Common Core ELA 11 (All Pre-tests for "Dark Romanticism")

Read the excerpt from "On Women's Right to Vote," an 1873 speech by Susan B. Anthony. And when 100 or 1,000,000 people enter into a free government, they do not barter away their natural rights; they simply pledge themselves to protect each other in the enjoyment of them, through prescribed judicial and legislative tribunals. Which quotation correctly uses ellipsis to shorten Anthony's words?

And when . . . people enter into a free government, they do not barter away their natural rights; they simply pledge themselves to protect each other in the enjoyment of them, through prescribed judicial and legislative tribunals.

Which excerpt from "The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture" conveys the eerie tone of the passage?

As I heard the wind moan among the trees, I caught a reflection of this accursed visage in the pane of glass, as though it were staring through the window at me.

Read the excerpt from "Votes for Women," a speech by Mark Twain from 1901. As for this city's government, I don't want to say much, except that it is a shame - a shame; but if I should live twenty-five years longer - and there is no reason why I shouldn't - I think I'll see women handle the ballot. Which quotation correctly uses ellipsis to shorten Twain's words?

As for this city's government, I don't want to say much, except that it is a shame - a shame; but if I should live twenty-five years longer . . . I think I'll see women handle the ballot.

Read the excerpt from "On Women's Right to Vote," an 1873 speech by Susan B. Anthony. Our democratic-republican government is based on the idea of the natural right of every individual member thereof to a voice and a vote in making and executing the laws. Which quotation correctly uses ellipsis to shorten Anthony's words?

Our democratic-republican government is based on the idea of the natural right of every individual member thereof to . . . a vote in making and executing the laws.

Read the excerpt from "The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture." The expression was that of agony—the agony of intense bodily pain; but a menace scowled upon the brow, and a few sprinklings of blood added to its ghastliness. Yet it was not all these characteristics—it was some horror of the mind, some inscrutable antipathy awakened by this picture, which harrowed up my feelings. What technique does Irving use to build suspense in the excerpt?

The word choice darkens the tone.

Read this excerpt from chapter 1 of The Scarlet Letter. A throng of bearded men, in sad-colored garments and gray, steeple-crowned hats, intermixed with women, some wearing hoods, and others bareheaded, was assembled in front of a wooden edifice, the door of which was heavily timbered with oak, and studded with iron spikes. Which best describes the effect of the words "sad-colored," "steeple-crowned," and "iron spikes"?

They establish the austere Puritan setting.

Read this excerpt from chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter. Meagre, indeed, and cold, was the sympathy that a transgressor might look for, from such bystanders at the scaffold. On the other hand, a penalty which, in our days, would infer a degree of mocking infamy and ridicule, might then be invested with almost as stern a dignity as the punishment of death itself. Which best describes the purpose of the words "meagre," "scaffold," "stern," and "punishment of death"?

They impart a judgmental, reproachful mood.

Read this excerpt from chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter. Lastly, in lieu of these shifting scenes, came back the rude market-place of the Puritan settlement, with all the townspeople assembled and levelling their stern regards at Hester Prynne,—yes, at herself,—who stood on the scaffold of the pillory, an infant on her arm, and the letter A, in scarlet, fantastically embroidered with gold thread, upon her bosom! What is the effect of the underlined words in this excerpt?

They impart a mood of distress and shame.

Read the sentences. Sentence 1: The first time I performed a solo, my stomach was in knots. Sentence 2: Despite my nerves, I was able to do it. Sentence 3: My part certainly wasn't perfect and may have been a little screechy, but I was proud of myself nonetheless. Sentence 4: I could barely breathe, and I wasn't sure a sound would come out when I opened my mouth to sing. What is the most logical way to sequence these sentences to create a logical narrative?

sentence 1, sentence 4, sentence 2, sentence 3

Read the sentences. Sentence 1: What a peaceful morning, I thought to myself. Sentence 2: I opened my eyes, lay still for a moment, and listened to the sounds of the forest. Sentence 3: At that very moment, I heard Joaquin frantically scream, "Enzo, come quick! Look!" Sentence 4: The rustling tree branches sounded like hushed whispers, and I wondered what they were saying. What is the most logical way to sequence these sentences to create a logical narrative?

