Grade 9 Curriculum Support
Sentence Structure
(1) Most Americans cook their food in an oven that requires wood, propane, or electricity in
order to run. (2) Solar ovens only require the rays of the sun as an energy source. (3) There are
over 60 different types of solar ovens. (4) Though most operate on the same basic
principles. (5) Solar cooking is a process which concentrates sunlight on a reflective surface,
converts light to heat, and traps heat inside a container. (6) After the food is prepared for
cooking. (7) The oven is placed in direct sunlight, and it is left until the food is thoroughly
cooked. (8) Cooking time varies according to type of solar oven, amount of sunlight, and the
quantity of food. (9) Solar ovens are generally cheap to purchase and operate. (10) They provide
a less fuel-intensive way to cook food. (11) However, these alternative ovens also have some
disadvantages. (12) They take longer to heat food than a conventional oven, and they do not
work very well on cloudy or rainy days.
1. Sentence 12 in this passage is an example of a
A. compound-complex sentence.
B. complex sentence.
C. compound sentence.
D. simple sentence.
Sentence Structure
2. How should the author of this passage combine sentences 6 and 7 to form a compoundcomplex sentence?
A.
After the food is prepared for cooking, and the oven is placed in direct sunlight, and it is
left until the food is thoroughly cooked.
B.
After the food is prepared for cooking the oven is placed in direct sunlight, and it is left
until the food is thoroughly cooked.
C.
After the food is prepared for cooking; the oven is placed in direct sunlight, and it is left
until the food is thoroughly cooked.
D.
After the food is prepared for cooking, the oven is placed in direct sunlight, and it is left
until the food is thoroughly cooked.
Sentence Structure
3. What is the best way to revise sentences 3 and 4 to form a complex sentence?
A.
There are over 60 different types of solar ovens, and though most operate on the same
basic principles.
B.
There are over 60 different types of solar ovens; though most operate on the same basic
principles.
C.
There are over 60 different types of solar ovens, though most operate on the same basic
principles.
D.
There are over 60 different types of solar ovens though most operate on the same basic
principles.
Compare and Contrast
Passage 1
Graphology
The study and analysis of handwriting has intrigued people for centuries. One such branch of
knowledge that approaches handwriting from the view of human psychology is known as
graphology. Graphology is also used in medicine to help in the diagnosis and tracking of brain
and nervous system diseases. However, the term "graphology" is not used in the same sense in
forensic science.
Graphology is based on the study of writing forms as affected by the central nervous system.
Since a person's muscular movements are controlled by the central nervous system, the writing
changes based on his or her state of mind. For example, when a person is finding it difficult to
write, he or she uses simpler forms of letters. Graphologists claim that things that affect a
person's life contribute to the variations in his or her writing.
Graphology is a controversial field of study. Much of the supporting evidence comes from
people's accounts of personality evaluation. However, studies have not been able to prove the
supporters' claims.
Passage 2
Notes at the Senior Center
by A. Gautam
Every evening after school, as Tina stopped by the senior center to check on one old lady or
the other, she found an interesting note stuck on the common fridge. Tina always studied the
notes with utmost curiosity. The women had the most beautiful handwriting, and they often
forgot to sign their name on the yellow sticky note. Tina could tell by now who had written to
her this time based on the content of the message.
Tina started with the longest note, "Don't worry about the book from the library. My son will
bring something to read this Saturday." Mrs. Rosenbaum, as Tina had discovered, gave her Y's a
long cursive tail. The commas were almost too thin to be noticeable. The next note read, "Some
cake for you inside the fridge. You'll love it Tinisha." Only Mrs. Manisha called Tina by that
name and always baked something sweet for the other ladies. Besides, Mrs. Manisha gave her
alphabets the roundest shapes. One could never tell that she was as skinny as a report card paper.
4. Which of these best describes how both passages are alike?
A. Both share a similar setting and plot.
B. Both offer an analysis of handwriting.
C. Both show the importance of evidence.
D. Both describe muscular movements.
Compare and Contrast
5. When comparing the purpose of these passages, which of these best describes the difference?
A.
Passage 1 instructs on how to read handwriting; passage 2 teaches the reader how to read
senior citizens.
B.
Passage 1 narrates the account of a handwriting reader; passage 2 describes the tale of a
wrong analysis.
C.
Passage 1 describes the testimonial of many people; passage 2 presents the point of view
of one person.
D.
Passage 1 informs the reader about graphology; passage 2 entertains the reader with a story
about notes.
Compare and Contrast
Passage 1
Global News
This year's Nobel Peace Prize was given to Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus and
his pioneering Grameen Bank. Yunus was awarded the prize for providing seemingly
insignificant loans, known as microcredit, and helping millions come out of poverty.
It is to be noted that Yunus's efforts have made it possible for many poor people to buy cattle
or mobile phones they needed to get ahead in life and in small business. Grameen Bank has
especially proved helpful to impoverished people who do not qualify to get big loans from banks.
Mr. Yunus has announced that he will use part of the 1.4 million dollars of the prize money to
create a company that makes low-cost, high-nutrition food for the poor. The rest of the money
will be used to set up and an eye clinic for the poor in Bangladesh.
Passage 2
A Citizen's Blog
It is not every day that we hear about uplifting things that actually make a difference in this
world. Today, I read about an economist who lifted millions out of poverty. Sounds good in a
political campaign speech, right? Well, it actually happened.
Mohammad Yunus of Bangladesh established a bank that makes it possible for many poor
people to take out loans. His work and vision were rewarded with the Nobel Prize. I have to say,
the money is going to the right place. This man can use the prize money for other cool projects
like his bank and maybe lift an entire country.
Next time I come up with a great idea, I am going to at least give it a shot. Who knows, I just
might come up with a solution to end global warming or pollution or world hunger?
6. Which idea is found in the blog but not in the news article?
A. medical facilities for the poor
B. using money for good causes
C. lifting people out of poverty
D. disillusionment with politicians
Reference Materials
I decided to travel the world like the famous writers of the Beat Generation. Booking passage
on a tramp freighter was no difficulty. Working as a galley cook was terrible, however. The first
magical view of Bangkok made the journey worthwhile.
7. Read the following dictionary entry.
pas•sage
1. a corridor or lobby giving access to the different rooms or parts of a building. 2. a specific act
of traveling 3. a continuous movement or flow 4. a usually brief portion of a written work or
speech
Which definition best matches the use of the word passage in this paragraph?
A. definition 3
B. definition 2
C. definition 1
D. definition 4
Reference Materials
\ə\ as a in abut
\a\ as a in ash
\ā\ as a in ace
\ä\ as o in mop
\aů\ as ou in out
\ch\ as ch in chin
\e\ as e in bet
\ē\ as ea in easy
\g\ as g in go
\i\ as i in hit
\ī\ as i in ice
\j\ as j in job
\[ng]\ as ng in sing
\ō\ as o in go
\o\ as aw in law
\oi\ as oy in boy
\th\ as th in thin
\th\ as th in the
\ü\ as oo in loot
\ů\ as oo in foot
\y\ as y in yet
\zh\ as si in vision
8. proj·ect
n. ('präj-"ekt)
1. A plan or proposal; a scheme.
v. (prə-'jekt) pro·ject·ed, pro·ject·ing, pro·jects
2. To extend forward or out; jut out:
3. To cause an image to appear on a surface.
4. In psychology, to externalize and attribute something, such as an emotion, to someone or
something else.
According to the pronunciation key above, which word has the same "o" sound as found in the
noun form of the word project?
A. go
B. loot
C. abut
D. mop
Reference Materials
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are found in phytochemical-rich
foods such as red grapes, cranberries, broccoli,
onions, honey, and several types of grains. The
health benefits of these antioxidants have been
studied by scientists for years, and research shows
that people who ingest large amounts of polyphenols
in their diets gain positive health benefits.
Antioxidants work by reducing the adverse effects of
free radicals, which have been linked to liver
damage, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. A few
studies have suggested that when applied to the skin,
polyphenols can slow the extrinsic signs of aging,
such as wrinkles and age spots. These claims,
however, have not been widely accepted by the
medical community.
Alzheimer's disease — a
disorder involving the
progressive loss of mental
functions due to brain tissue
deterioration.
antioxidant — a molecule
capable of slowing or
preventing the oxidation of
other molecules and acting
against the effects of free
radicals.
free radical — a highly
reactive molecule that combines
easily with other molecules and
can cause damage to cells.
polyphenols — a group of
chemical substances found in
plants that protect against
various common health
problems and may reduce some
effects of aging.
9. Which of these words from the passage would most likely be defined in the glossary for this
book?
A. phytochemical
B. cranberries
C. benefits
D. community
Editing
Ways to Improve Your Memory
(1) Most people are concerned about losing their memory as they age. (2) There are a few
simple ways for a person to improve his or her memory. (3) Techniques for improving your
memory include playing games consuming antioxidants testing taking breaks and doing
something new.
(4) One of the easiest and most fun ways to improve your memory is by playing games. (5)
Spending a few minutes a day on solving a crossword puzzle or on some other challenge has
shown benefits to memory. (6) There are a lot of companies that create games to improve
specific areas and functions of the brain. (7) Happy Neuron and lumosity are companies that
develop games focused on improving brain functions. (8) An American in paris is an online
game by Happy Neuron that improves visual spatial memory.
(9) Another way to keep your memory sharp are to include antioxidants in your diet. (10)
Research has shown that Vitamin C and Vitamin E are antioxidants that help your brain. (11) In
one study, Vitamin E was shown to help prevent normal memory decline related to age. (12) In
another study dementia patients showed some improvement after taking vitamins C and E. (13)
Citrus and green, leafy vegetables contain Vitamin C. (14) Nuts, seeds, whole grains, and green,
leafy vegetables contain Vitamin E.
(15) Taking breaks while studying increases your ability to remember the information. (16)
Taking breaks gives your brain time to organize new information. (17) A fifteen-minute break
after studying for 45 minutes can noticably improve retention of the material you are studying.
(18) Frequently testing what you know is also considered to be a good way to improve your
memory. (19) Research has shown that students who test themselves while studying are better
able to recall the information than students who do not. (20) Testing gives students the
opportunity to see if they are able to answer correctly. (21) Students who do not test themselves
do not receive the same feedback on their learning.
(22) Finally, doing something new and different is one of the best ways to improve your
memory. (23) Engaging in a new activity creates new neuron pathways in the brain. (24) The
brain sends and retrieves messages across neuron pathways, so the more pathways you have, the
more you can remember. (25) You don't have to do anything extraordinary to create new neuron
pathways. (26) Taking an unfamiliar route to the grocery store is a simple way to stimulate the
brain. (27) Brushing your teeth with the opposite hand than you normally use is another way to
create new neuron pathways in your brain.
10. How should sentence 17 be changed to correct the spelling error?
(17) A fifteen-minute break after studying for 45 minutes can noticably improve retention of the
material you are studying.
A. change noticably to notisably
B. change noticably to noticeably
C. change noticably to notizably
D. change noticably to noticabley
Editing
11. In sentence 7, what is the best way to correct the capitalization error?
(7) Happy Neuron and lumosity are companies that develop games focused on improving brain
functions.
A. use a lowercase n in Neuron
B. use a lowercase h in Happy
C. use a capital B in brain
D. use a capital L in lumosity
Editing
12. How should sentence 12 be changed to correct the punctuation error?
(12) In another study dementia patients showed some improvement after taking vitamins C and
E.
A. add a comma after C
B. add a comma after patients
C. change the period to a question mark
D. add a comma after study
Planning
Shalondra is writing a paper on how to inspect a used car before buying it. She is creating an
outline to organize her paper. Use the outline to answer the question.
I.
II.
Exterior
A.
Body Condition
1.
Check for rust, rot, scratches, dents, overspray, and alignment
a.
Panels
b.
Roof
c.
Trunk
d.
Wheel wells
e.
Doors
f.
Hood
g.
Rubber seals
B.
Glass
1.
X
a.
Windshield
b.
Windows
C.
Suspension
1.
Check for noises and too much bounce
a.
Shock absorbers
b.
Wheel bearings
c.
Joint suspension
D.
Tires
1.
Check for unity and wear
a.
Tread
i.
should be evenly worn on tire
ii. should be evenly worn across tires
iii. must be 1/16 of an inch
E.
Y
1.
Check that they work, look for cracks and moisture
a.
headlights
b.
parking lights
c.
turn signals
d.
tail lights
e.
brake lights
f.
emergency lights
Interior
A.
Odor
1.
Check for musty or mildew smell and moisture
a.
under floor mats
b.
carpet
c.
trunk
B.
Seats
1.
Check upholstery, adjustments, and seatbelts
a.
b.
C.
D.
driver's seat
passenger seats
Pedals
1.
Check for wear, (brand new indicates it has been replaced)
a.
gas
b.
brake
c.
clutch
Instruments and controls
1.
Check that they work
a.
warning lights
b.
heater and air conditioner
c.
stereo
d.
gauges
13. Choose the best concluding statement for Sholandra's paper.
Finally, buying a used car can be a lot of fun if you follow these simple steps: decide on a
A. color, mark the best cars in sales ads, test drive any of the cars chosen in the sales ads, and
buy the used car that is wanted the most.
In summary, car buyers can avoid costly repairs by doing a thorough inspection of the
B. interior and exterior of a used vehicle before buying it. In addition to doing this inspection,
it is wise to have a mechanic give a detailed diagnostic report of the vehicle.
In conclusion, the pros to buying a used vehicle include the fact that it is a lot more
affordable than buying a new vehicle, it is possible to find used cars that are in great
C.
condition, and car insurance for used vehicles is usually cheaper than insurance for new
vehicles.
Lastly, car buyers can inspect the interior of a car by using his or her eyes, ears, hands, and
D. nose by sniffing to detect unpleasant odors, lifting the floor mats to feel underneath for
dampness, looking for rusted metal, and looking for tears in the upholstery.
