Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
Name:_______________________
Date:_______________________
______________________________________________________________________________
1
Read this passage from "Rikki-tikki-tavi," by Rudyard Kipling. Then, answer the question(s).
He had forgotten the egg. It still lay on the veranda, and Nagaina came nearer and nearer
to it, till at last, while Rikki-tikki was drawing breath, she caught it in her mouth, turned to
the veranda steps, and flew like an arrow down the path, with Rikki-tikki behind her. When
the cobra runs for her life, she goes like a whiplash flicked across a horse's neck.
Rikki-tikki knew that he must catch her, or all the trouble would begin again. She headed
straight for the long grass by the thornbush, and as he was running Rikki-tikki heard
Darzee still singing his foolish little song of triumph. But Darzee's wife was wiser. She flew
off her nest as Nagaina came along, and flapped her wings about Nagaina's head. If
Darzee had helped they might have turned her; but Nagaina only lowered her hood and
went on. Still, the instant's delay brought Rikki-tikki up to her, and as she plunged into the
rat hole where she and Nag used to live, his little white teeth were clenched on her tail,
and he went down with her—and very few mongooses, however wise and old they may
be, care to follow a cobra into its hole. It was dark in the hole; and Rikki-tikki never knew
when it might open out and give Nagaina room to turn and strike at him. He held on
savagely, and struck out his feet to act as brakes on the dark slope of the hot, moist earth.
Then the grass by the mouth of the hole stopped waving, and Darzee said: "It is all over
with Rikki-tikki! We must sing his death song. Valiant Rikki-tikki is dead! For Nagaina will
surely kill him underground.''
So he sang a very mournful song that he made up all on the spur of the minute, and just
as he got to the most touching part the grass quivered again, and Rikki-tikki, covered with
dirt, dragged himself out of the hole leg by leg, licking his whiskers. Darzee stopped with a
little shout. Rikki-tikki shook some of the dust out of his fur and sneezed. "It is all over, '' he
said. "The widow will never come out again.''
Which of the following words identifies a theme that Rikki-tikki's actions illustrate?
A
B
C
D
courage
friendship
creativity
wisdom
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 1 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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2
Read this passage from "Rikki-tikki-tavi," by Rudyard Kipling. Then, answer the question(s).
He had forgotten the egg. It still lay on the veranda, and Nagaina came nearer and nearer
to it, till at last, while Rikki-tikki was drawing breath, she caught it in her mouth, turned to
the veranda steps, and flew like an arrow down the path, with Rikki-tikki behind her. When
the cobra runs for her life, she goes like a whiplash flicked across a horse's neck.
Rikki-tikki knew that he must catch her, or all the trouble would begin again. She headed
straight for the long grass by the thornbush, and as he was running Rikki-tikki heard
Darzee still singing his foolish little song of triumph. But Darzee's wife was wiser. She flew
off her nest as Nagaina came along, and flapped her wings about Nagaina's head. If
Darzee had helped they might have turned her; but Nagaina only lowered her hood and
went on. Still, the instant's delay brought Rikki-tikki up to her, and as she plunged into the
rat hole where she and Nag used to live, his little white teeth were clenched on her tail,
and he went down with her—and very few mongooses, however wise and old they may
be, care to follow a cobra into its hole. It was dark in the hole; and Rikki-tikki never knew
when it might open out and give Nagaina room to turn and strike at him. He held on
savagely, and struck out his feet to act as brakes on the dark slope of the hot, moist earth.
Then the grass by the mouth of the hole stopped waving, and Darzee said: "It is all over
with Rikki-tikki! We must sing his death song. Valiant Rikki-tikki is dead! For Nagaina will
surely kill him underground.''
So he sang a very mournful song that he made up all on the spur of the minute, and just
as he got to the most touching part the grass quivered again, and Rikki-tikki, covered with
dirt, dragged himself out of the hole leg by leg, licking his whiskers. Darzee stopped with a
little shout. Rikki-tikki shook some of the dust out of his fur and sneezed. "It is all over, '' he
said. "The widow will never come out again.''
Using the details in the first paragraph as context clues, what is a veranda?
A
B
C
D
a type of tree
something that cobras eat
a part of a house
a type of bird call
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 2 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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3
Read this passage from "Rikki-tikki-tavi," by Rudyard Kipling. Then, answer the question(s).
He had forgotten the egg. It still lay on the veranda, and Nagaina came nearer and nearer
to it, till at last, while Rikki-tikki was drawing breath, she caught it in her mouth, turned to
the veranda steps, and flew like an arrow down the path, with Rikki-tikki behind her. When
the cobra runs for her life, she goes like a whiplash flicked across a horse's neck.
Rikki-tikki knew that he must catch her, or all the trouble would begin again. She headed
straight for the long grass by the thornbush, and as he was running Rikki-tikki heard
Darzee still singing his foolish little song of triumph. But Darzee's wife was wiser. She flew
off her nest as Nagaina came along, and flapped her wings about Nagaina's head. If
Darzee had helped they might have turned her; but Nagaina only lowered her hood and
went on. Still, the instant's delay brought Rikki-tikki up to her, and as she plunged into the
rat hole where she and Nag used to live, his little white teeth were clenched on her tail,
and he went down with her—and very few mongooses, however wise and old they may
be, care to follow a cobra into its hole. It was dark in the hole; and Rikki-tikki never knew
when it might open out and give Nagaina room to turn and strike at him. He held on
savagely, and struck out his feet to act as brakes on the dark slope of the hot, moist earth.
