great educators
Common Core Standards Bellringers
Grade 7 – English Language Arts Set
Student Edition
Second Edition
Includes Language, Reading, and Writing
Copyright 2013 by Great Educators
All rights reserved.
great educators
Common Core Standards Bellringers
Grade 7 – English Language Arts,
Language Section
Student Edition
Second Edition
Copyright 2013 by Great Educators
All rights reserved.
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.1
Problem: Which part of the sentence
is a verb phrase?
Sam was running down the street
when he fell.
a. Sam was running
b. was running
c. running down the street
This type of question has to do with
recognizing phrases and clauses. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For each sentence below, identify the requested phrase or clause.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Prepositional Phrase: Please put your shoes in the closet.
Explain the function of phrases and clauses in
a. put your shoes
general and their function in specific sentences.
b. shoes in the closet
c. in the closet
Answer:
2. Independent Clause: After school, Emily went to ballet class.
a. After school
b. Emily went to ballet class
c. To ballet class
Answer:
3. Dependent Clause: The football team is winning now that they have a new stadium.
a. The football team is winning
b. Now that they have a new stadium
c. They have a new stadium
Answer:
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Page 1
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.1
Problem: Is the following sentence
simple, compound, complex, or
compound-complex?
Daffodils are pretty, but roses are
beautiful.
This type of question has to do with
simple, compound, complex and
compound-complex sentences. What
are some things to remember about
these sentences?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
Compound
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Identify the following sentences as simple, compound, complex, or
____________________________________
compound-complex.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Swimming at the pool is fun when it isn’t too hot.
Answer:
2. Most of the singers returned to the stage for an encore, but some were too tired and
others got lost backstage.
Answer:
3. Some North American animals hibernate all winter.
Answer:
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Page 2
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.1
Problem: Identify and correct the
misplaced modifier.
Still wearing my bathing suit, the dog
and I went for a walk.
This type of question has to do with
misplaced and dangling modifiers.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
Still wearing my bathing suit, I took
____________________________________
____________________________________
the dog for a walk.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Correct the following sentence by fixing
the misplaced and/or dangling
____________________________________
modifiers.
____________________________________
1. Chloe gave a present to her teacher tied with blue ribbons.
Answer:
2. The red clown’s wig looks silly on my dad.
Answer:
3. Rob gave a coloring book to the baby with puppies and kittens.
Answer:
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Page 3
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.2
Problem: Which sentence is correct?
a. In January, we usually have
cold, still nights.
b. In January, we usually have cold
still nights.
This type of question has to do with
commas. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For the pairs of sentences below, select the correct sentence.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. At the mall, Heather bought a long-sleeved, red dress.
2. At the mall, Heather bought a long-sleeved red dress.
Answer:
3. My dad eats a shiny green apple every day.
4. My dad eats a shiny, green, apple every day.
Answer:
5. Edward doesn’t like to play those long, complicated, board games.
6. Edward doesn’t like to play those long, complicated board games.
Answer:
7. Sophie’s large blue car is in the parking lot.
8. Sophie’s large, blue car is in the parking lot.
Answer:
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Page 4
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.2
Problem: Select the correct spelling
for the definition below.
A contraction for you are
a. Your
b. You’re
c. Yore
This type of question has to do with
spelling. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select the correct spelling for each definition below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. A special or important event or time
a. Occassion
b. Ocassion
c. Occasion
Answer:
2. To cease to be seen; vanish from sight
a. Disappear
b. Disapear
c. Despair
Answer:
3. Disappointed; thwarted
a. Flustrated
b. Frustated
c. Frustrated
Answer:
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Page 5
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.3
Problem: Which sentence is more
precise and less wordy than the
others?
a. We took the shorter bypass
road that went around Atlanta.
b. We took the bypass around
Atlanta.
This type of question has to do with
concise writing, eliminating
redundancy. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For each wordy or redundant sentence, select the best and most concise
____________________________________
edited version to convey the same idea.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Matt got the largest dog that was very big and furry to give to his best friend, Ryan, who
he had known since they became friends in the first grade.
a. Matt got the large, furry dog to give to Ryan, his best friend since first grade.
b. Matt got a big dog for Ryan.
c. Matt got the biggest, furriest dog for his best friend who he met in first grade.
Answer:
2. That man who was visiting Anna from Tennessee rode in her car during the rainstorm
and then Anna had to spend three days trying to get it clean.
a. Anna had to spend three days cleaning her car after that man who was visiting
from Tennessee rode in it after the rainstorm.
b. Anna’s visitor from Tennessee rode in her car after the rainstorm causing Anna
to spend three days cleaning her car.
c. Anna had a visitor from Tennessee who rode in her car after the rainstorm.
Anna had to spend three days cleaning her car after that.
Answer:
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Page 6
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: What is the meaning of the
underlined word?
The morning after her baby’s surgery,
Melanie looked at the doctor with
haggard eyes.
a. Exhausted; tired
b. Clear and bright
c. Happy; joyful
This type of question has to do with
using words in context. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Use the context of the sentence to select the meaning of each underlined
____________________________________
word.
____________________________________
1. Olivia was so happy she pirouetted around the room, laughing with dizziness.
a. Stomped loudly
b. Whirled about on the toes
c. Walked lightly on tiptoes
Answer:
2. The brilliant plume of the peacock shown in the sunlight.
a. Foot
b. Feather
c. Beak
Answer:
3. He burnished the mahogany until it shone like glass.
a. Cut
b. Scratched
c. Polished
Answer:
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Page 7
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: What is the root of the word
and what is its meaning?
Abnormal
a. Ab – absolutely
b. Ab – away from
c. Normal – like the others
This type of question has to do with
Greek and Latin word roots. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For each word below, select the root of the word and its meaning.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Octagon
a. Oct – eight
b. Oct – six
c. Gon - shape
Answer:
2. Prologue
a. Pro – in favor
b. Pro – before, in front of
c. Logue – Story
Answer:
3. Video
a. Vid – movie
b. Vid – see
c. Deo - Tape
Answer:
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Page 8
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: Where would you look to
determine the part of speech of the
word “reticent?”
This type of question has to do with
reference material. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
a. Encyclopedia
b. Dictionary
c. Medical Book
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the following questions.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Which website would be the best place to find the pronunciation of the word “lanai?”
a. www.mattshawaiianwords.com
b. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary
c. www.lanai.com
Answer:
2. What does a thesaurus help you find?
a. Synonyms
b. Antonyms
c. Both a and b
Answer:
3. Which word would you use a medical dictionary to determine its precise meaning?
a. Tonsillectomy
b. Obtuse
c. Virile
Answer:
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Page 9
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: Select the meaning of the
word. Then confirm the meaning by
checking the sentence’s context.
Comely
a. Beautiful
b. Tired
Sentence: Tim thought his bride-to be
had a comely face.
This type of question has to do with a
word’s inferred meaning. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select the meaning of the word first. Then confirm your answer by checking
____________________________________
the inferred meaning in context by reviewing the sentence.
____________________________________
1. Fleet
a. Fast
b. A group of ships
c. Ugly
Answer:
Sentence: The Olympic runner was fleet.
2. Catalpa
a. Type of porch
b. Type of tree
c. Type of computer
Answer:
Sentence: The catalpa grows 39-59 feet tall.
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Page 10
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.5
Problem: Which type of figurative
language is being used?
The humidity was like a wet blanket
pressing on him as he tried to sleep.
a. Metaphor
b. Simile
c. Personification
d. Hyperbole
Answer:
b
This type of question has to do with
figures of speech. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select which figurative language is being used.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. The snowflakes tickled Sara’s cheeks, summersaulting over each other.
a. Simile
b. Metaphor
c. Personification
Answer:
2. Jon felt as old as the paint that was peeling off the ragged porch.
a. Simile
b. Personification
c. Hyperbole
Answer:
3. Her voice grated on my nerves, slicing away my patience in tiny strips.
a. Metaphor
b. Personification
c. Hyperbole
Answer:
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Page 11
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.5
Problem: Complete this analogy.
Tree:Leaves
Flower: ___________
a. Grass
b. Petals
c. Stem
Answer:
b.
Instructions: Answer the following questions.
1. Which word is a synonym for “promise”?
a. Deceive
b. Pledge
c. Prominent
Answer:
This type of question has to do with
the relationships between words.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
2. Which word is an antonym for “sweet”?
a. Delightful
b. Agreeable
c. Inconsiderate
Answer:
3. Complete this analogy.
Statue : Stone
Scarf : ______
a. Crochet
b. Knit
c. Wool
Answer:
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Page 12
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.5
Problem: Which sentence has the
most positive connotation of Sam
(makes you think the best of Sam).
a. Sam is an essential employee.
b. Sam is a useless employee.
c. Sam is a mediocre employee.
Answer:
a
Instructions: Answer each question
This type of question has to do with
words with similar meanings. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Barbie is an incomparable dancer.
What connotation does this sentence express about Barbie?
a. Negative
b. Positive
c. Neutral
2. Which sentence has a neutral connotation of the paintings?
a. The paintings were exceptional.
b. The paintings were subpar.
c. The paintings were acceptable.
3. The meal was unsavory.
What connotation does this sentence express about the meal?
a. Negative
b. Positive
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Page 13
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.6
Problem: Which sentence is best?
a. Doctors can be an essential
ally during your stay in the
hospital.
b. Doctors can be necessary
when your in the hospital.
c. Doctors can be necessary to
you’re health.
This type of question has to do with
overall selection of the best words.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Pick the best answer to each question.
____________________________________
1. Which sentence is most concise while giving the most information?
____________________________________
a. There are many breeds of dogs that are in the animal shelters in larger cities
where more people live.
b. There are many breeds of dogs in large city’s animal shelters.
c. There are many dogs in animal shelters.
Answer:
2. Which sentence is most informative?
a. Foot doctors mostly work on people’s feet, ankles and lower legs.
b. Podiatrists diagnose and treat disorders of the feet, ankles and lower legs.
c. Podiatrists are doctors of the feet, ankles and lower legs.
Answer:
3. The Grand Canyon was wide and long and deep and really big all the way around.
Which word would best replace the underlined portion of the sentence?
a. immense
b. king-size
c. large
Answer:
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Page 14
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.1
Problem: Which part of the sentence
is a prepositional phrase?
Ali ran into the door.
a. Ali ran
b. ran into the door
c. into the door
This type of question has to do with
recognizing phrases and clauses. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For each sentence below, identify the requested phrase or clause.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Verb Phrase: Jenna was climbing a tree when she fell and broke her arm.
a. was climbing
b. fell and broke
c. fell and broke her arm
Answer:
2. Independent Clause: Jeff will do his homework after baseball practice.
a. will do
b. Jeff will do his homework
c. after baseball practice
Answer:
3. Dependent Clause: In the future, cars will run on water.
a. In the future
b. cars will run
c. run on water
Answer:
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Page 15
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.1
Problem: Is the following sentence
simple, compound, complex, or
compound-complex?
When the swallows return to
Capistrano, spring has arrived.
This type of question has to do with
simple, compound, complex and
compound-complex sentences. What
are some things to remember about
these sentences?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
Complex
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Identify the following sentences as simple, compound, complex, or
____________________________________
compound-complex.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. I enjoy reading books but my sister prefers watching movies.
Answer:
2. The southern magnolia tree produces enormous, beautiful white flowers every spring.
Answer:
3. Matt likes ice cream while Steve likes popsicles, but Mary only eats pudding.
Answer:
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Page 16
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.1
Problem: Identify and correct the
dangling modifier.
To be good at tennis, serving should
be practiced frequently.
This type of question has to do with
misplaced and dangling modifiers.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
To be good at tennis, a player should
____________________________________
____________________________________
practice serving frequently.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Correct the following sentence by fixing
the misplaced and/or dangling
____________________________________
modifiers.
____________________________________
1. Zoe finished, after her illness, all of her homework.
Answer:
2. Before graduating from high school, the paper must be submitted.
Answer:
3. Most cars are stolen in the parking lot with unlocked doors.
Answer:
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Page 17
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.2
Problem: Which sentence is correct?
a. I wanted a black, shiny car, but
instead I have an old truck.
b. I wanted a black shiny car, but
instead I have an old truck.
This type of question has to do with
commas. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For the pairs of sentences below, select the correct sentence.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Francis watched the quick white-tailed deer leap the fence.
). the fence.
2. Francis watched the quick, white-tailed deer leap
Answer:
3. Jason dove into the clear, cold spring.
4. Jason dove into the clear cold spring.
Answer:
5. How many pair of black high-heeled shoes can one woman need?
6. How many pair of black, high-heeled shoes can one woman need?
Answer:
7. Kendra squealed when the big white dog jumped up on her.
8. Kendra squealed when the big, white dog jumped up on her.
Answer:
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Page 18
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.2
Problem: Select the correct spelling
for the definition below.
A possessive case of they
a. There
b. Their
c. They’re
This type of question has to do with
spelling. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select the correct spelling for each definition below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Precise; exact
a. Defenite
b. Difinite
c. Definite
Answer:
2. To exclude or leave out
a. Except
b. Accept
c. Expect
Answer:
3. Pertaining to, or of the nature of, books and writings
a. Literacy
b. Littlary
c. Literary
Answer:
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Page 19
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.3
Problem: Which sentence is more
precise and less wordy than the
others?
a. My best friend, Anna, is the girl
who became my friend in first
grade when we were six.
b. Anna became my best friend
when we were in the first grade.
This type of question has to do with
concise writing, eliminating
redundancy. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For each wordy or redundant sentence, select the best and most concise
____________________________________
edited version to convey the same idea.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. It’s best to use the proper knife the first time you decide to start cutting something
rather than starting with the wrong knife and having to go back and cut it again with the
proper knife.
a. It’s best to use the proper knife before you begin cutting.
b. Before cutting is the best time to start to pick out the proper knife.
c. It’s best to use the proper knife.
Answer:
2. Writing a good letter is like baking a good soufflé in that it’s hard while you’re doing it
but the results of both writing the letter well and baking the soufflé well are worth it.
a. Writing a good letter is like baking a good soufflé.
b. Writing a good letter is like baking a soufflé—it’s hard while you’re doing it, but
the results of doing it well are worth it.
c. Writing a letter is like baking a soufflé because it’s hard while you’re doing it, but
the results of doing it well are worth it.
Answer:
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Page 20
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: What is the meaning of the
underlined word?
He sped away in the broken-down car
trailing black puffs of exhaust.
a. To have floating after itself
b. Running behind
c. Removing from view
This type of question has to do with
using words in context. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Use the context of the sentence to select the meaning of each underlined
____________________________________
word.
____________________________________
1. The actor was alone on stage for ten minutes giving his monologue.
a. A sonnet for ten people
b. A form of dramatic entertainment by a single speaker
c. A performance of mime
Answer:
2. Oscar flinched when the door slammed.
a. To draw back from what is unpleasant
b. To cry out in agony
c. To dance
Answer:
3. Latin may be a dead language, but Julia loves to study such arcane subjects.
a. Exciting, fresh and new
b. Widely used
c. Known or understood by very few
Answer:
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Page 21
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: What is the root of the word
and what is its meaning?
Collar
a. Coll – call
b. Coll – neck
c. ar – to be
This type of question has to do with
Greek and Latin word roots. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For each word below, select the root of the word and its meaning.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Glacier
a. Glaci – ice
b. Glac – tall
c. Cier – dangerous
Answer:
2. Kilometer
a. Kilo – long
b. Kilo – one thousand
c. Meter – mile
Answer:
3. Binoculars
a. Bi –eye
b. Bi – two
c. Culars – magnify
Answer:
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Page 22
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: If all of your reference
material was 10 years old, which
would it still be acceptable to use?
This type of question has to do with
reference material. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
a. Computer dictionary
b. Top 100 songs of the decade
c. Abridged dictionary
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the following questions.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. What website would be the best place to find the pronunciation of the word
“appendectomy?”
a. www.wikipedia.com
b. www.merriam-webster.com/medical
c. www.howtosayit.com
Answer:
2. Where would you find the part of speech of a word?
a. Encyclopedia
b. Thesaurus
c. Dictionary
Answer:
3. Which word would you use a music dictionary to determine its precise meaning?
a. Allegro
b. Musical
c. Allegory
Answer:
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Page 23
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: Select the meaning of the
word. Then confirm the meaning by
checking the sentence’s context.
Ingenious
a. Characterized by cleverness
b. Characterized by stupidity
Sentence: We watched the ingenious
invention make a perfect milkshake.
Answer:
a
This type of question has to do with a
word’s inferred meaning. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select the meaning of the word first. Then confirm your answer by checking
the inferred meaning in context by reviewing the sentence.
1. Marsh
a. A tract of low wet land
b. A dessert highland
c. A clear, cool pond
Answer:
Sentence: An unpleasant damp smell came from the marsh below my house.
2. Pelt
a. To decorate
b. To attack with repeated blows
c. To climb
Answer:
Sentence: The boys pelted the side of the barn with small pebbles.
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Page 24
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.5
Problem: Which type of figurative
language is being used?
The rain came down in torrents,
soaking me to the bone.
a. Metaphor
b. Simile
c. Personification
d. Hyperbole
Answer:
d
This type of question has to do with
figures of speech. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select which figurative language is being used.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. He was as hot as a frog in a frying pan.
a. Simile
b. Metaphor
c. Personification
Answer:
2. Chelsea’s hair flowed for miles behind her with a million tiny roses decorating it.
a. Simile
b. Personification
c. Hyperbole
Answer:
3. Happy raindrops jumped and skipped along the porch.
a. Metaphor
b. Personification
c. Hyperbole
Answer:
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Page 25
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.5
Problem: Complete this analogy.
This type of question has to do with
the relationships between words.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
Horse : Gallop
Fish : ______
a. Water
b. Swim
c. Fin
Answer:
b
Instructions: Answer the following questions.
1. Which word is a synonym for “consistent”?
a. Irregular
b. Uniform
c. Concise
Answer:
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
2. Which word is a synonym for “manual”?
a. Modern
b. Story
c. Guidebook
Answer:
3. Complete this analogy.
Contemporary : Word Processor
a. Computer
b. Abacus
c. Typewriter
Answer:
Out-of-date : ______
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Page 26
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.5
Problem: Which sentence has the
most negative connotation of Rob
(makes you think the worst of Rob).
a. Rob stole the coat.
b. Rob borrowed the coat.
c. Rob took hold of the coat.
Answer:
a
This type of question has to do with
words with similar meanings. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer each question
1. Steve is an accomplished pianist.
What connotation does this sentence express about Steve?
a. Negative
b. Positive
c. Neutral
Answer:
2. Which sentence has the most positive connotation?
a. Jackie’s clothes are always stylish.
b. Jackie’s clothes are always dated.
c. Jackie’s clothes are always wearable .
Answer:
3. Gabe is a nimble hurdler.
What connotation does this sentence express?
a. Negative
b. Positive
Answer:
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Page 27
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.6
Problem: Which sentence is best?
a. I cannot accept your
resignation.
b. I cannot except your
resignation.
c. I can not expect your
resignation.
This type of question has to do with
overall selection of the best words.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
____________________________________
1. Which sentence is most concise while giving the most information?
____________________________________
a. In the ocean, I found many types of sharks live without bothering most other
people.
b. There are many types of sharks in the ocean that do not bother people.
c. Many types of sharks live in the ocean.
Answer:
2. Which sentence is most appropriate if writing a planting manual?
a. Miranda plants her lettuce in the spring.
b. Lettuce can be grown anytime but I would only plant it in the spring.
c. The easiest time to grow lettuce is in the spring.
Answer:
3. The racecar drove around the track super-fast and quickly got to the end.
Which phrase would best replace the underlined portion of the sentence?
a. flashed around the track
b. drove fast around the track
c. lumbered around the track
Answer:
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Page 28
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.1
Problem: Which part of the sentence
is a prepositional phrase?
The cat climbed into the basket.
a. The cat climbed
b. climbed into the basket
c. into the basket
This type of question has to do with
recognizing phrases and clauses. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For each sentence below, identify the requested phrase or clause.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Verb Phrase: Alyssa had been studying Spanish for four years .
a. Alyssa had been studying
b. had been studying
c. studying
Answer:
2. Independent Clause: When traveling to Rome, you should visit the Pantheon.
a. When traveling to Rome
b. you should visit the Pantheon
c. should visit
Answer:
3. Dependent Clause: Zoe is searching through the garden where she lost her earring.
a. Zoe is searching through the garden
b. through the garden
c. where she lost her earring
Answer:
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Page 29
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.1
Problem: Is the following sentence
simple, compound, complex, or
compound-complex?
The large, yellow bird flitted from
flower to flower.
This type of question has to do with
simple, compound, complex and
compound-complex sentences. What
are some things to remember about
these sentences?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
Simple
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Identify the following sentences as simple, compound, complex, or
____________________________________
compound-complex.
____________________________________
____________________________________i
deas.
1. After all of the tests were turned in, Mrs. Mayfield let us go to recess.
Answer:
2. When the movie ended, Mara walked home and Sasha took the bus.
Answer:
3. I have blue eyes, but my sister has green eyes.
Answer:
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Page 30
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.1
Problem: Identify and correct the
misplaced modifier.
Sleeping on the job, an accident
occurred.
This type of question has to do with
misplaced and dangling modifiers.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
____________________________________
Sleeping on the job, I allowed an
____________________________________
accident to occur.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Correct the following sentences by fixing the misplaced and/or dangling
____________________________________
modifiers.
____________________________________
1. The pink baby’s pacifier fell on the floor.
Answer:
2. Addie wanted to happily run to greet her dad.
Answer:
3. Sean offered a job to Donna at the road department.
Answer:
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Page 31
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.2
Problem: Which sentence is correct?
a. Miss America was a tall, smart
girl.
b. Miss America was a tall smart
girl.
This type of question has to do with
commas. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For the pairs of sentences below, select the sentence that is correct.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. The quarterback wore an old, tattered jersey.
2. The quarterback wore an old tattered jersey.
Answer:
3. The dusty, brown cloth covered the ancient wooden dresser.
4. The dusty brown cloth covered the ancient, wooden dresser.
Answer:
5. Julie had a tart, green tea with lunch.
6. Julie had a tart green tea with lunch.
Answer:
7. Are you going to Tyler’s surprise, sixteenth birthday party?
8. Are you going to Tyler’s surprise sixteenth birthday party?
Answer:
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Page 32
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.2
Problem: Select the correct spelling
for the definition below.
To spell incorrectly
a. Mispell
b. Misspell
c. Misspel
This type of question has to do with
spelling. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select the correct spelling for each definition below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. To do a kindness or favor
a. Acommodate
b. Accomodate
c. Accommodate
Answer:
2. A table with the days of each month and week in a year
a. Calender
b. Calendar
c. Calander
Answer:
3. A cleaner or sweeper
a. Vacume
b. Vaccum
c. Vacuum
Answer:
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Page 33
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.3
Problem: Which sentence is more
precise and less wordy than the
others?
a. Please stand and get off of my
couch.
b. Please get off my couch.
This type of question has to do with
concise writing, eliminating
redundancy. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For each wordy or redundant sentence, select the best and most concise
____________________________________
edited version to convey the same idea.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Sidney hurried really fast to that store where you can buy tennis shoes that that famous
basketball player, LeBron James, wears
a. Sidney hurried really fast to the store that sells tennis shoes that LeBron James
wears.
b. Sidney hurried really fast to that store where you can buy LeBron James’ tennis
shoes.
c. Sidney hurried really fast to that store where you buy tennis shoes that, LeBron
James, the famous basketball player, wears
Answer:
2. That pendulum that swings back and forth from side to side has scratched a visible line
on the table.
a. That pendulum that swings back and forth has scratched the table.
b. That pendulum has scratched a visible line on the table.
c. That pendulum has scratched a line on the table.
Answer:
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Page 34
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: What is the meaning of the
underlined word?
The author was prolific with eighty
published books.
a. Producing abundantly
b. Exhausted
c. Happy
This type of question has to do with
using words in context. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Use the context of the sentence to select the meaning of each underlined
____________________________________
word.
____________________________________
1. The company hired a lawyer to mediate all disagreements with employees.
a. To sue
b. To settle disputes; to reconcile
c. To explain
Answer:
2. The dogged chef wouldn’t rest until every dish was perfectly cooked and served.
a. Slow
b. Persistent in effort
c. Conceited
Answer:
3. After Ross backed into Jen’s car, he was liable for the cost of the repairs.
a. Lacking money
b. Hoping
c. Legally responsible
Answer:
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Page 35
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: What is the root of the word
and what is its meaning?
Reptile
a. Rept– crawl or creep
b. Rep – no legs
c. Rep – animal-like
This type of question has to do with
Greek and Latin word roots. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For each word below, select the root of the word and its meaning.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Maximum
a. Maxim – greatest
b. Max – in time
c. Mum – high
Answer:
2. Hydrophobia
a. Hydro – air
b. Hydro – water
c. Hydro – fear
Answer:
3. Helicopter
a. Heli – ground
b. Cop – blame
c. Pter - wing
Answer:
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Page 36
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: When looking up the word
“sick” in the dictionary, the beginning
of the entry looks like this:
sick (sik) adj.
What is the part of speech?
a. Sik
b. Adjective
c. Adjunct
This type of question has to do with
reference material. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the following questions.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. What website would be the best place to find the precise meaning of the word
“flugelhorn?”
a. www.music-dictionary.org
b. www.flugelhornsrus.com
c. www.asktom.com
Answer:
2. In the dictionary, “struck” has this pronunciation: (struk). What is the “u” sound?
a. Long “u”
b. Short “u”
c. Neither a nor b
Answer:
3. Which types of words would be better to look up online than in a dictionary?
a. Musical terms
b. Verbs
c. Computer terms
Answer:
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Page 37
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: Select the meaning of the
word. Then confirm the meaning by
checking the sentence’s context.
Proof
a. Evidence to establish a truth
b. To cause dough to rise
Sentence: The bread was bad because
Tim didn’t let the dough proof.
Answer:
b
This type of question has to do with a
word’s inferred meaning. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select the meaning of the word first. Then confirm your answer by checking
the inferred meaning in context by reviewing the sentence.
1. Preposition
a. Class of words used before substantives to form phrases
b. To position in advance
c. To propose an idea
Answer:
Sentence: The General decided to preposition the troops beyond the river.
2. Calf
a. The young of a cow or other bovine
b. To exhale sharply
c. The fleshy part of the back of the human leg below the knee
Answer:
Sentence: Suni’s calf ached after the marathon.
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Page 38
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.5
Problem: Which type of figurative
language is being used?
Ted was a giant, towering over the
others by ten feet.
a. Metaphor
b. Simile
c. Personification
d. Hyperbole
Answer:
d
This type of question has to do with
figures of speech. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select which figurative language is being used.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. The children plowed through the buffet line, raking all the sweets onto their plates.
a. Simile
b. Metaphor
c. Personification
Answer:
2. We expect the toddlers to sit still as if they were little adults.
a. Simile
b. Personification
c. Hyperbole
Answer:
3. The thunder scolded the golfers still left on the course as the lightening waved its
jagged fingers at them.
a. Metaphor
b. Personification
c. Hyperbole
Answer:
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Page 39
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.5
Problem: Complete this analogy.
Sight: Lightning
Sound: ___________
a. Rain
b. Thunder
c. Storm
Answer:
b.
Instructions: Answer the following questions.
1. Which word is a synonym for “hint”?
a. Imply
b. Hide
c. Cover
Answer:
This type of question has to do with
the relationships between words.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
2. Which word is an antonym for “patient”?
a. Steady
b. Victim
c. Restless
Answer:
3. Complete this analogy.
Carriage: Horse Rickshaw: ______
a. Elephant
b. Donkey
c. Person
Answer:
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Page 40
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.5
Problem: Which sentence has the
most positive connotation of Billie?
(Makes you think the best of Billie.)
a. Billie aides others.
b. Billie opposes others.
c. Billie ignores others.
Answer:
a
This type of question has to do with
words with similar meanings. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer each question
1. Carl is always optimistic
What connotation does this sentence express about Carl?
a. Negative
b. Positive
c. Neutral
Answer:
2. Which sentence has a negative connotation of the dorm room?
a. The slovenly dorm room belonged to four boys.
b. The tidy dorm room belonged to four boys.
c. The crowded dorm room belonged to four boys.
