Download ISTEP Final Exam

ISTEP English
Final Exam
Fall 2007
Vocabulary: Standard 12.1
Choose the letter of the word or phrase that is closest in meaning to the underlined word.
Context Clues
1.Both sides in the election contest are throwing accusations at each other. The Gore
supporters claim that Governor Bush is trying to thwart the will of the people. The Bush
supporters say that Mr. Gore is trying to create votes or assign choices to people who did
not really cast votes for president.
What does “thwart” mean?
a. help
b. figure out
c. block
d. tickle
2. There is a legal battle raging and the judges are concerned that time is running out.
Lawyers are being asked to expedite the matter by getting their paperwork in early.
What does “expedite” mean?
a. quicken
b. agree on
c. sue
d. discuss
3. The Florida legislature believes that it has the power to choose the winner of the
election if the courts haven’t finished their work by December 12. Both houses are
controlled by Republicans and they would surely resolve the matter in Bush’s favor.
What does “resolve” mean?
a. cancel
b. consider
c. debate
d. settle
4. The election could actually end up being decided in the U.S. Congress. Al Gore’s vice
presidential running mate, Joe Lieberman, and perhaps Mr. Gore himself, would be able
to vote on the matter. Some would argue that they should recuse themselves, but they
would probably exercise their right to vote.
What does “recuse” mean?
a. step aside and not be involved
b. admit that you are wrong
c. leave the country
d. insist on being heard
5. Kim was a very good substitute teacher. She liked working with third and fourth
graders most of all. She especially liked discussing important current events issues with
the kids. She had expected them to be indifferent to such grown-up topics as taxes and
social security. She was pleasantly surprised to discover that they were really interested
in those issues and wanted to learn more about them.
a. similar
b. very unusual
c. not caring
d. gross
6. Mr. Burke stood before his employees. They had never seen him in such a serious
mood. “I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that your future with this company depends
on how hard you work,” he stated firmly.
a. a girl again
b. honest and trustworthy
c. important
d. not responsible
7. “I am going to rescind the permission I gave you to use my toys!” T. J. announced
angrily. “I thought you would take good care of them, but I was wrong!”
a. repeat
b. celebrate
c. continue
d. cancel
8. I am working very hard for the same candidate that you support. You are doing it for
pay. I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing it out of conviction.
a. being found guilty
b. strong belief
c. anger
d. a desire to eat prunes
9. Kim was a very good substitute teacher. She liked working with third and fourth
graders most of all. She especially liked discussing important current events issues with
the kids. She had expected them to be indifferent to such grown-up topics as taxes and
social security. She was pleasantly surprised to discover that they were really interested
in those issues and wanted to learn more about them.
a. similar
b. very unusual
c. not caring
d. gross
10. Mr. Burke stood before his employees. They had never seen him in such a serious
mood. “I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that your future with this company depends
on how hard you work,” he stated firmly.
a. a girl again
b. honest and trustworthy
c. important
d. not responsible
11. “I am going to rescind the permission I gave you to use my toys!” T. J. announced
angrily. “I thought you would take good care of them, but I was wrong!”
a. repeat
b. celebrate
c. continue
d. cancel
12. I am working very hard for the same candidate that you support. You are doing it for
pay. I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing it out of conviction.
a. being found guilty
b. strong belief
c. anger
d. a desire to eat prunes
13. Ashlee was not happy with her friend Samantha. “I’ve been waiting here for an
hour!” she growled into her cell phone. “You’d better hie yourself over here,” she
continued, “or we’ll leave without you.
a. hurry, or hasten
b. stroll, or walk slowly
c. float above the trees
d. greet in an unfriendly manner
14. When Beth and Donna were fighting over a boy who didn’t like either one of them,
Shana stepped in as a mediator. She sat them both in a corner and kept them talking to
each other. Finally, Shana’s efforts resulted in her two friends making up.
a. troublemaker
b. peacemaker
c. witness
d. competitor
15. No one suspected that Jerry was a spy. On the surface he behaved like any normal
citizen. When his covert activity was discovered and announced to the world, we were all
shocked.
a. friendly
b. helpful
c. loud
d. hidden
16. The workers stood in front of the factory and wondered what to do next. The doors
were locked and the windows were boarded up. They doubted that they would even
collect their final pay checks now that the company was insolvent.
a. broke, or out of money
b. hiring new workers
c. changing a name
d. making too much money
17. Your uncle wouldn’t even part with a dime to help the kids pay for their trip. That’s
just one more example of his penurious ways. In contrast, many people who have much
less money have donated a great deal to the cause.