Planning
14. What would be the best beginning sentence for Sholandra's paper?
A. Buying a used vehicle is a lot more affordable than buying a new vehicle.
B. Car buyers should make sure that they get the style and color they want.
C. I really want my parents to buy me a brand new Lexus for my eighteenth birthday.
D. Consumers should carefully inspect a used car for signs of damage before they buy it.
Planning
15. Which item would best fit where Y is?
A. Hoses and belts
B. Battery
C. Radiator
D. Lights and lenses
Supporting Analysis
Most of us cook our food in an oven that requires wood, propane, or electricity. Solar ovens,
on the other hand, only require the rays of the sun as an energy source. There are over 60
different types of solar ovens, but most operate according to the same basic principles. Solar
cooking is a process that concentrates sunlight on a reflective surface, converts light to heat, and
traps heat inside a container. The oven is placed in direct sunlight and left until the food inside is
thoroughly cooked. Cooking time varies according to the type of solar oven, the amount of
sunlight, and the quantity of food.
Solar ovens are generally cheap to purchase and operate. A simple Internet search can provide
many tips on making your own oven from household items. Although solar ovens provide a less
fuel-intensive way to cook, they do have some disadvantages. They take longer to heat food than
conventional ovens, and they do not work well on cloudy or rainy days. For a growing number of
people, the advantages of cooking by the sun’s power far outweigh the minor disadvantages.
Why not buy or make your own solar oven today?
16. According to the article, what is one downside of cooking with solar ovens?
A. They can overheat and cause serious burns.
B. They are dependent on sunny weather.
C. They are complicated to assemble.
D. They are expensive to buy and maintain.
Supporting Analysis
17. According to the author of this article, what is one advantage of solar ovens?
A. They can cook more food than conventional ovens.
B. They cook food faster than conventional ovens.
C. They can operate in any kind of weather.
D. They use less fuel than conventional ovens.
Supporting Analysis
Happy Happy Smile Smile
by A. Gautam
"Happy happy smile smile!" Julia said to the children as they posed for the picture.
"That is not your line," Steve, 6, attacked. "Daddy, tell her she can't use Mom's words." He
got up from the couch and sat on his father's lap.
"Aren't you a little old for that?" Miranda, 13, asked her sulking step-brother. "Mom, would
you hurry up, please?"
"Alright—alright—say cheese, please!" Julia asked of the children and her husband and
finished her duty of taking the yearly picture. Next, she put the camera on auto mode and got in
the picture as well. "There. Thank you, guys.
"Miranda, help Daddy put together Steve's new toy. Stevie, honey, would you like to help me
set up the plates for dinner?"
"Sure," Miranda replied and stood next to her step-father, waiting for instructions. "How can I
help, George?"
"Please do not address him by his first name. At least call him 'father,' sweetheart!" Julia
insisted and waited for Steve with a smile.
"Why me?" Steve asked, still clinging to his father and hoping for an excuse. After receiving
a gentle nudge from him, Steve reluctantly moved towards the kitchen. "Okayyyyy! Daddy, why
do we take a picture on my birthday every year? Why not on your birthday?"
"Because your Mom used to take a picture of you every year to see how much you have
grown. You were the one and only baby for her. Nothing or nobody will ever replace you for
your daddy either," Julia responded instead and continued to hand Steve a plate to set on each
place mat. "You are a special boy."
"And, Miranda?" Steve asked Julia, without sulking.
"Well, she is my baby girl," Julia replied. "But, Miranda and I love you, too. Your daddy
loves her a little, too. Is that okay?"
"And, you?" Steve's voice was softer now.
"Can I love you a little, too?" Julia asked, facing Steve and anticipating a hug.
"Maybe tomorrow," Steve replied. "If I like your gift." After he was done helping Julia, he
stood close to her so she could embrace him if she wanted to. When she understood and bent
down, Steve ran away to the table where his gifts were being kept. He opened the box that was
marked "from Julia" first. When he saw that it was a picture frame with photographs of him and
his mother, he screamed with joy. The handmade wooden frame read "happy happy smile smile."
Julia was watching the little boy's face when he opened up the present. She saw a genuine
smile in his face. The same smile was apparent in his father's face at the same moment.
18. What does Julia's gift to Steve imply?
A. She is not trying to compete with his mother.
B. Steve likes his father's gift better regardless.
C. Her attempts in woodwork are fruitless.
D. Her daughter does not have a gift for him.
Central Ideas
The continent measures 3,300 miles at its widest point—from St. John's, Newfoundland, to the
Pacific Coast. From Alaska to Mexico, the continent extends 4,900 miles. Europe is made up of
many small nations. Unlike it, North America is composed of only three large nations: Canada,
the United States, and Mexico.
19. Which opening sentence best states the main idea of the paragraph?
A. Canada is the largest country in North America.
B. North America stretches "from sea to shining sea."
C. Those countries have many people and different climates.
D. Mexico is well-known for having dry, hot summers.
Central Ideas
Aimee Mullins
by J. Robbins
Model, actress, and athlete Aimee Mullins was born with a condition called fibular
hemimelia. The condition, which caused her to be born without shin (fibula) bones, required her
to undergo an amputation of both legs below the knees at the age of one. Aimee, wearing
artificial legs, participated in athletics against her non-disabled peers, and it wasn't until high
school that she entered her first track meet for people with physical disabilities. At her first track
event, she not only beat the other runners, most of whom had less severe amputations, but she
also set a national record.
Aimee continued to compete in athletics as she graduated high school and entered
Georgetown University. While attending college, she became the first athlete with a disability to
enter NCAA Division I track and field events. Her next challenge was the Paralympic Games, an
athletic competition that allows people with disabilities to compete in events similar to those in
the Olympic Games. In 1996, Aimee accomplished her goal of setting records in the 100 and
200-meter dash and in the long jump at the Paralympic Games in Georgia.
Athletics is not the only area in which Aimee Mullins excels. She earned an internship with
the prestigious Georgetown University Foreign Affairs program. After graduating with degrees
in both history and diplomacy, Aimee starred in several television programs, movies, and runway
fashion shows. She is also a motivational speaker who donates her time and efforts to helping
people with disabilities participate fully in life.
20. Which sentence best expresses the main idea of paragraph 3?
A.
Acting, modeling, and community service are other areas in which Aimee Mullins has
found success.
B.
Many people do not know that Aimee Mullins has also participated in runway fashion
shows in France.
C.
Acting in television shows and movies has allowed Aimee Mullins to become an advocate
for change.
D.
Aimee Mullins has decided to leave athletics and become a volunteer with many charitable
organizations.
Central Ideas
In Chinese astrology, everyone has an animal sign. It is decided by the lunar year in which the
person was born. There are twelve animal signs, and they rotate every twelve years. This means
a person encounters his or her animals sign once every twelve years.
According to the Chinese lunar calendar, 2006 is the Year of the Dog. Horoscopes try to
describe the personalities of the people born under each sign. Those born in the Year of the Dog
are known to be selfish and stubborn. They can also be honest and trustworthy. They may not be
the spotlight of public events, but they are considered to be loyal, good leaders, and excellent at
keeping secrets. If you were born in the Year of the Dog, you are most compatible with people
born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.
21. This passage is mainly about
A. the horoscope of those born in the Year of the Dog.
B. how people are born during twelve different signs.
C. how Chinese astrology uses twelve animal signs.
D. which animal signs are compatible with each other.
Author's Point of View
Alaska's vast Denali National Park is divided into designated tracts of wilderness, some as big
as whole counties. Snowfields and glaciers on the northern face of the Alaska Range mountains
feed wide-braided rivers that cut valleys through tundra. The landscape is treeless and trail-less
as far as you can see, and far beyond. There are no markers or signposts to designate where one
tract ends and another begins. They appear only on maps for the purpose of allotting backcountry hiking permits.
A portion of one of the tracts is even more special. It's off-limits. It's called Sable Pass, 60 or
so square miles of lumpy tundra protected against human intrusion, except for scientists who
have carved themselves an exemption. The purpose is to give wildlife one true sanctuary from
people. Sable Pass is in my thoughts because the last of the nation's public lands are in political
play these days, and too often we limit the discussion to how these lands should be "used."
Backpackers versus Jeeps. Oil drilling versus caribou. Tree cutters versus tree huggers. Jobs
versus recreation.
I would feel better about the future if our political debate about public lands accounted for the
intangible, but vital, need for wilderness. Not just for nature's sake but for the sake of our souls.
Can elk live on pastures with cows? Yes. Can caribou co-exist with oil rigs? They do. Grizzly
bears can live in garbage dumps too.
But wilderness, true wilderness, does not exist with cow pastures and oil rigs and garbage
dumps. Wilderness is not defined by how it can be used. Like Sable Pass, wilderness is about not
using it at all. Except to preserve our diminishing sense of wonder.
22. What is the author's purpose in writing this selection?
A. to persuade political leaders to use caution when developing wilderness land
B. to persuade readers that wilderness is best left totally alone
C. to inform readers of the huge environmental crisis that looms ahead
D. to convince readers to go hiking in the Denali National Park
Author's Point of View
23. What can you tell about the author's attitude toward the wilderness?
A. The author believes people can't carefully develop any areas of wilderness.
B. The author thinks man and animal can easily coexist in the wilderness.
C. The author feels that the government is overprotective of the wilderness.
D. The author is in favor of preserving the wilderness as much as possible.
Author's Point of View
24. Based on the tone of this passage, the author is most likely a member of which group?
A. a logging company
B. a garbage collection agency
C. an organization for farmers
D. a hiking and camping club
Supplying and Developing Evidence
(1) Angelina Jolie, a well-known American actress, has made incredible efforts to help
refugees of unstable countries. (2) Ms. Jolie has worked in refugee camps, donated large sums of
money, and spoken to political officials regarding the problems that refugees face. (3) Angelina
is a dedicated member of the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR). (4)
She has donated millions of dollars to fund organizations that shelter and rehabilitate refugees.
(5) Besides working in the field with other UNHCR staff, Ms. Jolie has become active in the
political arena. (6) Angelina Jolie's humanitarian acts and campaigns have raised awareness of
the appalling circumstances refugees around the world are forced to confront.
25. Which sentence could best be added after sentence 4?
(4) She has donated millions of dollars to fund organizations that shelter and rehabilitate
refugees.
Angelina has received many awards including the Citizen of the World Award in 2003,
A. and in 2005 she was awarded the Global Humanitarian Award, as well as Cambodian
citizenship.
Angelina contributed $1 million to help Afghan refugees, $200,000 to UNHCR's work in
B. Kenya in 2002, and she and her partner, Brad Pitt, donated $1 million to the UNHCR in
2007.
Angelina Jolie was named as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in 2001 and has visited
C. over twenty countries worldwide to bring attention to refugees and advocate for their
protection.
D.
Angelina encourages refugees to use their skills such as sewing, baking, hairdressing, etc.
to contribute to their local economies and to integrate into their new surroundings.
Supplying and Developing Evidence
When Les Paul died in the summer of 2009 at age 93, rock musicians all over the world
mourned. The rock music we know today would not be possible without him: He invented the
solid-body electric guitar.
Before his invention, all guitars were called “acoustic.” The only sound they made came from
the sound box of the guitar, or the part with a hole in it. The acoustic guitar is at least 500 years
old.
A solid-body electric guitar doesn’t have a hole in the middle because it does not have a
hollow sound box. Instead, electrical devices called pickups take in the vibration of the strings
and amplify them through speakers. These amplified sounds are really the basis for the rock
music we know today. Classical music does not rely on electric guitars. Solid-body electric
guitars come in many different colors.
At the request of the Gibson Guitar Co., a well known maker of acoustic guitars, Les Paul
produced his Les Paul signature model electric guitar. The Les Paul model is still considered by
many musicians to be the best electric guitar. Many of the most famous rock musicians visited
Les Paul at his home, and sometimes he joined them onstage at rock concerts. A 2005 album
made with many of his admirers, including Sting, won him two Grammy awards. Not bad for a
man who was 90 years old at the time.
26. Which of these sentences least supports the main idea of this passage?
A.
"The only sound they made came from the sound box of the guitar, or the part with a hole
in it."
B.
"Instead, electrical devices called pickups take in the vibration of the strings and amplify
them through speakers."
C.
"At the request of the Gibson Guitar Co., a well known maker of acoustic guitars, Les Paul
produced his Les Paul signature model electric guitar."
D. "The Les Paul model is still considered by many musicians to be the best electric guitar."
Supplying and Developing Evidence
27. Which of these sentences most strongly supports the main idea of this passage?
A.
"The rock music we know today would not be possible without him: He invented the solidbody electric guitar."
B. "Solid-body electric guitars come in many different colors."
C. "Classical music does not rely on electric guitars."
D. "The acoustic guitar is at least 500 years old."
Active and Passive Voice
Sometimes, companies manufacture products that may only last for a limited time. After that,
these products are discontinued, and their places are taken by other creations. For instance,
PepsiCo removed the original color of their cola and made it clear. Other times, the products
morph into different shapes. Even though these products last only a short while, they can have a
strong fan base that campaign for their return.
28. Read the following sentence from the passage.
For instance, PepsiCo removed the original color of their cola and made it clear.
What is the best way to change this sentence from active voice to passive voice?
A. PepsiCo, for instance, removed the original color of their cola and made it clear.
B. The original color of PepsiCo's cola, for instance, was removed and was made clear.
C. PepsiCo removed the original color of their cola and made it clear, for instance.
D. For instance, PepsiCo made the original color of their cola clear.
Active and Passive Voice
29. Read the following sentence from the passage.
After that, these products are discontinued, and their places are taken by other creations.
What is the best way to change this sentence from passive voice to active voice?
A. These products, after that, are discontinued and are replaced by other creations.
B. Their places are taken by other creations, and after that, these products are discontinued.
C. These products are discontinued, and their places are taken by other creations after that.
D. After that, companies discontinue these products, and other creations take their places.
Active and Passive Voice
Watching the yoyo accelerate downward and come up again, Roger became bewitched by the
spinning. He stood mesmerized by the spectacle that took place right in the middle of the mall.