Answer:
3. The painting depicted a homely girl.
What connotation does this sentence express about the girl?
a. Negative
b. Positive
Answer:
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Page 41
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.6
Problem: Which sentence is best?
a. They helped us irregardless
of our ability to pay.
b. They helped us regardless of
our ability to pay.
c. They helped us unregardless
of our ability to pay.
This type of question has to do with
overall selection of the best words.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Pick the best answer to each question.
____________________________________
1. Which sentence is most concise while giving the most information?
____________________________________
a. Olive’s team finished the race faster than the others and won by ten minutes.
b. Olive’s team won the race by ten minutes.
c. Olive’s team won.
Answer:
2. Which sentence is most informative?
a. Alternately playing the piece piano then fortissimo makes it more interesting.
b. Playing the piece quieter and then louder makes it more interesting.
c. Alternating between soft and loud when playing the piece makes it more
interesting.
Answer:
3. Stella was so mad she could have screamed when Frank was two hours late.
Which word would best replace the underlined portion of the sentence?
a. enraged
b. upset
c. forgiving
Answer:
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Page 42
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.1
Problem: Which part of the sentence
is a dependent clause?
Go to the car after you get your coat.
a. Go to the car
b. after you get your coat
c. get your coat
This type of question has to do with
recognizing phrases and clauses. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For each sentence below, identify the requested phrase or clause.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Verb Phrase: My dog will chase moles all day.
a. My dog will chase
b. will chase
c. will chase moles
Answer:
2. Independent Clause: When Walt arrives, we’ll all jump out and yell “surprise.”
a. When Walt arrives
b. we’ll all jump
c. we’ll all jump out and yell “surprise.”
Answer:
3. Prepositional Phrase: How did your shoe get on the roof?
a. did your shoe
b. get on the roof
c. on the roof
Answer:
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Page 43
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.1
Problem: Is the following sentence
simple, compound, complex, or
compound-complex?
Dogs want to please people, but cats
don’t care at all.
Notes on L.7.1b: This type of question
has to do with misplaced and dangling
modifiers. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
Compound
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Identify the following sentences as simple, compound, complex, or
____________________________________
compound-complex.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. I always go to my favorite restaurant, The Pancake House, when I visit the Smokey
Mountains.
Answer:
2. Tanner spent all day searching for his lost puppy.
Answer:
3. Even though it was after dark, Tanner kept looking for his puppy but it was Ryan who
found him in the neighbor’s backyard.
Answer:
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Page 44
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.1
Problem: Identify and correct the
dangling modifier.
When cooking chicken, it should be
cooked to the right temperature.
This type of question has to do with
simple, compound, complex and
compound-complex sentences. What
are some things to remember about
these sentences?
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
When cooking chicken, you should
____________________________________
make sure it is cooked to the right
____________________________________
____________________________________
temperature.
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Correct the following sentence by fixing
the misplaced and/or dangling
____________________________________
modifiers.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Going to town, it was cold with the windows down.
Answer:
2. Faye sold cookies to me with chocolate chips and pecans.
Answer:
3. If you go to the grocery store with Marcus, cookies are in aisle three.
Answer:
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Page 45
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.2
Problem: Which sentence is correct?
a. Holly is a smart, caring girl.
b. Holly is a smart caring girl.
This type of question has to do with
commas. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For the pairs of sentences below, select the correct sentence.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Don always wanted a new sports car.
2. Don always wanted a new, sports car.
Answer:
3. For her birthday, Jenny finally got the little, black puppy she always wanted.
4. For her birthday, Jenny finally got the little black puppy she always wanted.
Answer:
5. Hannah ran around the oval, grassed track in record time.
6. Hannah ran around the oval grassed track in record time.
Answer:
7. The large wild animals are the most difficult to handle at the zoo.
8. The large, wild animals are the most difficult to handle at the zoo.
Answer:
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Page 46
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.2
Problem: Select the correct spelling
for the definition below.
The state of the atmosphere
a. Waether
b. Whether
c. Weather
This type of question has to do with
spelling. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select the correct spelling for each definition below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. An image of something on a small scale.
a. Miniture
b. Miniature
c. Minieture
Answer:
2. An instance of personally undergoing something
a. Experience
b. Experiance
c. Experence
Answer:
3. Thinking or acting for oneself
a. Indapendant
b. Independent
c. Independant
Answer:
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Page 47
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.3
Problem: Which sentence is more
precise and less wordy than the
others?
a. That is the bird that I bought at
the pet store with money.
b. I bought that bird.
This type of question has to do with
concise writing, eliminating
redundancy. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For each wordy or redundant sentence, select the best and most concise
____________________________________
edited version to convey the same idea.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. I went to town with Sheila who is the girl who I met when I was in town last week on
Tuesday.
a. I went to town with Sheila.
b. I went to town with Sheila who I met in town last Tuesday.
c. I went to town with Sheila who I met when I was in town on Tuesday.
Answer:
2. When Geoffrey arrived he was tired, hot and had been awake for more than twentyfour hours because he had been driving his car across the country despite being sleepy.
a. When Geoffrey arrived he was hot and tired having been awake for more than
twenty-four hours driving his car across the country.
b. When Geoffrey arrived he was exhausted because he had been driving his car
across the country while sleepy.
c. When Geoffrey arrived he was tired from driving his car across the country.
Answer:
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Page 48
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: What is the meaning of the
underlined word?
Can you orient me toward the river?
a. To direct toward a particular
object
b. To carry
c. To run
This type of question has to do with
using words in context. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Use the context of the sentence to select the meaning of each underlined
____________________________________
word.
___________________________________
1. Santa Claus has a hearty laugh.
a. Booming
b. Warm-hearted; happy
c. Scary
Answer:
2. Lydia was able to procure two tickets to the sold-out concert.
a. To forge
b. To obtain by care or the use of special means
c. To fabricate
Answer:
3. The castle had many stone turrets high above the courtyard.
a. Steeply pitched roofs
b. Rounded windows
c. Small towers
Answer:
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Page 49
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: What is the root of the word
and what is its meaning?
Anniversary
a. Anni-year
b. Anni-wedding
c. Sary-celebrate
This type of question has to do with
Greek and Latin word roots. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: For each word below, select the root of the word and its meaning.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Vacancy
a. Vac – empty
b. Vac – many
c. Vac – dangerous
Answer:
2. Cylinder
a. Cylind – geometry
b. Cylind – roll
c. Cy – five
Answer:
3. Negative
a. Neg – eye
b. Neg – say no
c. Neg – ask
Answer:
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Page 50
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: What pronunciation is
represented by an “a” with a straight
line over it?
This type of question has to do with
reference material. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
a. Short “a”
b. Long “a”
c. Neither a nor b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the following questions.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. What website would be the best place to find the definition of the word “calcify”?
a. www.wikipedia.com
b. www.merriam-webster.com
c. www.calcium.com
Answer:
2. What reference material would give you the most in-depth explanation of a term?
a. Encyclopedia
b. Thesaurus
c. Dictionary
Answer:
3. What part of speech is represented in the dictionary by “pron.”?
a. Pronoun
b. Pronunciation
c. Pronounce
Answer:
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Page 51
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.4
Problem: Select the meaning of the
word. Then confirm the meaning by
checking the sentence’s context.
Diminutive
a. Small; tiny
b. Large; tall
Sentence: The train set had diminutive
trees all around it.
Answer:
a
This type of question has to do with a
word’s inferred meaning. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select the meaning of the word first. Then confirm your answer by checking
the inferred meaning in context by reviewing the sentence.
1. Perimeter
a. The closest position
b. The border of a two-dimensional figure
c. One-fourth of a meter
Answer:
Sentence: Dogs patrolled the perimeter of the prison yard.
2. Snide
a. Derogatory in a nasty, insinuating manner
b. Kind and helpful
c. Indifferent
Answer:
Sentence: Gene made snide remarks about the racers who beat him.
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Page 52
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.5
Problem: Which type of figurative
language is being used?
The brothers fought like cats and dogs.
a. Metaphor
b. Simile
c. Personification
d. Hyperbole
Answer:
b
This type of question has to do with
figures of speech. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select which figurative language is being used.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Memories are the blooms on the stems of our life.
a. Simile
b. Metaphor
c. Personification
Answer:
2. Trudy hopped across the yard like a rabid kangaroo.
a. Simile
b. Personification
c. Hyperbole
Answer:
3. The drive-through line stretched on for miles, while each car in front of me spent hours
on their order then drove at a snail’s pace to the next window.
a. Metaphor
b. Personification
c. Hyperbole
Answer:
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Page 53
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.5
Problem: Complete this analogy.
Stick:Hockey
Bat: ______
a. Basketball
b. Baseball
c. Soccer
Answer:
b
Instructions: Answer the following questions.
1. Which word is a synonym for “descend”?
a. Rise
b. Plummet
c. Ascend
Answer:
This type of question has to do with
the relationships between words.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
2. Which word is an antonym for “Bolster”?
a. Help
b. Uphold
c. Oppose
Answer:
3. Complete this analogy.
Blush:Cheeks
a. Lips
b. Knees
c. Eyelashes
Answer:
Mascara: ______
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Page 54
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.5
Problem: Which sentence has the
most negative connotation of Tad
(makes you think the worst of Tad).
a. Tad jeopardized our lives.
b. Tad preserved our lives.
c. Tad affected our lives.
Answer:
a
This type of question has to do with
words with similar meanings. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer each question
1. Madison is a tyrannical supervisor.
What connotation does this sentence express about Madison?
a. Negative
b. Positive
c. Neutral
Answer:
2. Which sentence has a neutral connotation?
a. Liam is always in class.
b. Liam is always tardy to class.
c. Liam is always punctual to class .
Answer:
3. The Swansons are very lavish with their donations
What connotation does this sentence express?
a. Negative
b. Positive
Answer:
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Page 55
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Language: L.7.6
Problem: Which sentence is best?
a. They’re going to the mall.
b. Their going to the mall
c. There going to the mall.
This type of question has to do with
overall selection of the best words.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Pick the best answer to each question.
____________________________________
1. Which sentence is most concise while giving the most information?
____________________________________
a. Rain that falls from the sky in the spring makes the flowers grow the most.
b. Rain is good for flowers.
c. Spring rains make the flowers grow the most.
Answer:
2. Which sentence is most appropriate to an opinion essay?
a. I think music is an important part of school.
b. Music is considered the most important part of school by a lot of people.
c. Music makes school more fun.
Answer:
3. Megan is very friendly and is kind to people and easily makes new friends.
Which word would best replace the underlined portion of the sentence?
a. congenial
b. nice enough
c. my best friend
Answer:
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Page 56
great educators
Common Core Standards Bellringers
Grade 7 – English Language Arts,
Reading: Literature Section
Student Edition
Second Edition
Copyright 2013 by Great Educators
All rights reserved.
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Story: Excerpt from Snow-white and Rose-red by the Grimm Brothers
The dwarf glared at the girls with his fiery red eyes and cried, “Why do you stand there? Can
you not come here and help me?”
“What are you up to, little man?” asked Rose-red.
“You stupid, prying goose!” answered the dwarf. “I was going to split the tree to get a little
wood for cooking. I had just driven the wedge safely in, and everything was going as I wished,
but the cursed wedge was too smooth and suddenly sprang out, and the tree closed so quickly
that I could not pull out my beautiful white beard so now it is tight and I cannot get away.”
The children tried very hard, but they could not pull the beard out. It was caught too fast. “I
will run and fetch someone,” said Rose-red.
“You senseless goose!” snarled the dwarf. “Why should you fetch someone? You are already
two too many for me. Can you not think of something better?”
“Don’t be impatient,’ said Snow-white. “I will help you.” She pulled her scissors out of her
pocket, and cut off the end of the beard.
As soon as the dwarf felt himself free he laid hold of a bag which lay amongst the roots of the
tree, and which was full of gold, and lifted it up, grumbling to himself. “Uncouth people, to cut
off a piece of my fine beard. Bad luck to you!” He swung the bag upon his back, and went off
without even once looking at the children.
Sometime afterwards Snow-white and Rose-red went to catch a dish of fish. As they came near
the brook they saw something like a large grasshopper jumping towards the water, as if it were
going to leap in. They ran to it and found it was the dwarf. “Where are you going?” said Rosered. “You surely don’t want to go into the water?”
“I am not such a fool!” cried the dwarf. “Don’t you see that the accursed fish wants to pull me
in?” The little man had been sitting there fishing, and unluckily the wind had tangled up his
beard with the fishing-line. A moment later a big fish made a bite and the feeble creature had
not strength to pull it out. The fish kept the upper hand and pulled the dwarf towards him. He
held on to all the reeds and rushes, but it was of little good, for he was forced to follow the
movements of the fish and was in urgent danger of being dragged into the water.
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Page 1
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
The girls came just in time. They held him fast and tried to free his beard from the line, but all
in vain. Beard and line were entangled fast together. There was nothing to do but to bring out
the scissors and cut the beard, whereby a small part of it was lost. When the dwarf saw that, he
screamed out, “Is that civil, you toadstool, to disfigure a man’s face? Was it not enough to clip
off the end of my beard? Now you have cut off the best part of it. I cannot let myself be seen by
my people. I wish you had been made to run the soles off your shoes!” Then he took out a sack
of pearls which lay in the rushes, and without another word he dragged it away and
disappeared behind a stone.
It happened that soon afterwards the mother sent the two children to the town to buy needles
and thread, and laces and ribbons. The road led them across a heath upon which huge pieces of
rock lay strewn about. There they noticed a large bird hovering in the air, flying slowly round
and round above them. It sank lower and lower, and at last settled near a rock not far away.
Immediately they heard a loud, piteous cry. They ran up and saw with horror that the eagle had
seized their old acquaintance the dwarf, and was going to carry him off.
The children, full of pity, at once took tight hold of the little man, and pulled against the eagle
so long that at last he let his booty go. As soon as the dwarf had recovered from his first fright
he cried with his shrill voice, “Could you not have done it more carefully! You dragged at my
brown coat so that it is all torn and full of holes, you clumsy creatures!” Then he took up a sack
full of precious stones and slipped away again under the rock into his hole. The girls, who by
this time were used to his ingratitude, went on their way and did their business in town.
As they crossed the heath again on their way home they surprised the dwarf, who had emptied
out his bag of precious stones in a clean spot, and had not thought that anyone would come
there so late. The evening sun shone upon the brilliant stones. They glittered and sparkled with
all colors so beautifully that the children stood still and stared at them.
“Why do you stand gaping there?” cried the dwarf as his ashen-grey face became copper-red
with rage. He was still cursing when a loud growling was heard, and a black bear came trotting
towards them out of the forest. The dwarf sprang up in a fright, but he could not reach his cave,
for the bear was already close. Then in the dread of his heart he cried, “Dear Mr. Bear, spare
me. I will give you all my treasures. Look, the beautiful jewels lying there! Grant me my life.
What do you want with such a slender little fellow as I? You would not feel me between your
teeth. Come, take these two wicked girls. They are tender morsels for you, fat as young quails.
For mercy’s sake eat them!” The bear took no heed of his words, but gave the wicked creature
a single blow with his paw and he did not move again.
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Page 2
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
Despite the dwarf’s attitude, are Snow-white and
Rose-red kind to him?
a. Yes—they are “full of pity.”
b. Yes – he calls them names, but they
continue to help.
c. Yes – they help him three times.
d. All of the above.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with analyzing
what a text says explicitly as well as
inferentially. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
In the seventh paragraph, the dwarf says, “Uncouth people, to cut off a piece of my fine beard.
Bad luck to you!” What do you think “uncouth” means?
a. Helpful
b. Rude
c. Lucky
d. Clumsy
Answer:
Question 3
The character of Snow-white is the same character as the cartoon character from the more
modern stories like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Having seen movies, pictures, etc. of
today’s cartoon Snow White, what is one clear difference between the two characters?
a. This Snow-white is a child. Today’s cartoon Snow White is older.
b. This Snow-white is kind. Today’s cartoon Snow White is not kind.
c. This Snow-white has a sister. Today’s cartoon Snow White is always pictured with a
brother.
d. This Snow-white has white hair. Today’s cartoon Snow White has black hair.
Answer:
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Page 3
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
What is the best summary of this excerpt?
a. A dwarf keeps getting into trouble.
b. Two kind sisters encounter the same
dwarf three times and continue to help
him despite how badly he treats them.
c. Two girls are able to help a dwarf three
times.
d. A very unlucky dwarf has his luck change
when he keeps receiving help from two
girls.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with
summarizing a text and determining its
theme. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What do the following descriptions of the dwarf’s way of speaking make you think about him?
“snarled” “grumbling” “screamed” “shrill voice” “cursing”
a. The dwarf seems tired.
b. The dwarf seems intelligent.
c. The dwarf seems grumpy.
d. The dwarf seems unloved.
Answer:
Question 3
The dwarf has gold, pearls and precious stones. What is the most likely explanation?
a. The dwarf has done something wrong to obtain them.
b. The dwarf is a jeweler on his way to work.
c. The dwarf magically turns rocks into gold, pearls and precious stones.
d. The dwarf eats them.
Answer:
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Page 4
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with point of
view. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
This excerpt does not have a lot of dialogue from the________________________________
girls. What does that make you feel about
the excerpt?
a. The dwarf’s problems are most important to the next parts of the story.
b. The girls are not at all important to the story.
c. This story is old and girls didn’t speak much at that time.
d. This story is sad and depressing and the girls are too happy and kind to speak much.
Answer:
Question 1
What is the point of view of this excerpt?
a. First person
b. Second person
c. Snow-white’s
d. Third person omniscient
Answer:
Question 3
What type of illustration would best represent this excerpt and why?
Answer:
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Page 5
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Story: Excerpt from A Case of Identity by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
"Quite an interesting study, that maiden," Sherlock Holmes observed. "I found her more
interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel
cases, if you consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the sort at The
Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, there were one or two details which were new to
me. But the maiden herself was most instructive."
"You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite invisible to me," I remarked.
"Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to look, and so you missed all
that was important. I can never bring you to realize the importance of sleeves, the
suggestiveness of thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. Now, what
did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe it."
"Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a feather of a brickish red. Her
jacket was black, with black beads sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her
dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little purple plush at the neck and
sleeves. Her gloves were grayish and were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I
didn't observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a general air of being fairly
well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, easy-going way."
Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled.
" 'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have really done very well
indeed. It is true that you have missed everything of importance, but you have hit upon the
method, and you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general impressions, my boy, but
concentrate yourself upon details. My first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is
perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you observe, this woman had plush upon
her sleeves, which is a most useful material for showing traces. The double line a little above
the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, was beautifully defined. The sewingmachine, of the hand type, leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side of it
farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the broadest part, as this was. I then
glanced at her face, and, observing the dent of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I ventured
a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed to surprise her."
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Page 6
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
"It surprised me." I said.
"But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and interested on glancing down to
observe that, though the boots which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were
really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and the other a plain one. One was
buttoned only in the two lower buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and fifth.
Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly dressed, has come away from home
with odd boots, half-buttoned, it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry."
"And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by my friend's incisive reasoning.
"I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving home but after being fully
dressed. You observed that her right glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not
apparently see that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had written in a
hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been this morning, or the mark would not
remain clear upon the finger. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back
to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised description of Mr. Hosmer
Angel?"
I held the little printed slip to the light. It said:
"Missing on the morning of the fourteenth. A gentleman named Hosmer Angel. About five feet
seven inches in height; strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in the centre,
bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was
dressed, when last seen, in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert chain,
and gray Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over elastic-sided boots. Known to have
been employed in an office in Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing --"
"That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, glancing over them, "they are
very commonplace. Absolutely no clue in them to Mr. Angel. There is one remarkable point,
however, which will no doubt strike you."
"They are typewritten," I remarked.
"Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the
bottom. There is a date, you see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is
rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive -- in fact, we may call it
conclusive."
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Page 7
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
"Of what?"
"My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it bears upon the case?"
"I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able to deny his signature if an action
for breach of promise were instituted."
"No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, which should settle the matter.
One is to a firm in the City, the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking
him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow evening. It is just as well that we
should do business with the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the
answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem upon the shelf for the interim."
I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers of reasoning and
extraordinary energy in action that I felt that he must have some solid grounds for the assured
and easy demeanor with which he treated the singular mystery which he had been called upon
to fathom.
I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the conviction that when I came again on
the next evening I would find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up to the
identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Sutherland.
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Page 8
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with analyzing
what a text says explicitly as well as
inferentially. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
At the end of the sixth paragraph, Sherlock
Holmes comments on something he learned from the________________________________
woman’s appearance, “I then glanced at
________________________________
her face, and, observing the dent of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I ventured a remark
Question 1
What is Sherlock Holmes profession?
a. Police – he is solving a case.
b. Detective – he refers to his index of cases.
c. Doctor – he refers to himself as “doctor.”
Answer:
upon short sight . . .” What do you think “pince-nez” might refer to?
a. Eyeglasses
b. Clothespins
c. Wrinkles
d. Fingers
Answer:
Question 3
From whose point of view is this excerpt told?
a. Sherlock Holmes
b. Miss Mary Sutherland
c. Watson
d. Narrator
Answer:
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Page 9
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
What is the best summary of this excerpt?
a. Sherlock Holmes solves the case
b. Sherlock Holmes and Watson are partners
in detective work.
c. Sherlock Holmes explains to Watson how
much information can be learned from a
client’s appearance and a few other
pieces of evidence.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with
summarizing a text and determining its
theme. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
This excerpt has no action, only dialogue. How does that contribute to its feeling?
a. It makes the excerpt slow and plodding.
b. It emphasizes the thought process of Sherlock Holmes.
c. It emphasizes the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Mary Sutherland.
d. It shows how self-important Sherlock Holmes feels.
Answer:
Question 3
What one piece of information gives a clue to any physical characteristics of Sherlock Holmes or
Watson that could be used in illustrating this excerpt?
a. Miss Mary Sutherland’s worn gloves
b. Sherlock Holmes magnifying glass
c. Watson’s long beard.
d. Sherlock Holmes’ black clay pipe
Answer:
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Page 10
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
What clues in the excerpt help you to know that
this story takes place in the past?
a. The description of Miss Mary
Sutherland’s clothing
b. Sherlock Holmes’ clay pipe
c. Unusually spelled words
d. All of the above
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with how
elements of a story interact. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
In the tenth paragraph, Sherlock Holmes says, “All this is amusing, though rather
elementary . . .” What does elementary mean in this sentence?
a. Primary school
b. Basic
c. Hysterical
d. Pertaining to scientific elements
Answer:
Question 3
Do you think Sherlock Holmes will be able to solve the mystery?
a. Yes – he’s the hero of the story.
b. No – he isn’t basing his thoughts on evidence.
c. Yes – he references similar cases and Watson seems confident that Holmes will solve it.
d. None of the above
Answer:
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Page 11
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
What would the reader miss if this story was told
from Sherlock Holmes’ point of view?
a. Watson’s confidence in Holmes
b. Holmes’ process as explained to Watson
c. Watson’s comments on Holmes’ physical
appearance.
d. All of the above
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with point of
view. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What clues do we have that this story takes place in another country?
a. Unusual spelling of some words, for example, colour and centre
b. References to previous cases in Andover and at the Hague
c. Both a and b
d. The characters’ names do not sound American.
Answer:
Question 3
Drawing from your knowledge of the character of Sherlock Holmes, describe the sort of room
this scene might take place in if this story was a movie.
Answer:
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Story: Excerpt from Anne of Greene Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
"I'm sorry I lost my temper and said rude things, and I'm willing to go and tell Mrs. Lynde so."
said Anne.
"Very well." Marilla's crispness gave no sign of her relief. She had been wondering what under
the canopy she should do if Anne did not give in. "I'll take you down after milking."
Accordingly, after milking, behold Marilla and Anne walking down the lane, the former erect
and triumphant, the latter drooping and dejected. But halfway down Anne's dejection vanished
as if by enchantment. She lifted her head and stepped lightly along, her eyes fixed on the
sunset sky and an air of subdued exhilaration about her. Marilla beheld the change
disapprovingly. This was no meek penitent such as it behooved her to take into the presence of
the offended Mrs. Lynde.
"What are you thinking of, Anne?" she asked sharply.
"I'm imagining out what I must say to Mrs. Lynde," answered Anne dreamily.
This was satisfactory--or should have been so. But Marilla could not rid herself of the notion
that something in her scheme of punishment was going askew. Anne had no business to look so
rapt and radiant.
Rapt and radiant Anne continued until they were in the very presence of Mrs. Lynde, who was
sitting knitting by her kitchen window. Then the radiance vanished. Mournful penitence
appeared on every feature. Before a word was spoken Anne suddenly went down on her knees
before the astonished Mrs. Rachel and held out her hands beseechingly.
"Oh, Mrs. Lynde, I am so extremely sorry," she said with a quiver in her voice. "I could never
express all my sorrow, no, not if I used up a whole dictionary. You must just imagine it. I
behaved terribly to you--and I've disgraced the dear friends, Matthew and Marilla, who have let
me stay at Green Gables although I'm not a boy. I'm a dreadfully wicked and ungrateful girl, and
I deserve to be punished and cast out by respectable people forever. It was very wicked of me
to fly into a temper because you told me the truth. It was the truth; every word you said was
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
true. My hair is red and I'm freckled and skinny and ugly. What I said to you was true, too, but I
shouldn't have said it. Oh, Mrs. Lynde, please, please, forgive me. If you refuse it will be a
lifelong sorrow on a poor little orphan girl would you, even if she had a dreadful temper? Oh, I
am sure you wouldn't. Please say you forgive me, Mrs. Lynde."
Anne clasped her hands together, bowed her head, and waited for the word of judgment.
There was no mistaking her sincerity--it breathed in every tone of her voice. Both Marilla and
Mrs. Lynde recognized its unmistakable ring. But the former understood in dismay that Anne
was actually enjoying her valley of humiliation--was reveling in the thoroughness of her
abasement. Where was the wholesome punishment upon which she, Marilla, had plumed
herself? Anne had turned it into a species of positive pleasure.
Good Mrs. Lynde, not being overburdened with perception, did not see this. She only perceived
that Anne had made a very thorough apology and all resentment vanished from her kindly, if
somewhat officious, heart.
"There, there, get up, child," she said heartily. "Of course I forgive you. I guess I was a little too
hard on you, anyway. But I'm such an outspoken person. You just mustn't mind me, that's what.
It can't be denied your hair is terrible red; but I knew a girl once--went to school with her, in
fact--whose hair was every mite as red as yours when she was young, but when she grew up it
darkened to a real handsome auburn. I wouldn't be a mite surprised if yours did, too--not a
mite."
"Oh, Mrs. Lynde!" Anne drew a long breath as she rose to her feet. "You have given me a hope.
I shall always feel that you are a benefactor. Oh, I could endure anything if I only thought my
hair would be a handsome auburn when I grew up. It would be so much easier to be good if
one's hair was a handsome auburn, don't you think? And now may I go out into your garden
and sit on that bench under the apple-trees while you and Marilla are talking? There is so much
more scope for imagination out there."
"Laws, yes, run along, child. And you can pick a bouquet of them white June lilies over in the
corner if you like."
As the door closed behind Anne Mrs. Lynde got briskly up to light a lamp.
"She's a real odd little thing. Take this chair, Marilla; it's easier than the one you've got; I just
keep that for the hired boy to sit on. Yes, she certainly is an odd child, but there is something
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Page 14
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
kind of taking about her after all. I don't feel so surprised at you and Matthew keeping her as I
did--nor so sorry for you, either. She may turn out all right. Of course, she has a queer way of
expressing herself-- a little too--well, too kind of forcible, you know; but she'll likely get over
that now that she's come to live among civilized folks. And then, her temper's pretty quick, I
guess; but there's one comfort, a child that has a quick temper, just blaze up and cool down,
ain't never likely to be sly or deceitful. Preserve me from a sly child, that's what. On the whole,
Marilla, I kind of like her."
When Marilla went home Anne came out of the fragrant twilight of the orchard with a sheaf of
white narcissi in her hands.
"I apologized pretty well, didn't I?" she said proudly as they went down the lane. "I thought
since I had to do it I might as well do it thoroughly."
"You did it thoroughly, all right enough," was Marilla's comment. Marilla was dismayed at
finding herself inclined to laugh over the recollection. She had also an uneasy feeling that she
ought to scold Anne for apologizing so well; but then, that was ridiculous! She compromised
with her conscience by saying severely:
"I hope you won't have occasion to make many more such apologies. I hope you'll try to control
your temper now, Anne."
