ELA 9 -Cumulative Exam

A nonfiction text told from a first-person point of view most likely includes

a

Which in-text citation is formatted correctly in MLA style? a. Homer writes that the men's oars "sent the white foam scuddling by" (38). b. Homer writes "that the men's oars sent the white foam scuddling by" (38) c. Homer writes "that the men's oars sent the white foam scuddling by," (38). d. Homer writes that the men's oars "sent the white foam scuddling by." (38)

a. Homer writes that the men's oars "sent the white foam scuddling by" (38).

Which best contrasts the way language is used in My Story and "On the Bus with Rosa Parks"? a. The memoir uses everyday language; the poem uses literary language. b. The memoir uses poetic language; the poem uses dialogue. c. The memoir uses symbolic language; the poem uses legal language. d. The memoir uses short sentences; the poem uses long sentences.

a. The memoir uses everyday language; the poem uses literary language.

Read the excerpt from Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. He spread his arms wide against the ocean sounds: the rush of the waves, the manic giggles of the gulls, the sighing of the sea breeze against the granite. He put his back to all of Phippsburg—Lord, to the entire continent—till with a shrug he sloughed off its heavy stillness and looked for a way to climb down to the water. . . . [F]inally he was down on the beach, breathing hard and deep, like something that was only just coming alive and drinking in the liquid air for the first delicious time. Which best states how Turner's internal conflict is connected to the setting? a. Turner feels stifled in the town but free in the open air of the beach. b. Turner feels used to the town but unsure of himself on the beach. . Turner feels there is a lot to do in the town but not much to do at the beach. d. Turner feels criticized by people in the town but criticized by God at the beach.

a. Turner feels stifled in the town but free in the open air of the beach.

One theme found throughout The Odyssey is that good leaders take responsibility for those in their charge. Which lines from the text best support this theme? a. "The wind that carried west from Iliumbrought me to Ismarus, on the far shore,a strong point on the coast of Cicones.I stormed that place and killed the men who fought." b. "I drove them, all three wailings, to the ships, tied them down under their rowing benches, and called the rest: All hands aboard; come, clear the beach and no one taste the Lotus, or you lose your hope of home." c. He drew to his fist the cruel head of an arrow for Antinous just as the young man leaned to lift his beautiful drinking cup, embossed, two-handled, golden: the cup was in his fingers: the wine was even at his lips: and did he dream of death? d. "Spare your own people. As for ourselves, we'll make restitution of wine and meat consumed, and add, each one, a tithe of twenty oxen with gifts of bronze and gold to warm your heart."

b. "I drove them, all three wailings, to the ships, tied them down under their rowing benches, and called the rest: All hands aboard; come, clear the beach and no one taste the Lotus, or you lose your hope of home.

Read the excerpt from "A Quilt of a Country." What is the point of this splintered whole? What is the point of a nation in which Arab cabbies chauffeur Jewish passengers through the streets of New York—and in which Jewish cabbies chauffeur Arab passengers, too, and yet speak in theory of hatred, one for the other? What is the point of a nation in which one part seems to be always on the verge of fisticuffs with another, blacks and whites, gays and straights, left and right, Pole and Chinese and Puerto Rican and Slovenian? Other countries with such divisions have in fact divided into new nations with new names, but not this one, impossibly interwoven even in its hostilities. Which statement best summarizes the central idea of this paragraph? a. America's cultural differences have caused it to fracture. b. America is a united country despite its cultural differences. c. America's cultural differences make it impossible to live peacefully. d. America is always on the verge of civil unrest due to its multicultural citizens.

b. America is a united country despite its cultural differences.

Read the excerpt from "Politics and the English Language" by George Orwell. To begin with, it has nothing to do with archaism, with the salvaging of obsolete words and turns of speech, or with the setting-up of a "standard-English" which must never be departed from. On the contrary, it is especially concerned with the scrapping of every word or idiom which has outworn its usefulness. It has nothing to do with correct grammar and syntax, which are of no importance so long as one makes one's meaning clear, or with the avoidance of Americanisms, or with having what is called a "good prose style." On the other hand it is not concerned with fake simplicity and the attempt to make written English colloquial. Which best describes George Orwell's purpose and the way he achieves it in this excerpt? a. Orwell's purpose is to persuade readers to use simple language in political writing. He achieves this by arguing that grammar is important. b. Orwell's purpose is to persuade readers to use simple language in political writing. He achieves this by discouraging the use of worn-out words and phrases. c. Orwell's purpose is to entertain readers with humorous language. He achieves this by using unusual grammar. d. Orwell's purpose is to entertain readers with humorous language. He achieves this by using funny words and phrases.

b. Orwell's purpose is to persuade readers to use simple language in political writing. He achieves this by discouraging the use of worn-out words and phrases.