Then the grass by the mouth of the hole stopped waving, and Darzee said: "It is all over
with Rikki-tikki! We must sing his death song. Valiant Rikki-tikki is dead! For Nagaina will
surely kill him underground.''
So he sang a very mournful song that he made up all on the spur of the minute, and just
as he got to the most touching part the grass quivered again, and Rikki-tikki, covered with
dirt, dragged himself out of the hole leg by leg, licking his whiskers. Darzee stopped with a
little shout. Rikki-tikki shook some of the dust out of his fur and sneezed. "It is all over, '' he
said. "The widow will never come out again.''
The author says that Nagaina "flew like an arrow down the path." What figure of speech is
this description?
A
B
C
D
metaphor
simile
hyperbole
personification
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 3 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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4
Read this passage from "Rikki-tikki-tavi," by Rudyard Kipling. Then, answer the question(s).
He had forgotten the egg. It still lay on the veranda, and Nagaina came nearer and nearer
to it, till at last, while Rikki-tikki was drawing breath, she caught it in her mouth, turned to
the veranda steps, and flew like an arrow down the path, with Rikki-tikki behind her. When
the cobra runs for her life, she goes like a whiplash flicked across a horse's neck.
Rikki-tikki knew that he must catch her, or all the trouble would begin again. She headed
straight for the long grass by the thornbush, and as he was running Rikki-tikki heard
Darzee still singing his foolish little song of triumph. But Darzee's wife was wiser. She flew
off her nest as Nagaina came along, and flapped her wings about Nagaina's head. If
Darzee had helped they might have turned her; but Nagaina only lowered her hood and
went on. Still, the instant's delay brought Rikki-tikki up to her, and as she plunged into the
rat hole where she and Nag used to live, his little white teeth were clenched on her tail,
and he went down with her—and very few mongooses, however wise and old they may
be, care to follow a cobra into its hole. It was dark in the hole; and Rikki-tikki never knew
when it might open out and give Nagaina room to turn and strike at him. He held on
savagely, and struck out his feet to act as brakes on the dark slope of the hot, moist earth.
Then the grass by the mouth of the hole stopped waving, and Darzee said: "It is all over
with Rikki-tikki! We must sing his death song. Valiant Rikki-tikki is dead! For Nagaina will
surely kill him underground.''
So he sang a very mournful song that he made up all on the spur of the minute, and just
as he got to the most touching part the grass quivered again, and Rikki-tikki, covered with
dirt, dragged himself out of the hole leg by leg, licking his whiskers. Darzee stopped with a
little shout. Rikki-tikki shook some of the dust out of his fur and sneezed. "It is all over, '' he
said. "The widow will never come out again.''
How does the action by Darzee's wife develop the plot of this story?
A
B
C
D
Her song encourages Rikki-tikki to keep fighting Nagaina.
Her flapping about reveals the location of Nagaina's hole.
Her leaving the nest makes Nagaina want to attack her.
Her attack gives Rikki-tikki time to catch Nagaina.
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 4 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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5
Read this passage from "Rikki-tikki-tavi," by Rudyard Kipling. Then, answer the question(s).
He had forgotten the egg. It still lay on the veranda, and Nagaina came nearer and nearer
to it, till at last, while Rikki-tikki was drawing breath, she caught it in her mouth, turned to
the veranda steps, and flew like an arrow down the path, with Rikki-tikki behind her. When
the cobra runs for her life, she goes like a whiplash flicked across a horse's neck.
Rikki-tikki knew that he must catch her, or all the trouble would begin again. She headed
straight for the long grass by the thornbush, and as he was running Rikki-tikki heard
Darzee still singing his foolish little song of triumph. But Darzee's wife was wiser. She flew
off her nest as Nagaina came along, and flapped her wings about Nagaina's head. If
Darzee had helped they might have turned her; but Nagaina only lowered her hood and
went on. Still, the instant's delay brought Rikki-tikki up to her, and as she plunged into the
rat hole where she and Nag used to live, his little white teeth were clenched on her tail,
and he went down with her—and very few mongooses, however wise and old they may
be, care to follow a cobra into its hole. It was dark in the hole; and Rikki-tikki never knew
when it might open out and give Nagaina room to turn and strike at him. He held on
savagely, and struck out his feet to act as brakes on the dark slope of the hot, moist earth.
Then the grass by the mouth of the hole stopped waving, and Darzee said: "It is all over
with Rikki-tikki! We must sing his death song. Valiant Rikki-tikki is dead! For Nagaina will
surely kill him underground.''
So he sang a very mournful song that he made up all on the spur of the minute, and just
as he got to the most touching part the grass quivered again, and Rikki-tikki, covered with
dirt, dragged himself out of the hole leg by leg, licking his whiskers. Darzee stopped with a
little shout. Rikki-tikki shook some of the dust out of his fur and sneezed. "It is all over, '' he
said. "The widow will never come out again.''
This passage focuses mostly on which part of the story?
A
B
C
D
the exposition
the falling action or denouement
the climax
the development
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 5 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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6
Read this passage from "Rikki-tikki-tavi," by Rudyard Kipling. Then, answer the question(s).
