English 12B
Which action is not part of the prewriting stage of the writing process? (A) Identifying a main idea (B) Choosing a topic (C) Gathering details (D) Revising word choice
D
Which sentence is the best example of atopic sentence in a paragraph about pet ownership? (A) Veterinary visits are important to maintain a dog's health. (B) Owners need to set aside time to bond with the dog. (C) Young dogs need hours of training. (D) Adopting a pet dog is a big responsibility.
D
Comparative evidence _____. (A) Shows how your solution has worked to solve similar problems. (B) Proves how events in history help you predict events of today. (C) Summarizes or restates a main idea in a new and interesting way. (D) Shows how real-world examples support your ideas.
A
Good subjects for a comparison should _____. (A) Have similarities and differences. (B) Be as similar as possible. (C) Have more differences than similarities. (D) Not be related to each other in any obvious way.
A
If you want to place a piece of literature within its historical, literary, and cultural framework, which graphic organizer should you use? (A) Context chart (B) Venn diagram (C) Herringbone organizer
A
If you wanted to get an idea of what a book is about without reading it, which text features could you utilize? (A) Titles, headings, and subheadings (B) Overviews (C) Questions and exercises
A
In hexagonal writing, personal allusions refer to _____. (A) Memories a piece of literature brings to mind. (B) Other works that have similar elements. (C) A retelling of the work's plot-line. (D) How well a work's literary elements fit together.
A
In order to be able to make an effective comparison, it is important to determine whether your topics _____. (A) Share enough qualities (B) Appeal to your audience (C) Do not have dissimilarities (D) Are widely known
A
One tool for narrowing your topic is to _____. (A) Draw the place or thing you are describing. (B) List adjectives that apply to your subject. (C) Write nonstop about the original topic. (D) Invent qualities to describe in detail.
A
Read the outline. I. Environmental Issues A. Land Destruction 1. Overgrazing 2. Landfills B. Water Pollution 1. Oil spills 2. Fish farms Which topic would be appropriate to cover in a persuasive speech? (A) Fish farms (B) Environmental issues (C) Land destruction (D) Water pollution
A
Read the passage. Public speaking is the number one fear in America. In fact, a recent study showed that people are more anxious about public speaking than they are about getting seriously ill or being involved in an accident. What has the author used to elaborate on his topic? (A) A statistic (B) An historical example (C) A personal example (D) A quotation
A
Read the sentence. Consumers should try quite hard to buy products that are produced without significant negative effects on the environment. Which words are unnecessary in the sentence? (A) Try quite hard to (B) Buy products (C) On the environment (D) Significant negative
A
Read the sentence. We cleaned up the creek. Which of the following best elaborates on the example sentence? (A) A dozen people filled 50 trash bags in only two hours. (B) It was the hardest, dirtiest work I've done in a long time. (C) The creek runs through our neighborhood and collects a lot of trash. (D) You wouldn't believe some of the old junk we found.
A
Read the sentence. We went to the pizza place, which was closed, and we went to a Chinese restaurant. This sentence uses _____. (A) Faulty coordination (B) Sentence flow (C) Circular subordination
A
Read the slogan. The window cleaner that makes glass invisible again. Which technique does the writer use to make the slogan memorable? (A) Word play (B) A pithy slogan (C) Alliteration
A
Read the topic sentence. The speaker in "The Wild Swans at Coole" attributes human qualities to the swans. Which sentence digresses the furthest from this topic? (A) The speaker says that it has been nineteen years since he first saw the swans. (B) "Passion or conquest," the speaker says of the swans, "attend upon them still." (C) The speaker claims that the swans' hearts have not grown old. (D) The speaker says that the swans are still "unwearied" by love.
A
Read the topic sentence. The speaker in "The Wild Swans at Coole" attributes human qualities to the swans. Which sentence digresses the furthest from this topic? (A) The speaker says that it has been 19 years since he first saw the swans. (B) The speaker says that the swans are still "unwearied" by love. (C) The speaker claims that the swans' hearts have not grown old. (D) "Passion or conquest," the speaker says of the swans, "attend upon them still."
A
Sentence Starters are tools for _____. (A) Choosing a topic. (B) Narrowing your topic. (C) Planning your paragraphs. (D) Organizing your narrative.
A
The elements of style include _____. (A) Sentence variety, diction, and tone. (B) Authority, fluency, and tone. (C) Diction, tone, and fluency. (D) Sentence variety, diction, and authority.
A
What is a functional paragraph? (A) A paragraph that performs a specific role in composition, such as to arouse or sustain interest, to indicate dialogue, or to make a transition. (B) A paragraph that develops, explains, and supports the topic sentence related to an essay's thesis statement. (C) The development of an idea over several paragraphs when there is more information about an idea than can be included in one manageable paragraph.
A
What is an autobiographical narrative? (A) A true story about your life. (B) A fictional story about your life. (C) A true story from the life of the author of the narrative. (D) A fictional story from the life of the author of the narrative.
A
What is an epilogue? (A) A concluding sentence that rounds out the literary work. (B) Dialogue used to make your characters come alive. (C) A type of paragraph that develops the point of a topic sentence. (D) A technique that leaves readers with an unanswered question.
A
What is the benefit of starting your essay with a powerful lead? (A) It is an opportunity to grab the readers' attention. (B) It reveals that the writer is thinking logically. (C) It provides necessary detail to create a strong argument. (D) It allows for elaboration later in the essay.
A
Which is an example of Nestorian organization? (A) Proposition, second most important point, third most important point, most important point. (B) Proposition, third most important point, second most important point, most important point. (C) Proposition, most important point, second most important point, third most important point. (D) Most important point, second most important point, third most important point, conclusion.
A
Which is an example of a complex sentence? (A) Because he likes pizza, Mark keeps the phone numbers of several pizza places handy. (B) Patrick has a tendency to get into trouble at school for talking too much. (C) John does not like to swim, and he is not fond of heights. (D) Morgan plays the viola, and she acts in plays at the local theater.