The tricks of the trade were performed with great ease by a troupe of yoyo prodigies. They spun
the yoyos at breakneck speeds that seemed to defy gravity. As Roger continued to watch, he had
an urge to pick up a yoyo and try his hand at making his own amazing tricks.
30. Read the following sentence from the passage.
Watching the yoyo accelerate downward and come up again, Roger became bewitched by the
spinning.
What is the best way to change this sentence from passive voice to active voice?
A.
Watching the yoyo accelerate downward and come up again, Roger was bewitched by the
spinning.
B.
Roger was bewitched by the spinning while watching the yoyo accelerate downward and
come up again.
C.
Roger was watching the yoyo accelerate downward and come up again and became
bewitched by the spinning.
D.
The spinning bewitched Roger as he watched the yoyo accelerate downward and come up
again.
Evaluating Arguments
Will Smith’s latest film, Seven Pounds, is about as far from a “feel-good flick” or an “actionpacked thriller,” as you can get. In fact, the movie is probably going to be the “Debbie Downer”
of the holiday season. But perhaps that’s why it’s just what people need to see during a time of
the year where commercialism and consumerism reign?
Smith’s December 2007 film, I Am Legend, was a science fiction thriller about the last man
on earth. It grossed more than 77 million dollars during its opening weekend. One need only
mention movies like Independence Day, Ali, and Hancock to understand his monumental impact
on the film industry.
Although the Motion Picture Association of America rated Pounds PG-13, most viewers
under the age of 15 probably won’t be able to handle or grasp the gravity of the film’s message.
Family filmgoers need not worry, though. The violence is limited to accident scenes. This
mysterious drama ends in the ultimate sacrifice. This concept of giving all for love and the sake
of others is certainly something that could be a great discussion piece during holiday
celebrations.
31. What method does the author of this review use to persuade?
A. argument by authority
B. argument by emotion
C. anecdote
D. argument by logic
Evaluating Arguments
Electronics enthusiasts can purchase several different types of monitors today. The oldest are
cathode-ray tubes, or CRTs. These are the older, traditional television monitors and computer
monitors. They are heavy and have low resolution, yet they have fast refresh speeds. This means
images on a CRT are almost constantly being renewed. They are also very cheap.
LCDs, or laser-crystal displays, are much more sophisticated than CRTs. They are cost
affordable, and they have decent resolution. However, their refresh rates are slow. Sometimes
this can create jerky movements on the screen, particularly if the action onscreen is fast-moving.
LCDs use a horrendous amount of energy when compared to CRTs. Also, LCD screens suffer
from a problem called "pixel burn" where images can be burned onto the screen, damaging the
monitor.
Obviously, the best monitors that a person can buy today are LEDs, or light-emitting diodes.
LEDs use less energy. They produce a screen picture with higher resolution. They contain no
toxic or harsh chemicals like mercury or lead. Honestly, there is really very little bad to say
about them. LEDs are worth the price one must pay because of their cutting edge technology.
32. Read the following sentence from the passage.
"Obviously, the best monitors that a person can buy today are LEDs, or light-emitting diodes."
How should the author rewrite this sentence to strengthen the argument?
A. The best monitors that a person can buy today are LEDs, or light-emitting diodes.
B. Obviously. The best monitors a person can buy are LEDs, or light-emitting diodes.
C. Light-emitting diodes make the best monitors to buy, obviously.
D. Obviously, the best monitors that a person can buy today are LEDs.
Evaluating Arguments
33. Which sentence should be cut from the passage to strengthen the author's argument?
A. "Honestly, there is really very little bad to say about them."
B. "They are cost affordable, and they have decent resolution."
C. "They contain no toxic or harsh chemicals like mercury or lead."
D. "This means images on a CRT are almost constantly being renewed."
Inferences
Gwendolyn Brooks
1917–2000
Gwendolyn Brooks published her first poem when she was 13-years-old. By the time she was
16, she had a portfolio of 75 published poems. While she was still in high school, her mother
took her to meet Harlem Renaissance poets Langston Hughes and James Weldon Johnson.
Although Brooks was born in Kansas, her family moved to Chicago, Illinois, when she was
six weeks old, and Brooks lived there until her death in 2000. She attended Wilson Junior
College and worked as a typist after The Chicago Defender did not hire her.
Brooks’ first book of poetry was called A Street in Bronzeville. The national recognition she
received helped her earn her first Guggenheim Fellowship. Brooks’ second book of poetry,
Annie Allen, made her the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for poetry.
Brooks also taught creative writing at a number of institutions including Columbia University
and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her next book was a book-length poem called The
Mecca that was nominated for a National Book Award. In 1968, Brooks was named the Poet
Laureate of Illinois and served as such until her death. She received honorary degrees from more
than 75 colleges and universities throughout the world.
During her career, Brooks published more than 20 books of poetry, nonfiction, fiction and
biography. In 1988, she was inducted in the National Women’s Hall of Fame. In 1994, Brooks
was chosen as the National Endowment for the Humanities’ Jefferson Lecturer. This is the
highest honor the federal government gives out in the humanities and an immense honor in
American literature. She was also given a lifetime achievement award by the National
Endowment for the Arts. The Illinois State Library was named after her posthumously in 2003.
Brooks married Henry Blakely in 1938 and had two children, Henry Jr. and Norma Brooks
Blakely. At the age of 83, she passed away from cancer in her Southside Chicago home.
34. The author wants the reader to assume that
A. Brooks did not receive recognition until after her death.
B. Brooks successfully wrote literature in many genres.
C. Brooks only had success with nonfiction and poetry works.
D. Brooks neglected her family life for her writing career.
Inferences
Help
by J. Robbins
“Hey, guys,” Mindy said as she sat down at the lunchroom table. “Has anyone figured out
what’s going on?” Her friends shook their heads, and Mindy frowned in concern. This was not a
good sign.
“Evelina sent me a text message and asked me to meet her at our usual table,” replied Pedro.
“That’s all I know. You don’t think . . . you don’t think she’ll try it again, do you?”
“No way!” shrieked Carly in alarm. “She wouldn’t dare. I bet she just wants to talk about her
birthday party—or, more accurately, her super fabulous birthday extravaganza.” Mindy sighed
and opened her carton of chocolate milk.
“If she does try it again, we’ll have to tell Ms. Shearer,” she told her friends. “This madness
has got to stop sometime, and I think we need professional help. Evelina could really hurt
someone one of these days.”
“You guys,” warned Pedro softly. “She’s here.” The three of them looked up to see Evelina
march into the cafeteria with several large plastic containers in her arms. Mindy could feel her
heart pounding in her chest as Evelina maneuvered her way through the crowd of students and
set the containers in front of her friends.
“Surprise!” Evelina laughed as her friends looked at each other in dismay. “I'm glad you are
all here to see my latest brilliant creation. Now you'll get to try my brand-new recipe—baked
clams in a honey mustard, olive, and strawberry sauce. Brought to you with love from the
famous Café Evelina!” She began dishing out the clams and handing them to her friends.
“More like the infamous Café Evelina,” muttered Pedro under his breath. He gave the mess
on his plate a tentative poke with a fork, and brown ooze began to flow across his plate.
“Uh, I have a question,” Carly said as she stared in horror at Pedro’s plate. “How did you
keep these clams fresh? I mean, you must have baked them last night, right?” Evelina beamed
with pride.
“I sure did,” she replied. “And I left them in the trunk of my car this morning. It’s only 80
degrees outside, so I’m sure they’re fine. Eat up!”
“Listen, Evie,” Mindy said as she grabbed Evelina’s fork out of her hands before she could
take a bite. “Seafood needs to be kept at a certain temperature to stay fresh. You can’t just keep it
in the trunk of your car and hope for the best. People could get food poisoning!”
“She’s right,” agreed Pedro. “You know, Ms. Shearer has a lot of great information about
food safety. She told me that she has been interested in food her whole life. Why don’t we all go
and talk to her?”
“Sure!” said Carly. “I think that’s a great idea. Ms. Shearer used to be a chef in Paris, and I’m
sure she could even give you tips about opening your own restaurant.” Evelina cheered up
immediately.
“Well, okay then!” she exclaimed as she jumped out of her chair. “I have a million questions
to ask her about becoming the world's most famous chef.”
“Ms. Shearer will be thrilled to see Evelina finally in her classroom. In fact, I think every
person in the entire school will be thrilled,” Pedro whispered to his friends as they followed
Evelina into the Home Economics classroom.
35. Which statement from this passage supports the inference that Evelina's poor cooking skills
are well-known?
A. "In fact, I think every person in the entire school will be thrilled."
B. "She told me that she has been interested in food her whole life."
C. "I bet she just wants to talk about her birthday party. . . ."
D. "She began dishing out the clams and handing them to her friends."
Inferences
36. What can the reader infer about Ms. Shearer?
A. She is the school's Home Economics teacher.
B. She has been trained as a school counselor.
C. She is upset that Evelina wants to take her job.
D. She believes Evelina is a wonderful cook.
Capitalization
(1) "The weather forecast is predicting record high temperatures for today," announced Jason
as he walked into his friends' garage. (2) He dropped a bag full of canned goods on a nearby
chair and sighed deeply.
(3) "We'll be fine," Scylla replied with a cheerful grin. (4) "there are plenty of ice-cold sodas
in the cooler. (5) Plus, we can go inside the house to cool off if we need to. (6) All of our family
members are looking forward to meeting our friends—in fact, aunt Hera plans to order pizza
from Zeus' Deli for our lunch."
(7) "I am going to move our mother's car out of the garage," said Scylla's twin sister
Charybdis. (8) "I don't want anything to happen to her brand-new cadillac CTS Coupe." (9) She
drove down the driveway just as Herc pulled up in his scooter.
(10) "Did you guys see all the construction on Bridge Road?" Herc asked his friends. (11) "It
looked like a scene out of a disaster movie. (12) I hope people will still show up today."
(13) "Don't worry, Herc," said Scylla. (14) "Halthom city is full of kind-hearted
citizens. (15) I'm sure the Second Annual Charity Food Drive will be a huge success."
(16) "Hey, sis, the ladies from the Junior League are here," Charybdis said as she returned to
the garage. (17) "They want to know if any of the Food Banks in town will accept cash
donations." (18) The four friends forgot about the blazing heat as they enthusiastically collected
donations for charity.
37. How should the author revise sentence 17?
A. "They want to know if any of The Food Banks in town will accept cash donations."
B. "they want to know if any of the food banks in town will accept cash donations."
C. "They want to know if any of the food banks in town will accept cash donations."
D. "They want to know if any of the food Banks in town will accept cash donations."
Capitalization
38. Which sentence contains a capitalization error?
A. sentence 7
B. sentence 1
C. sentence 3
D. sentence 4
Capitalization
39. What change, if any, should the author make to sentence 6?
A. Change pizza to Pizza.
B. Change Deli to deli.
C. No change is necessary.
D. Change aunt to Aunt.
Parallel Structure
(1) Annie Oakley was a sharpshooter and entertainer who lived from 1860 to 1926. (2) She
not only is known for her amazing shooting abilities but also her work to educate and inspire
women of her time.
(3) When Annie joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West in 1885, the show not only had never hired a
female cast member but also had never featured narratives that involved women. (4) Through her
performances, Annie showed that women could be tough, self-reliant, and equal to men.
(5) Off the stage, Annie used her skills and knowledge to help other women. (6) She claimed
to have taught 15,000 women about how to shoot guns and defending themselves. (7) In one
article that appeared in a Cincinnati newspaper, Annie described how to conceal a gun under an
umbrella if a woman was walking on the street alone.
(8) Annie avoided politics, so she never aligned with the women’s suffrage movement in the
early 1900s. (9) However, she did speak out for women’s rights, saying that women should be
able to work outside the home, women should get equal pay for equal work, and women should
be able to defend themselves.
40. What is the best way to revise sentence 6?
A.
She claimed to have taught 15,000 women about how to shooting guns and defend
themselves.
B.
She claimed to have taught 15,000 women about how to shoot guns and also she taught
about defending themselves.
C.
She claimed to have taught 15,000 women about how to shoot guns and how to defend
themselves.
D. She claimed to have taught 15,000 women about shooting guns and to defend themselves.
Parallel Structure
41. Which sentence from the passage demonstrates an error in parallel structure?
A. sentence 4
B. sentence 9
C. sentence 3
D. sentence 2
Parallel Structure
42. Which sentence demonstrates an error in parallel structure?
A.
Neither studying for a test nor doing your household chores sounds like a fun way to spend
your weekend.
B.
Applicants for the job at the municipal court must have earned either a high school
diploma or a GED equivalency.
C.
Astronauts must be able to both perform complex calculations and maintain top physical
condition.
D.
Stephen Hawking is known not only for his achievements as a physicist but also because
he bravely lives with ALS.
Precise Language
Krystal is writing a research paper on the Harlem Renaissance. This is her first draft.
(1) The beginning and end of the Harlem Renaissance are always argued about by a lot of
people, but people do not argue about the movement’s importance to everyone who loves art,
music, dance, literature, and theater. (2) Social sciences like philosophy, sociology, and
historiography also experienced growth during the Harlem Renaissance. (3) The movement had a
major impact on people throughout the Diaspora, or people of African descent spread throughout
the world. (4) Afro-Caribbean artists were influenced and many black artists from colonies living
in Paris who spoke French were also influenced by the Harlem Renaissance.
(5) Part of the reason why the Harlem Renaissance happened was because of things like
people moving to the city to work in factories. (6) They called the movement of people from the
South and rural areas to cities in the North the Great Migration. (7) Harlem became a center for
the black middle class in New York City. (8) The freedom from racially-motivated social and
intellectual constraints of the South helped make Harlem for many. (9) The culture of Harlem
helped artists work better and make more art.
