Download tennessee grade 8 tcap achievement test practice exercises

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TENNESSEE GRADE 8
TCAP ACHIEVEMENT TEST
PRACTICE EXERCISES
EMCParadigm Publishing Saint Paul, Minnesota
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Staff Credits
Editorial
Design
Laurie Skiba
Managing Editor
Shelley Clubb
Production Manager
Brenda Owens
Editor
Erica Tava
Production Specialist
Nichola Torbett
Associate Editor
Jennifer J. Anderson
Associate Editor
Valerie Murphy
Editorial Assistant
Lori Coleman
Educational Writer
Cover Credits
Cover Designer: C. Vern Johnson
The Human Condition, 1934. Rene Magritte.
The Farm, 1921–1922. Joan Miró.
The Persistence of Memory, 1931. Salvador Dali.
WWY218935
© 2005 EMC Corporation
All rights reserved. The assessment materials in this publication may be photocopied for classroom use only. No part of this publication may be adapted, reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or otherwise without permission from the publisher.
Published by EMC/Paradigm Publishing
875 Montreal Way
St. Paul, Minnesota 55102
800-328-1452
www.emcp.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Printed in the United States of America.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ..............................................................................................................iv
Unit 1: Working Toward Your Dreams
Answering Questions about Content............................................................1
Unit 1 Mini-Test ...........................................................................................7
Unit 2: Family Ties
Answering Questions about Grammar and Conventions ..............................9
Unit 2 Mini-Test .........................................................................................22
Unit 3: Going Down the Road
Answering Questions about Meaning.........................................................25
Unit 3 Mini-Test .........................................................................................30
Unit 4: Understanding Conflict
Answering Questions about Techniques and Skills
Unit 4 Mini-Test .........................................................................................41
Unit 5: Open a Book, Open a World
Answering Questions about Vocabulary .....................................................44
Unit 5 Mini-Test .........................................................................................48
Unit 6: Far Horizons
Answering Questions about Organization ..................................................52
Unit 6 Mini-Test .........................................................................................57
Unit 7: Folklore of the Americas
Answering Questions about the Writing Process.........................................60
Unit 7 Mini-Test .........................................................................................66
Unit 8: Stories to Tell—Fiction
Answering Questions about Grammar and Conventions ............................69
Unit 8 Mini-Test .........................................................................................80
Answer Key ..............................................................................................................83
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INTRODUCTION
This sampler book was developed for teachers in Tennessee using the EMC Masterpiece
Series who wish to offer students practice in answering the types of questions on the
TCAP Achievement Test. The Tennessee Grade 8 TCAP Achievement Test Practice Exercises
Book Sampler is designed to be used with Responding to Literature, the title in the series for
students in grade 8. This sampler contains only units 1 and 2 to show the format of
the complete book; Tennessee Grade 8 TCAP Achievement Test Practice Exercises. If
you need to review the complete book, please call 800-328-1452.
The instruction and questions in this book correlate directly to the Tennessee State
Performance Indicators as they are organized into the seven CRT Reporting Categories:
Content; Grammar and Conventions; Meaning; Techniques and Skills; Vocabulary;
Writing/Organization; and Writing Process. Each of the first eight units of Responding to
Literature is linked with one of the Reporting Categories (Grammar and Conventions is
addressed in two units—unit 2 and unit 8). This gives you ample time in the course of the
school year to work on each of these language arts skills individually before administering
the test in April.
Each unit provides direct instruction, opportunities to demonstrate understanding of the
material, and a mini-test. The material in each unit is closely tied to the content of the
same unit in the textbook.
To review the Tennessee Board of Education’s CRT Reporting Categories with State
Performance Indicators, go to http://tennessee.gov/education/assessment/tsachspirl8.pdf
Textbook Program Overview
We at EMC know you want your students to reach higher, think more deeply, and
achieve more. Why not choose a literature program that supports your goals?
Recent studies show students are not being challenged enough in school and that
student themselves are calling for higher academic expectations that will help them
prepare for college, work, and beyond. Our Masterpiece Series, Literature and Language
Arts is a rich, challenging program specially designed to motivate your students to go
deeper and learn to love literature in the process.
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Expect more from your students with the EMC Masterpiece Series, Literature and the
Language Arts program. Our program provides the tools to help you bring great
literature to every student in your class—without compromising your expectations.
Students achieve a higher level of critical literacy that will enable them to become a more
independent readers and thinkers.
✓
Great selections for readers at all levels—nothing watered down
✓
Direct coaching in the reading strategies used by proficient readers
✓
Scaffolded critical thinking questions - questions worth thinking about
✓
Frequent writing opportunities
✓
Ongoing formative assessments in reading and writing
For more information about the EMC Masterpiece Series, Literature and the Language Arts,
go to http://emcp.com. From the web site, under the State Standards link, you may obtain
additional Tennessee specific documentation for the EMC Masterpiece Series, Literature and
the Language Arts program.
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UNIT 1: WORKING TOWARD YOUR DREAMS
Answering Questions about Content
Answering a question about content usually involves reading a selection and making a
determination about the plot, theme, genre, point of view, characters, literary elements, or
author’s purpose.
Plot
A plot is a series of events in a story. A plot usually involves the introduction of a conflict,
its development, and its resolution.
Sometimes the elements of a plot are shown on a plot pyramid:
Climax
ng
lli
Fa
n
tio
Ac
Inciting
Incident
Ac
tio
n
Crisis
Ri
sin
g
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Resolution
Dénouement
Exposition
Exposition: introduction; provides background information
Inciting incident: the event that triggers the central conflict
Climax: high point of suspense in the story
Crisis: point in the story where something happens to decide the future course of events
Resolution: point where the central conflict ends
Dénouement: final material that completes the story
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˛ Read, or reread, the story “Born Worker” by Gary Soto, which begins on page 36 of
your textbook. Which of the following is the climax of the story?
A
B
C
D
when Arnie proposes the work arrangement to José
when Arnie and José arrive at Mr. Clemens’s house to clean the pool
when José rescued Mr. Clemens from a fall into the pool
when Arnie returned to speak with the fireman
Theme
The theme of a selection is its main idea. It is a broad statement about a topic. A story’s
theme is not the same as the subject. Many stories share the same subject but have different
themes because they make unique statements about the subject.
Subject
Themes
friendship
friendship is more important than money
good friends are hard to find
having a few close friends is better than having many distant friends
life
life is a journey in which you choose your direction
life is a precious gift to be treasured
˛ In the story “Born Worker,” which of the following is a possible theme?
A
B
C
D
integrity, or moral strength, involves honesty and a strong work ethic
a good business sense is important in getting ahead in life
fathers are proud of their sons no matter what
coming from a privileged background impresses people
Genre
A genre is a type or category of literary work. There are a wide variety of genres. Some
common ones include the following:
•
Poetry: involves language used in special ways so that its sound reflects its
meaning more powerfully than in ordinary speech or writing. Lyrical poetry
relies heavily on sound; narrative poetry is verse that tells a story.
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fiction: is a made-up story. Fiction can range in length from a short story to a
full-length novel.
Drama: is a story told through characters played by actors. The script of a
drama, or play, typically consists of characters’ names, dialogue spoken by the
characters, and stage directions.
Letters: are written correspondence between two people. Letters can be formal
or informal. A group of letters that tell a story is called epistolary writing.
Advertisements: are the use of media—television, radio, Internet pages,
newspapers, magazines, and other publishing formats—to promote a product or
service. Advertisements try to get consumers to buy the product or service they
promote.
Historical fiction: tells a story that is partly based on actual historical settings or
events. The story itself is made up. Writers of historical fiction use specific
historical details to help make their stories come alive.
Biography: is a story of a person’s life told by a different person. A biography
can tell about a person’s entire life or a part of it.
Autobiography: is a story of a person’s life told by that person. An
autobiographer may tell about his or her entire life or only a part of it.
Essay: is a short nonfiction work that expresses a writer’s thoughts about a single
subject or idea. A good essay develops that idea, or thesis, by using supporting
details. An essay can be narrative, persuasive, informative, or personal. A
narrative essay tells a story to make a point. A persuasive essay attempts to
advance an opinion. An informative essay communicates facts. A personal essay
relates something about the life of the writer.
˛ Read, or reread, the reading “The Story of Iqbal Masih” on pages 29-32 of your
textbook. Which of the following genres best describes the reading?
A
B
C
D
historical fiction
narrative poem
biography
autobiography
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Point of View
Point of view is the perspective from which a story is told. If the story is told from the
first-person point of view, the narrator uses the pronouns I and we and is a part of or a
witness to the action. When a story is told from a third-person point of view, the narrator
is outside the action; uses words such as he, she, it, and they; and avoids the use of I and we.
First-person point of view
I heard the story of a Pakistani boy who escaped
forced labor.
We decided we had to do something to help.
Third-person point of view
He was a great believer in the power of dreams.
They were migrant workers, farming the fields of
central California.
Point of view can also be described as limited or omniscient. In a literary work written
from a limited point of view, everything is seen and described from the eyes of a single
character. In a story written from an omniscient point of view, the narrator knows
everything and can see into the minds of all the characters.
˛ Read, or reread, a portion of Chaim Potok’s story “Moon,” which begins on page 14
of your textbook. Look for the pronouns the narrator uses. Does the narrator know
about the thoughts and feelings of more than one character? Which best describes
the point of view used by Potok?
A
B
C
D
first-person limited point of view
first-person omniscient point of view
third-person limited point of view
third-person omniscient point of view
Characters
A character is a person or animal who takes part in the action of a literary work. The act
of creating or describing a character is called characterization. An author reveals
information about a character in the following ways:
•
•
•
•
by describing his or her physical characteristics
through dialogue between the character and other characters
by showing what other characters think and say about him or her
by describing what the character does, says, or thinks
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˛ Chaim Potok uses each of the following methods of characterization in “Moon.” Find
an example of each in the story. On the line, write the page number and first sentence
of each example.
1. describing his or her physical characteristics:
2. dialogue between the character and other characters:
3. showing what other characters think and say about him or her:
4. describing what the character does or thinks:
Literary Elements
Writers use a wide variety of literary elements to shape meaning. Using literary “tools” such
as symbolism can make an author’s ideas more powerful. Literary elements can appear in
fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama alike. Following are some common literary elements.
Literary element
Definition
Example
symbol
a thing that stands for or
represents both itself
and something else
a red rose is commonly used
to symbolize love
foreshadowing
the act of hinting at events
that will happen later in
a literary work
a character’s dream might
foreshadow a future event in the
story
flashback
a part of a story that
a character suddenly remembers
presents events that
something that happened to him
happened at an earlier time or her as a child
irony
a difference between
appearance and reality
a character is preparing for the
funeral of a sister, when the sister
comes knocking at the door
mood
the feeling or emotion
the writer creates in a
literary work
an author may describe a scary,
dark, place with eerie noises to
create a frightening mood
tone
a writer’s attitude toward
the subject or reader as
shown in a literary work
an author might write about a
tragic event using a sad or
angry tone
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˛ In the story “Born Worker,” José does all the work and helps Mr. Clemens, while
Arnie gets the credit. This is an example of which of the following?
A
B
C
D
mood
symbol
foreshadowing
irony
Author’s Purpose
An author can have one or more purposes in writing a particular selection. Sometimes
these purposes can overlap.
Purpose
Examples
to inform
news article, research paper, informative essay
to persuade
editorial, advertisement, persuasive essay
to tell a story
biography, short story, novel, narrative essay
to reflect on an idea or event
letter, diary entry, personal essay
to share a creative perspective
oem, song lyrics, cartoon
˛ Which of the following best describes the author’s purpose in “The Story of
Iqbal Masih,” which begins on page 29 of your textbook?
A
B
C
D
to persuade the reader not to buy Pakistani rugs
to inform the reader about the life and death of Iqbal
to reflect on the meaning of Iqbal’s campaign to end child labor
to persuade the reader to help children like Iqbal
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UNIT 1 MINI-TEST
Directions Read the Revised Student Model, “Making a Difference,” on pages
50-51 of the Guided Writing Lesson for Unit 1, and answer the
following questions.
1
The first paragraph of the selection is which part of the plot?
A
B
C
D
2
exposition
climax
resolution
inciting incident
Which answer best describes the theme of the selection?
F Mr. Henry is a hero for his work during the boycott
G Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus
H the perseverance of black people during the boycott made a difference in
American history
J black people suffered many injustices before 1956
3
Which answer best describes the genre of the selection?
A
B
C
D
4
essay
historical fiction
narrative poem
biography
Which best describes the point of view of the narrator of the selection?
F
G
H
J
first-person limited
third-person limited
first-person omniscient
third-person omniscient
Go On
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5
Which answer best indicates how the author characterizes Dr. King?
A
B
C
D
6
The last sentence of the third paragraph, “For over a year, Mr. Henry wondered if
his actions would make any difference as he walked back and forth to work,” is an
example of which of the following?
F
G
H
J
7
describing his or her physical characteristics:
dialogue between the character and other characters
showing what other characters think and say about him or her
describing what the character does, says, or thinks
flashback
symbol
irony
tone
Which of the following best describes the author’s purpose?