A
Which is an example of faulty coordination? (A) Important advances were made in the development of planes for bombing and combat, and small aircraft were produced rapidly. (B) At the end of the war, airplane production reached an all-time high, and air warfare increased in intensity. (C) Aircraft designed for personal use were refitted for military use, and civilian pilots were trained for military duty. (D) Airlines expanded their facilities and trained thousands of students, who became pilots in military air operations.
A
Which is not an effective method for revising and editing your draft? (A) Eliminate predicate adjectives from your draft. (B) Discuss your work with other students. (C) Use a highlighter to call out details. (D) Eliminate redundant words.
A
Which kind of detail should always have a citation in a research paper? (A) Statistics (B) General facts (C) Personal observations (D) Personal examples
A
Which of the following strategies would you use to generate a topic? (A) Timeline of your life (B) Self-interview (C) Color-coding (D) Thought shot
A
Which question would young children most likely have about a new breakfast cereal? (A) How good does it taste? (B) Is it made from organic grains? (C) Is it fortified with vitamins? (D) How much sugar does it contain?
A
Which quotation is punctuated correctly? (A) "Take it away," he said, "because I have no use for it." (B) "Take it away" he said "because I have no use for it." (C) "Take it away." He said. "Because I have no use for it." (D) "Take it away" he said, "because I have no use for it."
A
Which sentence best represents a story's resolution? (A) Maura and her mother pull themselves out onto the riverbank. (B) The raft is overturned, and Maura's mother is sucked into a whirlpool. (C) While they are on the river, the wind suddenly starts to blow. (D) Maura and her mother set out on a white-water rafting trip.
A
Which sentence correctly uses quotation marks to indicate the title of a work? (A) Poe's poem "The Raven" is found in the book Poe's Collected Works. (B) Poe's poem "The Raven" is found in the book "Poe's Collected Works." (C) Poe's poem The Raven is found in the book "Poe's Collected Works."
A
Which sentence uses homophones correctly? (A) They're going to accept an award, too. (B) There going to except an award, too. (C) They're going to except an award, too. (D) Their going to accept an award, to.
A
Which statement is true about an excerpt? (A) An excerpt should start on a new line. (B) An excerpt is not a quotation. (C) An excerpt does not need to be cited. (D) An excerpt should always be enclosed in quotation marks.
A
Which supporting sentence makes use of an example? (A) Beto used interval training to prepare for—and win—a marathon. (B) Interval training quickly improves your stamina. (C) If you want to lose weight, interval training is the way to go. (D) Four out of five of the athletes polled use interval training.
A
Which type of detail must always be cited? (A) Quotations (B) Personal observations (C) Examples (D) General facts
A
Which type of sentence contains two or more independent clauses? (A) Complex (B) Simple (C) Compound
A
Which would be the best way to organize an essay persuading readers to shop at thrift stores? (A) Order of importance (B) Comparison and contrast (C) Chronological order (D) Spatial order
A
Why is it important to consider your audience? (A) This helps the writer identify the types of details and language needed in the writing. (B) This helps the writer identify what is important to him or her. (C) The writer can then write about what he or she wants. (D) The writer can then write about a narrow topic important to him or her.
A
Why would you conduct a self-interview when writing an autobiography? (A) To generate details for the narrative. (B) To narrow a narrative topic. (C) To consider your audience and purpose. (D) To help shape your writing.
A
You have been given the assignment of coming up with a topic for a cause-and-effect essay. Which of the following would not be a good topic? (A) The governing style of two U.S. presidents. (B) The outcome of the Internet on study habits. (C) The consequences of the War of 1812. (D) The formation and impact of tsunamis.
A
You have been given the assignment of writing an autobiographical piece, but you have no idea what to write about. What is one useful strategy to help you get started? (A) Plot the memorable events on a timeline. (B) Write a sentence in which you describe your main focus. (C) Start with a decision about the purpose of your piece. (D) Decide who your audience will be for your piece.
A
Contains details that create tone to engage the audience:
Audience and purpose.
A topical paragraph is a paragraph that _____. (A) Provides a transition. (B) Revolves around a main idea. (C) Emphasizes a single point. (D) Shows a shift from one speaker to another.
B
An argument that focuses on a single important or main idea is called _____. (A) A topical introduction (B) unified argument (C) A persuasive statement (D) An emphatic appeal
B
Creating a web diagram is a tool for _____. (A) Generating a topic (B) Narrowing your topic (C) Creating an outline (D) Revising your ideas
B
Good subjects for a comparison should _____. (A) Have more differences than similarities. (B) Have similarities and differences. (C) Not be related to each other in any obvious way. (D) Be as similar as possible.
B
How can you focus your search for information and use your research time wisely? (A) Use webbing to arrive at a manageable topic for your research paper. (B) Use a research plan to gather details about your topic. (C) Use looping to choose the topic for your research paper.
B
If you are trying to locate a particular topic in a book while doing research, which reading technique should you use? (A) Close reading (B) Scanning (C) Skimming
B
In designing a web to narrow your topic, which would appear in the center circle of the web? (A) Famous cyclists (B) Cycling (C) Tour de France (D) Strategy and tactics
B
In order to speed and focus your search for information on-line, you should _____. (A) Exhaust a library's resources first (B) Use a search engine (C) Broaden your topic (D) Only use sites ending in .gov
B
Now take a moment to practice what you have learned. Which sentence eliminates qualifying words and phrases? (A) The group's rise was somewhat fast, but so was its fall. (B) The group's rise was fast, but so was its fall. (C) The group's rise was fast, but so was its somewhat fall. (D) The group's rise was kind of fast, and so was its fall.
B
One reason for making a new outline of your work while revising is to _____. (A) Prepare your work for your writing portfolio. (B) See whether you have included all the information in the right place. (C) Summarize your work for later editing. (D) Spot-check your essay for proper word choice and usage.
B
One tool for capturing details about your character and setting is to _____. (A) Brainstorm about your topic. (B) Create a character history. (C) Visit the place you are writing about. (D) Research similar stories.