(10) Claude McKay’s Harlem Shadows, Jean Toomer’s Cane, and Jessie Fauset’s Confusion
all showed different aspects of African American life and helped to develop an audience for
more literature. (11) Claude McKay, Jean Toomer, and Jessie Fauset all made it easier for new
up and coming writers like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Nella Larsen and others. (12)
Alain Locke, often called the Father of the Harlem Renaissance, James Weldon Johnson, and
W.E.B. DuBois were some of the foremost thinkers and intellectuals in the movement. (13)
Important visual artists included Romare Bearden, Lois Mailou Jones, and William H. Johnson.
43. What is the most precise way to write sentence 8 from the passage?
A.
For a new freedom from racially-motivated social and intellectual constraints, many folks
moved to Harlem.
B.
The freedom Harlem offered for many from the racially-motivated and intellectual
constraints of the South.
C.
Harlem offered a freedom from the racially-motivated social and intellectual constraints of
the South.
D.
Harlem had the racially-motivated social and intellectual constraints of many southern
cities and towns.
Precise Language
44. What is the most precise way to revise sentence 1?
Although people dispute the Harlem Renaissance's beginning and ending, they never argue
A. about its impact on art, music, dance literature, and theater in the United States and abroad
in the Caribbean and cities like Paris.
The beginning and end of the Harlem Renaissance are always argued about by a lot of
B. people, but people do not argue about the movement's importance to everyone who loves
art, music, dance, literature, and theater.
C.
People argue about when the Harlem Renaissance began and ended but not how much
people liked the music and art.
D.
Although people dispute the Harlem Renaissance's beginning and end, they never argue
about its impact on the arts.
Effectiveness of Structure
History of Hybrid Cars
Would you believe the history of hybrid cars goes all the way back to the 1800s? And that the
gas-powered cars most of us still use today weren’t mass-produced until the 1900s? In 1839, a
Scottish man named Robert Anderson built the first electric car. A few decades later, in 1870, Sir
David Salomon developed a car that had a very light electric motor, but its batteries were very
heavy. As a result, the car moved very slowly and could not go very far.
In England, an electric taxicab was introduced in 1886. It had a battery that had 28 cells and a
small electric motor. Over the next 20 years or so, battery technology improved significantly.
One of the most notable accomplishments was the modern lead-acid battery created by H. Tudor
and the nickel-iron battery that was developed by Edison and Junger.
In a two-year period that began in 1897, The Pope Manufacturing Company in Hartford,
Connecticut built 500 electric cars. In 1899, the company merged with two smaller electric
companies to create the Electric Vehicle Company. This was the first large automotive company,
and it was worth $200 million.
When gas-powered, steam-powered, and electric cars were compared at the first National
Automobile Show in 1900, most people preferred the electric ones. Steam-powered cars were
their second choice. Thousands of electric cars were produced at the beginning of the 20th
century.
A change came in 1904 when Henry Ford was able to fix the noise, vibration, and smell
problems people complained about with gas-powered cars. He produced a cheap, light weight
gas-powered car that sank the Electric Vehicle Company. By 1913, gas-powered cars became
easier to use and the number of electric cars sold dropped to 6,000. That same year, 182,809
Model-T Fords were sold.
In 1966, Congress first recommended the use of electric vehicles to reduce the amount of air
pollution. Between 1968 and 1971 a group of scientists at a major auto supplier called TRW
developed a hybrid power train, or way of generating power in a car. Many of the concepts they
came up with are used for the hybrid cars we have today.
Although many companies tried their hand at developing hybrid cars, Honda’s Insight became
the first hybrid car to be mass marketed in the United States in 1999. Since then, the Toyota
Prius (first released in 2000) and the Honda Civic Hybrid (available since 2002) have been
popular cars.
45. According to the article, what happened as a result of the National Auto Show in 1901?
A.
Gas-powered cars became easier to use, and the number of electric cars sold dropped to
6,000.
B. Thousands of electric cars were produced at the beginning of the 20th century.
C.
Honda's Insight became the first hybrid car to be mass marketed in the United States in
1999.
D.
Congress first recommended the use of electric vehicles to reduce the amount of air
pollution.
Effectiveness of Structure
Hubert Selby, Jr.
Many people assume that great writers either are born great or become great through many
years of higher education. But this is not always the case. Some writers do not intend to become
writers at all. They discover their talent by accident. This is what happened to Hubert Selby, Jr.
As a young man, Selby did not take an interest in writing. In fact, he did not even complete
his high school education. Like his father before him, Selby joined the United States Merchant
Marine at a very young age. He spent his teenage years working as a sailor. Had fate not
intervened, Selby might have spent the rest of his adult life at sea. Instead, in 1947, at the age of
nineteen, Selby fell victim to tuberculosis. Many of the other merchant mariners onboard Selby’s
ship died as a result of this same illness. Indeed, when Selby was discharged from the Merchant
Marine and sent back to America, his doctors warned him that he had little time left to live.
Despite these predictions, Selby survived. But his life as a sickly ex-mariner was tough. He
was not physically healthy enough, or qualified enough, to get a decent job. He spent much of his
twenties sick in bed.
Ten years after Selby caught tuberculosis, a childhood friend suggested that he try writing
fiction. Considering that he was too unhealthy for other means of employment, Selby found that
the idea made sense. Though Selby had no training or experience, he started writing short stories
in 1958. Three years later, one of his short stories was published in a literary journal. And three
years after that, a well-known New York publisher published Selby’s first novel.
By the mid-1960’s, Hubert Selby, Jr., was a literary phenomenon. Many writers praised his
talent and his experimental writing style. Selby continued to write until his death in 2004. At the
time of his death, he had lived about fifty-seven years longer than his doctors had predicted he
would.
46. What happened immediately after Hubert Selby, Jr., caught tuberculosis?
A. He was discharged from the Merchant Marine.
B. His childhood friend suggested he write fiction.
C. He started writing short stories in 1958.
D. A New York publisher published his first novel.
Technical Meanings
Perry needs to lower his monthly expenses, so he can pay off some debt. He decides to keep
his DSL but cancel his landline phone with Bell Mead Phone Company. In place of a landline
phone, he purchases VoIP with Victory Wireless. These changes will save him $35 a month. He
will use the extra money to help pay off his credit card debt.
47. The technical term VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. VoIP allows a person to
A. use video-conference software online.
B. use an online telephone connection.
C. use the Internet as a radio broadcaster.
D. use the computer to record music.
Technical Meanings
48. If someone has DSL, then that person has
A. voice mail service.
B. a house alarm service.
C. a wireless phone.
D. an Internet connection.
Characters
Justin could not believe that he was really in high school.
It is not as if he had never been in the building before. The previous year, he and his
classmates went on a tour of the high school. Their teacher thought that knowing what the school
was like would help them adjust to the change.
Justin did not have any friends at his middle school. Because the other kids never saw him
talking to anybody, they thought he was strange. Because they assumed there was something
wrong with him, they never talked to him.
Needless to say, they were all shocked when, on the day of the tour, high school kids began
saying hello to Justin and screaming his name across the halls. They soon found out that Justin
had lots of friends, all of whom went to high school.
From that day forward, Justin’s classmates looked at him differently. Not only did they want
to talk to him, but they asked him for advice on getting along with the older kids.
As he walked down the halls on his first official day of high school, he radiated confidence.
He looked forward not only to the rest of the day, but to the next four years.
49. Which of the following best describes why Justin's classmates do not talk to him before the
tour of the high school?
A. They did not like the fact that all his friends were older kids.
B. They assumed he was weird because he was always alone.
C. Justin told his classmates that he did not need any friends.
D. Justin was always doing or saying strange things to them.
Characters
Shori and Phillip had been best friends since they were five years old. That’s when Shori had
moved to Phillip’s block. He spotted Shori sitting on her stoop and decided to say hello. Once
they realized they shared the same last name and the same birthday, they were inseparable.
No one ever believed that a boy and a girl could be just friends. Shori’s girlfriends teased her
about Phillip mercilessly.
“I can’t seem to find a date for this weekend for the life of me,” Nora sighed. “I guess I’ll
make this another Friday night filled with washing my hair and watching reruns of Grey’s
Anatomy.”
“I know just what you mean,” Shori laughed. “I can’t remember the last time I had a date that
wasn’t with my family.”
“Shori’s not going to be sitting home alone on Friday night,” Cindy said. “She’s just agreeing
to make us feel better about ourselves.”
“What do you mean?” Shori asked. “I’m single just like you are!”
“Single with Phillip to chauffeur you around everywhere you want to go,” Cindy replied.
“Phillip and I are just friends,” Shori said.
“Sure you are,” Cindy said. "I wish I had a friend as good as Phillip." All the other girls fell
out laughing.
One of Phillip’s teammates even suggested that he stop being friends with Shori.
“If you’re not going to date the girl, the least you could do is get out of the way and give other
guys a fair shot,” Tim said.
“What? Shori’s just my best friend. I don’t understand how I’m in anybody’s way,” Phillip
said.
“As long as she’s got you, she doesn’t need a boyfriend. You take her out to eat and to the
movies,” Tim said. “You walk Shori home from school every day.”
Phillip thought about what Tim had said. Maybe he’s right? Shori and I do spend a lot of time
together.
Even their parents got in on the act.
“The two of would you make the cutest couple,” Shori’s mom opined while Shori got fitted
for her cousin’s wedding. “You should ask Phillip to escort you to Nandi’s wedding.”
“Mom! I told you Phillip is just a friend,” Shori whined. But what her mom and friends said
made her start to think. Phillip is pretty cute, but could we ever be more than friends? If it didn’t
work out, could we save our friendship?
Saturday chores at Phillip’s house were no different.
“You know who I really like, Phillip?” Dad said without waiting for Phillip to respond. “That
Shori! I think one day she’s going to make some fellow a really fine wife.”
“And let me guess. You think I should snatch her up before some other guy beats me to the
punch?”
“Son, you’re even smarter than you look,” Dad responded with a twinkle in his eye.
Phillip shook his head and walked out of the kitchen. Sure, he had thought about Shori being
more than a friend at one point. She was a beautiful girl. But he would never want to lose her
friendship, so he put the thought out of his mind immediately.
“Phillip, do you ever wonder if people are right when they say we spend too much time
together?” Shori said one day when they were walking home from school.
“I don’t think we spend any more time together than other best friends,” he replied. “But do
you think our relationship is hampering our dating lives?”
Shori laughed. “Have you been talking to Cindy?”
“No. Why?” Phillip asked.
“No reason,” Shori said. “What do you think we should do about it?”
“I don’t know, but it seems like our friends and family won’t be happy until we’re married
off,” Phillip said.
“Or at least engaged in a long term dating relationship,” Shori replied. “Hey, my mom wanted
me to ask you to be my escort for my cousin’s wedding next weekend. Do you mind?”
“Of course not,” Phillip said with a wink. “It’s a date.”
50. The reader can tell that Shori
A. is not entirely opposed to dating Phillip.
B. doesn't want to go out with Tim.
C. thinks of Phillip as her brother.
D. wants to double date with Phillip and Cindy.
Impact and Tone
Movie Night
by J. Robbins
"I've told you a hundred times that I don't like horror movies," Zenovia told her best friend as
she watched him load a disc into the DVD player.
"You love that silly Eveningtime movie, and I find its bad acting and inane dialogue scarier
than any horror movie," Fandorin responded.
"Eveningtime has vampires in it, but they aren't scary," said Zenovia with an exasperated
sigh.
"Nosferatu is a classic film in every sense of the word," Fandorin insisted. "It has influenced
the vampire legend since it was released in 1922. You're studying Bram Stoker's Dracula in
English class, and you should see this vampire film as part of your education."
"Fine," replied Zenovia grudgingly. "I just hope this 'educational' film doesn't make me
scream my head off."
"You haven't started the movie yet, have you?" Quincy called from the door. He hurried over
to the table and deposited an armload of sodas and snacks. His sister Ariadne followed him into
the room and plopped down on the couch.
"What archaic movie is Fandorin foisting on us tonight? I hope I'll be able to stay awake,"
Ariadne whispered to Zenovia.
"I heard that," said Fandorin, his face red. "Just because a movie is old doesn't make it
archaic. I promise you'll like it, guys. Trust me!"
The movie began to play as the group devoured their food. Fandorin watched his friends'
faces closely and was pleased to see that they were quickly drawn into the story. The room filled
with silent anticipation as the Nosferatu character began to reveal his true nature. Zenovia,
Ariadne, and Quincy's nerves were stretched to the breaking point as they stared mesmerized at
the television.
Suddenly, the door slammed open with a crash, and a masked figure loomed in the doorway.
Ariadne and Quincy screamed loudly and ducked under the coffee table while Zenovia hurled the
remote control at the intruder in an instinctive movement. The remote bounced off the figure's
head and dislodged his mask.
"Eustace, you are the biggest pest in the world," exclaimed Fandorin when his younger
brother was revealed behind the monster mask. "This is exactly the kind of stunt that got you
banned from movie night." He jumped up from his seat to chase his sibling out of the room.
"I totally knew that it was Eustace," Quincy claimed shakily. "I just wanted to grab this
cookie that had rolled under the table."
"Right, Q," said Ariadne. "At least I'm not afraid to admit I was terrified. Zenovia wasn't
afraid, though—she was Zenovia the Vampire Slayer!"
"Hey, that could be a viable back-up career," Zenovia laughed. "Let's get back to the movie."
Fandorin returned to his seat and handed Zenovia the remote control.
"I told you it was a great film," Fandorin told her with a wink.
"Yeah, yeah," replied Zenovia. "You were right. Don't let it go to your head, though, or we'll
put you in the hall with Eustace."
51. Which of the following best describes the mood at the end of this passage?
A. anxious
B. harmonious
C. sentimental
D. combative
Impact and Tone
Act I, Scene ii
HORATIO: My lord, I came to see your father’s funeral.
HAMLET: I prithee do no mock me, fellow student,
I think it was to see my mother’s wedding.
HORATIO: Indeed, my lord, it followed hard upon.