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Page 15
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
What clues in the excerpt help you to know that
this story takes place in the past?
a. They walk to and from Mrs. Lynde’s
house.
b. Marilla was milking.
c. Mrs. Lynde was knitting.
d. All of the above
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with how
elements of a story interact. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
In the third paragraph, Marilla describes how Anne is acting: “This was no meek penitent such
as it behooved her to take into the presence of the offended Mrs. Lynde.” What do you think
this sentence means?
a. Mrs. Lynde was expecting to see someone who acted very sorry and Anne was not
acting like that.
b. Anne was too loud to go into Mrs. Lynde’s house.
c. Mrs. Lynde would not want Anne in her house after she had walked there.
d. None of the above
Answer:
Question 3
What is the best summary of this excerpt?
a. Strong-willed Anne is forced to apologize to Mrs Lynde.
b. Anne apologizes to Mrs. Lynde even though she doesn’t think she should.
c. Marilla has made Anne apologize to Mrs. Lynde, but Marilla is confused and concerned
about Anne’s way of apologizing.
d. Anne finds a good way to apologize to Mrs. Lynde even though she shouldn’t. Marilla
doesn’t like the way she apologizes.
Answer:
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Page 16
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
“Turning point” refers to the point in a story
when the action changes and begins to move in
a different direction. What is the “turning point”
in this excerpt?
a. After Anne’s apology when Marilla
realized Anne was enjoying it rather than
feeling ashamed at her punishment
b. When Anne decided to apologize
c. When Mrs. Lynde accepted Anne’s
apology
d. As Anne and Marilla walked down the
road toward Mrs. Lynde’s house and Anne
seemed exhilarated.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with how form
and structure contribute to meaning.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
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________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
From whose point of view is this excerpt told?
a. Anne’s
b. Marilla’s
c. Mrs. Lynde’s
d. None of the above
Answer:
Question 3
Do you think Marilla is Anne’s mother? Cite at least one example to support your answer.
Answer:
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
In the fourth paragraph from the end, Anne
comes out of the garden with a “sheaf of white
narcissi in her hands.” What is she holding?
a. A collection of fruit
b. Small white buds
c. A bundle of flowers
d. A bundle of paper
Answer:
Question #1 has to do determining
meaning of words. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What would be the best illustration to go with this excerpt?
a. A girl skipping down the lane with her long red hair trailing behind her
b. A woman and girl in long dresses standing on a porch
c. An older woman knitting in a rocking chair
d. A girl on her knees in front of an older woman in a rocking chair
Answer:
Question 3
This is a short excerpt from a novel. What do you think is the most likely the central theme of
the entire novel?
a. Marilla doesn’t know what to do with Anne because Anne is so different.
b. In her new home, Anne doesn’t fit in with Marilla’s family and tries to leave.
c. Anne’s imagination creates problems when it conflicts with what is expected of her at
her new home.
d. Anne learns that her red hair will always get her into trouble.
Answer:
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
How would this excerpt be different if it was told
from Anne’s point of view?
a. We would know what Marilla thought of
Anne’s red hair.
b. We would know why Anne was enjoying
apologizing.
c. We would know why Mrs. Lynde said
cruel things.
d. All of the above
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with point of
view. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
Do you think this excerpt is the end of the novel?
a. Yes—Anne did what Marilla expected.
b. No—We don’t know why Mrs. Lynde is so cruel.
c. No—There needs to be a resolution to the story where we better understand why Anne
behaves the way she does.
d. No—There needs to be a resolution to the story where we better understand why Mrs.
Lynde behaves the way she does.
Answer:
Question 3
How might this story be different if it was set in a large city?
a. Anne wouldn’t go out to sit in Mrs. Lynde’s garden.
b. A neighbor like Mrs. Lynde might not be as involved in Anne’s life.
c. Marilla would be too busy with a job to worry whether or not Anne apologizes.
d. Anne would live at an orphanage.
Answer:
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Page 19
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Story: Excerpt from The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
When Rikki-tikki-tavi revived, he was lying in the hot sun on the middle of a garden path, very
draggled indeed, and a small boy was saying, "Here's a dead mongoose. Let's have a funeral."
"No," said his mother, "let's take him in and dry him. Perhaps he isn't really dead."
They took him into the house, and a big man picked him up between his finger and thumb and
said he was not dead but half choked. So they wrapped him in cotton wool, and warmed him
over a little fire, and he opened his eyes and sneezed.
"Now," said the big man (he was an Englishman who had just moved into the bungalow), "don't
frighten him, and we'll see what he'll do."
It is the hardest thing in the world to frighten a mongoose, because he is eaten up from nose to
tail with curiosity. The motto of all the mongoose family is "Run and find out," and Rikki-tikki
was a true mongoose. He looked at the cotton wool, decided that it was not good to eat, ran all
round the table, sat up and put his fur in order, scratched himself, and jumped on the small
boy's shoulder.
"Don't be frightened, Teddy," said his father. "That's his way of making friends."
"Ouch! He's tickling under my chin," said Teddy.
Rikki-tikki looked down between the boy's collar and neck, snuffed at his ear, and climbed
down to the floor, where he sat rubbing his nose.
"Good gracious," said Teddy's mother, "and that's a wild creature! I suppose he's so tame
because we've been kind to him."
"All mongooses are like that," said her husband. "If Teddy doesn't pick him up by the tail, or try
to put him in a cage, he'll run in and out of the house all day long.”
He spent all that day roaming over the house. He nearly drowned himself in the bathtub, put
his nose into the ink on a writing table, and burned it on the end of the big man's cigar, for he
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
climbed up in the big man's lap to see how writing was done. At nightfall he ran into Teddy's
nursery to watch how kerosene lamps were lighted, and when Teddy went to bed Rikki-tikki
climbed up too. But he was a restless companion, because he had to get up and attend to every
noise all through the night, and find out what made it. Teddy's mother and father came in, the
last thing, to look at their boy, and Rikki-tikki was awake on the pillow. "I don't like that," said
Teddy's mother. "He may bite the child."
"He'll do no such thing," said the father. "Teddy's safer with that little beast than if he had a
bloodhound to watch him. If a snake came into the nursery now--"
But Teddy's mother wouldn't think of anything so awful.
Early in the morning Rikki-tikki came to early breakfast in the veranda riding on Teddy's
shoulder, and they gave him banana and some boiled egg. He sat on all their laps one after the
other, because every well-brought-up mongoose always hopes to be a house mongoose some
day and have rooms to run about in; and Rikki-tikki's mother (she used to live in the general's
house at Segowlee) had carefully told Rikki what to do if ever he came across white men.
_________________________________
If you read the old books of natural history, you will find they say that when the mongoose
fights the snake and happens to get bitten, he runs off and eats some herb that cures him. That
is not true. The victory is only a matter of quickness of eye and quickness of foot--snake's blow
against mongoose's jump—and as no eye can follow the motion of a snake's head when it
strikes, this makes things much more wonderful than any magic herb.
Later that morning, when Teddy came running down the garden path, Rikki-tikki was ready to
be petted.
But just as Teddy was stooping, something wriggled a little in the dust, and a tiny voice said: "Be
careful. I am Death!" It was Karait, the dusty brown snakeling that lies for choice on the dusty
earth; and his bite is as dangerous as the cobra's. But he is so small that nobody thinks of him,
and so he does the more harm to people.
Rikki-tikki's eyes grew red, and he danced up to Karait with the peculiar rocking, swaying
motion that he had inherited from his family. It looks very funny, but it is so perfectly balanced
a gait that you can fly off from it at any angle you please, and in dealing with snakes this is an
advantage. If Rikki-tikki had only known, he was doing a much more dangerous thing than
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
fighting a cobra for Karait is so small, and can turn so quickly, that unless Rikki bit him close to
the back of the head, he would get the return stroke in his eye or his lip. But Rikki did not know.
His eyes were all red, and he rocked back and forth, looking for a good place to hold. Karait
struck out. Rikki jumped sideways and tried to run in, but the wicked little dusty gray head
lashed within a fraction of his shoulder, and he had to jump over the body, and the head
followed his heels close.
Teddy shouted to the house: "Oh, look here! Our mongoose is killing a snake." And Rikki-tikki
heard a scream from Teddy's mother. His father ran out with a stick, but by the time he came
up, Karait had lunged out once too far, and Rikki-tikki had sprung, jumped on the snake's back,
dropped his head far between his forelegs, bitten as high up the back as he could get hold, and
rolled away. That bite paralyzed Karait, and Rikki-tikki was just going to eat him up from the tail,
after the custom of his family at dinner, when he remembered that a full meal makes a slow
mongoose, and if he wanted all his strength and quickness ready, he must keep himself thin.
He went away for a dust bath under the castor-oil bushes, while Teddy's father beat the dead
Karait. "What is the use of that?" thought Rikki-tikki. "I have settled it all;" and then Teddy's
mother picked him up from the dust and hugged him, crying that he had saved Teddy from
death, and Teddy's father said that he was a providence, and Teddy looked on with big scared
eyes. Rikki-tikki was rather amused at all the fuss, which, of course, he did not understand.
Teddy's mother might just as well have petted Teddy for playing in the dust. Rikki was
thoroughly enjoying himself.
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Page 22
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
In the first paragraph from the end, Rikki-TikkiTavi “was lying in the hot sun on the middle of a
garden path, very draggled indeed” What is the
meaning of “draggled?”
a. Dirty from being dragged over damp
ground
b. Hot and sticky
c. Dirty from being thrown from a car
d. Happy and rested
Answer:
Question #1 has to do determining
meaning of words. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
From whose point of view is most of this excerpt told?
a. Teddy
b. Narrator
c. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
d. Father
Answer:
Question 3
Has Rikki-Tikki-Tavi lived with this family for a long time?
a. No-the family doesn’t seem to understand much about mongooses.
b. No-Rikki-Tikki is learning about the house at the beginning of the excerpt.
c. Yes-the father knows Rikki-Tikki won’t hurt Teddy.
d. Yes-he’s an old mongoose who is familiar with the house and garden.
Answer:
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Page 23
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
In what ways does this excerpt show that RikkiTikki-Tavi doesn’t understand everything that
humans understand?
a. He investigates everything in the house.
b. He wonders why the father beats the
snake he has already killed.
c. He was amused when the mother hugs
him after he kills the snake.
d. All of the above
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with how form
and structure contribute to meaning.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What do the following items from the excerpt tell you about its setting?
kerosene lamps, ink on the writing table, veranda, bungalow, cobra, mongoose, Segowlee
a. It takes place within the past ten years in the Midwest.
b. It takes place in the late 1800’s in the Southern United States.
c. It takes place in the late 1800’s in another country.
d. It takes place a long time ago on a tropical island.
Answer:
Question 3
Has Rikki-Tikki-Tavi killed many snakes before?
a. Yes-he kills this snake with no trouble.
b. Yes-he boasts of his snake killing abilities.
c. No-there are things he does not understand about the snake he kills.
d. No-he doesn’t kill the snake quickly enough.
Answer:
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Page 24
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 3
What is the best summary of this excerpt?
a. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi doesn’t understand the
behavior of the human family with whom
he lives.
b. Teddy and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi are the best of
friends who do everything together.
c. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is a young mongoose who
is helpful to the kind family with whom he
lives.
d. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is a cruel mongoose who
terrorizes the wildlife in the garden.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with
summarizing a text and determining its
theme. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What is the climax of this excerpt?
a. The snake shows himself as Teddy stoops to pet Rikki-Tikki .
b. Rikki-Tikki-Tavi jumps on the snake’s back.
c. The father comes out to beat the snake to death.
d. Rikki-Tikki is waiting for Teddy in the garden.
Answer:
Question 3
What would be a good illustration for this excerpt?
Answer:
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Page 25
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Story: Excerpt from Tales from Greek Mythology by George William Cox
ODYSSEUS AND THE SEIRENS
When Odysseus and his men had left the island of the Lady Circe, a fresh breeze carried them
merrily for several days over the sea. But after that the wind sank down, and there was a calm.
The sails flapped against the mast, and they had to take them down and to row the ship on with
their long oars. The sun was shining hot and fierce, and the men were very tired. There was not
even a ripple upon the sea, and not a breath of air to cool their burning faces. And Odysseus
remembered how the Lady Circe had told him that he would have to pass near the Seirens'
island where the sea was always calm, and how she said that he must take care not to listen to
the Seirens' song, if he did not wish his ship to be dashed to pieces on the rocks. For, all day
long, the Seirens lay on the seashore, or swam about in the calm water, singing so sweetly that
no one who heard them could ever pass on without going to them: and whoever went to them
was killed upon the rocks, for the Seirens were very beautiful and cruel, and they sang their soft
enticing songs, to draw the sailors into the shallow water, that their ships might be broken on
the terrible reefs which lay hidden beneath the calm. And when Circe told Odysseus of the
Seirens' rocks, she said that he must fill his sailors' ears with wax, that they might not hear the
song, and be drawn in upon those terrible reefs.
So, as the sun shone down fiercely on their heads, Odysseus thought that they must be coming
near to the island of the Seirens; and he took a large lump of wax, and pressed it in his fingers
till the hot sun made it soft and sticky. Then he called the men, and said that now he must fill
their ears with wax, so they would not hear the song of the beautiful and cruel Seirens. But
Odysseus was a very strange man, and liked to hear and see everything; so he said that he must
hear their song himself, and that they must tie him to the mast, for fear he should leap into the
sea to swim to the Seirens' land.
Then he filled the sailors' ears with wax, so that they could hear nothing; and they took a large
rope and put it two or three times round the arms and waist of Odysseus; and then they sat
down again on their benches, and began to row the ship on as quickly as they could. Presently
through the breathless air, and over the still and sleeping sea, there came a sound so sweet and
soothing that Odysseus thought that he could no longer be living on the earth. Softer and
sweeter it swelled upon the ear, and it seemed to speak to Odysseus of rest and peace,
although he could hear no words: and he felt as if he could give up everything, if only he might
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
hear those sweet sounds forever. So he made signs to the sailors to row on quicker; but
presently the song rose in the sultry air, more sweet, and gentle, and enticing; and it seemed to
say, "O tired and weary sailors, why do you toil so hard to row your ship under this fierce, hot
sun? Come to us, and sit among these cool rocks: come and rest, come and rest." But he did not
yet hear the words, for they were still too far from the Seirens' rocks. Still, nearer and nearer
the sailors rowed; and now he heard the words of their song, and he knew that they were
speaking to him, for they said, "Odysseus, man of many toils and long wanderings, great glory
of the Achaeans, come to us and listen to our song. Everyone who passes over the sea near our
island stays to hear it, and forgets all his labor and all his trouble, and then goes away peaceful
and happy. Come and rest, Odysseus, come and rest. We know all the great deeds which you
have done at Troy, and how you have been tossed by many storms, and suffered many sorrows,
sailing on the wide sea. But here the sea is always calm, and the sun cannot scorch you in the
cool and pleasant caves where you shall hear us sing."
Then Odysseus cried out to the sailors, "Let me go, let me go, they are calling me; do you not
hear? And he struggled with all his might to break the cords that bound him; but when they saw
him trying to get free, they went and tied stronger cords round his arms and waist, and rowed
on quicker than ever. And still Odysseus prayed them to set him free, that he might leap into
the sea and swim to the Seirens' caves. "I cannot stay," he said; "they are calling me by my
name; their song rises sweeter and clearer than ever; let us go, let us go." And again he heard
them singing to him. But quicker and quicker the sailors rowed on, till at last they had passed
the island. And the Seirens saw that Odysseus was going away; but yet again they sang, "Will
you leave us? Ah! Odysseus, you do not know what you are losing. Come to our cool green
caves; we are waiting.”
But the power of the Seirens' song grew weaker as the ship went further away; and Odysseus
began to think how foolish and silly he had been. He could not hear any more the words of the
song, as they called him by his name; but still he half wished to go back to the Seirens' land, as
long as he heard the sound of their singing, as it came faint and weak through the hot and
breathless air. Soon it was all ended. The sky was still; the waves were all asleep; the clouds
looked down drowsily on the water; and Odysseus thought that he could die; he was so tired
and spent with struggling.
So when the sailors saw that Odysseus did not struggle any more, they went and set him free,
and took the wax out of their ears. And Odysseus said, “Friends, it is better not to hear the
Seirens' song; for if but two or three of us had heard it, we should have gone to them, and our
ship would have been sunk in their green caves."
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Page 27
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
And they said, "It is indeed better not to hear it. You were so busy listening to their song, that
you could not see what we saw. All the way as we passed by the island, logs of wood and bits of
masts were floating on the water: and these must have been pieces from ships which have
been broken on the rocks, because the sailors heard the Seirens' song."
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Page 28
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with analyzing
what a text says explicitly as well as
inferentially. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What would be the best illustration for this story? ________________________________
a. Part of broken boats floating through water as________________________________
another boat sailed through it.
________________________________
b. Odysseus tied to the mast of his boat while beautiful woman on rocks sang.
Question 1
Who warned Odysseus about the Seirens?
a. Lady Circe
b. The Achaeans
c. No one
Answer:
c. Men rowing a huge boat past dangerous rocks.
Answer:
Question 3
What is the point of view of this story?
a. First person-Odysseus
b. Third person-Odysseus
c. Third person-Lady Circe
d. Third person omniscient
Answer:
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Page 29
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
Is it important that there is dialogue in this story?
a. Yes-we need to hear the Seirens’ song.
b. Yes-we need to hear the Seirens’ song
and Odysseus reaction to it.
c. No-Odysseus’ thoughts are enough to
make us understand.
d. No-it doesn’t contribute to the story.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with how form
and structure contribute to meaning.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What is the best summary of this story?
a. Odysseus does not heed the advice of Lady Circe and nearly causes his boat to be
wrecked.
b. Odysseus nearly succumbs to the song of the Seirens.
c. Odysseus takes his boat safely past the Seirens after heeding the advice of Lady Circe.
Answer:
Question 3
In the third paragraph, the Seirens sing, “O tired and weary sailors, why do you toil so hard to
row your ship under this fierce, hot sun?” What does toil mean?
a. try
b. struggle
c. work
Answer:
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Page 30
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
This story is a retelling of a story from Homer’s
Odyssey. The modern novel, The Sea of
Monsters, is the second in the Percy Jackson &
the Olympians series. This story from Greek
Mythology is dramatized in the novel. Watch
one of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians movies
and compare it to the story from Greek
Mythology.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with comparing
a story to another version of the story
in film or another media. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
From what other point of view could this story be told to still make us aware of all that
happened?
a. The Seirens
b. The sailors
c. Lady Circe
Answer:
Question 3
What could be one theme of this story?
a. It is difficult to resist temptation.
b. It is important to heed advice.
c. Beautiful women will make men do terrible things.
Answer:
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Page 31
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
What clues indicate that this story does not take
place in modern times?
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with how
elements of a story interact. What are
some things to remember about this
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
___________________________
Question 2
The term “siren song” comes from this story. What do
you think it means?
___________________________
a. Any song sung by beautiful women
__________________
b. A song that makes the listener happy
c. An enticing plea or appeal, especially one that is deceptively alluring
Answer:
Question 3 0
Read modern books inspired by mythology such as:
Sirena by Donna Jo Napoli
Young Indiana Jones and the Journey to the Underworld by Megan Stine, H.
William Stine
Any book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
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Page 32
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Poem: Excerpt from The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe
Note to students: Read the excerpt once all the way through, then reread the excerpt taking notice of
the rhyme pattern.
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door Only this, and nothing more.'
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow; - vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore Nameless here for evermore.
And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me - filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating
`'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door; This it is, and nothing more,'
Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
`Sir,' said I, `or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you' - here I opened wide the door; Darkness there, and nothing more.
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Page 33
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the darkness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, `Lenore!'
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, `Lenore!'
Merely this and nothing more.
Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
`Surely,' said I, `surely that is something at my window lattice;
Let me see then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore; 'Tis the wind and nothing more!'
Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore.
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door Perched, and sat, and nothing more.
Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
`Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,' I said, `art sure no craven.
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the nightly shore Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'
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Page 34
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
What form of poem is The Raven?
a. Blank verse – having a meter but no
rhyme
b. Epic – extensive poem telling the story of
a heroic figure
c. Narrative – poem that tells a story
d. Sonnet – lyric poem of fourteen lines
Answer:
Question 2
When does the excerpt take place?
a. It takes place at midnight in December
b. It takes place at midnight in the fall.
c. It takes place on a winter afternoon.
d. None of the above
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with how form
and structure contribute to meaning.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 3
What is the main action of this excerpt?
a. The narrator hears something knocking at his door.
b. The narrator is scared by something that turns out to be a raven that enters his room.
c. The narrator has to deal with a raven that has flown into his room.
d. The narrator hears a raven speaking to him.
Answer:
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Page 35
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
These eight stanzas end with only three rhymes:
evermore, nevermore and nothing more. How
does this contribute to the tone of the poem?
a. It adds to the sadness and menace.
b. It makes it sillier.
c. It adds to the happiness.
d. It makes it more cheerful.
Answer:
Question 2
From whose point of view is most of this excerpt
told?
a. The Raven
b. Narrator
c. Lenore
d. None of the above
Answer:
Question #1 has to do determining
meaning of words. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 3
This excerpt takes place entirely in one room. What effect does that room have?
a. It emphasizes how poor the narrator is.
b. It emphasizes how lonely the narrator is.
c. It emphasizes how scary the narrator is.
d. It emphasizes how old the narrator is.
Answer:
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Page 36
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with
summarizing a text and determining its
theme. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
Why is it important that this poem was told as a narrative?
Question 1
Lenore is mentioned in the second stanza as
“lost.” The narrator whispers her name in the
fifth stanza. What do you think is meant by lost?
a. She has left the narrator’s presence.
b. She is dead.
c. She is missing.
d. She is confused.
Answer:
a. The narrative form is the only way to use this rhyme scheme.
b. The narrative form is the only way to tell a story in first person.
c. The narrative form is a way to tell a complete story.
d. None of the above.
Answer:
Question 3
Give several examples of alliteration in this excerpt that help contribute to the musicality of the
poem.
Answer:
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Page 37
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Story: Excerpt from Stories of the American Revolution by Everett T Thomlinson
The long winter of 1776-1777 was gone at last. Beneath the influence of the April sun
the grass was becoming green in spots, and birds were flitting about in the trees and bushes.
But Hannah Clarke, as she walked rapidly along the road, on her way to her home in the
township of Woodbridge, New Jersey, glanced nervously behind her, as if she expected to see
some sight which would alarm her.
Her fears were not groundless. That very morning she had watched, from the window
of her bare little room in the loft of her father’s house, a band of Hessians as they had passed
on their way from New Brunswick to Perth Amboy, the two stations then held by the British in
that portion of New Jersey. Hannah had marked the heavy jack-boots with their long spurs, the
stout and stiff leather breeches, the gauntlets reaching far up on the arms, and the hats with
their huge tufts of ornamental feathers, all of which made up the uniforms of the Hessian
soldiers or “Dutch butchers,” as the people of the colony then termed them.
She was a sturdy lass of eighteen, not given over to unnatural fears; but as she walked
on, in spite of her efforts to be calm, her alarm increased. It was not the recollection of the
Hessian band which had passed that morning, nor the fear of the other soldiers appearing now,
which troubled her most. Between the place where she then was and her home there was an
unoccupied house of which strange tales had been told during the past few months.
She stopped when she arrived at the house and looked carefully at the place. Assuring
herself that her fears were groundless, she was about to start on again, when she suddenly
checked herself and listened intently. No, there could be no mistake. Someone was in the
house.
As she remained hidden by the trees, she thought of her brothers and father in General
Maxwell’s little army. They were doing their utmost for her. Was there nothing she could do
for them? It might be that some plot was being formed there, some scheme of which the
Continentals ought to be informed. Could she discover it?
She crept closer to the house and looked through the window, which now was within a
few feet of her. She almost uttered a cry when she saw stretched upon the floor the body of a
Hessian soldier. At first she thought he must be dead, but soon she saw that he was breathing
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Page 38
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
regularly, and could even hear the sounds the sleeper made. The soldier was alone, and as
Hannah gazed at him a feeling of disgust crept over her face. He was sleeping, but the cause at
once became apparent when she saw the empty bottles by his side. Her alarm was gone now
in a measure, and she hastily withdrew and started once more up the road toward her home.
Suddenly she stopped a moment and appeared to be thinking of something which perplexed
her.
“I’ll do it! I’ll do it!” she exclaimed, as she once more started swiftly forward.
In a few minutes she entered her house, and replied to her mother’s questions before
saying, “Mother, I’m going back up the road a little way. I left something there and I must get
it.”
“Be careful, Hannah. I don’t like to have you away from home.”
“I’ll not be gone long,” said Hannah as she went out of the room, glad her mother had
not apposed her project. She went to her youngest brother’s room and began to search among
his clothing. She soon took down his jacket and hat, and donned them herself. Then, taking a
musket, which was hanging on the wall, she noiselessly crept out of the house by the back way
and went up the road.
In a brief time she could see the house in which she left the sleeping Hessian.
Approaching by the same way as before, she soon stood by the tree near the window and
peered into the room.
The man still lay upon the floor alone, sleeping heavily. The time for action had come,
and Hannah Clarke acted.
Resting her gun upon the sill and aiming it at the prostrate man, she summoned all her
courage and shouted, “Surrender!”
The sleeping man opened his eyes and gazed stupidly at her.
“Surrender,” called Hannah again.
The Hessian could not understand her words, but the gun spoke a language which
required no interpreter. The startled man sat upright, still gazing stupidly at the girl before him.
“Hand me that gun and sword of yours,” called Hannah, pointing as she spoke at his
weapons.
The Hessian slowly arose and obeyed, for he could understand the gesture.
“Now march out of the door!” commanded Hannah, again making use of a gesture
which could not be misunderstood.
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
The soldier slowly obeyed and started along the road, Hannah marching a few feet
behind him and holding her gun in readiness for instant use.
What she should do with her prisoner, now that she had captured him, Hannah did not
know. She had resolved to take him to her house, however, and there her mother could aid
her. The Hessian apparently did not fully realize eyen yet his true position, but the gun was a
sufficient reminder.
About half the distance to her home had been covered when Hannah heard a sound
which caused all her fears to return. From behind she could hear the sound of drums. She
knew that the soldiers must be approaching, but whether they were friends or foes she could
not tell. If they were Hessian’s what a plight would be hers. To escape with her prisoner was
impossible, and if she should attempt it without him he might quickly reverse their positions.
Hannah did not even dare to withdraw her glance from the prisoner before her. And yet
now she could hear the sound of horses’ hoofs behind her. She knew the end was fast coming,
and her strength was giving way under the excitement. The horsemen were close behind now,
and she heard her father’s voice.
“Why, lass, what is the meaning of this?”
In a moment Hannah’s brother was at her side, and the story was soon told. The patrol
guard from Elizabethtown, in which were her father and one of her brothers, had overtaken her
and now the prisoner was quickly transferred to them and soon carried back by Maxwell’s men.
No one knows whether the Hessian ever came to realize the disgrace and misfortune
into which his drunkenness had brought him, when he had been compelled to fall out of the
lines of his comrades marching to Perth Amboy; but Hannah Clarke’s praises were sung for
many a day, and are worthy of remembrance.
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Page 40
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
What is the best summary of this excerpt?
a. A girl interferes in the American
Revolution.
b. A girl encounters an enemy soldier and
captures him as a way of assisting her
father and brother who are fighting the
war.
c. A young girl walking home has a
daydream that she is a Revolutionary War
soldier.
d. A girl puts herself and her family in
danger by capturing an enemy soldier.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with
summarizing a text and determining its
theme. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
How does the time period in which this excerpt is set affect the story compared to the story
being set in modern times?
a. It was more unusual for a girl to be involved in the war during that time period than
during the present.
b. The Revolutionary War was fought very close to American homes unlike wars during this
century.
c. It was more common for a girl to be walking along a rural road alone during that time
period than it would be today.
d. All of the above.
Answer:
Question 3
What would be a good way to represent this story if it were filmed?
a. Film it in black and white
b. Film it all from Hannah’s point of view, never showing her on camera.
c. Use a lot of explosions and special effects.
d. All of the above.
Answer:
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Page 41
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
What is the point of view of this excerpt?
a. First person
b. Second person
c. Third person
d. Third person omniscient
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with point of
view. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
Is Hannah scared walking home alone?
a. Yes—she is terrified of the soldiers.
b. Yes—strange tales have been told about the empty house she must pass.
c. No—her father and brothers will protect her.
d. No—she is a sturdy lass of eighteen and not afraid of anything.