B
Read the paragraph. The runner won the marathon. Exhausted and drenched with sweat from the eertion, she was the first to cross the finish line. The spectators roared with delight and, lifting her onto their shoulders, marched the proud athlete to the winner's podium. The paragraph is an example of what drafting technique? (A) Color-coding (B) Hexagonal writing (C) The SEE method (D) Cubing
B
Read the question. When was the U.S. Constitution signed? This is an example of what type of question? (A) On your own (B) Think and search (C) Author and you (D) Right there
B
Read the sentence. The final lines of the poem are the fullest expression of the poet's deepest wish: for a more peaceful world. Which underlined modifier is in the comparative degree? (A) Final (B) More peaceful (C) Fullest (D) Deepest
B
Read the sentence. The local people's usual custom is to warmly welcome foreign dignitaries. Which revision removes a redundant word from the sentence? (A) Delete "warmly" (B) Delete "usual" (C) Delete "local" (D) Delete "foreign"
B
Read the sentence. The national debt has risen quite steadily over the past decade. Which revision removes unnecessary qualifiers from the sentence? (A) Delete national (B) Delete quite (C) Delete over (D) Delete past
B
Read the sentences. Quebec has two official languages. Signs there are in English and French. Which sentence combines the sentences using a subordinate clause? (A) Quebec has two official languages, and signs are in English and French. (B) Because Quebec has two official languages, signs there are in English and French. (C) Quebec has signs in its two official languages, English and French.
B
Read the slogan. Mike's subs are good! What is wrong with this slogan? (A) It is pithy. (B) It uses weak words to describe. (C) It uses alliteration. (D) It is too short to be effective.
B
The body of a composition _____. (A) Wraps up the composition with a reminder of the main point. (B) Supports, explains, and elaborates on the thesis. (C) Establishes the writer's attitude toward the topic. (D) Presents opening remarks on the topic.
B
The conclusion to your essay should _____. (A) Restate the main idea. (B) Leave a vivid impression with the reader. (C) Explain why you have proven your thesis. (D) Include bibliographic information.
B
The part of a textbook that states the author's purpose is the _____. (A) Index (B) Bibliography (C) Preface/introduction (D) Table of contents
B
What is a "thought shot"? (A) A strategy used for generating a topic for your piece. (B) A passage that reveals the inner workings of a character's mind. (C) The task of jotting down your thoughts after looking through photo albums. (D) The act of recording of your thoughts in interview format.
B
What is one way to strengthen the connections between your ideas? (A) Combine related sentences (B) Add transitions to link ideas (C) Use short, forceful sentences (D) Delete unnecessary words
B
When choosing which details to include in your narrative, it is important to _____. (A) Interview someone who was at the event you are describing. (B) Determine your audience and purpose. (C) Ensure that there will not be any inside information. (D) Gather information from friends and family.
B
Which group of words is an independent clause? (A) Growing taller every day. (B) The dog needs to go for a walk. (C) Its excited demeanor.
B
Which information would you expect to see on a source card? (A) Details you would use in your report. (B) Publication information. (C) An outline of the main points and topics. (D) A list of possible thesis statements.
B
Which is a compound sentence? (A) Because Jerome spent the day lying on the couch, he felt he had wasted it. (B) Chloe loves to do research about dinosaurs, and she has a large dinosaur collection. (C) Katie loves to hike in the woods, especially in the summertime. (D) Nathan's favorite game is Word Now, in which you have to guess words letter by letter.
B
Which is a purpose of a T-chart? (A) To narrow down a broad topic. (B) To organize information for and against an opinion. (C) To create a checklist for editing. (D) To arrange details in order of importance.
B
Which is an example of writing from an unusual point of view? (A) An exposition which contains new and inventive ideas. (B) A description of making dinner from the perspective of the oven. (C) A description of an incredibly strange and uncommon place. (D) An explanation of diving written from the perspective of a diver.
B
Which is the best sufficiently narrowed topic for a response to literature? (A) The speaker in Yeats's "The Wild Swans at Coole" has a variety of emotional reactions to seeing a flock of wild swans. (B) The swans in Yeats's "The Wild Swans at Coole" symbolize the speaker's youth. (C) Yeats's poem "The Wild Swans at Coole" is pretty straightforward. (D) "The Wild Swans at Coole" seems like the sort of poem an old man would write.
B
Which organizer is the best choice for organizing similarities and differences between two subjects? (A) Context chart (B) Venn diagram (C) Herringbone organizer
B
Which reading strategy is best when you are trying to make sense of and retain the information in a textbook? (A) Skimming (B) Close reading (C) Scanning
B
Which sentence contains an appositive phrase? (A) Montreal is my favorite city, and many people speak French there. (B) In Montreal, my favorite city, many people speak French. (C) In the city of Montreal, many people speak French. (D) My favorite city is Montreal because many people speak French there.
B
Which sentence is in the third-person omniscient point of view? (A) One of the twirlers dropped her baton, and Kevin flushed red thinking about how embarrassed she must feel. (B) As the band took the field, Krista thought about tomorrow's party, and Kyle hoped he wouldn't mess up his drum solo. (C) Pearl worried about her sick grandmother, while next to her, Trudy blew giant blasts on her tuba. (D) I thought about the skills required to make so many people work well together.
B
Which sentence is punctuated correctly? (A) Sonia's mother encouraged us by declaring "You will succeed!" (B) James said, "Let's go to the movies." (C) "Stay together" the baby-sitter begged, "this arcade is crowded. (D) "We will discuss this on Saturday, Jerry said."
B
Which sentence uses a coordinating conjunction? (A) Either you can sleep on the couch or you can use the extra room upstairs. (B) I would help you with your math homework, but I have never been very good at math. (C) My car slid on the ice and left the road; fortunately, I was not hurt.
B
Which sentence uses quotation marks correctly? (A) Jason claims that "he chose his car based on its color and not its features." (B) My teacher once remarked, "The older I get, the younger my students are." (C) "Mark Twain said," Follow the rules when you're young so you have the strength to break them when you're old.