A
B
C
D
to narrate the story of Mr. Henry’s life
to persuade people to give up their seats on the bus for others
to inform the reader about the bus boycott
to narrate the story of Dr. King’s life
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UNIT 2: FAMILY TIES
Answering Questions about Grammar and Conventions
Answering questions about grammar and conventions usually means reading several
sentences and choosing the one written correctly or the one written incorrectly. Questions
may involve the use of commas, usage errors, prepositions and prepositional phrases, runon sentences, parts of speech, appositives and infinitives, formatting, gerund and participial
phrases, and pronoun-antecedent agreement.
Commas
Commas are used for many different reasons. They are used in compound sentences, in a
series of items, and with introductory words, appositives, and interrupters.
In a compound sentence, a conjunction such as and, but, or, nor, yet, so, or for separates two
parts, each of which could stand on its own as a complete sentence. The comma comes
before the conjunction.
Her grandmother wanted to teach her to make rolls, but the girl didn’t want to learn.
One grandma was from Taiwan, and the other was from Pennsylvania.
In a series, or list, that appears in a sentence, a comma separates each item.
Molly read, sang songs, went to the university, and traveled.
The daughters laundered the curtains, rugs, and slipcovers.
When a sentence begins with an introductory word, such as well, oh, yes, or no, a comma
should follow.
Well, I don’t know if Grandpa wants me to visit.
No, I don’t think we should clean the house for Thanksgiving.
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Commas are sometimes used with appositives. An appositive is a noun or pronoun placed
next to another noun or pronoun to identify or explain it. Set off the appositive with
commas if it affects the meaning of the sentence. If the appositive does not affect the
meaning of the sentence, don’t set it off with commas.
My grandmother, Grandma Ling, spoke Chinese. (If you take out the appositive, it isn’t
clear to which grandmother the speaker is referring.)
Martin’s little sister Cheryl loved bringing her friends to see their grandfather. (This is
correct if Martin only has one little sister because removing “Cheryl” doesn’t change the
meaning of the sentence. If Martin had more than one little sister, then commas around
“Cheryl” would be necessary.)
Some sentences have interrupters—words or phrases that interrupt the flow of the
sentence. Set these off with commas.
Abuelo’s children, including Arturo’s mother, migrated from Puerto Rico to the
United States.
Mama kept some very strange things, such as a bowl of worms, in her house.
˛ Which sentence uses commas correctly?
The Great Sioux Nation originated as an alliance of bands that spoke three
languages: Dakota, Lakota and Nakota.
B Martin stood on the curb unable to move, when he saw his grandfather.
C However, Puerto Ricans currently do not vote in U.S. presidential elections.
D Fathers believe change is a threat and, they mistrust boys.
A
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Usage Errors
subject-verb agreement
For a subject and a verb to “agree,” they need to both be singular or both plural.
Singular subject and verb
Grandpa comes to see us once in awhile.
Plural subject and verb
My grandmothers love to cook.
Problems sometimes occur when the subject is more complicated. Look for the
simple subject and make sure the verb agrees with it.
Wrong
Most people in my family is from Nigeria.
Right
Most people in my family are from Nigeria.
Wrong
One of the peaches are ripe.
Right
One of the peaches is ripe.
Wrong
“Legacies” are one of my favorite poems.
Right
“Legacies” is one of my favorite poems.
˛ Select the sentence in which the subject and verb agree.
Family traditions such as celebrating a special holiday are important to most
people.
B “First Lesson” and “My Father’s Hands Held Mine” is a poem about fathers.
C “For My Sister Molly Who in the Fifties” are one of many poems by Alice
Walker.
D Stories and poems about grandparents, such as “Abuelito Who” by Sandra
Cisneros, reveals how important the connection is between grandparents and
grandchildren.
A
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pronouns
Errors commonly occur with compound subjects that contain pronouns. To make sure you
have used the correct pronoun, read each subject alone with the verb. You will “hear” the
correct pronoun. (Me had suspicions about the mural painter? I had suspicions about the
mural painter.)
Wrong
Lou and me had suspicions about the mural painter.
Right
Lou and I had suspicions about the mural painter.
Wrong
Either Kino or her took care of Coyotito.
Right
Either Kino or she took care of Coyotito.
Likewise, pronouns that occur in the predicate of a sentence are usually only tricky when
they are part of a compound. Again, read the sentence with each part of the compound
separately. (The bachelor told the story to I? The bachelor told the story to me.)
Wrong
The bachelor told the story to Cyril and I.
Right
The bachelor told the story to Cyril and me.
Wrong
The aunt was busy scolding the girls and he.
Right
The aunt was busy scolding the girls and him.
˛ Select the sentence in which the correct pronoun is used.
A
B
C
D
Margie’s grandfather told Tommy and she about books.
My abuelo looked forward to the days when my mom and I would visit.
Jerry and me became fast friends at the cabin in the mountains.
Paul Bunyan and him brought a load of wood down the Mississippi River.
double negatives
In standard English, a double negative is never used. Sometimes negatives are disguised, so
you must look closely at a sentence. Contractions can contain negatives (isn’t = is not;
hasn’t = has not, etc.). Hardly and scarcely are also negatives.
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Wrong
I don’t want to know how to make no rolls.
Right
I don’t want to know how to make any rolls.
Wrong
Cheryl and Martin couldn’t hardly believe it when their
grandfather came.
Right
Cheryl and Martin could hardly believe it when their
grandfather came.
˛ Select the sentence that is written without a double negative.
A
B
C
D
You can’t scarcely blame fathers for wanting to protect their daughters.
I thought Abuelo didn’t know nothing about writing.
Mama never talks meanly about anybody.
There wasn’t nothing my sister Molly couldn’t do.
comparative and superlative adjectives
Comparative adjectives should be used when comparing two things. Superlative adjectives
are used only when talking about a group of three or more.
Comparative
Superlative
better
best
worse
worst
more eager
most eager
less bright
least bright
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Wrong
Martin is the taller of all his friends. (“all” implies more than two)
Right
Martin is the tallest of all his friends.
Wrong
Between my sister and me, she was most mortified by Mama’s
house.
Right
Between my sister and me, she was more mortified by Mama’s
house.
˛ Select the sentence that uses the correct adjective form.
A.
B
C
D
Of all our relatives, Aunt Thelma is the more skilled cook.
Martin is the oldest of the two children.
My classmates think Bailey White is the funnier writer of them all.
Hope was Here is the best book I’ve read all year.
commonly confused words
There are many pairs of words of which people frequently use one when they mean the
other. Here are a few:
where/were: The word where has to do with location. The word were is a past tense
form of is.
I wonder where she is?
We were in the shed.
which/that: Both of these words can be used in clauses that modify, or add description to,
a noun. The word that is used when the clause is restrictive, meaning that the added
description is a part of the definition of the noun. The word which is used when the clause
is nonrestrictive, meaning that the added description is simply more information about the
noun. Clauses with that don’t have commas. Clauses with which have commas.
The medicine bag that Grandpa brought with him is meant to become Martin’s.
The medicine bag, which contained several items, had been passed down through
generations.
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The announcement that guests would be coming for Thanksgiving shocked Louise
and Bailey.
The typewriter, which Mama kept under the kitchen sink, didn’t even work.
who/whom: The word who should be used when it is the subject and could be replaced by
the words I or he, for example. Look for the verb in the sentence and see if who is the
subject—the performer of the action. The word whom should be used as an object in the
sentence, as the receiver of the action instead of the performer of the action. It is
commonly used in phrases such as to whom, from whom, for whom, etc.
The people who visited Mama’s house were all very nice.
The guests whom Mama invited arrived promptly at noon.
Molly, who in the fifties when to college, is my favorite sister.
This poem is for Molly, to whom I will always be grateful.
˛ Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
The relatives who I once met where all living in Ohio.
Abuelo’s book of poetry, that he was writing in, is full of stories and poetry.
We were wondering where you keep the worms.
Cisneros loves her abuelito whom throws coins like rain.
Misplaced Modifiers
prepositions and prepositional phrases
Prepositional phrases are phrases that begin with a preposition like for, from, to, over,
under, during, between, among, around, off, on, past, until, and with. Prepositional phrases are
common and useful writing tools, but writers must make sure that they appear in the
proper place in the sentence and that they modify the right word.
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Wrong
After cleaning the entire house, the cooking was begun. (The
subject is “cooking.” “Cooking” didn’t clean the house; the sisters did.)
Right
After cleaning the entire house, the sisters began cooking.
or
The cooking was begun after the entire house was clean.
Wrong
A fringed leather vest hung on Grandpa’s thin frame, which
was decorated with beads. (The vest, not Grandpa’s frame, was
decorated with beads.)
Right
A fringed leather vest, which was decorated with beads, hung
on Grandpa’s thin frame.
gerund and participial phrases
Like prepositional phrases, gerund and participial phrases are commonly put in the
wrong place in the sentence. Gerund phrases include gerunds: nouns formed from verbs
in their –ing form.
Biking is my favorite exercise.
I like going to the amusement park.
I heard the laughing that came from the group surrounding Grandpa on the porch.
Visiting my grandpa is one of my favorite activities.
Participial phrases have participals: verbs in their –ing or –ed forms. They modify nouns
or pronouns.
Tired, I had a hard time staying awake.
Working like crazy, we managed to clean the house in record time.
The typewriter, broken and dirty, sat under the kitchen sink.
Make sure that gerund phrases and participial phrases are part of a complete sentence.
Make sure participial phrases modify the right word.
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Wrong
Walking down the road slowly toward the house. (Incomplete
sentence)
Right
Walking down the road slowly toward the house, Grandpa
looked around at all our neighbors.
Wrong
Grandpa and the lady went to the meeting room moving
swiftly down the hall. (The meeting room isn’t moving swiftly;
Grandpa is.)
Right
Moving swiftly down the hall, Grandpa and the lady went to
the meeting room.
appositive and infinitive phrases
An appositive is a noun or pronoun that provides additional information about another
noun or pronoun next to it. An appositive phrase is a phrase containing an appositive that
serves the same purpose.
Grandpa’s father, Iron Shell, was forced to go to a boarding school.
Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve’s story “The Medicine Bag” was inspired by the
personal experience of a friend.
Appositive phrases are set off by commas when they are nonessential. Essential appositive
phrases, which are not set off by commas, are needed to indicate exactly which one of
various possibilities is being named. In these sentences, for example, the first has a
nonessential appositive phrase; the second one has an essential appositive phrase.
The dangling worms, the worst thing in the kitchen, were revolting to Bailey. (The
phrase “the worst thing in the kitchen” describes the dangling worms but doesn’t identify
them.)
Mama’s daughter Louise wanted to throw away the old typewriter. (“Louise” tells which
daughter wanted to throw it away.)
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Wrong
Billy’s mom Nancy is on vacation this week. (If you assume
Billy has only one mom, then “Nancy” is nonessential and should be
set off by commas.)
Right
Billy’s mom, Nancy, is on vacation this week.
Wrong
Alice Walker an African American feminist is the author of
many works. (The phrase “an African American feminist” is
nonessential and should be set off by commas.)
Right
Alice Walker, an African American feminist, is the author of
many works.
Wrong
Alice Walker’s novel, The Color Purple, won a Pulitzer Prize.
(She has written many novels, some of which have not won Pulitzer
Prizes, so it is necessary to identify which novel. “The Color
Purple” is an essential appositive phrase, so it should not be set off
by commas.)
Right
Alice Walker’s novel The Color Purple won a Pulitzer Prize.
Wrong
Amy Ling, a Chinese-American poet and educator. (Make sure
that sentences with appositive phrases are complete sentences.)
Right
Amy Ling, a Chinese-American poet and educator, taught at
the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
An infinitive is a verb in its form that uses to. An infinitive phrase includes an infinitive.
Grandpa was too tired to visit.
We have to hurry if we want to finish by Thanksgiving.
To play competitive soccer takes a lot of strength.
Make sure that infinitive phrases keep to and the rest of the verb together. Make sure they
are part of a complete sentence.
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Wrong
Louise and Bailey began to randomly pick up items from the
floor.
Right
Louise and Bailey began to pick up items randomly from the
floor.
Wrong
To ignore your grandfather inconsiderately.
Right
To ignore your grandfather is inconsiderate.
Right
It is mean to ignore your grandfather inconsiderately.
˛ Select the sentence that is written correctly.
Judith Ortiz Cofer a Puerto Rican-American author writes in both English and
Spanish.
B Arturo’s grandfather asked, Arturo, to get the notebook for him.
C It is important to learn as much as you can about your family’s traditions and
histories.
D To try to understand why your father acts the way he does.
A
Run-On Sentences
Run-on sentences are sentences that actually contain two complete sentences without the
correct punctuation. You can usually detect a run-on sentence by reading it aloud. A natural
pause in the middle might indicate that a period is needed and a new sentence begun.
Read the following run-on sentences aloud to determine where the first sentence ends and
the second sentence begins.
Judith Ortiz Cofer is an author from Puerto Rico she wrote “An Hour with Abuelo.”
Bailey White’s story “Good Housekeeping” is an example of a personal essay it is
based on real events.
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You should have noticed where the run-on occurred in each sentence. The sentences
should have been written like this:
Judith Ortiz Cofer is an author from Puerto Rico. She wrote “An Hour with
Abuelo.”