HAMLET: Thrift, thrift, Horatio! The funeral baked meats
Did coldly furnish forth the marriage tables.
Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven
Or ever I had seen that day, Horatio!
My father—methinks I see my father.
HORATIO: O, where, my lord?
HAMLET: In my mind’s eye, Horatio.
HORATIO: I saw him once. He was a goodly king.
HAMLET: He was a man, take him for all in all.
I shall not look upon his like again.
HORATIO: My lord, I think I saw him yesternight.
HAMLET: Saw? Who?
HORATIO: My lord, the King your father.
HAMLET: The King my father?
HORATIO: Season your admiration for a while
With an attent ear, till I may deliver,
Upon the witness of these gentlemen,
This marvel to you.
HAMLET: For God’s love let me hear!
from Hamlet by William Shakespeare
52. Which dialogue contributes to the mood of anxiety in this scene?
A. "For God's love let me hear!"
B. "Would I had met my dearest foe in heaven."
C. "I think it was to see my mother's wedding."
D. "I saw him once. He was a goodly king."
Transitions
Ashley Lewis’ schedule was always full. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays she had
voice lessons followed by piano class. On Tuesdays and Thursdays she had acting class and
diction lessons. Somehow she still managed to go to school for eight hours a day. Her classmates
couldn’t understand how she did it. Sometimes, neither did Ashley.
Dad shuttled her back and forth between rehearsals. Mom attended all of her recitals and
performances. Both parents gave her pep talks whenever she was afraid of going on stage.
As a result of her hard work and her parents’ unwavering support, Ashley was able to get into
to The Julliard School, a prestigious performing arts conservatory. She spent nine months a year
intensively studying music theory and performance techniques. Ashley was the happiest she’d
ever been.
_______ she felt like all the sacrifices she made in high school paid off.
53. Which transitional word or phrase would best begin this sentence from the passage?
___________ , she felt like all the sacrifices she made in high school paid off.
A. Because
B. All in all
C. Secondly
D. As long as
Transitions
54. Which of these is the best transition between paragraphs one and two?
A.
Ashley came from a long line of actors and singers and dancers, so she felt like she had to
live up to her family's legacy.
B.
Her classmates voted Ashley "Most Likely to Succeed" because no one else could afford
all those music lessons.
C.
Ashley's acting and singing weren't that great, so she got a weekend job to pay for lessons
because her mom and dad didn't really believe in her talent or abilities.
D.
Although her parents were concerned about her experiencing burn out before she
graduated from high school, they fully supported their daughter Ashley's dreams.
Spelling
(1) "Are you sure the oven is set at the right temprature?" asked Tocara as she gathered the
ingredients to make chocolate frosting. (2) She opened a bag of confectioner's sugar and poured
several cups of the powdery substance into a bowl. (3) After adding butter, vanilla, and cocoa,
she began to whisk the ingredients together.
(4) "Stop being so anxious," Yelvin replied. (5) "We could have taken Remudo to an
expensive restarant and avoided all this effort. (6) I don't understand why we needed to bake a
fancy three-layer cake for him."
(7) "We're not talking about a casual acquantance," Tocara said
argumentatively. (8) "Remudo is one of our closest friends, and he deserves a big celebration for
his achievement."
(9) "I still can't believe our friend has a pilot's lisence," said Yelvin. (10) "Undoubtedly, he
will let us accompany him to the airfield whenever we want."
(11) "You wish!" Tocara laughed. (12) "He plans to become a test pilot for experamental
aircraft. (13) I don't think he wants to waste time chauffeuring you around the friendly
skies." (14) She pulled the oven door open to check on the cake and frowned. (15) Yelvin's
mouth dropped open in surprise when he peered over her shoulder.
(16) "What happened?" wondered Yelvin. (17) "Our cake doesn't look anything like the one
pictured in the reciepe book."
(18) "It sure doesn't," Tocara groaned. (19) "This mess looks more like a minature volcano
than a cake. (20) I guess we'll have to start over from scratch."
(21) "I'd better get at least one free flight after all of this work," muttered Yelvin as he
grabbed a bowl and a ladle from the cupboard.
55. What is the best way to correct the spelling error in sentence 5?
A. "We could have taken Remudo to an expensive resturant and avoided all this effort."
B. "We could have taken Remudo to an expensive resterant and avoided all this effort."
C. "We could have taken Remudo to an expensive restaurant and avoided all this effort."
D. "We could have taken Remudo to an expensive restarent and avoided all this effort."
Spelling
56. What change, if any, should be made to sentence 1?
A. No change is necessary.
B. Change chocolate to chocalate.
C. Change ingredients to ingrediants.
D. Change temprature to temperature.
Pronouns
(1) Dear Mayor Carver:
(2) Thank you so much for speaking to our government class last week. (3) I learned so much,
and you helped reaffirm my decision to pursue a career in politics. (4) I was inspired when you
talked about the ways in which politics improves people's lives. (5) For example, your plan for
improving the condition of the homeless was impressive. (6) Everyone in the community should
strive to do their best.
(7) Additionally, I want to thank you for talking to me after class about a summer internship
at city hall. (8) I'm glad the city has an internship program for the youth of our community. (9) I
will definitely apply for the program this summer. (10) Next fall, I plan to run for class president
at my high school. (11) However, before then, I hope to improve my debate skills, and I think
you would make a great mentor. (12) I would be honored to spend time this summer working for
someone who I greatly admire.
57. What change should be made in the first paragraph?
A. Change your to his or her in sentence 5.
B. Change you to your in sentence 3.
C. Change their to his or her in sentence 6.
D. Change you to us in sentence 4.
Pronouns
58. What change should be made in the second paragraph?
A. Change my to mine in sentence 11.
B. Change me to I in sentence 7.
C. Change our to ours in sentence 8.
D. Change who to whom in sentence 12.
Context Clues
Stranded in Italy
The train from Paris to Rome was hot and crowded. Patrick wanted nothing more than to
sleep, but his train compartment was too congested and offered almost no leg room.
Patrick didn't know Italian, so he cleared his throat to let the other passengers know that he
wanted to exit. Outside of his compartment, a narrow corridor led from one car to the next.
Patrick walked to the end of the corridor, only to find that the next car was identical to the one
he'd left: teeming with passengers. Undeterred by the thought that all the cars might be the same,
Patrick continued to the next car, and then the next, until at last he'd found exactly what he was
looking for: an entire row of empty seats.
It was then that Patrick noticed a posted sign in Italian, punctuated by exclamation marks. The
sign worried him, but he couldn't pass up the opportunity to lie down and stretch his legs.
Minutes later, he was sound asleep.
The next thing he knew, a uniformed guard was standing over him, shining a flashlight in
Patrick's eyes. The man's words were unintelligible, but Patrick guessed from the man's tone that
Patrick was supposed to leave. But when Patrick tried to return to his old car, he saw to his
surprise that the cars were no longer connected!
There was nothing to do but disembark and take shelter in a nearby train station. Patrick had
no clue where he was, but he was pretty sure he wasn't in Rome.
Inside the station, a large board flashed and flickered with the names of foreign cities and
departure times. Patrick couldn't make sense of it. He tried to buy a ticket from the woman at the
counter, but she didn't speak English.
Exasperated, Patrick was about to give up when an elderly Italian woman tapped him on the
shoulder.
"Excuse me," she said. "The train conductor told me what happened. You were on the wrong
train car." Then she pointed to the large board that had previously mystified Patrick. "You will
want to catch the next train to Milan," she said. "From there it is easy to get to Rome."
Patrick was relieved. "You are a life saver," he told the woman. "This day has been quite a
fiasco."
"It helps to be bilingual," she said, winking at him.
59. What is the meaning of the word teeming as it is used in the second paragraph?
A. operating
B. swarming
C. becoming
D. appearing
Context Clues
60. What is the definition of disembark, used in the fifth paragraph?
A. explore
B. remain
C. embrace
D. get off
Revising
Belle is trying to persuade her school administration to retain extracurricular art programs. This
is a draft of her letter to the school administration board.
(1) There are many things a kid takes away from school besides education. (2) I am talking
about the memories I have created with my friends, the friendships I have made, and the
adventures I have done outside of class. (3) Creating the Free Art Club was the highlight of my
sixth grade career. (4) I remember being inspired to start an organization where students were
free to create music, art, paintings, and anything to express themselves. (5) For the first time in
my life, I was a leader.
(6) Do you remember the mural my friends from the Free Art Club created in the community
center? (7) We received so much attention from the press. (8) The city’s mayor even gave our
school an extra grant for art programs, including the Free Art Club that created the mural.
(9) When the schools decided to cut the art program, many students—including me—were
disappointed. (10) To make the matters worse, the school has asked all seniors to stop any
participation in extracurricular activities and to only focus on academics. (11) The school
administration has failed to consider the fact that students focus better on studies when they are
refreshed.
(12) Wouldn’t students engage in sports and other activities in their homes anyway? (13)
Restricting students from taking part in school programs can’t stop them from finding other ways
to entertain and relax themselves. (14) Why take away the students’ choice to engage in
productive extracurricular activities at school?
(15) I hope you consider the voice of students like me, and let us enjoy a dynamic high school
experience.
61. Where would the sentence below best fit in the passage?
The art programs and activities have benefited our school as a whole as well.
A. before sentence 11
B. before sentence 6
C. after sentence 12
D. after sentence 1
Revising
The Chinese New Year
(1) The Chinese New Year celebration, known as the Spring Festival in China, is held
annually to celebrate the start of a new year. (2) The festival has been celebrated since 2,000
B.C. (3) Every year, the celebration begins on the first new moon between January 21st and
February 19th. (4) The celebration traditionally lasts for two weeks.
(5) The holiday is based on a myth that a horrible beast would attack villages and kill many of
the people at the beginning of each year. (6) The Chinese believed that they could scare the beast
away with loud noises, bright lights, and the color red. (7) It was not only the myth of the vicious
beast that frightened the Chinese people. (8) Millions of Chinese people were apprehensive about
the start of a new year, but the hardships of poverty and famine faced them. (9) They needed a
way to protect themselves against the tragedies of life.
(10) Preparation for the celebration usually starts a week before. (11) Families thoroughly
clean their homes to symbolize getting rid of the misfortunes of the previous year. (12) Families
also pay off debts, add a new coat of red paint to doors and window frames, and decorate with
flowers. (13) Children are warned to behave well so they can avoid bad luck. (14) Businesses
throughout the communities hang red paper signs with characters of prosperity and happiness on
them.
(15) On the evening before a new year begins, families gather for a special dinner. (16) They
feast on dishes that represent fortune and good luck. (17) Fireworks are lit at midnight. (18) The
fireworks continue until the morning. (19) The fireworks are meant to scare away evil spirits and
to attract the favor of kind gods. (20) People often continue to set off fireworks during the two
weeks of celebration.
(21) On the first day of a new year, the Chinese people perform several customs to rid
themselves of bad luck and welcome good fortune. (22) People dress in new clothes to symbolize
a new beginning. (23) They also take gifts of fruits and cakes to their relatives and friends. (24) I
think it would be a lot of fun to celebrate the Chinese New Year. (25) Older, married people give
red envelopes with money inside to children, unmarried people, and employees.
(26) The Lantern Festival, on the fifteenth day, brings the celebration to a close. (27) Dancers
parade the streets wearing ornate dragon and lion costumes made from brilliantly colored paper
and fabric. (28) Playing drums and gongs, to which the "lions" and "dragons" dance. (29)
Children carry colorful lanterns of many different shapes and patterns. (30) Some participants
even perform acrobatic tricks in the streets.
62. Which sentence would best fit in the last paragraph?
A.
Many shop owners hang fruit or red envelopes containing money from the outside of their
shops for the street performers to take.
B. Parents probably let their children stay up late to watch the festivities.
C.
The shop owners might worry that the flames from the lanterns might catch their shops on
fire.
D. It would be a shame if any of the performers got hurt during the festival.
Figures of Speech
63. The belligerent locks of the little scrub-girl refused to respond to advances from curling
irons or hair dryers, but one of the neighbors, whose hair was a second cousin in hue to
Amarilly's amber tresses, loaned some frizzes, which were sewed to the brim of the new hat.
What does the term "belligerent locks" tell the reader about Amarilly?
A. She is disrespectful and angry.
B. She has unruly and curly hair.
C. She has an unclean appearance.
D. She is often locked in her room.
Figures of Speech
Uncle Vern’s clunker was heard well before it was seen coming down the hill to our house.
The once classic 1963 Buick Skylark was now a sputtering, screaming rust-bucket, but Uncle
Vern was still so proud of it. It was the first car he bought with his own money, and he could not
give the poor thing up for a new car. He didn’t have the money to fix the myriad of problems
with the car.
Every time he visited, he looked at the car all doe-eyed and said, "Ain’t she a beauty, kids?
Don’t you wish you had one just like her?" We kids would roll our eyes behind his back and say,
"Yeah, Uncle Vern. She’s real special." We never did understand why he called the car a "she"
when it was barely worth calling it a car, but he loved that hunk of junk. Mom always made him
park it around back when he visited. Uncle Vern just laughed and said, "Good idea! We don’t
want anyone to try to steal her."
Once, he offered to take use for a ride. Mom put her foot down on that. "You can ride around
in that death-trap if you want, but don’t you think about putting my babies in that tin can you call
a car!" Uncle Vern never offered to drive us in his car again.
64. The phrase "all doe-eyed" means that Uncle Vern looked at the car
A. lovingly.
B. carefully.
C. calmly.
D. warily.
Connotation and Denotation
Gael told his father about the wasp nest as soon as he found it. It was in a musty corner of the
garage, hanging from a support beam overhead. Gael's father knew just what to do. He knocked
it down with a broom and then doused it with water. The wasps flew about in a frenzy. Gael and
his father narrowly avoided being stung.
Later, when Gael returned to the garage, the wasps had disappeared. Gael inspected the
tattered remains of the nest. He picked up a piece of what looked like honey-comb. It was made
up of five-sided cells, or pentagons. Gael regretted that the wasps had spent so much time
building it.