B
Which sentence uses the superlative degree? (A) Jerry is the more organized of the two. (B) Marley is the most interesting person I have known. (C) Greg is a fantastic math teacher.
B
Which sentence would serve as the best topic sentence for a paragraph about student jobs? (A) Kelly bags groceries at the corner market. (B) The students in my class work a variety of after-school jobs. (C) The Schwartz brothers mow lawns for their neighbors. (D) Even Marvin, the class clown, volunteers at a local senior center.
B
Which sentence would serve as the topic sentence for a paragraph about student jobs? (A) Kelly bags groceries at the corner market. (B) The students in my class work a variety of after-school jobs. (C) The Schwartz brothers mow lawns for their neighbors.
B
Which statement is not true about prewriting? (A) Prewriting helps you gather the details you'll include. (B) Prewriting helps you correct all of the errors you'll make. (C) Prewriting helps you identify the main idea you'll convey. (D) Prewriting helps you consider the topic you'll address.
B
Which statement presents the strongest persuasive appeal? (A) I do not think school uniforms are a very good idea. (B) I think the proposal for mandatory school uniforms is misguided. (C) I am not in favor of school uniforms under any circumstance. (D) I adamantly oppose the proposal for mandatory school uniforms.
B
Which strategy would best direct your search for the public's perception of a mayor's intent to install video cameras at traffic lights? (A) Attend the next city council meeting and take notes. (B) Interview ten drivers on their opinion of the plan. (C) Search your local library for current newspaper articles about the plan. (D) Read a press release from the mayor's office announcing the plan.
B
Which topic is narrow enough to serve as the subject of a documented essay? (A) The role of mathematics in science (B) Albert Einstein's early career (C) Famous scientists (D) The history of physics
B
Word association is a tool for _____. (A) Narrowing your topic (B) Generating topics (C) Forming an outline (D) Revising word choice
B
You would use hexagonal writing to _____. (A) Refine your purpose. (B) Write about literature. (C) Write about a personal experience. (D) Study your subject from all angles.
B
_____ is a topic sentence that is supported by several paragraphs in sequence. (A) A topical paragraph (B) A paragraph block (C) A unified passage (D) A functional paragraph
B
If a response to literature uses Nestorian organization, where does the most important point occur? (A) Body (B) Introduction (C) Conclusion
C
If you were unsure of the meaning of the word isosceles, where in the textbook could you go to find a definition of the term? (A) Bibliography (B) Table of contents (C) Glossary (D) Index
C
In a point-by-point comparison, you _____. (A) Discuss one feature of both subjects for the entire essay. (B) Discuss one subject for the entire essay. (C) Discuss one feature or aspect of both subjects, and then move on to another feature. (D) Discuss one subject fully, and then move on to the next subject.
C
In performing a flip test to generate topics, you _____. (A) Circle the most important idea after writing freely. (B) Write down ideas without editing or judging them. (C) Scan magazines and jot down interesting topics. (D) Go through a book containing the names of interesting people.
C
In which of the following sentences is the tense correct? (A) I will come back for lunch, and then I listen to him play the guitar. (B) I had heard the stories, and they always make me laugh. (C) We went to a show and visited the flea market. (D) We woke up early and go to the flea market.
C
One way to develop a main idea to feature in your advertisement is to _____. (A) Survey the audience (B) Format your layout (C) Develop a slogan (D) Conduct product research
C
Read the advertisement. For vim and vigor, drink VitaSip! This amazing new sports drink will make you feel energetic, clear-headed, and ready to face the world. VitaSip is chock full of the vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimum health. What's more, VitaSip tastes good. So sip your way to better health. Drink VitaSip—It's sip-ly delicious! Which revision would make the advertisement more persuasive? (A) Introducing an additional slogan (B) Using extraneous information (C) Citing expert opinion (D) Inserting a run-on sentence
C
Read the paragraph. I don't think driving should be restricted in any way for teens. Teens continuously find themselves limited in how they can drive and at what times. Driving restrictions for people under twenty-one are unfair. This paragraph is an example of _____. (A) A questionable cause-and-effect statement (B) An overgeneralization (C) Circular reasoning (D) An either/or argument
C
Read the paragraph. In fact, teenagers contribute a great deal to their community. This is another reason why they must be taken into account when public policy is debated. More than 80 percent of teens spend time volunteering at their schools and other organizations. This is an example of _____. (A) Layering (B) Point of view (C) Statistical analysis (D) Outlining
C
Read the paragraph. Working on this research paper has become intense. I find myself becoming nervous at the thought of the depth of research I have to do to write a coherent paper. I'm looking for a way to ease my burden by narrowing my topic further. The paragraph is an example of what elaboration technique? (A) Unusual point of view (B) Sensory detail (C) Depth-charging (D) Scenic explanation
C
Read the passage. Chocolate and vanilla are the two most popular flavors in the country. Both chocolate and vanilla are ice cream best-sellers, with vanilla slightly higher in sales. Both flavors are the most widely used in baking, with vanilla in extract form and chocolate in a melted form. Which organizational method is used by the passage? (A) Point-by-point comparison (B) Topical comparison (C) Subject-by-subject comparison (D) Functional comparison
C
Read the passage. Petals as smooth as silk were scattered beneath the bride's feet. As she walked down the aisle, her father gently brushed a tear from her face. The organist played a rhythmic melody as the bridal party continued down the aisle. The descriptions in the passage mainly appeal to which sense? (A) Smell (B) Sight (C) Touch (D) Taste
C
Read the sentence. Hamlet becomes a tragic hero but Macbeth becomes a villain. Where should a comma be added? (A) After becomes (B) After but (C) After hero (D) After Macbeth
C
Read the sentence. In past history, mosquito-borne illnesses have wiped out whole sectors of the city's population. Which phrase includes redundant words? (A) City's population (B) Whole sectors (C) In past history (D) Mosquito-borne illnesses
C
Read the sentence. The recent gold medal winner told reporters, "I've learned a lot from my coaches, and I hope to make them proud." Where should the parenthetical citation be placed in the sentence? (A) Between the word reporters and the quotation. (B) At the end of the sentence. (C) After the word winner. (D) At the beginning of the sentence.