Answer:
Question 3
What type of illustration would best represent this excerpt?
a. A girl with long hair dressed as a soldier.
b. A girl holding several weapons standing over the body of a soldier.
c. A girl hiding behind a tree.
d. A girl sneaking out of her house dressed as a soldier carrying a musket.
Answer:
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Page 42
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with comparing
fictional and historical accounts. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
The Hessians have been ordered to cut down all________________________________
the saplings they can find. They pile
Question 1
After reading the following excerpt from “Personal
Recollections of the American Revolution” a diary
kept by Grace Barclay during the American
Revolution, what common attitude do Grace and
Hannah share?
a. Hessians cause problems
b. Enemy soldiers drink too much
c. Both a and b
d. None of the above.
Answer:
them along the road about twelve feet high, then by pressing teams and wagons, they cart it
away to forts and barracks at a distance.
It is a serious loss; in a few years our farms will be without wood for use. They (the
Hessians) burn an immense quantity; even the rail-fences, unless we take care to cut and cart
wood for their constant use. Keeping the fire a-going all night, many a poor farmer rises in the
morning to find his cattle strayed miles away, or his grain trampled down and ruined!
About thirty miles to the eastward, a countryman was met on the road by a company of
English solider ruffians, when they began to curse and swear, and threaten to compel him to
say, “God save the king,” which he resolutely and unwisely refused to do; though doubtless not
counting on their putting their threat into execution.
One of the villains, more in liquor and more violent than the rest, stepped up to the
American, with a drawn sword, which he kept flourishing over the poor creature’s head, and
shouted, “Say it or you’re a dead man!” The villain paused an instant; the dumb silence of the
man continued, and the dreadful threat was put into execution!
Question 2
Tell whether this nonfiction account makes the fictional story seem more or less realistic and
why?
Answer:
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Page 43
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
In the second paragraph of the story, Hannah
describes what the Hessian soldiers were
wearing. What does “breeches” mean in her
description?
a. A vest
b. A hat
c. Pants
d. A weapon
Answer:
Question #1 has to do determining
meaning of words. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
Of the two excerpts pertaining to the American Revolution, does one have more meaning?
a. The story dramatically illustrates the American Revolution.
b. The diary is a first-hand account of what happened during the American Revolution,
providing facts and illustrating the writer’s feelings accurately.
c. Both a and b
d. The story was written about a female and the diary was written by a female and since
neither could have fought in the war, neither are important.
Answer:
Question 3 0
Read other historical fiction works, such as:
Old Yeller and The Yearling
Read diaries written by young people, such as:
The Diary of Anne Frank and Zlata’s Diary
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Page 44
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Story: Excerpt from The Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle
And all the bells rang right joyfully, and all the people who stood without the cathedral shouted
with loud acclaim, and lo! The King and the Queen came forth all shining, like unto the sun for
splendor and like unto the moon for beauty.
In the castle a great noontide feast was spread, and there sat four hundred, eighty and six
lordly and noble folk—kings, knights, and nobles—with queens and ladies in magnificent array.
And of the feast near to the King and the Queen there sat King Leodegrance and Merlin, and Sir
Ulfius, and Sir Ector the trustworthy, and Sir Gawaine, and Sir Ewaine, and Sir Kay, and King
Ban, and King Pellinore and many other famous and exalted folk, so that no man had ever
beheld such magnificent courtliness as he beheld at that famous wedding-feast of King Arthur
and Queen Guinevere.
And that day was likewise very famous in the history of chivalry, for in the afternoon the
famous Round Table was established, and that Round Table was at once the very flower and
the chiefest glory of King Arthur's reign.
For about mid of the afternoon the King and Queen, preceded by Merlin and followed by all
that splendid Court of kings, lords, nobles and knights in full array, made progression to that
place where Merlin, partly by magic and partly by skill, had caused to be built a very wonderful
pavilion above the Round Table where it stood. And when the King and the Queen and the
Court had entered in there they were amazed at the beauty of that pavilion, for they perceived
a great space that appeared to be a marvelous land of the Fay. For the walls were all richly
gilded and were painted. The Round Table was painted with very wonderful figures of saints
and of angels, clad in ultramarine and crimson, and all those saints and angels were depicted
playing upon various musical instruments that appeared to be made of gold. And overhead the
roof of the pavilion was made to represent the sky, being all of cerulean blue sprinkled over
with stars. And in the midst of that painted sky was an image, as it were, of the sun in his glory.
And under foot was a pavement all of marble stone, set in squares of black and white, and blue
and red, and sundry other colors.
In the midst of the pavilion was a Round Table with seats there exactly sufficient for fifty
persons, and at each of the fifty places was a chaliee of gold filled with fragrant wine, and at
each place was a patenn of gold bearing a manchet of fair white bread. And when the King and
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Page 45
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
his Court entered into the pavilion, lo! Music began of a sudden for to play with a wonderful
sweetness. Then Merlin came and took King Arthur by the hand and led him away from Queen
Guinevere. And he said unto the King, "Lo! This is the Round Table." Then King Arthur said,
"Merlin, that which I see is wonderful beyond the telling.”
After that Merlin discovered unto the King the various marvels of the King Arthur’s Round
Table, for first he pointed to a high seat, very wonder- seated at the fully wrought in precious
woods and gilded so that it was exceedingly beautiful, and he said, "Behold, lord King, yonder
seat is high the 'Seat Royal,' and that seat is thine for to sit in."
And as Merlin spoke, lo! There suddenly appeared sundry letters of gold upon the back of that
seat, and the letters of gold read the name. And Merlin said, "Lord, yonder seat may well be
called the center seat of the Round Table, for, in sooth, thou art indeed the very center of all
that is most worthy of true knightliness. Wherefore that seat shall be called the center seat of
all the other seats."
Then Merlin pointed to the seat that stood opposite to the Seat Royal, and that seat also was of
a very wonderful appearance as afore told in this history. And Merlin said unto the King: "My
lord King, that seat is called the Seat Perilous, for no man but one in all this world shall sit
therein, and that man is not yet born upon the earth. And if any other man shall dare to sit
therein that man shall either suffer death or a sudden and terrible misfortune for his temerity.
Wherefore that seat is called the Seat Perilous."
"Merlin," quoth the King, "all that thou tellest me passeth the bound of understanding for
marvelousness. Now I do beseech thee in all haste for to find forthwith a sufficient number of
knights to fill this Round Table so that my glory shall be entirely complete."
Then Merlin smiled upon the King, though not with cheerfulness, and said, "Lord, why art thou
in such haste? Know that when this Round Table shall be entirely filled in all its seats, then shall
thy glory be entirely achieved and then forthwith shall thy day begin for to decline. For when
any man hath reached the crowning of his glory, then his work is done and God breaketh him as
a man might break a chalice from which such perfect ichor hath been drunk that no baser wine
may be allowed to defile it. So when thy work is done and ended shall God shatter the chalice
of thy life."
Then did the King look very steadfastly into Merlin's face, and said, "Old man, that which thou
sayest is ever of great wonder, for thou speakest words of wisdom. Nevertheless, seeing that I
am in God His hands, I do wish for my glory and for His good will to be accomplished even
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
though He shall then entirely break me when I have served His purposes." "Lord," said Merlin,
"thou speakest like a worthy king and with a very large and noble heart. Nevertheless, I may not
fill the Round Table for thee at this time. For, though thou hast gathered about thee the very
noblest Court of Chivalry in all of Christendom, yet are there but two and thirty knights here
present who may be considered worthy to sit at the Round Table."
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Page 47
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
What occasion is being celebrated?
a. Parade-there is a progression to the
pavilion
b. Establishment of the Round Table-Merlin
is showing off the Round Table to King
Arthur
c. Wedding-they are at a “wedding-feast”
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with analyzing
what a text says explicitly as well as
inferentially. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What is the best summary of this excerpt?
a. Merlin is explaining the concept of the Round Table to King Arthur
b. King Arthur and Queen Guinevere have made the kingdom very happy with their
marriage.
c. King Arthur is trying to develop a group of the most glorious knights.
Answer:
Question 3
What gives you clues as to the time period of this story?
a. The reference to knights
b. King Arthur
c. The dialogue
d. All of the above
Answer:
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Page 48
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with comparing
a story to another version of the story
in film or another media. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
The dialogue of this excerpt only takes place between________________________________
King Arthur and Merlin. How does that
________________________________
affect the meaning of this excerpt?
________________________________
a. It shows that no other characters are important
to the story.
Question 1
What movie is most likely based on the same
story as this?
a. Camelot
b. Arthur
c. The King of Queens
d. The King’s Speech
b. It shows the importance of the relationship between the two as it relates to the Knights
of the Round Table.
c. It emphasizes that the story is about King Arthur and that he alone will rule the Knights
of the Round Table.
Answer:
Question 3
How might the story be different if we saw any of it from Queen Guinevere’s point of view?
Answer:
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Page 49
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Literature Bellringers
Question 1
Since this is the first time King Arthur has seen
the Round Table, what do we know about him
from his reaction to it?
a. He knows that he has been chosen for
this special purpose.
b. He wants to try to avoid his destiny.
c. He feels very self-important.
d. All of the above
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with how
elements of a story interact. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
In the second to the last paragraph, Merlin says, “as a man might break a chalice from which
such perfect ichor hath been drunk.” What is a chalice?
a. A mug
b. A crystal decanter
c. A goblet
d. A tin cup
Answer:
Question 3
There is debate over whether King Arthur was a real historical figure or merely the subject of
folklore. What indicates that this story is fiction?
a. Merlin performs magic.
b. All of the names of the royalty are fabricated.
c. No one really spoke as they do.
d. None of the above
Answer:
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great educators
Common Core Standards Bellringers
Grade 7 – English Language Arts,
Reading: Informational Text Section
Student Edition
Second Edition
Copyright 2013 by Great Educators
All rights reserved.
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Text: Abraham Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life by William H. Herndon and
Jesse W. Weik
Mr. Lincoln was six feet four inches tall, and when he left the city of his home for
Washington was fifty-one years old, having good health and no gray hairs, or but few, on his
head. He was thin, wiry, sinewy, raw-boned; thin through the breast to the back, and narrow
across the shoulders; standing he leaned forward — was what may be called stoop-shouldered,
inclining to the consumptive by build. His usual weight was one hundred and eighty pounds. His
organization — rather his structure and functions— worked slowly.
His blood had to run a long distance from his heart to the extremities of his frame, and
his nerve force had to travel through dry ground a long distance before his muscles were
obedient to his will. His structure was loose and leathery; his body was shrunk and shriveled; he
had dark skin, dark hair, and looked woe-struck. The whole man, body and mind, worked
slowly, as if it needed oiling. Physically he was a very powerful man, lifting with ease four
hundred, and in one case six hundred, pounds. His mind was like his body, and worked slowly
but strongly. Hence there was very little bodily or mental wear and tear in him. This peculiarity
in his construction gave him great advantage over other men in public life. No man in America
— scarcely a man in the world — could have stood what Lincoln did in Washington and survived
through more than one term of the Presidency.
When he walked he moved cautiously but firmly; his long arms and giant hands swung
down by his side. He walked with even tread, the inner sides of his feet being parallel. He put
the whole foot flat down on the ground at once, not landing on the heel; he likewise lifted his
foot all at once, not rising from the toe, and hence he had no spring to his walk. His walk was
undulatory — catching and pocketing tire, weariness, and pain, all up and down his person, and
thus preventing them from locating. The first impression of a stranger, or a man who did not
observe closely, was that his walk implied shrewdness and cunning — that he was a tricky man ;
but, in reality, it was the walk of caution and firmness. In sitting down on a common chair he
was no taller than ordinary men. His legs and arms were abnormally, unnaturally long, and in
undue proportion to the remainder of his body. It was only when he stood up that he loomed
above other men.
Mr. Lincoln's head was long, and tall from the base of the brain and from the
eyebrows. His head ran backwards, his forehead rising as it ran back at a low angle, like Clay's,
and unlike Webster's, which was almost perpendicular. The size of his hat measured at the
hatter's block was seven and one-eighth, his head being, from ear to ear, six and one-half
inches, and from the front to the back of the brain eight inches. Thus measured it was not
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Page 1
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
below the medium size. His forehead was narrow but high; his hair was dark, almost black, and
lay floating where his fingers or the winds left it, piled up at random. His cheek-bones were
high, sharp, and prominent ; his jaws were long and up-curved ; his nose was large, long, blunt,
and a little awry towards the right eye ; his chin was sharp and up-curved ; his eyebrows
cropped out like a huge rock on the brow of a hill ; his long, sallow face was wrinkled and dry,
with a hair here and there on the surface ; his cheeks were leathery ; his ears were large, and
ran out almost at right angles from his head, caused partly by heavy hats and partly by nature ;
his lower lip was thick, hanging, and under-curved, while his chin reached for the lip up-curved ;
his neck was neat and trim, his head being well balanced on it; there was the lone mole on the
right cheek, and Adam's apple on his throat.
Thus stood, walked, acted, and looked Abraham Lincoln. He was not a pretty man by
any means, nor was he an ugly one; he was a homely man, careless of his looks, plain-looking
and plain-acting. He had no pomp, display, or dignity, so-called. He appeared simple in his
carriage and bearing. He was a sad-looking man; his melancholy dripped from him as he
walked. His apparent gloom impressed his friends, and created sympathy for him — one means
of his great success.
Lincoln's melancholy never failed to impress any man who ever saw or knew him. The
perpetual look of sadness was his most prominent feature. The cause of this peculiar condition
was a matter of frequent discussion among his friends. John T. Stuart said it was due to his
abnormal digestion. His liver failed to work properly — did not secrete bile — and his bowels
were equally as inactive. "I used to advise him to take blue-mass pills," related Stuart, "and he
did take them before he went to Washington, and for five months while he was President, but
when I came on to Congress he told me he had ceased using them because they made him
cross." The reader can hardly realize the extent of this peculiar tendency to gloom. One of
Lincoln's colleagues in the Legislature of Illinois is authority for the statement coming from
Lincoln himself that this "mental depression became so intense at times he never dared carry a
pocket knife." Two things greatly intensified his characteristic sadness: one was the endless
succession of troubles in his domestic life, which he had to bear in silence; and the other was
unquestionably the knowledge of his own obscure and lowly origin. The recollection of these
things burned a deep impress on his sensitive soul.
As to the cause of this morbid condition my idea has always been that it was occult,
and could not be explained by any course of observation and reasoning. It was ingrained, and,
being ingrained, could not be reduced to rule, or the cause arrayed. It was necessarily
hereditary, but whether it came down from a long line of ancestors and far back, or was simply
the reproduction of the saddened life of Nancy Hanks, cannot well be determined. At any rate it
was part of his nature, and could no more be shaken off than he could part with his brains.
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
What did the author cite as unusual about
Lincoln’s way of walking?
a. He had no bounce to his walk.
b. He had a shrewd walk.
c. He had no spring to his walk.
d. He had a slow walk.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with analyzing
what a text says explicitly as well as
inferentially. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What would be the best picture for the author to ________________________________
________________________________
use with this excerpt and why?
________________________________
a. A headshot of Lincoln to show what his face looks
like up close.
b. A picture of Lincoln with his family to show how much taller he is.
c. A picture of Lincoln sitting to show that he didn’t look any taller.
d. A full-length picture of Lincoln to show all of the features he discusses.
Answer:
Question 3
Does the author give any other points of view in this excerpt?
a. No, this excerpt is entirely his opinion.
b. No, there are not opinions expressed in this excerpt.
c. Yes, he quotes one friend and references another colleague.
d. Yes, he mentions that other people agree with him.
Answer:
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Page 3
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with
summarizing a text and determining its
central ideas. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
In the first paragraph, the author describes
Lincoln as “sinewy.” What is the most likely meaning________________________________
of “sinewy?”
________________________________
a. Thin or strong
Question 1
What is the main topic of this excerpt?
a. Lincoln’s unattractive qualities
b. Lincoln’s unique height
c. Lincoln’s physical and mental state
d. Lincoln’s physical characteristics
Answer:
b. Short and compact
c. Ugly
d. Chubby
Answer:
Question 3
List at least two pieces of information that the author gives that could be verified from another
source. Then list a possible source for verifying the information.
Answer:
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Page 4
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with interactions
between individuals, events and ideas.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
If the author had wanted to structure this information
as comparisons and contrasts, what
Question 1
What characteristic of Lincoln most stood out to
other people?
a. His towering height
b. His look of sadness
c. His winning smile
d. All of the above
Answer:
would he have had to include?
a. Another person’s physical characteristics
b. More information about Lincoln’s home life
c. Lincoln’s physical characteristics when he was younger
d. None of the above
Answer:
Question 3
Do the author’s opinions seem believable and why?
a. Yes, he mixes enough facts with his opinion to be believable.
b. Yes, he supports his conclusions about Lincoln with descriptions of his physical
characteristics.
c. No, he doesn’t seem to like Lincoln and lists a lot of unflattering descriptions of his
physical appearance.
d. No, his descriptions don’t look anything like pictures of Lincoln.
Answer:
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Page 5
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
What does the author mean by the following
sentence at the end of the second paragraph?
“No man in America — scarcely a man in the
world — could have stood what Lincoln did in
Washington and survived through more than one
term of the Presidency.”
a. Lincoln was tough and resilient both
physically and mentally.
b. Most men wouldn’t have liked what
happened in Washington.
c. Lincoln didn’t understand Washington.
d. All of the above
Answer:
Question #1 has to do determining
meaning of words. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What best describes Lincoln’s overall appearance?
a. Average and common
b. Unusual and noteworthy
c. Freaky and creepy
d. Beautiful and striking
Answer:
Question 3
What is the author’s purpose in this text?
a. To describe those physical characteristics of Lincoln that made his so different from
others.
b. To show that Lincoln was an unattractive person
c. To describe Lincoln’s physical characteristics and how they created an overall
impression in other people’s minds
Answer:
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Page 6
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Text: Bald Eagles
The bald eagle, the national symbol of the United State of America, is found only in
North America. Its strength, lifespan and majestic looks made it a natural selection as an
emblem for a young country in 1782.
Before European settlers arrived in North America, it is believed that bald eagles lived all
along both the Atlantic and Pacific Coast as well as along every large river and concentration of
lakes in North America. They could be found in what would eventually become 45 of the lower
48 states and were extremely abundant in the area that would be Alaska. Currently, bald
eagles are found in all 48 lower states, Alaska, Canada and Mexico. About half of the total
population of bald eagles lives in Alaska.
The bald eagle lives an average of twenty years in the wild, longer than most other
North American birds. They have a wingspan of six to eight feet and weigh between ten and
fourteen pounds. Females are slightly larger than males.
Adult bald eagles have a white head, neck and tail and a blackish brown back and breast.
Their beak and feet are yellow. Juvenile bald eagles have a black beak and a mix of brown and
white feathers. They do not develop the all white head, neck or tail feathers until they are
about five years old. Bald eagles are not bald. The word bald was used to describe something
white.
A bald eagle’s eyesight is three to four times sharper than a human’s. This enables them
to see small prey from a great distance. Bald eagles eat carrion as well as live fish and small
mammals. Its feet and talons are disproportionately large and can crush some bones.
A bald eagle has a shrill, high-pitched call that it uses to call to their mates as well as
other eagles. Bald eagles also vocalize to warn predators and competing eagles that they are in
their territory.
Although they are often described as majestic in flight, they can actually be awkward if
conditions are not optimal. In wide open spaces and good wind conditions, they can soar and
glide gracefully to great heights.
It is believed that bald eagles mate for life. The two eagles will build a large nest of
sticks high in a tree. The average bald eagle nest is five feet in diameter. Many eagle pairs will
utilize the same nest year after year with the nest getting bigger each year. Nests up to nine
feet in diameter and weighing two to three tons have been documented.
Bald eagles typically lay two to three eggs, called a clutch. The eggs hatch after 35 days
of incubation in which both the male and female share incubation duties. The female handles
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
more of the incubation duties and will not leave the nest for a time after the eggs hatch. The
male takes on all responsibility for feeding during this time.
Newly hatched eaglets have soft, grey-white down covering their bodies. Their legs are
too weak to hold up their bodies. They grow rapidly, adding about a pound to their weight
every three to four days. By three to four weeks, they have another coat of grey down and are
able to stand. By six to eight weeks they are nearly as large as their parents and their black
feathers begin to appear.
An eaglet takes his first flight when he is around three months old. At that time he is
known as a fledgling. The fledgling will stay with his parents for several more weeks after this
first flight. His parents will still provide all of his food but have little other contact with him as
he takes short flights around the nest. A bald eagle is typically on his own by five months.
Bald eagles are believed to have been very populous before European settlers arrived in
North America, sometimes estimated at 100,000 in the lower 48 states. As the human
population increased and moved west, the bald eagle population decreased because of
decreasing food supplies and encroachment of their habitat. By the late 1800s, the bald eagle
population had sharply declined.
In 1940 the Bald Eagle Act was passed that stopped people from owning and selling bald
eagles. Around the same time pesticides were beginning to be used. The poison was eaten by
small animals that the bald eagles then ate. It harmed both the bald eagles and their eggs
greatly reducing the population.
In 1967 the bald eagle was declared an endangered species. After the Endangered
Species Act became law in 1973, the bald eagle was officially put on the list on July 4, 1976, by
which time it had nearly disappeared in the wild. By 1995, the bald eagle was upgraded from
endangered to threatened. On August 9, 2007, the bald eagle was removed from the list of
threatened and endangered species due mostly to the banning of certain pesticides and to
habitat protection provided by the Endangered Species Act.
Bald eagles, though no longer endangered, are still protected. Not only is it still illegal to
own or sell a bald eagle, it is also illegal to disturb them. In 2006 the population in the lower 48
states was estimated at over 9,700 breeding pairs, up from 480 breeding pairs in 1963.
Recovery programs are still in place to continue to increase the bald eagle population and to
spread bald eagles to areas that are still lacking an established population.
It is easy to understand why the bald eagle can be found on our gold coins, the silver
dollar, the half dollar and the quarter. The bald eagle is found on the Seal of the President of
the United States, the Presidential Flag and most other official seals and logos of the United
States government. On the Great Seal of the United States, the bald eagle represents freedom,
might and majesty.
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Page 8
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
In general, how does the author structure the
text? Select all that apply
a. Chronological
b. Descriptions
c. Compare and contrast
d. Sequence
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with the
structure used to organize a text and
how the major sections contribute the
whole and to the ideas. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
Which would be the best alternative for
presenting this information?
a. An audio recording of the text
b. A video presentation with a narrator and video of the subject
c. A picture book
Answer:
Question 3
What is the central idea of this text?
a. Description of the types of eagles
b. Description of North American birds
c. Description of bald eagles
d. Cultural significance of the bald eagle
Answer:
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Page 9
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
Question #1 has to do with point of
view and how the author distinguishes
Does the author acknowledge other points of
his point of view from others’ point of
view or opinions about bald eagles? How do you
view. What are some things to
know?
remember about this type of question?
a. Yes, the author discusses the different
________________________________
types of bald eagles.
________________________________
b. Yes, the author explains how Americans’
________________________________
opinions of bald eagles have changed.
________________________________
c. No, the author only describes the bald
________________________________
eagle but does not explore any opinions
________________________________
about it.
________________________________
d. No, the author describes the bald eagle and offers
his opinion about why it is the symbol
________________________________
of the USA.
________________________________
Answer:
Question 2
The following sentence if from the fifth paragraph:
Bald eagles eat carrion as well as live fish and small mammals.
What is the meaning of “carrion?”
a. A small mammal
b. A large insect
c. Dead flesh
d. Dirt
Answer:
Question 3
What characteristics made early Americans select the bald eagle as their national symbol?
a. Short parenting time and flying ability
b. Strength and long lifespan for a bird
c. Long lifespan and shared parenting responsibility
d. All of the above
Answer:
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Page 10
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
Question #1 has to do with comparing
a text to another version of the story in
What would be the best set of photographs to
another media. What are some things
include with this text?
to remember about this type of
a. An adult bald eagle and an eaglet
question?
b. All of the coins with an eagle on them
________________________________
c. A bald eagle and a golden eagle
________________________________
d. An eagle’s nest and an eagle feather
________________________________
Answer:
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What is the biggest difference between adult and juvenile
bald eagles?
________________________________
a. An adult is brownish black and a juvenile is blackish
brown.
________________________________
b. An adult has a yellow beak and feet and a juvenile has a white beak and feet.
c. An adult has a long curved beak and a juvenile’s beak is short and straight.
d. An adult has a white head, neck and tail and a juvenile does not.
Answer:
Question 3
Why is the placement of the eighth paragraph so important?
Answer:
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Page 11
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Text Number 1: Paper Recycling
Over half of the trash generated in the United States ends up in a landfill. In 2010, the
average American produced over 1600 pounds of trash. The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) estimates that Americans produced 250 million tons of trash in 2010. Over 125 million
tons of that trash ended up in landfills. According to BioCycle, October 2010, in 2010 there
were 1,908 landfills in the United States.
About 34 percent of that trash produced in the United States is recycled each year.
Paper recycling accounts for about one-third of all recyclables. The EPA reports that almost 45
million tons of paper was recycled in 2010. That’s about 63 percent of all the paper used in the
United States in a year.
The first recorded incident of papermaking was over 2000 years ago when Ts’ai Lun, a
Chinese government official, ground up plants, spread the wet mush onto a mat and waited for
it to dry. The papermaking formula didn’t change much until the 1700s when they began to
grind wood to make paper, replacing the wet plant mush.
Over time the process of grinding wood into a pulp and using that pulp to make paper
has been perfected and made faster so that paper can be used to produce the two billion
books, 350 million magazines and 24 billion newspapers that are published in the United States
each year. Paper has many other uses, especially here in the United States, the world’s leading
producer of paper.
About one-third of the material used to make paper is wood residue, a product leftover
in sawmill operations. Another third is from whole trees, typically eight inch diameter or
smaller trees. The final third comes from recycled paper.
It is difficult to say how much paper can be made from a tree because the amount of
pulp produced from any individual tree varies considerably based on tree size, type and
condition. One estimate is that two tons of wood yields from one to two thousand pounds of
paper.
Recycling has been around for thousands of years, but mainstream recycling wasn’t
established in the United States until 1970. In 1990, the American Forest and Paper Association
(AF& PA) along with the EPA set a goal of recycling 40 percent of the paper used each year.
That goal was reached in 1996. A new goal of 55 percent recovery was established for 2012,
but reached ahead of schedule in 2007. According to AF&PA, 65.1 percent of the paper used in
the United States in 2012 was recycled. They have now established a goal of 70 percent by
2020.
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Page 12
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
More than 23,500 communities in the United States have some sort of paper recycling
program. Some programs have curbside pickup of recyclables while others have drop-off
recycling centers. According to BioCycle, 71 percent of the population has access to a curbside
recycling program.
Approximately 87 percent of the paper mills in the United States recycle some paper.
The paper mills process recovered paper by chopping the paper into small pieces and heating it
after adding water and chemicals. This creates a pulp that is then forced through screens and
“cleaned” to remove any contaminants such as glue or staples. Other processes may be used to
remove ink or dyes from colored paper. This “clean” pulp is then ready to be used in the paper
making process.
After the fibers in paper are recycled five to seven times, they are not long enough to be
recycled again. Those short fibers wash out in the pulp making process.
About 37 percent of the recycled paper in the United States is sent to other countries.
The rest remains in the United States and can be used to make writing paper, paper towels,
paper money, hospital gowns and egg cartons among many other products. According to the
EPA, recycling one ton of paper can save enough energy to power the average American home
for six months, save 7,000 gallons of water and 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space.
Paper products take up the most space in landfills. Paper recycling is one of the biggest
sectors of the recycling industry. Only car batteries are recycled at a higher rate. As the AF&PA
approaches their goal of 70 percent of paper being recycled, paper should stay on top as one of
the most recycled products in the United States.
Text Number 2: Paper Recycling
Paper products account for more than 71 million tons of the trash we produce each year
in the United States. Only 65 percent of that trash is recycled each year. That means over 46
million tons of paper is needlessly put into landfills each year.
Recycling one ton of paper can save one ton of wood. One ton of wood is
approximately equal to twenty trees. With over 46 million tons of paper being thrown away
each year, 920 million trees are needlessly destroyed.
