Middle School ELA (5047) - Writing; Speaking; Listening

Various forms of informational media include: (movies, documentaries, and political ads.) (documentaries, newspaper articles, and magazines.) (newspapers, history textbooks, and commercials.) (newspaper ads, commercials, and documentaries.)

Documentaries, newspaper articles, and magazines.

Before beginning their rough drafts of a persuasive essay, a sixth-grade teacher writes a list on the board that contains a variety of sentence stems, such as: According to (author/name of text), (Author/name of text) says/thinks/argues... (Author/name of text) proves/disproves... The primary purpose for these sentence stems is to: (encourage students to use varied word choice while writing.) (help students properly cite sources using in-text citations.) (encourage students to use a variety of sentence structures.) (transition the reader from one thought to another.)

Help students properly cite sources using in-text citations.

Read the following excerpt from The Forest: The White Pine in Europe by H. Mayr. The White Pine has proved so valuable as a forest tree that it has partly overcome the challenges which every foreign tree has to fight against. The tree is perfectly hardy and is not injured by long and severe freezing in winter, nor by untimely frosts in spring or autumn, which sometimes do great harm to native trees in Europe. On account of the softness of the leaves and the bark, it is much damaged by the nibbling of deer, but it heals quickly and throws up a new leader. Which of the following best describes this type of text? (reflective) (informative) (narrative) (persuasive)

Informative

A teacher hopes to help her students explore more of their city. She has asked students to write a short essay identifying their favorite place in town and describing its characteristics. The best writing type for this essay would be: (informative.) (reflective.) (persuasive.) (narrative.)

Informative.

A student received the following feedback from his partner when he practiced his oral presentation: "Sometimes it's hard to understand what you are saying." When he is making the presentation to the class, he is careful to speak clearly and enunciate his words. Which component of an oral presentation is this student working to improve? (articulation) (nonverbal cues) (tone) (targeting the audience)

Articulation

Students are about to begin a research report on an assigned topic. Which of the following steps should the students perform first in order to successfully research and write the report? (Brainstorm a list of what is already known about the assigned topic.) (Review procedures for identifying credible sources while researching.) (Write a thesis statement to guide their research.) (Draft an outline of the report and supporting details.)

Brainstorm a list of what is already known about the assigned topic.

Mrs. Tockert assigns a four-paragraph essay asking the students to write about a favorite memory associated with a favorite season. The rubric requests that at least 5 sensory details be included in each paragraph. Which type of writing will the students be doing? (narrative) (expository) (descriptive) (persuasive)

Descriptive

Which of the following types of writing would be most appropriate when writing a letter of correspondence to a family member about a recent vacation? (descriptive) (informative) (argumentative) (expository)

Descriptive

Which writing type includes specific imagery and sensory details? (narrative) (descriptive) (persuasive) (informative)

Descriptive

While researching for information to use on an upcoming persuasive essay, the writer identifies the author or organizations responsible for the website, then considers possible biases that may influence the information presented. This approach demonstrates an understanding of which part of the research process? (distinguishing between primary and secondary sources) (accurately citing sources) (determining source credibility) (distinguishing between paraphrasing and plagiarism)

Determining source credibility

An ELL student who is new to the United States might be surprised to learn that people use different words to describe the same thing, such as yard sale vs. garage sale, tennis shoes vs. sneakers, and garbage can vs. trash can, across the country. These differences in word choice can be attributed to variations in: (discourse.) (semantics.) (phonology.) (dialect.)

Dialect.

Samar is a student who recently moved from India to the Gulf Coast of Alabama in the United States. His native language is Hindi, but he also learned English in school and considers himself proficient in both languages. He is surprised to find that he does not always fully understand what his teachers and classmates are saying. Samar's gaps in understanding are likely due to variation in: (pragmatics.) (register.) (syntax.) (dialect.)

Dialect.

A teacher presents students with a pair of example sentences, such as: The cat crept up to the window. The cat hurtled toward the window. The teacher reads the first sentence in a whisper, and the second sentence normally. Then the teacher presents a new pair of sentences and asks for a volunteer to repeat the activity. This lesson best helps students practice which component of oral presentation? (Matching the volume of speech to the gestures used while speaking.) (Matching the rate of speech to the content of the text.) (Matching the volume of speech to the content of the text.) (Matching the intonation of speech to the purpose of the speech.)

Matching the volume of speech to the content of the text.

Which of the following activities would best allow students to practice expressive and clear speaking in front of an audience? (Practice reading aloud in front of a mirror.) (Watch other students practice their speeches.) (Memorize a speech before presenting.) (Read aloud in front of a small group.)

Read aloud in front of a small group.

Which of the following is not an important element of effective oral presentations? (understanding exactly who is the audience) (changing the rate, pitch, and rhythm when showing excitement, urgency, and/or strong emotion) (reading a script for the oral presentation in order to ensure that you include all information) (determining what you want the audience to know/learn)

Reading a script for the oral presentation in order to ensure that you include all information

Mr. Rogers class is studying a unit on law, and they watch a video with the following dialogue: Lawyer 1: "I object." Judge: "Your objection is overruled. Please proceed."Lawyer 2: "Thank you. Witness, can you please resume the stand?" The ELLs might have trouble understanding the dialogue due to: (the jargon.) (the dialect variation.) (the code-switching.) (the language register.)