C
Read the sentence. All high school students want to help make their world a better place. This sentence is an example of _____. (A) Circular reasoning. (B) An either/or argument. (C) An overgeneralization. (D) A questionable cause-and-effect statement.
C
Read the sentence. Although the breed started out as Roman cattle dogs, Rottweilers have also worked as guard dogs, draft dogs, and police dogs. Which type of sentence structure is used? (A) Simple (B) Compound-complex (C) Complex (D) Compound
C
Read the sentences. Bill spent all day Saturday raking leaves to the curb for pickup. Allen also spent all day Saturday raking leaves to the curb for pickup. Which is the best way to combine these two sentences? (A) Bill spent all day Saturday raking leaves to the curb for pickup and Allen did, too. (B) Bill spent all day raking leaves to the curb for pickup, and Allen, also raking leaves. (C) Bill and Allen both spent all day Saturday raking leaves to the curb for pickup. (D) Allen and Bill: both spent all day Saturday raking leaves to the curb for pickup.
C
What is a persuasive appeal? (A) A shell of your speech that identifies main and supporting details. (B) A list of questions that help you focus. (C) A clear and specific statement that gets your audience listening to your ideas. (D) A two-sided graphic organizer that helps you organize your position.
C
What is skimming? (A) Reading the text closely to get the main idea and draw conclusions. (B) Reading for enjoyment. (C) Reading a text quickly for a general overview. (D) Reading by leafing through pages to view headings and subheads.
C
What is the purpose of a pentad? (A) To assist you in editing your piece. (B) To help revise your work. (C) To narrow your topic. (D) To choose a format for publication.
C
What question would you ask while using CASPAR to explore the conflict in your story? (A) When and where does my story take place? (B) What does my character do to get what he or she wants, and what happens as a result? (C) What does my character want, and what obstacles will he or she face? (D) Who is my character, and what traits does he or she have?
C
When gathering details through interviews, which should you try to avoid? (A) Recording answers in writing. (B) Following up with a thank-you call or note. (C) Asking "yes or no" questions. (D) Preparing questions in advance.
C
Which description of a car appeals to young, single people? (A) The Jefferson: It's the safest car on the road! (B) The Jefferson: It's as trustworthy as an old dog! (C) The Jefferson: It's sleek, speedy, and sensational! (D) The Jefferson: It's the roomiest car ever built!
C
Which evidence contains a statistic? (A) Proper puppy training takes patience from pet and owner alike. (B) According to pet trainer Mandy Lewis, "Dogs can be challenging to train." (C) Twelve percent of dog owners would prefer to own a cat.
C
Which fits in a pentad under the category of agencies? (A) Me, the other lifeguards, and the swimmers (B) At the swimming pool (C) My swimming skills (D) To save swimmers
C
Which is an example of an insight? (A) Dripping water deposited minerals, creating thousands of stalagmites and stalactites. (B) The caverns were formed by an underground river. (C) In Stone Forest Caverns, water has shaped stone with the grace and precision of a master sculptor. (D) According to geologists, the caverns' rooms and passages were hollowed out over a period of 12,000 years.
C
Which is not a consideration when completing an audience profile? (A) Age (B) Values (C) Height (D) Tastes
C
Which method will help you recall information you read? (A) Context chart (B) Herringbone organizer (C) SQ4R (D) Venn diagram
C
Which of the following is not a characteristic of a problem-and-solution essay? (A) It identifies the most important aspects of the problem. (B) It supports each solution with specific, logical details. (C) It compares and contrasts multiple subjects. (D) It clearly states a problem.
C
Which of the following is the most powerful lead to a story? (A) This paper is about aging research. (B) Aging is a topic most students don't think much about. (C) Do you want to live to 150? (D) A lot of interesting research is being done about aging.
C
Which of these is an effective strategy for gathering details? (A) Create functional paragraphs. (B) Identify your purpose and make a plan. (C) Use the SEE method. (D) Fill in a character history.
C
Which possible writing topic has the narrowest focus? (A) A comparison between basketball leagues around the world. (B) Techniques for increasing basketball shooting skills. (C) A star basketball player's performance in a championship game. (D) The history of basketball in the United States.
C
Which purpose is specific? (A) Persuade students to exercise. (B) Inspire girls to go into science. (C) Convince neighbors to help you plant flowers in the park. (D) Encourage consumers to consider the environment.
C
Which sentence clarifies a noun by using an appositive phrase? (A) "Hey, Jack," yelled Felicia, "I have an idea for you." (B) Before the test, I want you to spend ten minutes studying. (C) Jason, my brother-in-law, raises chickens as a hobby. (D) Maryellen, as you may know, went to the party in order to see her new friend.
C
Which sentence contains a redundancy? (A) We have three problems with the test: its length, its timing, and its content. (B) The colorful flag waved in the evening breeze. (C) It was his usual custom to wash his hands before each meal. (D) Greg likes to give examples when explaining a concept.
C
Which sentence contains a subject complement? (A) It takes many commuters more than two hours to get home. (B) Every weekday, traffic stops on all major freeways. (C) Our city's most pressing problem today is traffic. (D) Idling cars pour exhaust fumes into the atmosphere.
C
Which sentence contains an essential appositive? (A) His bike, the Texas Tornado, is the fastest on the track. (B) Last year he won the Texas Pro-Am, a major event. (C) My cousin Trey is the coolest of all my cousins. (D) His sponsor, Giant Joe's Garage, keeps his bike in top condition.
C
Which sentence is punctuated correctly? (A) My aunt Martha always used to say "Do your best and be proud." (B) "Many hands make light work" replied Valerie. (C) Jeffrey said, "It's time for us to speak." (D) "It is important," Josh said "that we're all here together."