Bailey White’s story “Good Housekeeping” is an example of a personal essay. It is
based on real events.
or
Bailey White’s story “Good Housekeeping” is an example of a personal essay; it is
based on real events.
Sometimes a run-on sentence does have punctuation, but it isn’t the correct punctuation. A
comma separating two sentences is not correct. A comma can be used in a compound
sentence, however, with a conjunction (connecting word) like but or and. A semicolon can
also be used. If you use a semicolon, you don’t need use a conjunction.
Run-on sentence
Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve is from the Rosebud
Reservation, many of her stories are linked to the
experiences of the Rosebud Sioux people.
Compound sentence
Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve is from the Rosebud
Reservation, and many of her stories are linked to the
experiences of the Rosebud Sioux people.
Compound sentence
with semicolon
Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve is from the Rosebud
Reservation; many of her stories are linked to the
experiences of the Rosebud Sioux people.
Two sentences
Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve is from the Rosebud
Reservation. Many of her stories are linked to the
experiences of the Rosebud Sioux people.
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˛ Select the sentence that is not a run-on sentence.
Grandpa came to visit our family, he walked a very long way to get here.
I went to visit my grandfather in the nursing home, he read to me from his
notebook.
C My grandmothers come from very different backgrounds, but they both love me
very much.
D My sister has taught me many things about growing up she thinks education is
very important.
A
B
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UNIT 2 MINI-TEST
Directions Read the question and all the possible responses before selecting the
best response.
1
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
2
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
F
G
H
J
3
Spaghetti with meatballs are my favorite dinner.
Here come the Johnson’s dog.
Mathematics were Molly’s favorite subject.
When were Grandma and Grandpa coming over?
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
4
My relatives, including my wacky uncle are coming for dinner.
I went to my grandparents’ house, and helped them in the yard.
Her cousins went to Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Well no one is sure when we are meeting.
I don’t know if I’ll ever see my sister again.
The book about Puerto Rico which my grandfather wrote is wonderful.
Between Grandma Ling and Grandma Traub, Grandma Traub is tallest.
It isn’t fair to Louise and I that we should have to clean the whole house.
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
F
G
H
J
Aunt Hilda listened to Vern and I play the piano.
Aunt Hilda listened to Vern and me play the piano.
Either Aunt Hilda or he were bored.
Either Aunt Hilda or him was bored.
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5
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
6
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
F
G
H
J
7
The ancestors about whom my grandmother spoke were from India.
The ancestors who my grandmother spoke about were from India.
The ancestors that my grandmother spoke about were from India.
The ancestors my grandmother who spoke about were from India.
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
F
G
H
J
9
The grits that Mama made this morning where delicious.
The grits, which Mama made this morning, where delicious.
The grits, that Mama made this morning, were delicious.
The grits that Mama made this morning were delicious.
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
8
Willy’s parents took him to school speeding crazily down the road.
Willy’s parents speeding crazily down the road took him to school.
Speeding crazily down the road Willy’s parents took him to school.
Speeding crazily down the road, Willy’s parents took him to school.
Hope was Here is a book about a girl who works in a diner by Joan Bauer.
His uncle said he was coming to visit over the phone.
The woman was wearing a pink jogging suit while pushing a wheelchair.
Ben went out to see what Bill was doing for whatever reason.
Select the best way to rewrite this sentence.
Hal came over to visit us we had gone out to dinner.
A
B
C
D
Hal came over to visit us; and we had gone out to dinner.
Hal came over to visit us, and we had gone out to dinner.
Hal came over to visit us, but we had gone out to dinner.
Hal came over to visit us but we had gone out to dinner.
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10
Select the best way to rewrite this sentence.
My family is huge I have four brothers and four sisters.
F
G
H
J
My family is huge. I have four brothers and four sisters.
My family is huge, I have four brothers and four sisters.
My family is huge and I have four brothers and four sisters.
My family is huge; and I have four brothers and four sisters.
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UNIT 3: GOING DOWN THE ROAD
Answering Questions about Meaning
When you answer questions about meaning, you will use skills related to the following
ways of thinking about what you are reading:
•
•
•
•
•
•
formulate questions while reading
identify an appropriate title for a passage
determine the cause-effect relationship in a text
make inferences and predictions
identify a time period or culture in a text
determine the influence of culture on a theme
Ask Questions
Active, engaged readers think about what they are reading as they read. In other words,
they regularly check in to make sure they understand what they are reading. Here are some
ideas for asking questions as you read:
•
•
•
•
•
Turn chapter titles and headings into questions.
Ask yourself what the text is offering and what the author is saying to you.
Ask yourself what you should know about the material and about what you
already know about it.
Question graphics and visual material. Translate what the information they offer
into words.
Use who, what, when, where, why, and how.
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˛ Read the passage and choose the question that is most valid to ask yourself.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Almost 50 men set forth from Saint Louis as the expedition began in May 1804. The
first leg of the journey covered well-known terrain that was frequently traveled by
Anglo traders. After wintering among the Mandan Indians in what is now North
Dakota, the team set off again, 33 members strong, in April 1805.
A
B
C
D
How was the weather during the winter of 1804-1805?
What part of the journey is this?
What day did the expedition leave?
Who was in charge—Lewis or Clark?
Identify a Title
A good title reflects the main idea, or theme, of a piece of writing. To identify an
appropriate title for a piece of writing, determine the main idea or theme. Then, look at
the titles you have to choose from and decide which best reflects the theme.
˛ Read the following passage and decide which title best fits.
The invention of automobiles and the construction of roads to accommodate them
completely changed the landscape of the United States. When the large interstate
freeways were built in the 1950s and 1960s, entire neighborhoods had to be
destroyed to accommodate them. With these wider routes available for high-speed
travel, small towns and their businesses—once frequented by train travelers and
travelers on smaller roads—dried up. However, the automobile, invented by an
American named Henry Ford, quickly became an icon that defined the American
character. Americans loved the freedom offered them by their cars, and they loved to
explore their vast country in them.
A
B
C
D
The Destruction of Neighborhoods
Changing America in the 1950s
Henry Ford
The History of Auto Travel in the United States
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Determine Cause and Effect
Many texts explain events in terms of what they caused or what caused them. Figuring out
what is the cause and what is the effect can help you understand relationships among events
in history, for example, or between elements of a plot. Text that discusses cause and effect
relationships often contains key words such as because, as a result, consequently, therefore, due
to, and so.
˛ Read this passage and answer the following questions.
Math is an important part of our daily lives. For example, you can travel safely in a car
across a long, large bridge because civil engineers used math to figure out how many
tons of moving weight the bridge can hold. You can land and take off safely in an
airplane because air traffic controllers use math to keep track of the number and the
speed of the planes. Every time you use a computer, you are benefiting from a practical
application of math.
Which of these is a cause?
A
B
C
D
you can travel safely in a car across a long, large bridge
you use a computer
math is an important part of our daily lives
civil engineers used math to figure out how many tons of moving weight a bridge
can hold
Which of these is an effect?
math is an important part of our daily lives
you can travel safely in a car across a long, large bridge
civil engineers used math to figure out how many tons of moving weight a bridge
can hold
D air traffic controllers use math to keep track of the number and the speed of the
planes
A
B
C
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Infer and Predict
As you read, you can make inferences and predictions about what is happening and what
will happen, based on what you already know about the subject. This skill involves the
following:
•
•
•
thinking about what you know about the subject
thinking about what you are learning about the subject and about how to apply
that new knowledge
thinking about what will happen next in the reading
˛ Read this passage and answer the following questions.
Lewis and Clark’s journey back east went much the same way as the journey west.
The expedition members split up from time to time to explore different routes, but
the group still relied on Native peoples to inform them of the best routes, to serve as
guides, to provide horses, and to furnish food. As the expedition had run out of goods
to trade for food and supplies, they were even more dependent on the good will of
the Indians they met.
Based on the passage, which of the following is a logical inference?
A
B
C
D
Lewis and Clark are good friends.
Clark relied on Native peoples more than Lewis did.
The Native peoples didn’t really want to provide supplies.
Without help from Native peoples, the expedition would have been much more
difficult.
Based on the passage, which of the following is a logical prediction?
A
B
C
D
Lewis and Clark’s expedition will conclude without too many problems.
The Native peoples will stop helping the expedition.
The expedition’s horses will starve.
The expedition will end when they can’t find any more Native peoples.
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Understanding Time Periods and Cultural Contexts
The context of a story—the time and place in which it is set—contributes much to the
overall meaning of the story. The culture of the people in the story or telling the story also
contributes to meaning. For example, when you read the excerpt from the journals of
Lewis and Clark (pages 124-130), you have to keep in mind
•
•
•
when their journey took place
where they went
what culture the writers came from and what cultures the people they encounter
came from
Certain words and descriptions can provide clues about the time period or cultural context
of a particular text. Look through pages 124-130 for clues that the journals were written as
early as 1805.
Culture and Ethnicity
Culture and ethnicity can have a profound influence on the themes and issues of a literary
text. The Lewis and Clark expedition, for example, would have been described quite
differently by a Native American writer of the time than it was in the journals.
˛ Read Chapter 14 from Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon, on pages 138140 of your textbook. In which time period does this story take place?
A
B
C
D
1890s
1920s
1980s
2020s
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UNIT 3 MINI-TEST
Directions Read “The Corps of Discovery: They Had Some Help” on pages
132-134 of your textbook. Then answer questions 1-4.
1
Which of the following would be the best alternative title for the reading?
A
B
C
D
2
Lewis and Clark: Friends and Explorers
Unsung Heroes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Sacagawea and the Shoshone Indians
Rugged Wanderers: The Corps of Discovery
What cause and effect relationship can be found in this reading?
Because of the Lewis and Clark expedition, the lives of Native Americans were
changed forever.
G Because of the help of Native Americans, the Corps of Discovery was successful.
H Because of the dangers of the trip, Lewis and Clark looked for help.
J Because Lewis and Clark were so nice, everyone wanted to help them.
F
3
Consider this passage from the reading.
Upon reaching the coast, the expedition members built a fort in which to spend the
winter. Local Indians told them where to go to find plentiful game. Others brought
roots, berries, fish, and whale blubber. The party’s interactions with local peoples
helped them weather the cold, wet winter.
Which of the following is the best inference you could make from this passage?
A
B
C
D
The winter went by relatively uneventfully.
The expedition members were close to starving during the winter.
The expedition members gained weight over the winter.
Without shelter, the local Indians welcomed the fort.
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4
Consider this sentence from the reading.
Lewis and Clark’s journey back east went much the same way as the journey west.
Which of the following is the best prediction you could make from this sentence?
The journey east would go quickly, and Lewis and Clark would get home faster
than they thought.
G The journey east would be very dangerous, and many people would die.
H The journey east would be delayed, and Lewis and Clark would be captured.
J The journey east would be fairly difficult, but Lewis and Clark would get help
from Indians.
F
Directions Read chapter 15 from Blue Highways, on pages 141-143 of your
textbook. Then answer questions 5-10.
5
Which of the following would be the best possible title for this chapter?
A
B
C
D
6
Nameless, Tennessee
Thurmond Watts
Madison Wheeler
Steam Mill Holler
Which of the following is the best prediction you can make after reading
this chapter?
F
G
H
J
Least Heat Moon will continue to Nameless.
Least Heat Moon will come back to have dinner with Madison Wheeler.
Least Heat Moon will turn around and go back to Gainesboro.
Least Heat Moon will decide to go to Cookeville.
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7
Consider this passage from the beginning of the chapter.
“I don’t know if I got directions for where you’re goin’,” the ambulance driver said. “I
think there’s a Nameless down the Shepardsville Road.”
“When I get to Shepardsville, will I have gone too far?”
“Ain’t no Shepardsville.”
“How will I know when I’m there?”
“Cain’t say for certain.”
“What’s Nameless look like?”
“Don’t recollect.”
“Is the road paved?”
“It’s possible.”
Which of the following is the best inference you could make from this conversation?
A
B
C
D
8
It will be easy to get to Nameless.
Shepardsville Road is paved.
Nameless is nowhere near Shepardsville.
It will be difficult to find Nameless.
What cause and effect relationship can be found in this chapter?
F Madison Wheeler sold his sign because a man offered a lot of money for it.
G Madison Wheeler quit farming because he hurt his back.
H The area around Nameless is popular among retirees because of the hot, dry
weather.
J Madison Wheeler opened a store to compete with the supermarkets in
Cookeville.
9
Which of the following is the most appropriate question to think about at the end
of this chapter?
A
B
C
D
What did the author learn from his conversation with Madison Wheeler?
Why did the author stop to talk to Madison Wheeler?
Is the author wearing his Smiley button?
Is there a town called Nameless?
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10
Which of the following passages from the chapter reveals the most about the culture
and character of Madison Wheeler?
F
G
H
J
All these ridges and hollers got names of their own.
Had a decent business for five years, but too much of it was in credit.
I got two boys raised, and they never been in trouble.
A man ought to honor other people, but he’s got to honor what he believes in
too.
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UNIT 4: UNDERSTANDING CONFLICT
Answering Questions about Techniques and Skills
When you answer questions about techniques used in literature, you will be looking at
different literary devices, such as similes and metaphors; sound devices, such as rhyme and
alliteration; and persuasive devices, such as bandwagon and loaded words. You will be asked
to use critical reading skills: looking at text features, graphics, and other book parts;
identifying reliable sources of information; identifying modes of writing; and determining
the correct spelling of words.
