Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
ib.670461
Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
Ocean's Gift
They call to me,
Asking to be seen,
Begging to be enjoyed,
Like a kitten looking for a home.
They call to me,
Showing–off their beauty,
Shining in the sunlight,
The way a smile shares warmth.
They call to me.
I hear their plea.
I recognize their beauty.
I want to take them home.
I promise to care for them,
To use them in design,
To show them off forever.
I hold the seashells with care.
They are mine,
Forever.
1
A.
B.
C.
D.
2
What is the most likely reason the narrator compares the seashells to a kitten looking for a home?
It helps set the sad feeling tone of the poem.
It gives the narrator a compelling reason to take the seashells home.
It helps the reader imagine the seashells are alive.
It helps show how fragile and delicate the seashells are.
Read the lines from the poem.
Asking to be seen,
Begging to be enjoyed.
What does the word begging convey that the word "asking" does not?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It conveys the powerlessness of the seashells.
It conveys how aggressive the seashells are toward the narrator.
It conveys a stronger sense of desire.
It conveys a feeling of sadness.
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Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
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Directions: Answer the following question(s) relating to the passage titled "Ocean's Gift".
3
What is emphasized with the speaker's use of personification in the lines below?
They call to me,
Asking to be seen,
Begging to be enjoyed,
Like a kitten looking for a home.
A.
B.
C.
D.
The speaker's desire to own a kitten.
The beauty of the ocean.
The determination of the ocean.
The speaker's attraction to the seashells.
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Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
A History of Equine Welfare / A Horse Tale
Horses have become very useful creatures to the human race. Horses are used for transportation, food,
pulling heavy loads, sport, and companionship. Societies all over the world use horses. Consequently, horses are
found on every continent in the world.
Despite their prevalence, societies differ in their care of horses. Colonial Massachusetts enacted the first
legal protection for horses. In 1641, farmers were required to provide their animals with the rest, water, and food
they needed to thrive. Then in the 1800s, horses were used to pull street cars in New York City. As the population
increased, horses were forced to endure heavy loads of people. Often, horses had to pull these cars through icy
storms and slippery roads. In response, Henry Bergh chartered the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals (ASPCA). The ASPCA worked to prevent cruelty to horses and other animals.
In 1905, California forbade people from shortening the horses' tails. Farmers would shorten the tails to
prevent tangling in the driving lines. However, the practice was considered inhumane. Other practices, such as
hitting horses' legs, giving horses illegal medications, and entering horses in extreme rodeo events, have also
been banned. After World War II, consuming horse meat became popular, particularly in Europe where beef was
scarce. However, this practice gradually declined. Today, it is illegal to kill horses for consumption in the United
States. Further, it is now illegal to ship horses overseas. Before 1979, horses were shipped on great barges to
Europe, but the conditions were horrible and many horses did not survive. Thankfully, the Provision of Export
Administration Act ended this practice.
Over the last century, the role of horses in the U.S. has changed from mainly agricultural to recreational to
companionship. This change paralleled the changes in society's values. Today, society values horses as highly as
family pets, such as dogs and cats. Horses are given the same high–quality treatment—if not better. In addition,
U.S. Animal Control penalizes people who do not properly care for their horses. The future of equine welfare will
continue to mirror the values of society. Let us hope that society continues to value horses as deserving of high–
quality care.
Public Domain
A Horse Tale
Adapted from Black Beauty by Anna Sewell [English Quaker—1820 – 1878]
Born a black stallion in a majestic green meadow, I lived on my mother's milk as a young steed. When I
became mature enough to consume grass, my mother returned to her daily assignment under the master's
guidance. Every evening we would sleep safely and contently side–by–side.
One evening she said, "The other horses here are lowly cart–horse colts. They lack proper manners and
they kick and bite. You have never seen me kick or bite, for strength and good temper run through our bloodline. I
encourage you to avoid these wicked habits and to work hard with humility—never kick or bite." I never forgot
those words.
