Henry7LA4 (H7LARESEARCH_WRITING)
Name:_____________________________________________
Date:________________________
1.
The quarterback was sidelined with a broken wrist; _____, the team lost the game.
Which transitional word or words BEST completes this sentence?
A. nevertheless
B. as a result
C. even though
D. conversely
2.
Josh and his friend Rupert went down to the lake to go fishing. They brought a tackle box, two fishing rods,
live bait, and lunch for the both of them. It was about eight o'clock in the morning when they got to the lake.
They didn't keep the fish, because the fish were too small. This was just for fun on a Saturday morning.
What is the closing sentence of the paragraph?
A. This was just for fun on a Saturday morning.
B. They didn't keep the fish, because the fish were too small.
C. It was about eight o'clock in the morning when they got to the lake.
D. Josh and his friend Rupert went down to the lake to go fishing.
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Henry7LA4 (H7LARESEARCH_WRITING)
Why Leaves Change Color
Have you ever wondered why the leaves on trees turn from green to shades of red, yellow, and brown each
fall? Why the colors are better some years than others? Or even why leaves are green in the first place? Once
each year during the fall season the trees of many regions in America, and especially of New England, produce a
spectacular color show that signals the death of the leaves and a dormant winter period for the tree.
Trees, like all living things, need food and energy to live and grow. Leaves are a tree's food factories. Water
and minerals are supplied to the leaves through the tree's root system and through a series of veins that go up the
tree trunk, out the branches, and into each leaf. All leaves contain a green pigment called chlorophyll, which has
the ability to absorb energy from sunlight and turn the water and minerals into a starch food for the tree.
Leaf Food
During the summer months when there are long days and warm temperatures, the leaves are busy making
food, but as the days of sunlight grow shorter and the weather becomes cooler, the leaf-factories begin to slow
down until the process of making food stops completely. The green chlorophyll is no longer needed and slowly
disappears from the leaves. The reds, yellows, and browns of fall foliage appear. Where do the colors come
from? They were there all the time. Leaves contain yellow, orange, and brown pigments that are always present
in the leaf but remain hidden by the strong chlorophyll green in the summer. The colors appear only when the
green chlorophyll fades.
As the leaves turn color, the tree pulls any remaining food out of them, storing it to survive during the winter
months. The red shades of some fall leaves appear when the sugar produced by the leaves gets trapped in them
rather than returning to the tree. The sugar dissolves in the sap of the leaf and turns it red, orange, or purple.
Some leaves have no color pigments except for the chlorophyll and just turn a dull shade of brown before drying
up.
Subtle Shedding
Trees called evergreens – such as pines and spruces – don't drop all their needle-like leaves during the fall
but shed some of them continuously throughout the year. They grow back new "leaves" during the warmer
months. Evergreens, as their name implies, appear green all year round. In very warm climates, many
broad-leaved trees drop only some of their leaves at a time and also appear green all year round.
The intensity of the fall colors varies from year to year depending on fall weather conditions. With frosty
weather, the colors may not be as varied. Cloudy, rainy weather produces dull shades of red. Warm, humid
conditions produce brightly colored but speckled leaves. Dry, sunny, fall weather produces the most spectacular
colors of all.
3.
Why do many broad-leaved trees remain green all year in warm climates?
A. Their leaves received more moisture.
B. Their leaves do not contain colorful pigments.
C. Their leaves are able to release sugar before it gets trapped.
D. Their leaves continue to use chlorophyll to produce food.
4.
Tree leaves use the Sun as automobiles use
A. wheels.
B. headlights.
C. gasoline.
D. metal.
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Henry7LA4 (H7LARESEARCH_WRITING)
5.
Why is chlorophyll important to trees?
A. It takes energy from sunlight to help make food for the tree.
B. It produces multicolored leaves.
C. It protects the tree from the hot sun by reflecting heat.
D. It dissolves sap in the leaves.
6.
Which idea is supported by the article?
A. Winter is nature's greatest challenge.
B. Nature's processes often result in beauty.
C. Mother Nature uses color like an artist.
D. Fall represents a defeat for nature.
7.
Which weather conditions in the fall will produce the most colorful leaves?
A. frosty and dry
B. rainy and humid
C. dry and sunny
D. humid and warm
8.
Last week, Victoria went to the park. It was autumn. Her favorite spot was near an enormous maple tree. It
was tucked away in a quiet corner of the park. The leaves danced in the wind. The tree seemed to be on fire.
The puffy white clouds looked like smoke. Victoria had a relaxing and enjoyable time at the park.
Which is the topic sentence of this paragraph?
A. It was autumn.
B. Last week, Victoria went to the park.
C. The puffy white clouds looked like smoke.
D. Victoria had a relaxing and enjoyable time at the park.
9.
Charles couldn't stop thinking about yesterday. There were all sorts of relay races. The funniest race was
moving water from one bucket to another using only a sponge. The most interesting contest was spitting
watermelon seeds. The picnic will always be a special memory for him. Charles won the contest by spitting a seed
the farthest.