Text Features
Many types of informational texts and other nonfiction have features such as maps, charts,
graphics, indexes, glossaries, tables of contents, and appendices that readers use to locate
specific information. For more information about graphic features, read pages 838-840 in
your textbook.
•
•
•
•
An index is an alphabetized list of names and subjects that occur in a text. Each
entry is followed by the page number(s) on which the name or subject appears.
Use an index to find out if a book contains information on a specific item.
A glossary is a list of difficult or specialized terms and their definitions. It usually
appears at the end of the text. If you don’t understand a word or term in the text,
check to see if it appears in the glossary.
A table of contents is a listing of chapter, unit, or section headings, and their
page numbers, at the beginning of a book. Use a table of contents to see what
broad topics a book addresses.
An appendix is a collection of material that appears at the end of a text. It
contains information that is too lengthy or specialized to be included in the text
itself. The information in an appendix is supplementary. Use it to find specific
pieces of information that were not covered in the text itself.
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˛ Read this table of contents.
World Conflicts
I. Introduction to War and Conflict
II. Ancient Conflicts (1000 B.C.-350 A.D.)
III. Conflicts in the Middle Ages (350-1400)
IV. Conflicts during the Renaissance Period (1400-1600)
V. Conflicts in the Modern Era (1600-1900)
VI. Conflicts in the Twentieth Century (1900-2000)
VII. Recent Conflicts (2000-present)
Which chapter would you consult to find out about the Civil War (1861-1865)?
A
B
C
D
chapter III
chapter IV
chapter V
chapter VI
Keywords and Headings
Keywords are words that you can type in a search engine to locate text or texts containing
those words. Use keywords to search for information. If you get too many results, or not
the right ones, try searching the results for a more specific word or term. If you don’t get
enough results, try broadening your search by using a less specific word. To search for a
phrase of more than one word, place the words in quotation marks.
Headings appear within text, denoting the start of a new section. The words in a heading
indicate what the text that follows is about. You can browse through a text, reading the
headings, to see if it contains information you are looking for.
˛ Which of the following keyword combinations would you use to look for information
about conflicts that have taken place in North America?
A
B
C
D
war; Canada; 1800s
war; Canada; Alaska
war; history; “North America”
“North America”; history
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Sidebars, Footnotes, and Endnotes
A sidebar is a chunk of text set apart from the main text. It usually covers in more depth a
topic introduced in the main text. A footnote is a note that appears at the bottom, or foot,
of the page. Most commonly, a footnote cites a reference for a piece of information in the
text that originally came from a different source. Some footnotes offer other types of
information about a word, quote, or passage. Endnotes serve the same function as
footnotes, only they appear at the end of the chapter or book.
˛ If you were reading a book about Nelson Mandela, where would you look to find out
about a speech he once gave?
A
B
C
D
a sidebar about Mandela’s political skills
a sidebar about Mandela’s time in prison
a footnote citing Long Walk to Freedom, an autobiography written by Mandela
an endnote citing the book Nelson Mandela Speaks: Speeches, Statements, and
Articles
Literary Techniques
Literary techniques are tools that writers use to affect the sound and meaning of different
types of literature, including poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
sound devices
Some of the most common literary techniques—such as alliteration, onomatopoeia, rhyme,
assonance, slant rhyme, and repetition—develop sound patterns.
•
•
•
•
Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of syllables,
as in bats in the belfry or dead as a doornail.
Onomatopoeia is the use of words or phrases like meow or beep that sound like
what they name.
Rhyme is the repetition of sounds at the ends of words:
I wish for peace,
That wars would cease.
Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in stressed syllables that end in
different consonant sounds:
My stick fingers click with a snicker
And, chuckling, they knuckle the keys.
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•
•
A slant rhyme, or half rhyme, is one that is almost but not completely exact, as
in step and stop or rot and rock.
Repetition is more than one use of a sound, word, or group of words:
It is a struggle that must involve people of all walks of life. It is a struggle that must
involve people of different colors, religions, and creeds.
devices affecting meaning
Other literary techniques—such as similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole—
affect the meaning of a piece of writing.
•
•
•
A simile is a comparison using like or as:
At midnight a peach stone left miraculously on a branch through winter, flicked by a
bird, fell swift and unseen, struck once, like panic, which jerked the boy upright.
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which one thing is spoken or written about
as if it were another.
If he lay very still, when the dawn came up and the soldiers put on their bravery
with their caps, perhaps they might go away, the war with them, and not notice him
lying small here, no more than a toy himself.
Personification is a figure of speech in which something not human is described
as if it were human.
After that, he turned the drum on its side, where its great lunar face peered at him
whenever he opened his eyes.
A hyperbole is an exaggeration made for effect.
He’s painting a bird with wings wide enough to cover two roofs at once.
˛ Read this sentence from “The Drummer Boy of Shiloh.”
But if he beat a sure, steady, ever faster rhythm, then, then their knees would come
up in a long line down over that hill, one knee after the other, like a wave on the
ocean shore!
Which of the following techniques is used in the sentence?
A
B
C
D
assonance
repetition
simile
hyperbole
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Propaganda Techniques
Propaganda techniques are used in advertisements, political campaigns, and other media
that tries to persuade people to believe something or want something.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Glittering generalities are statements that make something sound appealing by
using language linked to highly valued concepts. Glittering generalities may, for
example, highlight democracy, patriotism, honor, glory, or freedom—ideals that
mean different things to different people.
Bandwagon is an appeal to people to follow the crowd, join in, and side up with
the winners. Bandwagon tries to get people to believe that because everyone else
is doing something it must be the right thing to do.
In trying to argue for or against something, people often use loaded words, or
words that stir up strong feelings, whether positive or negative.
Testimonials involve the use of a famous person to endorse an idea or product.
Transfer is an attempt to link a product, person, or idea to another product,
person, or idea. For example, transfer can link an unpopular politician to that
politician’s whole party. Or, an advertisement can try to link a product, such as
breath mints, for example, to an exciting sport like snowboarding or water skiing.
The plain folks technique attempts to link an idea or product to the so-called
“common person.” Many political campaigns use this technique to make
candidates seem like they’re on the side of “working people” or “American
families.”
˛ Read this text from a political poster designed to recruit Canadian soldiers to fight in
World War II.
The Famous 13th, 42nd and 73rd Battalions
Royal Highlanders of Canada
Require Reinforcements
250 Men
Will be sent Overseas immediately
Here is a chance for YOU to join Battalions that
have already won fame at the Front.
Apply at once to Armoury
429 Bleury Street Montreal
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Which propaganda technique is used in this ad?
A
B
C
D
glittering generalities
testimonial
transfer
plain folks
Bias and Stereotype
A stereotype is an exaggerated belief about a group of people. It is a generalization based
on images from the media, ideals from friends or family, or basic trends in society. A
stereotype can be positive or negative, but it is never an honest interpretation of an
individual person’s character.
A prejudice is an opinion or prejudgment about people based on a stereotype. Prejudice
leads to bias—the formation of actions, policies, or plans that unfairly affect a certain
group of people.
When you are reading or researching, it is important to be able to identify a writer’s
underlying ideas and beliefs and to be aware of any stereotypes or prejudices that the
person may hold.
Source Reliability
When you are looking for information on a particular topic, you will probably find a
variety of different sources. Current events, particularly, are covered in a number of
different magazines, newspapers, tabloids, web sites, radio talk shows, and television news
shows. Some accounts of events will be backed up with quotes by people actually involved
in the events. Others will have no indication of being verified by eyewitnesses or others
directly or indirectly involved.
˛ You are researching a conflict in the Middle East. Which of the following sources of
information would be the best?
A
B
C
D
People magazine
60 Minutes television news program
Middle East Times web site
speech by U.S. president
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Modes of Writing
There are several different modes of writing, including technical, narrative, persuasive, and
descriptive.
•
•
•
•
Technical, or informational, text uses clear, concise language to convey specific
information. Technical writing includes how-to articles, guides, directions,
research findings, data analyses, and manuals.
Narrative writing tells a story. Narrative writing includes novels, short stories,
biographies, autobiographies, and histories.
Persuasive writing is intended to persuade the audience to agree with a position,
change a view on an issue, or perform an action. Editorials, petitions,
advertisements, and position papers are all examples of persuasive writing.
Descriptive writing appeals to the five senses, saying how a person, place, or
thing looks, sounds, smells, feels, and tastes. Examples include travel guides, real
estate descriptions, product descriptions, and personal ads.
˛ Read “The Community of the Peace People” on page 229 of your textbook. This text
is an example of which mode of writing?
A
B
C
D
technical
narrative
persuasive
descriptive
Spelling
Review the spelling rules on pages 947-948 in your textbook and the list of commonly
misspelled English words on pages 948-949. Try to develop the habit of keeping a list of
the words that you personally tend to misspell most often. Review it frequently enough to
remind yourself of the correct spellings. The more attention you pay to spelling things
correctly, the more you will develop strong spelling skills.
˛ Which of the underlined words is spelled correctly?
The driver was arrested because he did not have a legitamate driver’s license.
I tried to change Jamie’s mind, but he was resalute.
The adult education classes are offered by an organization afiliated with the local
college.
D Paul was a fanatic about his political beliefs.
A
B
C
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UNIT 4 MINI-TEST
Directions Use your textbook to answer questions 1-10.
1
On which pages can you find information about adverbs?
A
B
C
D
2
Which unit in the textbook contains the most poems and information about poetry?
F
G
H
J
3
935
932-933, 936
939-942
409, 922, 939, 942
Unit 1
Unit 4
Unit 9
Unit 12
Read this sentence from page 191.
Move the blood up the body and make the head proud and the spine stiff and the jaw
resolute.
Use page 191 of the textbook to determine the meaning of resolute.
A
B
C
D
having or showing a fixed, firm purpose
mute
resolution
strong
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4
Read this sentence from page 225.
She began to talk to the man in the turret of the car.
Use page 225 of the textbook to determine the meaning of turret.
F
G
H
J
5
The story “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty, on pages 224-228, is an example of
which mode of writing?
A
B
C
D
6
window of a vehicle
back seat or back storage area in a vehicle
driver’s seat
armored, usually revolving, structure on the top of tanks and armored cars used
to hold a gun or guns
persuasive
narrative
descriptive
technical
Read this sentence from “The Sniper.”
Here and there through the city, machine-guns and rifles broke the silence of the
night, spasmodically, like dogs barking on lone farms.
This sentence includes which of the following literary techniques?
F
G
H
J
alliteration
simile
metaphor
hyperbole
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Read this sentence from “The Sniper.”
His teeth chattered, he began to gibber to himself, cursing the war, cursing himself,
cursing everybody.
This sentence includes which of the following literary techniques?
A
B
C
D
8
Look at the map of Israel on page 222. Which of these cities is closest to the largest
body of water bordering Israel?
F
G
H
J
9
Beersheba
Hebron
Jerusalem
Tel Aviv-Jaffa
Which source would give you the most reliable up-to-date information about conflict
in Israel and the occupied territories?
A
B
C
D
10
alliteration
assonance
repetition
rhyme
a neighbor who is Jewish
a teacher who just came back from Israel
an article in Teen magazine
a library book about Israel
Which of the underlined words is spelled correctly?
F My family’s sense of solidarity helps us get through rough times.
G Because of Gina’s foursight in predicting the storm, the campers were able to find
shelter before the rain came.
H Our indomitible volleyball team won every game of the season.
J Jose felt a kenship with his Uncle Alejandro, with whom he shared a passion for
cars.
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UNIT 5: OPEN A BOOK, OPEN A WORLD
Answering Questions about Vocabulary
Answering questions about vocabulary in a sentence or passage involves finding meaning in
words with which you may or may not be familiar. You can increase your vocabulary
knowledge in a variety of ways:
•
•
•
•
reading more
reading a variety of material: historical fiction, classic literature, periodicals,
signs, menus, manuals, atlases, encyclopedias
learning simple words and phrases from foreign languages
learning about word parts and about the relationships among words
With a good vocabulary base, a reader can often determine the meaning of unfamiliar
words by looking at context clues and by using knowledge about word parts.
Context Clues
A passage that contains an unfamiliar word or phrase may also contain clues that reveal the
meaning of the word or words. Consider the following passage:
While freedom of speech and of the press has been threatened at certain times in
the United States, people have fought to protect these rights. Attempts to censor
speech and writing have been met with public outrage and even lawsuits.
If you didn’t know the meaning of censor, you could figure it out from the context. The
boldface words are clues that reveal what censor means: restrict.
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˛ Read this passage and answer the question that follows.
“Oh, look at those cows!” exclaimed the aunt. Nearly every field along the line had
contained cows or bullocks, but she spoke as though she were drawing attention to a
rarity.
What is the meaning of rarity?
A
B
C
D
something rural
something plain or common
any type of farm animal
something unusual or infrequent
Word Parts
Word parts, or morphemes, include prefixes, suffixes, and roots. A prefix comes at the
beginning of a word. A suffix appears at the end of a word. A root is the core part of a
word. Knowing one or more parts of a word can help you determine the meaning of the
word as a whole. Consider the word retract. You may not know the meaning of the word,
but you probably can think of other words that share word parts with it.
re-
tract
redo
contract
rerun
subtract
return
distract
recollect
abstract
Now you can look at what the words in each list have in common. The words that start
with re- all seem to have to do with repeating something or taking something back. The
prefix re- actually means “again” or “back.”