He had forgotten the egg. It still lay on the veranda, and Nagaina came nearer and nearer
to it, till at last, while Rikki-tikki was drawing breath, she caught it in her mouth, turned to
the veranda steps, and flew like an arrow down the path, with Rikki-tikki behind her. When
the cobra runs for her life, she goes like a whiplash flicked across a horse's neck.
Rikki-tikki knew that he must catch her, or all the trouble would begin again. She headed
straight for the long grass by the thornbush, and as he was running Rikki-tikki heard
Darzee still singing his foolish little song of triumph. But Darzee's wife was wiser. She flew
off her nest as Nagaina came along, and flapped her wings about Nagaina's head. If
Darzee had helped they might have turned her; but Nagaina only lowered her hood and
went on. Still, the instant's delay brought Rikki-tikki up to her, and as she plunged into the
rat hole where she and Nag used to live, his little white teeth were clenched on her tail,
and he went down with her—and very few mongooses, however wise and old they may
be, care to follow a cobra into its hole. It was dark in the hole; and Rikki-tikki never knew
when it might open out and give Nagaina room to turn and strike at him. He held on
savagely, and struck out his feet to act as brakes on the dark slope of the hot, moist earth.
Then the grass by the mouth of the hole stopped waving, and Darzee said: "It is all over
with Rikki-tikki! We must sing his death song. Valiant Rikki-tikki is dead! For Nagaina will
surely kill him underground.''
So he sang a very mournful song that he made up all on the spur of the minute, and just
as he got to the most touching part the grass quivered again, and Rikki-tikki, covered with
dirt, dragged himself out of the hole leg by leg, licking his whiskers. Darzee stopped with a
little shout. Rikki-tikki shook some of the dust out of his fur and sneezed. "It is all over, '' he
said. "The widow will never come out again.''
Which of the following events, related to the conflict in this story, happens immediately
after Rikki-tikki bites Nagaina's tail?
A
B
C
D
Rikki-tikki panics and lets Nagaina go.
Rikki-tikki is dragged into the cobra hole.
Darzee begins to sing a death song.
Darzee's wife flaps her wings around Nagaina's head.
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 6 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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7
Identify the choice that best answers the question.
Which type of informational material would be most likely to contain diagrams?
A
B
C
D
8
a textbook on art in the Middle Ages
a sign explaining the designation of a house as a historical landmark
a how-to manual on assembling a bookcase
a magazine article about a presidential election
Identify the choice that best answers the question.
Which of the following answer choices is the best paraphrase of this sentence?
It is fortunate that the great Greek works the Iliad and the Odyssey have survived through
the centuries, because the long, adventure-filled poems are wonderful examples of the
classic epic.
A
B
C
D
9
We are lucky to have the long, adventure-filled Greek poems the Iliad and the
Odyssey today, because they are examples of the classic epic.
Because the very long epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey have survived, we
can see what an epic really is today.
The Iliad and the Odyssey are Greek epic poems that every student should read,
even though they are centuries old.
The Iliad and the Odyssey, Greek poems, are long, epic, and exciting, and they
have not been lost.
Identify the choice that best answers the question.
Which of the following answer choices is the best example of an author's argument?
A
B
C
D
a letter to the editor commenting on a previously published magazine article
the author's ending summary
up-to-date information that the author presents
the idea or position that the author presents and supports
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 7 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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10
Identify the choice that best answers the question.
Which statement would lead you to conclude that the writer has a negative opinion about
mountain climbing?
A
B
C
D
11
"Injury is just one risk that mountain climbers face."
"With a guide and preparation, anyone can climb mountains."
"Climbing mountains is a great challenge and test of will."
"The climb is the reward, not the view from the top."
Identify the choice that best answers the question.
For what main purpose did ancient cultures create myths?
A
B
C
D
12
to explain natural events and occurrences in their history
to entertain each other with mysteries and poetry
to entertain each other with a body of literature that would last for centuries
to show respect for different cultural backgrounds
Identify the choice that best answers the question.
Which word in the following sentence restates the meaning of the word spry?
My grandmother, who keeps active by jogging and playing tennis, is as spry as a teenager.
A
B
C
D
grandmother
who
keeps
active
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 8 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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13
Read the passage, and answer the question(s).
(1) Jason woke up to the sound of his mother calling his name. (2) He looked over at his
alarm clock and sat up with a jolt. (3) It was 7:55. (4) His bus was going to be there in five
minutes! (5) Jason jumped out of bed, threw on his clothes, and ran down the stairs with
only a minute to spare before his bus was due to arrive. (6) He was about to walk out the
door when he realized that he had forgotten his homework. (7) As he ran back up the
stairs, he heard the sound of his bus as it drove away without him.
What is the main cause of Jason's missing the bus?
A
B
C
D
14
Jason woke up at 7:55.
Jason forgot his homework upstairs.
Jason stayed up late the night before.
Jason's mother woke him up too late.
Read the passage, and answer the question(s).
(1) Jason woke up to the sound of his mother calling his name. (2) He looked over at his
alarm clock and sat up with a jolt. (3) It was 7:55. (4) His bus was going to be there in five
minutes! (5) Jason jumped out of bed, threw on his clothes, and ran down the stairs with
only a minute to spare before his bus was due to arrive. (6) He was about to walk out the
door when he realized that he had forgotten his homework. (7) As he ran back up the
stairs, he heard the sound of his bus as it drove away without him.
