Post Test: Beginning a Journey

Which detail best shows how Pola's character is using historical context to develop the characters in the script of her play? You're Acesby J. Robbins "Oh, good, you're all here," said Pola as she walked into the community theater. She began handing out copies of her script to the assembled actors. "This is a lot to memorize," remarked Gerhardt, flipping through the pages. "Neville, your character's name is Rhombus Fairchild. Boy, I bet he was picked on as a kid." "You're Aces—what kind of title is that?" Neville asked. "The play takes place in the 1920s, Neville," replied Pola irritably. "People used catchphrases like that back then. It means 'You're the best.' " "If the play takes place in the past, why are the main characters fighting giant evil robots in the third act?" asked Nadezhda. Gerhardt and Neville gasped in surprise and started reading the script with renewed interest. "Cool! I get to fire a laser gun," bragged Neville. "Oh, man!" Gerhardt groaned. "My character gets killed at the end of Act III. Death scenes are the worst." "Quit complaining, everyone," exclaimed Pola. "I had to write this by myself in two days while working a full-time job. It may not be Shakespeare, but it's good enough for community theater. I think we should just do the best we can with what we've got." "That's a terrible attitude," Nadezhda said. "The proceeds from this play will be donated to charity, and I think we should try our hardest to give people their money's worth. Why don't we all work together to write a new script?" "Fine!" Pola yelled. "I'll let you guys take over the play, and I'll save my efforts for people with better taste in entertainment." The three actors watched in amazement as Pola stomped out of the theater.

"If the play takes place in the past, why are the main characters fighting giant evil robots in the third act?"

Which detail in the text best develops the theme that life presents many choices for us to make? The Road Not Takenby Robert Frost Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveler, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I couldTo where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair,And having perhaps the better claim,Because it was grassy and wanted wear;Though as for that the passing thereHad worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally layIn leaves no step had trodden black.Oh, I kept the first for another day!Yet knowing how way leads on to way,I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less travelled by,And that has made all the difference. a. And sorry I could not travel both b. Because it was grassy and wanted wear; c.I doubted if I should ever come back. d.I shall be telling this with a sigh

A) And sorry I could not travel both

Which sentence is most likely meant to create suspense for the reader? Stealing the Dayby Samantha G. (excerpt) I achieved the unofficial "smart kid" designation in elementary school, and it was not until years later that I met someone who threatened to depose me from my reign. His name was George, after our nation's first president, and he had been the smartest kid in school during his early academic career as well; but George grew up on the other side of town, so we had really never crossed paths. We were introduced in our biology class, seated at opposite ends of the first row of desks. When our teacher began asking basic questions to test our science knowledge, George and I had not even noticed each other's existence. But when Mr. Hartley inquired about the aardvark's natural habitat, both of us shot a hand into the air. "Africa!" exploded the dual shout, followed by snickering from the rest of the class. I peeked in the direction of the other voice to see George gazing directly ahead, as though he was oblivious to anyone else. Surely, he perceived the awkwardness of this circumstance, and had the abrupt comprehension that there was another "smart kid" in the school! But no acknowledgment crossed his face, and I stared back at my own desk as class continued. When the bell rang and students began jostling out the door, I hung back, thinking that I should at least introduce myself to George. He had waited for everyone else to push out of the classroom as well, and I extended my hand toward him with a smile. "I just wanted to let you know that I plan to outdo you in every class we have together this semester, and every semester until graduation," he said. Without glancing in my direction, George dashed out the door and down the hall toward his locker. I was left in shock at his words, at the audacity of his confidence and conceit. After standing immobile for a few moments, I ducked out the side door of the classroom into the late summer sunshine to comprehend what had just transpired. Ultimately, I came to the apparent explanation to his immature attack: George perceived me as a threat. Select the correct text in the passage. Which sentence is most likely meant to create suspense for the reader? A. His name was George, after our nations first president, and he had been the smartest kid in school during his early academic career as well; but George grew up on the other side of the town, so we had really never crossed paths. B. surely, he perceived The Awkwardness of this circumstance, and had the abrupt comprehension that there was another "smart kid" in the school! C. when the bell rang and students began jostling out the door, I hung back, thinking that I should at least introduce myself to George.​

A. His name was George, after our nations first president, and he had been the smartest kid in school during his early academic career as well; but George grew up on the other side of the town, so we had really never crossed paths.

Bring on the Beets Select the correct answer. Which narrative technique could best enhance the passage? A. a reflection to acknowledge how the server's offer prompted a change in the narrator B. character development to visualize how the narrator and server look C. dialogue that gives voice to other patrons who are part of the lunchtime buzz D. additional description of the café and market to establish the setting

A. a reflection to acknowledge how the server's offer prompted a change in the narrator

A Problem Growing Right Under Our Feet Select the correct answer. What is the author's overall claim in the passage? A. Water is often wasted on people's yards. B. Efforts must be taken to conserve water. C. Efforts must be taken to conserve energy. D. Water is a valuable resource for people.