When I was four, Master Worthington determined I was ready to be broken in. Master Worthington taught
me to wear a saddle, to carry a man on my back, and to obey his will, regardless of my feelings. Whether I was
fatigued, famished, or bitter, I always obeyed my master's commands until the work day's completion.
Once I was broken in, I was sold to an army Captain who trained me as a war horse. I delighted in him, as
he cared for me with deep affection. The life of an army horse was mostly pleasant except for being shipped
overseas. We were hoisted onto huge ships and shoved into cramped stalls. Endlessly, the ships rolled and
tossed us about during the journey. We could not move, stretch our legs, or see the sky.
After arriving, we were taken to the battle fields, where I heard people comment that war was a fine thing,
but I do not think those people ever saw war. Cannonballs would rock the earth with deafening blows. My heart
would beat wildly as bullets raced toward us. Only my master's steady hand and calm voice prevented me from
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Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
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Directions: Answer the following question(s) relating to the passage titled "A History of Equine Welfare /
A Horse Tale".
fearing the terrible bombshells whirling through the air. Even so, I witnessed many brave men and courageous
horses go to the battlefield—never to return. Such was the fate of my dear master, and I will not forget him.
Unfortunately, my new master was not as kindhearted. His mouth housed a handful of crooked teeth and
produced a harsh, grinding voice. Master Grimsley used his horses to drive his cabs. He was hard on us. We
worked countless summer days with cabs full of six men. We had to trot fifteen miles up a steep incline with hardly
any water. Remembering my mother's sweet voice, I trudged on.
Then one hot summer day, my cab was overcrowded and I collapsed. I only remember my master's voice
speaking with the doctor. My master did not desire to spend money to attend to my medical needs, but the doctor
convinced him to provide me ten days of perfect rest and plenty of quality oats and sell me for twice my worth.
Reluctantly, Master Grimsley complied. The doctor saved my life, for I was purchased by an elderly master
for his grandson, William. My new masters saw through my rough condition and were determined to return me to
my former glory. They gave me perfect rest, plentiful food, plush turf, and gentle exercise. With the arrival of
spring, my strength rejuvenated, my spirits lifted, and I was nearly my old self again.
"Grandpapa, I am delighted you decided to purchase him!" exclaimed William.
"So am I! Now, our task is to locate a peaceful respectable home, where he will be dearly treasured."
Public Domain
4
Read the sentence from "A History of Equine Welfare."
The ASPCA worked to prevent cruelty to horses and other animals.
The word cruelty is derived from the Latin word "crudelis," meaning "rude and unfeeling." Using
your knowledge of the Latin origin, what is the meaning of the word cruelty?
A.
B.
C.
D.
5
a state of politeness
a feeling of numbness
saving others from excessive harm
performing actions that cause pain
Read the sentence from "A History of Equine Welfare."
The future of equine welfare will continue to mirror the values of society.
According to the text, what is the best definition for the word equine?
A.
B.
C.
D.
mammal
similar values
equal treatment of animals
an animal in the horse family
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Assessment ID:
Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
ib.670461
Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
Jane Goodall
For the better part of mankind's history, we have viewed our species as extraordinary based on our ability
to create tools and our aptitude of forming emotional relationships to one another. In 1960, a woman without a
college degree changed that thinking. It was in that year that Jane Goodall entered an African forest, immersed
herself with the chimpanzee population, and transformed scientific thought.
Of course, Goodall did not begin her journey to Africa with those notions in mind. She was simply a girl
who loved nature and wanted to experience as much as she could during her lifetime. She found a job as a
secretary of a scientist in Kenya. The scientist soon had a different idea for Goodall's talents when he saw her
conscientious work ethic. He asked her to study the chimpanzees in Tanzania.
With no formal scientific education, Goodall used her own resourcefulness to develop a plan for study. She
decided to make herself seen to the chimps every morning at the same place, about one hundred feet away from
their feeding area. She continued this every day; eventually her patience and diligence paid off. Within the first
year of Goodall's arrival in the forest, the chimps would let her come to only thirty feet away. After two years in the
forest, the chimps showed no signs of alarm. They would even let her feed them bananas. Goodall had been
accepted as a member of the chimps.
