
by giving examples of how reporters sometimes break the law in order to find out personal
information
Author's Argument
78. By pointing out that many people in the public eye use their images to sell products or gain
the confidence of voters, the author is
A. convincing readers that the press should not pry into public figures' lives.
B. giving examples of information that was revealed during a politician's campaign.
C. showing readers that public figures use their private lives when it benefits them.
D. attempting to show that all public figures keep their private lives a secret.
Technical Meanings
The artisan meticulously formed a gather upon the blowpipe to begin her glass creation.
According to the artisan, glass, when it reached a certain temperature, became extremely
malleable. It could be molded and formed into a variety of functional items around the house.
The artisan had to be careful not to be too quick because air pockets might form. This was done
to avoid stones on the finished piece of glass. Any sudden movements could ruin the
flawlessness of the glass.
The artisan soon added more of the hot glass to her blowpipe and moved the piece back and
forth on the table to round out of the piece. After she was done with its formation, she let it cool.
Then, she had to strike the glass piece again in order to get the desired color. This color only
appeared at a certain temperature.
79. Based on the passage, what is the meaning of strike?
A. reheat
B. recolor
C. break
D. smooth
Technical Meanings
80. Based on the passage, what is the meaning of gather?
A. a temperature indicator
B. a finished glass piece
C. a mass of molten glass
D. a mold for the glass
Editing
The Dangers of Exercise Bulimia
by Cyrene Iuliuana
Addison High Daily News
(1) Health, and exercise are topics that concern many high school students today. (2) Regular
exercise is a fun and relaxing way to spend time, and participating in sports can also be fun and
relaxing.
(3) However, as with most issues, there are a danger in going overboard. (4) Eating disorders,
such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa can be triggered by restrictive diets. (5) Also can
lead to problems for some students. (6) Exercise bulimia, or exercise addiction, is a type of
bulimia in which a person exercises compulsively for hours a day to control anxiety and maintain
their weight.
(7) This disorder is hard for doctors to diagnose because most sufferers have a hard time
seeing their behaviors as compulsive or out of control. (8) One of the symptoms of this disorder
is that a person feels excessive guilt, anxiety, or being ashamed after missing a
workout. (9) Unfortunately, this psychiatric illness causes people to risk their health, they can
damage their bodies in many serious ways. (10) Stress fractures, osteoporosis, hair loss, and
heart problems can result from it. (11) Sufferers can also loose out on developing important
relationships with peers because they're spending so much time at the gym.
(12) If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with compulsive exercise, talk to
a family member, teacher, or friend. (13) You can also contact Dr. McGovern, Addison High
School's counselor.
81. Which of the following revisions should be made to sentence 10?
A.
Stress fractures, osteoporosis, hair loss, and heart problems can result from exercise
bulimia.
B.
Stress fractures, osteoporosis, losing one's hair, and heart problems can result from
exercise bulimia.
C. Stress fractures, osteoporosis, hair loss, and heart problems can result from having it.
D. Stress fractures, osteoporosis, hair loss, and having heart problems can result from it.
Editing
82. What is the best way to correct the grammatical error in sentence 3?
A. However, as with most issues, there's are a danger in going overboard.
B. However, as with most issues, there are a dangers in going overboard.
C. However, as with most issues, there is a danger in going overboard.
D. However, as with most issues, there is a danger in go overboard.
Sentence Structures
(1) Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known to the world as Mark Twain, was born on
November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri. (2) Twain was a man of wit and humor. (3) He is
considered one of the most influential and premier writers in American history. (4) Satire and
humor permeate Twain's work. (5) His works consist of a wide variety of styles and genres,
which include essays, novels, short stories, political commentary, and literary criticism. (6)
Works for which Twain is best known draw from his boyhood world on the Mississippi River.
(7) The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, published in 1876, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,
published in 1884, are two revered and enduring classics of American literature. (8) Twain also
wrote popular travelogues, including The Innocents Abroad. (9) This particular work recounted
his travels to Europe and the Holy Land. (10) His later writings became darker and more
satirical. (11) During this time, he was deeply affected by personal tragedies. (12) Of these,
Pudd’nhead Wilson, The Mysterious Stranger, and Letters from the Earth are exceptionally
critical of society, politics, and human nature in general. (13) Twain's remarkable life and work
were venerated by many notable figures after his death occurred. (14) William Faulkner placed
upon him the greatest honor; he called Twain "the father of American literature."
