Use “Speeding into Sunset” (pp. 1–5) to answer questions 1–10.
1
Read the following sentence from paragraph 1.
The dusty black pickup sped off into the distance and
soon found camouflage beyond the tree line.
How does the denotation of camouflage contrast with its connotation?
2
A
The denotation indicates intent to obscure while the connotation
adds a secondary characteristic of hunting.
B
The denotation reveals the intent to conceal but the connotation
refers to military strategies.
C
The denotation shows the intent of the action is to obscure and
the connotation implies protection from the sadness of goodbyes.
D
The denotation favors the intent to alter appearance and the
connotation suggests the intent was to obscure the family’s view.
In paragraph 3, what information about the cultural setting of the
vacations does the figurative language provide?
F
Length of the trips determined the location
G
Family members who attended determined the activities
H
Family members, food, and activities
J
Reminiscing and catching up
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3
4
28
The author views her family as oddballs. What factual evidence best
supports this perspective?
A
The author’s family could only visit.
B
The author’s family lived in Houston.
C
The author’s family took Blue Bell ice cream to Memaw.
D
The author’s family drove a van while the uncle had a motorcycle.
The tradition of honking the horn ultimately took on a new meaning.
Which choice best represents that?
F
Honking the horn was the way family members said goodbye at
their vacation’s end, but it became the way they said goodbye
every day.
G
Honking the horn was the way family members said goodbye at
their vacation’s end, but it became the way the younger family
members said goodbye to each other.
H
Honking the horn was the way family members said goodbye at
their vacation’s end, but it became the way the family always
said goodbye to Memaw.
J
Honking the horn was the way family members said goodbye at
their vacation’s end, but it became the way the family
remembered other family members.
5
6
Choose the answer that best explains the paradox in “Tommy’s home”
in paragraph 10.
A
Memaw did not actually say, “Tommy’s home.” It was imagined.
B
The author believed Tommy was in heaven and that heaven was
home.
C
Memaw wants the family to return to Florida.
D
The author believed Tommy wasn’t actually dead but at Memaw’s
house.
The author’s description reveals she views her uncle as —
F
larger than life, similar to an actor in a movie
G
stereotypical, always making a grand exit
H
arrogant, assuming everyone was watching him leave
J
self-centered, needing to be the center of attention
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7
Read paragraph 10.
“Tommy’s home,” I heard my Memaw’s voice whispering
from somewhere up above; “ya’ll come on over.”
What is most significant about this last whisper from Memaw?
8
30
A
It leads the reader to infer Memaw is watching over the family.
B
It leads the reader to infer the author was remembering earlier
times.
C
It leads the reader to infer a family gathering of a different type.
D
It leads the reader to infer Memaw is waiting for the next family
gathering.
Contrast the connotative and denotative meanings of home and house
to determine which choice best reflects the author’s perspective.
F
Home best reflects family gatherings.
G
Home best reflects Memaw’s presence.
H
House best reflects where the family always gathered.
J
House best reflects the loss of Tommy.
9
10
Which analogy correctly describes elements of the selection?
A
Uncle Tommy : chocolate pies as Aunt Shirley : sweet tea
B
Uncle Tommy : living as family : love
C
family vacation : fun as Tallahassee : Houston
D
family vacation : travel as Mexico Beach : vacation
Use the dictionary entries below to determine the best meaning of
epitome in paragraph 6.
F
A condensed account of a literary selection
G
To possess a characteristic typical of a whole class
H
To personify a characteristic of a whole class
J
To possess to a high degree the features of a whole class
31
Use “The Endangered Family Vacation” and “Endangered or
Extinct?” (pp. 6–7) to answer questions 11–17.
11
Read the following sentence from paragraph 1.
Family vacations are rapidly becoming as endangered as the whooping
crane.
How does the simile express the historical setting of the selection?
12
32
A
It indicates that the subject reflects contemporary society.
B
It explains that the subject mirrors cultural priorities.
C
It shows that the subject imitates life’s struggles.
D
It illustrates that the subject is a response to modern ideas.
Which set of details is most important to the author’s purpose?
F
Inadequate vacation time, job insecurity, stress, technology not
available at vacation spots
G
Unused vacation time, job insecurity, no lasting effects, take
responsibilities on vacation
H
Unused vacation time, materialism, no lasting effects, technology
not available at vacation spots
J
Inadequate vacation time, materialism, stress, take
responsibilities on vacation
13
14
What statement best reflects the controlling idea of the selection?
A
Family vacations are not endangered.
B
As long as you take the responsibilities with you, it isn’t really a
vacation.