Goodall capitalized on this chance and expanded further into the lives of the chimps. She took her banana–
feeding ritual to the next level by mimicking the behavior she observed. She ate with them and followed them to
various parts of the forest, including up into the trees! Goodall was able to spend more and more time with the
chimps. She soon discovered many behaviors that had never been seen before. For example, up until this point in
time, scientists believed that humans were the only species capable of creating and using tools. Goodall proved
this theory wrong when she observed the chimps using rocks as weapons. She also observed the chimps using
twigs as a sort of fishing pole and spoon. They would dip twigs into termite mounds in order to collect and eat the
termites more easily. Even more amazing, some chimps would break the twigs for the purpose of creating a more
useful tool. Scientists were flabbergasted: only humans were supposed to have the intellect to be capable of tool–
making, and they could not believe what Goodall had accomplished.
Goodall's cutting–edge methods did attract critics, however. Her technique of naming, instead of
numbering, the chimps had never been done before. Critics claimed that she would form biases and create
unnecessary attachments to the chimps. This, they argued, would impede her scientific research. She could not
make sound judgments if she was so connected to her subjects. Instead, it did the opposite. Goodall became so
connected to the chimps that she was able to observe traits never seen before. She identified a simple language
with around twenty different sounds that stood for basic words and actions. She also observed a highly organized
social structure and was even allowed to become a member of it. To this day, Goodall is the only person ever to
have been accepted into a chimpanzee community.
After thirty years of living among the chimps, Goodall left the forest, but she did not leave the work she
loved. Instead, she turned her attention to education in the hopes of saving the chimps' habitat. She works with
countries in an attempt to convince them to view their unique animals as a positive source for tourism, instead of
as a burden. She also lectures all over the world about the need to view and treat wildlife with respect. Jane
Goodall is an example to us all about how an open mind and working hard can help us fulfill our dreams.
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Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
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Directions: Answer the following question(s) relating to the passage titled "Jane Goodall".
6
Read the following sentences.
The scientist soon had a different idea for Goodall's talents when he saw her conscientious work ethic. He
asked her to study the chimpanzees in Tanzania.
The word conscientious in this sentence most likely suggests that the Jane Goodall is __________.
A.
B.
C.
D.
7
devoted
unreliable
moderate
unpredictable
Read the following sentence.
Goodall capitalized on this chance and expanded further into the lives of the chimps.
What does the word capitalized most likely mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
neglected
profited
misfortune
experienced
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Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
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Directions: Answer the following question(s).
8
The sentence below contains two errors in grammar usage. Read the sentence and the question that
follows.
Trying to satisfy everyone's different tastes, less toppings were ordered by Joe on the pizza.
Which version of the sentence has been correctly edited for grammar usage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Less toppings were ordered on the pizza by Joe, trying to satisfy everyone's different tastes.
Joe ordered less toppings on the pizza to satisfy everyone's different tastes.
Trying to satisfy everyone's different tastes, fewer toppings were ordered on the pizza.
Fewer toppings were ordered on the pizza because Joe was trying to satisfy everyone's different tastes.
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Assessment ID:
Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
ib.670461
Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
Let Kids Play Safely/Protect Kids from Harm
There has been talk recently regarding the dangers associated with football, focusing especially on the risk
of concussion. Some have even called for banning football entirely for children younger than 14 in order to do
away with this risk. Banning football is an extreme view of the situation and one that will not serve children well.
Obesity rates in the United States have risen sharply since the 1980s. During this time span, the
percentage of obese teens has risen from five percent to 21 percent. The rise in the use of computers, video
games, and social media can be partly to blame for this increase. These forms of technology can also be
isolating. Kids are kept inside by themselves for hours every afternoon instead of relating to peers. Sports, such
as football, provide an excellent source of exercise and comradery. If we want to get kids outside and interacting
with others, banning football is not a step in the right direction.
There are other youth sports that can be considered dangerous as well, such as hockey and cheerleading.
