Read Theory Answers
The Highest Court (Grade 10)
A. Explaining how the Supreme Court gained the power to enact large-scale changes D. Established the right of the Supreme Court to determine whether laws are constitutional C. Has reversed its own rulings several times in the past B. Following D. Earl Warren A. The Supreme Court is capable of bringing about major changes
A Think of the Past? (Grade 9)
A. I and II D. Refilled your glass of water C. Can be located on land or in the water A. The drawbacks of switching from fossil fuels to renewable resources B. Give readers information about some alternative to fossil fuels
The World's Best Jumper (Grade 6)
A. Illustrate just how good some animals are at jumping D. 20 times its own height C. Ping pong balls C. To reach their food B. Make a comparison C. Quickly B. I and II
Being Bullied (Grade 9)
A. Inclination, proclivity, tendency D. An inborn trait D. "The belief that some people are born bullies is certainly shaken; it seems anyone can be a bully, no matter his or her background A. Ensure that their experiment was designed to account for factors beyond personality traits in their sample-allowing them to be sure they were getting valid results B. Verbally abusing
Candy Desk (Grade 10)
A. Increased public recognition and sales of the companies' products C. Stage B. Tradition got started D. Definition 4: a dose of something strongly desired B. 400 D. Made in Illinois C. The U.S. Senate's Sweetest Tradition
School Bus Yellow (Grade 8)
A. Large C. School transportation B. The black letters on a school bus are also much easier to see against a yellow background when it is dark outside D. A blue lamp on the table to your left B. I and II only
Biographies (Grade 9)
A. Men deemed important to history A. Pivotal C. Explain the author's own project B. History has overlooked the contributions of many people
Summer Rain (Grade 9)
A. Metaphorical C. They do not get a long time off from work for the season D. He or she had no siblings B. Less excitable D. A temporary break
Stop, Thief! (Grade 9)
A. Plagiarism should be more careful defined by schools C. Originality B. Henry Timrod C. The first passage explores the definition of a term, while the second makes an argument about a specific application of that term C. The difference between plagiarism and originality
Gluten-Free Baking (Grade 10)
A. Refrain C. I and II only A. Protein D. II and III only B. Bubbles in a cake B. Coca-Cola B. Enthusiastic D. Soy and oat flour, eggs, baking soda, sugar, applesauce, carrots
Do We Really Need the Moon? (Grade 10)
A. Science tests are not 100% certain about how the Moon was formed B. I and III C. Tiny B. There are strong, fast winds on Jupiter A. Without the Moon, the climate on Earth would be incredibly different D. What is the temperature on the Moon
Wall Drug (Grade 10)
A. Shows the effects of something, rather than describing them B. I and II only D. New and growing D. Evidence of the effects of advertising A. Curious D. More cynical about advertisements C. Its location relative the Badlands B. The author makes an argument that includes two parts, then separately explores the historical causes for both parts and applies them to the specific argument
Maintaining Our Parks (Grade 12)
A. The basis for a heated political debate about funding A. Park entrance fees should not be increased B. Principle D. A grocery store charges $4.99 for a box of donuts, representing a $.99 increase over last month's price. As a result, donut sales decline sharply C. I and II only C. If you don't wash the dishes, your sink will fill up
The Evolution of Superhero Films (Grade 11)
A. The early 1940s C. Their overall length C. II and III only B. Superhero movies are growing more complex and sophisticated A. Insufficient
Clark Kerr (Grade 11)
A. The increase in the number of American colleges A. Provide biographical details about Clark Kerr B. Passing of the California Master Plan for Higher Education D. Did not have as many protests as it would have later C. 1958 - 1967 C. Explaining Clark Kerr's influence on universities
Shays' Rebellion (Grade 11)
A. The influence Shays' Rebellion had on the US Constitution C. Budding D. I and III C. One month before Shays' Rebellion ended E. Evidence that not all of the Founding Fathers had the same opinion on Shays' Rebellion
Xandersol (Grade 10)
B. An Anchorstown newspaper D. Champions, bolsters, supports D. Ad populum, present in an argument in which the arguer takes advantage of the desire most people have to be liked and to fit in with others, using that desire to try to get the audience to accept his or her argument C. In Darbyville, poor work conditions have gone unchecked for too long, and the situation is getting worse. Margo is exciting the impoverished class to rise up against their oppressors E. Appeal to authority, present in an argument in which the arguer attempts to get his or her opponent to accept a claim simply by impressing him or her with a prominent figure or by appealing to a supposed authority who, in actuality, is not much of an expert B. Ad hominem, present in an argument in which the arguer attacks his or her opponent instead of the opponent's argument C. Appeal to pity, present in an argument in which an arguer attempts to get his or her opponent to accept a conclusion by making him or her feel sorry for someone or something
Carbon Monoxide (Grade 9)
B. Cannot be smelled, seen, or tasted C. After some bleach accidently spilled into the bottle, the water was no longer drinkable A. I only D. Expels, replaces, dislodges D. A newborn baby B. Check the building's ventilation and detection C. An unseen danger
Arrowheads (Grade 9)
B. Glass C. Dulled B. The effects on fish on pollution caused by modern-day corporations A. Archeologists can determine many things about Native American societies simply by looking at an arrowhead B. Explaining the significance of the arrowhead
Growing Tomatoes (Grade 10)
B. I and II only C. II and III only A. I only B. I and II only D. The author provides the necessary decisions and instructions of growing tomatoes in home gardens, providing explanation at each stage
Are Salamanders Fireproof? (Grade 9)