The jargon.

The following is an example of student writing. When I go home, I eat. I play and take a bath and watch tv. We read The Hungry Caterpillar every night. Dad makes spaghetti, and mom watches my baby brother. I play with my toys and snuggle with my bear. What does the student most need to revise to make the writing more clear? (the word choice) (nothing; the writing is clear.) (the organization) (the use of transitions)

The organization

What is the most important reason a speaker needs to plan for his specific audience before giving a presentation? (the skills used in a presentation are the same for any audience; this is not important) (to ensure that subject matter is explained using terms and details the audience will understand) (to use appropriate volume and tone during his speech) (to ensure that he will not be nervous before or during his speech)

To ensure that subject matter is explained using terms and details the audience will understand

In writing, different rhetorical patterns are used: (to limit punctuation mistakes.) (to assist with creating a thesis statement.) (to cite sources.) (to organize ideas and information.)

To organize ideas and information.

While reading a piece of fiction writing, a teacher asks her class to select a short passage and rewrite the story from a different character's point of view. What is the most likely goal of this writing activity? (to assess the student's understanding of plot structure in narratives) (to demonstrate the difficulty in writing engaging narratives) (to understand how perspective and point of view impact a text) (to practice writing with grammatical concepts recently studied)

To understand how perspective and point of view impact a text

A candidate for class president begins his speech by sharing a short story of his first week at their school. What element of effective oral communication is the student incorporating into his speech? (establishing an effective tone) (articulating a clear purpose) (using audience-appropriate language) (using anecdotes relevant to the audience)

Using anecdotes relevant to the audience

A standard language is the language: (utilized and accepted by formal institutions, like governments.) (spoken informally by the majority of the population in a country.) (labeled as the country's official language by the government.) (most often occuring in pop culture and the media.)

Utilized and accepted by formal institutions, like governments.

When a speaker speeds up or slows their speaking speed to best fit their message and audience, they are adjusting their speaking: (pitch.) (fluency.) (articulation.) (rate.)

Rate.

Polo: Marco Polo, The Book of Ser Marco Polo the Venetian Concerning the Kingdoms and Marvels of the East, translated and edited with notes by Sir Henry Yule, 3rd edition revised by Henri Cordier, 2 vols., London, 1903. The information in italics in this citation is referring to a... (video recording) (journal) (book) (picture)

Book

While writing a research paper on the life of scientist Albert Einstein, a student uses many different sources that need to be cited. Which of the following would be an appropriate citation for an article found online? (Beyers, Jillian. The Making of a Genius. September 4, 1978, ArtScience Museum. https://www.artsciencemuseum/topics/science/themakingofagenius. October 20, 2019.) (Lyons, James. "Einstein." Discover Science, 20 May 1990, 22-24.) ("Albert Einstein." History, May 19, 2019, A&E Television Networks, 1, https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/albert-einstein. October 17, 2019.) (Smith, Henry. The Life of a Genius. Science Press, August 2000.)

"Albert Einstein." History, May 19, 2019, A&E Television Networks, 1, https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/albert-einstein. October 17, 2019.

A teacher is hoping to demonstrate to students how writing changes based on the author's intended purpose. In order to demonstrate writing that persuades the audience, which of the following texts would be the most suitable? (Mission Furniture: How to Make It by H. H. Windsor) ("Their Finest Hour" speech by Winston Churchill) (An excerpt from Frankenstein by Mary Shelley) ("The Solution to Climate Change" by Geralt Berkshire, Ph.D.)

"Their Finest Hour" speech by Winston Churchill

Which of the following sentences is an example of persuasive writing? ("The interaction between methane and climate change is direct, but complex.") ("Let me tell you the tale of a desperate expedition in the Arctic Circle to find definitive proof of climate change.") ("Those who will not fight climate change today doom their children tomorrow.") ("The blue ice of the disintegrating glacier cracks like peanut brittle in the mouth of a hungry child.")

"Those who will not fight climate change today doom their children tomorrow."

Which of the following is an assignment that will require argumentative writing? ("Write a position paper supporting a new minimum wage law.") ("Write a fictional story based on your childhood.") ("Write an advertisement for a smartphone.") ("Write an entry on your favorite city for a travel website.")

"Write a position paper supporting a new minimum wage law."