83. In sentence 12, the complete subject and complete predicate are divided between which two
words in the sentence?
A. between "Earth" and "are"
B. between "nature" and "in"
C. between "exceptionally" and "critical"
D. between "these" and "Pudd'nhead"
Sentence Structures
84. Which of the following correctly rewrites sentence 6 from a complex sentence to a simple
sentence?
A. Works that are best known draw from Twain's boyhood world on the Mississippi River.
B.
Twain's works, for which he is best known, draw from his boyhood world on the
Mississippi River.
C. Twain's best-known works draw from his boyhood world on the Mississippi River.
D.
Works that Twain is best known for draw from his boyhood world on the Mississippi
River.
Multiple Meaning Words
Culture Shock
(1) "Come on in," said Dervla cheerfully as she opened the front door. (2) Her too study
partners, Jackson and Wylie, wiped they're feet on the rug before entering. (3) The three of them
were meeting for one last study session before the organic chemistry final exam.
(4) "This is quiet an unusual house," Jackson remarked. (5) His eyes were wide as he glanced
around.
(6) "I've never seen anything like it, to say the lease," exclaimed Wylie. (7) "It reminds me of
a teepee, only rounder and bigger."
(8) "Its called a yurt here in the U.S., and a ger in Mongolia, where they were invented,"
Dervla explained. (9) "Yurts are portable round structures traditionally used in Central
Asia. (10) Were living here because we want a simple, energy-efficient lifestyle that will have a
positive effect on the planet. (11) I hope you to will accept a cold soda or lemonade in exchange
for your tutoring help."
(12) "You have a refrigerator in this place?" Wyle asked. (13) He noticed the comfortable
chairs and rugs scattered throughout the yurt.
(14) "Of course we do," laughed Dervla. (15) "We have heat, air conditioning, electricity, and
plumbing, too. (16) In fact, I think our yurt is even nicer then our old house."
(17) "Your family is pretty amazing," Jackson complimented Dervla as she passed him a
soda. (18) "I don't think I could adapt to such a unique way of life."
(19) "You are certainly sticking to your principals," agreed Wylie.
(20) "We don't deserve any awards for living the life we want," Dervla replied. (21) "We get
to have an amazing living experience without loosing our modern conveniences. (22) Now, let's
get to work—I've been poring over my chemistry notes for hours, and I need all the help I can
get."
85. Read sentence 22 from the passage.
"Now, let's get to work—I've been poring over my chemistry notes for hours, and I need all the
help I can get."
What change, if any, should be made to this sentence?
A. change poring to pouring
B. change hours to ours
C. change let's to lets
D. no change
Multiple Meaning Words
86. Read sentence 17 from the passage.
"Your family is pretty amazing," Jackson complimented Dervla as she passed him a soda.
Which underlined part of the sentence, if any, contains an error?
A. complimented
B. Your
C. passed
D. no error
Spelling
87.
Karen included an excert from Eli Wiesel's book, Night, in her valedictorian graduation speech.
What is the correct way to spell the underlined word?
A. eksert
B. exserpt
C. exzert
D. excerpt
Spelling
88. The doctor prescribes (antidotes/anecdotes) for children who have swallowed poison.
A. antidotes
B. anecdotes
Formatting and Graphics
Almonds
by Emelia Best
Fight Cholesterol
Almonds are very healthy for you. They contain a lot of good fat called monounsaturated fat.
This type of fat helps to lower bad cholesterol. Studies show that including almonds in your diet
can significantly lower your risk for heart disease.
Fight High Blood Pressure
Almonds can also help lower your blood pressure. Almonds are a good source of
magnesium—a mineral that keeps your blood pressure regular.
Prevent Diabetes
Research also shows that eating almonds can help prevent diabetes. The magnesium found in
almonds helps to lower your blood-sugar level.