B. I and II only C. Why people in medieval Europe might have thought salamanders were born in fire C. II and III only D. Fire resistant C. Pieces of clothing
Fixed on Lincoln (Grade 9)
B. I and II only D. "Jessica Hampton be my best friend" D. Actor D. Marco joins a protest outside the zoo entrance A. treacherous, meaning unfaithful or disloyal A. Questionable
The Terrible Zero (Grade 10)
B. Illustrate the reluctance of people to accept new ideas A. 5 pebbles on the second line, 7 pebbles on the first line, and 3 pebbles on the third line C. The merchant begins with 126 pebbles on the left side of the counting board. 31 pebbles are moved from the left side to the right side. The total number of pebbles remaining on the left side is the number of bottles she will have in her inventory if she makes the sale D. I, II, and III B. Documentation and translation D. Rare E. Amused
Technology: A Disconnect (Grade 10)
B. Less impressed by but more dependent on technology C. Thomas Edison invented the telegraph B. Macabre, gruesome, disturbing D. Something bad that advanced technology can precent A. Provide a line of reasoning the author refutes C. II and IV C. Impress
Latin as a Second Language (Grade 9)
B. Less useful than spoken languages C. Advantageous, helpful, valuable B. Not spoken anymore B. I and II only D. A way to help build their vocabulary B. Come from something else B. Explain that although learning Latin has advantages it is a less useful choice
Busy as a Bee (Grade 7)
B. No human is as busy as a worker bee D. Controlled A. Describe the life cycle of worker bees C. Cleaning cells, nursing larvae, foraging A. Searchers
Digital Music: Opposing Sides (Grade 9)
B. Ownership of music and access to it C. Provide an example B. I and II only D. Time C. II and III only C. You need to have an internet connection to play the music A. Younger D. A background is established, a debate is outlined, and a winner is decided upon
The History of Space Exploration (Grade 8)
B. Present a timeline of major achievements in space exploration C. Contained a canine passenger D. Implausible, unlikely A. Went up 19 years after the first woman in space C. Pioneer 10 B. Some humans live aboard the International Space Station
Winter Holidays (Grade 10)
B. Provide an overview of some religious and cultural winter holidays A. Menorah, kinara B. Kwanzaa D. Observers light eight days of candles to represent the oil that lasted eight days C. Kwanzaa is celebrated in place of Christmas in parts of the United States C. Three King's Day
Spooky Holidays around the World (Grade 10)
B. Provide information about how cultures around the world treat and respect the deceased C. Just the opposite D. Lighting traditional jack o' lanterns D. The Japanese welcome their dead to honor them during the Obon Festival, and then encourage them to leave at the end A. Is derived from native traditions and immigrant traditions B. Prepare food for their dead
Meltdown (Grade 10)
B. Talkative D. Understood by few A. The turning of the turbine blades C. II and III only C. Risky D. Haunting A. Vague C. Byrnes deliberately yanked the control rod
The Most Famous Face (Grade 9)
B. Understandable D. Prove a point A. The fame of da Vinci himself D. Believes that Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile and da Vinci's skill as an artist are not the real reasons why the Mona Lisa became the most famous painting in the world C. It's theft had become too well-known
Mysterious Egyptian Pyramids (Grade 10)
C. A pharaoh would be able to use his treasure once he got to the afterlife A. I and II A. Puny D. It is difficult to imagine that an ancient civilization with so few tools built something as large as the pyramids B. The pyramids were not built by slaves C. The pyramids are worth visiting even though they have been damaged
Antonio's Revenge (Grade 12)
C. A scholarly journal about English literature B. The "heroic" characters act like villains and are not punished for their crimes E. I, II, and III C. Pure A. The stomach is usually understood to be the organ involved in digestion, but instead the brain takes on this task B. Has murdered Antonio's father D. Rationalize his murderous actions
Never as Planned (Grade 7)
C. Flashback, characterized by a depiction of specific events which have taken place before the present time in the narration. Flashback devices that are commonly used are past narratives by characters, depictions, and references of dreams and memories. Flash is used to provide background information to the present situation, place, or person. A. I only C. Things don't need to go as planned in order for everyone to have fun C. Trip D. From unwilling to accepting
Rock Climbing (Grade 9)
C. For the excitement A. As the climber climbs, protection is inserted into the face. The rope is threaded through a carabiner attached to this protection. When the climber falls, the rope catches the carabiner and her weight is counterbalanced by the weight of her partner D. 45 feet B. Frequently, repeatedly, regularly D. No matter how careful the climber, he or she is always at risk
Post Digital (Grade 10)
C. Gloomy, dismal, depressing A. Before the rise of the internet, all households had to pay an average of four monthly bills either by mail or in person B. Dead D. Private mail companies and the internet A. Highlight how slow the postal service is compared to other options C. II and III only D. Be competitive
The Ozone Layer (Grade 8)
C. Harm A. Have lower levels of vitamin D than other people B. Good, helpful, positive D. A shield D. Filter C. Paragraph 3 A. The United Nations effort to protect the ozone layer has shown some success
The Trombone's Slide (Grade 4)
C. Higher or lower D. Blow air into the trombone and vibrate his or her lips B. Brass C. The tuba and the trumpet D. The tuba has buttons, but most trombones do not B. Paragraph 2
A Bag of Ice Cream
C. I and II A. Your ice cream will turn into a solid block D. Stops C. Making homemade ice cream is not hard to do B. Pour the ice cream base into the smaller bag, put the smaller bag into the gallon-size bag, shake the bags
Taping and Bracing (Grade 9)