sentence 2, sentence 4, sentence 1, sentence 3

Read the excerpt from Paolo's personal narrative, "The Amusement Park." The first time I rode a roller coaster, I was nine years old. I remember feeling both terrified and excited. I had goosebumps, and the hairs on my arms were standing straight up. My sister and I waited in line for an hour, which only made me more nervous. Which sentence is the best example of a vivid sensory detail?

"I had goosebumps, and the hairs on my arms were standing straight up."

Read the quotation from Henry David Thoreau's Walden. Some of my pleasantest hours were during the long rain-storms in the spring or fall, which confined me to the house for the afternoon as well as the forenoon, soothed by their ceaseless roar and pelting; when an early twilight ushered in a long evening in which many thoughts had time to take root and unfold themselves. In those driving northeast rains which tried the village houses so, when the maids stood ready with mop and pail in front entries to keep the deluge out, I sat behind my door in my little house, which was all entry, and thoroughly enjoyed its protection. Which is the best example of a vivid sensory detail?

"when the maids stood ready with mop and pail in front entries to keep the deluge out"

Which event described in chapter 1 of The Scarlet Letter takes place as the story begins?

A crowd gathers at the jail.

Read the excerpt from Chapter 28 of Moby-Dick. It had previously come to me that this ivory leg had at sea been fashioned from the polished bone of the sperm whale's jaw. How is the fact that Ahab's leg is made from whale bone significant to the novel's theme of man versus nature?

It signifies that Ahab has pitted himself against nature in an effort to dominate it.

Which event described in chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter occurs when Hester arrives at the marketplace?

Hester climbs the stairs and stands on the scaffolding.

Which sentence most strongly develops a negative tone?

I despise the fact that John is never on time when we have an appointment.

Read the excerpt from "Votes for Women," a speech by Mark Twain from 1901. I should like to see the time come when women shall help to make the laws. I should like to see that whiplash, the ballot, in the hands of women. Which quotation correctly uses an ellipsis to shorten Twain's words without changing their meaning?

I should like to see the time come when women shall help to make the laws. I should like to see . . . the ballot, in the hands of women.

Read the excerpt from a short story. They had laughed at the shabbiness of the hotel. "Oh well," they'd said, "we aren't going to spend any time inside." And they had not. They'd spent the day and evening sightseeing and had not retreated to their rooms until they were spent. Now Ana appraised her modest accommodations, remembering how the window in her room had amused her friends, as it offered a view of a brick wall not six inches away. "You get what you pay for!" they'd exclaimed, closing the heavy curtains. The window captured Ana's attention again. As she readied for bed, she heard a persistent tapping coming from outside. Ana reasoned with herself, reminded herself that only small bird or bug in distress could fit in such a space. The tapping suggested otherwise, and she turned to investigate. How does the excerpt exemplify the ideas King describes in "Danse Macabre"?

It allows readers to approach a "forbidden door."

Read the excerpt from a short story. The downy pillow covered his ears but did not mask the sound. Sleep eluded him for hours, and he heard it still: a persistent scraping in the corner of his room. Sitting upright at last, he peered into the darkness. It was as he'd suspected. His uncle's trunk, an old army footlocker, was the source of the sound. Fine then, he could resolve this mystery. He swung his legs to the floor with conviction. How does the excerpt exemplify the ideas King describes in "Danse Macabre"?

It allows readers to approach a "forbidden door."

Read the excerpt from "The Fall of the House of Usher," by Edgar Allan Poe. Although, as boys, we had been even intimate associates, yet I really knew very little of my friend. His reserve had been always excessive and habitual. What does this excerpt reveal about the narrator of the story?

It describes what the narrator knows from his past.