In cheerleading, some falls have been shown to have a stronger force acting on the person than a tackle in
football. Instead of doing away with these sports for teens, changes have been enacted in the way these sports
are played in order for them to be safer. The same can be done with football.
The risk of concussion in football should be taken seriously. There are steps that can be taken to ensure
this risk is avoided as much as possible. For example, instead of tackling with heads down, children should be
taught to tackle with their heads up and out of the way. This will prevent a lot of head injuries that can result when
two helmets smash into each other. Another option would be to do away with tackling entirely. Flag football will still
give the benefits of football—exercise and teamwork—without the risk of concussion. Kids can still learn and enjoy
the sport without the risk of so great an injury. A rather extreme suggestion has been made to get rid of helmets
entirely. This argument states that helmets provide a false sense of security. Players think they are protected, so
they hit harder. If helmets were gone, then players would pay more attention and play a safer game. While this
may seem cuckoo and not taken seriously, it does show that people want football to be safer. Football can be
safer, as long as we make the necessary changes. Children should not be prevented from playing this great game
when simple safety measures can be put into place.
Protect Kids from Harm
If you asked a random person on the street to name a dangerous sport, how do you think he would
answer? Chances are, he would say football—and he would be right. Football is responsible for 96.9 percent of all
sports injuries in the United States. The youngest players are most at risk to lasting effects of these injuries, and
some changes to the game have been suggested to try to reduce these hazards; however, the dangers are not
going away. Children are still getting hurt, and it is time for a change. Football for children under the age of 14
should be banned.
It has been suggested that alternatives to tackle football, such as flag football, be introduced. While this
would prevent the purposeful tackling, it would not abolish all collisions. It also creates an unsafe atmosphere in
the event a child is tackled—accidentally or not. Players in flag football programs are not taught how to be tackled,
so if they are tackled on the field, more serious injuries are possible. This same logic applies to the argument of
children should be taught how to tackle better. If players are taught to keep their heads up while tackling, what
happens if they are accidentally caught with their head down? They will have had no experience with this situation
and the result could be a horrible injury.
Many state legislatures have created laws that try to prevent serious injury related to concussions. Trainers
with specialized concussion education are required to be on the sidelines of football fields in some states. If
players are suspected of receiving a concussion, certain protocols have be put into place to speed healing and
lessen the negative effects. These are admirable changes; however, these laws do not take other injuries into
account. Instead, these changes have focused on concussions specifically. Unfortunately, research indicates that
concussions are only a small contributor to the brain injuries that football players face all too often. Play after play
and practice after practice, football players receive blows to the head. While these blows may not be serious
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Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
enough to require official interventions, each hit does damage. The harm is most pronounced in children under
the age of 14, whose bodies are still developing and are more vulnerable. The damage done in these cases is
usually not evident until decades later, when memory loss appears and mental functioning starts to decrease.
Our society would never purposely put our children in danger of long-term brain injury. Why, then, do we
embrace the dangerous sport of football? While older teens and adults are free to do what they choose, younger
children need our protection. There is no reason why children under the age of 14 should be playing football.
9
Read the excerpt from "Let Kids Play Safely."
A rather extreme suggestion has been made to get rid of helmets entirely. This argument states that
helmets provide a false sense of security. Players think they are protected, so they hit harder. If helmets
were gone, then players would pay more attention and play a safer game. While this may seem cuckoo
and not taken seriously, it does show that people want football to be safer.
What does the underlined phrase suggest about the author's opinion in the text?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The author thinks that more work should be done to make football safe.
The author thinks that more research should be done into effective safety measures.
The author thinks that not all suggestions on making football safer are realistic.
The author thinks that people should do whatever is necessary to make football safer.
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Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
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Directions: Answer the following question(s).
10
Which is the MOST effective way to rewrite the sentence below?
The catcher was tripped by the baseball that rolled toward home plate.
A.
B.
C.
D.
The catcher who was tripped by the ball that was rolling toward home plate.
The baseball, which was rolling toward home plate, was what tripped the catcher.