C. Inform readers about a common sport injury and ways to treat it A. Jump and twist more than basketball players B. I and II only D. "But while high-top shoes may help protect players, players shouldn't spend a great deal of money on their shoes." C. Can decrease the likelihood of a player developing a certain type of ankle injury D. might cause a player to develop an ankle injury B. Imperfect D. Discuss a way in which ankle injuries may be prevented before they happen
Taking Train (Grade 10)
C. North of New York City B. Rare D. Sitting on a train can be a more relaxing commute to work C. Make the reader understand just how many people go through Grand Central Terminal in a given day A. People's commutes to work
American Family (Grade 12)
C. Praised E. Extended beyond the actual boundaries of 1950-1959 D. Driving on the right side of the road, which is done only in North America A. The focus on family life in the 1950s, though abnormal in American history, can lead to a better understanding of the decade B. Rearing children C. I and II only
Love Festivals Around the World (Grade 10)
C. Provide a summary of love holidays around the world B. Black Day A. Aptitude, adeptness, expertise C. Giri choko D. La Diada De Sant Jordi's date honors two deceased authors B. St. Dwynwen's Day, Dragobete, Dia Dos Namorados, Sweetness Week
Guide Dogs (Grade 9)
C. Provide an overview of how guide dogs are prepared for their work D. Painstaking, strict, intense B. Pearl, who acts calm most of the time but occasionally runs wildly about A. I only C. Ignore distractions A. By crossing her arms and saying "No" in a stern voice D. Puppies are assessed for their potential to become guide dogs
All the Wonders (Grade 7)
C. Repelled B. "It had not occurred to him to mention any dangers." C. Remorseful, meaning regretful or ashamed C. Third person omniscient, characterized by knowing what all the characters are thinking B. I and II only D. Rare
Section 4: Clean-Up (Grade 5)
C. Section 3: Party Time D. I, II, and III D. Trash gets dumped A. 1 only A. Provide a reason
Distractions: Throw Them Out (Grade 9)
C. Specific examples of how boredom has fueled creativity D. Hear the dialogue A. Introduce an anecdote from which the author will draw her principal argument B. Boredom E. Has children of her own E. Uncommon B. Irony, characterized by the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning. In irony, the deeper, real layer of significance is revealed by the situation and the context in which they are placed and not by the words themselves
Painting with Oils (Grade 9)
C. The topic is introduced, strengths and weaknesses are outlined, instructions are given, and a conclusion is made B. Second person, used to reference the addressee (singular or plural), characterized by the use of you B. 12 hours D. Pleasure A. Contaminated C. Isolate individual layers of different materials D. Flat bristle brush A. Round sable brush A. Not a primary color C. Practice often and have practice
An Update from Home (Grade 10)
C. Third person limited A. She does not know when he will pass out of American cellular service B. One's presence can be felt after he or she is gone D. The difference between how he is supposed to feel and how he actually feels D. Background information to explain Amir's feelings C. Departed A. II, IV, I, III A. In flux
The Fall of Icarus (Grade 10)
C. We should all be aware of what we are not capable of doing E. May not have painted Landscape with the Fall of Icarus A. The author's interpretation of Landscape with the Fall of Icarus A. Daedalus D. Belgium B. Hidden E. More intimate B. Imagery, characterized by using vivid or figurative language to appeal to the reader's senses
Impossible Perfection (Grade 9)
D. Can negatively affect one's life A. Achievable B. Provide examples to prove the author's point D. Perfection for one necessarily is failure for another, but it should still be sought B. Different people define perfection differently C. A symphony by Michelangelo
The Broken Leg (Grade 10)
D. Emphasizes the suddenness of the narrator's injury A. He broke his left fibula C. Especially B. Prevented him from being active and entertained C. Wants his brother to take an interest in old movies C. I and III only B. Rear Window, because it was both a good film and showed the true experience of having a broken bone leg D. A narrator describes a project a sibling assigned him to help overcome his own boredom
Mastering my Schedule (Grade 5)
D. Examples C. The narrator likes school B. Dreaded A. It was easy for the narrator to learn it and memorize it D. The narrator will be in his or her second year out of elementary school B. Four classes a day instead of six
Love Festivals Around the World (Grade 8)
D. Finland and Columbia A. In the paragraph about South Korea B. I brought my friend soup when she was sick because she Brough me dinner when I felt ill D. Both holidays were devised by retailers C. A god of love B. Simpatias
Renovating the Old House (Grade 8)
D. Home contractors, who specialize in home improvements and new construction C. Difficult to clean A. Original...expensive D. Quality C. Long life B. Hardwood floors, because they are attractive and authentic A. Marty, who is trying to decide on new flooring for the addition on his house
Nuclear Power Plants (Grade 4)
D. I, II, and III B. "For example, a broken coolant tube could cause a major accident." A. Paragraph 1 C. "Though the actual amount of pollution these plants release is low." B. Paragraph 2 C. Easy, open, weak D. Are expensive C. Nuclear power plants are useful but they also have problems
Creative Mystery (Grade 9)
D. II and III only C. A technologist who imagines a new kind of computer chip years before it is made A. Does not explain how great art is made C. Compare it to the work of a famous artist in the past E. Summarize a position C. Where an artist's creativity comes from A. Open
The Introduction of cars (Grade 8)
D. It could take weeks or even months to reach a destination B. An electric mixer C. The car opened up the world by allowing for long-distance, timely travel B. Definition 2 D. Definition 4 A. Harmful B. Very few traffic lights C. "Although cars offered some benefit, ultimately they introduced more problems for people."