C
American family vacations are decreasing in frequency.
D
Extended families do not typically vacation together.
Which of the following is an opinion substantiated within the text?
F
Today’s economy has led many Americans to feel guilty about
taking a vacation while others stay home because they are
unsure how taking time off will effect longevity with their
companies. (paragraph 3)
G
Maybe it’s just that family vacations, however rare, have changed
just like society has changed. (paragraph 5)
H
The trend of using less and less vacation time is well-documented
in the United States. (paragraph 2)
J
Yes, vacations are stressful. (paragraph 4)
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15
16
34
What element that causes the reader to analyze the issues does the
author use most effectively?
A
Questions are used throughout
B
Begins with a simile and ends with the same simile
C
Main idea sentences in each paragraph are followed by details
and examples
D
Begins with historical view of family vacations and moves to
modern-day version
How does the tone of the insert differ from the tone of the main
selection?
F
The insert has a more sincere tone.
G
The insert has a more critical tone.
H
The insert has a more sympathetic tone.
J
The insert has a more formal tone.
17
How does the insert support the controlling idea of the main selection?
A
It explains the causes of extinction and solutions to correct an
endangered status.
B
It contains ideas and strategies for correcting damage before it
becomes permanent, so similar concepts could be applied to
saving family vacations.
C
It explains the difference between endangered and extinct so
readers can better understand how much time is left before
family vacations are extinct.
D
It explains the challenges for organizations that work to save
endangered species, so a similar approach could be used by the
travel industry to save family vacations.
35
Use “Speeding into Sunset,” “The Endangered Family Vacation,”
and “Endangered or Extinct?” (pp. 1–7) to answer
questions 18–20.
18
19
36
Which inference would best be made from the selections?
F
Over time, the importance of one’s values has not affected
priorities or making personal choices.
G
Over time, the importance of one’s values has decreased but not
affected priorities or making personal choices.
H
Over time, the importance of one’s values has remained
constant, but priorities have become more important in making
personal choices.
J
Over time, the importance of one’s values has increased, and
priorities have become more important in making personal
choices.
What appears to be the most probable difference between the
vacations described in the selections?
A
Staying in a hotel or resort is now preferred over visiting a family
homestead.
B
Taking relatives with you on vacation is now preferred to visiting
relatives.
C
Time to relax in a chosen location is now preferred to
participating in family reunions.
D
Customizing a vacation to meet one’s needs is now preferred to
annual vacations with extended family.
20
How vacation time is spent has changed over the past three or four
decades. Which mechanism most likely caused the shift away from the
traditional family vacation?
F
Society is constantly evolving, and with that, the concept of
vacation time adapts to fit the current needs.
G
Nuclear families tend to live further away from their extended
family members than in previous generations.
H
The cost of leisure travel increases annually and that limits the
number of individuals able to afford a vacation.
J
Communication methods have improved, so the need to see
family members face-to-face has decreased.
37
Use “The Parable of the Prodigal Son,” (pp. 8–9) to answer
questions 21–29.
21
Read the excerpt from 15:12 below.
And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give
me the portion of goods that falls to me. And he divided
unto them his living.
What is the meaning of living in this verse?
22
23
38
A
The income of the father
B
The document that served as a will
C
The personal belongings of each child
D
The children who will inherit from the father
The language in 15:16 is most likely intended to create what meaning?
F
The imagery illustrates the son’s desperation.
G
The language depicts what the son was given for food.
H
The imagery illustrates the stinginess of the citizen.
J
The language details the quality of food used for swine.
What information about society’s framework during that time can best
be gained from 15:30?
A
Parties were given to honor visitors.
B
Family honor was an important part of society.
C
Rivalries existed between siblings.
D
Fathers and sons had difficult relationships.
24
25
In 15:32, what do the behaviors of the father best reveal about the
moral quandaries of the time period?
F
Christian families practiced public exile when members engaged
in inappropriate actions.
G
Christian families equated inappropriate behaviors with death and
being lost morally.
H
Inappropriate actions resulted in condemnation, and when those
behaviors stopped, all was forgiven as though nothing had ever
happened.
J
Inappropriate actions resulted in condemnation, but when those
same behaviors stopped, all was forgiven but not forgotten.
What does the story reveal about the Prodigal Son’s character?
A
He does not feel strong ties to his family.
B
He does not respect his brother.
C
His impulses tend to be selfish.
D
His self-esteem was low.
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DIRECTIONS
Answer the following questions in the space provided.
26
Describe how the author of “Speeding into Sunset” interweaves
personal examples to provide the reader with a historical and cultural
context.