The words with tract are also related to one another. Contract is to draw or pull together;
subtract is to take (or pull or draw) away; distract is to draw attention; something abstract is
pulled away from context or reality. In fact, the word root means “pull or draw.”
These clues can help you better understand the meaning of retract, which means “take back.”
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˛ Use your knowledge about word parts and relationships among words that share
word parts to match the following words with their meanings.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
compressed
imperceptible
illumination
rehabilitation
subsequent
A
B
C
D
E
process of restoring to original state
next in order
barely noticeable
made more compact
brightness
Tip
When taking a multiple choice test on vocabulary, substitute each possible word or phrase
into the original sentence to see how it fits.
One type of vocabulary question is the analogy question. Analogy questions ask you to find
the relationship between a pair of words and then to recognize a similar relationship
between another pair of words. An analogy question is read like this:
Drake is to _____ as buck is to deer.
A bird
B animal
C duck
D mammal
To answer an analogy question, think of a sentence that relates the two given words that
follow as. In the example above, you might say, “a buck is a male deer.” Then, replace the
words with drake and one of the possible answers. If you try bird, you see that it makes
sense, but not completely. A drake is a male bird, but bird is less specific than deer. Animal is
more general yet. The correct answer is C: duck.
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˛ Read this sentence.
If you stay up too late, it’s inevitable that you’ll be tired tomorrow.
Inevitable is to ________ as impossible is to doable.
A
B
C
D
certain
uncertain
possible
questionable
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UNIT 5 MINI-TEST
Directions Answer the following vocabulary questions using context clues and your
knowledge of word parts. First, read the sentence, and then choose
which answer is the best meaning for the underlined word.
1
Read this sentence.
Through facial expressions, the actor tried to convey sorrow.
As it is used in this sentence, convey means
A
B
C
D
2
help
copy
communicate
sing
Read this sentence.
Do you believe dreams reveal people’s subconscious desires?
As it is used in this sentence, subconscious means
F
G
H
J
without full awareness
fully aware
sleeping
hopeful
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Read this sentence.
Nora’s voice was resolute as she demanded her money back.
As it is used in this sentence, resolute means
A
B
C
D
4
unsure
determined
sleepy
scared
Read this sentence.
The ferocity of the guard dog scared the guests as well as potential criminals.
As it is used in this sentence, ferocity means
F
G
H
J
5
loud
sneaky
size
fierceness
Read this sentence.
Being called by the wrong name again and again would exasperate anyone.
As it is used in this sentence, exasperate means
A
B
C
D
shame
irritate
encourage
persuade
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6
Read this sentence.
Phil disliked the tedium of filing papers and preferred instead to do more interesting
tasks at work.
Tedium is to ______ is as depression is to sadness.
F
G
H
J
7
excitement
difficulty
boredom
strangeness
Read this sentence.
Zephyr dug up and destroyed the flower garden in front of the house, but the garden
on the side was left intact.
Intact is to ______ as stationary is to still.
A
B
C
D
8
undamaged
damaged
repaired
flowered
Read this sentence.
The new paint will transform the room from a dark dungeon to a cheerful conference
center.
Transform is to ______ as build is to construct.
F
G
H
J
move
fix
address
change
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9
Read this sentence.
Tom and Hillary were whispering about Mrs. Olloway, but the conversation came to
an abrupt end when she entered the room.
Abrupt is to ______ as unhurried is to slow.
A
B
C
D
10
quiet
polite
sudden
rude
Read this sentence.
Vanya is quite articulate, but she doesn’t like public speaking.
Articulate is to ______ as athletic is to able-bodied.
F
G
H
J
talkative
interesting
important
well-spoken
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UNIT 6: FAR HORIZONS
Answering Questions about Organization
Answering questions about organization puts you in the editor’s chair. You need to choose
the right time-order words and transitional words to use to make a piece of writing flow
better and rearrange paragraphs to put them in the best possible order. You also need to
select an appropriate thesis statement and title for a piece of writing and choose the best
evidence or supporting details to defend key ideas.
Time-Order Words
Time-order words—such as first, second, next, then, and finally—are commonly used in
writing that is in chronological order. Chronological order is used to tell a story, write a
recipe or how-to article, or describe a process.
Read the following passage and identify the words and phrases that indicate the passage of
time.
In 1647, Massachusetts Colony decided that every town with at least fifty families had
to set up an elementary school, and towns with one hundred or more families had to
set up high schools to prepare young men for college. Later, private academies that
accepted girls were started in Massachusetts and elsewhere. In the 1800s, when
Americans realized that education was necessary for making good citizens, all the
states began to set up public schools to educate both girls and boys. Now, every state
has laws that require all children to go to school until a certain age.
Transitional Words
Transitional words help a reader follow the writer’s flow of logic. Depending on the
author’s purpose, he or she may use (or should use) words and phrases that form
transitions, or bridges, from one idea to the next. Look at these common methods of
organization, examples of when they’re used, and transitional words and phrases used in
them.
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Method of organization
Examples
Transitional
words/phrases
spatial
article describing a
kitchen renovation;
paragraph describing the
scene of a crime
next to, beside, above,
below, around, beyond,
under, parallel to,
comparison-contrast
essay comparing two
political candidates;
advertisement comparing
one restaurant to others
likewise, similarly, in
contrast, another
difference,
cause-and-effect
essay about ozone and
global warming; article
about the dangers of
smoking
one cause, another effect,
as a result, consequently,
therefore,
˛ In the chart above, add a few more transitional words and phrases for each method of
organization.
Paragraph Order
Paragraphs can be ordered in a number of ways.
•
•
•
chronological order: Paragraphs are ordered in a way that keeps events in the
order in which they occur. This is a useful organization method for a story, a
recipe, a how-to article, or a process.
spatial order: Paragraphs are ordered in a way that describes parts in the order
of their location in space, for example, from back to front, left to right, or top to
bottom. This is a useful format for a description of a house renovation or a
descriptive passage in a script for a movie or play.
order of importance: Paragraphs are ordered either from the least important to
most important or from the most important to least important. This is a useful
format for a political speech or a letter to the editor.
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•
•
•
comparison and contrast order: Paragraphs are ordered in one of two ways. In
the first way, the characteristics of one subject are presented, followed by the
characteristics of the second subject. This method of organization would be
useful when comparing two restaurants, for example. In the second way, both
subjects are compared and contrasted with regard to one quality, then with
regard to a second quality, and so on. This method of organization would be
useful when comparing the ideas of two politicians on a variety of issues.
cause and effect order: Paragraphs are ordered in one of two ways. In the first
way, one or more causes are presented followed by one or more effects. A public
service announcement about the dangers of playing with fire could be organized
this way. In the second way, one or more effects are presented followed by one or
more causes. An essay about the outbreak of a war and the events that led up to it
could be done in this way.
part-by-part order: Paragraphs have no overall organizational pattern but each
paragraph is connected logically to the preceding paragraph and to the one that
follows.
˛ Which organization plan for ordering paragraphs would work best for laying out the
setting for a screenplay (the script for a movie)?
A
B
C
D
chronological
spatial
cause and effect
part by part
Thesis Statements
A thesis statement is a sentence that presents the main idea or argument of an essay, article,
or paper. It should appear early on in the piece of writing so that the reader knows the
author’s main point or position. Commonly, it is repeated in the conclusion of the piece of
writing. A book review, for example, might contain the following thesis statement:
Despite several unrealistic plot developments, this science fiction tome is one of the
season’s best reads.
An essay about exploration on Mars might have this thesis statement:
The recent mission to Mars gathered more information about the planet than all
previous studies combined.
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˛ Develop a thesis statement for a paper you might write on each of the following
topics:
• honesty
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
• free time
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
• books
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Titles
An effective title is relevant to the content of the piece of writing. That is, it provides the
reader with clear information about the content of the piece of writing. It shouldn’t be
broader in scope than the essay or paper, and it shouldn’t be narrower, either.
A good title usually is a phrase, rather than a single word or two or a whole sentence. It
also invites the reader into the piece of writing.
Topic
Weak title
Good title
pileated woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Red-Crowned King of
the Forest: The Pileated
Woodpecker
snowmobile safety
Snowmobiles Can Be
Dangerous but Following
Rules and Precautions
Can Help Keep You Safe
Skating on Thin Ice:
Snowmobiles and How to
Drive them Safely
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˛ Read the story “The Ruum” by Arthur Porges, on pages 326-337 of your textbook.
Which of the following would be the best alternative title for the story?
A
B
C
D
Killer
He Went to Find Uranium but Found Something Else
Ilkor
Jim Irwin’s Narrow Escape
Supporting Information
To back up a thesis statement and other main ideas in a piece of writing, authors use
illustrations, explanations, anecdotes, descriptions, and/or facts. To back up key points,
these examples of supporting information need to be relevant and need to explain or
demonstrate how they are relevant. For example, if you were writing a paper in favor of
gun control, including data about how many people are accidentally shot and killed each
year would be relevant. A chart showing how many guns each major gun company sold in a
given year may or may not be relevant. How you link the chart to your argument will
determine if it is or isn’t relevant.
˛ Determine which example of supporting information would best back up the
following main ideas:
Main idea: Everyone in the United States should have access to affordable health
care.
A
B
C
D
a chart showing how many people in the United States have no health insurance
a chart showing the leading causes of death in the United States
an anecdote about how much your family has to pay for health care
a picture of a hospital
Main idea: Alaska is the best place to visit in North America.
A A population chart for North America
B Weather and climate data for Alaska
C A map of North America
D A list of fun things to do in Alaska
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UNIT 6 MINI-TEST
Directions Read each question and all the possible responses before selecting the
best response.
1
Read the following sentences. Then decide which answer shows the best way to
combine the two sentences.
People ate swoodies and gained weight. People used slimmers to lose weight.
After people ate swoodies and gained weight, they used slimmers to lose weight.
First people ate swoodies and gained weight, and then, they used slimmers to lose
weight.
C Once people ate swoodies and gained weight, then they used slimmers to lost
weight.
D After people gained weight after eating swoodies, they lost weight using
slimmers.
A
B
2
Read the following sentences. Then decide which answer shows the best way to
combine the two sentences.
Science fiction appeals to people’s imaginations and ideas about the future. Science
fiction is a popular literary genre.
Science fiction appeals to people’s imaginations and ideas about the future and it
is a popular literary genre.
G Science fiction appeals to people’s imaginations and ideas about the future;
likewise it is a popular literary genre.
H Science fiction appeals to people’s imaginations and ideas about the future
because it is a popular literary genre.
J Because it appeals to people’s imaginations and ideas about the future, science
fiction is a popular literary genre.
F
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Directions Read this passage from your textbook, and then answer the questions
that follow.
At some time or another, everyone has been convinced to think or act a certain way
based upon little or no evidence supporting the action or way of thinking. Many of these
situations involve propaganda—the use of misleading language to influence people’s thoughts
and actions. Propaganda appeals to people’s emotions rather than to their use of logic.
Advertisements often use forms of propaganda. For example, seeing a popular film star
use a product in an advertisement may convince you to buy that product. Another type of
propaganda—jumping on the bandwagon—appeals to people’s desire to belong to a group.
Advertising that uses this approach tries to convince you that because everyone else is buying
a certain product or service, you should too. Statements or arguments in advertising that
appeal to your emotions should be considered with some criticism. If something seems too
good to be true, it usually is.
Advertising can affect the way people—especially young people—perceive their own
bodies. Magazine and television ads often cause readers and viewers to believe they should
be—but are not—as thin as the models they feature. Many people somehow associate being
thin with being beautiful, popular, or happy. Society is always looking for new ways to
become thin. The thousands of existing diet pills, diet drinks, and diet plans share a lot in
common. The majority of them don’t work for most people, yet they constantly attract
newcomers willing to try anything to become thin. A healthy lifestyle based on nutritious
foods and plenty of exercise is the best way to achieve and maintain fitness.
3
Which is the best title for the passage?
A
B
C
D
Don’t Trust Advertising
Advertising: Propaganda that Appeals to People’s Desires to Be Thin
Advertising: New Ways to Become Thin
Advertising and Lifestyle
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4
Which of the following examples of supporting information best backs up thepassage?
F A pie chart showing the different ways in which people try to lose weight
G An illustration of an advertisement designed to get people to buy a weight-loss
product
H An anecdote about a young person trying to lose weight
J Poll results indicating what percentage of people pay attention to advertisements
5
Which paragraph order is best for this passage?
A
B
C
D
6
Which of the following is the best thesis statement for this passage?
F
G
H
J
7
1, 3, 2
3, 2, 1
2, 1, 3
1, 2, 3
Advertisements use propaganda to get people to buy products.
Advertisements often encourage people to buy weight-loss products.
Everyone wants to lose weight, and you should too.
Propaganda is an effective way to promote products.
Read the following passage.
Science fiction is my favorite thing to read for several reasons. [transition word]
Reading science fiction is like exploring new worlds. I like to imagine living in them.