The catcher who was tripped by the baseball that was rolling toward home plate.
The baseball rolled toward home plate and tripped the catcher.
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Assessment ID:
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Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
Japan
The following paragraphs are the first two in a report about Japan and may contain errors.
1) It is made up of four islands. 2) They are honshu, Hokkaido, kyushu, and Shikoku. 3) There are many
other smaller islands that are part of Japan too. 4) The first name for Japan was "Nihon" or "Nippon." 5) This
meant "origin of the Sun." 6) In English, Japan is considered the "land of the rising Sun." 7) The country we call
Japan is located along the continent of Asia.
8) Japan is not very flat. 9) Most of Japan is made up of mountains. 10) The Japanese people use bridges
and tunnels to get across mountains. 11) The entire country of Japan is serrounded by ocean. 12) For this
reason, it's common for a person to earn their living by fishing. 13) As a result, Japanese people like to frequently
eat fish for dinner.
11
Which is the correct way to write the underlined word in this sentence from the passage?
The entire country of Japan is serrounded by ocean.
A.
B.
C.
D.
surrounded
sirrounded
surroundid
Leave as is.
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Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
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Directions: Answer the following question(s).
12
Which is the correct way to write the underlined portion of the sentence below?
John wanted to buy a new bike, because he didn't have enough money.
A.
B.
C.
D.
new bike, or
new bike, but
new bike, for
Leave as is.
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Assessment ID:
Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
ib.670461
Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
The Fire Drill
Ever since I can remember, teachers have always had to teach us what to do in case there's a fire at
school. Immediately after hearing the fire bell ring, we are to exit the classroom and line up in a single–file line.
We are to stand quietly while waiting for our teacher to walk us to the designated safe location. I've practiced this
ritual, doing the exact same thing, twice a year since first grade, so why was yesterday's fire drill so chaotic?
In Monday's student bulletin, we were reminded of the appropriate fire
drill procedures. So naturally, all of the students knew that a fire drill would
occur sometime during the week. Mrs. Costello, my math teacher, made a
special lesson out of teaching us how to get out of her class and into the "safe
zone" should the drill take place while in her room. During her lecture on the
importance of fire drills, I found myself wondering why this was all so
important. After all, if the building is on fire, there's one thing to do, and that
is to get out. What else is there to know?
Suddenly, a blaring, screeching noise echoed within the classroom. It
didn't sound like our normal fire alarm. It was more like the sound a radio
makes when it's practicing its emergency broadcast system. The sound
seemed to get louder with each screech. Mrs. Costello was moving her arms
around as if to direct us outside, but it was difficult to hear what she was
trying to say.
I followed my classmates like a sheep, and I stood at the end of our perfect, single–file line. We waited for
Mrs. Costello, but she was nowhere to be seen. After three minutes, I volunteered to go back into the classroom
to find her. I grabbed the doorknob and it wouldn't turn. The door was locked! I decided to walk around to the
other side of the building so that I could look through the window to see if I could see her.
"Where are you going?" yelled one of my classmates. "We're supposed to wait for Mrs. Costello."
Just as I started to explain where I was headed, several of the other students decided to get out of the
building without our teacher.
"If this were a real fire, we'd all be burning by now. I don't know about all of you, but I'm getting out of here."
I didn't know if I should stay in the hall, look for Mrs. Costello, or head for safety with the others. Just as I
made my decision, the blaring alarm stopped. As I breathed a sigh of relief, I noticed that I was the only one left
in the hallway. I assumed that the fire drill was over, so I decided to head back to the classroom. The door was
still locked, so I decided to stay in the hallway and wait for everyone to return. After five minutes, I realized that no
one was coming back; I was still alone.
At this point, I decided it would be best to find my classmates. Just as I headed for the exit, I started to
smell smoke. All thoughts of what I should do changed to "Gee, I'd better get help. Mrs. Costello is still in the
classroom and this is for real."
I banged the hallway door open and ran out of the building yelling, "Fire, fire." When I gained eye contact
with the other students, I heard them laughing at me. They were laughing so hard that they could be heard all
over the playground.