Use the index of illustrations from Getting Acquainted with the Trees by J. Horace McFarland to answer the questions that follow. List of Illustrations Silver Maple Flowers 4 Young Leaves of the Red Maple 7 "The Norway Maple Breaks Into a Wonderful Bloom" 9 Samaras of the Sugar Maple 11 A Mature Sycamore Maple 13 Sycamore Maple Blossoms 15 Flowers of the Ash-Leaved Maple 17 Ash-Leaved Maples in Bloom 19 Striped Maple 21 The Swamp White Oak in Winter 29 Flowers of the Pin-Oak 31 The Swamp White Oak in Early Spring 36 An Old Post-Oak 39 A Blooming Twig of the Swamp White Oak 41 Acorns of the English Oak 47 A Lone Pine on the Indian River 53 Hemlock Hill, Arnold Arboretum 56 The Long-Leaved Pines of the South 61 Fountain-Like Effect of the Young Long-Leaved Pines 62 An Avenue of White Pines 67 Cones of the White Spruce 71 How many more illustrations are there of maples than of oaks? (6) (8) (4) (3)

3

American Orthopedic Association. Foot Fractures. Macmillan, 2000. Based on the information in the citation, this source is most likely: (a book.) (a magazine article.) (a blog.) (a magazine.)

A book.

A dialect is different from a standard language in all of these ways except: (a dialect pronounces words differently than the standard language.) (a dialect has its own unique grammatical rules from the standard language.) (a dialect blends words and structures of multiple standard languages.) (a dialect includes words not commonly accepted in the standard language.)

A dialect blends words and structures of multiple standard languages.

A student is completing a research project about WWII. Which of the following sources would NOT be a credible source and should be avoided by the student? (pictures of political cartoons from the 1930s and 1940s) (a forum where people have discussed the impact of WWII on the world) (the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website) (a series of maps published in an atlas that show the changes of borders in Europe from 1930 to the present day)

A forum where people have discussed the impact of WWII on the world

Jones, Aaron. "Breeds of Horses." Horse, 10 April 2018, 12-14. Based on the information in the citation, this source is most likely: (an online newspaper.) (a film.) (a book.) (a magazine article.)

A magazine article.

Which two of the following types of writing would best be categorized as narrative writing? Select all answers that apply. (a speech) (a brochure) (a scientific journal) (a memoir) (a personal journal)

A memoir, A personal journal

Rhitu Chatterjee, host. "Sweat: A Human Superpower." Short Wave, NPR, 4 June 2016. www.npr.org/2021/07/12/1015321548/sweat-a-human-superpower. Based on the information in the citation, this source is most likely: (a blog post.) (a magazine article.) (a podcast.) (a web-based news article.)

A podcast.

Which of the following are best described as persuasive writing? Select all answers that apply. (a brouchure) (a poem) (a speech) (an editorial)

A speech, An editorial

A student is preparing a presentation for his ELA class. Which of the following is necessary at the beginning of an oral presentation? (clarification of the expectations of the audience) (a review of the expectations of the assignment) (a statement of the main focus of the presentation) (an introduction of the speaker)

A statement of the main focus of the presentation

Students are presenting oral reports on books that they read over the summer. Which of the following would be most appropriate for students to include at the conclusion of their oral presentation? (a joke to build rapport with the audience) (a summary of the main points) (an outline and explanation of the thesis statement) (an open-ended question to get the audience's attention)

A summary of the main points

A teacher is assigning his students a short argumentative essay. Which of the following should students be sure to include in their introductory paragraphs in order to most effectively convey their arguments? (transition words and phrases) (supporting facts and details) (a thesis statement) (a personal anecdote)

A thesis statement

A first-grade teacher gives each student a hand-held mirror. The teacher reads aloud a sentence and asks the students to make their faces match the emotion of the sentence. This activity best helps students practice what component of oral presentation? (using appropriate articulation) (communicating clearly) (maintaining eye contact) (matching body language to emotion)

Matching body language to emotion

A student is practicing a persuasive speech on the importance of volunteering. They are struggling with incorporating vocal variety to keep the audience engaged. Student Work: "Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. It can help you meet new people and learn new skills. It can also make you feel good about yourself." Teacher Feedback: Good points! Vary your tone and pace to make your speech more dynamic and engaging. For example, you could speak more slowly and softly when describing personal experiences, and more quickly and loudly when emphasizing the benefits of volunteering. Based on the teacher's annotations, the student could benefit from peer feedback to support which of the following concepts relating to effective oral presentations? (A. presentation skills) (technology integration) (analyzing the rhetorical situation) (crafting compelling content)

A. presentation skills

(Sentence 1) Blue magpies are truly magnificent birds. (Sentence 2) They look similar to pheasants and are more than two feet in length. (Sentence 3) The tails of blue magpies account for three-fourths of their total length. (Sentence 4) The head, neck, and breast are black, and the remainder of the plumage is a beautiful blue with handsome white markings. (Sentence 5) It is quite unnecessary to describe the blue magpie's appearance in detail as a means of identifying the species because its loud, ringing call is impossible to miss. Based on the sentence in the context of the paragraph, which change should be made to sentence 5 to improve the paragraph's flow? (Remove the word "quite" from the sentence.) (Combine sentence 5 with sentence 4.) (Split sentence 5 into two simple sentences.) (Add the transition word "however" to the beginning of the sentence.)

Add the transition word "however" to the beginning of the sentence.

Which of the following is an example of plagiarism? (A student writes a song and incorporates stylistic elements of their favorite musicians.) (An English professor prepares a lesson but uses APA citation style within the person's presentation.) (An artist reproduces another artist's work and resells prints on a popular website.) (A pediatrician witnesses a robbery and reports the offense.)