[transition word] Science fiction always has cool ideas, words, and names. I like using
these unusual words and names when talking with my friends. [transition word]
Science fiction stories are always unpredictable. I like the suspense when you don’t
know what will happen next.
Which of the following series of transition words would best enhance the flow of this
paragraph?
A
B
C
D
consequently, therefore, as a result
likewise, similarly, in contrast
first, second, finally
next, then, later
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UNIT 7: FOLKLORE OF THE AMERICAS
Answering Questions about the Writing Process
Answering questions about the writing process can involve any of the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
completing a graphic organizer
identifying the author’s purpose for writing
identifying the targeted audience
identifying irrelevant sentences
choosing the best supporting sentences
selecting vivid describing words
identifying appropriate sentence-combining techniques
Completing a Graphic Organizer
Graphic organizers are useful tools in the prewriting process. A graphic organizer can help
you brainstorm, flesh out your ideas, or organize your thoughts logically. Cluster charts,
Venn diagrams, timelines, and story maps are all examples of graphic organizers.
Examples
Venn Diagram
1930
1920
1910
Cluster Chart
1900
Gr08-TGAPT
Timeline
Story Map
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˛ Which type of graphic organizer would you use for each of the following tasks?
• Comparing and contrasting two literary works:
_________________________________________________________________________
• Recounting the history of a country:
_________________________________________________________________________
• Organizing a story idea of your own:
_________________________________________________________________________
Identifying the Author’s Purpose
An author’s purpose, or aim, is his or her reason for writing a particular work. An author
may have one or more purposes for writing something. Common purposes for writing
include the following:
•
•
•
•
to inform: to provide information about a topic, such as in a research report,
news article, or informative essay
to describe: to provide a description of a person, place, or thing, such as in a
travel book, character sketch, or classified advertisement
to explain: to provide an explanation of how something works or why something
functions in a particular way, such as in directions for using a product.
to persuade: to provide a valid argument for believing a certain way about
something, such as in an editorial, petition, or debate.
˛ Determine an author’s purpose(s) for writing each of the following works:
• movie and/or book review:
_________________________________________________________________________
• restaurant menu:
_________________________________________________________________________
• statement of belief:
_________________________________________________________________________
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Identifying the Target Audience
An audience is the person or group of people who a writer assumes will read his or her
work. A writer might include very different information in a piece of writing, depending on
his or her audience. For example, a web site about cancer would include very different
material if its intended audience was children than it would if its intended audience was the
medical community. Knowing who the intended audience is will help you determine if the
information provided is what you are looking for and if the level of sophistication is what
you want. Identifying a target audience can include looking at age, gender, level of
education, level of knowledge about topic, reason for wanting to learn about topic, cultural
background, etc.
˛ Determine a possible audience for each of these documents:
• newspaper review of an opera:
_________________________________________________________________________
• technical paper about advances made in thermoplastics:
_________________________________________________________________________
• recipe for “easy confetti cookies”:
_________________________________________________________________________
• editorial about politics in Washington, D.C.:
_________________________________________________________________________
Identifying Irrelevant Sentences
One of the elements of the writing process is revising. In revising a piece of writing, an
author may add, cut, replace, or move information. One of the most difficult aspects of
revision—and also one of the most important—is recognizing sentences that don’t add
relevant information or that repeat information. These are the sentences that should be cut.
A good paragraph develops a logical sequence of ideas. The ideas in a paragraph should be
tightly linked and ordered in an easily understandable way. Sentences that don’t contribute
to the main idea of the paragraph or that repeat material should be omitted.
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˛ Read this passage from a student essay.
[1] The definition of a legend is, “An unverified popular story handed down from
earlier times.” [2] The story of Johnny Appleseed qualifies as a legend because no one
really knows if the stories about Appleseed’s journey are true. [3] No one has ever
proven it to be so. [4] Johnny Appleseed was a real person, but his real name was
John Chapman. But we still don’t know if he truly went on long journeys to spread
apples and grow orchards.
Which of these sentences from the passage is irrelevant and could be omitted?
A
B
C
D
1
2
3
4
Choosing the Best Supporting Sentences
Many paragraphs include a topic sentence that presents a main idea. The topic sentence
usually appears early on in the paragraph and is commonly followed by one or more
supporting sentences. Supporting sentences often begin with transitions that link them to the
topic sentence or to other sentences. Supporting sentences should strengthen the ideas
presented in the topic sentence.
˛ Read this topic sentence from a student essay.
Some historical facts about Blackbeard are well known.
Which of the following sentences best supports the topic sentence?
At one point, he had four ships and 400 pirates under his control.
Pirates stir our imaginations with thoughts of adventure and buried treasure.
The time period between 1713 and 1718 is even called the “Golden Age of
Pirates.”
D I think people enjoy the legend of Blackbeard because pirates are a colorful part
of American history.
A
B
C
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Selecting Vivid Describing Words
When you review and revise a piece of writing, look for descriptions that could be
strengthened by using more vivid words. Many times, boring, common words can be
replaced with sharper, more descriptive words and phrases.
boring
vivid
The people made noise.
The mob made an uproar.
The cold wind blew hard.
The frigid wind blew furiously.
He took the pitcher and drank the cool
water.
He grabbed the pitcher and gulped the
cool water.
˛ Which of the following sentences makes the best use of vivid, colorful language?
Pecos Bill planned to dismount his horse and fight the cyclone.
Pecos Bill thought he would get down from his horse and attack the cyclone.
What Pecos Bill planned to do was leap from his horse and grab the cyclone by
the neck.
D What Pecos Bill’s plan involved was getting off his horse and getting the cyclone.
A
B
C
Identifying Sentence-Combining Techniques
There are several different ways you can combine sentences. The most common way is to
use a comma and a coordinating conjunction such as and or but.
George wanted a red lollipop. Jan wanted an orange one.
George wanted a red lollipop, and Jan wanted an orange one.
Another way to combine two sentences is to use a semicolon. With a semicolon, you do not
need a coordinating conjunction.
George wanted a red lollipop. Jan wanted an orange one.
George wanted a red lollipop; Jan wanted an orange one.
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Still another way to combine sentences is with an introductory clause and a comma. Again,
you do not need a conjunction.
George wanted a red lollipop. Jan wanted an orange one.
While George wanted a red lollipop, Jan wanted an orange one.
˛ Choose the best way to combine the two sentences shown in each set.
Pecos Bill is a popular folk figure in the United States. So is Paul Bunyan.
Although Pecos Bill is a popular folk figure in the United States so is Paul
Bunyan.
B Pecos Bill is a popular folk figure in the United States; so is Paul Bunyan.
C Pecos Bill is a popular folk figure in the United States and so is Paul Bunyan.
D Pecos Bill is a popular folk figure in the United States; and so is Paul Bunyan.
A
The legend of Blackbeard is well known. Blackbeard was not well liked.
A
B
C
D
The legend of Blackbeard is well known and Blackbeard was not well liked.
The legend of Blackbeard is well known; but Blackbeard was not well liked.
The legend of Blackbeard is well known but Blackbeard was not well liked.
While the legend of Blackbeard is well known, Blackbeard was not well liked.
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UNIT 7 MINI-TEST
Directions Read the question and all the possible responses before selecting the
best response.
1
Which type of graphic organizer would be best for comparing and contrasting two
things?
A
B
C
D
2
Which of the following would be the main purpose of an editorial calling for
increased funding for education?
F
G
H
J
3
to persuade
to inform
to describe
to explain
Which of the following would be the main purpose of a children’s book about the
Civil War?
A
B
C
D
4
timeline
cluster chart
story map
Venn diagram
to persuade
to inform
to describe
to explain
Which of the following would be the target audience of a science journal article
about a new discovery in brain research?
F
G
H
J
children
scientists
laypeople
lawmakers
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5
Which of the following would be the target audience of a college entrance essay?
A
B
C
D
6
parents
professors
lawmakers
peers in school
Read the following paragraph and identify the irrelevant sentence.
Alligators are members of an ancient family of saurians: they are relatives of the
dinosaurs. There were both herbivore and carnivore dinosaurs. However, when
dinosaurs became extinct, the alligators survived—proving their great ability to adapt
to changes in the environment. Recently, though, alligators have struggled to survive.
Alligators are not an endangered species, but they are now legally protected.
Alligators are members of an ancient family of saurians: they are relatives of the
dinosaurs.
G There were both herbivore and carnivore dinosaurs.
H However, when dinosaurs became extinct, the alligators survived—proving their
great ability to adapt to changes in the environment.
J Alligators are not an endangered species, but they are legally protected.
F
7
Read the following sentence. Choose the answer that is the best supporting sentence.
Horseback riding is a healthy activity for several reasons.
A
B
C
D
Horses can be found around the world.
Horseback riding can be dangerous.
Horseback riding teaches good balance and posture.
Young male horses are called colts; young females are known as fillies.
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8
Which of the following words is the best replacement for the underlined word in
this sentence?
After seeing the horrible mess in the living room, my mother was mad.
F
G
H
J
9
fuming
sulky
sad
irritable
Which of the following is the best replacement for the underlined words in
this sentence?
In no hurry to get there, Jack walked slowly to the grocery store.
A
B
C
D
10
strolled
hiked
marched
strutted
Which of the following answers is the best way to combine these two sentences?
Virginia Hamilton wrote “The People Could Fly.” The folktale is about the powerful
spirits of black slaves in the South.
Virginia Hamilton wrote “The People Could Fly”; a folktale about the powerful
spirits of black slaves in the South.
G Virginia Hamilton wrote “The People Could Fly,” it is a folktale about the
powerful spirits of black slaves in the South.
H Virginia Hamilton wrote “The People Could Fly,” a folktale about the powerful
spirits of black slaves in the South.
J “The People Could Fly,” a folktale about the powerful spirits of black slaves in
the South, Virginia Hamilton wrote it.
F
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UNIT 8: STORIES TO TELL—FICTION
Answering Questions about Grammar and Conventions
Parts of Speech
The main parts of speech are nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, interjections, and
conjunctions.
nouns
When working with nouns, it is important to remember the following rules.
Common nouns do not have capital letters. Proper nouns should begin with a capital letter.
The generic use of titles, place names, etc., doesn’t require capitalization. But if used as the
proper name or in conjunction with the proper name, the same words are usually
capitalized.
Common nouns
Proper nouns
the president
President Lincoln
the captain
Captain Smith
freshman
Native American
eastern
Middle East
country
Washington State
peninsula
Mississippi River
monument
Statue of Liberty
traffic court
Supreme Court
thirteenth century
Middle Ages
horse race
Kentucky Derby
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Most nouns are made plural by adding an –s or –es. Nouns ending in s, x, z, ch, or sh need
–es. For some nouns (but not all) that end in f or fe, you need to change the f to a v and also
need –es. Nouns ending with a consonant + o also generally need –es. With nouns that end
in a consonant + y, you need to change the y to an i. Some nouns have irregular plurals—
you will have to keep track of these irregular nouns.
add –s
add –es
change y to i
irregular
pencils
bosses
cities
teeth
cameras
foxes
fillies
feet
shoes
ditches
countries
women
candles
waltzes
daisies
children
radios
tomatoes
babies
geese
beliefs
thieves
allies
oxen
Mondays
shelves
paddies
sheep
Most nouns are made possessive by adding ’s. To make a plural noun that ends in –s possessive,
you simply add the apostrophe.
add ’s
add ’
everyone’s lunches
three students’ sandwiches
the horse’s hay
all the animals’ vaccinations
a moment’s notice
the passengers’ tickets
Wednesday’s schedule
the girls’ locker room
the book’s ending
the customers’ meals
the children’s toys
the buyers’ offer
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TIP
Personal pronouns don’t have apostrophes.
These socks are yours, not mine.
Is the dog hers or theirs?
Don’t use apostrophes to form a plural.
The concertgoers had their tickets.
but
The usher took the concertgoers’ tickets.
˛ Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
We climbed the Mountain with the help of our assistant’s.
The Pearl was worth a lot of money.
Does this newspaper belong to you, or is it their’s?
The Elmore Bank’s new vault was no match for Jimmy Valentine.
verbs
When working with verbs, it is important to remember the following rules.
•
Most verbs are regular and have the following main forms, in which –d or –ed are
added.
present
past
past participle
wonder
wondered
(have) wondered
change
changed
(have) changed
smile
smiled
(have) smiled
cook
cooked
(have) cooked
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•
Some verbs have irregular forms. The chart below shows a few irregular verbs. If
you aren’t sure whether a verb has an irregular form or not, read the phrase
containing it aloud. Your ear will tell you if it is correct.
present
past
past participle
is
was
(have) been
find
found
(have) found
go
went
(have) gone
swim
swam
(have) swum
write
wrote
(have) written
begin
began
(have) begun
come
came
(have) come
grow
grew
(have) grown
•
The past perfect tense uses the past participle, like shown in the charts above,
with had: had called; had gone; had forgotten; had eaten. Use the past perfect
tense when a sentence expresses two actions that happened at different times.
Wrong
I remembered that I put the book on my desk.
Right
I remembered that I had put the book on my desk.
Wrong
Suddenly she realized that she flew in this airplane once
before.
Right
Suddenly she realized that she had flown in this airplane once
before.
Wrong
If he would have worked harder, he would have made the
honor roll.