Other Health Benefits
In addition to good fat and magnesium, almonds contain calcium, fiber, protein, vitamin E,
and potassium. All of these substances provide health benefits for your body. Calcium builds and
strengthens your teeth and bones. Fiber cleans and helps regulate your digestive system. Protein
builds muscles and provides your body with energy. And potassium helps your muscles function
properly. Next time you feel like having a snack, reach for a handful of almonds. They will do
your body a lot of good!
89. Under which heading does the following sentence belong?
Vitamin E protects your body's tissues from breaking down.
A. Fight Cholesterol
B. Fight High Blood Pressure
C. Prevent Diabetes
D. Other Health Benefits
Formatting and Graphics
90. Under which heading would a reader look to find out how almonds help lower blood sugar?
A. Fight Cholesterol
B. Fight High Blood Pressure
C. Other Health Benefits
D. Prevent Diabetes
Inferences
The Stranger
by T. Herlinger
Jody hunched her shoulders against the driving wind as the first raindrops fell, sloshing
against her cheeks. The dirt road she walked would soon be a muddy mess, so she hustled along,
peering through the gathering darkness in search of a light in the distance. The sole of her boot
had been loose for months, but now it nearly came free, flapping with every step and letting in
the rocks and dirt so she had to stop every few paces to shake her foot.
"Useless!" she grumbled, leaning against a tree to examine the boot. A great gust of wind
howled across the moors, and the full brunt of the storm began to assault the countryside and all
who dared venture across it. Though it's not as if Jody had had a choice—she could either have
remained in service, mending fancy clothes for rich ladies under the sinister eyes of old Mistress
Hammond, or run back home to her ma and pa. Her father had warned her not to come back until
she could earn her keep. She only prayed his heart would soften once he heard her tale—how the
mistress wouldn't feed her if she'd missed a single stitch, and how she wasn't allowed to sleep
until the last garment was mended, no matter if she'd been working for 16 hours straight.
She walked on, across a footbridge—and was nearly trampled by a horseman she hadn't even
heard above the roaring storm. The rider stopped, just past the bridge, and turned to face her. It
was then that Jody saw: The rider was no horseman but a horsewoman—and in well-tailored
garments! All Jody could do was stare, mouth agape, as the woman smiled and beckoned her to
come forward. Instinctively, Jody gave a little curtsy and tried to wipe the rain and mud from her
face. Then she ran over to see what the stranger wanted.
"Ride with me, child," the woman shouted over the wind, "you must be frozen." Before Jody
could refuse, the woman had extended her gloved hand and fairly lifted her onto the back of the
horse. "What's your name and for where are you bound?" the woman turned her head and asked.
"Jody Woodbird," she answered timidly, "and I'm going home, to Dunsmere." She had to
choke back a tear at the sound of the word "home."
"It's right on my way—I'll take you there," the woman responded. "I'm Mathilda Hammond,
by the way," she added, and turned back around before she could see the look on her young
passenger's face.
91. Which line from the story supports the inference that Mathilda feels sorry for the young girl?
A. "Ride with me, child," the woman shouted over the wind, "you must be frozen."
B. "What's your name and for where are you bound?" the woman turned her head and asked.
C. "Jody Woodbird," she answered timidly, "and I'm going home, to Dunsmere."
D. Instinctively, Jody gave a little curtsy and tried to wipe the rain and mud from her face.
Inferences
92. The reader can infer that Jody
A. is fond of the Mistress Hammond.
B. had never ridden a horse before.
C. is nervous about returning home.
D. makes a good living as a seamstress.
Structuring Text
Carrier pigeons are born with natural homing abilities that make them uniquely suited to carry
messages. These birds will travel long distances—in some cases as far as 1,000 miles—to return
to their home. Messages are rolled up and placed inside a small tube before being tied to the
bird's leg, and once the pigeon is released, it will travel directly back to its nest.
Pigeon post has been employed for thousands of years. Ancient Roman pigeon messengers
were used to sustain military communication over long distances, while ancient Greek pigeons
were used to proclaim the winner of the Olympic Games.
During World War I, carrier pigeons were used extensively, and they often delivered
messages despite severe injuries. The Confidential Pigeon Service was created in World War II
to facilitate the use of homing pigeons in situations where radio silence was vital. Today, carrier
pigeons are most often bred for racing, and the sport of pigeon racing has become very popular
in the United States and Canada.