Gael was so preoccupied with the nest that he didn't hear his father sneak up behind him.
"Careful," his father said. "You should probably throw that away."
Gael nodded, but when his father wasn't looking, he put a small piece of the nest in a Ziploc
bag. Then he hid the bag under his bed where no one would find it.
The following morning, Gael thought he heard a noise coming from the bag. It was a soft
fluttering sound, like a flag flapping in the wind.
He got out of bed and reached underneath his bed for the Ziploc bag. What he saw inside the
bag was appalling. There were literally hundreds of tiny wasps, swarming the cramped space of
the bag. Gael immediately realized what had happened: the pentagon cells of the comb had been
full of eggs. And now the eggs had hatched.
65. What does the word narrowly suggest in this story?
A. Gael and his father are completely safe from the wasps.
B. The wasps get stuck in a narrow corridor near Gael.
C. The wasps almost manage to sting Gael and his father.
D. The garage is too small for Gael and his father to stand.
Connotation and Denotation
66. What does the author suggest about the garage by using the word musty?
A. The garage is falling apart.
B. The garage is stale.
C. The garage is large.
D. The garage is dirty.
Theme
Lights Out
by J. Robbins
“How could this have happened?” exclaimed Valancy as she surveyed the storage room full
of ruined flowers. Micawber, who had been working with his best friend Valancy at Newflower
Market for a year, had been responsible for closing the store the previous night. He hung his
head in shame.
“I have no idea, V,” he replied. “I swear to you, I thought I closed the door and turned the
temperature down. I followed the checklist exactly! I’m going to get fired, aren’t I?” Valancy
looked at him sympathetically.
“Um, probably,” she said. “I wish I could lie to you, but this mistake is going to cost the
company a lot of money. Mr. Sheepsnose will be here in a few minutes, and I’ll tell him about
the flowers then.”
“Wait!” cried Micawber. “Maybe he doesn’t have to know! We could tell him that someone
broke into the store last night, and he’ll never have to know the truth. We can blame it on a
disgruntled ex-employee. When 'Road Rage' Darryl got fired last week, he looked pretty
disgruntled.”
“No way,” Valancy replied. “I don’t lie for anyone, and neither should you. Mr. Sheepsnose
is a nice person, and he’ll be completely fair with you. There is no reason to make up a crazy
story about a break-in.” Micawber sighed and glumly sat on an overturned bucket.
“I guess you’re right,” he told his friend. “I still don’t know how I could be so stupid. Mr.
Sheepsnose trusted me to close down the store, and I’ve let him down. Now I'll never become the
CEO of a Fortune-500 company."
“Good morning, kids,” called Mr. Sheepsnose cheerfully as he walked into the store. “Why
the sad faces?” Valancy busied herself with paperwork while Micawber stepped forward to face
his supervisor.
“I have some bad news, sir,” he told Mr. Sheepsnose. “Somehow, I left the store last night
without closing the storage room door, and all of the flowers were ruined. I have no idea how it
happened, but I am so sorry. If you want to fire me, I completely understand.” Mr. Sheepsnose
surveyed the damaged flowers and his despondent employee over the rim of his half-glasses.
“Well, Micawber, I am impressed,” said Mr. Sheepsnose. “It took a lot of courage to tell the
truth, and not many people would have done the same thing in your position. I know for a fact
that you did close the storage room door last night because it was closed when I arrived at
midnight. The building manager called me up here because the power went out for the whole
block and shut down our refrigeration unit. That is why the flowers are ruined—it wasn’t
anything you did. Your job is safe, Micawber. In fact, I think I can give you even more
responsibility now that you’ve proven yourself trustworthy.” Mr. Sheepsnose patted his relieved
employee on the shoulder and went to his office.
“Thanks for the great advice,” Micawber told Valancy as he grabbed a broom and began
sweeping the front room. He whistled a happy tune as he began to daydream about becoming a
supervisor himself one day.
67. What is the best way to describe the theme of the story?
A. Ambitious employees are more valuable than honest ones.
B. Telling the truth, even when it's difficult, is the best option.
C. Honesty should not protect a bad employee from being fired.
D. People do their best work when they are afraid of the boss.
Theme
On the Chambo River
The banks of the Chambo River were crowded with exotic jungle trees, their gnarled branches
hanging over the water and blocking out the sky overhead. Unseen, unfamiliar birds squawked
and screeched. Howler monkeys emitted distant growls and roars as if warning passersby to turn
back. The river current carried Youssef and Mona along swiftly in a canoe that was built from
cheap plastic materials. With each rock that jutted out of the water came the fear that their canoe
would wreck, overturn, and spill them both into the rushing waters.
"Which side are you paddling on?" Youssef asked, his eyes wild with fear.
"Both sides!" Mona shouted from the back of the canoe. She'd chosen the seat in back
because she wanted to steer, but she'd had no idea that the water would be so high and the
current so strong.
"Which side are you paddling on?" Youssef groaned. He knew the two of them had to
coordinate their efforts or risk losing control of the canoe. "You paddle on the left, and I'll paddle
on the right. Okay?"
This direction didn't make sense to Mona. Each time she saw a rock on the left, she had to
paddle on the right. And each time she saw a rock on the right, she had to paddle on the left. So
how could she commit to just one side?
"Why aren't you answering?" Youssef yelled. He was beginning to panic. Communication
had never been their strong suit as a couple. But never before had their inability to communicate
been life threatening!
Mona knew that in the rear position of the canoe, she had more control over the steering. And
she knew, as Youssef did, that good communication was the key to successful navigation. So she
hatched a plan. "Here's the deal," she said. "Whenever you see a rock, call it out to me. And
whenever I call out 'switch,' you start paddling on a different side. Okay?"
When Youssef didn't answer, her heart sank. Didn't her plan make sense? And didn't Youssef,
her boyfriend of five years, trust her judgment?
"It's a deal," Youssef said at last. And then he cried out, "Rock!"
"Switch!"
It was working. They were communicating and cooperating. The Chambo River was high but
not too high for Youssef and Mona to handle.
68. Identify a theme from the story.
A. Good communication is crucial in relationships.
B. One always desires to escape.
C. Tragedy cannot be avoided.
D. Relationships can lead to dangerous situations.
Citation Formats
Phil wrote the sentence below using the information from the article "The Works of 18th
Century" by Harold Vandergriff and Libby Evanston. It was published in the newspaper London
Central on June 28, 2009. It was found on page E2.
During the height of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century, the Guoqing Temple was renovated,
which helped preserve its place in Chinese history.
69. Based on this information, what would the entry for the works cited page look like?
A.
Vandergriff, Harold, and Evanston, Libby. "The Works of 18th Century." London Central
28 Jun. 2009: E2. Print.
B.
Vandergriff, Harold, and Libby Evanston. "The Works of 18th Century." London Central
28 June 2009: E2. Print.
C.
Vandergriff, Harold, and Libby Evanston. London Central "The Works of 18th Century."
28 Jun. 2009: E2. Print.
D.
Harold Vandergriff and Libby Evanston. "The Works of 18th Century." London Central:
E2 28 June 2009. Print.
Citation Formats
70. Which of the following is the best way to cite the source in this sentence?
A.
During the height of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century, the Guoqing Temple was
renovated, which helped preserve its place in Chinese history ("The Works" E2).
B.
During the height of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century, the Guoqing Temple was
renovated, which helped preserve its place in Chinese history (London E2).
C.
During the height of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century, the Guoqing Temple was
renovated, which helped preserve its place in Chinese history (E2).
During the height of the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century, the Guoqing Temple was
D. renovated, which helped preserve its place in Chinese history (Vandergriff and Evanston
E2).
Cultural Experience in Literature
Passage 1
Understanding My Father
by A. Gautam
My father was not an emotional person. He didn't talk much either. On those rare occasions
when he did, he never used more words than what was needed. As a result, I did not benefit from
a first-hand account of the Cultural Revolution. Instead, I was forced to gather information from
other sources. But that wasn't good enough for me. I wanted to hear it from him. We left our
country for America when I was just a child. Now I was learning about the history of the Native
Americans.
I never knew if my father had worked in the revolution as a peasant, solider, or a
revolutionary intellectual. I tried to picture him writing big-character posters and holding great
debates with his fellow revolutionaries. Did he use big words? Did he sometimes skip classes to
meet with the comrades across China? I often thought to myself. I wanted to ask him if he
believed that the right to air one's views fully really existed in his youth. As an only child, who
was brought up to think that education was my only key to prosperity, I didn't know why my
father did not finish his degree.
My father's friends behaved just like him—quiet, laborious, and mysterious. They all looked
at me with eyes full of love and hope. Only once, did I hear one of them speak about the past.
Uncle Chen recounted something about "not being a Communist," "arrest," and "freedom." It
was then that I realized my parents and their friends had always talked to each other about their
lives back home in Mandarin, the language I could no longer grasp. At that moment, I regretted
my dwindling Chinese vocabulary and the opportunities I had already missed.
Passage 2
A New China
The Cultural Revolution in China was most importantly a class struggle. Student activists
such as the Red Guard played an important role in taking the revolution to the homes of the
ordinary citizens. Soon, their careers revolved around the act of changing the face of their nation.
They began by publishing their ideas in leaflets which were widely handed out to the citizens.
Soon, the visual aids were used to post the names of suspected "counter-revolutionaries" as well
as to portray the image of a very influential Mao Zedong. The written and the spoken word
influenced and moved the revolution forward. Many student activists held "great debates" and
wrote educational plays to inform and inspire the general population.
Under the inspiration and supervision of Mao Zedong, the new People's Republic of China
focused on abolishing the past. Public meetings, giant posters, and bulletin boards reflecting
Mao's ideas of a new China began to appear everywhere. There were four major unwanted old
ideas that Mao wanted to replace: Old Customs, Old Culture, Old Habits, and Old Ideas.
71. Based on A New China which of these is most likely true about the father's life in China?
A. Students were graded on their public speaking and writing skills.
B. Students put their country before education in the revolution.
C. The father helped the authorities arrest the "counter-revolutionaries."
D. The father had always planned to live his life in the United States.
Cultural Experience in Literature
At five in the morning someone banging on the door and shouting, her husband, John, leaping
out of bed, grabbing his rifle, and Roscoe at the same time roused from the backhouse, his bare
feet pounding: Mattie hurriedly pulled on her robe, her mind prepared for the alarm of war, but
the heart stricken that it would finally have come, and down the stairs she flew to see through the
open door in the lamplight, at the steps of the portico, the two horses, steam rising from their
flanks, their heads lifting, their eyes wild, the driver a young darkie with rounded shoulders,
showing stolid patience even in this, and the woman standing in her carriage no one but her aunt
Letitia Pettibone of McDonough, her elderly face drawn in anguish, her hair a straggled mess,
this woman of such fine grooming, this dowager who practically ruled the season in Atlanta
standing up in the equipage like some hag of doom, which indeed she would prove to be. The
carriage was piled with luggage and tied bundles, and as she stood some silver fell to the ground,
knives and forks and a silver candelabra, catching in the clatter the few gleams of light from the
torch that Roscoe held. Mattie, still tying her robe, ran down the steps thinking stupidly, as she
later reflected, only of the embarrassment to this woman, whom to tell the truth she had
respected more than loved, and picking up and pressing back upon her the heavy silver, as if this
was not something Roscoe should be doing, nor her husband, John Jameson, neither.
Letitia would not come down from her carriage, there was no time, she said. She was a badly
frightened woman with no concern for her horses, as John saw and quickly ordered buckets to be
brought around, as the woman cried, Get out, get out, take what you can and leave, and seemed
to be roused to anger as they only stood listening, with some of the field hands appearing now
around the side of the house with the first light, as if drawn into existence by it.
from The March © 2005 by E.L. Doctorow
72. The city of Atlanta was burned down near the end of the Civil War. For this reason, the
character of Letitia is
A. leaving with what belongings she can.
B. riding in a horse-drawn carriage.
C. giving all her silver to her niece.
D. traveling alone except for her servant.
Formatting and Graphics
Visit Pebblelane Park Today!
Want to plan an outdoor adventure for your family and friends? Spend a day at Pebblelane Park.
It’s the perfect way to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.
Location
Pebblelane Park covers 150 acres of scenic land in eastern Pennsylvania. It is located just 50
miles north of Philadelphia off Interstate 76 at Pebblelane Road.
Activities
Visitors to Pebblelane Park spend the day enjoying a wide range of activities. Near the river, you
can fish, swim, canoe, and kayak. In the forest area, you can go on hikes, look at cave paintings,
or play sports at the activity center. Classes are available in archery, orienteering, and
conservation. You can join in organized group activities or make your own schedule.
Cost
To enter Pebblelane Park, you must purchase a pass at the gate. The price varies depending on
the type of pass, the month, and the age of the visitor. Look at the chart below.
Winter Prices (November-February)
One-day pass Overnight pass
Extended pass
(up to 1 week)
Children
under 12
1.00
1.50
3.00
Adults
2.00
3.00
6.00
Senior
Citizens
1.00
1.50
3.00
Contact Information
Have any questions, comments, or suggestions? Contact Pebblelane Park.
Phone: (888) 555-PARK
Email: [email protected]
73. If the passage included a map to the park, which subheading would it be under?
A. Contact Information
B. Location
C. Activities
D. Cost
Formatting and Graphics
Marta is writing a report about the population of countries in the European Union. She creates
this map based on her research.
74. Which step would help Marta make her map more effective?
A. add the names of the countries shown on the map
B. add the distance between each country on the map
C. add the dates the countries joined the European Union
D. add the type of housing available in each country
Objective Summary
In baseball history, one of the most famous games took place between the Brooklyn Dodgers
and the New York Giants. It was a game to decide which team would win the National League
pennant in 1951. Throughout the season, both teams had impressive winning records. However,
by the end of the season, the two teams had tied and had to play each other in a deciding threegame playoff.