Read the paragraph. School administrators should be encouraged to increase funding for music education. Many feel that school music programs are expensive and time-consuming. However, participating in band, orchestra, or chorus has been shown to improve student learning. Studies show that children who participate in school music programs achieve higher grades than students who do not. They also perform better on standardized tests. How does evidence support the rebuttal in this paragraph? a. The study supports the argument that school music programs are expensive. b. The study supports the argument that school music programs improve student learning. c. The study shows that children in school music programs do not achieve high grades. d. The study shows that children in school music programs do not perform well on tests.

b. The study supports the argument that school music programs improve student learning.

Read the sentence.The works of Charles Dickens a famous British writer include David Copperfield and Oliver Twist.Which is the best revision of this sentence? a. The works of Charles Dickens a famous British writer include, David Copperfield and Oliver Twist. b. The works of Charles Dickens, a famous British writer, include David Copperfield and Oliver Twist. c. The works of Charles Dickens—a famous British writer include David Copperfield and Oliver Twist. d. The works of Charles Dickens a famous British writer include—David Copperfield and Oliver Twist.

b. The works of Charles Dickens, a famous British writer, include David Copperfield and Oliver Twist.

Read the passage from "Cruel Tribute." Then every maiden, without looking, reached her hand into one of the vessels and drew forth a ball, and those who took the black balls were borne away to the black ship, which lay in waiting by the shore. The young men also drew lots in like manner, but when six black balls had been drawn Theseus came quickly forward and said: "Hold! Let no more balls be drawn. I will be the seventh youth to pay this tribute." What is the effect when Theseus volunteers? a. Theseus sets himself up to become the ruler of Athens. b. Theseus sets himself up to battle the Minotaur. c. Theseus sets himself up to win Ariadne's love. d. Theseus sets himself up to win King Minos's respect.

b. Theseus sets himself up to battle the Minotaur.

Read the excerpt from The Odyssey. I shall not see on earth a place more dear,though I have been detained long by Calypso,loveliest among goddesses, who held mein her smooth caves, to be her heart's delight,as Circe of Aeaea, the enchantress,desired me, and detained me in her hall.But in my heart I never gave consent.Where shall a man find sweetness to surpasshis own home and his parents? In far landshe shall not, though he find a house of gold. What does this excerpt most suggest about the values of the ancient Greeks? a. They valued beauty. b. They valued family. c. They valued wealth. d. They valued wisdom.

b. They valued family.

Choose the correct version of the sentence. a. Top athletes train long hours, eating healthy diets and dedicate themselves to their sports. b. Top athletes train long hours, eat healthy diets, and dedicate themselves to their sports. c. Top athletes train long hours, eat healthy diets, and dedicating themselves to their sports. d. Top athletes training long hours, eating healthy diets and dedicate themselves to their sports.

b. Top athletes train long hours, eat healthy diets, and dedicate themselves to their sports.

Read the excerpt from chapter 6 of Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. "My granddaddy's been on that island since he was a baby," said Lizzie, as quiet as the dark. "He won't leave. He'd never leave my grandmama. And he'd never leave my mama." "You won't have to leave. You can't have to leave." "That's what Mr.Tripp says. He's got this shotgun he waves around like Ulysses S. Grant, saying how he'll fight to protect our homes and such. He's about ready to declare independency." In the excerpt, what does Turner not fully understand because he is a child? a. the value of Lizzie's friendship b. the deeper racial conflict c. the severe danger he is facing d. the history of Malaga Island

b. the deeper racial conflict

Which in-text citation is formatted correctly in MLA style? a. Homer writes that Odysseus and his men "were left to groan and wait for morning." (Homer, 218) b. Homer writes "that Odysseus and his men were left to groan and wait for morning" (Homer: 218). c Homer writes that Odysseus and his men "were left to groan and wait for morning" (218). d. Homer writes "that Odysseus and his men were left to groan and wait for morning" (218)

c. Homer writes that Odysseus and his men "were left to groan and wait for morning" (218).