An artist reproduces another artist's work and resells prints on a popular website.

In order to practice different genres of writing, a teacher asks her class to imagine they are small business owners looking for potential investors. Which genre would be the most appropriate for students to choose? (a biographical piece about the company) (a persuasive speech describing why their product/service is useful) (an informative brochure about the business including data and financial information) (an advertisement for a newspaper)

An informative brochure about the business including data and financial information

Which of the following describes a credible source? (an online database with peer-reviewed articles) (an online blog written by a very popular blogger) (the opinion column written by the mayor's office) (an online dictionary anyone can edit or change)

An online database with peer-reviewed articles

Landers, Shelley. "Great Lakes Fishing Championship." Minnesota Statesman, 4 June 2021, www.minnstatesman.com/great_lakes_fishing_championship.html. Accessed 8 June 2021. Based on the information in the citation, this source is most likely: (a book.) (an interview.) (a magazine.) (an online newspaper.)

An online newspaper.

You will find that every student will have a different opinion on school uniforms. School uniforms make it very easy to get dressed in the morning. It is annoying to not be able to project your personal style. Everyday, students make distracting fashion choices and are always being reprimanded for it. Each time a student gets sent to the office, an administrator or teacher has to spend valuable time resolving the issue. An important case for uniforms can be made, but it is not the only case to be examined. Many communities, families, districts, and students are resisting school uniforms. The main reason communities are resisting school uniforms is that it prevents students from Expressing themselves. School is already suppressing the students' creativity and joy. After examining both sides of the issue, it is clear that uniforms should be rejected! What would be most appropriate way for this excerpt to be published?

As an editorial in the school paper

A student is in the process of researching supporting facts for an argumentative essay. The student finds a website with relevant information. What is the next step the student should take? (Assess the website's reliability by cross-referencing the information with other websites.) (Outline the supporting details to ensure they're presented in a logical order.) (Paraphrase the relevant supporting details to avoid plagiarism.) (Assess the website's credibility by finding out information about the author.)

Assess the website's credibility by finding out information about the author.

In MLA format, an in-text citation should, if possible, include which of the following? Select all that apply. (author name) (website) (periodical name) (page number)

Author name, Page number

A student is giving an oral presentation about a favorite hobby. In order to best demonstrate his understanding of how rate impacts oral presentations, the student would: (be sure to speak at an appropriate speed and pause for audience comprehension and engagement.) (speak clearly and at an appropriate volume so everyone can hear.) (use gestures and facial expressions as appropriate to demonstrate emotion or motions related to the hobby) (include jokes or funny anecdotes that relate to his experience with the hobby.)

Be sure to speak at an appropriate speed and pause for audience comprehension and engagement.

A student is writing a research paper focusing on the impact of video game playing on children. Which of the following sentences is not directly relevant to this student's essay? (Video games offer opportunities to practice problem solving skills.) (Beginning in 1994, video game content began to be labeled with suitability ratings.) (Some children develop an addiction to video games.) (Online gaming is a social experience for children.)

Beginning in 1994, video game content began to be labeled with suitability ratings.

In the middle of an oral presentation, the speaker should: (makes jokes to engage the audience.) (give a summary of the content of the presentation.) (introduce himself and the purpose of the presentation.) (present relevant facts and details in an organized manner.)

Present relevant facts and details in an organized manner.

Ms. Morris wants to educate students about the importance of using credible websites in their research. Which of the following characteristics should she instruct students to look for when choosing a website to cite? (contains the most facts and opinions about the topic the students are researching, regardless of the site address or author) (contains a published author, date of information, source of the information, and domain address) (contains articles published by known leaders in the field, which are available for download to students for their use) (contains graphics of what the students are researching in order to bring greater depth to the text of their papers)

Contains a published author, date of information, source of the information, and domain address

Which of the following describes the author's purpose in writing an argumentative essay? (provide possible solutions to problems) (convince the reader to adopt a perspective) (present unbiased facts and opinions) (inform the reader on a specific topic)

Convince the reader to adopt a perspective

A student is giving a presentation about the benefits of reading for pleasure. The teacher has reviewed the student's presentation notes and provided feedback on a draft paragraph. Student Work: "Reading is good for you. It helps you learn new things and expand your vocabulary. It can also help you relax and de-stress." Teacher Feedback: Good start! To make this more persuasive, consider adding specific examples of how reading benefits people, such as improved critical thinking skills or empathy for others. Based on the teacher's annotations, the student could benefit from additional scaffolding to support which of the following concepts relating to effective oral presentations? (outlining a strong presentation) (technology integration) (crafting compelling content) (analyzing the rhetorical situation)

Crafting compelling content

Read the following passage. In her groundbreaking study on climate change, Dr. Claudia Smith argues that the consequences of global warming are becoming increasingly evident. She emphasizes the urgency of taking action to mitigate its effects. ___________________. However, some critics suggest that the scientific consensus on climate change is still debated, pointing to conflicting evidence. Which of the following sentences, if inserted into the blank, would offer the most effective integration of information from a source using a quote?