On October 3, 1951, the Dodgers and the Giants played game 3. On that day, America
witnessed the homerun that would become known as "The Shot Heard ‘Round the World." The
homerun was hit by Giants’ Bobby Thomson. It was a three-run drive that would eventually lead
to a Giants’ victory over the Dodgers. The final score was 5–4.
The game was a defining moment for baseball because it was between rivals from across the
town. It was also an amazingly well played game. Most importantly, the game determined who
would play in the World Series. The Giants ended up losing the series to the Yankees. Even so,
the Giants win over the Dodgers overshadowed the World Series that year.
75. Choose the best summary for the entire passage.
The Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants played in 1951 so that the winner of
National League could be determined. There, Bobby Thomson hit a homerun that won the
A.
game for the Giants. It was a three-run drive that made the score 5–4 in the favor of the
New York Giants.
The 1951 baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants is one
of most famous games. It's legendary because it was an exciting game and decided which
B.
team would go to the World Series. The Giants win the game with the Bobby Thomson's
memorable homerun.
In game 3 of the race for National League pennant, Bobby Thomson hit the winning
C. homerun. That homerun was called "The Shot Heard 'Round the World" because it led to
the New York Giants' victory over the Brooklyn Dodgers.
The game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants helped determine who
D. would play in the 1951 World Series. The winning team would have to play the New York
Yankees. The Giants won two out of the three games. It was a very exciting game.
Objective Summary
76. Read the following summary of the first paragraph.
The historic game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants was a tiebreaker.
Which information should be added to make this a complete summary?
A. the reason why Dodgers and the Giants tied with one another
B. the kind of season records the Giants and the Dodgers had
C. the number of games that each of the teams had already won
D. the game determined who won the National League pennant
Punctuation
Waiting for Gunov
(1) “What time is it” asked Olga for the hundredth time? (2) “I can’t believe my car broke
down again. (3) We were supposed to be at the museum at noon to meet our class.”
(4) “My brother Gunov is on his way to pick us up,” Ibrahim replied patiently. (5) “He drives
as slowly as a turtle, so we may be here for a while.”
(6) “He drives a Mini-Cooper, doesn't he?” Timofei asked. (7) “When he finally arrives, I
hope we will all fit into his small, cramped car.”
(8) “I should have bought a Mini-Cooper,” said Olga. (9) “My father wanted me to have his
ancient Toyota pickup truck for sentimental reasons however, it’s always breaking down.”
(10) “At least we have a nice cozy park bench to wait on” Ibrahim said. (11) “It could be
snowing, or raining." (12) Before he finished his sentence, a rumble of thunder filled the air.
(13) “Hurry, lets get into the car!” Olga yelled. (14) She and her friends raced to the car as
rain began pouring from the sky.
(15) “Does anyone want a snack”? asked Timofei when they were settled. (16) He pulled a
box of Fig Newtons out of his backpack and began munching on a cookie.
(17) “Those look delicious,” Ibrahim told his friend as he took several Fig Newtons.
(18) “I always bring three things with me wherever I go; a toothbrush, a book, and a snack,”
replied Timofei.
(19) “Youre our hero,” Olga said with a grateful smile. (20) She checked the time on the
dashboard of her car and frowned. (21) Ibrahim who was sleepy after his snack smiled at her.
(22) “You shouldn’t worry so much,” he chided Olga. (23) “I told Gunov to pick us up at the
corner of Marsh Lane and Regal Road.” (24) Olga and Timofei stared at him in alarm.
(25) “That intersection is all the way across town,” Timofei said. (26) “We’re at the corner of
Munich Lane and Royal Road.”
(27) “You gave him the wrong address!” shrieked Olga. (28) “We’ll never get to the
museum now.” (29) She began swatting Ibrahim on the arm with her newspaper as Timofei fell
over laughing in the backseat.
(30) “I’ll let someone else give directions next time,” Ibrahim said sheepishly. (31) “In the
meantime, I guess we’re stuck waiting for Gunov to find us.”
77. Which sentence from the passage contains a punctuation error?
A. sentence 16
B. sentence 22
C. sentence 15
D. sentence 24
Punctuation
78. Read sentence 1 from the passage.
"What time is it" asked Olga for the hundredth time?
How should this sentence be revised for correct punctuation?
A. "What time is it!" asked Olga for the hundredth time.
B. "What time is it" asked Olga for the hundredth time.
C. "What time is it," asked Olga for the hundredth time?
D. "What time is it?" asked Olga for the hundredth time.
Setting
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" asked Regan for the fifth time.
"Think about how impressed everyone will be," Horatio replied. "The entire freshman class
will look up to us. In fact, I bet even seniors will be impressed by our courage."
"Don't worry, Regan," said Orsino. "We're only going to walk through the old Andreeson
place and then go home. We'll stick together, and nothing will happen to us." His voice wavered
slightly as they stood before the looming specter of the dark house. The three of them crept
forward slowly, trying to forget the ghost stories and rumors they had heard.
"This looks even creepier than I imagined it," said Regan. She followed Horatio onto the
rotting boards of the front porch. Horatio walked confidently through the front door and into the
living room.
"Be careful of the steps that lead down to the living room," warned Horatio. His friends
stared at him in surprise.
"How did you know about that?" asked Regan. "You act like you've been here before."
"Yeah, what's going on?" Orsino wondered.
"Well, I have been keeping a little secret from you guys," admitted Horatio. "The Andreesons
are related to my great-uncle. I grew up playing in this house, but I haven't been here since they
abandoned it."
"So it's not haunted after all," said Regan gratefully.
"I guess no one will look up to us for our courage now," groaned Orsino.
"Why not?" Horatio asked as he wandered into the kitchen. "No one has to know that I've
been here before. As far as they'll know, we were as brave as those guys on Ghost Trackers."
Suddenly, a door creaked on the second floor. Regan grabbed Orsino's arm as Horatio raced back
into the living room. Even in the gloom, his face was as pale as a sheet.
"Did you hear that?" Horatio whispered. The three of them turned to face the stairs. A shadow
darted down the steps and hurled itself at Regan, who screamed in panic.
"It's okay," called Orsino. "It's just a stray cat." The cat jumped into Regan's arms and began
to purr. She tried to stop her hands from shaking as she patted the cat and talked to it in soothing
tones.
"Let's get out of here," Horatio said. "We've had enough excitement for one night."
"I think I'll name the cat Casper," remarked Regan as she carried her new pet outside. "Thank
goodness the only 'ghost' we saw tonight was friendly."
79. How does the setting affect Horatio's character?
A. It allows him to set up Regan and Orsino for a practical joke.
B. It causes him to feel more confident than his friends feel.
C. It forces him to lie to his friends about a dark family secret.
D. It alienates him from his close friends Regan and Orsino.
Setting
The Piccadilly Circus was an event that tourists and locals alike would come to watch. After a
long day's work, the hustle and bustle around the circus was exactly what Clark needed to
unwind. The chatter of people, the entertainment of the circus, and the delicious coffee served up
at the nearby restaurant was the perfect end to a tiring day. He would sit by the lamppost and
watch the events unfold before him.
80. The story takes place in the
A. evening.
B. summer.
C. morning.
D. winter.
Verb Tense
(1) Tyrone’s proclamation of undying love did little to change the news anchor’s mind about
letting him into her house. (2) She might have been impressed or even returned the feelings if she
actually knew Tyrone. (3) It was not unusual for viewers to proclaim their love for Terra Jones’
work through email or upon first meeting her. (4) However, her first introduction to Tyrone is
when he appeared at her front door without an invite. (5) Needless to say, Terra was more than a
bit taken aback and promptly slam the door in his face.
81. Which of these is the correct way to write sentence 5?
A.
Needless to say, Terra was more than a bit taken aback and promptly slams the door in his
face.
B.
Needless to say, Terra was more than a bit taken aback and promptly slammed the door in
his face.
C.
Needless to say, Terra is more than a bit taken aback and promptly slam the door in his
face.
D.
Needless to say, Terra is more than a bit taken aback and promptly slammed the door in
his face.
Verb Tense
82. What change, if any, should be made to sentence 4?
A. Change appeared to is appearing.
B. Change is to will be.
C. It is correct as is.
D. Change is to was.
Subject-Verb Agreement
(1) “Garnet, I can’t believe your mother is letting you turn the basement into a game room,”
commented Dubois as he opened a can of soda and sat down on the couch. (2) His friend Shazzar
nodded as he opened a bag of chips.
(3) “My parents are amazing,” Garnet replied with a smile. (4) “They even gave us a box of
old movies to watch when we get tired of playing games.”
(5) “What kind of movies are in the box?” asked Shazzar. (6) “Most old movies is too boring
for me to watch.”
(7) “Don’t be silly,” Garnet said. (8) “Movies like Nosferatu and Scaramouche is being
interesting. (9) In fact, Scaramouche contain the longest swordfighting scene in cinematic
history.”
(10) “I love sword fights,” said Dubois. (11) “They _______ even more exciting than martial
arts.”
(12) “That’s not true!” Shazzar protested, striking a kung fu pose. (13) “Bruce Lee, Jackie
Chan, and I _______ with you about that. (14) _______ is the most exciting entertainment in the
world.”
(15) “We will see about that,” said Dubois as he grabbed a broom and a mop from the
corner. (16) “I challenges you to a sword fight. (17) Your puny kung fu skills do not frighten
me!” (18) As her friends raced around the basement with their makeshift swords, Garnet put her
head in her hands and sighed.
(19) “I’m not sure these were the kinds of games my parents had in mind,” she said with a
wry grin.
83. Choose the correct subject to complete sentence 14.
A. They
B. Martial artists
C. Kung fu
D. Movies
Subject-Verb Agreement
84. Which sentence from the passage contains an error in subject-verb agreement?
A. sentence 4
B. sentence 3
C. sentence 1
D. sentence 6
Task, Purpose, and Audience
Buy Nothing Day
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is one of the busiest shopping days in the United
States. However, a small but growing group of people is choosing not to participate in Black
Friday but to celebrate Buy Nothing Day instead. Buy Nothing Day was created in 1992 by
Canadian artist Ted Dave. The purpose of the event is to avoid buying unnecessary goods just for
the sake of spending money. On Buy Nothing Day, some people go to shopping malls and cut up
their credit cards to protest consumer debt, while others leave the shopping malls altogether and
spend their day enjoying nature. Since its inception, Buy Nothing Day has become an
international event, and it is now celebrated in over 65 countries, including the United Kingdom,
Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and Norway. Participants in the event hope to inspire others to
consume less and conserve more.
85. What is the best way to describe the purpose of this reading selection?
A. to entertain readers with a humorous satire
B. to inform readers about an international event
C. to persuade readers to cut up their credit cards
D. to teach readers how to get out of financial debt
Task, Purpose, and Audience
During the 19th century, the art movement called Impressionism began. The artists who
followed this movement were called Impressionists. The characteristic style of the movement
was short and broken strokes that focused on re-creating the effects of light. This method gave
the painting or the drawing a luminous, sketch-like appearance.
Among the great Impressionists, Edgar Degas was known for his paintings of people. His
style was different from other Impressionists who painted landscapes. Degas focused on
capturing the vitality of everyday people in each of his paintings. He did so in some of his most
recognized paintings of ballet dancers and women. Besides his work with paint, Degas even
worked in different mediums such as sculpture. One of his most famous sculptures is The Little
Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer. In this sculpture, Degas was able to capture the blossoming of youth
in bronze. Although Degas’ subject matter differed from his fellow artists, he still achieved the
spirit of Impressionism.
86. Which of the following best explains the author's purpose for writing this passage?
A. to inform the reader about an art movement and an artist
B. to entertain the reader with a tale about a rebellious artist
C. to persuade the reader to imitate another artist's technique
D. to describe how the reader can make his or her own paintings
Multiple Meaning Words
(1) My brother has always been more athletic then me. (2) So when I decided to try out for
the lacrosse team, I new I had better make it or I would never hear the end of his teasing.(3) I felt
more and more nervous as the day went on. (4) During lunch I slipped on an empty milk carton
and fell in front of the hole school. (5) I was so embarrassed that I hid in the bathroom until
lunch was over.
87. What change, if any, should be made to hole in sentence 4?
A. hold
B. whole
C. It is correct as is.
D. who
Multiple Meaning Words
Angie is spending a summer at her aunt and uncle's Tennessee farm so that she can
experience something different from her urban life. The first chore her aunt assigns to her is to
diffuse organic grains in front of the chicken coop at 6 A.M. every morning. This provides
forage for the chickens. It doesn't take Angie long to learn that it is best to diffuse the grains
quickly and get out of the way, unless she wants the chickens to come pecking her way.
88. As it is used in the passage, what does forage mean?
A. food for animals to graze
B. to strip of all provisions
C. place of shelter for chickens
D. to make a thorough search
Credibility and Accuracy of Information
Kendra is researching noise pollution. She wants to understand the effects of noise pollution on
people.
89. Where would Kendra most likely find information about noise pollution?
A. a Web site promoting independent pop and electronic music
B. a Web site with government data sources on noise pollution
C. a documentary on the environmental effects of global warming
D. a brochure on how to soundproof a room with acoustic foam
Credibility and Accuracy of Information
Hannah plans to write an article for her university journal about the expansion of the Roman
Empire. She wants to use the Internet for part of this research, but she also wants to use books
from the library. She finds a Web site called "Secrets of the Ancients" that explains the Romans
sent an explorer to North America in the 1st century B.C. Later, she finds a book titled Roman
Trade Excursions by Dr. Rex Tyson that claims the Romans sent a trade mission to visit the
emperor of China in the 2nd century A.D.
90. After evaluating these two sources, Hannah decides that Roman Trade Excursions is more
credible for her article on Roman expansion.
Which of the following best accounts for her decision?
A.
The book is a scholarly work on a specific, focused subject that offers insight into her
topic.
B.
The Web site "Secrets of the Ancients" is too specific to help her topic on Roman
expansion.