I turned my face away from view in an effort to regain what was left of my dignity. I looked up to see Mrs.
Costello rushing out of the building.
"It's okay everyone. The fire is out. It started in my room. I think a light fixture shorted out," she explained
as she was gasping for air. "I was able to get it out by myself. I'm proud of all of you for making the wise decision
to go outside where it is safe and you could get help."
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Assessment ID:
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Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
I felt like screaming, "I told you so," to the sea of students staring at me. Instead, I decided to rebuild my
dignity by just ignoring them. I sauntered back into the classroom with my head held high.
13
What is the use and meaning of the underlined portion of the sentence below?
I followed my classmates like a sheep, and I stood at the end of our perfect, single–file line.
A. It's a metaphor used to compare the way a sheep joins a herd of sheep with the way the narrator joined the
group.
B. It's a hyperbole or exaggeration to illustrate the huge number of students that the narrator had to join when
forming a line.
C. It's a simile used to compare the way the narrator joined the group with the way a sheep joins a herd of
sheep.
D. It's a form of imagery to illustrate the way the hallway looked when all the students stood in a straight line.
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Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
Respectful Beachcombing
Beachcombing is a hobby enjoyed by people of all ages. It involves walking along the shoreline to search
for seashells, rocks, and creatures. When people find these special treasures, their excitement invites other
people to join them. It is common to see people picking up a variety of specimens to add to their collections. It is
definitely a fun hobby. However, there are many important things to consider before partaking in beachcombing.
If people do not have respect for the beach, they will destroy it.
America's shorelines are considered to be some of the most beautiful places in
the world. If people do not keep this in mind while they are beachcombing, they might
forget to leave the beach in the same good condition it was in when they arrived. This
could even mean putting rocks and driftwood back where they were to protect creatures
that might have been living under them. Some people carelessly walk on plants that
grow along the seashore, completely unaware that it can be very harmful to nature.
Many birds lay their eggs in the plants, and if they are stepped on, it keeps the eggs from hatching into baby
birds. Showing respect for the shoreline is important for its creatures and for those who enjoy combing the beach
for treasures.
The following is a public document handed out at many beach resorts.
Using Seashells
The most popular and exciting ocean hobby is beachcombing. The best discoveries for those who engage
in this activity are seashells. These colorful, shiny objects glitter as they rest among the beach's sand and rocks.
People seem to gravitate toward them the way they would approach silver dollars waiting to be discovered. What
people do not realize is that these so–called treasures can be very annoying if not treated carefully.
The Problem with Seashells
Tourists get a special pleasure out of bringing home souvenir shells to show to their family and friends.
Some beachcombers like to collect shells and use them to make presents, jewelry, or even school projects.
However, some people get rid of them after an hour or so because the shells start to emit terrible, unpleasant
odors. This is not a reason to get rid of seashells; there is an easy and worthwhile way to abolish this awful smell.
Cleaning Seashells
After beachcombers find seashells, they can prevent unwanted odors by cleaning them. If they forget to do
this, the smell will become unbearable within a few hours. The smell is not the only reason to clean newly found
seashells. The colors of the shells do not look shiny and bright if they are not cleaned. A salty film or algae can
greatly spoil the look of a seashell, but if the shell is washed, the natural color and shine will come back. If
beachcombers follow these simple steps, they can enjoy their finds for years. To clean them, all they need to do is
put some soap on a soft, wet sponge and scrub them. It is important that all the soap is washed off before drying
the shells.
14
What does unbearable mean as it is used in the following sentence from the passage, "Using
Seashells"?
If they forget to do this, the smell will become unbearable within a few hours.
A.
B.
C.
D.
intolerable
stinking
odorous
rotten
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Page 15
Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
ib.670461
Directions: Answer the following question(s) relating to the passage titled "Respectful Beachcombing".
15
Which example illustrates the meaning of condition as it is used below from the passage,
"Respectful Beachcombing"?