Dr. Smith writes, "The rise in global temperatures is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level," highlighting the need for immediate action.

The waves lapped lazily against the shore, sending ripples of soft bubbles across her toes. Erin exhaled slowly, taking in the sound of the waves and the feel of the breeze as it danced across her skin. Seagulls cawed in the distance, but seeing as she'd brought no food with her, they left her alone and searched far and wide for fish or food to scavenge. "The beach was surprisingly empty for such a perfect day," she thought, and Erin took the opportunity to remove her shoes, spread out her blanket, and relax with her eyes closed and her face turned pleasantly toward the sun. Waves continued to caress the shore, the seagulls called to one another, and Erin felt her eyelids grow heavy. The seagulls gave a sharp cry. A horse whinnied. Erin sat upright. She wasn't alone any longer. The primary purpose of this passage is to: (inform.) (persuade.) (describe.) (entertain.)

Entertain.

While listening to the radio on the way to school, a student and his parents enjoy listening to the local radio's morning talk show DJs. At one point, the host describes how he spent his weekend and tells a humorous anecdote before asking listeners to call in and share their own weekend mishaps. The primary purpose of this radio segment is: (informational) (educational) (persuasive) (entertainment)

Entertainment

A student is responding to an email from their grandmother. She is buying a new tv and is overwhelmed by the options. She asked them to tell her the difference between a smart tv and a regular tv. The student should reply to this email with which type of writing? (reflective) (narrative) (persuasive) (expository)

Expository

After the flowering time come the vivid green crowns of leaves that at least please the eye. Lizards make their home beneath them, and many a yellowthroat, taking advantage of the plant's foul odor, gladly puts up with it herself and builds her nest in the hollow of the cabbage as a protection for her eggs and young from four-footed enemies. Cattle let the plant alone because of the stinging acrid juices secreted by it, although such tender, fresh, bright foliage must be especially tempting, like the hellebores, after a dry winter diet. Sometimes tiny insects are found drowned in the wells of rain water that accumulate at the base of the grooved leafstalks. Which of the following best describes the excerpt? (expository) (narrative) (argumentative) (reflective)

Expository

An English class is learning about modes of writing. The teacher has students research each claim they have written and provide text evidence and citations. Which of the following modes of writing is the class studying during this activity? (narrative) (expository) (creative) (descriptive)

Expository

Cross stitch is a category of needleworking and has been practiced for hundreds of years. Cross stitch and embroidery both use a thread and needle to create intricate designs on fabric, but cross stitch differs in that the threads are crossed over each other to form little Xs. By combining various shades of thread, sometimes called floss, needleworkers can create intricately shaded and detailed patterns. Cross stitch as a hobby is enjoyed by people of all walks of life, and was one of the forms of entertainment employed by Mary Queen of Scots while imprisoned by Elizabeth I. The excerpt above best demonstrates which type of writing? (narrative) (argumentative) (descriptive) (expository)

Expository

Read the following excerpt from The Story of Young Abraham Lincoln, by Wayne Whipple. Thomas Lincoln had become restless again. Fourteen years was a long time for him to live in one place. Abe was seven years old when they came over from Kentucky, and he was now nearly twenty-one. During that time Thomas had lost his wife, Nancy, and his only daughter, who bore her mother's name. While the land he had chosen was fertile enough, the want of water had always been a sad drawback. The desire to try his fortunes in a newer country had taken possession of him. The excerpt is an example of which type of writing? (reflective) (expository) (persuasive) (descriptive)

Expository

While finishing a draft of a short story, students use a word processing program to create a final, ready-to-publish draft. One student decides to illustrate her story by copying related images from the internet and pasting them into her text with no captions or explanation. The teacher could best use this student's decision to give the class a mini-lesson on: (the importance of strong word choice for imagery and description.) (fair use, open source, and copyright infringement.) (the purpose of illustrations and images paired with writing.) (formatting and style guides for including images in a short story.)

Fair use, open source, and copyright infringement.

A teacher's students are learning how to create a strong presentation outline. Which graphic organizer would be most helpful for students to visualize the structure of their presentations? (flowchart or mind map) (Venn diagram) (timeline) (KWL chart)

Flowchart or mind map

Read the following paragraph: Recent studies on the benefits of exercise have highlighted the importance of physical activity for maintaining overall health and well-being. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. However, some researchers suggest that the optimal duration and intensity of exercise may vary depending on individual factors and fitness goals. ____________ Despite these variations, incorporating exercise into one's daily routine remains essential for promoting a healthy lifestyle. Which of the following sentences, if inserted into the blank, would most effectively integrate information from a source using a paraphrase?

For example, individuals recovering from surgery may need shorter, less intense exercise sessions, while competitive athletes require longer, more vigorous routines (NASM). B. It has been demonstrated in recent research that engaging in regular physical activity can decrease the likelihood of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease (NASM).