Read the excerpt from Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." I dared not -- oh, pity me, miserable wretch that I am! -- I dared not -- I dared not speak! We have put her living in the tomb! Said I not that my senses were acute? I now tell you that I heard her first feeble movements in the hollow coffin. I heard them -- many, many days ago -- yet I dare not -- I dared not speak! What is the effect of parallelism in this excerpt?

It emphasizes Usher's sense of terror.

Read the excerpt from "The Oval Portrait," by Edgar Allan Poe. But it could have been neither the execution of the work, nor the immortal beauty of the countenance, which had so suddenly and so vehemently moved me. Least of all, could it have been that my fancy, shaken from its half slumber, had mistaken the head for that of a living person. I saw at once that the peculiarities of the design, of the vignetting, and of the frame, must have instantly dispelled such idea—must have prevented even its momentary entertainment. What is the effect of parallelism in this excerpt?

It emphasizes the narrator's denial.

Read the excerpt from "The Tell-Tale Heart," by Edgar Allan Poe. I talked more quickly—more vehemently; but the noise steadily increased. I arose and argued about trifles, in a high key and with violent gesticulations; but the noise steadily increased. Why would they not be gone? I paced the floor to and fro with heavy strides, as if excited to fury by the observations of the men?—but the noise steadily increased. What is the effect of parallelism in this excerpt?

It emphasizes the narrator's paranoia.

Read the excerpt from Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." I looked upon the scene before me -- upon the mere house, and the simple landscape features of the domain -- upon the blank walls -- upon the vacant eye-like windows -- upon a few rank sedges -- and upon a few white trunks of decayed trees -- with an utter depression of soul. What is the effect of parallelism in this excerpt?

It emphasizes the sizeable burden imposed by the summons.

Read the excerpt from Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." The conditions of the sentience had been here, he imagined, fulfilled in the method of the collocation of these stones -- in the order of their arrangement, as well as in that of the many fungi which overspread them, and of the decayed trees which stood around -- above all, in the long undisturbed endurance of this arrangement, and in its reduplication in the still waters of the tarn. What is the effect of parallelism in this excerpt?

It emphasizes the tedious details of Usher's beliefs.

Read this excerpt from chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter.

It is part of the rising action that reveals public sentiment toward Hester.

Read the excerpt from a short story. The beach teemed with tourists from boardwalk to shore. A canopy of colorful umbrellas covered the sand. Each was preoccupied with his own happy task, and none noticed the figure as it emerged from the surf. Its skin was blistered and raw, and it lumbered awkwardly in the foam. Its hideous eyes hungrily appraised the masses. How does the excerpt exemplify the ideas King describes in "Danse Macabre"?

It provides a "single powerful spectacle" for the imagination's eye.

How is a root word used to understand a text?

It provides the foundation for a word's meaning.

Read the excerpt from "On Women's Right to Vote," an 1873 speech by Susan B. Anthony. It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union. And we formed it, not to give the blessings of liberty, but to secure them; not to the half of ourselves and the half of our posterity, but to the whole people—women as well as men. Which quotation correctly uses ellipsis to shorten Anthony's words?

It was we, the people . . . the whole people, who formed the Union. And we formed it, not to give the blessings of liberty, but to secure them; not to the half of ourselves and the half of our posterity, but to the whole people—women as well as men.

Which sentence contains a correctly punctuated nonrestrictive modifier?

Jake, who is twenty-seven, is studying to be a yoga teacher.

Which best explains Melville's reason for describing how the sight of Ahab causes "foreboding shivers" in the narrator at the beginning of Chapter 28 of Moby-Dick?

Melville is building a mood of suspense.

Which best explains the symbolism behind Melville's comparison of Ahab to a solid bronze cast in Chapter 28 of Moby-Dick?

Melville is symbolizing the inflexible nature of Ahab's character.

Read the sentence. Noah who draws comic books in his free time wants to write a graphic novel. Which version of the sentence has correctly placed commas?

Noah, who draws comic books in his free time, wants to write a graphic novel.