According to the Environmental Protection agency, recycling the 46 million tons of
paper being thrown away each year could power 46 million average American homes for six
months. Those 46 million tons could also save 322 billion gallons of water and over 151 million
cubic yards of landfill space.
With over 70 percent of the population having access to curbside recycling, paper
recycling is very easy. The paper doesn’t have to be treated in any way by the average
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Page 13
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
residential recycling customer. The recycling process removes any contaminants such as
staples or adhesives.
Paper recycling has risen from 40 percent in 1996 to 65 in 2012. With so many
advantages to paper recycling, it should be nearly 100 percent.
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Page 14
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with evaluating
the arguments and claims in a text for
soundness and sufficient evidence.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
Which statistic does Text Number 1 and Text
________________________________
Number 2 use in different ways?
________________________________
a. The amount of paper trash produced each year
Question 1
What were the main sources of information for
Text Number 1?
a. EPA, AF&PA, BioCycle
b. EPA, ERA
c. BioCycle, encyclopedia
d. EPA, internet
Answer:
b. The number of trees in a ton of wood
c. The amount of water recycling one ton of paper can save
d. The percent of the population with access to curbside recycling
Answer:
Question 3
What is the best summary of Text Number 1?
a. Paper trash is the number one problem in landfills.
b. The USA produces too much paper trash each year and could solve a lot of problems by
recycling more of it.
c. The USA produces a lot of paper trash each year and recycles an increasing percentage
of it each year.
d. Paper trash is wasting many of our natural resources.
Answer:
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Page 15
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
What is the major difference between Text
Number 1 and Text Number 2?
a. Number 1 has more statistics from more
sources than Number 2.
b. Number 1 is giving information about
paper and paper recycling; Number 2 is
listing reasons that paper recycling should
be increased.
c. Number 1 discusses the history of paper
and trash in general; Number 2 only talks
about paper recycling.
d. No difference
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with how
multiple authors shape their
information when writing about the
same topic. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
According to Text Number 1, how many people have access to curbside recycling?
a. 125 million
b. 70 percent of the population
c. 71 percent of the population
d. More than enough people
Answer:
Question 3
What is the most likely definition for “pulp” as it is used in Text Number 1?
a. Soft, juicy part of a fruit
b. Inner substance of the tooth
c. Ore pulverized and mixed with water
d. Soft, moist, slightly cohering mass
Answer:
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Page 16
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
What is the point of view of the author of Text
Number 2?
a. She is in favor of decreased paper
recycling.
b. She is in favor of increased paper
recycling.
c. She is in favor of decreased water usage.
d. She does not express her point of view.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with point of
view and how the author distinguishes
his point of view from others’ point of
view. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
What is the most likely reason that the American Forest
and Paper Association keeps setting
________________________________
new goals to increase paper recycling?
a. It makes them feel better about themselves.
b. They can look better to the United State Government.
c. They can save resources and money with increased recycling.
d. They are required to by law.
Answer:
Question 3
Based on information from Text Number 1, what statistic from Text Number 2 is most likely to
be disputed by other sources?
Answer:
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Page 17
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with comparing
a text to another version of the story in
another media. What are some things
to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
What is the order the author of Text Number 1 uses to
organize her information?
Question 1
Which of the following would be best to include
with Text Number 1?
a. Photographs
b. Tables and graphs
c. Illustrations
d. Audio recording
Answer:
a. Trash; making of paper; recycling of paper
b. Trash; landfills; paper
c. Quantity of trash; history of paper; making of paper; Recyclables; recycling of paper
d. Paper history; paper making; paper recycling
Answer:
Question 3
Read some nonfiction texts about recycling, such as:
Waste and Recycling Challenges (Can the Earth Survive?) by Louise Spilsbury
Garbage and Recycling (Introducing Issues with Opposing Viewpoints) by Cynthia A. Bily
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Page 18
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Story: Discoverers and Explorers, by Edward R. Shaw
When he was a boy, Christopher Columbus had listened eagerly to the stories the sailors told
about strange lands and wonderful islands beyond the water. He was in the habit of sitting on
the wharves and watching the ships. Often he would say, "I wish, oh, how I wish I could be a
sailor!"
At last his father, who was a wool comber, said to him, "My son, if you really wish to become a
sailor, I will send you to a school where you will be taught navigation."
Columbus was delighted at this, and told his father that he would study diligently. He was sent
to the University of Pavia, where he learned all the geography that was then known, as well as
how to draw maps and charts. He became a skillful penman, and also studied astronomy,
geometry, and Latin.
But he did not spend a long time at his studies, for at the age of fourteen he went to sea. What
he had learned, however, gave him an excellent groundwork, and from this time forward he
made use of every opportunity to inform himself and to become a scholarly man.
He appeared at Lisbon at the age of thirty-five, filled with the idea of sailing westward to reach
those rich Eastern countries in which everyone was so much interested.
He was laughed at for expressing such an idea. It is not pleasant to be laughed at, but Columbus
was courageous and never wavered in his belief.
"The earth is a sphere," he said; "those foolish stories of its being flat and supported on a
turtle's back cannot be true."
But those persons to whom he talked only laughed the more.
"Is there anything more foolish," they asked, "than to believe that there are people who walk
with their heels up and with their heads hanging down?" "Think of a place where the trees
grow with their branches down, and where it snows, hails, and rains upward!"
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Page 19
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
Columbus tried to persuade King John to furnish him with ships and allow him to test his belief.
But King John cruelly deceived Columbus; for, after obtaining his maps and charts, he sent off
an expedition of his own. He hoped in this way to gain the glory of the discovery. The sailors
whom he sent, however, were not brave enough to continue the voyage, and returned,
frightened by a severe storm.
Columbus was so disgusted by the treachery of King John that he made up his mind to leave
Portugal and go to Spain. So, taking his little son, Diego, with him, he started on his journey.
One day he came to a convent called La Rabida. Here Diego, who was weary and thirsty, begged
his father to stop and ask for a drink of water. Columbus knocked at the big iron gate, and while
he was conversing with the attendant a priest approached.
The good priest believed in him and said he would try to influence the [King Ferdinand and
Queen Isabella] to furnish him with ships. The priest brought the matter before the king; but at
this time Spain was at war with the Moors, and King Ferdinand had no time to attend to
anything else. Columbus was patient and waited. After seven long, weary years of waiting, he
was about to leave Spain in despair.
Just as he was leaving, however, a message was brought to him from the queen, asking him to
explain his plans to her once more. Columbus did so, and the queen was so fully convinced that
she exclaimed: "I will provide ships and men for you, if I have to pledge my jewels in order to do
so!"
Three ships were fitted out for the voyage. These ships were very different from those we see
today. They were light, frail barks called caravels, and two of them, the Pinta and Nina, had no
decks. The third, the Santa Maria, had a deck.
On the 3rd of August, 1492, the little fleet set sail from Palos, entering upon the most daring
expedition ever undertaken by man. The people of the town gathered on the wharf to see the
departure of the vessels. Many of them had friends or relatives on board whom they expected
never to look upon again. Sad indeed was the sight as the little caravels sailed out of the harbor
and faded from view.
After sailing a few days, the Pinta broke her rudder. This accident the sailors took to be a sign of
misfortune. They tried to persuade Columbus to put back to Palos, but he would not listen to
such a suggestion. Instead of sailing back, he pushed on to the Canary Islands. Here his ships
were delayed three weeks, after which they continued the voyage into unknown waters.
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Page 20
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
At last the compass began to point in a different direction, and the sailors became almost
panic-stricken. They thought they were sailing straight to destruction, and when they found
that Columbus would not listen to their entreaties they planned a mutiny. Though Columbus
knew what the sailors were plotting, he kept steadily on his course. Fortunately, signs of land
soon began to appear. A branch with berries on it floated past, a rudely carved paddle was
picked up, and land birds were seen flying over the ships.
A prize had been offered to the sailor who first saw land, and all eagerly watched for it night
and day. At last, early one morning, a gun was fired from the Pinta, and all knew that land had
been sighted. The sailors were filled with the wildest joy, and crowded around Columbus with
expressions of gratitude and admiration, in great contrast to the distrustful manner in which
they had treated him a few days before.
The land they were approaching was very beautiful. It was a green, sunny island with pleasant
groves in which birds were singing. Beautiful flowers were blooming all around and the trees
were laden with fruit. The island was inhabited, too, for groups of strange-looking men were
seen running to the shore.
At length the ships cast anchor, the boats were lowered, and Columbus, clad in rich scarlet and
carrying in his hand the royal banner of Spain, was taken ashore. As soon as he stepped on the
beach, Columbus knelt down and gave thanks to God. He then planted the banner of Spain in
the ground and took possession of the country in the name of Ferdinand and Isabella.
This island he called San Salvador, because he and his crew had been saved from a watery
grave, and also because October 12 was so named in the Spanish calendar.
Columbus supposed San Salvador to be one of the islands near the coast of Asia, but it is one of
the Bahamas.
Thus was America discovered on the 12th of October, 1492.
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Page 21
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with the
structure used to organize a text and
how the major sections contribute the
whole and to the ideas. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
Which would be appropriate illustrations for this text?
Select all that apply
________________________________
a. Columbus
________________________________
b. The Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria
Question 1
In general, how does the author structure the
text?
a. Chronological
b. Descriptions
c. Compare and contrast
d. Sequence
Answer:
c. Diego
d. Queen Isabella selling her jewels
Answer:
Question 3
What is the central idea of this text?
a. Description of Columbus’ process of traveling from his home to Portugal and Spain
b. Description of Columbus’ life
c. Discovery of America
d. Columbus’ quest to find a way to set sail for the other side of the world
Answer:
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Page 22
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
Where did Columbus think he had landed when
he was really in what would become the
Bahamas?
a. An island near Canada
b. An island near Asia
c. Nassau
d. Lisbon
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with analyzing
what a text says explicitly as well as
inferentially. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
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________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
Columbus takes his son to get a drink of water at a convent. What is a convent?
a. A community of persons who have been shunned from society
b. A home for itinerate travelers
c. A place for travelers to rest
d. A community of persons devoted to religious life
Answer:
Question 3
Does the author offer any opinions in this text?
a. No, he is merely listing the events.
b. No, this sort of text can’t have any opinions.
c. Yes, he clearly believes that Columbus was right about the earth being round.
d. Yes, he mentions that people disagreed with Columbus.
Answer:
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Page 23
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with interactions
between individuals, events and ideas.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
Many texts tell the story of Columbus’ discovery of America.
What is different about this text?
Question 1
What did most people think of Columbus?
a. He was smart
b. He was a visionary
c. He was foolish
d. He was scary
Answer:
a. It tells about things other than his discovery like his family and his school and his
personal life.
b. It starts earlier in his life and tells more about the process of trying to get the ships to
make the voyage.
c. It shows how other people thought that Columbus was wrong.
d. None of these above
Answer:
Question 3
Where could you find additional information to confirm the information given in this text?
Answer:
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Page 24
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Story: Dogs and All About Them, by Robert Leighton
THE RETRIEVERS
It is obviously useless to shoot game unless you can find it after it has been wounded or killed,
and from the earliest times it has been the habit of sportsmen to train their dogs to do the
work which they could not always successfully do for themselves. The Pointers, Setters, and
Spaniels of our forefathers were carefully broken not only to find and stand their game, but also
to fetch the fallen birds.
The Springer and the old curly-coated water-dog were regarded as particularly adroit in the
double work of finding and retrieving. Pointers and Setters who had been thus broken were
found to deteriorate in steadiness in the field, and it gradually came to be realised that even
the Spaniel's capacity for retrieving was limited. A larger and quicker dog was wanted to divide
the labour, and to be used solely as a retriever in conjunction with the other gun dogs. The
Poodle was tried for retrieving with some success, and he showed considerable aptitude in
finding and fetching wounded wild duck; but he, too, was inclined to maul his birds and deliver
them dead. Even the old English Sheepdog was occasionally engaged in the work, and various
crosses with Spaniel or Setter and Collie were attempted in the endeavour to produce a grade
breed having the desired qualities of a good nose, a soft mouth, and an understanding brain,
together with a coat that would protect its wearer from the ill effects of frequent immersion in
water.
It was when these efforts were most active--namely about the year 1850--that new material
was discovered in a black-coated dog. He was a natural water-dog, with a constitution
impervious to chills, and entirely free from the liability to ear canker, which had always been a
drawback to the use of the Spaniel as a retriever of waterfowl. Moreover, he was himself
reputed to be a born retriever of game, and remarkably sagacious. His importers called him a
Spaniel--a breed name which at one time was also applied to his relative the Newfoundland.
Probably there were not many specimens of the race in England, and, although there is no
record explicitly saying so, it is conjectured that these were crossed with the English Setter,
producing what is now familiarly known as the black, flat-coated Retriever.
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Page 25
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
From the first, sportsmen recognised the extreme value of the new retrieving dog.
Strengthened and improved by the Labrador blood, he had lost little if any of the Setter beauty
of form. He was a dignified, substantial, intelligent, good-tempered, affectionate companion,
faithful, talented, highly cultivated, and esteemed, in the season and out of it, for his mind as
well as his beauty.
Doubtless in earlier days, when the art of training was less thoroughly understood, the breaking
of a dog was a matter of infinite trouble to breeders. Most of the gun dogs could be taught by
patience and practice to retrieve fur or feather, but game carefully and skillfully shot is easily
rendered valueless by being mumbled and mauled by powerful jaws not schooled to
gentleness. And this question of a tender mouth was certainly one of the problems that
perturbed the minds of the originators of the breed. The difficulty was overcome by process of
selection, and by the exclusion from breeding operations of all hard-mouthed specimens, with
the happy effect that in the present time it is exceptional to find a working Retriever who does
not know how to bring his bird to hand without injuring it. A better knowledge of what is
expected of him distinguishes our modern Retriever. He knows his duty, and is intensely eager
to perform it, but he no longer rushes off unbidden at the firing of the gun. He has learned to
remain at heel until he is ordered by word or gesture from his master, upon whom he relies as
his friend and director.
It would be idle to expect that the offspring of unbroken sire and dam can be as easily educated
as a Retriever whose parents before him have been properly trained. Inherited qualities count
for a great deal in the adaptability of all sporting dogs, and the reason why one meets with so
many Retrievers that are incapable or disobedient or gun-shy is simply that their preliminary
education has been neglected--the education which should begin when the dog is very young.
In his earliest youth he should be trained to prompt obedience to a given word or a wave of the
hand. It is well to teach him very early to enter water, or he may be found wanting when you
require him to fetch a bird from river or lake. Lessons in retrieving ought to be a part of his daily
routine. Equally necessary is it to break him in to the knowledge that sheep and lambs are not
game to be chased, and that rabbits and hares are to be discriminated from feathered game.
Gun-shyness is often supposed to be hereditary; but it is not so. Any puppy can be cured of
gun-shyness in half a dozen short lessons. Sir Henry Smith's advice is to get your puppy
accustomed to the sound and sight of a gun being fired, first at a distance and gradually nearer
and nearer, until he knows that no harm will come to him. Companionship and sympathy
between dog and master is the beginning and end of the whole business, and there is a moral
obligation between them which ought never to be strained.
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Page 26
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
Both as a worker and as a show dog the flat-coated Retriever has reached something very near
to the ideal standard of perfection which has been consistently bred up to. Careful selection
and systematic breeding, backed up by enthusiasm, have resulted in the production of a dog
combining useful working qualities with the highest degree of beauty.
The following description of the perfect Retriever is offered:-GENERAL APPEARANCE--That of a well-proportioned bright and active sporting dog, showing
power without lumber and raciness without weediness. HEAD--Long, fine, without being weak,
the muzzle square, the underjaw strong with an absence of lippiness or throatiness. EYES--Dark
as possible, with a very intelligent, mild expression. NECK--Long and clean. EARS--Small, well set
on, and carried close to the head. SHOULDERS--Oblique, running well into the back, with plenty
of depth of chest. BODY--Short and square, and well ribbed up. STERN--Short and straight, and
carried gaily, but not curled over the back. FORE-LEGS--Straight, pasterns strong, feet small and
round. QUARTERS--Strong; stifles well bent. COAT--Dense black or liver, of fine quality and
texture. Flat, not wavy. WEIGHT--From 65 lb. to 80 lb.
As a rule the Retriever should be chosen for the intelligent look of his face, and particular
attention should be paid to the shape of his head and to his eyes. His frame is important, of
course, but in the Retriever the mental qualities are of more significance than bodily points.
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Page 27
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with
summarizing a text and determining its
central ideas. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
In the second paragraph, the author describes springers
and water-dogs as “adroit.” What is
________________________________
the most likely meaning of “adroit?”
Question 1
What are the two main topics of this text?
a. Description and strengths of retrievers
b. History and description of retrievers
c. Development and history of retrievers
d. None of the above
Answer:
a. Big and mean
b. Clumsy and difficult
c. Scared and reluctant
d. Skillful and clever
Answer:
Question 3
In general, how does the author structure the text? Select all that apply
a. Chronological
b. Descriptions
c. Compare and contrast
d. Sequence
Answer:
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Page 28
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
What does the author mean by the following
sentence at the beginning of the fifth paragraph?
“Doubtless in earlier days, when the art of
training was less thoroughly understood, the
breaking of a dog was a matter of infinite trouble
to breeders.”
a. Last year, it was hard to figure out how to
make a dog do what you wanted.
b. Long ago, it was impossible to hurt a dog.
c. Long ago, training a dog was very difficult
d. None of these above.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do determining
meaning of words. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What description is of a more “perfect” retriever?
a. Dark eyes, long head, square body, large feet
b. Dark eyes, black coat, long head, square body
c. Large ears, black coat, fine head, large feet
d. Small ears, liver coat, short ears, small feet
Answer:
Question 3
Does the author give any point of view beside his own?
a. No, all of the opinions are his
b. Yes, he references Sir Henry Smith’s opinions on getting a dog used to gunshots
c. Yes, he gives Sir Henry Smith’s opinions on a dog’s appearance
Answer:
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Page 29
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with evaluating
the arguments and claims in a text for
soundness and sufficient evidence.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
Which reason was given for the interest in a new breed
like the retriever?
Question 1
Where would you go to find evidence supporting
the information given in this text? Select all that
apply.
a. Encyclopedia
b. Book about dogs
c. Iloveretrievers.com
d. American Kennel Club website
Answer:
a. Current retrieving dogs wouldn’t go into the water.
b. Hunters wanted to choose from a variety of dogs.
c. Other dogs that retrieved game were too expensive.
d. A larger, quicker dog was wanted to work with other gun dogs.
Answer:
Question 3
Describe the illustration that would go best with this text.
Answer:
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Page 30
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with analyzing
what a text says explicitly as well as
inferentially. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
Which breeds were used to compare and contrast to________________________________
the retriever? Select all that apply
Question 1
What did the author imply would make a
retriever more easily educated?
a. Having properly trained parents
b. Having a happy disposition
c. Having two dedicated trainers
d. Having longer legs
Answer:
a. Poodle
b. Springer
c. Beagle
d. Pointer
Answer:
Question 3
Read other nonfiction books about dogs, such as:
Dog (Eyewitness Guides) by Juliete Clutton-Brock
Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You A Better Friend to Your
Pet by John Bradshaw
Dogs by Lewis Blackwell and Tim Flatch
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Page 31
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Story: How to build a house
Homebuilding can be a very different process for each person. Some people build their
own house; some hire a general contractor to handle the entire process. There are also many
options in between, but the actual steps to building a house are the same.
The first step is site selection and house selection. If the site is selected first, you may
need to select a house that will fit within the size and style requirements of the site. If you
select the house first, you will need to find a site that will accommodate the house.
If you are building a house on a lot in a subdivision or city, there are requirements as to
where on the site the house can be located. It must be set back away from the street and the
side and back property lines a certain minimum distance. That distance can dictate the size of
the house as well. Some subdivisions even have requirements on the height of the house.
If you are building a house that is on a larger tract of land, you may have fewer
requirements as to its exact location, but then you will need to take into consideration the
terrain of the property and still keep in mind access to utilities like water, sewer, electricity and
telephone.
Once you have selected the site and house design, the first step in the actual
construction is to prepare the site. The area will need to be cleared of trees and other
vegetation. During this process access to the site for construction equipment and materials will
also need to be determined. If the house is to have a basement, it will be excavated at this
time. Otherwise, footings and /or a slab will be poured and will also require some excavation.
Next, concrete will be placed for the footings and/or slab. The ground is prepared and
reinforcement is placed in the concrete. If the house has a basement, the walls will be formed
next and then concrete will be placed there as
well. Once the concrete is completed, the
forms will be removed and after a suitable
amount of time construction can begin “above
ground.”
Unless the house is a slab on grade, the
floor will need to be constructed first following
the installation of floor joists. Sometime
during this process, the concrete footings or
basement will also be “backfilled.”
“Backfilling” is placing material against the
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Page 32
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
concrete and bringing the dirt up to ground level.
Once the floor is installed the exterior walls will be framed, typically with lumber, but
sometimes with metal. As the exterior walls are framed, interior walls will also be added. For a
multiple-story house, this process of constructing the floor and then framing the walls will be
repeated for each story. Sheathing is then installed on the exterior of the house. See Figure 1.
Finally, the roof will be framed or roof trusses will be installed. Roof decking can then
be installed and shingles will cover the
decking. Before the house is closed some
large items such as bathtubs need to be
Figure 1 Exterior sheathing installed
installed.
The next step is to install exterior
windows and doors. The exterior covering of
the house can be installed at this time. The
exterior covering can be siding, brick, stucco
or any number of other coverings. At this
point, the house is considered “dried in”
meaning it is now protected from the
elements and construction can begin on the
Figure 2 Electrical wiring, plumbing and ductwork in
a framed wall
interior portion of the house.
While the walls are still just framed lumber, the electrical wiring, plumbing, telephone
and heating and air conditioning ducts are installed. Other optional systems that can be
installed at this time include central vacuum systems, sound systems and wiring for computers
and other communication systems. These systems are installed within the framed walls and
connected back to wherever they originate usually in the basement or a mechanical room or
closet. See Figure 2.
Since the ductwork is in place, the heating and air conditioning can be completed.
Usually a furnace unit is installed inside the house and a compressor is installed outside. This
will allow the heating and/or air conditioning to be operational, an important component for
the next step.
Now the framed walls are covered, typically with sheetrock or paneling. If sheetrock is
used it needs to be “finished” which means sealing the joints and preparing it for paint or
wallpaper or any other type of treatment. During this step, the air conditioning and/or heating
will need to be functioning to provide the correct temperature. This process coincides with
installing outlets for all of the systems installed within the wall. This may include electrical
outlets, vacuum outlets, telephone and computer outlets.
This is usually the time when cabinetry and other items such as staircases or built-in
furniture are installed. After painting and other wall treatments are complete, light fixtures,
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electrical fixtures and plumbing fixtures can be installed. Sinks can be connected to the
plumbing and faucets installed in bathrooms and kitchens.
Floorcoverings come next and can include hardwood, tile, carpeting and vinyl coverings.
After the floorcoverings are installed, interior doors and trim can be installed. Trim work
includes baseboard to finish the edge between the walls and floors, molding to finish the edge
between the walls and ceiling and casings around doors and windows. Other decorative trim
can be installed just about anywhere.
To finish the construction of the house, hardware needs to be installed. Hardware can
include door knobs, lifts and locks on windows and kitchen, bathroom and other cabinetry
pulls.
During this finishing of the interior of the house, the exterior may also be completed.
This could include a garage, sidewalks, patios, porches and outbuildings. The yard may need to
be landscaped with the installation of grass or sod, trees and other plants.
The contractors can give the house to the owners now that construction is complete.
The house is ready for window treatments that can include blinds and curtains. All of the other
decorating happens at this point, including wall hangings, furniture and filling the house with all
of your belongings.
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with interactions
between individuals, events and ideas.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
The final paragraph on page 1 references “sheathing.”
What is the best description for
Question 1
What choices influence the selection of a site to
build a house? Select all that apply.
a. House size
b. House color
c. House style
d. House height
Answer:
“sheathing?”
a. Steps on the outside of the house
b. Plastic that is wrapped around the house to protect the wood from the elements
c. Bricks installed on the outside of a house
d. The house’s covering or outer layer of wood, metal or another material
Answer:
Question 3
What is the best summary of this text?
a. There are many steps to building a house and many choices, but the steps follow the
same order for the actual construction of the house.
b. The many steps of building a house can be accomplished in any order.
c. There are so many choices when building a house that it can only be accomplished one
way.
d. Building a house is a long and difficult process.
Answer:
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with the
structure used to organize a text and
how the major sections contribute the
whole and to the ideas. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
What purpose do the two figures serve?
________________________________
a. They take up space to make the text appear longer.
b. They show two different houses being built in________________________________
the same way.
Question 1
In general, how does the author structure the
text? Select all that apply
a. Chronological
b. Descriptions
c. Compare and contrast
d. Sequence
Answer:
c. They illustrate several ideas discussed in the text.
d. They help the reader understand what a house is.
Answer:
Question 3
Which system needs to be operational before the sheetrock is installed and “finished?”
a. The air conditioning and/or heating
b. The central vacuum
c. The communications system
d. The fire alarm system
Answer:
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
Many television programs show house
construction. What step would show the most
about the construction process and be the most
interesting to demonstrate on television?
a. Selecting a site and determining the
setbacks
b. Discussing concrete with the contractor
c. Standing up a large framed wall
d. Connecting electrical wires
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with comparing
a text to another version of the story in
another media. What are some things
to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
Which structure is the most important to this text and why?
a. Sequence because a main point in this text is the order in which the steps must be
performed.
b. Sequence because there are so many steps in building a house.
c. Description because the house building process is very complicated.
d. Description because the reader needs to be able to form a mental picture of what the
house will look like.
Answer:
Question 3
Does this text seem as though it was written from the point of view of someone who has been
involved in house building? Why?
Answer:
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7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Story: A Book of Remarkable Criminals, by H. B. Irving
The Life of Charles Peace
"Charles Peace, or the Adventures of a Notorious Burglar," a large volume published at the time
of his death, gives a full and accurate account of the career of Peace. "The Life and Trial of
Charles Peace" (Sheffield, 1879), "The Romantic Career of a Great Criminal" (by N. Kynaston
Gaskell, London 1906), and "The Master Criminal," give useful information. I have also
consulted some of the newspapers of the time. There is a delightful sketch of Peace in Mr.
Charles Whibley's "Book of Scoundrels."
I
HIS EARLY YEARS
Charles Peace was not born of criminal parents. On May 14, 1832, there was born to John
Peace in Sheffield a son, Charles, the youngest of his family of four.
The course of many famous men's lives has been changed by what appeared at the time to be
an unhappy accident. Who knows what may have been the effect on Charles Peace's
subsequent career of an accident he met with in 1846 at some rolling mills, in which he was
employed? A piece of red hot steel entered his leg just below the knee, and after eighteen
months spent in the Sheffield Infirmary he left it a cripple for life.
Of the circumstances that first led Peace to the commission of crime we know nothing. How far
enforced idleness, bad companionship, according to some accounts the influence of a criminally
disposed mother, how far his own daring and adventurous temper provoked him to robbery,
cannot be determined accurately. His first exploit was the stealing of a gold watch, but he soon
passed to greater things. On October 26, 1851, a house was broken into and property stolen.
Some of it was found in the possession of Peace, and he was arrested. Owing no doubt to a
good character for honesty given him by his late employer Peace was let off lightly with a
month's imprisonment.
During the year 1854 the houses of a number of residents in and about Sheffield were entered,
and much valuable property stolen. Peace was arrested and was sentenced at Doncaster
Sessions to four years' penal servitude.
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On coming out of prison in 1858, burglary had become the serious business of Peace's life, to be
pursued, should necessity arise, even to the peril of men's lives. A house in Manchester was
broken into on the night of August 11, 1859, and a substantial booty carried away. For this
crime Peace was sentenced to six years' penal servitude.
He was released from prison again in 1864, and returned to Sheffield. Things did not prosper
with him there, and he went back to Manchester. In 1866 he was caught in the act of burglary
at a house and was sentenced to eight years' penal servitude at Manchester Assizes on
December 3, 1866.
On his liberation from prison Peace rejoined his family in Sheffield. He was now a husband and
father. In 1859 he had taken to wife a widow who was already the mother of a son. Shortly
after her marriage with Peace she gave birth to a daughter, and during his fourth term of
imprisonment presented him with a son. Peace never saw this child, who died before his
release.