93. Which sentence from the passage shows compare and contrast organization?
Ancient Roman pigeon messengers were used to sustain military communication over long
A. distances, while ancient Greek pigeons were used to proclaim the winner of the Olympic
Games.
B.
The Confidential Pigeon Service was created in World War II to facilitate the use of
homing pigeons in situations where radio silence was vital.
C.
Today, carrier pigeons are most often bred for racing, and the sport of pigeon racing has
become very popular in the United States and Canada.
D.
During World War I, carrier pigeons were used extensively, and they often delivered
messages despite severe injuries.
Structuring Text
94. Why does the author most likely use this organizational pattern?
A. to classify several different species of carrier and racing pigeons
B. to contrast ancient and modern communication methods
C. to show the changes in the use of carrier pigeons over time
D. to compare ancient Roman carrier pigeons with ancient Greek racing pigeons
Characters
Lying in pieces on Roger’s desk was his science project that was due the very next day. The
worst part of it was that it was never put together. Roger did not know where to begin—he had
put it off each and every time he had extra time after doing his homework.
Roger was just looking at the pieces that he had bought a few weeks before in order to build a
robot. His partner for the project, Hai, had given up hope on him and decided to create his own
project. Hai had completed his project about natural insecticides that he wanted to work on and
that Roger had refused to collaborate with him. Now, Roger was on his own and didn’t know
where to begin.
With a distressed look, he picked at pieces until he felt that they should go together and joined
them with screws. How’d I get into this? Roger wondered to himself.
Roger found himself concentrating harder than he had ever done. Then, he heard a knock on
his bedroom door. Geez, can a guy get some work done around here with interruption? Roger
thought as he stood to open his door.
It was his older sister. "Roger, I need to get my tools that you borrowed. I have a project due
in a couple weeks that I would like to start," Erika demanded.
Roger’s eyes shifted from his sister to the tools that he desperately needed. Erika didn’t seem
to see the tools, so he shifted the tools until they were completely hidden under his books.
However, he underestimated Erika, who saw everything and shouted, "Roger! Do not think that I
do not see everything you are doing!"
Roger froze in place. There was no escaping Erika’s wrath when she was wound up so tight,
so he decided to say nothing. Erika grabbed her tools and pointed them at Roger, saying, "Never
do that again. What made you think that you could that?"
Stuttering, Roger answer, "I-I-I needed t-t-to get my project done by tomorrow. I haven’t stst-started yet."
Erika gave him a bewildered look and said, "You’re saying that you haven’t started on a
project that is due tomorrow?"
"Y-y-yes."
"Roger, what made you think that you could do something like that?" asked Erika as she
studied Roger’s scared face. "I’m going to help you this time, but never, I mean, never do this
again. All right?"
Roger nodded vigorously. Erika put down her tools and looked at the robot and Roger. She
began to hand him pieces and tools. By the end of the night, there was a suitable-looking robot
standing in front of them.
"It might not be the best science project, but it works. Roger, I better not catch you putting off
other assignments again," stated Erika.
Roger, again, nodded, relieved that his project was done.
95. Why does Roger begin to stutter in the middle of the passage?
A. He feels uneasy when he is around Erika.
B. He is troubled by Hai's superior project.
C. He is stressed out by the project due date.
D. He worries that his project idea is not good.
Characters
96. What causes Roger to delay his project until the day before it is due?
A. He is mechanically challenged and has no tools of his own to complete his project.
B. He is an organizer and must wait for all the parts of the robot to be mailed to him.
C. He is a procrastinator and waits until it is time to assemble the robot parts together.
D. He is supportive and productive, but finds that his partner is very sluggish and lazy.
Plot
CHARACTERS:
EDNA, the mother
DOUG, the eldest son, a neurosurgeon
MATT, the middle son, a teacher
CASEY, the youngest son, a musician
AMY, Edna's youngest child, a homemaker
Stage Set: The waiting area in the hospital.
MATT: The doctor says we have nothing to worry about. She had just fallen down the stairs
and sprained her ankles.