If people do not keep this in mind while they are beachcombing, they might forget to leave the beach in the
same good condition it was in when they arrived. This could even mean putting rocks and driftwood back
where they were to protect creatures that might have been living under them.
A.
B.
C.
D.
One would consider the condition of how one should behave before taking chances.
People would exercise to keep themselves physically fit or in condition.
The condition would change if people were given the information to change it.
Everything would be in the same place as it was before people spent time there.
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Page 16
Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
ib.670461
Directions: Answer the following question(s).
16
A.
B.
C.
D.
17
A.
B.
C.
D.
18
A.
B.
C.
D.
19
A.
B.
C.
D.
20
A.
B.
C.
D.
21
A.
B.
C.
D.
Which of the following is a compound sentence?
Although it was not raining, Jennifer wore her boots and carried an umbrella.
After Jacob finished dinner, he played with his new computer game.
Lalo spent lots of time playing ball, a game he really likes.
Maria made cake and cookies, but she gave them all away.
Which sentence is written in the best possible way?
After they made the flag, the class hung it in the cafeteria so everyone could enjoy it.
The class made the flag and hung it in the cafeteria and everyone enjoys it.
The class made the flag and they hung it in the cafeteria and then everyone could enjoy it.
They want everyone to enjoy the flag; the class does so they put it in the cafeteria.
The ADVERB is correctly placed in which of the following sentences?
She writes skillful.
She is a skillful writer.
She is a skillfully writer.
She writes skillfully.
The ADVERB is correctly placed in which of the following sentences?
Quickly, the rabbit, hopped.
The rabbit hopped quickly.
The quick rabbit hopped.
The quickly rabbit hopped.
Which sentence below shows the underlined words spelled and used correctly?
The quarterback coolly passed the ball to the runner who scored the winning touchdown.
The quarterback cooly passed the ball to the runner who scored the winning touchdown.
The quarterback cooly pasted the ball to the runner who scored the winning touchdown.
The quarterback coolly past the ball to the runner who scored the winning touchdown.
Which of the following is a single, simple sentence?
I eat breakfast at 7:30 a.m. if I am on time.
I eat breakfast at 7:30 a.m., but not on Saturdays.
I eat breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
I eat breakfast at 7:30 a.m.; however, sometimes I run a little late.
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Page 17
Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
ib.670461
Directions: Answer the following question(s).
22
Read these sentences.
The Silk Roads increased the exchange of goods from China to Europe. It also spread ideas, customs,
and religions.
Which is the best way to combine these sentences to form a simple sentence?
A. The Silk Roads increased the exchange of goods, ideas, customs, and religions from China to Europe.
B. The Silk Roads increased the exchange of goods from China to Europe, and it also spread ideas, customs,
and religions.
C. The Silk Roads increased the exchange of goods from China to Europe; it also spread ideas, customs, and
religions.
D. The Silk Roads increased the exchange of goods from China to Europe, then spread ideas, customs, and
religions.
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Page 18
Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
ib.670461
Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
Strings and Shadows
Many people enjoy watching puppet shows. Whether they are hand or string puppets, they have always
managed to entertain people. The art of puppetry is incredible. It is hard to believe what imaginative puppeteers
can do with puppets. Puppetry is more than 100,000 years old. In Egypt, in 2000 B.C., puppets did more than
just entertain. There was a special wooden puppet that helped make bread. It kneaded dough when someone
pulled its strings. As time went on, machines were made to make bread, but puppets continued to amuse and
entertain.
One of the most popular puppets is the marionette. Marionettes are
puppets; however, they do not go over someone's hand. Puppeteers move the
marionettes by pulling strings that are attached to the puppet. A puppeteer's job
is much like the job of a magician, as they both hide how they perform their tasks.
Magicians hide how they do their tricks. Puppeteers never reveal how they move
their puppets. Perhaps it is the mystery that keeps them so popular.
Puppetry is done in many ways. A popular form of puppetry is the shadow
show. Colored shadows of puppets are projected onto a white curtain. The
puppets are manipulated with guiding sticks. These sticks push the puppets
around in time to music. Sometimes the puppeteers sing while they move the
puppets. The shadow puppets are made of leather, which is lighter than wood.