Which statement is the best summary of sentence 5?
A
B
C
D
Jason got up, got dressed, and went downstairs just before the bus was due.
When he got up, Jason had only five minutes to catch the bus for school.
Jason got ready for school in about three minutes, but missed the bus anyway.
Jason was ready for school but he could not find his homework.
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 9 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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15
Read the passage from "I Am a Native of North America," by Chief Dan George. Then, answer the
question(s).
Man must love fully or he will become the lowest of the animals. It is the power to love that
makes him the greatest of them all . . . for he alone of all animals is capable of love.
Love is something you and I must have. We must have it because our spirit feeds upon it.
We must have it because without it we become weak and faint. Without love our selfesteem weakens. Without it our courage fails. Without love we can no longer look out
confidently at the world. Instead we turn inwardly and begin to feed upon our own
personalities and little by little we destroy ourselves.
You and I need the strength and joy that comes from knowing that we are loved. With it we
are creative. With it we march tirelessly. With it, and with it alone, we are able to sacrifice
for others.
Which statement best describes the content of this passage?
A
B
C
D
The writer presents an opinion and then supports it with a variety of facts.
The writer uses facts to analyze a topic but does not share a personal opinion.
The writer mixes facts and opinions and does not distinguish between the two.
The writer explores personal thoughts and opinions but does not present facts.
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 10 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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16
Read the passage from "I Am a Native of North America," by Chief Dan George. Then, answer the
question(s).
Man must love fully or he will become the lowest of the animals. It is the power to love that
makes him the greatest of them all . . . for he alone of all animals is capable of love.
Love is something you and I must have. We must have it because our spirit feeds upon it.
We must have it because without it we become weak and faint. Without love our selfesteem weakens. Without it our courage fails. Without love we can no longer look out
confidently at the world. Instead we turn inwardly and begin to feed upon our own
personalities and little by little we destroy ourselves.
You and I need the strength and joy that comes from knowing that we are loved. With it we
are creative. With it we march tirelessly. With it, and with it alone, we are able to sacrifice
for others.
Which word from the passage has a negative connotation?
A
B
C
D
"love"
"spirit"
"weak"
"sacrifice"
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 11 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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17
Read the passage from "I Am a Native of North America," by Chief Dan George. Then, answer the
question(s).
Man must love fully or he will become the lowest of the animals. It is the power to love that
makes him the greatest of them all . . . for he alone of all animals is capable of love.
Love is something you and I must have. We must have it because our spirit feeds upon it.
We must have it because without it we become weak and faint. Without love our selfesteem weakens. Without it our courage fails. Without love we can no longer look out
confidently at the world. Instead we turn inwardly and begin to feed upon our own
personalities and little by little we destroy ourselves.
You and I need the strength and joy that comes from knowing that we are loved. With it we
are creative. With it we march tirelessly. With it, and with it alone, we are able to sacrifice
for others.
Which answer choice best describes the author's purpose in writing the passage?
A
B
C
D
to entertain readers with upbeat ideas
to inform readers about his thinking
to keep a personal record of his thoughts
to persuade readers to agree with him
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 12 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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18
Read the passage from "I Am a Native of North America," by Chief Dan George. Then, answer the
question(s).
Man must love fully or he will become the lowest of the animals. It is the power to love that
makes him the greatest of them all . . . for he alone of all animals is capable of love.
Love is something you and I must have. We must have it because our spirit feeds upon it.
We must have it because without it we become weak and faint. Without love our selfesteem weakens. Without it our courage fails. Without love we can no longer look out
confidently at the world. Instead we turn inwardly and begin to feed upon our own
personalities and little by little we destroy ourselves.
You and I need the strength and joy that comes from knowing that we are loved. With it we
are creative. With it we march tirelessly. With it, and with it alone, we are able to sacrifice
for others.
How can you tell that the passage is an example of reflective writing?
A
B
C
D
The content is cultural.
The ideas are important.
It includes the author's opinions.
It expresses thoughts and feelings.
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 13 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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19
Read this passage from "Conversational Ballgames," by Nancy Masterson Sakamoto. Then,
answer the question(s).
Japanese-style conversations develop quite differently from western-style conversations.
And the difference isn't only in the languages. I realized that just as I kept trying to hold
western-style conversations even when I was speaking Japanese, so my English students
kept trying to hold Japanese-style conversations even when they were speaking English.
We were unconsciously playing entirely different conversational ballgames.
A western-style conversation between two people is like a game of tennis. If I introduce a
topic, a conversational ball, I expect you to hit it back. If you agree with me, I don't expect
you simply to agree and do nothing more. I expect you to add something—a reason for
agreeing, another example, or an elaboration to carry the idea further. But I don't expect
you always to agree. I am just as happy if you question me, or challenge me, or completely
disagree with me. Whether you agree or disagree, your response will return the ball to me.
And then it is my turn again. I don't serve a new ball from my original starting line. I hit your
ball back again from where it has bounced. I carry your idea further, or answer your
questions or objections, or challenge or question you. And so the ball goes back and forth,
with each of us doing our best to give it a new twist, an original spin, or a powerful smash.
From this passage, you can determine that "Conversational Ballgames" is
A
B
C
D
a persuasive essay.
an expository essay.
a cause-and-effect essay.
a problem-and-solution essay.
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 14 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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20
Read this passage from "Conversational Ballgames," by Nancy Masterson Sakamoto. Then,
answer the question(s).