The Prisoner's Dilemma (Grade 10)
D. Original C. Pessimistically A. A 2-year sentence if each testified against the other B. Real-life examples that prove the Prisoner's Dilemma works in practice C. Cooperation is impossible unless everyone agrees to it
Marsh (Grade 7)
D. Peanut butter, bread, and jelly C. After wash has covered the ground for a long period of time with no opportunity to drain C. A flood A. Have trees D. Dies B. I and II only A. The marsh attracts small animals that serve as food for the larger animals C. A dry, lifeless desert
Dog Ban: For and Against (Grade 8)
D. Respect for the environment D. Allowing, letting, tolerating D. Concern about the well-being of dogs B. Studies show that dogs who spend extended periods of time in direct sun are 40% more likely to develop cancer A. After the traveler freed the horse from the buggy, the horse galloped around the open field C. Dogs who get little to no outdoor exercise are more likely to develop life-threatening diseases
Singing Summer (Grade 8)
D. Skilled A. Did not want to be embarrassed on stage B. Surprise, because it was a success A. Simile, characterized by the making of a comparison between two unrelated and dissimilar things, people, beings, places and concepts. Similes allow the reader to better understand the sentiment the author wishes to convey. Similes are marked by the use of the words "as" or "like" B. Singing or using the voice A. "From an impressive kick-line to a near perfect rendition of the waltz, the sixth grade dancers could not go wrong" D. Exceptional props
A World of History (Grade 10)
D. Submitted C. Warzones B. Shortage A. Provide insight into history E. Mutable A. Simile, characterized by the making of a comparison between two unrelated and dissimilar things, people, beings, places and concepts C. Philosophical
A Single Story (Grade 9)
D. Summary of a talk B. Pity D. Talents C. English was her first language B. I and II only A. Are surprised to learn the truth about someone C. "Adichie concludes by suggesting that a single story about anyone robs people of their dignity."
U.S. Tennis: In Decline (Grade 10)
D. Talent B. Trouble involved in player development A. Tennis is superior to basketball E. Children most enjoy tennis when played with a multicolored ball C. Dismayed D. "Thus, patriotic fans determined to cheer for players representing the United States are likely to be disappointed for years to come."
Better for the Public (Grade 9)
D. The city of Stillwater pays Mrs. Graham $12,238 so that it can turn part of her farmland into a bike path connecting two public parks B. Parallelism, characterized by the use of phrases or clauses that are similar or complimentary in structure C. claims A. The other parking decks in Metroville are never full A. The city is not going to pay Marcus Weyland for his building
The Rent Man (Grade 6)
D. Three and a half weeks ago A. Disappointed and angry D. I, II, and III C. The grocery store job C. She recently lost her job at the factory C. II and III only
Going Bananas (Grade 10)
D. Why don't bananas spoil during shipping? C. Banana plants are of surprising size and strength B. That passes between picking and spoiling A. I only D. Prepare them for final sale A. Has a shorter shelf life
A Tale of Two Revolution (Grade 10)
E. Two events that are similar in one way ought to be similar in other ways E. They present the two questions the author will spend the remainder of the passage exploring B. An uncountable number D. Infighting in the French Revolution C. Locations relative to Europe, American and French characters, and political cohesion of lack of thereof A. Social inequalities
The Pilomotor Reflex (Grade 8)
A. Arm and legs C. Sneezing C. II and III only D. Scary B. Discuss how goose bumps affect both humans and animals
At the Movies (Grade 7)
A. Very hot C. 1972 B. More than six times B. They wanted to avoid the heat outside A. That he or she is remembering scenes from a film, not scenes from his or her life
Step 4: Demolition (Grade 7)
C. Devastation, wrecking, damage A. Step 3: Preparation A. Thinking it would be funny, Tommy tosses the entire bag of fireworks into the fire C. Introduce a new idea A. I only D. Issue a warning about the hidden dangers of demolition B. Carefully D. Step 5: Clean Up
Keep Our Park Clean (Grade 3)
C. There is a lot of trash at the park A. I only A. To encourage people to clean up the park C. II and III only A. She can help make things better B. Better
Flossing for a Healthier Heart (Grade 9)
D. Acid from contacting your teeth and gums B. I and II only D. Uncertain but speculative D. Clarify an earlier assertion A. Jim wakes up with a sore throat. He eats a piece of bacon for breakfast. By noon, he feels much better. Jim decides that the bacon has cured his soar throat C. Hypothesis, supposition, belief C. Even if flossing is only good for your teeth, you should still do it everyday
The Pilomotor Reflex (Grade 8)
A. Arms and legs C. Sneezing C. II and III only D. Scary B. Discuss how goose bumps affect both humans and animals
Irish Lace (Grade 10)
A. Assuming, modest, ordinary D. Provide a background on Irish lace production B. I and II only A. Rebirth C. Was responsible for a deadly famine
Television and the Making of a President (Grade 11)
A. Fixed A. Overly sentimental C. Six years old D. All of the above E. Nixon used television effectively, and most Americans knew him only from television D. Cynical
Following Function (Grade 11)
A. Huge and drab D. Be art forms that also involve functionally B. Balancing art C. Though similar in function and location, the two buildings are dissimilar in appearance and style E. A painting of the New York skyline as seen from a Brooklyn apartment
The Legend of Krampus (Grade 12)