This makes it easy for them to be carried. Each shadow puppet is painted a
different color. The colors usually indicate whether they are good or bad
characters in the show. For example, a dark colored puppet would probably be a
bad character. Yellow might belong to a happy or good character. No matter what type of puppet is used, children
still love to watch them perform.
23
What does incredible mean as it is used in the sentence from the passage?
The art of puppetry is incredible.
A.
B.
C.
D.
24
unbelievable
discredited
credentialed
imaginative
What does manipulated mean as it is used in the sentences below from the passage?
The puppets are manipulated with guiding sticks. These sticks push the puppets around in time to music.
A.
B.
C.
D.
coerced
operated
influenced
massaged
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Page 19
Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
ib.670461
Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
Summer
I saw its strength
It pushed and shoved
Moving spring into the past
I felt its determination.
It talked with conviction,
Demanding control and respect
I smelled its aroma.
It permeated the air,
Providing support and desire.
I heard its voice.
It encouraged togetherness,
Allowing warmth to comfort us.
I tasted its spirit.
It entertained the masses,
Generating newfound relationships.
It woke me up,
Insisting I join the world.
It sheltered my fears,
Providing encouragement and hope.
Summer spoke to me.
25
Read the following lines from the poem.
I smelled its aroma.
It permeated the air,
The best definition for the word permeated is
A.
B.
C.
D.
continuing or enduring without change.
a distinctive pervasive and usually pleasant or savory smell.
to spread or diffuse through.
to detect or become aware of as if by the sense of smell.
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Page 20
Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
ib.670461
Directions: Answer the following question(s).
26
Read these sentences.
When people are sunbathing. They should think about their health.
Which is the best way to combine these sentences without changing the meaning?
A.
B.
C.
D.
27
When people are sunbathing, they should think about their health.
When people are sunbathing; they should think about their health.
When people are sunbathing they, should think about their health.
When people are sunbathing, and they should think about their health.
Read the sentences below.
My little sister Maggie brought a small purple backpack on her first day of school. She waved to me before
she nervously boarded the yellow school bus.
Which two words above should be separated by a comma?
A.
B.
C.
D.
28
A.
B.
C.
D.
little sister
small purple
first day
yellow school
Which sentence correctly uses commas to separate coordinate adjectives?
The librarian pulled the large, heavy, book from the shelf.
Sam ate spicy, pepperoni pizza for lunch.
My father is a tall, husky man.
The little girl wore a bright, red coat.
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Page 21
Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
ib.670461
Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
Hope
by Emily Dickinson
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
Public Domain
Hope Is a Change
"Hope is the thing with feathers?"
Ha! Then my hope must be a goose.
North for a season,
Then back south,
Up and down,
Here and gone again.
My hope is a change
To the supreme law of the land,
An amendment that grants women power
Through the ballot box.
But my hope is like a migrating bird,
Here and gone again.
Sometimes my hope lands
There on Capitol Hill.
A few admire its powerful wings, urge it to stay—
But not enough.
My hope takes flight,
Here and gone again.
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Page 22
Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
ib.670461
Directions: Read the passage below and answer the question(s) that follow.
29
Use the information in the box below to answer the question.
extremity n.
1. the outermost point
2. the greatest amount of something
3. grave danger or distress
4. a bodily limb
What does the word extremity mean as it is used in these lines from "Hope"?
I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
A.
B.
C.
D.
the outermost point
the greatest amount of something
grave danger or distress
a bodily limb
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Page 23
Rising to 8th ELA Packet #3
Assessment ID:
ib.670461
Directions: Answer the following question(s).
30
A.
B.
C.
D.
Choose the sentence that does not have any errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics.
Devon wore his new gray shoes to his very first day of work.
Without the appropriate equipment, it was hard to climb the mountain.
Duncan was nervous to ride the perilous frightening rollercoaster at the amusement park.
Completely exhausted from the day's activities, Madeline's shoes were thrown off as soon as she walked
into the house.
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