Right
If he had worked harder, he would have made the honor roll.
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•
Use the past participle with having in phrases linked to past actions.
Wrong
Being stubborn, Sydney refused to answer the phone.
Right
Having been stubborn, Sydney refused to answer the phone.
Wrong
Completing his dinner, Lou got up to do the dishes.
Right
Having completed his dinner, Lou got up to do the dishes.
•
Use active verbs in place of passive verbs whenever possible.
Passive
The dinner was enjoyed by everyone.
Active
Everyone enjoyed the dinner.
Passive
The wood was chopped and the chores were finished by Jerry.
Active
Jerry chopped the wood and finished the chores.
˛ Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
O. Henry has wrote many stories.
Kino, taking extra care, hid the pearl before going to sleep.
Jimmy’s shoe business grew extraordinarily.
The story begun with Jimmy getting out of jail.
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adjectives and adverbs
Adjectives modify nouns. Adverbs modify verbs and sometimes adjectives or other
adverbs. If you aren’t sure which to use, look to see if you are trying to describe the person,
place, or thing or the action. If the verb is a linking verb instead of an action verb, the word
following it is an adjective because it refers to the noun.
Adjective
Evangeline planned her wedding quickly. (The word quickly
modifies planned.)
Adverb
Evangeline planned a quick wedding. (The word quick modifies
wedding.)
Adjective
My sister Lou looks beautiful today. (The word beautiful
modifies Lou. The verb looks is a linking verb in this sentence)
Adverb
My sister Lou carefully looks over every essay question before
beginning. (The word carefully modifies looks. In this sentence,
looks is an action verb.)
The words good and well cause confusion for many people. Good is always an adjective. Well
can be used as an adjective or as an adverb.
Good always modifies a noun.
Martin is a good boy.
The lady had a good visit with Jerry.
The food at the diner was good.
As an adjective, well means “in good health or in satisfactory condition.”
Jimmy didn’t feel well.
They knew that all was not well in that house.
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As an adverb, well means “satisfactorily or sufficiently.”
They cleaned the house well.
He spoke well.
˛ Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
The boy folded newspapers very good.
Jimmy was always very carefully when cracking a safe.
Jerry was an industrious worker.
The mural was painted very slow.
interjections and conjunctions
An interjection is a word that expresses emotion. It may be followed by an exclamation
point or may begin a sentence. If it begins a sentence, it is followed by a comma.
Oh! I didn’t know you were in here.
Aha, I found you!
Hurray! We scored a goal!
Ouch! I stubbed my toe.
A conjunction is a word that joins words or phrases. Common conjunctions include and,
but, so, when, after, because, if, although, until, and while.
Skeletons and snake bones were in that closet.
Evangeline called, but no one was home to answer the phone.
Has anyone seen Kino or Juana?
I will go to the cabin if you will go.
Mom got mad when I was gone too late.
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A coordinating conjunction is one that connects two words or phrases used the same way.
Coordinating conjunctions include and, but, or, and so.
Arnold Adoff writes poems about everyday places and everyday things. (connects two
nouns)
Lou, would you like to walk or bike? (connects two verbs)
I wrote a letter to Evangeline, but she didn’t write one to me. (connects two independent
clauses)
The painter lady made lines down the wall and from one side to the other. (connects
two prepositional phrases)
Correlative conjunctions are pairs of conjunctions that connect words or phrases used the
same way. Correlative conjunctions include both/and; neither/nor; whether/or; either/or; and
not only/but also.
Both the writer and Jerry loved the Carolina mountains.
Mrs. Morris hoped that neither Frieda nor Hattie would get in trouble.
Do you know whether Side Pocket is coming or not?
I would like either pizza or spaghetti for dinner.
Mrs. Morris made not only ham, but also collard greens and candied yams.
It is important to choose the correct conjunction(s) based on the intended meaning of the
sentence. The correct conjunction helps make the meaning of the sentence clear.
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Unclear
We offered to help mama in the diner, and she didn’t want us
to do it.
Clear
We offered to help mama in the diner, but she didn’t want us
to do it.
Unclear
Mind your curfew and your father will be mad.
Clear
Mind your curfew or your father will be mad.
Unclear
Because he was hesitant, Lou dared to talk to the painter.
Clear
Although he was hesitant, Lou dared to talk to the painter.
Unclear
I will apologize to my sister while she apologizes to me.
Clear
I will apologize to my sister after she apologizes to me.
˛ Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
The boy didn’t know that Evangeline didn’t want no newspapers.
Coyotito would have grew big by now.
The painter lady is very well at making murals.
Kino and Juana were crushed after everything that happened.
Formatting
Formatting in writing includes knowing when to use the following ways of setting off titles
and other special words: underlining/italics, quotation marks, capital letters, and boldface.
In most writing, boldface type is not used. Capital letters should only be used in proper
names and official titles and not to lend a sense of importance to a word. Words in all
capital letters should always be avoided.
Quotation marks are used for titles of smaller works, such as short stories, poems, songs,
articles, and episodes of television or radio programs.
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Underlining and italics can be used in the same way. Titles that are underlined or in italics
include full-length books, long musical compositions, films, plays, television and radio
programs, and paintings and other works of art.
If you liked “The War of the Wall,” you might want to read the author’s novel The
Salt Eaters.
The painting Pareja Indigena is by Diego Rivera.
The book From One Experience to Another is a collection of stories by different
authors.
˛ Select the sentence with correctly formatted titles.
A
B
C
D
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings won a Pulitzer Prize for her novel The Yearling.
John Steinbeck’s nonfiction works include the book “Sea of Cortez.”
Lou likes television programs like Hip Hip Revolution.
Evangeline read the newspaper “Parkville Times” every day.
Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement
Pronouns are words like I, you, he, she, it, we, they; my, your, his, her, its, our, their; mine,
yours, hers, ours, theirs. When a pronoun is used in a sentence, it has to refer to an
antecedent—a noun in the context that allows the reader to identify the pronoun.
Unclear
Lou told the painter lady that she should go home now. (Does
she think she herself should go home or that the painter lady should
go home?)
Clear
Lou told the painter lady that the painter lady should go
home now.
Unclear
As soon as Evangeline and the boy threw the newspapers over
the bridge, Father went to get them. (Did Father go get the
newspapers or Evangeline and the boy?)
Clear
Father went to get the newspapers as soon as Evangeline and
the boy threw them over the bridge.
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Unclear
I read some poems by Arnold Adoff; it was really good. (What
was good?)
Clear
I read the poems by Arnold Adoff; they were really good.
Unclear
When you fly to places like London or Rotterdam, they serve
meals on the plane. (Who are they?)
Clear
When you fly to places like London or Rotterdam, flight
attendants serve meals on the plane.
˛ Select the sentence in which pronouns and antecedents are used correctly.
When Kino spoke to his son, he looked very solemn.
Kino honors his ancestors’ ways but doesn’t think people nowadays can follow
them.
C At the end of the story, it implies that Coyotito died.
D Special locks on the vaults in some banks can make them safer.
A
B
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UNIT 8 MINI-TEST
Directions Read the question and all the possible responses before selecting the
best response.
1
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
2
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
F
G
H
J
3
Mrs. Morris sometimes bakes for mamas’ diner.
Evangeline’s brother told the boy about the problem.
Those newspapers are your’s.
Annabel wondered about the mens’ plans.
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
4
I like potatos more than rice.
Mrs. Morris got a set of knifes for her birthday.
He is suffering from several health maladys.
Mike and Jimmy discussed their salaries.
The writer remembered that she had left Jerry’s money in the cabin.
The writer remembered that she left Jerry’s money in the cabin.
Being forgetful, the writer didn’t remember leaving Jerry’s money in the cabin.
The writer didn’t remember being forgetful leaving Jerry’s money in the cabin.
Read this sentence. Select the best way to rewrite it.
The mural was thoroughly enjoyed by all the people on Taliaferro Street.
F
G
H
J
The mural was enjoyed on Taliaferro Street by all the people.
The mural was enjoyed by all the people on Taliaferro Street thoroughly.
All the people on Taliaferro Street thoroughly enjoyed the mural.
All the people on Taliaferro Street were thoroughly enjoying the mural.
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5
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
6
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
F
G
H
J
7
Last spring, we went on a road trip to Arizona to see the Grand canyon.
Last spring, we went on a road trip to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon.
Last Spring, we went on a road trip to arizona to see the Grand canyon.
Last Spring, we went on a road trip to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon.
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
8
Jimmy Valentine got the girl out of the vault quick.
Jimmy Valentine got the girl out of the vault quickly.
Jimmy Valentine got the girl out of the vault quicker.
Jimmy Valentine got the girl out of the vault quickest.
Of everyone who met at the diner, Side Pocket got there most quickly.
Of everyone who met at the diner, Side Pocket got there most fastest.
Of everyone who met at the diner, Side Pocket got there more quickly.
Of everyone who met at the diner, Side Pocket got there quickly.
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
The story The War of the Wall is from the book Deep Sightings and Rescue
Missions.
G The story “The War of the Wall” is from the book “Deep Sightings and Rescue
Missions.”
H The story The War of the Wall is from the book Deep Sightings and Rescue
Missions.
J The story “The War of the Wall” is from the book Deep Sightings and Rescue
Missions.
F
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9
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A
B
C
D
10
My friends wanted to really win the game.
We would like to soon go on vacation.
Lou and I want the painter lady to once and for all take us seriously.
He doesn’t like to chop wood every single day.
Select the sentence that is written correctly.
F
G
H
J
When we went to the movie theater, they said that the movie was sold out.
After she finished her homework, she got a call from her mother.
The boys made the sandwiches, and Mr. Morris took them to the park.
Gina met his parents today; he was really nice.
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ANSWERS
2 dialogue between the character and other
characters
Unit 1: Working Toward Your Dreams
Answering Questions about Content
˛ Read, or reread, the story “Born Worker” by Gary
Soto, which begins on page 36 of your textbook.
Which of the following is the climax of the story?
C when José rescued Mr. Clemens from a fall into
the pool
page 15: “If you feel you’re losing control, walk
out of the classroom. I’ve told your teachers it’s
all right for you to do that.”
page 17: “Hey, you’re asleep half the time. And
the other half, you’re so angry you don’t know
what’s happenin’.”
page 23: “Yeah, I feel that way, too…sometimes.”
3 showing what other characters think and say
about him or her
˛ In the story “Born Worker,” which of the
following is a possible theme?
A integrity, or moral strength, involves honesty
and a strong work ethic
page 14: Moon’s father, annoyed by his son’s
brusque interruption of the conversation…
˛ Read, or reread, the reading “The Story of Iqbal
Masih” on pages 29-32 of your textbook. Which of
the following genres best describes the reading?
C biography
page 16: She now gazed sadly at her youngest
son, so different from the ambitious older
ones…
˛ Read, or reread, a portion of Chaim Potok’s story
“Moon,” which begins on page 14 of your
textbook. Look for the pronouns the narrator uses.
Does the narrator know about the thoughts and
feelings of more than one character? Which best
describes the point of view used by Potok?
D third-person omniscient point of view
˛ Chaim Potok uses each of the following methods
of characterization in “Moon.” Find an example of
each in the story. On the line, write the page
number and first sentence of each example.
Possible answers are given.
1 describing his or her physical characteristics
page 14: Moon Vinten, recently turned thirteen,
was short for his age and too bony, too thin…
page 14: “He’s only thirteen years old, for God’s
sake.”
4 describing what the character does or thinks
page 15: He took the carpeted stairs two at a
time to the second floor, and as he threw open
the door to his room, the anger erupted…
page 16: His mother’s frequent moralizing was
definitely on the list of things that made Moon
angry.
page 17: Another item on the list of things that
angered him…
page 17: Feeling an outrage at his very center,
Moon began counting…
page 18: He was especially angry that
morning…
page 15: Even excited or angered, his face
retained its pallid look…
page 18: She was a fat, ugly woman, with thick
glasses and a voice like ice water…
page 22: Dark, glittering pupils inside
enormous, curious, eager eyes.
page 24: His eyes were like glowing coals. Sweat
streamed down his brown face.
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˛ In the story “Born Worker,” José does all the work
and helps Mr. Clemens, while Arnie gets the
credit. This is an example of which of the
following?
D irony
˛ Which of the following best describes the author’s
purpose in “The Story of Iqbal Masih,” which
begins on page 29 of your textbook?
B to inform the reader about the life and death of
Iqbal
Unit 1 Mini-Test
7 Which of the following best describes the author’s
purpose?
C to inform the reader about the bus boycott
Unit 2: Family Ties
Answering Questions about Grammar and
Conventions
˛ Which sentence uses commas correctly?
C However, Puerto Ricans currently do not vote
in U.S. presidential elections.
1 The first paragraph of the selection is which part
of the plot?
A exposition
˛ Select the sentence in which the subject and verb
agree.
A Family traditions such as celebrating a special
holiday are important to most people.
2 Which answer best describes the theme of the
selection?
H the perseverance of black people during the
boycott made a difference in American history
˛ Select the sentence in which the correct pronoun is
used.
B My abuelo looked forward to the days when my
mom and I would visit.
3 Which answer best describes the genre of the
selection?
A essay
˛ Select the sentence that is written without a double
negative.
C Mama never talks meanly about anybody.