Japanese-style conversations develop quite differently from western-style conversations.
And the difference isn't only in the languages. I realized that just as I kept trying to hold
western-style conversations even when I was speaking Japanese, so my English students
kept trying to hold Japanese-style conversations even when they were speaking English.
We were unconsciously playing entirely different conversational ballgames.
A western-style conversation between two people is like a game of tennis. If I introduce a
topic, a conversational ball, I expect you to hit it back. If you agree with me, I don't expect
you simply to agree and do nothing more. I expect you to add something—a reason for
agreeing, another example, or an elaboration to carry the idea further. But I don't expect
you always to agree. I am just as happy if you question me, or challenge me, or completely
disagree with me. Whether you agree or disagree, your response will return the ball to me.
And then it is my turn again. I don't serve a new ball from my original starting line. I hit your
ball back again from where it has bounced. I carry your idea further, or answer your
questions or objections, or challenge or question you. And so the ball goes back and forth,
with each of us doing our best to give it a new twist, an original spin, or a powerful smash.
Which sentence best expresses the writer's main idea?
A
B
C
D
Western-style conversations are disorganized and too competitive.
Students who learn English as a second language will never be able to converse
well in English.
In each culture, people have certain expectations about the way a conversation
should happen.
Japanese-style conversations are almost never about personal matters.
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Copyright © 2005 - 2006 by Pearson Education
Page 15 of 36
Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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21
Read this passage from "Conversational Ballgames," by Nancy Masterson Sakamoto. Then,
answer the question(s).
Japanese-style conversations develop quite differently from western-style conversations.
And the difference isn't only in the languages. I realized that just as I kept trying to hold
western-style conversations even when I was speaking Japanese, so my English students
kept trying to hold Japanese-style conversations even when they were speaking English.
We were unconsciously playing entirely different conversational ballgames.
A western-style conversation between two people is like a game of tennis. If I introduce a
topic, a conversational ball, I expect you to hit it back. If you agree with me, I don't expect
you simply to agree and do nothing more. I expect you to add something—a reason for
agreeing, another example, or an elaboration to carry the idea further. But I don't expect
you always to agree. I am just as happy if you question me, or challenge me, or completely
disagree with me. Whether you agree or disagree, your response will return the ball to me.
And then it is my turn again. I don't serve a new ball from my original starting line. I hit your
ball back again from where it has bounced. I carry your idea further, or answer your
questions or objections, or challenge or question you. And so the ball goes back and forth,
with each of us doing our best to give it a new twist, an original spin, or a powerful smash.
Throughout this passage, the writer uses figurative language to compare
A
B
C
D
sports and language.
Japanese and English.
writers and athletes.
students and teachers.
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22
Read the set of instructions below, and answer the question(s).
What information do you find in the instructions?
A
B
C
D
23
temperature settings for a washer
speeds and controls for a washer
directions for starting a washer
advice about repairing a washer
Read the set of instructions below, and answer the question(s).
What is the purpose of the boldfaced numbers in the instructions?
A
B
C
D
They indicate how long the procedure should take.
They list the benefits of washing machines.
They show the order of importance of the steps.
They show the chronological order of the steps.
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Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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24
Read the dialogue, and answer the question(s).
(1) BOB: Look at that terrible painting!
(2) (AMANDA steps backward and gives BOB a puzzled look.)
(3) AMANDA: Why don't you like it? I think it's quite creative.
(4) BOB: It's just squiggles and spots. I can't make any sense out of it.
(5) AMANDA: It's abstract art, Bob. It's meant to show feelings rather than definite objects.
(6) BOB (snorting): Well, I can't believe that anyone would enter it in the contest. I'm sure
that your painting will win a prize before that one ever does.
(7) AMANDA (pained): It IS my painting, Bob.
Which lines in this dialogue include stage directions?
A
B
C
D
25
1, 4, and 6
2, 6, and 7
2, 5, and 6
3, 5, and 7
Read the dialogue, and answer the question(s).
(1) BOB: Look at that terrible painting!
(2) (AMANDA steps backward and gives BOB a puzzled look.)
(3) AMANDA: Why don't you like it? I think it's quite creative.
(4) BOB: It's just squiggles and spots. I can't make any sense out of it.
(5) AMANDA: It's abstract art, Bob. It's meant to show feelings rather than definite objects.
(6) BOB (snorting): Well, I can't believe that anyone would enter it in the contest. I'm sure
that your painting will win a prize before that one ever does.
(7) AMANDA (pained): It IS my painting, Bob.
What does the dialogue show about Bob's character?
A
B
C
D
He freely shares his strong opinions.
He is not very interested in Amanda.
He is nervous in a strange situation.
He worries about hurting other people's feelings.
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26
Read the dialogue, and answer the question(s).
(1) BOB: Look at that terrible painting!
(2) (AMANDA steps backward and gives BOB a puzzled look.)
(3) AMANDA: Why don't you like it? I think it's quite creative.
(4) BOB: It's just squiggles and spots. I can't make any sense out of it.
(5) AMANDA: It's abstract art, Bob. It's meant to show feelings rather than definite objects.
(6) BOB (snorting): Well, I can't believe that anyone would enter it in the contest. I'm sure
that your painting will win a prize before that one ever does.
(7) AMANDA (pained): It IS my painting, Bob.