B. Efforts must be taken to conserve water.

Suited for Spacewalks adapted from NASA How does the last sentence refine the author's claim in the passage? A. It explains how the new design accommodated astronauts walking on the Moon. B. It explains how new materials were used in the design of the new spacesuit. C. It explains why astronauts were traveling to the Moon. D. It explains the flaws in the old spacesuit design.

B. It explains how new materials were used in the design of the new spacesuit.

Select the correct answer from the drop-down menu. How does the author develop the overall claim in this passage? The author includes details that show that the new spacesuit ____________ exploring the Moon. A.was designed during the Apollo program for B. was designed to better support astronauts C. allowed astronauts more movement in D. used a variety of new materials for

B. was designed to better support astronauts

The Theremin What is a central idea in the passage? A. Most musicians are unfamiliar with the theremin instrument. B. Most musicians are not proficient in playing the theremin. C. The theremin is a unique instrument that is challenging to play. D. The theremin is becoming a newly popular instrument to play.

C. The theremin is a unique instrument that is challenging to play.

Which technique is a writer most likely to use in the resolution of a narrative? A. a description of the setting of the story B. dialogue that introduces a character C. a reflection showing what a character has learned D. an introduction of multiple plot lines

C. a reflection showing what a character has learned

excerpt from A Good Place for Maggie by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman Select the correct answer. What can the reader infer about Maggie's character in the excerpt? A. Maggie did not have any friends in Lose Angeles. B. Maggie has not driven by herself before. C. Maggie left home because she misses her grandparent. D. Maggie left home because she was unhappy there.

D. Maggie left home because she was unhappy there.

A Good Place for Maggie by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman (excerpt) The gas station attendant kicked a couple of tires. "Guess it'll make it," he said. "But last I heard that road was bad. Watch yourself." The old man's words stayed with her as she drove up into the mountains. She began to feel shaky. This was the first time she had driven outside of Los Angeles. Still, last night she had poured over maps and written everything down; she knew exactly where she was going. So far, everything had been all right. Select the correct answer from the drop-down menu. Read the excerpt. Then choose the correct way to complete the sentence. The author uses the gas station attendant's warning to create tension by foreshadowing that ___________ A. the attendant does not like Maggie's car B. the attendant does not think Maggie has enough gas C. Maggie may not be a good driver D. Maggie may have problems on her journey.

D. Maggie may have problems on her journey.

excerpt adapted from Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad Select the correct answer. Which sentence best expresses a theme of the passage? A. Reality is simple and predictable. B. Nature is bizarre and fascinating. C. Humans are selfish and needy. D. Truth is elusive and intimidating.

D. Truth is elusive and intimidating

A Good Place for Maggie by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman (excerpt) The gas station attendant kicked a couple of tires. "Guess it'll make it," he said. "But last I heard that road was bad. Watch yourself." The old man's words stayed with her as she drove up into the mountains. She began to feel shaky. This was the first time she had driven outside of Los Angeles. Still, last night she had poured over maps and written everything down; she knew exactly where she was going. So far, everything had been all right. Select the correct answer. What text structure does the author use in the underlined sentence? A. pacing B. parallel plot C. foreshadowing D. flashback

D. flashback

Which character archetype is most likely to exert control over other characters? A. the hero B. the rebel C. the mentor D. the ruler

D. the ruler

Stealing the Day by Samantha G. Select the correct answer. Which statement best explains why the author chooses to include a flashback in this passage? A. to show why George was threatened by another student B. to show how immature George was in school C. to show why the narrator was such a good student in school D. to show how the narrator overcame his conflict with George

D. to show how the narrator overcame his conflict with George

Which detail provides specific evidence to develop the author's claim in the passage? excerpt from "Shoes: Feet First!"from A History of Travel in 50 Vehiclesby Paula Grey & Phillip Hoose [Based on the fossil evidence and genetic (DNA) analysis, scientists believe that modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens) developed in Africa some 200,000 years ago.] Approximately 60,000 to 80,000 years ago, they traveled by foot to Asia, then settled what are now Indonesia, Papua, New Guinea, and Australia. By 35,000 years ago, modern humans were firmly established in most of Europe. [Finally, approximately 20,000 years later, humans trekked from Asia to North, Central, and South America—again on foot, crossing the Bering Strait land bridge.] The earlies shoes archaeologists have found are sandals dating from approximately 7000 or 8000 BC in the Fort Rock Cave in Oregon. The oldest leather shoe, a piece of cowhide laced with a leather cord, was found in a cave in Armenia in 2008 and is believed to date back to 3500 BC. The terrain around the cave was rugged, with sharp stones and prickly bushes. [Temperatures in the area could range from up to 113° Fahrenheit (45° Celsius) in summer to below freezing in winter.] Shoes would have enabled people in the region to cope with the terrain and the temperatures. [Obsidian, an igneous rock from at least 75 miles (120 km) away, was found in the same cave, showing that they traveled long distances.]