Commas should always be placed around

Nonrestrictive modifiers

Read the excerpt from "The Gettysburg Address," Abraham Lincoln's famous speech. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. Which quotation correctly uses ellipsis to shorten Lincoln's words?

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation . . . can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war.

Read the excerpt from a short story. I stood against the far wall of the shabby lobby avoiding eye contact with the doorman as my dad checked us in for the night. We'd hoped to make it as far as Scranton, but the weather had interfered, leaving us instead at an eyesore of a truck-stop motel. My ear buds were jammed in as far as comfort would allow in a vain attempt to block out the motel's vibe. Still, I could not ignore the looming presence of the doorman. He stood in the dim portico, sweeping and re-sweeping a pile of lint on the floor, watching the parking lot with his watery eyes, and occasionally signaling to the whiskered clerk behind the desk. What technique does the author use to build suspense in the excerpt?

Odd characters are introduced.

Which event described in chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter occurs after Hester appears in front of the crowd?

Onlookers react to Hester's embroidered letter.

Read the excerpt from "The Oval Portrait," by Edgar Allan Poe. The chateau into which my valet had ventured to make forcible entrance, rather than permit me, in my desperately wounded condition, to pass a night in the open air, was one of those piles of commingled gloom and grandeur which have so long frowned among the Appennines, not less in fact than in the fancy of Mrs. Radcliffe. To all appearance it had been temporarily and very lately abandoned. We established ourselves in one of the smallest and least sumptuously furnished apartments. It lay in a remote turret of the building. Which statement best describes the effect of the narration on the story?

The narration establishes a forsaken, foreboding setting.

Read the excerpt from Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." His ordinary occupations were neglected or forgotten. He roamed from chamber to chamber with hurried, unequal, an objectless step. The pallor of his countenance had assumed, if possible, a more ghastly hue -- but the luminousness of his eye had utterly gone out. Which statement best describes the effect of the narration on the story?

The narration suggests Usher's mental decline after his sister's death.

Read the excerpt from Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." I say that even their exceeding density did not prevent our perceiving this -- yet we had no glimpse of the moon or stars -- nor was there any flashing forth of the lightning. But the under surfaces of the huge masses of agitated vapour, as well as all terrestrial objects immediately around us, were glowing in the unnatural light of a faintly luminous and distinctly visible gaseous exhalation which hung about and enshrouded the mansion. Which statement best describes the effect of the narration on the story?

The narration suggests a supernatural presence at the dwelling.

Which event described in chapter 1 of The Scarlet Letter involves the narrator?

The narrator offers the reader a rose.

Read the sentence. The newspaper my dad reads each day is a credible source of information. Based on the suffix, -ible, what does the word "credible" mean?

The newspaper my dad reads is a worthy source of information.

Read this excerpt from chapter 1 of The Scarlet Letter using comprehension strategies. But, on one side of the portal, and rooted almost at the threshold, was a wild rose-bush, covered, in this month of June, with its delicate gems, which might be imagined to offer their fragrance and fragile beauty to the prisoner as he went in, and to the condemned criminal as he came forth to his doom, in token that the deep heart of Nature could pity and be kind to him. What is the meaning of this excerpt?

The rosebush is nature's offering to those who must enter or leave the prison.

Which best explains how Melville uses his description of Ahab in Chapter 28 of Moby-Dick to comment on the nature of man?

Through Ahab, Melville symbolizes how obsession can take over a man's life.

Read the excerpt from Chapter 28 of Moby-Dick. His bone leg steadied in that hole; one arm elevated, and holding by a shroud; Captain Ahab stood erect, looking straight out beyond the ship's ever pitching prow. There was an infinity of firmest fortitude, a determinate, unsurrenderable willfulness, in the fixed and fearless, forward dedication of that glance. Which best describes the theme Melville develops in this excerpt from the chapter?

obsession

Read the definition. antisocial: opposing a social norm What is the prefix of antisocial?

anti

Read the sentence. From a prior scene, the audience knew that the lead was hysterical because of the contemptible villain. Suffixes help a reader understand the meanings of words. Which words in the sentence have suffixes? Check all that apply.

audience hysterical contemptible

Sasha just read a writing prompt, and she is not sure what to write about. In order to write a strong essay, Sasha should first

brainstorm different topics.