In 1875 Peace moved from Sheffield itself to the suburb of Darnall. Here Peace made the fatal
acquaintance, as it turned out--of a Mr. and Mrs. Dyson.
Whether to put a stop to his wife's intimacy with Peace, or to protect himself against the
latter's wanton persecution, Mr. Dyson took out a summons against Peace, for whose
apprehension a warrant was issued. To avoid the consequences [of the warrant] Peace left
Darnall for Hull.
From Hull he went to Manchester on business, and in Manchester he committed his first
murder. Entering the grounds of a home, about midnight on August 1, he was seen by
Constable Cock who intercepted him as he was trying to escape.
Peace took out his revolver and warned Cock to stand back. Cock came on. Peace fired, but
deliberately wide of him. Cock, undismayed made for the burglar. Peace, desperate,
determined not to be caught, fired again, this time fatally. Peace made off.
If the Dyson’s thought that they had seen the last of Peace, they were soon to be convinced to
the contrary. Peace had not forgotten his friends at Darnall. One evening Peace was watching
the house. He saw Mrs. Dyson come out of the back door, and confronted her holding his
revolver in his hand. Mr. Dyson, hearing the disturbance, came quickly into the yard. Peace ran.
Dyson followed him. Peace fired once, the shot striking the lintel of a doorway. Dyson
undaunted still pursued. Then Peace, according to his custom, fired a second time, and Dyson
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Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
fell, shot through the temple. Mrs. Dyson rushed to her husband's side, calling out: "Murder!
You villain! You have shot my husband." Two hours later Dyson was dead.
[Peace managed to escape and disguised himself. He moved many times eventually ending up
in London.]
II
PEACE IN LONDON
Peace's career in London extended over nearly two years of copious achievement. These were
the halcyon days of Peace's enterprise in life until October 10, 1878, when a police constable,
Robinson, saw a light appear suddenly in a window at the back of a house. He saw Peace come
from the dining-room window. "Keep back!" Peace said, "Or by God I'll shoot you!" Robinson
came on. Peace fired three shots from a revolver, all of which passed close to Robinson’s head.
Robinson made another rush for him, Peace fired another shot. It missed its mark. Robinson
closed with his would-be assassin, and struck him in the face. "I'll settle you this time," cried
Peace, and fired a fifth shot, which went through Robinson’s arm. But, in spite of his wound, he
secured the struggling desperado.
III
HIS TRIAL AND EXECUTION
[After a short trial, Peace was sentenced to death for the murder of Mr. Dyson.]
A few days before his execution Peace was visited in his prison by the Vicar of Darnall. Peace
expressed a wish to unburden himself to the vicar, but before doing so, asked for his assurance
that he believed in the truth and sincerity of what he was about to say to him.
Peace turned to the serious business of confession. He dealt first with the murder of Dyson
[and confessed to killing him, but said it was unintentional and] if he had intended to murder
Dyson, he would have set about it in quite a different and more secret way.
Peace then repeated to the vicar his confession of the killing of Constable Cock, another
unintentional murder.
Earlier in their interview Peace had expressed a hope that after his execution his name would
never be mentioned again, but before they parted he asked the vicar to preach a sermon on
him to the good people of Darnall. He wished his career held up to them as a beacon, in order
that all who saw might avoid his example, and so his death be of some service to society.
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with evaluating
the arguments and claims in a text for
soundness and sufficient evidence.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
Peace seemed reluctant to commit murder. According
to the text, which of his victims had the
________________________________
most trouble with him and why?
________________________________
a. Constable Cock because he was his first victim.
Question 1
How many sources does the author cite?
a. Three
b. Four
c. Five
d. Six or more
Answer:
b. Mr. Dyson because Peace seemed obsessed with he and his wife for a period of time
prior to the murder.
c. Constable Robinson because he pursued him the longest before the attempted murder.
d. Constable Robinson because he was the final person to arrest Peace and would have
had to deal with him longer than the others.
Answer:
Question 3
Which is the best summary of this text?
a. Charles Peace was a career criminal who evaded capture for many years before finally
being caught and sentenced to death.
b. Charles Peace was a burglar who inadvertently killed two people.
c. Charles Peace was the most notorious criminal of nineteenth century England.
d. Charles Peace was a career criminal who spent most of his life evading capture by
moving around England.
Answer:
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
How would the following photograph of Charles
Peace enhance the text? Select all that apply.
a. It makes the text creepier.
b. It shows that he was not an attractive
man.
c. It gives the reader a way of picturing him.
d. It helps orient the reader to the time
period.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with comparing
a text to another version of the story in
another media. What are some things
to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
According to this text, how many times was Charles Peace in prison?
a. Three
b. Four
c. Five
d. Six
Answer:
Question 3
Why is this text broken into three main sections?
Answer:
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question #1 has to do with point of
view and how the author distinguishes
his point of view from others’ point of
view. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
________________________________
The following excerpt is from the first paragraph in Section
II:
________________________________
Peace's career in London extended over nearly two years of copious achievement. These were
Question 1
Does the author acknowledge other points of
view or opinions about Charles Peace? How do
you know?
a. Yes, the author quotes other people.
b. Yes, the author has many sources.
c. No, the author only gives his opinions.
d. No, the author is writing from his
experiences.
Answer:
the halcyon days of Peace's enterprise in life . . .
What is the most likely meaning of “halcyon?”
a. Scary
b. Long and Slow
c. Worst
d. Prosperous and carefree
Answer:
Question 3
Several black and white films were made in the early twentieth century that are described as
“romanticized” versions of Charles Peace’s life. How would those films compare with this text?
a. The films would be more interesting; whereas the text is boring.
b. The films would show him in a more flattering way; whereas the text is more factual.
c. The films would be more factual; whereas the text gives opinions.
d. The films would show more detail; whereas the text skips a lot.
Answer:
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
What effect did Peace’s imprisonment have on
his criminal career?
a. He learned how to evade capture
b. None-he stated that he didn’t mind being
in prison.
c. None-he was imprisoned multiple times
d. He learned a new trade in prison.
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with interactions
between individuals, events and ideas.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What is meant by the last paragraph of this text?
a. Peace wants there to be a purpose for his death.
b. Peace doesn’t want to be remembered.
c. Peace wants everyone to know who he was.
d. Peace wants to spare his family the memory of his crimes.
Answer:
Question 3
Which of the author’s sources seems most reliable and why?
a. “The Romantic Career of a Great Criminal” sounds most objective.
b. The newspaper articles would have the most current information.
c. “Book of Scoundrels” is described as “delightful.”
d. All of the above
Answer:
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Story: Historic Homes by Mary H. Northend
THE PICKERING HOUSE
It is doubtful if any other historic home in New England can boast, as does the Pickering house
situated in Salem, Massachusetts, of being in the direct line of a family for nine generations [as
of 1914].
This Pickering family originated in Yorkshire, England. John Pickering, the founder of the Salem
branch, was born in old England in 1614; he came to the colonies and lived in Ipswich from
1634 to 1636. In the early part of 1636 he came to Salem, and on December 7, 1636, John
Pickering, carpenter, was granted to be an inhabitant of that city.
Long years ago, when this city was in its youth and sparsely settled, large estates, many of them
original grants, were founded. It was then that this now famous house was erected. It was
commenced in 1650 and finished in 1651 by one John Pickering who became a considerable
landowner, purchasing his estate in different lots until his property extended from Chestnut
Street to the Mill Pond, then known as South River.
The twenty-acre lot known as the home lot, on which he built the historic mansion, was
originally a part of the governor's field, once owned by Governor John Endicott. It was
conveyed by him to Emmanuel Downing, who sold it, so tradition tells, to one John Pickering to
pay for the commencement dinner of Sir George Downing, who was graduated in the first class
at Harvard. The original deed is still in the possession of the family.
The house was built in the Elizabethan style of architecture and resembled the famous Peacock
Inn in Rouseley, England. It was constructed of white oak, which grew in a swamp on the estate.
The exterior is practically unchanged; and the interior shows low, beamed ceilings and small
windows. The entrance door opens into a low hall, from which the stairs ascend to the second
story floor. This has been lengthened within the last few years by taking out one of the
chimneys. As in many old houses, large rooms open on either side. At the right is the library,
which has been enlarged by opening up a recessed alcove. This was formerly a chamber, and is
used today to accommodate several bookcases filled with rare old books, many of which are in
manuscript. The colonial fireplace, with its scriptural tiles, is a feature of this room, where is
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Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
shown a wonderful old English ball table that was brought over by the emigrant ancestor. The
chairs, many of them, were made by Theophilus Pickering, whose old desk where he wrote
many of his sermons stands at one side of the fireplace. Rare books and interesting mementoes
are found on every side.
Opposite is a large drawing-room filled with Chippendale and colonial furniture, and showing
Colonel Timothy Pickering's picture on the wall. At the rear of this room is a dining-room which,
as does the rest of the house, contains more fine furniture.
Autograph letters fill many books, some of them received by Colonel Timothy Pickering from
President Washington. Rare old glass, china, and silver speak of bygone days.
Upstairs are interesting, rare old four-posters, still showing their quaint hangings; and one
notes the old chimney that occupies such a large space in the house. Inside one of the closets is
the old army chest marked with Pickering's initials and showing his rank. It was used by him
when quartermaster in the Revolutionary War.
The builder of the house married Elizabeth, whose surname is not known. He resided upon the
estate until his death, which occurred in 1657; the property descended to his son John, who
increased his landownings by the purchase of the eastern or Anthrum lot from Edmund Batter.
The second John married Alice Flint, a most estimable lady, in 1657. He served as a lieutenant in
the Indian War, in 1675. He died in 1694 and was succeeded by another John, third in line, who
was a farmer, frugal and industrious, and who held many positions of trust in the community.
He married Sarah Burrill, of an influential Lynn family. There were two sons, Timothy and
Theophilus. There is in the Pickering house a manuscript book on physics bound in leather and
illustrated by [Theophilus]. There is also a set of ten chairs made by his hand in 1724.
His brother Timothy, who inherited the estate, was deacon of the Tabernacle Church in Salem
at his father's death. He was the father of nine children. During his lifetime he added three
more rooms on the northern side, raising the roof, which sloped almost to the ground after the
fashion of buildings of that period. At the time of these improvements, the eastern part of the
house was one hundred years old and the western part eighty. When the weather boards were
ripped off, the sills of white oak were so sound that it was decided they would last longer than
new ones. One of the peaks was removed at this time because of leaks but was replaced in
1840 by John, the son of Colonel Pickering.
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When Timothy inherited the estate, he was the first to break the line of Johns. He is described
as a gentleman of great piety, firmness of character, and decided convictions. He died at the
age of seventy-five and left the estate to his son John, the fifth of the line, who was a bachelor
and lived in the old home with his sister, Mrs. Gool, as housekeeper. At his death, the ancestral
estate passed to his nephew John (the fifth), the only break in the transmission of the property
from father to son.
John's father, Colonel Timothy, the brother of John (the fourth), although never owning the
estate, spent his early boyhood upon it, and much of its fame comes from his connection with
it. Colonel Timothy was born in the old house July 17, 1745.
Colonel Pickering is an example of one of the best types of a New Englander of his time: a
brave, patriotic soldier, a talented writer, an impartial, able, and energetic public official, a
leader of the Federal party, occupying four Cabinet positions, serving his country whenever he
was needed, but content to return to his simple life when the need for him in public life was
over.
At the death of Colonel Pickering's brother, John, the ancestral estate descended to the
colonel's son, John (the fifth). He was a profound scholar, a writer in law, and especially
interested in philology, understanding twenty-two different languages.
The house is now [in 1914] in the possession of John Pickering, the eighth of the line, whose son
John will succeed his father. The ancient house, in all the dignity of old age, is the central
feature of the lot, a picturesque historic mansion, considered one of the most important
landmarks of Salem, Massachusetts.
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
In what style was the Pickering house built?
a. Victorian
b. Elizabethan
c. Antebellum
d. Colonial
Answer:
Question 2
The original text from 1914 included a “plate”
of the Pickering House. What does this more
recent photograph show about the house that
probably wasn’t in the 1914 “plate?” Select
all that apply.
a. The house color
b. The large tree
c. The chimney
d. Other vegetation
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with analyzing
what a text says explicitly as well as
inferentially. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Photo by Daderot
Question 3
Does the author give any other points of view in this excerpt?
a. No, this excerpt is entirely her opinion.
b. No, there are not opinions expressed in this excerpt.
c. No, but she implies that the regard expressed for the house and some of its occupants
was felt by others.
d. Yes, she describes others impressions.
Answer:
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
What are two central ideas conveyed in this text?
a. The Pickering family’s importance and the
houses many renovations
b. A physical description of the house and its
original owner
c. A physical description of the house and
the property
d. The Pickering family lineage and a
description of the house
Answer:
Question #1 has to do with
summarizing a text and determining its
central ideas. What are some things to
remember about this type of question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
What seemed to be the general feeling about Colonel Pickering at the time this text was
written?
a. He was well-respected.
b. He was brave and patriotic
c. He was an effective public servant
d. All of the above
Answer:
Question 3
List at least two pieces of information that the author gives that could be verified from another
source. Then list a possible source for verifying the information.
Answer:
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Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Informational Text Bellringers
Question 1
What is meant by these phrases that begin the
third paragraph?
“Long years ago, when this city was in its youth
and sparsely settled . . .”
a. A long time ago when the city was only
occupied by people under twenty-yearsold
b. One hundred years ago when the city
wasn’t old and decrepit
c. A long time ago when the city was new
and didn’t have many citizens
d. None of the above
Answer:
Question #1 has to do determining
meaning of words. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Question 2
Which structure is used in this text but not followed completely?
a. Chronology
b. Comparison
c. Description
d. Sequence
Answer:
Question 3
Read other nonfiction books about historic homes and their occupants.
The Historic Communities series of books by Bobbie Kalman
Virginia’s Historic Homes and Gardens by Pat Blackley and Chuck Blackley
At Home with the Presidents by Juddi Morris
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great educators
Common Core Standards Bellringers
Grade 7 – English Language Arts,
Writing Section
Student Edition
Second Edition
Copyright 2013 by Great Educators
All rights reserved.
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: You want to write an
argumentative essay on the
advantages of recycling. Which
statement best supports your
argument?
a. Recycling helps the
environment.
b. Recycling is a time-consuming
activity.
This type of question has to do with
introducing claims, acknowledging
alternate or opposing claims, and
organizing the reasons and evidence
logically. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the following questions. ____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Ethan is writing an argumentative essay supporting
public transportation. Which
____________________________________
statement would it be best for him to include?
____________________________________
a. Rural areas are often lacking in public transportation.
____________________________________
b. Public transportation can increase commute
time.
c. People living in large cities have many options when commuting to work
including public transportation, private vehicles, bicycling and walking.
Answer:
2. What is the best way for Ethan to organize his essay about public transportation?
(A) Introduction
(B) Advantages of public transportation
(C) Conclusion
(D) Examples of types of transportation
Answer:
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Page 1
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: For your essay on recycling,
a good source of information would
be:
a. An atlas
b. An encyclopedia from 1975
c. The United States government’s
Environmental Protection
Agency website.
This type of question has to do with
supporting claims with logical
reasoning and relevant evidence,
using accurate sources and
demonstrating an understanding of
the topic. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the following questions. ____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Madison is writing an essay to convince her school
administrators of the benefits of
____________________________________
physical education classes. One section begins____________________________________
with, “Physical education classes help
improve students’ academic performance.” Where
would she get the best evidence to
____________________________________
support this statement?
____________________________________
a. A study by the Department of Education
____________________________________
b. A survey of her classmates
c. A study by a company that sells tennis shoes
Answer:
Answer: c
2. Of the following benefits of physical education, which should Madison include in her
essay?
a. Improved academic performance
b. Time for sending text messages
c. Better physical health
d. All of the above
e. Both a and c
Answer:
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Page 2
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Which transition word
would best connect the following two
sentences?
Recycling reduces the trash in our
landfills. It saves transportation costs
for public trash collectors.
a. In closing,
b. Additionally,
c. Therefore
This type of question has to do with
using words, phrases, and clauses to
create cohesion and clarify the
relationships among claims, reasons,
and evidence. What are some things
to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Which sentence best conveys the idea?
a. Hands transmit germs. In fact, you should____________________________________
wash them often.
____________________________________
b. Hands transmit germs. In closing, you should
wash them often.
c. Hands transmit germs so you should wash____________________________________
them often.
d. Hands transmit germs. Also, you should wash them often.
Answer:
2. Washing your hands for twenty seconds with soap and water helps stop the spread of
germs and using a clean towel helps.
What is the best way to re-write this sentence?
a. Leave the sentence as it is.
b. Break it into 2 sentences divided by a period.
c. Break it into two sentences and use the transition word “therefore.”
d. Break it into two sentences and use the transition word “additionally.”
Answer:
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Page 3
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Which sentence would be
best in an essay?
a. Recycling makes me feel better.
b. Recycling creates a better
future for everyone.
This type of question has to do with
establishing and maintaining a formal
style. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Tim is writing an essay on the benefits of pet ownership. Which sentences would be the
____________________________________
best to include?
a. There are many advantages to pet ownership. Companionship is one of the most
common.
b. I like my dog because he goes wherever I go. He always walks me to the bus and
then meets me when I get off the bus after school.
c. Bill’s grandmother likes to have a pet because it is someone to talk to and keeps her
from being lonely since she lives by herself and doesn’t have many visitors.
Answer:
2. Which words and phrases should Tim avoid in his essay?
a. My dog, my turtle
b. His horse, her hamster
c. Too hot to handle, for real
d. All of these above
Answer:
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Page 4
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Which sentence would be a
better concluding statement in an
essay about recycling?
a. The future health of our planet
will be protected through
recycling.
b. Recycling is a good thing to do.
This type of question has to do with
providing a concluding statement or
section that follows from and supports
the argument presented. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Which sentence would be a good concluding sentence
for Ellen’s paragraph about
____________________________________
weight control through exercise and a strong transition sentence to the next section of
____________________________________
the paper?
Maintaining a healthy weight is important. Both diet and exercise can help.
a. There are specific recommendations for how much exercise a person needs to
maintain their weight.
b. You shouldn’t eat too much or exercise too little.
c. You should know how much exercise to get every day.
Answer:
2. Which sentence would Ellen most likely use in a concluding statement at the end of her
essay?
a. Secondly, exercise is important.
b. Additionally, diet can have an impact on weight.
c. In closing, there are many benefits of maintaining a healthy weight.
Answer:
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Page 5
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Which of the following
would be best for an
informative/explanatory text?
a. Descriptive essay about
American Presidents
b. Essay telling which president is
your favorite
c. Essay about why our system of
government is the best
d. All of these above.
Answer: a
This type of question has to do with
introducing a topic clearly, previewing
what is to follow; organizing ideas,
concepts, and information, using
strategies ; including formatting ,
graphics, and multimedia. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Rhonda is writing an essay describing the parts____________________________________
of a car. Which introductory sentence
would be best for her paper?
____________________________________
a. I like cars and learning all of their parts is important.
____________________________________
b. A car is a very complicated machine with many
parts.
____________________________________
c. If you think cars don’t have many parts, think
again.
____________________________________
d. American cars are less complicated than foreign cars.
Answer:
2. Which of the following would be effective for Rhonda to include in her essay?
a. A graphic of a car with the major sections labeled.
b. Tables for each major section of a car with all of the parts in each section listed.
c. Neither a nor b
d. Both a and b
Answer:
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Page 6
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: For a descriptive essay on
American Presidents, where could
Marcy find the best information?
a.
b.
c.
d.
An atlas
A thesaurus
An encyclopedia
A book about presidents
published in 1995
This type of question has to do with
developing the topic with relevant
facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations, or other information.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: c
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
“Give me liberty or give me death” is a famous quote
from the American Revolution. It
____________________________________
expresses the feeling of many Americans of that time and shows how determined they were
____________________________________
to have their freedom from the British.
1. What would be a better way to begin this paragraph?
a. When Patrick Henry said, “Give me liberty or give me death,” he expressed the
feelings of many Americans at the time.
b. There are many famous quotes from the American Revolution, but “Give me liberty
or give me death” may be the most famous.
c. Many Americans were very determined to have their freedom from the British.
Answer:
2. Which would be the best information to include in this paragraph?
a. Statistics on how many famous quotes came from Revolutionary soldiers.
b. Statistics on how many Americans died fighting the British.
c. Two more Patrick Henry quotes
Answer:
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Page 7
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: What is the best way to
combine these sentences?
George Washington was our first
president. He is sometimes called the
“Father of our Country.”
a. president and is sometimes
b. president, therefore, he is
c. president; he is sometimes
This type of question has to do with
using appropriate transitions to create
cohesion and clarify the relationships
among ideas and concepts. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
(1)Ballet is one of the oldest forms of dance still performed today. (2)Ballet has its history in
____________________________________
many different countries around the world. (3)It developed simultaneously in different
countries. (4)There are still different methods of ballet derived from those different
countries. (5)Those different methods are still taught today all around the world.
1. Choose the best way to connect sentences 2 and 3.
a. Ballet has its history in many different countries around the world where it
developed simultaneously.
b. Ballet has its history in many different countries around the world, therefore it
developed simultaneously in different countries.
Answer:
2. Choose the best way to connect sentences 4 and 5.
a. There are still different methods of ballet derived from those different countries ,
therefore they are still taught today all around the world.
b. There are different methods of ballet derived from those countries that are still
taught today all around the world.
Answer:
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Page 8
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Which sentence would be
best in an informative essay?
a. The United States of America’s
president is the leader of the
country.
b. The American president is the
leader of the country.
This type of question has to do with
using precise language and domainspecific vocabulary to explain the
topic. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Margie is writing an essay on computers. Which
sentence would be the best to include?
a. Computers are like little machines that can____________________________________
do many things at one time.
b. Computers perform billions of things at the same time.
c. Computers can perform multiple operations in a short amount of time.
Answer:
2. Which words and phrases would most likely appear in Margie’s essay?
a. Superfast, Rad
b. Bits, bytes, RAM
c. Magic, fierce
d. None of these
Answer:
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Page 9
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Which sentence would be
best in a descriptive essay?
c. Abraham Lincoln was my
favorite president.
d. Abraham Lincoln is a wellrespected president.
This type of question has to do with
establishing and maintaining a formal
style. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Phil is writing an essay on trees. Which sentences would be the best to include?
____________________________________
a. There are many sizes and shapes of trees. All have advantages depending on their
use.
b. I like trees that are tall because those are the types that are better to climb. I really
don’t like small trees with pretty leaves because they tend to break when you climb
them.
c. Some trees are tall like the ones in my yard and some trees are pretty like the ones
downtown.
Answer:
2. Which words and phrases should Phil avoid in his essay?
a. You, your
b. I, me, my
c. LOL, cool
d. All of the above
Answer:
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Page 10
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Which would be the best
way to begin the concluding
statement of an informative essay?
a. In conclusion,
b. Secondly,
c. As you can see,
This type of question has to do with
providing a concluding statement or
section that follows from and supports
the information presented. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
Concrete is a commonly used building material that
provides high strength, durability and
____________________________________
relatively low cost. Concrete consists of cement, gravel and water. The ratio of these
materials affects the strength, durability and cost ____________________________________
of the concrete.
The problems with an inappropriate concrete mix ____________________________________
can include honeycombing and cracking.
Honeycombing is evident when the concrete forms are removed. Voids in the concrete
create a “honeycomb” appearance. Cracking of the surface of the concrete can appear soon
after the concrete is placed or as it cures.
1. Which sentence would be a good concluding sentence to the first paragraph?
a. Designers should specify the concrete mix.
b. Therefore, an experienced designer should specify the concrete mix to be used.
c. An experienced designer can specify the concrete mix.
Answer:
2. Which sentence would be a good concluding sentence to the second paragraph?
a. Both are cosmetic problems, but both can also be structural problems if they are
severe enough.
b. Honeycombing and cracking are problems.
c. No one wants problems with their concrete.
Answer:
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Page 11
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: Which of the following
should be included in a narrative?
a.
b.
c.
d.
A narrator
Characters
Setting
All of the above.
Answer: d
This type of question has to do with
engaging the reader by establishing a
context and point of view and
introducing a narrator and/or
characters; organizing an event
sequence that unfolds naturally and
logically. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
Cicely stared at the pile in the middle of the room.____________________________________
It had been three weeks since Matt went
to college and she still hadn’t thrown anything away.
She took a step closer and knelt next
____________________________________
to the pile. She moved aside a deflated soccer ball____________________________________
and an action figure, then picked up a
construction paper heart. “World’s Best Mom” was
written in Matt’s childish handwriting.
____________________________________
No way was she going to throw that away. Smiling,
she realized she wasn’t going to throw
____________________________________
away any of her youngest son’s possessions.
____________________________________
1. Who is the narrator of this story? What point of view is used?
a. Matt; third person
b. Cicely, first person
c. Cicely, third person
Answer:
2. What is the setting of this story?
a. Cicely’s home
b. Matt’s college
c. Cicely’s backyard
Answer:
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Page 12
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: Which is more vivid?
a. It was a dark night.
b. It was a starless night—so dark I
couldn’t see a foot in front of
me.
c. It was a really dark night—hard
to see anything.
This type of question has to do with
using narrative techniques, such as
dialogue, pacing, and description, to
develop the narrative. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
The still afternoon air enveloped the girls sitting
in the dwindling shade of a live oak
____________________________________
tree. Evelyn fanned herself and sighed. “It is so hot. I feel like I am melting.”
____________________________________
The pale pink lace of Caroline’s fan shook with
her vigorous fanning. “I hope Pa
returns soon. I cannot believe he left us here for so____________________________________
long.” She glanced back at the tiny
house with its peeling white paint and windows without
any glass. “Why would he think we

would want to spend hours with these cousins?”
“Oh, Caroline, try to be charitable.” Evelyn adjusted her wide-brimmed hat and
grinned at her sister. “If only they had any ice for the tea. It might have been bearable.”
Caroline giggled. “Oh, yes, ice would have made it perfectly fine to sit here all day.”
1. What narrative technique does this paragraph use to develop this excerpt?
a. Description
b. Dialogue
c. Both a and b
Answer:
2. The descriptions in this paragraph help convey:
a. The time period and setting.
b. The hopelessness of the situation.
c. The impending action.
Answer:
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Page 13
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: Why is it important to
convey when a setting has changed?
a. It keeps the reader from getting
confused
b. It keeps the reader engaged in
the story
c. Both a and b
d. Neither a nor b
Answer: c
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
This type of question has to do with
using a variety of transition words,
phrases, and clauses to convey
sequence and signal shifts from one
time frame or setting to another.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Tilda peeked around the door frame. Silently, she slid into the room, her heart racing.
She crept across the floor toward the closet door.
Susan kept her hand on the closet’s door knob. She held her breath, hoping Tilda hadn’t
heard her.
1. What word should start the second paragraph to make the switch in point of view less
confusing?
a. Still
b. Then
c. Meanwhile
Answer:
2. Using a transition word that shows both paragraphs occurring at the same time, makes
this excerpt . . .
a. more dramatic.
b. less dramatic.
c. boring.
Answer:
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Page 14
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: Which words use the most
senses to describe a flower?
a.
b.
c.
d.
deep red rose with yellow tips
honey-sweet, soft, red rose
fragrant, antique, red rose
prickly, thorn-covered rose
This type of question has to do with
using precise words and phrases,
relevant descriptive details, and
sensory language to capture the
action and convey experiences and
events. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
Marcus yanked the pole and screamed, “I’ve got
one. I’ve got one.”
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. What would be a better phrase to use for “pole?”
____________________________________
a. fishing rod
____________________________________
b. pole with the fishing line attached
____________________________________
c. stick

Answer:
Ronnie took a deep breath and grimaced.
2. Which is the best sentence to follow the above sentence?
a. The ugly fish were piled right in front of him.
b. He couldn’t believe how many fish he saw on the dock.
c. The putrid smell wafting from the rotting fish made his eyes water.
Answer:
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Page 15
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: Put the following actions in
the most logical order:
1. Tie shoes
2. Take shoes from closet
3. Put on shoes
4. Leave the house
This type of question has to do with
providing a conclusion that follows
from and reflects on the narrated
experiences. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
Lannie stumbled as she skipped across the vacant
lot. Peering into the weeds, she saw a
____________________________________
new wooden box. “Look,” she called to Heidi. As she picked it up, she saw the monogram
____________________________________
on top “LEB.” Those were her initials.
a. 1, 2, 3, 4
b. 2, 3, 1, 4
c. 4, 2, 3, 1
Answer: b
“Is it yours?” Heidi asked.