The age of exploration marked a new frontier for sea navigation. This epoch began in the 15th century when Portugal and Spain started to expand their commercial interests and trade routes across the oceans. Sailors used new technologies to navigate across the world, including a device called the quadrant, a fan-shaped magnetic object that measured the altitude of stars, the moon, and the sun in order to determine the latitude of a ship. Another device was the compass, which used Earth's magnetic poles to point navigators north, south, east, or west. Time-keeping devices, like hourglasses, were important in calculating how far and how fast a ship had sailed. Early navigators also used maps, although these were not always accurate and were often written during the course of the exploration. These maps were then improved upon with new explorations. This passage was primarily written for:

High school students in a history class

Look at the following original and revised sentences. Original: Dolphins, which look like fish but are really mammals like humans, play an important part in ocean habitats. Revision: Dolphins, a sea-dwelling mammal, play an important part in ocean habitats. The revision addresses which component of writing? (Ideas and Content) (Conventions) (Organization) (Word Choice)

Ideas and Content

Original sentence: I will go to the grocery store after school and plan to stop at the post office this morning. I went to the bank yesterday, so the only errand I will need to complete tomorrow is a trip to the pharmacy. Revision: I went to the bank yesterday, and I will stop at the post office this morning. I can pick up groceries after school, so the only errand that I will need to complete tomorrow is a trip to the pharmacy. Which of the following best identifies the improvement between the original and the revised version? (corrected punctuation) (clarity of purpose) (improved tone) (improved organization)

Improved organization

Texas Longhorns are a breed of cattle that have very long horns. They are the state animal of Texas. Longhorns are also the mascot of the University of Texas. These animals are impressive to see in person. They are frequently spotted in fields along country roads throughout the state. Which of the following should this student focus on to improve the flow of the writing? (improving sentence variety) (removing unnecessary details) (ensuring that pronouns agree with their antecedents) (including a topic sentence)

Improving sentence variety

When delivering an effective oral presentation, the content should be organized: (in the same order it would be for a written essay.) (with the most important point last.) (with alternating humorous and serious content to keep the audience engaged.) (based on the speaker's preferences and interest level.)

In the same order it would be for a written essay.

A fifth-grade teacher is preparing for a round of book groups in her class. Students get to choose their own texts from a preselected list. She is writing a paragraph for each book, providing an overview about what to expect with each option. Which mode of writing will most likely describe these paragraphs? (informative) (persuasive) (narrative) (reflective)

Informative

A student will be writing an essay that explains the models of cars that are most commonly purchased and driven in geographic locations throughout the country. What type of essay is the student writing? (informative) (narrative) (persuasive) (argumentative)

Informative

As a rule, the larger and coarser ferns grow in moist, shady situations, as swamps, ravines, and damp woods; while the smaller ones are more apt to be found along mountain ranges in some dry and even exposed locality. A tiny crevice in some high cliff is not infrequently chosen by these fascinating little plants, which protect themselves from drought by assuming a mantle of light wool, or of hair and chaff, with, perhaps, a covering of white powder as in some cloak ferns--thus keeping a layer of moist air next to the surface of the leaf, and checking transpiration. Which of the following best describes this type of writing? (persuasive) (informative) (narrative) (reflective)

Informative

Various forms of educational media include: (posters, newspapers, and computer games.) (magazines, TV programs, and movies.) (language software, language games, and textbooks.) (language software, documentaries, and political ads.)

Language software, language games, and textbooks.

Various forms of entertainment media include: (movies, newspapers, and documentaries.) (movies, television programs, and video games.) (news programs, video games, and commercials.) (video games, magazines, and political cartoons.)

Movies, television programs, and video games.

A student wrote the following essay draft in class. The day started innocently enough with a simple breakfast and time with my sister. I went to soccer practice early in the morning as usual, and my coach had us running drills all over the field. I was more tired than usual from staying up late doing math homework. I could blame my teammate or my clumsiness, but my fall was hard and dramatic. As I laid there with my broken foot, I knew my season was over. Which of the following modes of writing is represented by this excerpt? (persuasive) (narrative) (expository) (description)

Narrative

An excerpt from The Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant There was nothing done on the 22 day by the United States troops; but the enemy kept up a harmless fire upon us from Black Fort and the batteries still in their possession at the east end of the city. During the night they evacuated these; so that on the morning of the 23 day we held undisputed possession of the east end of Monterey. Which of the following modes of writing best describes this excerpt? (descriptive) (persuasive) (explanatory) (narrative)

Narrative

The walls appeared to shrink and contract, tightening ever more, squeezing the life from his body. "I have to get outside," thought Noah. "If I stay in here one more minute, I'm going to burst!" Noah ran to the door, wrenching the handle back so hard the door slammed into the wall, leaving a tiny dent in the drywall where the lock hit. As Noah's foot began to cross the threshold, it froze in mid-air. "I can't go outside...what if I see her?" The excerpt above best demonstrates which type of writing? (narrative) (descriptive) (expository) (argumentative)

Narrative

What mode of writing is the Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant? (informational) (creative) (narrative) (persuasive)

Narrative

A teacher wants her students to understand the difference between argumentative and informative presentations. Which instructional activity would best support this objective? (Asking students to research a topic of their choice and present their findings to the class.) (Providing examples of both types of presentations and analyzing their structure, content, and use of evidence.) (Having students debate a controversial topic to practice persuasive speaking.) (Teaching students how to use presentation software to create visually appealing slides.)