C
Which sentence uses parallelism? (A) There is strength in numbers and working together. (B) Our major problems include worn-out roads, missing signs, and throwing trash everywhere. (C) By working, playing, and dreaming together, we can build a better neighborhood. (D) To clean up our open areas and having neighborhood potlucks would be a good start.
C
Which source is a form of investigative research? (A) Reading periodicals (B) Performing an Internet search (C) Conducting your own survey (D) Browsing an encyclopedia
C
Which strategy can help you narrow your response to any literature? (A) Hexagonal writing (B) Compiling a list (C) Looping
C
Which topic is too broad for a cause-and-effect essay? (A) The effect of after-school jobs on dropout rates. (B) Deductions in local garbage production due to recycling programs. (C) The causes of famine in underdeveloped countries. (D) How high cholesterol contributes to heart disease.
C
Which writing purpose is appropriate for a personal narrative titled "Lessons Learned: My Summer Job"? (A) To inform readers. (B) To encourage change. (C) To reflect on an experience. (D) To entertain readers.
C
Why is it important to avoid the overuse of the word I in an autobiographical piece? (A) It eliminates the possibility of using extensive description. (B) It prevents the writer from introducing other characters into the narrative. (C) It focuses the narrative too exclusively on the narrator. (D) It detracts from the main idea of the piece.
C
For which thesis would chronological organization work best? (A) Wind power alone cannot fill all the world's energy needs. (B) The best solution to the energy crisis is a combination of wind, solar, and nuclear power. (C) The environmental hazards of petroleum fuels have made people reconsider wind power. (D) Technologies for harnessing wind power have developed over hundreds of years.
D
How can a topic web help you write a problem-and-solution essay? (A) It can help you generate a topic. (B) It can help you revise for content. (C) It can help you outline your essay. (D) It can help you narrow your topic.
D
How can you review your paragraphs to make sure they work together to develop your main idea? (A) Change connecting words to show better relationships. (B) Make a new outline of your work. (C) Eliminate qualifying words and phrases. (D) Circle the first and last sentences of each paragraph.
D
How can you use a T-chart to organize your research? (A) Write down a list of the publication information. (B) Write down the key aspects of your topic and a thesis statement for each one (C) Write down your topic and the key aspects of your topic. (D) Write down what you want to know along with possible sources.
D
I was born in 1992 in Chicago. I moved to New York City when I was 12. I published my first story in my school's literary journal when I was a freshman. I am now the editor of the school newspaper. I want to study journalism when I am in college. What would be the most effective way to revise this paragraph? (A) Work with a group of peer reviewers. (B) Change the verb tenses. (C) Include a summary sentence at the end of the paragraph. (D) Avoid beginning each sentence with the pronoun I.
D
In which sentence are quotation marks correctly used? (A) In his poem Crossing the Bar, Tennyson compares death to setting out on a "sea voyage" and "asks" that there be no sadness of farewell when "he" dies. (B) In his poem Crossing the Bar, Tennyson compares "death to setting out on a sea" voyage and asks that there be no sadness of farewell when he dies. (C) In his poem Crossing the Bar, Tennyson compares death to setting out on a sea voyage and asks that "there be no" sadness of farewell when he dies. (D) In his poem "Crossing the Bar," Tennyson compares death to setting out on a sea voyage and asks that "there be no sadness of farewell" when he dies.
D
One way to provide a sample of the author's style or tone in your essay is to _____. (A) Describe the tone in detail (B) Mimic the author's word choice (C) Identify the author's purpose (D) Cite several passages
D
Read the paragraph. (1) In the 1940s, heroes such as Superman and G.I. Joe had perfect morals and character. (2) They stood for ideals that we hoped we could achieve. (3) In modern society, however, heroes tend to be troubled outcasts or accidentally heroic. (4) Heroes today, unlike those of the past, must have a flawed character in order to become popular. What is the topic sentence of the paragraph? (A) Sentence 2 (B) Sentence 3 (C) Sentence 1 (D) Sentence 4
D
Read the passage. Chocolate and vanilla are the two most popular flavors in the country. Both chocolate and vanilla are ice cream best-sellers, with vanilla slightly higher in sales. Both flavors are the most widely used in baking, with vanilla in extract form and chocolate in a melted form. Which organizational method is used by the passage? (A) Functional comparison (B) Topical comparison (C) Point-by-point comparison (D) Subject-by-subject comparison
D
Read the passage. Eating dinner together as a family unit is very important. Families that ate dinner together were sixty percent less likely to encounter communication problems than families who did not. In order to elaborate her point, the author of the passage provided _____. (A) An example (B) A contrast (C) A quotation (D) A statistic
D
Read the question. In what ways are you a friend to the environment every day? This is an example of what type of question? (A) Think and search (B) Author and you (C) Right there (D) On your own
D
Read the sentence from a problem-and-solution essay. Because MP3s are easy to burn onto discs, they can be distributed by almost anyone. For which audience is this sentence most appropriate? (A) Medical personnel (B) Intellectual property attorneys (C) Recording industry executives (D) High school students
D
Read the sentence. Although the breed started out as Roman cattle dogs, Rottweilers have also worked as guard dogs, draft dogs, and police dogs. Which type of sentence structure does this sentence use? (A) Compound-complex (B) Compound (C) Simple (D) Complex
D
Read the sentences. A computer's monitor is the screen for viewing information. It is like a television set, but it is operated by a keyboard rather than a remote control. The details in the passage are suited to what audience? (A) Expert computer technicians (B) An intermediate computing skills class (C) Professors of computer science (D) First-time computer users
D
Read the sentences. Snowshoeing is a popular activity in Grand Lake. Snowmobiling is also a popular activity in Grand Lake. What is the best technique for combining these sentences? (A) Inserting phrases. (B) Forming a compound sentence. (C) Inserting words. (D) Forming a compound subject.