Which statement best describes the humorous technique used in this dialogue?
A
B
C
D
The situation is completely illogical.
The conversation is exaggerated in every way.
Physical humor is indicated in the stage directions.
There is a contrast between what a character thinks and what is actually true.
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27
Read the passage, and answer the question(s).
James Smithson was a very wealthy person. When he died in 1827, he left his riches to
the United States. Smithson, a British scientist, wanted his fortune to help spread
knowledge. In 1846, Congress used his money to build the Smithsonian Institution, a
collection of several educational sites in Washington, D.C. It includes sites that focus on
art, history, and science.
The National Museum of American Art features different forms of art from Colonial times to
today. Visitors can see American crafts, portraits of famous people, and other works. The
National Museum of Natural History has exhibits on all types of living things. Visitors can
learn about human, animal, and plant life. The National Museum of American History
includes displays of household and military items, along with inventions from America's
past. The National Air and Space Museum preserves the history of U.S. aviation and
aeronautical accomplishments and plans.
The Smithsonian includes other educational sites in addition to musuems. For example,
the National Zoological Park has more than 2,000 mammals, birds, and reptiles. There are
also Smithsonian research centers that focus on ocean, rain forest, and space
environments.
More than 150 years have passed since the Smithsonian was created. In that time, James
Smithson's gift has certainly achieved its goal of spreading knowledge.
Review this outline of the passage, and answer the question that follows.
Which of the following choices should fill the blank in the outline?
A
B
C
D
Educational sites
Washington, D.C.
Zoological Park
James Smithson
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Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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28
Read the passage, and answer the question(s).
James Smithson was a very wealthy person. When he died in 1827, he left his riches to
the United States. Smithson, a British scientist, wanted his fortune to help spread
knowledge. In 1846, Congress used his money to build the Smithsonian Institution, a
collection of several educational sites in Washington, D.C. It includes sites that focus on
art, history, and science.
The National Museum of American Art features different forms of art from Colonial times to
today. Visitors can see American crafts, portraits of famous people, and other works. The
National Museum of Natural History has exhibits on all types of living things. Visitors can
learn about human, animal, and plant life. The National Museum of American History
includes displays of household and military items, along with inventions from America's
past. The National Air and Space Museum preserves the history of U.S. aviation and
aeronautical accomplishments and plans.
The Smithsonian includes other educational sites in addition to musuems. For example,
the National Zoological Park has more than 2,000 mammals, birds, and reptiles. There are
also Smithsonian research centers that focus on ocean, rain forest, and space
environments.
More than 150 years have passed since the Smithsonian was created. In that time, James
Smithson's gift has certainly achieved its goal of spreading knowledge.
Which detail best supports the idea that James Smithson was a generous person?
A
B
C
D
He was a British scientist.
He donated his wealth to further education in science and history.
He was extremely rich.
The Smithsonian Institution is named after him.
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29
Read these lines from "The Village Blacksmith," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Then, answer
the question(s).
Which set of words best shows a rhyming pattern in the poem?
A
B
C
D
chestnut / man / sinewy / brawny
tree / stands / he / hands
long / tan / sweat / face
night / blow / sledge / bell
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Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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30
Read these lines from "The Village Blacksmith," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Then, answer
the question(s).
Which is the most logical inference that you can make about the blacksmith?
A
B
C
D
He would be angry without his job.
He cares more about his physical strength than anything else.
He is appreciated by everyone in the village.
He is a very honest, hard-working person.
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Beginning-of-Year Benchmark Test
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31
Read these lines from "The Village Blacksmith," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Then, answer
the question(s).
In the third stanza, why does the writer compare the blacksmith to a sexton, a person who
works in a church?
A
B
C
D
32
to suggest that the blacksmith is as reliable as a sexton
to show the sound made by a sledge when it hits an anvil
to make it clear that the blacksmith is as busy as a sexton
to suggest that both occupations are time-consuming
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
In which pair of words do the boldfaced letters have the same meaning?
A
B
C
D
understand, command
dictionary, predict
contract, counter
uptown, ruptured
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33
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
What does the prefix inter-, as in the word international, mean?
A
B
C
D
34
between
with
before
again
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which two words in the following sentence have come into the English language from
Spanish?
When Zak wore a huge, floppy sombrero to the Spanish Club's fiesta last weekend,
everyone applauded.
A
B
C
D
35
huge, floppy
sombrero, fiesta
everyone, fiesta
weekend, applauded
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
The word bolt has several meanings. Which meaning does it have in the sentence below?
Mrs. Edwards bought a bolt of silk to make her daughter's wedding dress.
A
B
C
D
36
a sudden departure
a flash of lightning
part of a lock
a roll of cloth
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
What is the most likely meaning of the word revive?
A
B
C
D
breathe in
not send
live again
send back
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37
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which answer choice describes the word that is created by adding the suffix -less to the
word speech?
A
B
C
D
38
a noun meaning "the act of speaking"
an adjective meaning "without speech"
a verb meaning "to communicate by speaking"
an adverb meaning "spoken aloud"
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
In which resource would you look to find synonyms for the word necessary?
A
B
C
D
39
a dictionary
an encyclopedia
a glossary
a thesaurus
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which answer choice uses the same meaning of snap as in the sentence below?
I know that you're not feeling well, but please don't snap at me.
A
B
C
D
40
That crossword puzzle was a snap to do.