What does “penurious” mean?
a. very old
b. very wealthy
c. very humorous
d. very stingy
18. There is a very interesting article about solar storms in the February 14, 2000 issue of
Time magazine. It tells about how these disturbances not only affect spacecraft, but can
also disrupt terrestrial life. For example, they have even caused automatic garage doors
to open in one town.
What does “terrestrial” mean?
a. of or on the planet Earth
b. protective of automotive equipment
c. solar
d. in or near a pond
19. “Michelle, I’m very upset about what you said,” Rosie stated firmly. “You didn’t
come right out and accuse me of eating all your candy. On the other hand, your remarks
about my love of chocolate were made for a reason. You are insinuating that I’m the
candy thief!”
What does “insinuate” mean?
a. to keep something hot or cold
b. to suggest without clearly saying
c. to do something evil
d. to protect from disease
20. I think it would help our basketball team, if we allowed girls to play. I’ve seen how
Patty has a knack for making the tough shots when they’re needed most. She wants to
play on our team and we’d win more games with her help.
What does “knack” mean?
a. to throw or toss
b. a hard punch
c. a kind of sports bag
d. an ability
Fact or Opinion
For the following statements, tell me whether it is a Fact by marking A or
Opinion by marking a B.
21.The house was painted on November 18, 1999.
22.Today is Saturday.
23.My son had a temperature of one hundred and two degrees this morning.
24.The house was painted recently on November 18, 1999, so it looks as good
as new.
25.Today is Saturday and Mark always sleeps in on Saturdays, so that is why
he is late for the game.
26 There was no way for me to go to school because my son had a temperature
of one hundred and two degrees this morning.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31. Choose the correct sentence.
A) She said, "bees are not the only insects that sting."
B) She said, "Bees are not the only insects that sting."
32. Choose the correct sentence.
A) "You must understand," he pleaded, "That I need more time to pay you."
B) "You must understand," he pleaded, "that I need more time to pay you."
33. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Mark Paxton, the vice president of the company, embezzled over one million dollars.
B) Mark Paxton, the Vice President of the company, embezzled over one million dollars.
34. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The president of the United States wields much power.
B) The President of the United States wields much power.
35. Choose the correct sentence.
A) I live in the Northeastern part of the state where the climate is colder.
B) I live in the northeastern part of the state where the climate is colder.
Commas - Quiz 1
36. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.
A) I took Angie, the one with the freckles to the movie last night.
B) I took Angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie last night.
C) I took Angie the one with the freckles, to the movie last night.
D) I took Angie, the one with the freckles, to the movie, last night.
37. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.
A) You are I am sure, telling the truth.
B) You are, I am sure, telling the truth.
C) You are I am sure telling, the truth.
D) You are, I am sure telling the truth.
38. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.
A) She left Albany, New York on January 18 of that year.
B) She left Albany, New York on January 18, of that year.
C) She left Albany New York, on January 18 of that year.
D) She left, Albany New York, on January 18 of that year.
39. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.
A) I need, sugar, butter, and eggs from the grocery store.
B) I need sugar, butter, and eggs, from the grocery store.
C) I need sugar, butter and eggs, from the grocery store.
D) I need sugar, butter, and eggs from the grocery store.
40. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.
A) Although, you may be right I cannot take your word for it.
B) Although, you may be right, I cannot take your word for it.
C) Although you may be right I cannot take your word for it.
D) Although you may be right, I cannot take your word for it.
41. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.
A) We will grant you immunity, if you decide to cooperate with us.
B) We will grant you immunity, if you decide, to cooperate with us.
C) We will grant you immunity if you decide, to cooperate with us.
D) We will grant you immunity if you decide to cooperate with us.
42. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.
A) She finished her work, and then took a long lunch.
B) She finished her work, and then, took a long lunch.
C) She finished her work and then took a long lunch.
D) She finished her work and then, took a long lunch.
43. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.
A) Mae said "Why don't you come up and see me sometime?"
B) Mae said, "Why don't you come up and see me sometime?"
C) Mae said, "Why don't you come up, and see me sometime?"
D) Mae said, "Why, don't you come up, and see me sometime?"
44. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.
A) You said I could go didn't you?
B) You said I could go, didn't you?
C) You said I, could go didn't you?
D) You said, I could go, didn't you?
45. Choose the sentence with the correct comma placement.
A) He seems to be such a lonely quiet man, doesn't he?
B) He seems to be such a lonely, quiet man doesn't he?
C) He seems to be, such a lonely quiet man, doesn't he?
D) He seems to be such a lonely, quiet man, doesn't he?