D
The events that immediately follow the climax and lead to the resolution are called the _____. (A) Epilogue (B) Exposition (C) Rising action (D) Falling action
D
What is a thesis statement? (A) A generalization about the evidence you are going to present. (B) The audience and purpose of a composition. (C) An implied idea that will be developed throughout a paragraph. (D) A sentence that sums up the main idea of your composition.
D
What is one of the benefits of keeping a writing portfolio? (A) It will help you focus on one element of writing at a time. (B) It can help you to add detail to your writing. (C) It determines the scope of your topic and the amount of detail you need. (D) It captures the successes and experiences of your life as a writer.
D
What is the characteristic of a good topic sentence? (A) It makes inferences about the main idea. (B) It supports the main idea of the paragraph with evidence. (C) It refers to the author's purpose for writing. (D) It conveys the subject of the paragraph.
D
What is the part of a plot in which the conflict builds gradually in intensity? (A) Exposition (B) Climax (C) Falling action (D) Rising action
D
What is the part of a plot in which the conflict builds gradually in intensity? (A) Exposition (B) Falling action (C) Climax (D) Rising action
D
When conducting research for your speech, it is important that you do not _____. (A) Use personal anecdotes in your writing. (B) Use Web sources for information. (C) Take a strong position on your topic. (D) Ignore facts that contradict your position.
D
When gathering details to compare subjects, which is the most effective strategy? (A) Use the "mental shopping" technique. (B) Write down the details by grouping them in pairs. (C) Conduct a writing marathon. (D) List specific questions about both subjects.
D
Which is a subordinating conjunction? (A) For (B) And (C) But (D) Therefore
D
Which is an example of a compound sentence? (A) The next performance, which is tonight, will be better. (B) We talked with one another as we walked to the store. (C) Before an interview, check your facts to be certain they are correct. (D) Some people put sugar in their tea, but I prefer honey.
D
Which is not an example of a question to ask yourself as you reflect upon your completed autobiographical narrative? (A) Did I include enough references to other people in my narrative? (B) Which part of the writing was most challenging for me? (C) What challenges did I encounter as I wrote the narrative? (D) How did writing the narrative affect my attitude toward the subject of the book?
D
Which quotation is correctly punctuated? (A) Cattle have always been the basis of our economy, says Martha Clinton of Lazy I Ranch. (B) There weren't any trees or houses here 30 years ago, said Jason Doyle. (C) My great-grandfather, says Mayor Farnham, built the town's first hardware store. (D) Mr. Kurtz, our town's oldest resident, said that he remembers watching the courthouse being built.
D
Which sentence could serve as a strong thesis statement for a research paper? (A) Voting is an important civil right. (B) Many books have been written about the civil rights movement. (C) Martin Luther King, Jr., was born in Atlanta, Georgia. (D) The civil rights movement benefited Americans of every race.
D
Which sentence is an example of informal English? (A) Salamander Flats Power Plant was retrofitted to reduce emissions. (B) Salamander Flats Power Plant was constructed in 1969. (C) Salamander Flats Power Plant is still a vital part of our energy grid. (D) Salamander Flats doesn't look like much, but it churns out the kilowatts!
D
Which sentence is punctuated correctly? (A) In his poem Crossing the Bar, Tennyson asks that there be "no sadness of farewell" when he dies. (B) In his poem Crossing the Bar, Tennyson asks that there be no sadness of farewell when he dies. (C) In his poem Crossing the Bar, Tennyson asks that there be "no sadness" of farewell when he dies. (D) In his poem "Crossing the Bar," Tennyson asks that "there be no sadness of farewell" when he dies.
D
Which sentence uses an essential appositive? (A) After dinner, we had chocolate tarts, my mother's specialty. (B) Today, if you are willing, we will spend time working in the garden. (C) The elementary school Munhall has many bright, young teachers. (D) The tree, the one with the crooked branches, will be cut down tomorrow.
D
Which slogan contains alliteration? (A) Distinct Taste (B) Simply the Best Snacks (C) One Dollar Snacks, Million Bucks Taste (D) The Snack You Can Sneak
D
Which would make the best topic sentence? (A) Our football team has lost only one game this year. (B) Our football team has several outstanding players. (C) Our football team's coach is a master of strategy. (D) Our football team is poised to win the championship.
D
Contains details and dialogue that define the character and develop the plot:
Elaboration.
A topical paragraph _____. (A) Revolves around a main idea. (B) Provides a transition. (C) Acts as a supporting detail. (D) Shows a shift from one speaker to another.
A
Read the sentence. You can ask anybody in my neighborhood to name _____ favorite Tejano group. Choose the correct pronoun or pronouns to complete the sentence. (A) His or her (B) Its (C) Your or our (D) Their
A
The purpose of looping is to _____. (A) Narrow your topic (B) Choose a tone (C) Document sources (D) Determine your purpose
A
The way you share your ideas depends on _____. (A) The tone and style of your essay. (B) The thesis statement. (C) Your audience's familiarity with your topic. (D) Which topic will have the widest appeal.
A
What is the best way to begin your research? (A) Beginning with an effect and list the causes that you know. (B) Creating a web diagram after some initial Internet research. (C) Making a list of all of the sources you know for your topic. (D) Doing a library walk to determine which sources are best.
A
Which sentence uses a predicate nominative? (A) Through his own efforts he had become our captain. (B) Leigh's daily commute to her job is exhausting. (C) Rachel's speech was unusually brief. (D) Carson often seems distracted.
A
The purpose of identifying your audience's questions about your product is to _____. (A) Determine the layout for your advertisement. (B) Address their questions in your advertisement. (C) Choose a tone and style for your advertisement. (D) Identify the purpose of your advertisement.
B
Varying your sentences is one way to _____. (A) Define key ideas. (B) Liven up your writing. (C) Aid in characterization. (D) Avoid grammatical errors.
B
What is the quality of a good advertising slogan? (A) It is dated. (B) It is pithy. (C) It is wordy. (D) It is vague.