In the paragraph above, which sentence is out of sequence?
A. Charles couldn't stop thinking about yesterday.
B. There were all sorts of relay races.
C. The funniest race was moving water from one bucket to another using only a sponge.
D. Charles won the contest by spitting a seed the farthest.
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Henry7LA4 (H7LARESEARCH_WRITING)
10.
1
Jonathan's dad gave him a list of chores to do. 2As it turns out, Jonathan had a basketball game at noon.
3
Before he could play, he had to finish his chores. 4Jonathan likes to listen to music. 5Jonathan decided to finish
his chores. 6He went to his game and scored fifteen points, and he was glad he finished his chores!
Which sentence does not belong in this paragraph?
A. sentence 1
B. sentence 2
C. sentence 3
D. sentence 4
11.
School Uniforms
by Mary O'Dell
Are school uniforms a good idea for public school students? Absolutely, and students should be required to wear
them. Uniforms get rid of the distractions of designer clothes so students can concentrate on their studies.
Uniforms also create an environment in which students will be judged on personality rather than fashion. Finally,
uniforms save money and time.
While attending a private school, I was mandated to wear uniforms, and it was a pleasure. We had many students
from all walks of life. As soon as the bell rang, however, our economic advantages or disadvantages were no
longer obvious. We were able to concentrate on history and math instead of fashion and style. Aptitude and
attitude were more important than my clothes.
Which of these words describes the author's tone?
A. rude
B. jolly
C. sincere
D. displeased
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Henry7LA4 (H7LARESEARCH_WRITING)
12.
Soda Ban Issue
Hi. How is everyone doing tonight? I just wanted to take a few minutes to share with you my take on the soda ban
issue that everyone has been talking about. I teach seventh grade math here at the school, and I think the proposed
school ban on soda pop is a bit over the top. Why? Well, healthy eating habits begin at home, and here at school
we, as teachers, can help by encouraging healthy choices. Soda may not be the healthiest choice, but a can of soda
every now and again is okay.
We all want our children to be healthy and develop healthy eating habits. I know many of you are concerned
about tooth decay and other health issues, but it's not like students are drinking soda all day long. Most students
drink milk during lunch and water from the water fountain throughout the day. The vending machine room is not
open in the morning, only at lunch and after school. At our school, all of the money from the soda machines pays
for sports programs and the band program. If this ban goes into effect, where will the money come from to pay for
these worthy programs? Before supporting this ban, I ask you to think about that.
Which phrase or sentence provides the best evidence that this passage is intended for an audience that is mostly made
up of parents?
A. ...here at school, we, as teachers, can help by encouraging healthy choices.
B. We all want our children to be healthy and develop healthy eating habits.
C. I know many of you are concerned about tooth decay and other health issues...
D. If this ban goes into effect, where will the money come from to pay for these worthy programs?
13.
______ you clean your room now, you won't be going to the movies.
Which transitional word best completes the sentence?
A. But
B. And
C. Unless
D. However
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Henry7LA4 (H7LARESEARCH_WRITING)
14.
1
Our kitchen is unattractive and impractical. 2It has bright yellow countertops that are far too low to be
comfortable, and there is not enough countertop space for cooking. 3Also, there is only one outlet above the
countertop. 4For example, one opens directly into the oven so it can't be opened all the way. 5The homemade
cabinets are ugly and they are not well-designed. 6This shows that the cabinets were not properly designed. 7In
addition, there is not nearly enough storage space for food, or pots, pans, and dishes. 8We even had to take the
doors off one of the cabinets so that the microwave would fit inside, because it had been sitting on the floor.
9
Other problems with the kitchen include poor lighting, crumbling walls, no dishwasher, and no garbage disposal.
10
Finally, the floor is worn and always looks dirty, and the lower half of the walls are covered with some kind of
fake tile paneling. 11We could really use a new kitchen.
Which two sentences are in the wrong order?
A. sentences 1 and 2
B. sentences 4 and 5
C. sentences 8 and 9
D. sentences 10 and 11
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Henry7LA4 (H7LARESEARCH_WRITING)
3492 Kings Ct.
Huntsville, AL 35801
February 8
Dear Aunt Celeste,
It sure has been a long time since I've seen you. How's the family? Are you and Uncle Caesar still playing
racquetball and vacationing on beaches? Mom, Dad, and Selena are doing just fine.
I'm writing to say hello and also to invite you to my seventh grade class for Career Day. Would you be a guest
speaker for us? I know your career in broadcasting will make you a hit with the other students. They will be excited
to learn that you've interviewed many well-known personalities. If you come, you'll be talking for about thirty
minutes and answering the following questions:
1.
What are your job description and qualifications? In other words, what exactly do you do and what were you
required to know before your company hired you?
2.