27
“The Endangered Family Vacation” includes an insert that defines the
terms endangered and extinct. Illustrate the importance of the insert
to the overall message of the article by citing evidence from both.
40
28
Discuss the role of irony in the “The Parable of the Prodigal Son.”
Support your answer with evidence from the selection.
29
Explain how the genres in “Speeding into Sunset” and “The
Endangered Family Vacation” connect through the theme to affect the
meanings of the selections.
41
30
42
Using “Speeding into Sunset” and “The Endangered Family Vacation,”
justify how the effects of traditional literature have helped to shape
21st-century literature.
Revising and Editing
DIRECTIONS
Read the selection. Then choose the correct answer for each
question.
Unmarried Ladies Travelling Alone
adapted from
Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics, and at Home by Emily Post (1922)
(1) If a female travels with an escort, then she does not consider herself a
lady, and is not concerned with what others think of her. (2) In fashionable
society an "escort" for a lady is unheard of, and in decent society a lady
doesn't go traveling around the country with a gentleman.
(3) Ladies are sometimes accompanied on short, direct trips by gentlemen
whom they know well, but not for longer than a few hours.
(4) If a lady traveling alone on a long journey, such as a trip across the
United States, happens to meet a gentleman whom she knows, she must not
allow him to sit with her more often than once or twice. (5) She must not
allow him to sit with her or talk to her enough to give others the impression
that they are together. (6) In fact, one would be more prudent to eat her
meals by oneself, as it is scarcely worth running the risk of others’ criticism
just for the sake of having companionship at a meal or two.
(7) If, on a short trip, a gentleman asks a lady, whom he knows, to go to
lunch with him, there is no reason why she shouldn't.
(8) A young woman can go across every one of our thousands upon
thousands of miles without the slightest risk of a disagreeable occurrence if
she is herself dignified and reserved. (9) She should be particularly careful if
she is young and pretty not to allow strange men to "scrape an
acquaintance" with her. (10) If a stranger happens to offer to open a window
for her, or get her a chair, it does not give him the right to more than a civil
"thank you" from her. (11) If, in spite of etiquette, she should on a long
journey drift into conversation with an obviously well-behaved youth, she
must be doubly careful to keep him at a formal distance. (12) There is little
harm in talking of utterly impersonal subjects—but she should avoid giving
him information that is personal.
(13) When one arrives at her destination, and friends fail to meet her, she
should on no account accept a stranger's offer, whether man or woman, to
drive her to her final destination. (14) The safest thing to do is to walk. (15)
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If it is too far, and there is no taxi, she should go to a representative from
the transportation company and ask him to select a vehicle for her. (16) She
should never, above all in a strange city where she does not even know her
direction, take a taxi on the street.
(17) If a young woman has never been in a hotel alone but is of sufficient
years, well behaved, and dignified in appearance, she needs to have no fear
as to the treatment she will receive. (18) A lady traveling alone with her
maid (or without one), may have her meals alone in her own sitting-room, if
she has one. (19) If she goes to the dining-room, she usually takes a book
because hotel service seems endless to one used to meals at home and
nothing is duller than to sit long alone with nothing to do but look at the
tablecloth, which is scarcely diverting, or at other people, which is impolite.
Revision
31
32
44
What is the most effective way to revise sentences 1 and 2?
A
Move sentence 2 before sentence 1.
B
Delete sentence 1.
C
Add the transition however to the beginning of sentence 2.
D
Make no change.
What is the most effective way to improve the organizational structure
of the first four paragraphs?
F
Move sentence 7 to follow sentence 3 with each as a separate
paragraph.
G
Move sentence 3 before sentence 7 and combine into one
paragraph.
H
Move paragraph 3 before paragraph 2.
J
Make no change.
33
34
35
What change to the selection would best improve its overall structure?
A
Place transitional phrases at the beginning of each paragraph.
B
Combine similar ideas to decrease the number of paragraphs.
C
Remove all irrelevant information.
D
Add an introduction and conclusion.
What revision, if any, should be made to sentences 8 and 9?
F
Add a transitional phrase to the end of sentence 8.
G
Revise each sentence for conciseness.
H
Combine the sentences and delete the irrelevant information.
J
Make no change.
In sentence 13, what revision best clarifies the intended meaning of the
word destination?
A
When a lady arrives at her destination, and friends fail to meet
her, she should on no account accept a stranger’s offer, whether
man or woman, to drive her to her lodging.
B
When a lady completes her travels, and friends fail to meet her,
she should on no account accept a stranger’s offer, whether man
or woman, to drive her to her home.