My dog may snap at you if you get too close.
Snap up your jacket so we can get going.
If jeans go on sale, I'll snap up a pair or two.
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
In a sentence, which pronoun would agree with the antecedent monsters?
A
B
C
D
his
hers
their
its
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41
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
What is the best way to correct the following sentence?
I've never seen a magnificenter sunset than the one over the lake this evening.
A
B
C
D
42
I've never seen a more magnificent sunset than the one over the lake this
evening.
I've never seen a more magnificenter sunset than the one over the lake this
evening.
I've never seen a sunset more magnificently than the one over the lake this
evening.
I've never seen the most magnificent sunset than the one over the lake this
evening.
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which statement about adverbs is true?
A
B
C
D
43
Adverbs modify nouns and verbs.
Adverbs modify verbs and adjectives.
Adverbs always answer the question why.
Adverbs always end in -ly.
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
In which sentence is the hyphen not used correctly?
A
B
C
D
44
That is my sixth-grade notebook.
I prefer these black-and-white photographs.
The bill passed by a two-thirds majority.
I'm totally amazed-you can't be serious!
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which sentence contains an appositive phrase?
A
B
C
D
My soccer team, which is called the Easton Eagles, has a great record.
At the end of the day tomorrow, we have a big game across town.
David Sánchez, the coach of the opposing team, owns a music store.
My brother, sister, and I take guitar lessons there every Thursday.
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45
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which conjunction completes this sentence in the most logical way?
Darnell likes to read biographies, _____ I prefer science fiction.
A
B
C
D
46
or
so
but
and
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which of the following words is spelled correctly?
A
B
C
D
47
sillyness
silliness
sillness
silleness
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
In which sentence do all the common nouns, and only the common nouns, appear in
boldface?
A
B
C
D
48
I learned to ride at the ranch last July.
The eager horses quickly lined up at the gate.
The trainer, Joe Asch, slipped my foot into the stirrup.
"Rochelle," she said, "you will be just fine."
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
To which category does this sentence belong?
The floodlights lit up the buildings on both sides of the street.
A
B
C
D
declarative
interrogative
imperative
exclamatory
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49
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which revision combines the following sentences by using an adjective clause?
Jennifer and Carlos were happy about their science project. They had worked on it for
more than a week.
A
B
C
D
50
Jennifer and Carlos were happy about their science project, having worked on it
for more than a week.
Jennifer and Carlos were happy about their science project, for they had worked
on it for more than a week.
Jennifer and Carlos were happy about their science project, which they had
worked on for more than a week.
Jennifer and Carlos were happy when they worked on their science project for
more than a week and finished it.
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which verb form correctly completes this sentence?
Georgianna has _____ every one of that actor's movies.
A
B
C
D
51
saw
seed
seeing
seen
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
In which revision of the following sentence are commas used correctly?
Mr. Rodriguez is one of the most, popular teachers at my school but he will be moving to
Phoenix Arizona next summer.
A
B
C
D
Mr. Rodriguez, is one of the most popular teachers at my school, but he will be
moving to Phoenix Arizona next summer.
Mr. Rodriguez is one of the most popular teachers at my school, but he will be
moving to Phoenix, Arizona, next summer.
Mr. Rodriguez is one of the most popular teachers at my school, but, he will be
moving to Phoenix, Arizona next summer.
Mr. Rodriguez is one of the most, popular teachers at my school but he will be
moving, to Phoenix Arizona, next summer.
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52
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
If you were writing a short story, which of the following situations could you use as the
story's conflict?
A
B
C
D
53
Two young boys meet on the school playground in kindergarten.
Two boys develop a friendship and become as close as brothers.
Two boys—best friends for years—compete to be captain of the basketball team.
After a third boy unexpectedly is named captain, two boys resume their friendship.
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which of the following sentences contains a metaphor?
A
B
C
D
54
The snow fell wildly, like stuffing from a burst pillow.
When he opened the door, a lightning bolt of fur and claws streaked out.
Like the steering wheel of a car, the handlebars on a bicycle are used to steer.
Cotton candy looks like clouds at sunset.
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which of the following might you add to a personal letter in order to entertain your
audience?
A
B
C
D
55
a vivid anecdote
an interesting statistic
a random fact
an expert quotation
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
To give a short summary and opinion of a play, you would most likely write
A
B
C
D
a comparison-and-contrast essay.
a review.
a critical analysis.
a plot summary.
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56
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which of the following elements would you be least likely to include in a business letter?
A
B
C
D
57
standard format
a clear purpose for writing
informal diction
contact information
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
When you write an autobiographical or personal narrative, which point of view do you use?
A
B
C
D
58
an objective point of view
a first-person point of view
a third-person limited point of view
a third-person omniscient point of view
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which of the following details would you not include in a plot summary of a novel?
A
B
C
D
59
your opinion of the novel
names of the leading characters
a brief description of the main setting
information about the main conflict
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
For which of the following items do you not need to credit the source in a multimedia or
research report?
A
B
C
D
a summary of research findings
a restatement of a generally known fact
a quotation from an obscure poet
a paraphrase of an expert's opinion
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60
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which of these sentences is the clearest example of personification?
A
B
C
D
61
The wind was as loud as a roaring train, making me shiver with its noisy power.
The windstorm surprised the children, who huddled together on the sidewalk and
hid their eyes.