Question Marks, Quotation Marks, Parentheses - Quiz 1
46. Choose the correct sentence.
A) He wanted to know when you will be here?
B) He wanted to know when you will be here.
47. Choose the correct sentence.
A) "Well," she said, "you certainly didn't waste any time."
B) "Well," she said, "you certainly didn't waste any time".
48. Choose the correct sentence.
A) "Is it almost over?" he asked?
B) "Is it almost over?" he asked.
49. Choose the correct sentence.
A) "I've had it up to here!", she screamed.
B) "I've had it up to here!" she screamed.
50. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The song asks, "Would you like to swing on a star?"
B) The song asks, "Would you like to swing on a star"?
Subject and Verb Agreement - Quiz 1
51. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly
identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold
and the verbs are underlined.
A) At the end of the story, they was living happily ever after.
B) At the end of the story, they were living happily ever after.
C) At the end of the story, they were living happily ever after.
D) At the end of the story, they was living happily ever after.
52. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly
identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold
and the verbs are underlined.
A) Al and Eli go to the beach to surf with their friends.
B) Al and Eli go to the beach to surf with their friends.
C) Al and Eli goes to the beach to surf with their friends.
D) Al and Eli goes to the beach to surf with their friends.
53. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly
identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold
and the verbs are underlined.
A) When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends has waxed their boards.
B) When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends has waxed their
boards.
C) When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends have waxed their boards.
D) When Al and Eli arrive, they find that their friends have waxed their
boards.
54. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly
identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold
and the verbs are underlined.
A) The group of children from that school has never seen the ocean.
B) The group of children from that school have never seen the ocean.
C) The group of children from that school has never seen the ocean.
D) The group of children from that school have never seen the ocean.
55. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly
identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold
and the verbs are underlined.
A) If our staff doesn't quit picking at each other, we will not meet our goals.
B) If our staff don't quit picking at each other, we will not meet our goals.
C) If our staff don't quit picking at each other, we will not meet our goals.
D) If our staff doesn't quit picking at each other, we will not meet our goals.
56. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly
identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold
and the verbs are underlined.
A) Either Gary or I am responsible for allocating the funds.
B) Either Gary or I are responsible for allocating the funds.
C) Either Gary or I am responsible for allocating the funds.
D) Either Gary or I are responsible for allocating the funds.
57. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly
identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold
and the verbs are underlined.
A) Neither she nor they were willing to predict the election results.
B) Neither she nor they was willing to predict the election results.
C) Neither she nor they was willing to predict the election results.
D) Neither she nor they were willing to predict the election results.
58. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly
identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold
and the verbs are underlined.
A) All of my goals is being met and surpassed already.
B) All of my goals are being met and surpassed already.
C) All of my goals are being met and surpassed already.
D) All of my goals is being met and surpassed already.
59. Choose the sentence in which the subjects and verbs have been correctly
identified and in which the subjects and verbs agree. The subjects are in bold
and the verbs are underlined.
A) None of this is your business.
B) None of this is your business.
C) None of this are your business.
D) None of this are your business.
Adjectives and Adverbs - Quiz 1
60. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Come quick or we will miss our bus.
B) Come quickly or we will miss our bus.
61. Choose the correct sentence.
A) You drive so slow that I am afraid someone will hit the car from behind.
B) You drive so slowly that I am afraid someone will hit the car from behind.
62. Choose the correct sentence.
A) I have never been more sure of anything in my life.
B) I have never been more surer of anything in my life.
63. Choose the correct sentence.
A) You did that somersault so well.
B) You did that somersault so good.
64. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Rochelle felt badly about forgetting Devlin's birthday.
B) Rochelle felt bad about forgetting Devlin's birthday.
65. Choose the correct sentence.
A) She reacted swift, which made him feel bad about insulting her.
B) She reacted swiftly, which made him feel badly about insulting her.
C) She reacted swiftly, which made him feel bad about insulting her.
D) She reacted swift, which made him feel badly about insulting her.
66. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The herbs in the salad tasted bitterly.
B) The herbs in the salad tasted bitter.
67. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Sharon fought bitter against her ex-husband for custody of their daughter.
B) Sharon fought bitterly against her ex-husband for custody of their daughter.
68. Choose the correct sentence.
A)
Ella was the best of the two sisters at gymnastics.
B)
Ella was the better of the two sisters at gymnastics.
Their vs. There vs. They're - Quiz 1
69. Choose the correct sentence.
A) According to an old legend, their is treasure buried on that island.
B) According to an old legend, there is treasure buried on that island.
C) According to an old legend, they're is treasure buried on that island.