Finally, approximately 20,000 years later, humans trekked from Asia to North, Central, and South America—again on foot, crossing the Bering Strait land bridge.

Which detail best shapes the theme that unfamiliar places can often seem unwelcoming? excerpt adapted from The School Days of an Indian Girl from American Indian Stories by Zitkala-Sa (Gertrude Simmons Bonnin) It was night when we reached the school grounds. The lights from the windows of the large buildings fell upon some of the icicled trees that stood beneath them. We were led toward an open door, where the brightness of the lights within flooded out over the heads of the excited palefaces who blocked our way. My body trembled more from fear than from the snow I trod upon. Entering the house, I stood close against the wall. The strong glaring light in the large whitewashed room dazzled my eyes. The noisy hurrying of hard shoes upon a bare wooden floor increased the whirring in my ears. My only safety seemed to be in keeping next to the wall. As I was wondering in which direction to escape from all this confusion, two warm hands grasped me firmly, and in the same moment I was tossed high in midair. A rosy-cheeked paleface woman caught me in her arms. I was both frightened and insulted by such trifling. I stared into her eyes, wishing her to let me stand on my own feet, but she jumped me up and down with increasing enthusiasm. My mother had never made a plaything of her wee daughter. Remembering this I began to cry aloud

My only safety seemed to be in keeping next to the wall.

Liam is planning a fictional story about a young boy's adventure in the wilderness with his pet dog. Which sentence could be improved by including dialogue? They had been traveling for hours, and Simon was ready to make camp for the night. He could tell by the slowed pace of his loyal dog, Bruce, that he was ready for a break also. The cold winds had picked up speed, and both travelers had endured the sharp sting as they'd climbed the steep trail of the mountain. Simon nodded toward Bruce and told him it was time to call it quits for the day. He found an open spot that was sheltered by trees and began unloading his backpack. Bruce found a mossy spot beneath a tree and curled up, but he never took his eyes off Simon. Simon's stomach grumbled, and he wished that he hadn't consumed all of his provisions earlier in the day.

Simon nodded towards bruce and told him it was time to call it quits for the day.

excerpt from A Good Place for Maggie by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman Select the correct answer from the drop-down menu. How does the author develop Maggie and her mother's relationship in the excerpt? The author uses the ___________ to convey that Maggie is unhappy being left alone so often. a. dialogue between Maggie and the gas station attendant b. description of Maggie's physical appearance c. discourse in Maggie's letter to her mother d. details showing Maggie's concern about the nuclear plant

c. discourse in Maggie's letter to her mother

Which detail in the text best refines the idea that the theremin is challenging to play? The Theremin The theremin is one of the earliest electronic musical instruments and is played without any form of physical contact between the musician and the instrument. The Russian physicist Leon Theremin invented this instrument in 1920, and he exhibited his innovation all over the world. The instrument has an unusual appearance and consists of two metal antennas. The upright antenna controls the pitch, and the loop antenna controls the volume. The musician moves his hands over the antennas to create electrical signals,, which are magnified through the instrument and relayed to the loudspeaker. The theremin sounds ethereal and transports the listener to another world.The instrument became very popular in the 1930s, but it soon faded into obscurity due to a lack of interest. However, it was revived in the 1990s, and since then, it has been featured in the soundtracks of many movies. Many composers have created musical symphonies that showcase the unique notes of the theremin. It is one of the most difficult instruments to master because even a proficient player requires a lot of practice to control the intonation of the musical notes. Today, many enthusiasts also build theremins as a hobby using building kits available online. a. The musician moves his hands over the antennas to create electrical signals b. but it soon faded into obscurity due to a lack of interest c.even a proficient player requires a lot of practice to control the intonation of the musical notes d. many enthusiasts also build theremins as a hobby using building kits available online.

c.even a proficient player requires a lot of practice to control the intonation of the musical notes

Which detail best develops the idea that European immigrants settling in America was like a melting pot? excerpt adapted from Telling All Americans' Stories: Introduction to European Heritageby National Park Service Upon crossing America's shores, European immigrants spread across the North American continent, altering its physical and cultural landscape along the way. These experiences are often told through the treasured European American narrative of the "melting pot"—where diverse groups traveled to a "New World," where they peopled a nation and forged a uniquely American identity. However, these immigrants arrived on a continent already populated by indigenous nations who possessed their own complex political, economic, and cultural systems. The ensuing encounters between these diverse groups serve as some of the foundational moments in American history. The 1604-1607 maps and documents by Samuel de Champlain are testimony to the interactions between French explorers and the Native peoples living along the coast.

forged a uniquely American identity