B
Which detail contributes to a dominant impression of danger? (A) Waves gently lapping the shore (B) Rocks like jagged teeth (C) Dazzling, sun-baked sand (D) Smooth, glassy water
B
Which graphic organizer best shows the causes of an event? (A) A context chart (B) A herringbone organizer (C) Venn diagram
B
Which of the following is a component of the Five Points of Illumination? (A) Color-coding (B) Quotations (C) Topic sentences (D) Subject complements
B
Which textbook section provides a quick overview of the book and its organization? (A) Index (B) Table of contents (C) Bibliography (D) Glossary
B
Which would be the most effective strategy for gathering details about two subjects you want to compare? (A) Determine your audience and purpose. (B) List specific questions about both subjects. (C) Circle your topic sentences. (D) Create an outline for your draft.
B
In the SQ4R method, what is the purpose of surveying? (A) To search for answers (B) To recall the questions (C) To preview the material (D) To list main ideas
C
Read the sentence. People should recycle. Which topic is a more suitable topic for a short persuasive speech? (A) Persuade people to produce less garbage. (B) Persuade people that recycling will create jobs. (C) Persuade people to take the time to recycle. (D) Persuade people that recycling is good.
C
The process of studying your subject from many angles is called _____. (A) Gathering details (B) Narrowing (C) Cubing (D) Analytical looping
C
What is the purpose of drawing a setting? (A) To narrow your topic. (B) To revise your draft. (C) To generate a topic. (D) To organize your story.
C
Which modifier uses a hyphen correctly? (A) A sea of greenish-water (B) An idea well-thought out (C) A well-prepared meal (D) A meeting in early-evening
C
Which sentence correctly uses homophones? (A) I have to much respect for him to lie. (B) I wanted to come along on the picnic two. (C) There is too much snow to shovel in the driveway.
C
In a point-by-point comparison, you _____. (A) Discuss one feature of both subjects for the entire essay. (B) Discuss one subject fully, and then move on to the next subject. (C) Discuss one subject for the entire essay. (D) Discuss one feature or aspect of both subjects, and then move on to another feature.
D
One way to improve the unity of your essay is to _____. (A) Have a topic sentence in every paragraph. (B) Lengthen the body. (C) Restate the thesis in each paragraph. (D) Eliminate unnecessary details.
D
Read the sentence. Although on-line music stores have created a more convenient experience, the atmosphere and feel of an ordinary record store is absent. Which word from "Are Local Music Stores Obsolete?" by Catherine Bailey and Zach Bucek creates a transition? (A) Ordinary (B) Absent (C) More (D) Although
D
The term ratiocination means _____. (A) To take one element at a time (B) To go in order (C) To evaluate (D) To think logically
D
When conducting on-line research, which site is most likely to have reliable information on cattle breeding? (A) www.animalscience.stuniv.edu (B) www.animalrightsnow.org (C) www.supersteers.com (D) www.dairyproducersoftexas.org
A
When editing your draft, how can you use underlining to add variety to your writing style? (A) Underline long and short sentences. (B) Underline sentence fragments. (C) Underline details that explain the problem. (D) Underline redundant words.
A
When would you prepare a response sheet? (A) During a peer review (B) During prewriting (C) During portfolio creation (D) During revision
A
Which adjectives in an advertisement would appeal to an older, affluent audience? (A) Traditional, experienced (B) Innovative, new (C) Fast, friendly (D) Cheap, hearty
A
Which advertising slogan uses alliteration? (A) Bite Into a Big Berry Blast (B) The Finest Berries (C) Berries are for Intelligent Folks (D) Berry Large Size, Very Nice Flavor
A
Which feature in a textbook can help you read and study the material? (A) A chapter or unit overview (B) An appendix (C) A copyright page
A
Which sentence contains nonessential information? (A) Pea soup, which is my friend's favorite, is very easy to make. (B) Before we begin, it is important that you understand the directions. (C) Because of his food allergies, our dog must eat at the same time each day. (D) Kim, who was not invited to her friend's party, was understandably upset.
A
A paragraph that can serve the specific purpose of creating a special effect within the essay is called a _____. (A) Unified passage (B) Paragraph block (C) Functional paragraph (D) Topical paragraph
C
A topical paragraph is one that _____. (A) Describes a quality in detail (B) Contains a different perspective. (C) Is organized around a topic sentence. (D) Adheres to the purpose of the writing.
C
Creating and distributing a questionnaire is a tool to _____. (A) Narrow the topic (B) Identify your audience (C) Gather details (D) Identify your purpose
C
Freewriting is a tool used to _____. (A) Understand a character (B) Compose a first draft (C) Generate a topic (D) Describe a setting
C
How do pictures, captions, and graphics help you read and study the material in a textbook? (A) They summarize what will be covered in the chapter. (B) They give you an idea about what the material is about. (C) They present complex information in a clear format.
C
Writers use foreshadowing to _____. (A) Stand for an important concept. (B) Emphasize important events. (C) Hint at story events that might happen next. (D) Reveal a character's innermost thoughts.
C
Read the sentence. The 20th Maine Regiment won the Battle of Gettysburg by its actions. This is an example of _____. (A) A research plan (B) A detail (C) A thesis statement
Cc
In Nestorian organization, the best example comes _____. (A) Second (B) Next to last (C) First (D) Last
D
Which sentence uses correct hyphenation? (A) Please include a self addressed stamped-envelope. (B) The ex senator gave a speech at our school. (C) We went out to the all-night-diner to have coffee. (D) The reddish-purple wall was ready to be repainted.
D
Which sentence uses parallelism correctly? (A) Any paper written on a controversial topic should be sensitive and work by providing details. (B) Students should be careful when driving to school because it can be dangerous and also makes them late. (C) His argument was flawed because it did not provide elaboration, detail, and used faulty logic. (D) Volunteering is a good way to make friends, help the community, and feel good.
D
Which word has a negative connotation? (A) Standpoint (B) View (C) Perspective (D) Bias
D
What is narration?
Narration tells a story.
Presents events that create a clear, interesting narrative with one point of view:
Organization.
Uses word choice and tone that reveal theme and is error free:
Use of language.