A. I only B. Generous, compassionate, benevolent A. It is for the best that fewer children grow up knowing the legend of Krampus E. My cousin's handmade clothing combines contrasting colors and patterns D. On the Dark Side of Christmas
Pumping Gas (Grade 11)
A. If you can drive, you should be able to pump gas A. Widespread D. Voters B. Informal
Home Sale News (Grade 12)
A. Investors Favor Homebuilers A. Predicts D. On a real-time stock marker trading website
The Yoga "Trend" (Grade 11)
A. Lasting B. Introduces a general principle that does not apply to his or her main topic D. Grew slowly over the 1900s and 2000s C. While there are many short-lived fitness trends, yoga cannot be considered one because of its ongoing historic popularity
The Donner Party: A Last Resort (Grade 11)
A. Notorious B. Remind us of our own natural instincts C. Introduce the author's argument E. Actually lengthened the Donner Party's travel time D. II and III only D. Morality E. The Donner Party's story is one of the most important events in American history
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (Grade 12)
A. Persuade readers that factory farms should be more strictly regulated to minimize the harm they cause D. II and III only C. Animals that live in overcrowded environments waste energy E. "Grain and energy supplies should be used more efficiently to produce food sources other than livestock." B. A town in North Carolina that used to be situated next to a hog waste lagoon reported 50% fewer cases of respiratory illness after the lagoon was shut down A. Provide a balanced perspective before concluding that the drawbacks of CAFO-produced meat outweigh the economic benefits C. Supporters B. An increase in food prices is more than just an inconvenience for many households; it can mean the difference between having enough to eat or not
The Importance of First-Person History (Grade 11)
A. Superfluous D. II and III only E. Someone other than the author might have edited them to sensationalize slavery's horrors A. Acts and perceptions D. Refute a misconception and advocate a course of action E. History students B. Justifiable but simplistic categorizations C. Primary sources are important to historical research
The Importance of First-Person History (Grade 11)
A. Superfluous D. II and III only E. Someone other than the author might have edited them to sensationalize slavery's horrors A. Facts and perceptions D. Refute a misconception and advocate a course of action E. History students B. Justifiable but simplistic categorizations C. Primary sources are important to historical research
Can Reality be Captured? (Grade 10)
B. Contradiction E. Not everyone agrees with the author's interpretation of The Treachery of Images A. It proves that artificiality cannot replace nature E. More optimistic C. Both passages analyze creative works to draw general principles
Eric Johnson's Dream: Postwar American Cinema (Grade 12)
B. Cultural differences E. Efforts to influence American films with his view of American culture E. Johnston, as head of the MPAA, was able to prevent movies from being released in theaters across the country if he deemed them inappropriate for audiences C. The Grapes of Wrath C. Cynical detachment C. I and II only
An Amazing Progress (Grade 8)
B. Decline C. Explain how humans raise their young A. For this reason C. Pupa D. I, II, and III A. Four
A Trip to the Top (Grade 10)
B. Altitudes higher than 26,000 feet above sea level, where there is not enough oxygen in the atmosphere to sustain human life C. Incapacitating, crippling, paralyzing C. "There is no way for climbers to prepare for this atmosphere, and even the strongest mountaineers are in grave danger in the death zone" A. Support a later claim
Recommendation (Grade 10)
B. Amanda received excellent grades in the professor's courses B. Talkative C. Has gained confidence over the course of three semesters D. A study abroad program A. While her group mates were not persuaded by Amanda's arguments, they appreciated the way that she expressed her views and they continued to work well as a team
At the Coffee Shop (Grade 7)
B. Brew regular coffee B. I and II only D. Make regular coffee first, make cappuccinos second, and use the register third A. He got to talk to many different types of customers D. Nathan, who wants to know what it is like to work at a coffee shop
As You Like It (Grade 11)
B. Grave A. As You Like It is still well known today because it explores complicated themes C. Two contrasting ideas D. Life as a family versus life as an individual A. Not having much philosophical substance
Grammar in the Classroom (Grade 12)
B. Knowledge of grammar will prepare students for the world they will encounter after graduating from high school B. Support the idea that traditional grammar instruction is ineffectual C. Students cannot fully understand grammar until they have become proficient writers E. Connected D. Reinforce the idea that grammar is important and argue that traditional grammar instruction is ineffectual
Big Box Stores (Grade 11)
B. Locally owned businesses E. Warn readers that the closure of most stores like Reed's is likely C. They stock fewer healthy food options C. Uncomplaining
New Revenue (Grade 11)
C. "Given that the rich already have enough money, are able to assist in the redistribution of wealth, and can help avoid a national financial disaster, it is clear that their taxes should be raised." A. The US government spends more than it makes D. Worsen B. Illustrate the luxurious lifestyle of the rich D. A woman lacks enough money to provide for her family and therefore is given a welfare check by the government A. World economy depends on the US economy for survival D. Taxes on the Wealthy Need to Be Raised C. Persuasive
Reading in the Park (Grade 7)