C
When a lady’s trip ends, and friends fail to meet her, she should
on no account accept a stranger’s offer, whether man or woman,
to drive her to her final destination.
D
Make no change.
45
36
Which sentence is the most effective way to revise the intended
meaning of sentence 16 and remain true to the author’s style?
F
She should never take a taxi on the street in a strange city where
she does not even know her direction.
G
Taking a taxi on the street in an unfamiliar place is not safe for a
lady.
H
In a strange city where she does not even know her direction,
she should never take a taxi on the street.
J
She should never take a taxi on the street, especially in a strange
city where she does not know her direction.
Editing
37
46
What is the most effective way to edit sentence 2?
A
In fashionable society, an "escort" for a lady is unheard of, and in
decent society a lady doesn't go traveling around the country
with a gentleman.
B
In fashionable society, an "escort" for a lady is unheard of and in
decent society a lady doesn't go traveling around the country
with a gentleman.
C
In fashionable society, an "escort" for a lady is unheard of, and in
decent society, a lady doesn't go traveling around the country
with a gentleman.
D
In fashionable society, an "escort" for a lady is unheard of and in
decent society, a lady doesn't go traveling around the country
with a gentleman.
38
39
What is the best way to edit sentence 3 to ensure the intended
meaning of the restrictive relative clause is clear?
F
Ladies are sometimes accompanied on short, direct trips by
gentlemen, whom they know well, but not for longer than a few
hours.
G
Ladies are sometimes accompanied on short, direct trips by
gentlemen, whom they know well but not for longer than a few
hours.
H
Ladies are sometimes accompanied on short, direct trips by
gentlemen whom they know well but not for longer than a few
hours.
J
Make no change.
What is the best way to edit sentence 4 for correct structure?
A
If a lady traveling alone on a long journey, such as a trip across
the United States, happens to meet a gentleman, whom she
knows, she must not allow him to sit with her more often than
once or twice.
B
If a lady traveling alone on a long journey such as a trip across
the United States, happens to meet a gentleman, whom she
knows, she must not allow him to sit with her more often than
once or twice.
C
If a lady traveling alone on a long journey, such as a trip across
the United States, happens to meet a gentleman, whom she
knows she must not allow him to sit with her more often than
once or twice.
D
Make no change.
47
40
41
48
What change, if any, should be made in sentence 6?
F
In fact, she would be more prudent to eat her meals alone, as it
is scarcely worth running the risk of others’ criticism just for the
sake of having companionship at a meal or two.
G
In fact, she would be more prudent to eat one’s meals alone, as it
is scarcely worth running the risk of others’ criticism just for the
sake of having companionship at a meal or two.
H
In fact, she would be more prudent to eat her meals by herself,
as it is scarcely worth running the risk of others’ criticism just for
the sake of having companionship at a meal or two.
J
Make no change.
Which choice best reflects an edit to sentence 9 using subjunctive
mood?
A
If she is young and pretty, she should be particularly careful not
to allow strange men to "scrape an acquaintance" with her.
B
If she were young and pretty, she would have to be particularly
careful that strange men not be allowed to "scrape an
acquaintance" with her.
C
She should be particularly careful when she is young and pretty
to allow strange men to "scrape an acquaintance" with her.
D
Make no change.
42
In sentence 16, which edit best amplifies the author’s intended
message?
F
She should never, above all in a strange city where she does not
even know her direction take a taxi on the street.
G
She should never—above all in a strange city where she does not
even know her direction—take a taxi on the street.
H
She should never above all in a strange city where she does not
even know her direction—take a taxi on the street.
J
Make no change.
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Photograph courtesy of Petr Kratochvil
Written Composition
Choice 1
Think about the issues reflected by the photograph and in the following text.
Families come in all shapes and sizes. There is no manual, recipe, or formula
for what makes a family, much less a happy family.
Plan and write a story about the importance of family. Be sure to include
examples taken from various resources, including experiences and
observations.
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Choice 2
Think about the issues reflected by the photograph and in the following text.
One explanation for the adoption symbol is the triangle represents the
birthmother, the child, and the adoptive parent. The heart symbolizes the
love between the three. However, adoption does not necessarily apply only
to human beings. Pets, better study habits, charities, stretches of highway,
and elderly people in nursing homes are all examples of animals, things, and
people that can be adopted.
Plan and write an essay that explains adoption. Support your views with
real-life examples taken from various resources, including readings, studies,
personal experiences, and observations.
51
Use this page to draft your composition.
52
Write your composition on this page.
53