4 Which best describes the point of view of the
narrator of the selection?
G third-person limited (students may recognize that
the author didn’t really know the thoughts of Dr.
King and Rosa Parks)
˛ Select the sentence that uses the correct adjective
form.
D Hope was Here is the best book I’ve read all year.
or
J third-person omniscient (students may say that
the author uses words like questioned and thought
when talking about Dr. King and Rosa Parks)
5 Which answer best indicates how the author
characterizes Dr. King?
D describing what the character does, says, or
thinks
6 The last sentence of the third paragraph, “For over
a year, Mr. Henry wondered if his actions would
make any difference as he walked back and forth to
work,” is an example of which of the following?
H irony
˛ Select the sentence that is written correctly.
C We were wondering where you keep the worms.
˛ Select the sentence that is written correctly.
C It is important to learn as much as you can
about your family’s traditions and histories.
˛ Select the sentence that is not a run-on sentence.
C My grandmothers come from very different
backgrounds, but they both love me very much.
Unit 2 Mini-Test
1 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
C Her cousins went to Florida, Louisiana, and
Mississippi.
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2 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
J When were Grandma and Grandpa coming
over?
˛ Which of these is an effect?
C you can travel safely in a car across a long, large
bridge
3 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A I don’t know if I’ll ever see my sister again.
˛ Based on the passage, which of the following is a
logical inference?
D Without help from Native peoples, the
expedition would have been much more
difficult.
4 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
G Aunt Hilda listened to Vern and me play the
piano.
5 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
D Speeding crazily down the road, Willy’s parents
took him to school.
6 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
J The grits that Mama made this morning were
delicious.
7 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A The ancestors about whom my grandmother
spoke were from India.
8 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
H The woman was wearing a pink jogging suit
while pushing a wheelchair.
9 Select the best way to rewrite this sentence.
C Hal came over to visit us, but we had gone out
to dinner.
10 Select the best way to rewrite this sentence.
F My family is huge. I have four brothers and four
sisters.
Unit 3: Going Down the Road
Answering Questions about Meaning
˛ Read the passage and choose the question that is
most valid to ask yourself.
B What part of the journey is this?
˛ Read the following passage and decide which title
best fits.
D The History of Auto Travel in the United States
˛ Which of these is a cause?
D civil engineers used math to figure out how
many tons of moving weight a bridge can hold
˛ Based on the passage, which of the following is a
logical prediction?
A Lewis and Clark’s expedition will conclude
without too many problems.
˛ Read Chapter 14 from Blue Highways by William
Least Heat Moon, on pages 138-140 of your
textbook. In which time period does this story take
place?
C 1980s
Unit 3 Mini-Test
Read “The Corps of Discovery: They Had Some Help”
on pages 132-134 of your textbook. Then answer
questions 1-4.
1 Which of the following would be the best
alternative title for the reading?
B Unsung Heroes of the Lewis and Clark
Expedition
2 What cause and effect relationship can be found in
this reading?
G Because of the help of Native Americans, the
Corps of Discovery was successful.
3 Which of the following is the best inference you
could make from this passage?
A The winter went by relatively uneventfully.
4 Which of the following is the best prediction you
could make from this sentence?
J The journey east would be fairly difficult, but
Lewis and Clark would get help from Indians.
5 Which of the following would be the best possible
title for this chapter?
C Madison Wheeler
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6 Which of the following is the best prediction you
can make after reading this chapter?
F Least Heat Moon will continue to Nameless.
7 Which of the following is the best inference you
could make from this conversation?
D It will be difficult to find Nameless.
8 What cause and effect relationship can be found in
this chapter?
G Madison Wheeler quit farming because he hurt
his back.
9 Which of the following is the most appropriate
question to think about at the end of this chapter?
A What did the author learn from his conversation
with Madison Wheeler?
10 Which of the following passages from the chapter
reveals the most about the culture and character of
Madison Wheeler?
J A man ought to honor other people, but he’s got
to honor what he believes in too.
˛ Which propaganda technique is used in this ad?
A glittering generalities (students may say that the
sign appeals to a general sense of fame)
or
C transfer (students may say that the sign transfers the
idea of serving in the military to the completely
different idea of fame)
˛ You are researching a conflict in the Middle East.
Which of the following sources of information
would be the best?
C Middle East Times web site
˛ Read “The Community of the Peace People” on
page 229 of your textbook. This text is an example
of which mode of writing?
B narrative
˛ Which of the underlined words is spelled
correctly?
D Paul was a fanatic about his political beliefs.
Unit 4 Mini-Test
Unit 4: Understanding Conflict
Answering Questions about Techniques
and Skills
1 On which pages can you find information about
adverbs?
D 409, 922, 939, 942
˛ Which chapter would you consult to find out
about the Civil War (1861-1865)?
C chapter V
2 Which unit in the textbook contains the most
poems and information about poetry?
H Unit 9
˛ Which of the following keyword combinations
would you use to look for information about
conflicts that have taken place in North America?
C war; history; “North America”
3 Use page 191 of the textbook to determine the
meaning of resolute.
A having or showing a fixed, firm purpose
˛ If you were reading a book about Nelson Mandela,
where would you look to find out about a speech
he once gave?
D an endnote citing the book Nelson Mandela
Speaks: Speeches, Statements, and Articles
˛ Which of the following techniques is used in the
sentence?
C simile
4 Use page 225 of the textbook to determine the
meaning of turret.
J armored, usually revolving, structure on the top
of tanks and armored cars used to hold a gun or
guns
5 The story “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty, on
pages 224-228, is an example of which mode of
writing?
B narrative
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6 This sentence includes which of the following
literary techniques?
G simile
7 This sentence includes which of the following
literary techniques?
C repetition
8 Look at the map of Israel on page 222. Which of
these cities is closest to the largest body of water
bordering Israel?
J Tel Aviv-Jaffa
9 Which source would give you the most reliable upto-date information about conflict in Israel and the
occupied territories?
B a teacher who just came back from Israel
10 Which of the underlined words is spelled
correctly?
F My family’s sense of solidarity helps us get
through rough times.
Unit 5: Open a Book, Open a World
Answering Questions about Vocabulary
Unit 5 Mini-Test
1 Through facial expressions, the actor tried to
convey sorrow.
C communicate
2 Do you believe dreams reveal people’s
subconscious desires?
F without full awareness
3 Nora’s voice was resolute as she demanded her
money back.
B determined
4 The ferocity of the guard dog scared the guests as
well as potential criminals.
J fierceness
5 Being called by the wrong name again and again
would exasperate anyone.
B irritate
6 Tedium is to ______ is as depression is to sadness.
H boredom
7 Intact is to ______ as stationary is to still.
A undamaged
˛ What is the meaning of rarity?
D something unusual or infrequent
8 Transform is to ______ as build is to construct.
J change
˛ Use your knowledge about word parts and
relationships among words that share word parts to
match the following words with their meanings.
1 compressed
D made more compact
9 Abrupt is to ______ as unhurried is to slow.
C sudden
2 imperceptible
C barely noticeable
3 illumination
E brightness
4 rehabilitation
A process of restoring to
original state
5 subsequent
B next in order
˛ Inevitable is to ________ as impossible is to doable.
A certain
10 Articulate is to ______ as athletic is to able-bodied.
J well-spoken
Unit 6: Far Horizons
Answering Questions about Organization
˛ In the chart above, add a few more transitional
words and phrases for each method of
organization.
Possible additional words and phrases are given.
Transitional words/phrases
next to, beside, above, below, around, beyond,
under, parallel to, over, between, among, on top of
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likewise, similarly, in contrast, another difference,
comparatively, furthermore, moreover, also, too,
unlike
one cause, another effect, as a result, consequently,
therefore, because of, thus
˛ Which organization plan for ordering paragraphs
would work best for laying out the setting for a
screenplay (the script for a movie)?
B spatial
˛ Develop a thesis statement for a paper you might
write on each of the following topics.
Answers will vary.
˛ Which of the following would be the best
alternative title for the story?
D Jim Irwin’s Narrow Escape
˛ Determine which example of supporting
information would best back up the following main
ideas:
A a chart showing how many people in the United
States have no health insurance
5 Which paragraph order is best for this passage?
D 1, 2, 3
6 Which of the following is the best thesis statement
for this passage?
G Advertisements often encourage people to buy
weight-loss products.
7 Which of the following series of transition words
would best enhance the flow of this paragraph?
C first, second, finally
Unit 7: Folklore of the Americas
Answering Questions about the Writing
Process
˛ Which type of graphic organizer would you use for
each of the following tasks?
Possible answers are given.
• Comparing and contrasting two literary works:
Venn diagram
• Recounting the history of a country: timeline
D A list of fun things to do in Alaska
• Organizing a story idea of your own: plot chart
Unit 6 Mini-Test
1 Read the following sentences. Then decide which
answer shows the best way to combine the two
sentences.
A After people ate swoodies and gained weight,
they used slimmers to lose weight.
2 Read the following sentences. Then decide which
answer shows the best way to combine the two
sentences.
J Because it appeals to people’s imaginations and
ideas about the future, science fiction is a
popular literary genre.
3 Which is the best title for the passage?
B Advertising: Propaganda that Appeals to
People’s Desires to Be Thin
4 Which of the following examples of supporting
information best backs up the passage?
G An illustration of an advertisement designed to
get people to buy a weight-loss product
˛ Determine an author’s purpose(s) for writing each
of the following works:
Possible answers are given.
• movie and/or book review: persuade and inform
• restaurant menu: describe
• statement of belief: explain
˛ Determine a possible audience for each of these
documents:
Possible answers are given.
• newspaper review of an opera: fans of the arts
• technical paper about advances made in
thermoplastics: engineers
• recipe for “easy confetti cookies”: parents of
young children
• editorial about politics in Washington, D.C.:
general public
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Name________________________________________ Class_____________________ Date ____________________
˛ Which of these sentences from the passage is
irrelevant and could be omitted?
C 3
˛ Which of the following sentences best supports the
topic sentence?
A At one point, he had four ships and 400 pirates
under his control.
˛ Which of the following sentences makes the best
use of vivid, colorful language?
C What Pecos Bill planned to do was leap from
his horse and grab the cyclone by the neck.
˛ Choose the best way to combine the two sentences
shown in each set.
B Pecos Bill is a popular folk figure in the United
States; so is Paul Bunyan.
D While the legend of Blackbeard is well known,
Blackbeard was not well liked.
7 Read the following sentence. Choose the answer
that is the best supporting sentence.
C Horseback riding teaches good balance and
posture.
8 Which of the following words is the best
replacement for the underlined word in this
sentence?
F fuming
9 Which of the following is the best replacement for
the underlined words in this sentence?
A strolled
10 Which of the following answers is the best way to
combine these two sentences?
Virginia Hamilton wrote “The People Could Fly.”
The folktale is about the powerful spirits of black
slaves in the South.
H Virginia Hamilton wrote “The People Could
Fly,” a folktale about the powerful spirits of
black slaves in the South.
Unit 7 Mini-Test
1 Which type of graphic organizer would be best for
comparing and contrasting two things?
D Venn diagram
2 Which of the following would be the main purpose
of an editorial calling for increased funding for
education?
F to persuade
3 Which of the following would be the main purpose
of a children’s book about the Civil War?
B to inform
4 Which of the following would be the target
audience of a science journal article about a new
discovery in brain research?
G scientists
5 Which of the following would be the target
audience of a college entrance essay?
B professors
6 Read the following paragraph and identify the
irrelevant sentence.
G There were both herbivore and carnivore
dinosaurs.
Unit 8: Stories to Tell—Fiction
Answering Questions about Grammar and
Conventions
˛ Select the sentence that is written correctly.
D The Elmore Bank’s new vault was no match for
Jimmy Valentine.
˛ Select the sentence that is written correctly.
C Jimmy’s shoe business grew extraordinarily.
˛ Select the sentence that is written correctly.
C Jerry was an industrious worker.
˛ Select the sentence that is written correctly.
D Kino and Juana were crushed after everything
that happened.
˛ Select the sentence with correctly formatted titles.
A Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings won a Pulitzer Prize
for her novel The Yearling.
Language Arts Test Practice Page 89
© EMC
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G AT E WAY P R A C T I C E
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10/3/05
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Name________________________________________ Class_____________________ Date ____________________
˛ Select the sentence in which pronouns and
antecedents are used correctly.
C Kino honors his ancestors’ ways but doesn’t
think people nowadays can follow them.
Unit 8 Mini-Test
1 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
D Mike and Jimmy discussed their salaries.
2 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
G Evangeline’s brother told the boy about the
problem.
3 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A The writer remembered that she had left Jerry’s
money in the cabin.
4 Read this sentence. Select the best way to rewrite
it.
H All the people on Taliaferro Street thoroughly
enjoyed the mural.
5 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
B Jimmy Valentine got the girl out of the vault
quickly.
6 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
G Last spring, we went on a road trip to Arizona
to see the Grand Canyon.
7 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
A Of everyone who met at the diner, Side Pocket
got there most quickly.
8 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
J The story “The War of the Wall” is from the
book Deep Sightings and Rescue Missions.
9 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
D He doesn’t like to chop wood every single day.
10 Select the sentence that is written correctly.
G After she finished her homework, she got a call
from her mother.
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