C. 13 A. Being alone D. Isolation, privacy, peace B. Being surrounded by people and being alone D. All of the above
Barnum, Ripley, and the American Dream (Grade 11)
C. 1871 B. Fraud D. Was Part of the "long line of impresarios and showmen in American history" described in Passage 2 E. Evaluating others cultures based on the standards of one's own culture C. Is more critical of his or her subject A. Both created obvious hoaxes in order to draw the public's interest E. Explore the lives of men who made money as showmen
Voter Participation (Grade 10)
C. 53% B. Provide information about the 2004 study C. Obstacles D. Are eligible to vote but are not registered D. I, II, and III B. Support an earlier point A. Desirable
Made in China (Grade 11)
C. A dress B. Provide information about how the trade relationship between China and America began C. 1783 B. A negative effect C. I and II only D. Formed their perceptions from limited interaction and partial evidence E. Distrustful
Little Stinkers (Grade 11)
C. A member of the Pantatomidae family, stink bugs surprisingly do not share the eating habits of related insects B. Demanding, particular, critical D. Juxtapose the impact of stink bugs on gardeners with that on farmers E. Macro farmers are losing their crops A. A decrease in price C. In hopes of eradicating stink bugs, several solutions are in the works D. II and III only A. On Valentine's Day, our school was littered with little pink love notes. I even found one stuck to my shoe when I got home
Youth Basketball (Grade 10)
C. Defense of the function of youth basketball leagues D. Tom, who has to clean up by himself after the restaurant closes, because his coworkers know he is too shy to complain if they leave early B. I and II only D. Critical observation C. Talented child is not challenged, he or she can grow undisciplined and bored A. The opportunities they get early on will allow them to become even better players D. The accusations leveled against coaches and agents suggest that the job of developing young talent is not being done correctly
Plague: Body and Mind (Grade 12)
C. Diseases that target specific groups of people are less philosophically troubling than diseases that strike at random D. After providing background information, arguments from the opposing sides are presented and then reexamined from a modern viewpoint B. Appealing B. Pun, characterized by the use of a play on words intended to suggest the presence of two possible meanings E. Is primarily what led both natural philosophers and moralists to theorize about the plague E. Immoral D. II and III only A. Dilemma
Education Spending Cuts (Grade 11)
C. I and II B. If people lack education they are more likely to have serious health problems, go to prison, or be unemployed A. Show that educating children is not a priority D. Acquire, obtain, contract B. Nearly 30% E. Demonstrate that the effects of the cuts will be small C. Disagree about the priorities for future generations E. Significance of the state's savings
The Pony Express (Grade 11)
C. Introduce topic, background, logistics, end result, lasting impression A. Shortening of delivery time for communication between coasts C. The physical endurance of man and horse C. Western World B. II only A. Controlled D. The priority assigned to the mail B. Invention of the transcontinental telegraph
Mary Celeste: Ghost Ship (Grade 12)
C. Lacking E. It was uncommon for ships to be abandoned in the nineteenth century D. Brought about A. Examine an unexplainable event E. A devastating forest fire A. It will never be fully explained and will remain a source of fascination and speculation A. $35,000 in cash
The End of the Space Shuttle Program (Grade 12)
C. Make space travel less expensive D. II and III only D. The high cost of space exploration is justifiable E. Explain that the space shuttle program's benefits are more important than its drawbacks B. Outdated
Color Psychology (Grade 11)
C. Marketing experts A. Research has shown that the effect a color has on mood may only be temporary. For example, a blue room may initially cause feelings of calm, but the effect fades fairly quickly B. It causes some people to rely on an ineffectual form of treatment instead of the medical care that their doctors have recommended D. Truth, legitimacy, credibility B. Today, most Americans consider blue to be the color for boys and pink to be the color for girls. However, in the early 20th century, American clothing stores instructed customers to dress their baby boys in pink and baby girls in blue. According to a popular 1918 fashion advice article, "the generally accepted rule is pink for the boys, and blue for the girls. The reason is that pink, being a More decided abs strenger color, is more suitable for the boy, while boy, which is more delicate and dainty, is prettier for the girl." C. While color psychology may be fun and interesting, there is little scientific evidence to support the theories behind it
The Controversy of Thanksgiving (Grade 10)
C. Provide support to the idea that the celebration of modern-day Thanksgiving holiday is based upon incorrect information D. An author called it Thanksgiving when he published a note in 1841 A. Parents condemn the reopening of schools when contagious illness cases rise B. The United States of America has a policy where politics and religion are not supposed to cross certain boundaries C. Columbus Day is another holiday where its history is biased against Native Americans A. Copious, bountiful
Test Results (Grade 10)
C. Results of a recent study suggest a correlation between individual setting and overall academic performance E. Uncomfortable and annoying D. II and III only E. Arduous, excruciating, difficult C. I and II only E. Austin gets home from school early. When his father asks him how soccer tryouts went, he tells him that he did not try out. Upon hearing this, his father asks him why not. Austin tells his father that he did not try out because there was no point; there was no way he would ever make the team A. Situate him or her in a comfortable environment