70. Choose the correct sentence.
A) Juan and Pancho just called to let us know their coming for dinner.
B) Juan and Pancho just called to let us know there coming for dinner.
C) Juan and Pancho just called to let us know they're coming for dinner.
71. Choose the correct sentence.
A) There is a mouse in my closet!
B) Their is a mouse in my closet!
C) They're is a mouse in my closet!
72. Choose the correct sentence.
A) I can't wait to see the looks on there faces when I tell them the truth.
B) I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when I tell them the truth.
C) I can't wait to see the looks on they're faces when I tell them the truth.
73. Choose the correct sentence.
A) I wonder if their planning to go shopping with us.
B) I wonder if there planning to go shopping with us.
C) I wonder if they're planning to go shopping with us.
74. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The children went upstairs to play after clearing there plates at dinner.
B) The children went upstairs to play after clearing they're plates at dinner.
C) The children went upstairs to play after clearing their plates at dinner.
75. Choose the correct sentence.
A) It's they're decision, so I'll just stay out of it.
B) It's their decision, so I'll just stay out of it.
C) It's there decision, so I'll just stay out of it.
76. Choose the correct sentence.
A) I don't know what they're doing to cause all that noise, but it's giving me a
headache!
B) I don't know what there doing to cause all that noise, but it's giving me a
headache!
C) I don't know what their doing to cause all that noise, but it's giving me a
headache!
77. Choose the correct sentence.
A) The kids haven't called yet; I'm concerned about there being out so late at night.
B) The kids haven't called yet; I'm concerned about they're being out so late at
night.
C) The kids haven't called yet; I'm concerned about their being out so late at night.
78. Choose the correct sentence.
A) I believe Wynona left her glasses over they're.
B) I believe Wynona left her glasses over there.
C) I believe Wynona left her glasses over their.
79. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are
underlined.
A) He depends on her in times of need.
B) He depends on her in times of need.
C) He depends on her in times of need.
D) He depends on her in times of need.
80. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are
underlined.
A) Watch your step.
B) (You) watch your step.
C) (You) watch your step.
D) Watch your step.
81. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are
underlined.
A) The insurance agent gave her sound advice.
B) The insurance agent gave her sound advice.
C) The insurance agent gave her sound advice.
D) The insurance agent gave her sound advice.
82. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are
underlined.
A) On the table was her purse.
B) On the table was her purse.
C) On the table was her purse.
D) On the table was her purse.
83. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are
underlined.
A) In the newspaper, an interesting article appeared.
B) In the newspaper, an interesting article appeared.
C) In the newspaper, an interesting article appeared.
D) In the newspaper, an interesting article appeared.
84. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are
underlined.
A) Look before you leap.
B) (You) Look before you leap.
C) Look before you leap.
D) Look before you leap.
85. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are
underlined.
A) Across the road lived her boyfriend.
B) Across the road lived her boyfriend.
C) Across the road lived her boyfriend.
D) Across the road lived her boyfriend.
86. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are
underlined.
A) We are forced to inhale and exhale this smog-filled air.
B) We are forced to inhale and exhale this smog-filled air.
C) We are forced to inhale and exhale this smog-filled air.
D) We are forced to inhale and exhale this smog-filled air.
87. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are
underlined.
A) In the gutter, I found a shiny new dime.
B) In the gutter, I found a shiny new dime.
C) In the gutter, I found a shiny new dime.
D) In the gutter, I found a shiny new dime.
88. Identify the correct subjects and verbs. The subjects are in bold and the verbs are
underlined.
A) Around every cloud is a silver lining.
B) Around every cloud is a silver lining.
C) Around every cloud is a silver lining.
D) Around every cloud is a silver lining.
For the following problems, tell what part of speech the words that is in all
capitals is.
89 The BOY is eating.
(What part of speech is the word "BOY" in this sentence?)
A
verb
B
adjective
C
noun
D
adverb
90 The girl ate some delicious FRUIT.
A
adjective
B
noun
C
verb
D
adverb
91 Mary WILL TAKE a course in quantam physics this fall.
A
adjective
B
noun
C
pronoun
D
verb
92 The students ARE WRITING a long essay for class.
A
noun
B
adverb
C
verb
D
adjective
93 Everyone THINKS the cafeteria food is terrible.
A
verb
B
noun
C
pronoun
D
adjective
The child kicked the BLUE ball yesterday.
94
A
noun
B
adjective
C
adverb
D
verb
95 I am SAD.
A
pronoun
B
verb
C
adjective
D
noun
96 These birds all FLY together.
A
noun
B
verb
C
adverb
D
adjective
97 The black FLY is swimming in my soup.
A
noun
B
verb
C
adjective
D
pronoun
98 It is dark in here. We need to turn on the LIGHT.
A
verb
B
pronoun
C
adjective
noun
D
Complete the following sentences with the appropriate adjective.