What kind of training and schooling is needed for your profession? How long did you go to school, what
degrees do you hold, and what job experience was required? I know you have a bachelor's degree in journalism, but
did you have to start out as a reporter?
3.
Why did you decide on your career? Were you my age when you knew you wanted a job with TV? What
made you think you'd enjoy it?
4.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? Was it when you interviewed the famous movie director
or when you were a news correspondent in Iraq during the Persian Gulf War? Or was it when you met the President
and First Lady last winter?
5.
What are your future goals? I know you've talked about reporting for weekly news magazine shows like Sixty
Minutes, but do you also strive to produce one of these shows or become an editor for a magazine like Time?
You'll really enjoy talking to my class. They'll be enthusiastic and will have lots of questions. I know you don't
mind speaking in front of groups now since communicating is your business. Remember you're talking to seventh
graders, so speak their language. Tell funny stories and talk about things that will intrigue them, like how you wear
pancake makeup or what you say to celebrities when you're off camera. And make sure you give some career advice
to kids who are thinking of positions in broadcasting or journalism.
I'd really appreciate it if you could come, but I'll certainly understand if you're too busy. Please call and let me
know by this weekend, okay?
I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks!
Love,
Steve
15.
In this passage, Steve is
A. asking Aunt Celeste for career advice.
B. telling funny stories about his aunt.
C. reporting news on his famous Aunt Celeste.
D. inviting his aunt to Career Day.
16.
Steve's questions about Aunt Celeste's career are examples of what type of organization?
A. cause/effect
B. topic/information
C. problem/solution
D. comparison/contrast
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Henry7LA4 (H7LARESEARCH_WRITING)
17.
In her free time, Aunt Celeste enjoys
A. playing raquetball.
B. reading books.
C. writing articles.
D. interviewing famous people.
18.
Steve's tone throughout the passage is
A. enthusiastic.
B. depressed.
C. fearful.
D. curious.
19.
The passage can BEST be described as
A. nonfiction.
B. a letter.
C. fiction.
D. a poem.
20.
Aunt Celeste has a career as
A. a movie director.
B. an interviewer.
C. a career advisor.
D. a teacher.
21. Steve asks Aunt Celeste to use several stories to spice up her talk to the seventh graders. The purpose of these
anecdotes is
A. to persuade.
B. to debate.
C. to inform.
D. to entertain.
22.
You can tell from the passage that Aunt Celeste is
A. lazy.
B. difficult.
C. successful.
D. carefree.
23.
The root word of communicating is
A. communication.
B. communicate.
C. community.
D. communicated.
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Henry7LA4 (H7LARESEARCH_WRITING)
24.
1
On our trip across country, we met a group of motorcyclists. 2The leader was a young man about twenty
years old. 3Harley Davidson motorcycles have been around for almost a hundred years. 4He and his
friends did not appear to be especially agreeable. 5On the other hand, they did not bother anyone else. 6My
father thought that we were foolish to be uneasy about them.
Which sentence is unrelated to the rest of the paragraph?
A. sentence 1
B. sentence 2
C. sentence 3
D. sentence 4
25.
1
Maya's father often made homemade pasta for dinner when it was his turn to cook. 2Maya decided to watch
and help him so she could learn how to make it on her own. 3Her father started by mixing eggs and flour together,
which made a thick dough that he kneaded. 4Next, he divided the dough into four balls. 5He cut the dough into
four pieces and rolled them into balls.
6
In order to make the dough into pasta they needed the pasta machine. 7First they used the pasta machine to
make the dough very flat. 8Maya fed the dough through the rollers while her father turned the crank. 9They had to
feed the dough through several times while it was gradually flattened by the rollers. 10Finally, they were ready to
make the dough into pasta. 11They fed the flat pieces of dough through another part of the machine, which cut the
dough into long, flat strips. 12Now the pasta could be boiled and eaten!
Which sentence in this story is unnecessary because it repeats information already given?
A. sentence 5
B. sentence 7
C. sentence 8
D. sentence 10
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Henry7LA4 (H7LARESEARCH_WRITING)
Answer Key
1. B) as a result
2. A) This was just for fun on a Saturday morning.
3. D) Their leaves continue to use chlorophyll to produce food.
4. C) gasoline.
5. A) It takes energy from sunlight to help make food for the tree.
6. B) Nature's processes often result in beauty.
7. C) dry and sunny
8. B) Last week, Victoria went to the park.
9. D) Charles won the contest by spitting a seed the farthest.
10. D) sentence 4
11. C) sincere
12. B) We all want our children to be healthy and develop healthy eating habits.
13. C) Unless
14. B) sentences 4 and 5
15. D) inviting his aunt to Career Day.
16. B) topic/information
17. A) playing raquetball.
18. A) enthusiastic.
19. B) a letter.
20. B) an interviewer.
21. D) to entertain.
22. C) successful.
23. B) communicate.
24. C) sentence 3
25. A) sentence 5
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