Providing examples of both types of presentations and analyzing their structure, content, and use of evidence.

Read the following excerpt from Edison, His Life and Inventions by Frank Lewis Dyer. The home at Port Huron thus saw the first Edison laboratory. The boy began experimenting when he was about ten or eleven years of age. He got a copy of Parker's School Philosophy, an elementary book on physics, and about every experiment in it he tried. Young Alva, or "Al," as he was called, thus early displayed his great passion for chemistry, and in the cellar of the house he collected no fewer than two hundred bottles, gleaned in baskets from all parts of the town. Which of the following best describes the mode for this writing excerpt? (Argumentative, because it argues the case for Edison's genius) (Informative, because it talks about how Edison experimented) (Descriptive, because it describes Edison's early laboratory) (Narrative, because it tells the story of Edison's life)

Narrative, because it tells the story of Edison's life

Various forms of persuasive media include: (political cartoons, store ads, and rubrics.) (newspaper ads, political cartoons, and online ads.) (store ads, political cartoons, and Venn diagrams.) (newspaper ads, history textbooks, and online ads.)

Newspaper ads, political cartoons, and online ads.

Do you remember the first concert, play, or musical you attended? These live performing arts experiences have a way of becoming rooted in our memories for life. Then, this is why I'm extremely disheartened to hear that the high school music and theatre budget has been decreased. First, this reduction in funds is going to make mounting big productions difficult. The current budget also contains funds to bring in guest conductors or actors and hire a live orchestra for the Spring musical. Without money, all of these programs will cease to exist. After that, cutting these experiences for students and the community would be detrimental to all involved. I hope you will reconsider the budget cuts you are making and will decide to fully fund the theatre and music program for next year. This student's essay is considered what type of writing? (narrative) (persuasive) (informative) (creative)

Persuasive

A student is preparing a presentation on the history of jazz music. They are unsure how to effectively transition between different eras of jazz in their speech. Student Work: "In the 1920s, jazz was all about swing and big bands. Then in the 1940s, bebop emerged, which was a faster and more complex style. Then in the 1960s, free jazz became popular, which was even more experimental." Teacher Feedback: Try using transition words or phrases to create a smoother flow between these different eras of jazz. This will help your audience follow along more easily. Based on the teacher's annotations, the student could benefit from direct instruction to support which of the following concepts relating to effective oral presentations? (crafting compelling content) (technology integration) (outlining a strong presentation) (presentation skills)

Outlining a strong presentation

I hate eating breakfast and would rather just wait until snack time or lunch, but my mom disagrees. My mom says it is important to eat breakfast every day even if you don't feel very hungry when you wake up. I don't know if that is true, but if I have to eat breakfast, instant oatmeal is the best breakfast option there is. You might think regular oatmeal is better than instant oatmeal, but you are probably not thinking about all the benefits that come in those little brown packets. First of all, it is so fast. Instant oatmeal is way faster than regular oatmeal. It also tastes better. My mom says that is because of all the extra sugar. My mom talks a lot about sugar all the time. Apparently, everything has too much sugar, but I don't care because it is delicious. Which of the following best describes this student's purpose for writing? (describe) (inform) (persuade) (reflect)

Persuade

A student is writing a letter to his school principal about why each grade should have at least one field trip per year. Which of the following types of writing would be best suited to this goal? (informative) (persuasive) (reflective) (narrative)

Persuasive

Mikolaj Kopernik, later known as Copernicus, was born in Polish Prussia in 1473. He proved that the Earth is a planet like the others and that it revolves around the Sun. He graduated at Cracow as a doctor in arts and medicine, and was destined for the ecclesiastical profession. He was instructed in astronomy at Cracow and learned mathematics at Bologna. Next he went to Rome, where he was made a professor of mathematics, and soon afterwards he went into a religious order. On his return home, he took charge of the principal church in his native place, and became a canon. At Frauenburg, near the mouth of the Vistula, he lived the remainder of his life. Which of the following changes best improves the organization of the passage? (Move sentence 7 to follow sentence 1.) (Remove sentence 7.) (Remove sentence 2.) (Combine sentences 1 and 2.)

Remove sentence 2.

A teacher wants to teach her ELA students about the importance of adapting their communication style for different audiences. Which instructional strategy would best support this goal? (Role-playing scenarios where students practice speaking to different audiences, such as a teacher, a classmate, and a community leader.) (Providing students with a list of vocabulary words to use in formal presentations.) (Assigning students to watch videos of famous speeches and analyze the speakers' techniques.) (Having students practice their presentations in front of a mirror to focus on body language.)

Role-playing scenarios where students practice speaking to different audiences, such as a teacher, a classmate, and a community leader.