Read the excerpt from "The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture." "And now for the haunted chamber," said the Irish captain, taking his candle. "Aye, who's to be the hero of the night?" said the gentleman with the ruined head. "That we shall see in the morning," said the old gentleman with the nose: "whoever looks pale and grizzly will have seen the ghost." "Well, gentlemen," said the Baronet, "there's many a true thing said in jest." How does the excerpt exemplify Gothic fiction?

by involving the narrator with an odd cast of characters

Read the excerpt from "The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture." How was this vile nervous fit, for such I now persuaded myself it was, to be conquered? I determined to force myself not to look at the painting but to undress quickly and get into bed. I began to undress, but in spite of every effort I could not keep myself from stealing a glance every now and then at the picture; and a glance was now sufficient to distress me. Even when my back was turned to it, the idea of this strange face behind me, peering over my shoulder, was insufferable. How does the excerpt exemplify Gothic fiction?

by revealing an unhinged psychological state

Read the introduction to Jorge's personal narrative, "Goodbye, My Friend." When I was in eighth grade, my best friend's parents told us that their family was moving away at the end of the school year. When that time finally __________, I decided to __________ her a proper sendoff: a huge surprise party! I just __________ her to know how much all of her friends would miss her. I invited everyone in my grade and made them promise not to tell Rebekah. Fill in the blanks in order.

came . . . give . . . . wanted

Read the introduction to Cole's personal narrative, "Too Cool for School?" On my first day at Crestwood High School, I was __________ that no one would like me. I had just moved to town, and it seemed to me that my classmates had known each other for years. I hated being the new kid. I walked down the hall with my head down and my shoulders hunched. I sat by myself at lunch, despite several invitations. After about three weeks, things __________. At lunch one day, a boy approached my table and sat down. He asked, "Why don't you like us? Why don't you want to hang out with us?" I couldn't believe it! I had thought that they didn't want to spend time with me. The boy's name was Craig, and he insisted that I come sit with him and his friends. I haven't sat alone since, and now when I __________ down the hall, I keep my head up and I smile. Fill in the blanks in order.

convinced . . . . changed . . . . walk

Read the writing prompt. Your school has decided that students must wear uniforms every day. Do you agree with this decision? Why or why not? Write a letter to your principal that explains your point of view. Provide clear reasons for whether or not you support the school's decision. Jonas decides that he will write a letter explaining that he disagrees with the principal's decision because he believes that uniforms take away from students' individuality. What is his best next step?

create an outline

Read the excerpt from Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher." During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher. Which best describes the mood created by the narration in this excerpt?

gloomy and bleak

An advertisement for a video game would most likely use what type of language?

informal

Read the excerpt from a short story. The young docent welcomed the class to the museum, explaining that the east wing was under construction and he'd be leading them to the first exhibit. His fingers leapt to his name tag as he nervously introduced himself as "Liam, a student of the arts." Then he bade the group follow him. They traversed a vaulted hall lined with hulking objects, each one obscured by a faded tarpaulin. Some of the items stretched across the floor, others cast long shadows on the museum walls. What technique does the author use to build suspense in the excerpt?

intentionally omitting setting details

What is the definition of a word called?

its denotation

Read the sentence. The malnourished young woman hardly touched her dinner. Instead, she looked at her food as though it annoyed her to eat, and it made us all feel very uncomfortable. Which word best contributes to the negative tone of this sentence?

malnourished

Read the paragraph. When programming a universal remote, it is important to follow the step-by-step instructions. If the instructions are not followed, the remote will not program properly. Once all of the steps are followed appropriately, the remote will work, and the user will be grateful that the gadget was purchased. What is the writer trying to accomplish in this paragraph?