Lannie shook her head. “I’ve never seen it before.”
Grinning, Heidi stepped closer. “Open it.”
1. What would be the best conclusion for this narrative?
a. Lannie dropped the box. Her lips quivered and she began to sob before turning
away from Heidi and trudging home.
b. Heidi snatched the box from Lannie. “It’s mine now,” she screamed. She ran
toward the street, laughing loudly.
c. Lannie lifted the lid and saw a beautiful bracelet. Under it was a brightly printed
card that read, “Happy Birthday from Heidi.” Lannie grinned and threw her arms
around her best friend.
Answer:
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Page 16
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.4
Problem: In what type of writing
would this sentence be best?
I have always preferred dogs over
cats.
a. Informative
b. Argumentative
c. Explanatory
This type of question has to do with
producing clear and coherent writing
in which the development,
organization, and style are
appropriate to task, purpose, and
audience. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
(1)There are dog people and there are cat people.
(2)Very few are both. (3)I have
____________________________________
always preferred dogs over cats. (4)I have many excellent
reasons.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Is this the first or last paragraph in the essay and
why?
____________________________________
a. This is the last paragraph because it summarizes
the issues.
____________________________________
b. This is the first paragraph because it introduces the issues.
c. This is the first paragraph because it has short, punchy sentences.
Answer:
2. What change, if any, would you make to sentence 2?
a. Add it to sentence one with a semi colon
b. Add the word “people” after “few”
c. No changes
Answer:
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Page 17
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.5
Problem: What change would you
make to this sentence?
Lily ran from the house then did as she had
been told and stopped, dropped, and rolled.
a. Make no change
b. Add a semi-colon after “house”
c. Change “and” to a dash
This type of question has to do with
developing and strengthening writing
by planning, revising, editing,
rewriting, or trying a new approach,
focusing on how well purpose and
audience have been addressed. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
(1) The children skipped out of the school and across
the playground. (2)Their teacher
____________________________________
was behind. (3)She sank onto the playground’s bench
as the children raced from the swings
____________________________________
to the slide and back again. (4)The teacher didn’t ____________________________________
seem to notice the circle forming around
two fighting boys.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. What is the best way to revise sentence 2?
a. Their teacher lagged behind.
b. Their teacher was slow.
c. Leave the sentence as it is.
Answer:
Answer: b
2. What change would you make to sentence 4?
a. Remove the word “forming”
b. Change “The teacher” to “She”
c. Leave the sentence as it is
Answer:
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Page 18
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.6
Problem: Should the internet be used
when writing an argumentative essay?
a. Yes—all the time
b. No-that’s cheating
c. Yes—if it’s appropriate
This type of question has to do with
using technology to produce and
publish writing and link to and cite
sources as well as collaborate with
others. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
Answer: c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Write a paragraph describing your favorite class at school. Type the
____________________________________
paragraph in a word processor and spell check it. Did the word processor find any spelling
____________________________________
errors?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
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Page 19
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.7
Problem: Which source would be
most useful when doing research to
determine the best way to eat
healthy?
a. Your thin aunt
b. The internet
c. An encyclopedia
This type of question has to do with
conducting short research projects to
answer a question, drawing on several
sources and generating additional
related, focused questions. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Find a website that tells how much ____________________________________
sodium a 12-year-old should consume
____________________________________
daily. List three additional questions that you can
ask after locating the website and
____________________________________
reading about sodium limits.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
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Page 20
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.8
Problem: Which source would be best
when researching the most expensive
colleges in the United States?
a. www.cbsnews.com
b. www.expensiveschool.com
c. www.colleges.com
Answer: c
This type of question has to do with
gathering relevant information from
multiple sources, using search terms
effectively, assessing the credibility of
each source; and using quotes and
following a standard format for
citation. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Which source would be most reliable when researching medical conditions?
____________________________________
a. Dr. Seuss
____________________________________
b. Dr. Phil
____________________________________
c. Dr. Oz
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
2. Whose quote about the early days of the United States of America would be best to use
in an essay about the hardships faced by early citizens of the USA?
a. Thomas Jefferson
b. The King of England
c. Harry Truman
Answer:
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Page 21
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.9
Problem: Where would you most
likely find a historical account of the
inauguration of John F. Kennedy?
a. Someone’s blog
b. Dictionary
c. Magazine article
This type of question has to do with
drawing evidence from literary or
informational texts to support
analysis, reflection, and research.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Read the first chapter of Little House____________________________________
in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls
____________________________________
Wilder, published in 1932, then answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. What is the approximate year that this story begins?
____________________________________
a. 1870
b. 1930
c. 1830
Answer:
2. This fictionalized story is based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s real childhood. Which portions
of the story are most likely to represent the way life was in that time period?
a. The fact that Pa played a fiddle.
b. The fact that no one else lived in the Big Woods.
c. The descriptions of the family’s preparations for winter.
Answer:
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Page 22
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.10
Problem: What topic would be best
covered in a 100-page research
paper?
a. Jazz musicians
b. The history of jazz music
c. Jazz pieces of the 1950s
This type of question has to do with
writing over extended time frames and
shorter time frames for a range of
discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and
audiences. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Without doing any research, write one
paragraph about your favorite hobby
____________________________________
then research the topic and find three facts you did
not include in your paragraph.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
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Page 23
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: You want to write an
argumentative essay on the benefits
of school music programs. Which
statement best supports your
argument?
a. Students who study music
perform better in math.
b. Student who study music have
less time for other homework.
This type of question has to do with
introducing claims, acknowledging
alternate or opposing claims, and
organizing the reasons and evidence
logically. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the following questions. ____________________________________
____________________________________
1. John is writing an argumentative essay on the ____________________________________
benefits of exercising outdoors. Which
statement would it be best for him to include?____________________________________
a. Weather can make outdoor activities a____________________________________
challenge.
b. Poor air quality can be a problem when____________________________________
exercising outdoors in urban areas.
c. Just being outdoors has been shown to reduce stress and increase positive
thoughts.
Answer:
2. Create a three-point outline for John’s essay using your answer from above.
Answer:
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Page 24
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: For your essay on school
music programs, a good source of
information would be:
a. An atlas
b. A thesaurus
c. artsfortheschools.org
This type of question has to do with
supporting claims with logical
reasoning and relevant evidence,
using accurate sources and
demonstrating an understanding of
the topic. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
Answer: c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the following questions. ____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Frank is writing an argumentative essay supporting
alternative medical treatments.
____________________________________
One of the claims in his essay is: “Other cultures
practice alternative medicine more
____________________________________
frequently than the United States.” Where would
he get the best evidence to support
____________________________________
this statement?
____________________________________
a. His friend’s mother who was born in China
____________________________________
b. The American Medical Association
c. A study by drug companies
Answer:
2. List three credible sources for medical information.
Answer:
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Page 25
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Which transition word
would best connect the following two
sentences?
School music programs have suffered
from a lack of funding. Many private
organizations have started to help
raise money.
a. In closing,
b. Additionally,
c. Therefore
Answer: c
This type of question has to do with
using words, phrases, and clauses to
create cohesion and clarify the
relationships among claims, reasons,
and evidence. What are some things
to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
1. Which sentences best convey an idea?
a. Reading to young children is important.
comprehension once they go to school.
b. Reading to young children is important.
comprehension once they go to school.
c. Reading to young children is important.
comprehension once they go to school.
d. Reading to young children is important.
comprehension once they go to school.
Answer:
It increases their reading
In fact, it increases their reading
Also, it increases their reading
Therefore, it increases their reading
2. Reading to young children improves their own reading abilities. It helps them
understand how books work and increases their overall knowledge.
Rewrite this sentence using an appropriate transition word.
Answer:
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Page 26
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Which sentence would be
best in an essay?
a. School music programs benefit
students in a variety of ways.
b. I like music better than most
classes.
This type of question has to do with
establishing and maintaining a formal
style. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Mara is writing an argumentative essay about the problems of too much homework.
____________________________________
Which of the following would be best to include in her essay?
a. I don’t like a lot of homework and neither does anyone in my crew.
b. Too much homework can adversely impact a student’s ability to participate in
extracurricular activities following school.
c. When kids spend all of their time doing homework, it makes it hard for them to
do stuff like sports, music or art programs.
Answer:
2. Rewrite the following to make the style more appropriate for Mara’s argumentative
essay.
If I have to stay up until midnight just to finish one night’s homework, I don’t get as
much sleep as I’d like to have and then I’m tired and cranky at school the next day.
Answer:
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Page 27
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Which sentence is the best
concluding statement in an essay
about music programs?
a. Music programs are good.
b. The many benefits of music
programs should be considered
by all school districts.
This type of question has to do with
providing a concluding statement or
section that follows from and supports
the argument presented. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
1. Stan is writing an argumentative essay on the ____________________________________
benefits of regular eye exams. Which
____________________________________
sentence is the most likely to use to conclude his essay?
____________________________________
a. In closing, there are many benefits to regular
eye examinations by an
optometrist.
b. Additionally, a trained optometrist should provide regular eye exams.
c. Lastly, think about the reasons you should have regular eye exams.
Answer:
2. Provide a concluding sentence for the following paragraph from Stan’s essay.
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that can affect people who do not wear glasses or
contacts. If detected early, glaucoma can be treated, but if it continues undetected
is can cause damage that cannot be reversed.
Answer:
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Page 28
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Which of the following
topics would be best for an
informative/explanatory essay?
a. Politics
b. Favorite restaurants
c. The fifty states
d. None of the above
This type of question has to do with
introducing a topic clearly, previewing
what is to follow; organizing ideas,
concepts, and information, using
strategies ; including formatting ,
graphics, and multimedia. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
Answer: c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Felicity is writing an informative essay about flowers.
Which would be a good
____________________________________
introductory sentence?
____________________________________
a. There are many types of flowers with a____________________________________
wide variety of colors, sizes, shapes and
scents.
____________________________________
b. I like roses better than any other type of
flower.
____________________________________
c. Some flowers thrive well in our climate.
d. Red flowers are prized above all others by most people.
Answer:
2. What strategies could Felicity use in her essay when talking about a red rose and a
white carnation?
Answer:
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Page 29
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: For a descriptive essay on
the fifty states, where would you find
the best information?
a. An encyclopedia
b. A thesaurus
c. A book about the states
published in 1987
d. Your parents
This type of question has to do with
developing the topic with relevant
facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations, or other information.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Terry is writing an informative essay about weather.
Which sentence would be best to
____________________________________
include in her essay?
____________________________________
a. Hurricanes are classified into five categories
based on wind speed.
b. Tornados are scary to most people.
c. If it rains a lot, a common saying is “it’s raining cats and dogs.”
Answer:
2. List at least five terms that Terry should define in her essay.
Answer:
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Page 30
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: What is the best way to
combine these sentences?
Alaska is the largest state in size.
California is the largest state in
population.
a. size. In addition, California
b. size, while California
c. size; therefore, California
This type of question has to do with
using appropriate transitions to create
cohesion and clarify the relationships
among ideas and concepts. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
(1)Walt Disney World is located in Florida. (2) It
consists of four separate parks. (3)The
____________________________________
Magic Kingdom was the original park. (4) Epcot was built next. (5)Hollywood Studios was
____________________________________
built next. (6)Animal Kingdom was built last. (7)There
are many other attractions at Walt
Disney World. (8) There are water parks, resorts, miniature golf and other outdoor activities.
3. Choose the best way to combine sentences 3, 4, 5 & 6.
a. The Magic Kingdom was the original park; second was Epcot, third Hollywood
Studios and last Animal Kingdom.
b. The Magic Kingdom was the original park followed by Epcot then Hollywood
Studios and finally Animal Kingdom.
Answer:
4. Write one sentence to connect sentences 7 and 8.
Answer:
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Page 31
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Which sentence would be
best in an informative essay?
a. Each of the fifty states has a
state flower and bird.
b. Some states have flowers and
birds.
This type of question has to do with
using precise language and domainspecific vocabulary to explain the
topic. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Landon is writing an essay on Twitter. Which words
and phrases would most likely
____________________________________
appear in Landon’s essay?
a. Twittered, Twit
b. Tweet, Followers
c. Facebook friend, Telegram
Answer:
about or explain the topic.
2. Using vocabulary that is used in Twitter, write a sample tweet about how people use
Twitter.
Answer:
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Page 32
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Which sentence would be
best in a descriptive essay?
a. I don’t know why anyone would
want to live in any state but
Missouri.
b. Each of the fifty states is unique
with much to offer their
residents.
Answer: b
This type of question has to do with
establishing and maintaining a formal
style. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
1. Jaley is writing an informative essay on clouds. Rewrite the following sentence using a
formal style.
I think fluffy white cumulus clouds are so pretty when they float in a clear, blue sky.
Answer:
2. Which words and phrases should Jaley avoid in her essay?
a. Pretty, charming
b. Nimbus, cumulus
c. White, grey
d. All of the above
Answer:
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Page 33
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Which would be the best
beginning of a concluding statement
of an informative essay on the states?
a. Secondly, Missouri is the only
state that touches seven other
states.
b. In conclusion, the fifty states
are diverse yet have much in
common.
Answer: b
This type of question has to do with
providing a concluding statement or
section that follows from and supports
the information presented. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
Most students attend kindergarten prior to first
grade. Some kindergarten programs
____________________________________
are part of the traditional elementary school and students attend all day. Other programs
____________________________________
are half-day or less than five days a week.
Kindergarten teaches students the basics they ____________________________________
need to be able to do well in reading and
math in first grade. It also gives the students the opportunity to develop their social skills.
1. Which sentence would be a good concluding sentence to the first paragraph?
a. Some programs are better than others.
b. Thirdly, some programs aren’t very good.
c. All programs have a similar goal of helping prepare the student for elementary
school.
Answer:
2. Write a concluding sentence to the second paragraph of this informative essay.
Answer:
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Page 34
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: A narrator in a narrative is:
a. The person from whose point of
view the story is told
b. The only character
c. The person who is the main
character
d. All of the above.
Answer: a
This type of question has to do with
engaging the reader by establishing a
context and point of view and
introducing a narrator and/or
characters; organizing an event
sequence that unfolds naturally and
logically. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
I was afraid I was going to throw up when I saw Thatcher fall off the slide and break his
arm. The bone of his arm stuck grossly out of his skin when the other teachers rushed him
past me on the playground. Usually the worst thing about supervising playtime was the
heat and noise, but today it was trying not to be sick. I knew I was losing that battle, so I
ran for the bushes just in time.
1. Who is the narrator of this story? What point of view is used?
a. A student; third person
b. A teacher; first person
c. A student; first person
Answer:
2. Rewrite the narrative from the point of view of the student behind Thatcher on the
slide.
Answer:
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Page 35
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: Which is the best way to
describe what happens when you hit
your thumb with a hammer?
a. “Ow!” I screamed and held my
throbbing thumb.
b. It hurt a lot when I hammered
my thumb.
c. “Ouch,” I said.
This type of question has to do with
using narrative techniques, such as
dialogue, pacing, and description, to
develop the narrative. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
The cars careened around the final turn of the ____________________________________
track. Inches before the finish line, Bill’s
____________________________________
car tapped Jim’s, sending Jim spinning into the infield. Bill crossed the line victorious.
____________________________________
A cloud of dust enveloped Jim as he pounded his
steering wheel in anger. Unhooking his
____________________________________
safety restraints, he vaulted from the car and bolted
toward Bill’s car. Bill was slowing after
his victory lap when Jim met the car at the finish line. Reaching through the window, Jim
grabbed Bill by the front of his fire suit.
1. What narrative technique does this paragraph use to develop this excerpt?
a. Description
b. Dialogue
c. Pacing
d. Both a and b
e. Both a and c
Answer:
2. Write a final sentence maintaining the same techniques.
Answer:
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Page 36
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: Which phrases can indicate
that the time frame of a narrative has
changed?
a. Later that week
b. Meanwhile
c. At that moment
d. All of these above
Answer: a
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
This type of question has to do with
using a variety of transition words,
phrases, and clauses to convey
sequence and signal shifts from one
time frame or setting to another.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Janet hoped the scratch wouldn’t scar. She was the maid of honor at her sister’s
wedding next Saturday. Leaning closer to the mirror, she frowned. Why had she leaned so
close to that mean cat? The scratch ran from her nose all the way across her cheek.
Janet swiped lip gloss across her lips and smiled. The make-up made the scar almost
invisible. Nobody would ever even notice in the wedding photos. Dropping the lip gloss into
her purse, she hurried into the church.
1. What transition word should be at the beginning of the second paragraph to make it
clearer?
a. Saturday,
b. Later,
c. Meanwhile,
Answer:
2. Rewrite the first sentence of the second paragraph to indicate the time change.
Answer:
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Page 37
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: Which words would make
the most sense for a doctor to use to
describe her patient?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Healthy kid
Healthy adolescent
Not very sick teenager
Normal girl
This type of question has to do with
using precise words and phrases,
relevant descriptive details, and
sensory language to capture the
action and convey experiences and
events. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
Delia grinned as she saw the bouquet of flowers.
The collection of flowering weeds was
____________________________________
supplemented with a few roses from her garden. Some
of the broken blooms spilled over
____________________________________
Jason’s hands.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Based on the description of the bouquet, who____________________________________
do you think Jason is?
a. Delia’s boyfriend
b. Delia’s neighbor
c. Delia’s son
Answer:
Answer: b
2. Write a new description of the bouquet as if they were delivered from a flower shop.
Answer:
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Page 38
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: What would be the obvious
conclusion to a paragraph about
taking a test?
a. Receiving the test score
b. Staring at the ticking hands of
the clock
c. Sharpening a pencil
This type of question has to do with
providing a conclusion that follows
from and reflects on the narrated
experiences. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
Ethan watched as if in slow motion as the three
deer leapt from the shoulder of the
____________________________________
road. The first one vaulted easily across the road in front of his car. He lifted his foot from
____________________________________
the gas as the second deer darted past him. His foot
slammed onto the brake.
1. Whose fate should be revealed in the conclusion of this paragraph?
a. Ethan
b. The third deer
c. Both a and b
Answer:
2. Write a single concluding sentence for this paragraph.
Answer:
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Page 39
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.4
Problem: An essay with an
introduction, several supporting
paragraphs and a conclusion is most
likely which type of writing?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Informative
Argumentative
Either a or b
Neither a nor b
This type of question has to do with
producing clear and coherent writing
in which the development,
organization, and style are
appropriate to task, purpose, and
audience. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: c
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
(1)He always made me nervous. (2)I never knew
if he would be there on time to pick me
____________________________________
up from baseball practice. (3)Sometimes he brought
the car; sometimes he brought the
____________________________________
motorcycle. (4)He never waited for me to come to____________________________________
him. (5)He always raced to the practice
field, making lame excuses for being late or criticizing
everything I did.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. What is the best way to revise sentence 1?
a. My brother always made me nervous. to task, purpose, and audience.
b. Jack always made me nervous.
c. Leave the sentence as is.
Answer:
2. What change, if any, would you make to sentence 4?
a. He never waited for me.
b. My brother, Jack, never waited for me.
c. Leave the sentence as is.
Answer:
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Page 40
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.5
Problem: What change would you
make to this sentence?
It was dark and creepy outside in the
night.
a. Remove “in the night.”
b. Put a comma after dark.
c. Leave it as is.
This type of question has to do with
developing and strengthening writing
by planning, revising, editing,
rewriting, or trying a new approach,
focusing on how well purpose and
audience have been addressed. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
____________________________________
Answer: c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
(1)One way of raising money is to have a car wash.____________________________________
(2)Another option is a bake sale.
(3)Some clubs at school sell candy bars. (4)Walk-a-thons
are popular at school.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Write an introductory sentence for this paragraph.
____________________________________
Answer:
2. Which sentence would be better for (4)?
a. Walk-a-thons are my favorite.
b. Walk-a-thons are also popular.
c. Walk-a-thons are popular with some school clubs.
Answer:
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Page 41
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.6
Problem: Which type of technology is
useful in producing an argumentative
essay?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Word processor
The internet
Both a and b
Neither a nor b
This type of question has to do with
using technology to produce and
publish writing and link to and cite
sources as well as collaborate with
others. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Using a word processor, type a short
paragraph two times using a different
____________________________________
font each time. Compare the two paragraphs to ____________________________________
determine how the different font affects
the overall appearance of the paragraph.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
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Page 42
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.7
Problem: Which website is the most
reliable for finding the state song of
Missouri?
a. www.sos.mo.gov
b. www.statesongs.com
c. www.youtube.com
This type of question has to do with
conducting short research projects to
answer a question, drawing on several
sources and generating additional
related, focused questions. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Using the official State of Missouri website,
find the state flower. Find
____________________________________
additional information about the flower and list two
websites that you used.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
and investigation.
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Page 43
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.8
Problem: What search term would
you use if you wanted to find the
tallest building in the United States?
a. Tallest American building
b. Tallest building United States
c. Country’s tallest building
Answer: b
This type of question has to do with
gathering relevant information from
multiple sources, using search terms
effectively, assessing the credibility of
each source; and using quotes and
following a standard format for
citation. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
“Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, ____________________________________
and that cannot be limited without being
lost.” Thomas Jefferson
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. What is the best way to paraphrase this quote?
____________________________________
a. There is no way to put any limits on the____________________________________
freedom of the press without losing that
freedom altogether.
____________________________________
b. Liberty depends on the freedom of the press. That cannot be limited without
being lost.
c. Our freedom depends on a free press.
Answer:
2. Find two quotes about freedom. Locate one on the internet and one from a print
source.
Answer:
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Page 44
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.9
Problem: Which would be considered
literary nonfiction?
a. The Hunger Games
b. A Girl from Yamhill: A
Memoir
c. A history textbook
This type of question has to do with
drawing evidence from literary or
informational texts to support
analysis, reflection, and research.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Read chapter IX of Little House in the
Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder,
____________________________________
published in 1932 and answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Is Pepin, Wisconsin a real town? How did you____________________________________
determine if it was real?
Answer:
2. Locate a description of a Midwestern town store from around 1870. How does the
description differ from the description in Little House in the Big Woods? How is it the
same?
Answer:
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Page 45
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.10
Problem: Which topic would be best
for a one-page research paper?
a. Eye colors
b. The history of wigs
c. English kings
This type of question has to do with
writing over extended time frames and
shorter time frames for a range of
discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and
audiences. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select a topic for a one-page research
paper and find a reliable internet
source. Write a three point outline for the paper____________________________________
and list your source.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
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Page 46
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: You want to write an
argumentative essay on the
advantages of buying local produce.
Which statement best supports your
argument?
a. Local produce is more
expensive.
b. Buying local produce can be
healthier.
This type of question has to do with
introducing claims, acknowledging
alternate or opposing claims, and
organizing the reasons and evidence
logically. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the following questions. ____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Tammy is writing an argumentative essay against
attending school in the summer.
____________________________________
Which statement would it be best for her to include?
____________________________________
a. Attending school all year increases students’
test scores.
b. Attending school all year has no impact____________________________________
on students’ test scores.
c. Attending school all year costs the school district more money.
Answer:
2. How could Tammy address the claims made by supporters of attending school all year?
Answer:
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Page 47
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: For your essay on buying
local produce, a good source of
information would be:
a. A history textbook
b. An encyclopedia from 1975
c. Your local farmer’s market
website
This type of question has to do with
supporting claims with logical
reasoning and relevant evidence,
using accurate sources and
demonstrating an understanding of
the topic. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
Answer: c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the following questions. ____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Eric is writing an essay to encourage volunteering
in his community. Where would he
____________________________________
get the best evidence to show the benefits of volunteering?
____________________________________
a. A study by the American Cancer Society____________________________________
on the benefits of volunteering.
b. An interview with last year’s volunteer____________________________________
of the year.
c. Both a and b
____________________________________
Answer:
2. Locate two sources for the personal benefits of volunteering and give a different benefit
listed by each source.
Answer:
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Page 48
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Which transition word
would best connect the following two
sentences?
Local produce gets to the consumer
quicker. It is fresher.
a. In closing,
b. Additionally,
c. Therefore,
Answer: c
This type of question has to do with
using words, phrases, and clauses to
create cohesion and clarify the
relationships among claims, reasons,
and evidence. What are some things
to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
1. Which sentence best conveys the idea?
a. Poor attendance at school is linked to lower test scores. Good attendance
should be encouraged.
b. Poor attendance at school is linked to lower test scores. Additionally, good
attendance should be encouraged.
c. Poor attendance at school is linked to lower test scores. Therefore good
attendance should be encouraged.
Answer:
2. Rewrite these sentences using an appropriate transition word.
Some students with poor attendance have home situations that contribute to their
absences. They may need additional help resolving their attendance problems.
Answer:
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Page 49
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Which sentence would be
best in an essay?
a. My mother insists on buying
local produce.
b. Buying local produce helps the
local economy.
This type of question has to do with
establishing and maintaining a formal
style. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Taylor is writing an essay on the benefits of taking a public speaking class. Which
____________________________________
sentences would be the best to include?
a. My friend, Bethany, cries whenever she has to speak in front of people. She
should take a public speaking class to get over her fear.
b. I used to be really nervous speaking in front of people. Taking a public speaking
class will help me be able to speak in front of people for the rest of my life.
c. There are many opportunities for public speaking. Being comfortable speaking
in front of others will be helpful throughout life.
Answer:
2. Rewrite these sentences to make them more appropriate for Taylor’s essay.
My public speaking class helped me overcome my nerves by being prepared and
rehearsing what I was going to say. That really helps any time I need to speak in
front of a group.
Answer:
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Page 50
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Which sentence would be a
better concluding statement in an
essay about buying local produce?
a. Buying local produce has many
benefits both to the consumer
and the local economy.
b. Buying local produce is a good.
This type of question has to do with
providing a concluding statement or
section that follows from and supports
the argument presented. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
1. Which sentence would be best for Stan to use____________________________________
to conclude his argumentative essay on
____________________________________
texting while driving?
____________________________________
a. Additionally, there are no advantages to
texting while driving
b. In closing, the dangers of texting while driving are too great to take the risk.
c. There are many other reasons why texting while driving is dangerous.
Answer:
2. Write a concluding statement for Stan’s introductory paragraph on texting while
driving.
Approximately 18% of car crash injuries are a result of distracted driving. Distracted
driving includes eating, reading, talking, grooming, adjusting music and texting.
Answer:
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Page 51
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Which of the following
would be best for an
informative/explanatory text?
a. Essay about which horses make
the best pets
b. Essay telling which horse is your
favorite horse
c. Descriptive essay about horses
d. None of the above
Answer: c
This type of question has to do with
introducing a topic clearly, previewing
what is to follow; organizing ideas,
concepts, and information, using
strategies ; including formatting ,
graphics, and multimedia. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Tyrone is writing an essay about tying knots. Which
introductory sentence would be
____________________________________
best for his paper?
____________________________________
a. There are many different types of knots,
each with a special purpose.
____________________________________
b. I like learning to tie knots.
____________________________________
c. Most people don’t understand the importance of tying the correct knot.
d. Learning to tie knots can be very difficult.
Answer:
2. List some of the organizational strategies that Tyrone should include in his essay.
Answer:
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Page 52
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: For a descriptive essay on
horses, where would you find the best
information?
a.
b.
c.
d.
An atlas
A thesaurus
An encyclopedia
A blog published by a woman
who loves Clydesdales.
This type of question has to do with
developing the topic with relevant
facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations, or other information.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: c
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Kelly is writing an informative essay on the history
of photography. What sentence
____________________________________
would be best for her to include in her essay?
a. Photography began in the early 1800’s____________________________________
with the oldest surviving photographs
being taken in the 1830’s.
b. Cameras have changed a lot since they were first invented.
c. Early photographs are very interesting because they show what life was like a
long time ago.
Answer:
2. Kelly found these two facts: the first color photographs were taken in the 1860’s; the
biggest advances in color photography came in the 1930’s. Write a sentence or two
including these two facts.
Answer:
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Page 53
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: What is the best way to
combine these sentences?