CASEY: Both of them?
MATT: Yes, but they're just sprains. She will be walking in a week.
CASEY: Phew. I was thinking of all sorts of things as I was driving here.
DOUG: Yeah. I was worried sick on the plane. Thank the lord!
CASEY: So? (uncomfortable silence)
MATT: Well, Amy is with her now, but she has to go back to her babies.
DOUG: I took the week off to fly here. I will take care of Mom for now.
MATT: Now you show up?
DOUG: Hey! I did not walk out. For the last time, you need to hear me out. Don't accuse me of
abandoning you guys.
MATT: Yes, your monetary donations loved us very much.
DOUG: What do you want me to say? I got a scholarship, then I got a job, and I was out of the
country for a while. I did not abandon you. What can I say to make you forgive me?
Can I try any harder? (tears roll down his eyes and his voice breaks) Honestly, do you
not see that I love you?
MATT: I am—sorry. I just resented you . . . for escaping. After Dad left, I thought you'd stay
forever. We all wanted an escape, and only you got it.
DOUG: It's okay. Well, we can sort it all out. I am here now.
CASEY: By the way, we loved the post cards you sent us from everywhere.
DOUG: More than the gifts?
MATT: Of course, more than the gifts. It was like you were telling us bedtime stories like you
used to. We missed you!
97. Which of these reflects that Matt and Casey resent Doug before the conflict is resolved?
A. "I was thinking of all sorts of things as I was driving here."
B. "It was like you were telling us bedtime stories like you used to."
C. "Well, Amy is with her now, but she has to go back to her babies."
D. "Yes, your monetary donations loved us very much."
Plot
98. Which character contributes to the comedic resolution of the play?
A. Casey, because he loves the postcards
B. Matt, because he drives to the hospital
C. Amy, because she looks after her babies
D. Doug, because he seeks forgiveness
Textual Evidence
They had two horses and the musket which their father had left at home upon his last
departure for Mexico. They had a rawhide pouch containing things to eat, loaves and chilies and
dried meat. As soon as they were free of the little fields of home, Julio began to gallop; and Luis
overtook him and, saying nothing, reached out for the halter and brought him down to a walk.
Julio felt very much rebuked; he sat erect on his horse and squinted his eyes at the mountain
rising so far ahead of them, and thought of himself as a relentless hunter.
The boys toiled over the land all morning.
They paused and looked back several times, touched by the change in the look of their farm,
which lay now like a box or two on the floor of the valley; and they thought respectively, "When
I have my farm, I shall want to be on higher ground," and "What if something dreadful has
happened since we left home! If the baby choked to death, or a robber came, I should never
forgive myself."
The mountains looked strangely smaller as they advanced. The foothills raised the riders up,
and from various slopes the mountain crowns seemed to lean back and diminish. The blue air in
cañons and on the far faces of rock slides and broken mighty shoulders was like a breath of
mystery over the familiar facts of memory.
"Let me carry the musket now for a while."
"No, we might as well decide that now. I am to have it all the time."
"Why, that isn't right!"
"No, I have had more experience with it. It is our only arm. Now be sensible."
"Just because I am the younger, you always do this way. I tell you, I am an excellent shot."
"You may be. But I am nearly four years older, and I just think it better this way."
"I wish I'd known before we started."
"Why don't you go back, then?"
"I will."
But they rode on together. Easily triumphant, Luis could afford to be indulgent; later on he
rode close to Julio and knocked him on the back and winked.
"You think I am not as much of a man as you are," said Julio bitterly.
"Well, you're not."
"You'll see! I can show you!"
The brothers' love for each other was equally warm, but derived from different wells of
feeling. Sometimes they felt only the love; at other times, only the difference.
from "To the Mountains" by Paul Horgan
99. Based on the information in the text, the relationship between the brothers can best be
described as
A. distant.
B. apathetic.
C. unloving.
D. complex.
Textual Evidence
100. There is evidence in the text to support which of the following conclusions about Luis?
A. He is physically abusive toward his brother.
B. He feels jealous that Julio is a better shot than he is.
C. He is excited to leave the farm behind.
D. He feels responsible for his family's safety.