persuade consumers to abide by the universal remote's instructions

Read the excerpt from Chapter 28 of Moby-Dick. It was one of those less lowering, but still grey and gloomy enough mornings of the transition, when with a fair wind the ship was rushing through the water with a vindictive sort of leaping and melancholy rapidity, that as I mounted to the deck at the call of the forenoon watch, so soon as I leveled my glance towards the taffrail, foreboding shivers ran over me. What theme in the novel does Melville allude to with his use of the word "vindictive" to describe the movement of the ship in this excerpt?

revenge

Read the excerpt from a short story. At least ten minutes had passed since the last locker door slammed. I had lurked long enough in the deserted shower stall, ruminating on my devious plan. I emerged to see the vacant room I'd anticipated. Within minutes, I had deciphered the locker combination and opened it without witness. This was my chance to reclaim what was rightfully mine, and I felt my heartbeat escalate. Which best describes the tone of the excerpt?

secretive

Which word has the most negative connotation?

stingy

Read the introduction to Maria's personal narrative, "Teaching Saturday School." On Saturday mornings, I __________ Arabic to the children who attend my mosque. I wake up at eight o'clock and prepare my lesson as I eat breakfast. It's hard work, but the look on my students' faces when they __________ a new word is priceless. Fill in the blanks in order.

teach . . . . understand

Read the excerpt from Chapter 28 of Moby-Dick. Nor a word he spoke; nor did his officers say aught to him; though by all their minutest gestures and expressions, they plainly showed the uneasy, if not painful, consciousness of being under a troubled master-eye. Which best describes the theme Melville develops in this excerpt?

the inherent danger of a leader who exhibits signs of madness

Read the excerpt from Chapter 28 of Moby-Dick. It resembled that perpendicular seam sometimes made in the straight, lofty trunk of a great tree, when the upper lightning tearingly darts down it, and without wrenching a single twig, peels and grooves out the bark from top to bottom, ere running off into the soil, leaving the tree still greenly alive, but branded. Melville's description of Ahab's scar in this excerpt best develops which theme in the novel?

the ruling of man's present by his past wounds

Fill in the blanks in order. Janelle and Marcus and _______ group went to the library to prepare for the presentation, but the specific book they needed wasn't _______.

their, there

Read the excerpt from the beginning of Chapter 1 of Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson. SQUIRE TRELAWNEY, Dr. Livesey, and the rest of these gentlemen having asked me to write down the whole particulars about Treasure Island, from the beginning to the end, keeping nothing back but the bearings of the island, and that only because there is still treasure not yet lifted, I take up my pen in the year of grace and go back to the time when my father kept the Admiral Benbow inn and the brown old seaman with the sabre cut first took up his lodging under our roof. Which best explains why the narrator mentions the gentleman's names in the opening sentence?

to establish credibility, suggesting many want to hear his tale

Read this excerpt from chapter 2 of The Scarlet Letter. The door of the jail being flung open from within, there appeared, in the first place, like a black shadow emerging into sunshine, the grim and grisly presence of the town-beadle, with a sword by his side and his staff of office in his hand. Which best describes the purpose of the words "black shadow," "grim," "grisly," and "sword"?

to impart a solemn mood

Read the excerpt from the beginning of Chapter 5 of Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott. "What in the world are you going to do now, Jo?" asked Meg one snowy afternoon, as her sister came tramping through the hall, in rubber boots, old sack, and hood, with a broom in one hand and a shovel in the other. "Going out for exercise," answered Jo with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "I should think two long walks this morning would have been enough! It's cold and dull out, and I advise you to stay warm and dry by the fire, as I do," said Meg with a shiver. "Never take advice! Can't keep still all day, and not being a pussycat, I don't like to doze by the fire. I like adventures, and I'm going to find some." Which best explains why Alcott begins the chapter with one character asking another character a question?

to stimulate the reader's desire to understand a character's motives

Read the first two sentences of Mina's personal narrative, "My First Tryout." When I was in ninth grade, I __________ out for the lacrosse team, even though I had never played before. My older sister had been a star goalie when she was my age, and I __________ to follow in her footsteps. Fill in the blanks in order.

tried . . . . wanted