From Necessity to Pastime (Grade 12)
C. Their focus shifted to instruction on budgeting and buying and preserving clothing B. Changing role of home economists as a result of changes in the world E. Becoming widely available to a populace E. Become experts on budgeting and consumerism C. I and II only
Ursula Pugh (Grade 11)
C. Unaware A. Disappointment B. Figurative expression, characterized by the use of a word or phrase that deviates in from its primary or strict meaning. Figurative expression is used in order to give meaning to a word or phase that goes beyond its literal meaning D. Fairly accurate
Folk Music (Grade 11)
C. Were written by someone who has no claimed them as his or her own work B. Clarify a misunderstood musical term D. It seemed more authentic than rock and roll C. Protest A. Could not really accurately define folk music
Witch Trials (Grade 11)
D. 1693 C. The Witch Trials of Colonial New England B. Jamie told me she talks to her guardian angel every night A. Partial E. The governor's decision to end the trails may have been unduly influenced
Lake Mead (Grade 11)
D. Assessing the effects of climate change on the United States' largest reservoir B. Dry C. Worsen A. Pun, characterized by the use of a play on words intended to suggest the presence of two or more possible meanings. This is generally intended to produce an effect of irony, humor, or wit A. I only E. Concerned B. A scientist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography has predicted that there is a 50/50 chance that Lake Mead will be completely gone by 2021
The History of Thanksgiving in the United States (Grade 10)
D. Explain the origin of Thanksgiving in the United States A. Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes befriended the Tlaxcala, an Aztec tribe in Mexico, and was able to control and establish a Spanish settlement there by 1521 C. Many people got sick from the disease and climate C. He wanted their help to go back to England B. Present day Thanksgiving is centered around consuming foods with relatives A. Their religion called for them to celebrate meals together in times of plenty C. Paragraph 6
Surviving On Blood (Grade 11)
D. Explain what makes fleas such effective survivors D. The Calendula Marigold is able to withstand extreme heat and is drought resistant A. Have a waterproof sclerite A. I only A. Fleas extend their little spines if threatened B. I and II only B. Illustrate a comparison made between fleas and humans
Rickshaws (Grade 11)
D. Means B. Pulling rickshaws was often the only job available to recent immigrants to the city E. Rickshaws required fewer people to pull D. II and III only B. People were more expendable than horses B. II only
Xanadu (Grade 11)
D. Most popular poems are easy to understand E. Utopias, paradises, Shangri-Las B. Has no clear meaning but still resonates with the reader A. Discusses the creation of "Kubla Khan" and uses it to ask a larger question about the role of artistic inspiration on meaning C. Coleridge and the Symbolists B. Provide an analysis of "Kubla Khan" E. The interpretations of poetic works
A Letter Concerning Graffiti (Grade 10)
D. Should be judged on its artistic qualities rather than its location A. Is not an art form B. Art D. Complex A. "I would like to point out that many people believe that graffiti is an art form that can benefit our public spaces just as much as sculpture, fountains, or other, more accepted art forms." B. Offering a solution
An Environmental Perspective (Grade 10)
E. A Christmas tree presents an ethical dilemma for environmentalists B. The happy children chased two dogs around the yard, wildflowers swaying in the breeze C. Find a tree that is grown locally without the use pesticides or fertilizers E. Environmentalists who want to make an informed decision about their tree A. Deforestation C. Will decompose naturally B. An acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen in one year for eighteen people
Friggatriskaidekaphobia (Grade 12)
E. A longer work that analyzes evidence about the superstition of Friday the 13th D. II and III only C. Studies performed in the United Kingdom reveal that significantly fewer people choose to drive their cars to work on Friday the 13th A. Post hoc, characterized by the argument in which two sequential events are said to be causally related, but this is not actually the case; the arguer wrongly concludes that the earlier event cause the later. That is, correlation isn't the same thing as causation C. Fortunate
Peaches On Ice (Grade 10)
E. Inappropriate B. As a result E. Mary's unwavering support from her former employer, the Warren family C. Quiet with a temper A. Chronological, in which events are described in the order they happen E. Neutral A. Draw an ominous parallel with the beginning of the passage
Liberal Arts: Breadth In Curriculum (Grade 12)
E. Respond to the debate over whether coursework should reflect the changing times D. Flourishing B. A biomedical research laboratory D. Contrary D. The return of students educated in the German university model B. On-campus housing is available D. II and III only B. Smaller classes encourage lively discussion
Napolean at Lodi (Grade 7)
A. Corsica C. Commander of the Interior C. He had the backing of the French Republic B. Careful D. Made Napoleon seem more impressive than before C. Growing A. Describe how a battle affected Napoleon
Bobbing for Apples (Grade 5)
A. Difficult D. Someone who is patient and practiced C. Tell someone about the future A. They wanted to get married B. A bucket A. The old ways was more dangerous