The tree fought against the bothersome wind, waving its long arms to and fro.
The wind began as a refreshing breeze but quickly became gusty and unpleasant.
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which of the following would you be least likely to include in a multimedia report on the
early history of video games?
A
B
C
D
62
film clips of people playing early video games
a commercial for a new video game
a line graph showing video game buying trends in the 1980s
an interview with the owner of a video arcade in the 1980s
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which of the following types of writing would best persuade voters to spend more on
school funding?
A
B
C
D
63
a news report posted to your school's Web site
a compare-and-contrast essay about different kinds of schools
a poem about a school that does not have enough money
a letter to the editor of the local newspaper
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
If you were writing a cause-and-effect essay about exercise, which of the following
questions would you probably not answer?
A
B
C
D
How does exercise help students do better in school?
Where should people go to exercise?
How does exercise improve people's overall health?
Why should people care about getting exercise?
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64
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Imagine you are writing a short story about a character named Matt. Which of the following
statements might you have another character say to show that Matt is absent minded?
A
B
C
D
65
"I wish that Matt would hurry. He's always so far behind!"
"You know Matt—always getting angry, and at the smallest things!"
"If I know Matt, he's still hunting for his shin guards."
"Tell Matt that I'll help him with his math homework."
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
Which of the following statements about the organization of a news report is most
accurate?
A
B
C
D
66
The most important facts should appear at the beginning of the report.
The key facts should be repeated several times throughout the report.
The facts should appear in order of importance, with the most important facts at
the end.
The facts should be presented in the order of interest.
Read this dictionary entry, and respond to the item(s).
sab-o-tage (SAB uh tazh) n.1. any interference with production work in a plant or factory,
especially by enemy agents or employees during a work dispute 2. any undermining of a
cause v. to injure or attack by sabotage. From the French sabot, a wooden shoe; early
acts termed sabotage involved throwing wooden shoes into machinery, causing the
machines to break down.
Look at the pronunciation of sabotage. Which of the following words has a first syllable that
would not rhyme with the first syllable of sabotage?
A
B
C
D
dabble
fabulous
tabletop
laboratory
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67
Read this dictionary entry, and respond to the item(s).
sab-o-tage (SAB uh tazh) n.1. any interference with production work in a plant or factory,
especially by enemy agents or employees during a work dispute 2. any undermining of a
cause v. to injure or attack by sabotage. From the French sabot, a wooden shoe; early
acts termed sabotage involved throwing wooden shoes into machinery, causing the
machines to break down.
According to the word history, sabotage comes from the name of
A
B
C
D
68
a French king.
an early kind of machine.
a secret organization.
a type of shoe.
Read this dictionary entry, and respond to the item(s).
sab-o-tage (SAB uh tazh) n.1. any interference with production work in a plant or factory,
especially by enemy agents or employees during a work dispute 2. any undermining of a
cause v. to injure or attack by sabotage. From the French sabot, a wooden shoe; early
acts termed sabotage involved throwing wooden shoes into machinery, causing the
machines to break down.
Information in the entry tells you that sabotage
A
B
C
D
can be used as both a verb and a noun.
is used as a noun but almost never as a verb.
is an old-fashioned word that is no longer used.
should be used only to describe work disputes.
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69
Read this passage, and answer the question(s).
(1) Both fluorescent light bulbs and incandescent light bulbs give off bright light. (2) Many
people like an incandescent bulb because they find that their light is easier on their eyes.
(3) Incandescent bulbs also are more cheaper than fluorescent ones. (4) On the other
hand, fluorescent bulbs use less electricity and last much longer than incandescent bulbs.
Which statement about sentence 1 is true?
A
B
C
D
70
It has a compound subject.
Its subject is a proper noun.
Its verb is in the wrong tense.
No words are modified by adjectives.
Read this passage, and answer the question(s).
(1) Both fluorescent light bulbs and incandescent light bulbs give off bright light. (2) Many
people like an incandescent bulb because they find that their light is easier on their eyes.
(3) Incandescent bulbs also are more cheaper than fluorescent ones. (4) On the other
hand, fluorescent bulbs use less electricity and last much longer than incandescent bulbs.
How should you correct the error in sentence 2?
A
B
C
D
71
Change like to likes.
Change their light to its light.
Change easier to easiest.
Change their eyes to your eyes.
Read this passage, and answer the question(s).
(1) Both fluorescent light bulbs and incandescent light bulbs give off bright light. (2) Many
people like an incandescent bulb because they find that their light is easier on their eyes.
(3) Incandescent bulbs also are more cheaper than fluorescent ones. (4) On the other
hand, fluorescent bulbs use less electricity and last much longer than incandescent bulbs.
How should you correct the error in sentence 3?
A
B
C
D
Change are to is.
Change ones to bulbs.
Change more cheaper to more cheaply.
Change more cheaper to cheaper.
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72
Read this passage, and answer the question(s).
(1) Both fluorescent light bulbs and incandescent light bulbs give off bright light. (2) Many
people like an incandescent bulb because they find that their light is easier on their eyes.
(3) Incandescent bulbs also are more cheaper than fluorescent ones. (4) On the other
hand, fluorescent bulbs use less electricity and last much longer than incandescent bulbs.
If you wanted to combine sentences 3 and 4 into a complex sentence, which conjunction
would be the best replacement for on the other hand?
A
B
C
D
although
because
before
whenever
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