C. Dr. Rex Tyson is a well respected scholar of Roman literature and will be a good resource.
D.
Rome in the 2nd century A. D. is not considered ancient enough to be found on the Web
site.
Plot
Sympathy Pains
by J. Robbins
“What’s the matter, Betty?” asked Mycroft as he sat down next to his best friend. The library
was almost deserted, and his voice echoed eerily through the stacks of books.
“It’s my brother again,” Betty replied. “He reviewed my English paper and tore it to shreds.
He didn’t even like the title! I think he enjoys making me feel stupid. If I'm as stupid as he thinks
I am, I'll probably fail this class.” She felt tears well up in her eyes again and angrily blinked
them away.
“Don’t let him get to you, Betty,” said Mycroft as he patted her hand sympathetically. Betty’s
brother Thedrick was a straight-A student, but he had no clue when it came to treating people
with respect. “Why don’t we work on your paper together?”
“That would be great if it weren’t due today,” Betty told him. “I feel like I should start over
from scratch, but how can I get it finished in time?”
“You worked on that paper for weeks!” Mycroft exclaimed. “There is no way you’re going to
throw it out.”
“Hello, sis,” called Thedrick as he approached the two friends. Betty averted her eyes, and
Mycroft scowled at the intruder. “If you needed more help with that mess of a paper, you should
have called me. I can run intellectual circles around this guy.”
“Please leave, Thed,” Betty replied firmly. “We may be idiots compared to you, but at least
we’re nice idiots. Your kind of ‘help’ isn’t welcome here.” Her brother smirked as he walked
away. Mycroft grabbed Betty’s paper and started reading the angry red comments scribbled on
every page.
“These comments don’t make any sense,” he said in frustration. “Your paper was fine the way
it was. I don’t think you should make a single change.” Betty suddenly sat upright.
“I know!” she exclaimed. “We can take it to Adirondack Jones. She’s never gotten a bad
grade on a paper. She can help us figure out what to do.” Mycroft and Betty rushed out of the
library to find the star pupil of Hanover High. When Adirondack heard the situation, she got a
fierce glint in her eyes.
“I would love to see Thedrick taken down a few notches,” Adirondack told Betty. “You have
a great paper here, and you should turn it in as it is. I think once you have a few A-pluses under
your belt, you’ll have the self-confidence to stand up to Thed’s bullying.” Betty sighed in relief
as she and Mycroft walked to class.
“Thank goodness,” she told her friend. “I didn’t think I could face writing another word. I
forgot to ask what topic you chose for your paper, Mycroft.”
“Oh, no,” groaned Mycroft as his face paled. “I think I left my notebook on the table in the
library. My paper was inside that notebook!” The two of them rushed into the library to find that
the notebook and the paper had vanished without a trace.
“Well, it looks like one of us will be writing a paper from scratch after all,” sighed Betty.
Mycroft was too busy pulling blank paper and a pen out of his backpack to reply. He began
scribbling furiously as Betty patted his shoulder in sympathy.
91. What happens after Betty and Mycroft talk to Adirondack?
A. Adirondack teaches Thedrick a lesson about cheating.
B. Mycroft discovers that he has to write another paper.
C. Betty refers to herself and her best friend as "idiots."
D. Thedrick learns that Betty has not changed her paper.
Plot
CHARACTERS:
WILLY LOMAN
LINDA, his wife
BIFF, the oldest son
HAPPY, the youngest son
SCENE: The action takes place in Willy Loman’s house and yard and in various
places he visits in the New York and Boston of today.
(Biff gets up and moves restlessly about the room.)
BIFF: Why does Dad mock me all the time?
HAPPY: He’s not mocking you, he—
BIFF: Everything I say there’s a twist of mockery on his face. I can’t get near him.
HAPPY: He just wants you to make good, that’s all. I wanted to talk to you about Dad for a long
time, Biff. Something’s—happening to him. He—talks to himself.
BIFF: I noticed that this morning. But he always mumbled.
HAPPY: But not so noticeable. It got so embarrassing I sent him to Florida. And you know
something? Most of the time he’s talking to you.
BIFF: What’s he say about me?
HAPPY: I can’t make it out.
BIFF: What’s he say about me?
HAPPY: I think the fact that you’re not settled, that you’re still kind of up in the air . . .
BIFF: There’s one or two other things depressing him, Happy.
HAPPY: What do you mean?
BIFF: Never mind. Just don’t lay it all to me.
HAPPY: But I think if you just got started—I mean—is there any future for you out there?
BIFF: I tell ya, Hap, I don’t know what the future is. I don’t know—what I’m supposed to
want.
adapted from Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
92. In this passage, which of the following contributes to the conflict between Biff and his
father?
A. Biff's lack of definite plans for the future
B. Biff's disappointment in his father's career
C. Biff's younger brother's hatred for his father
D. Biff's desire to move his family to Florida
Phrases and Clauses
93. What change should be made to the sentence below?
After the movie was over Tara and Brad went to get some coffee at Java City.
A. add a comma after Tara
B. add a comma after over
C. add a comma after Brad
D. add a comma after coffee
Phrases and Clauses
94. Which of the following adds a subordinate clause to the main clause below?
Rochelle ate dinner.
A. She was so hungry that Rochelle ate dinner.
B. She was hungry; Rochelle ate dinner.
C. She was hungry. Rochelle ate dinner.
D. When she was hungry, Rochelle ate dinner.
Introducing and Closing Topics
Games such as jump rope and hop scotch develop physical skills in children. Children must
have good coordination and timing to be successful at jump roping. Children also have to use
balance in order to win at hop scotch. Board games and cards games strengthen memory,
concentration, and thinking ability. Old Maid requires children to keep track of the cards that
they have requested. Monopoly involves math and strategy. All games are important for teaching
social interaction. Children must learn to take turns and to be fair. Cooperation amongst team
players is also a social aspect of playing games. Games are valuable to children because they
help children develop physically, mentally, and socially.
95. Which of the following sentences is the best topic sentence for the paragraph above?
A.
Word games like Hangman and Scrabble can help children improve their spelling and
vocabulary.
B.
Games are important learning forums for children because they help them develop
important skills.
C.
Video games can provide some skill development but usually do not help with social
interaction.
D. Some of the best board games for children include Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders.
Introducing and Closing Topics
(1) Have you ever dreamed of owning a tiger or a monkey? (2) Have you seen pictures of
baby animals that made you want to hold and care for them? (3) There are many people who
have chosen an exotic pet for reasons like they wanted to have a unique pet to show off to
friends, or they thought they could train it to do a lot of amazing tricks. (4) However, wild
animals do not make good pets because they need specialized care, they can become dangerous,
and they can spread diseases and parasites.
(5) Caring for wild animals requires expertise. (6) Wild animals have very strict dietary,
environmental, and social needs. (7) The owner must know precisely what, when, and how to
feed the animal. (8) Snakes, for example, need to be removed from their living quarters and
placed in another confined area to feed. (9) The reason for this is so the snake will not associate
the owner's hand with its prey. (10) The food demands of a large animal like a tiger would be
nearly impossible to supply. (11) Many reptiles need particular temperatures to live; therefore,
heat and UV lamps must be maintained for these animals. (12) Besides strenuous nutritional and
environmental needs, wild animals have specific social needs that pet owners may have no idea
how to meet.
(13) Baby animals may be easy to contain and control, but they will not stay that way. (14) As
the animal grows in size its strength increases too. (15) Young tiger cubs may be similar in size
to a domestic house cat, but an adult, male, Bengal tiger can weigh up to 258 pounds. (16) Even
a playful pat from an animal that big and strong could seriously injure a human. (17) As a baby,
the pet relies on the owner to care for it. (18) When the young animal begins to develop into a
mature adult, instinctive behaviors like hunting will replace the young, playful behaviors. (19)
Owners typically respond to these changes by locking the animals in cages, sedating them with
drugs, or getting rid of the pets.
(20) One more reason to not keep a wild animal as a pet is that wild animals often carry
diseases and/or parasites. (21) Amphibians such as turtles and frogs frequently carry Salmonella,
a type of bacteria that is dangerous to humans, especially children. (22) Thousands of people are
infected with Salmonella every year. (23) Macque monkeys are known to carry the herpes B
virus which can be fatal to humans. (24) Some small mammals (Gambian giant-pouched rats,
rope squirrels, and dormice) imported for the pet trade recently infected locally captured prairie
dogs with monkeypox. (25) The prairie dogs were sold and infected over a dozen humans with
the monkeypox virus. (26) The infected people survived but had to endure fever, body aches, and
lesions over two to four weeks. (27) Owning a wild animal as a pet is not worth the risk of
catching a harmful disease.
(28) Wild animals have strict dietary, environmental, and social needs that are unreasonable
for an owner to meet. (29) Wild animals have natural instincts that take over as they develop into
adults. (30) These instinctive behaviors can be very threatening to people. (31) Also, wild
animals are prone to have diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans.
96. Which sentence is the topic sentence of paragraph 4?
A. sentence 23
B. sentence 25
C. sentence 27
D. sentence 20
Adjectives and Adverbs
(1) "Order up!" called Mae as she slapped a piping hot plate onto the counter of Diamond
Lil's Diner. (2) Her best friend Sergei hurried over and handed her another order.
(3) "Why are Fridays always the busier days of the week?" Sergei complained. (4) "I was
hoping to leave early today to study for my math test." (5) Mae sighed and nodded.
(6) "Busy doesn't begin to describe it," she said. (7) "We've had more than fifty customers in
here since we opened. (8) I hope Mr. Onegin hires another cook before I leave for college."
(9) "Mr. Onegin knows that he will never find anyone to replace you," replied
Sergei. (10) "You are the better short order cook in town. (11) The Newport Gazette even wrote a
feature article about you called 'Local Chef Mae West Serves Lunch with a Smile!' "
(12) "The Newport Gazette isn't the impressivest news source," Mae laughed. (13) "When I
have my picture in the New York Times, then we can celebrate."
(14) "I hope you're still planning to help me study this afternoon," Sergei reminded
her. (15) "Advanced calculus is more hard than geometry. (16) I'm not sure I was ready for this
course."
(17) "You'll do a great job," Mae assured him. (18) "But if we don't get these orders served
quick, then we'll both be unemployed."
(19) "Good point!" Sergei agreed and rushed away from the counter.
97. How should sentence 3 be revised to correct the grammatical error?
A. Change busier to busily.
B. Change busier to more busy.
C. Change busier to busiest.
D. Change busier to most busy.
Adjectives and Adverbs
98. What is the correct way to write sentence 12?
A. "The Newport Gazette isn't the impressiver news source," Mae laughed.
B. "The Newport Gazette isn't the impressive news source," Mae laughed.
C. "The Newport Gazette isn't the more impressive news source," Mae laughed.
D. "The Newport Gazette isn't the most impressive news source," Mae laughed.
Analyzing Documents
At five in the morning someone banging on the door and shouting, her husband, John, leaping
out of bed, grabbing his rifle, and Roscoe at the same time roused from the backhouse, his bare
feet pounding: Mattie hurriedly pulled on her robe, her mind prepared for the alarm of war, but
the heart stricken that it would finally have come, and down the stairs she flew to see through the
open door in the lamplight, at the steps of the portico, the two horses, steam rising from their
flanks, their heads lifting, their eyes wild, the driver a young darkie with rounded shoulders,
showing stolid patience even in this, and the woman standing in her carriage no one but her aunt
Letitia Pettibone of McDonough, her elderly face drawn in anguish, her hair a straggled mess,
this woman of such fine grooming, this dowager who practically ruled the season in Atlanta
standing up in the equipage like some hag of doom, which indeed she would prove to be. The
carriage was piled with luggage and tied bundles, and as she stood some silver fell to the ground,
knives and forks and a silver candelabra, catching in the clatter the few gleams of light from the
torch that Roscoe held. Mattie, still tying her robe, ran down the steps thinking stupidly, as she
later reflected, only of the embarrassment to this woman, whom to tell the truth she had
respected more than loved, and picking up and pressing back upon her the heavy silver, as if this
was not something Roscoe should be doing, nor her husband, John Jameson, neither.
Letitia would not come down from her carriage, there was no time, she said. She was a badly
frightened woman with no concern for her horses, as John saw and quickly ordered buckets to be
brought around, as the woman cried, Get out, get out, take what you can and leave, and seemed
to be roused to anger as they only stood listening, with some of the field hands appearing now
around the side of the house with the first light, as if drawn into existence by it.
from The March © 2005 by E.L. Doctorow
99. The city of Atlanta was burned down near the end of the Civil War. For this reason, the
character of Letitia is
A. giving all her silver to her niece.
B. leaving with what belongings she can.
C. traveling alone except for her servant.
D. riding in a horse-drawn carriage.
Analyzing Documents
Objections Answered
by Alice Stone Blackwell
1915
Why Should Women Vote?
The reasons why women should vote are the same as the reasons why men should vote—the
same as the reasons for having a republic rather than a monarchy. It is fair and right that the
people who must obey the laws should have a voice in choosing the law-makers, and that those
who must pay the taxes should have a voice as to the amount of the tax, and the way in which the
money shall be spent.
Roughly stated, the fundamental principle of a republic is this: In deciding what is to be done,
we take everybody's opinion, and then go according to the wish of the majority. As we cannot
suit everybody, we do what will suit the greatest number. That seems to be, on the whole, the
fairest way. A vote is simply a written expression of opinion.
In thus taking a vote to get at the wish of the majority, certain classes of persons are passed
over, whose opinions for one reason or another are thought not to be worth counting. In most of
our states, these classes are children, aliens, idiots, lunatics, criminals and women. There are
good and obvious reasons for making all these exceptions but the last. Of course no account
ought to be taken of the opinions of children, insane persons, or criminals. Is there any equally
good reason why no account should be taken of the opinions of women? Let us consider the
reasons commonly given, and see if they are sound.
100. What would be the best way to describe this piece of literature?
A. historical document
B. myth
C. historical fiction
D. biography