(Sentence 1) The mallard is our most common duck, found in all flyways. (Sentence 2) The males are often called "greenheads." (Sentence 3) The mallards' main wintering area is the lower Mississippi basin, and along the Gulf Coast, but many stay as far north as open waters permit. (Sentence 4) Flocks often feed in early morning and late afternoon in nearby harvested fields, returning to marshes and creeks to spend the night. Which sentence should be removed from this paragraph to maintain clarity and purpose? (Sentence 1) (Sentence 2) (Sentence 3) (Sentence 4)

Sentence 2

(Sentence 1) There is no limit to the marvelous things animals do. (Sentence 2) Elephants, for example, will carry leafy palms in their trunks to shade themselves from the hot sun. (Sentence 3) A mother cat will dutifully care for her young. (Sentence 4) Some apes will use heavy stones to crack nuts. (Sentence 5) Many items that humans have invented, like sun shades and hammers, are mirrored in the way animals use their natural environment. Which sentence should be removed from this paragraph to maintain clarity and purpose? (sentence 2) (sentence 3) (sentence 4) (sentence 5)

Sentence 3

Marsha wrote a sentence. After speaking to her teacher, she revised it. Original Sentence: Over the hill, after the sunset, Johnny went to Grandma's house. Revised Sentence: After the sunset, Johnny went over the hill to Grandma's house. What aspect of the revised sentence was improved? (word choice) (sentence fluency) (writing conventions) (the revised sentence is not an improvement)

Sentence fluency

Which of the following statements describes a student who is using nonverbal communication effectively during an oral presentation? (The student wears a casual, mismatched outfit in order to make the audience feel at ease and uses slang words during the presentation.) (The student makes individual eye contact with each member of the audience and doesn't reference notes.) (The student uses periodic hand gestures for emphasis and facial expressions appropriate for the subject being discussed.) (The student stands with an inflexible posture and keeps a consistent, neutral facial expression for the entire speech.)

The student uses periodic hand gestures for emphasis and facial expressions appropriate for the subject being discussed.

A student is organizing and deciding what information to include in an oral presentation. Which of the following is not essential to include in an oral presentation? (their reason for choosing the topic they have researched) (a controlling idea or thesis that connects the information in the presentation) (a list of the sources that were used in this presentation) (consideration of what information will be most impactful for their audience)

Their reason for choosing the topic they have researched

Use the following excerpt from a student's narrative essay to answer the question that follows. I woke up early that morning. I went down the creaky stairs. The sunflower-plastered kitchen was empty. I found day-old milk in the fridge and stale cereal in the cabinet. I poured a bowl. I heard some birds trilling away in the trees. Everything else was silence. To improve this student's essay, the teacher should suggest which of the following revision strategies? (adding specific details to improve student voice) (varying sentence structure to improve flow and engage the reader) (removing unnecessary details to improve clarity) (removing repetitive words and phrases to be more concise)

Varying sentence structure to improve flow and engage the reader

A presenter is sharing an anecdote in his presentation to demonstrate a point. As he shares the anecdote, he begins speaking more quickly and louder as he approaches a tense moment in the story. The presenter is using which of the following elements of oral presentation to engage the audience? (verbal cues) (shifts in body language) (gestures) (clarifying purpose)

Verbal cues

Which of the following is one important element of writing that a student should consider when revising an essay for idea clarity? (checking for spelling accuracy) (avoiding plagiarism by paraphrasing researched information) (verifying appropriate grouping of ideas into paragraphs) (checking for sentence type variation)

Verifying appropriate grouping of ideas into paragraphs

Carl wrote a sentence. After speaking to his teacher, he revised it. Original Sentence: The player moved the ball to make it go in. Revised Sentence: The kicker positioned the ball to ensure the kick would be successful. What aspect of the revised sentence was improved? (organization) (writing conventions) (word choice) (sentence fluency)

Word choice

Which assignment is an example of expository writing? (Work in pairs to create a list of advantages and disadvantages of living in a city. Then, choose a side and participate in a class debate.) (Write a paragraph to convince an audience that the United States should do any with daylight savings.) (Look at a photograph of a bedroom and write a paragraph describing what the items in the bedroom look like and where they are located. Include the following words: above, below, on top of, next to. Exchange writing with a partner and draw a sketch of the bedroom that your partner described.) (Write an essay answering the question, "Do video games promote violence?" Develop a clear argument with evidence and reasons.)

Write an essay answering the question, "Do video games promote violence?" Develop a clear argument with evidence and reasons.

The following table shows the number of crocodile attacks in Africa in 2015. Country Fatal Non-fatal Total Angola 3 4 7 Botswana 1 3 4 DR of Congo 8 0 8 Guinea-Bissau 2 0 2 Kenya 3 1 4 Madagascar 2 1 3 Malawi 6 0 6 Mozambique 5 1 6 Namibia 8 1 9 South Africa 1 1 2 Sudan 1 0 1 Swaziland 0 1 1 Tanzania 1 3 4 Uganda 3 0 3 Zambia 7 7 14 Zimbabwe 7 6 13 TOTAL 58 29 87 Source: CrocBITE According to the table, which country had the most non-fatal crocodile attacks? (Malawi) (Zambia) (Zimbabwe) (Angola)

Zambia