99 Wendy was _______ in that book.
A
interested
B
interesting
100 I was ______ by my old job.
A
challenged
B
challenging
101 My old job was ________. It was hard but fun.
A
challenged
B
challenging
102 The movie was ______.
A
disappointing
B
disappointed
103 He was _____ by the low turn-out.
A
disappointing
B
disappointed
104 My dog gets _____ when I turn the lights off.
A
confused
B
confusing
105 My cat's behavior is often ______ to me.
A
confused
B
confusing
106 John's habits are _______ to his roomate.
A
irritated
B
irritating
107 Seth feels _______ by his roommate's habits.
A
irritated
B
irritating
108 The teacher was ______ with her students' work.
A
disappointed
B
disappointing
Select the choice that explains the meaning of the simile as it is used in the sentence.
109. On the cold winter day, under the
110. The new teacher was as sweet as
covers, I kept as snug as a bug in a
apple pie on the first day of school.
rug.
The simile as sweet as apple pie:
The simile as snug as a bug in a rug:
The new teacher was nice.
There were bugs in my bed.
The new teacher was big from
I was cozy in my bed.
eating too much pie.
I was too cold to stay in bed.
The new teacher was mean.
111. The cluttered room was as filthy as a
pigsty.
The simile as filthy as a pigsty:
The room was a mess.
The room was very organized.
The room was very neat.
113. James' mother was as proud as a
peacock when he became a doctor.
The simile as proud as a peacock:
James' mother was upset.
James' mother was
disappointed.
James' mother was proud of
him.
112. The shopping center was like a threering circus the day before Christmas.
The simile like a three-ring circus:
The shopping center was quiet.
The shopping center was big.
The shopping center was really
busy.
114. Mr. Potter expected his class to be as
silent as the grave while he was
talking.
The simile silent as the grave:
The class had to pretend that
they were dead.
The class had to visit a grave
and be quiet.
The class could not make a
sound.
115. Dennis threw such a temper tantrum
over such a tiny thing; he was acting
like a baby.
The simile like a baby:
Dennis was mature.
Dennis was acting childish.
Dennis was babysitting.
116. Michael was as explosive as a
volcano when he found out his bike
had been stolen.
The simile as explosive as a volcano:
Michael was happy.
Michael was angry.
Michael was calm.
117. The pirate had manners like a savage. 118. The Indian chief was as wise as an
owl.
The simile manners like a savage:
The simile wise as an owl:
The pirate had great manners.
The pirate did not have good
The chief thought he could fly.
manners.
The chief could talk to the
owls.
The pirate was dressed
adorably.
The chief knew a lot of things.
Select the choice that explains the meaning of the metaphor as it is used in the
sentence.
119. Mel has such great taste in furniture 120. Mike drives too fast and is a road
that I'm sure his home is beautiful.
hog.
The metaphor great taste:
Mel works in a furniture store.
Mel eats furniture.
Mel knows how to pick out nice
furniture.
121. Jeffrey is an ox.
The metaphor is an ox.:
Jeffrey is deaf.
Jeffrey is weak.
Jeffrey is strong.
123. Jeff is a volcano after hearing his
brother borrowed his car without
permission.
The metaphor Jeff is a volcano:
Jeff is angry.
Jeff lives in Hawaii.
The metaphor road hog:
Mike drives all over the road.
Mike eats too much in his car.
Mike doesn't like to drive.
122. Walter is a real couch potato.
The metaphor couch potato:
Walter is always busy with
some activity.
Walter is lazy.
Walter likes to go outside and
play.
124. Lori is the apple of her father's eye.
The metaphor Lori is the apple:
Lori is loved by her father.
Lori's father is mad at her.
Lori has an apple tree in her
yard.
Jeff has a triangle head.
125 Marcy was feeling blue after her dog
was hit by a car.
The metaphor :
Marcy didn't like cars.
Marcy was sad.
Marcy wore blue pants.
127. Will is a couch potato, so I'm
surprised that he gets anything done.
The metaphor couch potato:
Will bakes potatoes.
Will is lazy.
Will is energetic.
126. John is a giant in his class, towering a
foot over his classmates.
The metaphor John is a giant:
John is short.
John is from a fairy tale.
John is tall.
128. Joshua's brother is a rug rat.
The metaphor rug rat:
Joshua's brother looks like a rat.
Joshua's brother fell on the rug.
Joshua's brother is a little boy.