Shire horses are the tallest horses in
the world. Falabella are the shortest.
a. world, while Falabella
b. world, but Falabella
c. world; however, Falabella
This type of question has to do with
using appropriate transitions to create
cohesion and clarify the relationships
among ideas and concepts. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
(1)The Kentucky Derby takes place the first Saturday
in May. (2)The first Kentucky Derby
____________________________________
was run in 1875. (3)The official flower of the Kentucky Derby is the red rose. (4) The
____________________________________
winning horse is given a garland of red roses. (5) The
race is nicknamed the “Run for the
Roses.”
1. Choose the best way to connect sentences 1 and 2.
a. The Kentucky Derby has been run the first Saturday in May since 1875.
b. The Kentucky Derby takes place the first Saturday in May and has been run since
1875.
Answer:
2. Connect sentences 3, 4 and 5.
Answer:
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Page 54
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Which sentence would be
best in an informative essay?
a. Percheron horses can have a
height of 19 hands.
b. A Percheron horse can be taller
than a man.
This type of question has to do with
using precise language and domainspecific vocabulary to explain the
topic. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: a
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Sara is writing an essay to explain to a small child
how to walk a dog. Which sentence
____________________________________
would be the best to include?
a. Make sure the thing around his neck isn’t
tooortight
before
attaching the long
about
explain
the topic.
rope.
b. Make sure the collar is okay before hooking up the leash.
c. Make sure the collar is snug, but not tight before attaching the leash.
Answer:
2. Write a sentence for Sara’s essay to explain what to do if the dog won’t move.
Answer:
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Page 55
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Which sentence would be
best in a descriptive essay?
a. My little sister loves the tiny
little miniature horses.
b. Miniature horses are the
favorite of many small children.
Answer: b
This type of question has to do with
establishing and maintaining a formal
style. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
1. Brock is writing an essay on deer. Which sentences would be the best to include?
a. More and more deer are hit by cars in my part of town because their population
is growing.
b. There are too many deer in my neighborhood.
c. The deer population is growing larger in suburban and even urban areas.
Answer:
2. Rewrite this sentence from Brock’s essay to maintain a formal style.
Boy baby white-tailed deer stay with their mama for about a year, girls for about
two years.
Answer:
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Page 56
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Which would be the best
concluding statement of an
informative essay on horses?
a. The many breeds of horses are
very different
b. Secondly, Clydesdales are one
of many breeds of horses.
c. As you can see, there are many
types of horses.
Answer: a
This type of question has to do with
providing a concluding statement or
section that follows from and supports
the information presented. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
Ballroom dancing has become very popular recently
due partly to so many reality
____________________________________
television shows that feature dancing. In the United States, modern ballroom dancing first
____________________________________
became popular in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Many types of dances are included as ballroom____________________________________
dancing. The ten dances of International
Ballroom include such dances as the waltz and foxtrot while nightclub dances include the
lindy hop and two-step.
1. Which sentence would be a good concluding sentence to the first paragraph?
a. Movies had a large influence on dancing at that time.
b. Movies influenced dancing.
c. Therefore, movies had an influence on dancing.
Answer:
2. Write a concluding sentence for the second paragraph explaining that swing and salsa
are popular dances now.
Answer:
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Page 57
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: From which point of view is
a story when a narrator tells it using
words like “I” and “my?”
a. Thirds person
b. Second person
c. First person
Answer: c
This type of question has to do with
engaging the reader by establishing a
context and point of view and
introducing a narrator and/or
characters; organizing an event
sequence that unfolds naturally and
logically. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
(1)Seth couldn’t believe he missed that last pitch. (2)He trudged back to the bench.
(3)His last swing was high. (4)That second pitch had been a curve ball that he should never
have tried to hit. (5)His first strike was an embarrassment because no one could have hit it.
(6)He sank onto the bench and tried to disappear.
1. What is the setting for this story?
a. A soccer game
b. A baseball game
c. A football game
Answer:
2. What order would be more logical for this paragraph?
Answer:
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Page 58
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: How would you describe the
pacing for a narrative set on a hot
steamy night?
a. Quick and short
b. Slow and languid
c. Punchy
This type of question has to do with
using narrative techniques, such as
dialogue, pacing, and description, to
develop the narrative. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: b
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
The sheriff’s deputy stared at Cole. Cole stared
back. The deputy removed his hat.
____________________________________
“Did you take this?” He held up the candy bar.
____________________________________
“Nope.” Cole didn’t move.
“How did it get in your pocket?” the deputy____________________________________
asked.
“Don’t know.” Cole never looked away.
“The cashier said you didn’t buy anything.” The deputy waited before continuing. “I
took it out of your pocket, so you must have stolen it.” He waited longer. “What do you
have to say for yourself?”
Cole didn’t blink. “Nothin’.”
1. What narrative technique does this paragraph use to develop this excerpt?
a. Description
b. Dialogue
c. Both a and b
Answer:
2. Cole appears unconcerned about the deputy’s accusations. Rewrite Cole’s dialogue to
make him appear nervous and scared. Use a separate sheet of paper or the reverse side
of this sheet if needed.
Answer:
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Page 59
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: If two events occur at the
same time, what words help indicate
that?
a. Meanwhile
b. Later
c. Then
d. None of the above
Answer: a
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
This type of question has to do with
using a variety of transition words,
phrases, and clauses to convey
sequence and signal shifts from one
time frame or setting to another.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
I tried to reach the window lock. Even on my tiptoes it was too high. It was always too
high. I was never going to be able to get out of that window like my brother did. I fell onto
my bed and cried.
I stretched as high as I could reach. My fingers touched the lock. I rolled higher onto my
toes and nudged the lock with one finger. It turned. I flung open the window and climbed
out, grinning from ear to ear. My brother hollered, “You made it, Tiny!”
1. What has changed between the first and second paragraph?
a. The narrator
b. The setting
c. The time
Answer:
2. Write another sentence to start the second paragraph to indicate the change.
Answer:
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Page 60
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: How would a teenage boy
describe what his teacher was
wearing?
a. gored, fuchsia skirt
b. bright pink, calf-length skirt
c. pink skirt
This type of question has to do with
using precise words and phrases,
relevant descriptive details, and
sensory language to capture the
action and convey experiences and
events. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
Answer: c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
The toddler was in the middle of a tantrum. He fell____________________________________
to the floor, screaming. The incident
lasted for two minutes. When it was over, he resumed
playing with the toy that had
____________________________________
instigated the event.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Who is most likely writing this?
____________________________________
a. The toddler’s mother
b. A behavioral therapist
c. The toddler’s friend
Answer:
2. Rewrite the paragraph as if it were written by the toddler’s babysitter.
Answer:
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Page 61
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: What is the most logical
conclusion to a police chase?
a. The police officer turns on his
lights.
b. The police officer arrests the
suspect.
c. The police officer pulls carefully
to the curb.
Answer: b
This type of question has to do with
providing a conclusion that follows
from and reflects on the narrated
experiences. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
Mel’s scream echoed around the room. She jumped
onto a chair, waving her hands.
____________________________________
“What is it?” Maria asked.
Mel continued to scream and dance around on the____________________________________
wobbly chair.
Maria took a step toward her.
Mel flailed her arms. “No, no, don’t come closer. It’s right there.” She pointed at the
ground and shrieked again.
1. What would be the best conclusion for this narrative?
a. Maria stared at the tiny spider and laughed.
b. Maria took two more steps toward Mel.
c. Maria danced around, making fun of Mel’s dance.
Answer:
2. Write another concluding sentence that completely changes the narrative.
Answer:
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Page 62
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.4
Problem: In an explanatory essay
written for a small child essay, how
would you describe a cow?
a. my favorite farm animal
b. black bovine
c. large, black cow
Answer: c
This type of question has to do with
producing clear and coherent writing
in which the development,
organization, and style are
appropriate to task, purpose, and
audience. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
Juan walked into the classroom. ”Hey,” he called to
his friends. He sank into his chair then
____________________________________
waved at the teacher. ”What’s up?” he asked her.____________________________________
His friends laughed. The teacher shook
her head, but smiled.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. What type of student does Juan seem to be from
this narrative?
____________________________________
a. Nerdy bookworm
, and audience.
b. Class clown
c. Troublemaker
Answer:
2. Rewrite the paragraph to make Juan afraid of the teacher.
Answer:
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Page 63
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.5
Problem: What change would you
make to this sentence?
I love going to swimming lessons in the
winter when it’s cold outside and warm in
the pool; it’s my favorite time of the day.
a. Make it into two sentences.
b. Add “therefore” after the semicolon.
c. Make no changes.
Answer: a
This type of question has to do with
developing and strengthening writing
by planning, revising, editing,
rewriting, or trying a new approach,
focusing on how well purpose and
audience have been addressed. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
(1) The sweet scents surrounded Maggie as she____________________________________
passed the bakery. (2)Stopping, she
took a deep breath. (3)She smiled. (4)Her stomach
growled. (5)Turning, she entered the
____________________________________
bakery. (6)She gazed at the rows of pastries. (7)They
all looked wonderful, but she couldn’t
____________________________________
tear her attention away from the chocolate ones. ____________________________________
____________________________________
1. What is the best way to revise sentence 3?
a. Add it to sentence 2.
b. Add it to sentence 3
c. Leave the sentence as it is.
Answer:
2. Rewrite sentence 7 to show more action.
Answer:
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Page 64
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.6
Problem: What technology can be
used to research and publish your
writing?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Internet
Word Processor
Social Media
All of the above
This type of question has to do with
using technology to produce and
publish writing and link to and cite
sources as well as collaborate with
others. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: d
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Write a paragraph about your favorite summer memory. Type the
____________________________________
paragraph in a word processor. Have the word processor count the number of words in
____________________________________
your paragraph, then revise the paragraph to have between 100 and 125 words.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
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Page 65
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.7
Problem: Which topic would likely
generate the most information when
researched?
a. Hobbies of people named Sam
b. Average height of blondes
c. Buildings with 100 stories
This type of question has to do with
conducting short research projects to
answer a question, drawing on several
sources and generating additional
related, focused questions. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
Answer: c
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Find a website that lists buildings with
100 stories. List three research
____________________________________
projects that you could undertake based on the information
on the website.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
and investigation.
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Page 66
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.8
Problem: Where would you find the
most up to date information on
weather trends?
a. An encyclopedia
b. The internet
c. Book about climates
Answer: b
This type of question has to do with
gathering relevant information from
multiple sources, using search terms
effectively, assessing the credibility of
each source; and using quotes and
following a standard format for
citation. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. When using a well-known direct quote in your writing, you should:
____________________________________
a. State the book or website where you found the quote.
____________________________________
b. Enclose the quote in quotation marks and tell who said it.
____________________________________
c. Do nothing in the body of the writing, but list the author of the quote in the
____________________________________
bibliography.
____________________________________
Answer:
2. Find three reliable sources for the average temperature in Detroit in July. List all three
sources and the average temperatures they cite.
Answer:
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Page 67
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.9
Problem: What work of literature
inspired West Side Story?
a. Romeo and Juliet
b. The Great Gatsby
c. The Grapes of Wrath
This type of question has to do with
drawing evidence from literary or
informational texts to support
analysis, reflection, and research.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Read chapter fifteen of Caddie Woodlawn
by Carol Ryrie Brink published in
____________________________________
1935, then answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. This story begins in 1864 and centers around eleven-year-old
Caddie Woodlawn. Do
____________________________________
you think she was a typical girl in 1864?
Answer: a
a. Yes, she is very similar to Katie.
b. Yes, most girls in Wisconsin were tomboys.
c. No, she is very different from Katie.
d. No, most girls did not run around with their brothers.
Answer:
2. Is the song that the children sign a real song? How did you determine that?
Answer:
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Page 68
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.10
Problem: If you plan to write a 100
page research paper, how long might
the research for the paper take?
a. One hour
b. One day
c. One week
This type of question has to do with
writing over extended time frames and
shorter time frames for a range of
discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and
audiences. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Name three topics that could be researched
in a short amount of time (less
____________________________________
than one day).
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer: c
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Page 69
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: You want to write an
argumentative essay about why living
in a rural area is better than living in a
big city. Write a sentence introducing
your opinion.
Answer: I couldn’t live anywhere but
the country.
This type of question has to do with
introducing claims, acknowledging
alternate or opposing claims, and
organizing the reasons and evidence
logically. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the following questions. ____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. You want to write an argumentative essay about
your favorite movie. Write a sentence
____________________________________
introducing your favorite movie.
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
2. Create a four-point outline for your essay.
Answer:
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Page 70
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Where would you find
information supporting the idea that
living in a rural area is beneficial?
Answer: The internet, magazine
articles, books
This type of question has to do with
supporting claims with logical
reasoning and relevant evidence,
using accurate sources and
demonstrating an understanding of
the topic. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the following questions. ____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Frank is writing an argumentative essay supporting
skateboarding as an Olympic event.
____________________________________
One of the claims in his essay is: “Skateboarding
has been considered for inclusion in
____________________________________
the Olympics.” Locate a reliable website where
he could get the best evidence to
____________________________________
support this statement.
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
2. List three non-internet credible sources for sports information.
Answer:
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Page 71
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Which transition word
would best connect the following two
sentences?
The violent crime rate for urban areas
is 74% higher than for rural areas. Car
theft in suburban areas is twice as
high as car theft in rural areas.
Answer: Additionally or In addition
This type of question has to do with
using words, phrases, and clauses to
create cohesion and clarify the
relationships among claims, reasons,
and evidence. What are some things
to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
(1)The Allergy and Asthmas Foundation of America estimates that 50 million Americans
suffer with allergies every year. (2)It is the fifth highest chronic disease. (3)For the average
person, allergies cause suffering. (4)Spring is the worst time of year. (5)Summer, fall and
even winter can also be troublesome for a lot of people.
1. What transition word would best connect sentences 1 and 2?
Answer:
2. Rewrite sentences 4 and 5 using an appropriate transition word.
Answer:
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Page 72
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Write a sentence that
supports why your living in a rural
area is preferable for you while
maintaining a formal style.
This type of question has to do with
establishing and maintaining a formal
style. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Emma is writing an argumentative essay about the superiority of digital music versus
____________________________________
CDs. Rewrite the following sentences in a formal style:
Answer: I feel like the advantages of
country living outweigh the
disadvantages.
It would be so inconvenient to have to carry around a bunch of CDs. Thousands of
digital songs can be carried in a player that’s not even as big as the palm of my
hand.
Answer:
2. Rewrite the following to make the style more appropriate for Emma’s argumentative
essay.
If I had to buy an entire CD just for one song, it would cost me 10 to 15 times more
money and then I would have a whole lot of songs I didn’t even want.
Answer:
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Page 73
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.1
Problem: Write a concluding
statement for an essay about your
favorite movie.
Answer: There are numerous reasons
why Gone with the Wind tops many
lists of the best movies of all time.
This type of question has to do with
providing a concluding statement or
section that follows from and supports
the argument presented. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Roman is writing an essay supporting the use of
calculators during math exams. Provide
____________________________________
a concluding sentence for this paragraph:
____________________________________
Once a student has mastered basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division,
the use of a calculator during math exams makes sense. More complicated
problems can be solved during the exam when time isn’t spent doing basic math.
Some teachers worry about programmable calculators.
Answer:
2. Provide a concluding sentence for Roman’s essay.
Answer:
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Page 74
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Write an introductory
sentence for an informative essay on
house styles.
Answer: There are many different
styles of houses from the formal
colonial styles to the rustic ranch
styles.
This type of question has to do with
introducing a topic clearly, previewing
what is to follow; organizing ideas,
concepts, and information, using
strategies ; including formatting ,
graphics, and multimedia. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Viviana is writing an informative essay about American
music. Write an introductory
____________________________________
sentence.
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
____________________________________
2. Write a few sentences to compare and contrast classical music and rock music.
Answer:
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Page 75
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: List three different sources
where you might find photographs of
different house styles?
Answer: The internet, home design
books, home plan books, magazines,
historical books
This type of question has to do with
developing the topic with relevant
facts, definitions, concrete details,
quotations, or other information.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Jeremy is writing an informative essay about milk.
Where would he find a basic
____________________________________
definition of milk?
Answer:
2. List at least five terms that Jeremy should define in his essay.
Answer:
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Page 76
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: What transition phrase
would be best to link these two
sentences?
Many house styles were created in the
USA. Frank Lloyd Wright created a
unique style.
This type of question has to do with
using appropriate transitions to create
cohesion and clarify the relationships
among ideas and concepts. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
(1)There are many types of engineers who do very
diverse work. (2)Civil engineers are
____________________________________
just one type of engineers. (3)Civil engineering encompasses many different types of work.
____________________________________
(4)Civil engineers can design bridges, buildings, and
dams. (5)They can design much of our
Answer: “For example”
infrastructure including roads, water and sewer systems and storm water systems. (6)They
can also do work with the environment, helping to design systems that protect our natural
resources.
1. Rewrite sentences 2 and 3 to make a better transition between them.
Answer:
2. Rewrite sentences 5 and 6 using a transition phrase between them.
Answer:
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Page 77
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: List three professions who
would use more specific language
than the average person when writing
about house styles.
This type of question has to do with
using precise language and domainspecific vocabulary to explain the
topic. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
Answer: Architects, home builders,
engineers, construction professionals,
appraisers, material suppliers, etc.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
1. You are writing an informative essay about the____________________________________
seventh grade that will be read to first
____________________________________
graders. Write a sentence explaining how seventh grade is different from first grade
____________________________________
Answer:
about or explain the topic.
2. List three words or terms that you could define in your essay that first graders may not
know.
Answer:
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Page 78
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Rewrite the following
sentence in a formal style:
Some house styles have a bunch of
little windows up high that make it
really hard to see much.
Answer: Some house styles are
characterized by smaller, high
windows.
This type of question has to do with
establishing and maintaining a formal
style. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
1. Malik is writing an informative essay on apples. Rewrite the following sentence using a
formal style.
Green or golden apples don’t seem like apples because most apples are red.
Answer:
2. For each inappropriate word or phrase, give the appropriate word or phrase Malik
should use in his essay on apples.
Yucky brown spots
Answer:
Little while flowers
Answer:
Tough red outside part
Answer:
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Page 79
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.2
Problem: Write a concluding
statement for an informative essay on
the house styles.
Answer: There are many different
styles of houses with vastly different
characteristics.
This type of question has to do with
providing a concluding statement or
section that follows from and supports
the information presented. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
Memorial Day is considered by many to be the____________________________________
start of summer. Labor Day often signals
____________________________________
the end. In between there are other summer holidays such as Flag Day, Father’s Day and
____________________________________
the Fourth of July.
Popular ways to celebrate these summer holidays are camping, cookouts and other
outdoor activities. These holidays are also popular times for vacations. Many people travel
to beaches, lakes, parks and other outdoor locations.
1. Write a concluding sentence for the first paragraph.
Answer:
2. Write a concluding sentence to the second paragraph of this informative essay.
Answer:
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Page 80
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: Rewrite the sentence from
the first-person point of view.
Beth loved her old teddy bear even
with his missing ear and scratched
eye.
Answer: I love teddy even though his
ear is missing and his eye is scratched.
This type of question has to do with
engaging the reader by establishing a
context and point of view and
introducing a narrator and/or
characters; organizing an event
sequence that unfolds naturally and
logically. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
I stared at the blank page. How would I ever come up with 150 words before the bell rang?
I looked from the clock to the page and back to the clock. There were only 10 more minutes
until class ended. I had to write 15 words per minute. It wasn’t possible. I had no idea
what to write.
1. From what point of view is this story written. What feelings does that point of view
evoke?
Answer:
2. Rewrite the narrative from a different point of view (first, third, etc.)
Answer:
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Page 81
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: Write the dialogue that a
young girl might say when her brother
takes her doll.
Answer: “That’s mine! Give it to me!
Mommy!”
This type of question has to do with
using narrative techniques, such as
dialogue, pacing, and description, to
develop the narrative. What are some
things to remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
The old man shuffled down the hallway. His cane
clanked onto the tile floor with each
____________________________________
step. Teresa followed him, barely moving her feet. She paused and forced herself to read
____________________________________
the caption under the artwork hanging from the hospital’s
wall. She sighed when she saw
the old man turn the corner in the same direction she needed to go. Slowly, she plodded to
the corner.
1. Rewrite this paragraph and have Teresa following a different character to change the
pacing of the narrative. Use the back of this sheet or a separate piece of paper if
necessary.
Answer:
2. Rewrite the paragraph and have Teresa talk to the old man. Use the back of this sheet
or a separate piece of paper if necessary.
Answer:
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Page 82
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: What transition word would
indicate these two events happened
at the same time?
I jumped from the chair. Tyler sprinted
across the floor.
Answer: While or When
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
This type of question has to do with
using a variety of transition words,
phrases, and clauses to convey
sequence and signal shifts from one
time frame or setting to another.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Marcus stared down the side of the cliff. The loud growl forced his attention back to the
bear. He could jump to his certain death or wait for the bear to finish him off. Taking a
deep breath, he crouched. When the bear advanced, he slipped over the cliff and slid fifteen
feet, stopping when his feet hit a tiny ledge. Dirt and rocks pummeled his head as the bear
leaned over the cliff above him.
“Marcus!” Trina’s voice echoed in the twilight before her head appeared over the edge
of the cliff.
“Am I glad to see you,” was all Marcus managed to say.
1. Rewrite the second paragraph to make it clear that Trina isn’t leaning over the edge at
the same time as the bear. Use the back of this sheet or a separate piece of paper if
necessary.
Answer:
2. Keeping the first paragraph, rewrite the rest of the narrative to indicate that Trina is in
the area at the same time as the bear. Use the back of this sheet or a separate piece of
paper if necessary.
Answer:
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Page 83
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: Change this sentence from
one spoken by a college professor to
one spoken by a high-school student.
The final play of the game was very
tense; we were all ecstatic when they
won.
This type of question has to do with
using precise words and phrases,
relevant descriptive details, and
sensory language to capture the
action and convey experiences and
events. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
Answer: That last play was crazy; we
cheered when they won.
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
The valley was bathed in a warm golden light. ____________________________________
Pink and blue streaks stretched across
the sky overhead as the sun slowly appeared over ____________________________________
the mountain. The wagon bumped along
the rutted trail, but Patricia barely noticed. She was
gazing at a dozen dogwood trees with
____________________________________
their bright white blooms. Each bloom’s four perfect
rounded petals were tipped in brown.
____________________________________
____________________________________
1. Rewrite the narrative as if Patricia is riding in a car instead of a wagon. Use the back of
this sheet or a separate piece of paper if necessary.
Answer:
2. Rewrite the narrative as if Patricia was a tree expert riding in the back of a truck while
on a trip to study the trees in the valley. Use the back of this sheet or a separate piece
of paper if necessary.
Answer:
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Page 84
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.3
Problem: Write the concluding
sentence to a narrative about a
snowstorm.
Answer: By morning, the entire city
appeared covered with a pristine
white blanket.
This type of question has to do with
providing a conclusion that follows
from and reflects on the narrated
experiences. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
Laurel watched in horror as the ring slid from her
finger. She felt like everything was
____________________________________
moving in slow motion as the thin gold band disappeared beneath the surface of the water.
____________________________________
She could still see her grandmother’s wedding band
as it floated noiselessly to the bottom of
the pool. Glancing around, she confirmed there was no one around to help. She looked
nervously at the six-foot deep water.
1. Write a single concluding sentence for this narrative.
Answer:
2. Write a single concluding sentence that completely changes the outcome of this
narrative.
Answer:
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Page 85
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.4
Problem: Write a single sentence to
convince a three-year-old to go to the
doctor’s office.
Answer: If you are brave and good at
the doctor’s office, you will get a
sticker when you leave.
This type of question has to do with
producing clear and coherent writing
in which the development,
organization, and style are
appropriate to task, purpose, and
audience. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
(1)Some circuses don’t have any animal acts. (2)Humans
perform the tricks that used to
____________________________________
be performed by animals. (3)Some of the tricks that
used to be performed by animals can’t
____________________________________
be performed by people. (4)Many of the humans are
contortionists who can do amazing
____________________________________
things with their bodies. (5)Many of the humans are
acrobats who perform death-defying
____________________________________
tricks high above the ground.
____________________________________
, purpose, and audience.
1. Rewrite sentences 2 and 3 to make them better.
Answer:
2. Rewrite sentences 4 and 5 to make them better.
Answer:
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Page 86
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.5
Problem: Rewrite this sentence to
make it better.
The boy jumped up on the wall.
Answer: The boy launched himself
onto the tall rock wall.
This type of question has to do with
developing and strengthening writing
by planning, revising, editing,
rewriting, or trying a new approach,
focusing on how well purpose and
audience have been addressed. What
are some things to remember about
this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
(1)Colleen pumped her legs, sending the swing____________________________________
higher and higher. (2)She hesitated a
second too long when the little boy dashed toward____________________________________
her. (3)There was no way to stop
herself. (4) She plowed into him. (5)He slammed onto
the ground as she jumped from the
____________________________________
swing onto the ground beyond him. (6)For a few seconds,
neither of them moved or made a
____________________________________
sound. (7)Finally, the boy burst into tears. (8)He stood
up and ran toward his mother.
____________________________________
(9)Colleen sat up on the ground and rubbed her sore arm. (10)At least the kid could still
walk.
1. Rewrite sentences 3 and 4. Use the back of this sheet or a separate piece of paper if
necessary.
Answer:
2. Rewrite sentences 7 and 8. Use the back of this sheet or a separate piece of paper if
necessary.
Answer:
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Page 87
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.6
Problem: How could you work with
other students to produce and publish
writing using the Internet?
Answer: You could chat with other
students online and send information
and links to research back and forth.
This type of question has to do with
using technology to produce and
publish writing and link to and cite
sources as well as collaborate with
others. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Using the internet, locate three sources
of information on how to grow
____________________________________
watermelons. Find a partner from class and exchange
sources with your partner. Pick out
____________________________________
one important piece of information from your three
sources and one important piece of
____________________________________
information from his/her three sources. List both____________________________________
pieces of information and cite your
sources.
____________________________________
Answer:
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Page 88
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.7
Problem: When researching the best
place to see bald eagles in the USA,
what other questions might the
research lead you to?
Answer: What is the eagle population
in the USA? What is the eagle
population in my state? When do
most eagles hatch their eggs?
This type of question has to do with
conducting short research projects to
answer a question, drawing on several
sources and generating additional
related, focused questions. What are
some things to remember about this
type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Using a reliable website, find the average
yearly snowfall for three major
____________________________________
cities in the USA. List all three cities and their average
yearly snowfall. List three other
questions that the information led you to ask. ____________________________________
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
____________________________________
and investigation.
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Page 89
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.8
Problem: What search term would
you use if you wanted to find the last
three Superbowl winners?
Answer: “Superbowl champions” or
“Winning Superbowl teams”
This type of question has to do with
gathering relevant information from
multiple sources, using search terms
effectively, assessing the credibility of
each source; and using quotes and
following a standard format for
citation. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Answer the questions below.
____________________________________
____________________________________
“Get your facts first, and then you can distort them____________________________________
as much as you please.”
____________________________________
1. Who said this quote, and where and how did you
find the answer?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
2. Paraphrase this quote.
3. Locate another quote from a famous person about a similar topic.
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Page 90
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.9
Problem: Where would you find a
historical account of a particular time
period?
Answer: History book, journal or diary
This type of question has to do with
drawing evidence from literary or
informational texts to support
analysis, reflection, and research.
What are some things to remember
about this type of question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Read chapter twenty-two of Caddie ____________________________________
Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink
____________________________________
published in 1935, then answer the questions below.
____________________________________
1. This story takes place in 1864. What activities____________________________________
that were common then but unusual now
____________________________________
were the characters in this chapter doing?
Answer:
2. This story is based on the real life of Caddie Woodhouse. Her father really was born in
England. Locate a description of an English lord’s estate in the mid-1800s. Compare the
description to the one in this chapter.
Answer:
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Page 91
Common Core State Standards Bellringers
Student Edition: ELA Set, Second Edition
7TH Grade Writing: W.7.10
Problem: What sort of research
project might take a day to write
about? What might take a week?
Answer: The five most states with the
biggest populations is a research
project that could be written about in
a day. The city with the biggest
populations in each state is a research
project that might take a week to
complete.
This type of question has to do with
writing over extended time frames and
shorter time frames for a range of
discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and
audiences. What are some things to
remember about this type of
question?
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
Instructions: Select one European county and spend
time researching the most popular
____________________________________
foods of that country. Write an essay on the foods
you have researched.
____________________________________
Answer:
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
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