Less Heat, More Money (Grade 8)
B. Expensive ways to warm up your house A. Waste C. I and III only D. His or her readers are very interested in saving money
Donuts (Grade 9)
B. Experts D. Donuts have recently become popular due to donut makers putting more care and craftsmanship into them C. Ingredients A. Examples of food that require great care
Mount Roraima (Grade 8)
B. Flat tops C. Pemon C. The pitcher plant, which traps insects and consumes them A. Food A. Visitors to Roraima must be accompanied by a Pemon guide B. Columbia
The Life Cycle of a Frog (Grade 5)
B. Four A. Different D. Egg, tadpole, froglet, adult frog A. Gills A. A child B. A science magazine
Frankenstein: The Invention of a Genre (Grade 10)
B. Genres that have more than one historical source D. Introduces a commonly held belief, while the rest of the passage attempts to disprove that belief B. A creature invented by a scientist A. A definition of the horror genre C. Wrote the first book in the genre that is still widely read
The chili cook-off (Grade 9)
C. Competitive D. It did not contain meat A. Chili peppers B. Emanuela lives with her six children. She makes most major family decisions alone C. I and III only A. A blueberry pie
Thanksgiving Around the World (Grade 10)
C. Demonstrate how worldwide cultures have developed or adopted a similar holiday A. Canadians consume comparable Thanksgiving meals as in America B. Religious B. Asian Thanksgiving celebrations have the oldest known histories behind their Thanksgiving celebrations C. A religious harvest holiday D. Provide examples of countries whose Thanksgiving roots are religious
The Palmer Raids (Grade 9)
C. Done for political B. To send someone out of a country for committing a crime D. The Bureau of Investigation A. Provide information about the Palmer Raids D. III, II, I, IV
Summer of Nothing (Grade 7)
C. Emphasize the confusion between her and her friends B. Bernadette: babysitting her siblings D. Devised or created A. Relaxation C. A stressed-out teenager attends to unwind over the summer and explains why she is doing so
The Green Book (Grade 9)
C. Extremely useful A. Only Black Americans traveling to those countries B. Some are still operational, but most are closed D. Limited the rights of Black Americans B. After paragraph 2
The Met and its Sister (Grade 9)
D. 8.5 million B. Feeling alone and being surrounded by people D. There are larger medieval art collections in Europe C. Used for religious purposes B. Feel isolated in both museums C. The temporary escape from New York that museums can provide
Sports Drinks: Better than Water? (Grade 9)
D. Argue A. I only B. The sugar in sports drinks make them a poor choice for people who are trying to get in shape B. Even athletes who participate in intense workouts should not drink sports drinks C. Rehydrates you and does not contain any potentially harmful ingredients
Asking Questions (Grade 10)
D. Authenticity, genuineness, truth C. Evil A. Rhetorical question, characterized by a question posed for effect rather than one that expects a reply E. Argue that conspiracy theories arise from normal questions E. Examples of gaps in certainty about the Kennedy assassination, aliens, and the moon landing B. A gap A. It redirects the passage and furthers the author's main argument B. Should simply be accepted as fact D. The wheel was not invented by one person
Run or Walk? (Grade 6)
D. Can help lower your blood pressure C. Walk for twice as long as you run A. Heart B. Walking is easier on your body than running C. Communicate the idea that any exercise is better than no exercise at all A. On a Website where people can get information about staying healthy
It's All in the Game (Grade 10)
D. Can make a person more violent in real life A. Presents some of the major arguments against the author's claim B. The violence in video games looks very realistic D. Allowing people to take out their anger on video games characters instead of people B. A study that shows that teens who play violent video games are 25% less likely to get into fights at school than their peers who do not play these games C. Harmless C. People who believe that violent video games cause violence are incorrect; in fact, violent video games might cause people to commit fewer violent crimes
Flying Machine (Grade 8)
D. Sufficient, plenty, enough A. Birds B. Favorable climate C. An airplane has an engine B. Humorous B. Capable
Y2K (Grade 10)
E. Expected, foresaw, predicted A. "The system would assume that it had started over with the year 1900, rather than entering into a new millennium." C. Threatening E. I, II, and III C. Technology Times C. I and II only A. At the turn of the last millennium, the frightening technological crisis known as Y2k was avoided thanks to the perspective of computer programmers
Packing Up (Grade 10)
E. I, II, and III D. Reminiscent, suggestive, redolent B. Stacks of newspaper A. The grandmother's culture and the culture of later generations C. She had experienced need when she was younger A. How long did the grandmother live in her house? B. First person plural
Common Sense? (Grade 10)
E. Religion B. A collection of the best baseball players of all time D. Analysis of Thomas Paine's work in historical context C. England, America, England, France, America B. Change A. Relatively stable E. A history of the French Revolution A. It provides the context for Paine's writings C. He was the relic of an earlier era of religious thought E. Belonging to a different time period
The Ryman Auditorium (Grade 10)
E. Unimpressive in appearance but important historically D. Hold religious meetings B. 1892 A. Harmonious A. Suggest that country music's history is similar to that of other genres D. The Ryman hosted the Grand Ole Opry B. Will Rogers D. A link between past and present