Read the excerpt from The Odyssey. Then we unloaded all the Cyclops' flockto make division, share and share alike,only my fighters voted that my ram,the prize of all, should go to me. I slew himby the sea side and burnt his long thighbonesto Zeus beyond the stormcloud, Cronus' son,who rules the world. But Zeus disdained my offering;destruction for my ships he had in storeand death for those who sailed them, my companions. What can be inferred about Odysseus? a. Odysseus believes that he controls his own destiny. b. Odysseus is destined to perish at sea along with his men. c. Odysseus is religious and he believes in the power of the gods. d. Odysseus believes that he can escape his destiny.

c. Odysseus is religious and he believes in the power of the gods.

Which statement from Governor George Wallace's inaugural address best supports his claim that Southerners are the founders of the American way of life? a. Hear me, Southerners! You sons and daughters who have moved north and west throughout this nation . . . we call on you from your native soil to join with us in national support. b. The great writer, Rudyard Kipling, wrote of them, that: "There in the Southland of the United States of America, lives the greatest fighting breed of man . . . in all the world!" c. Southerners played a most magnificent part in erecting this great divinely inspired system of freedom . . . and as God is our witness, Southerners will save it. d. Let us rise to the call of freedom-loving blood that is in us and send our answer to the tyranny that clanks its chains upon the South.

c. Southerners played a most magnificent part in erecting this great divinely inspired system of freedom . . . and as God is our witness, Southerners will save it.

Read the excerpt from Part 2 of The Odyssey. Out of the cave the mammoth Polyphemus roared in answer: 'Nohbdy, Nohbdy's tricked me, Nohbdy's ruined me!'To this rough shout they made a sage reply:'Ah well, if nobody has played you foulthere in your lonely bed, we are no use in paingiven by great Zeus. Let it be your father,Poseidon Lord, to whom you pray.' What theme is best revealed by this conflict? a. Humor can relieve tense situations. b. It is important to be loyal to friends and family. c. Trickery is a valuable weapon in battle. d. Riddles are best solved with many minds.

c. Trickery is a valuable weapon in battle.

What element of a myth is featured in the title "The Beginnings of the Maasai"? a. an attempt to explain a supernatural god b. an attempt to explain a fantastic setting c. an attempt to explain an origin d. an attempt to explain a conflict

c. an attempt to explain an origin

Read the passage from "The Beginnings of the Maasai." In the very beginning of the world, Enkai was the only god: the guardian of rain, fertility, sun, and love. With that love, Enkai birthed three sons who became the Fathers of the three tribes. Enkai gave each tribe a gift to help them succeed in their new home. Upon the Father of the Kikuyu, Enkai bestowed a hoe to cultivate the plains. To the Father of the Kamba, Enkai gifted a bow and arrow so his people could hunt wild animals in the forests and plains. To my father, Neiterkob, the Father of the Maasai, Enkai gave a stick. Why does the myth explain that each tribe has its own gift? a. to show why the tribes dislike each other b. to show why the tribes admire each other c. to show the Maasai's view that each tribe has a purpose d. to show the Maasai's view that some tribes are inferior

c. to show the Maasai's view that each tribe has a purpose

Read the short speech. Operating a motor vehicle requires a driver's undivided attention. Navigating the roads, attending to road signs, and anticipating the behavior of others demands focus. Young drivers must ignore distractions that hinder their concentration, such as texting. Texting while driving is a blindfold that obstructs views and destroys caution. In the worst situations, it leads to destruction and can be fatal. Identify the metaphor in the speech. a. "a driver's undivided attention" b. "anticipating the behavior of others" c. "young drivers must ignore distractions" d. "texting while driving is a blindfold"

d. "texting while driving is a blindfold"

Read the excerpt from The Odyssey. 'Cyclops, try some wine. Here's liquor to wash down your scraps of men.Taste it, and see the kind of drink we carriedunder our planks. I meant it for an offeringif you would help us home. But you are mad,unbearable, a bloody monster! After this,will any other traveler come to see you?' What best describes why Odysseus gave his wine to the Cyclops? a. He is hoping the wine will cheer up the Cyclops enough to set them free. b. He intends to make the Cyclops his friend by being kind to him. c. He plans to distract the Cyclops while his men escape through the entrance. d. He wants to trick the Cyclops by getting him drunk and weakening him.

d. He wants to trick the Cyclops by getting him drunk and weakening him.

Which excerpt from The Odyssey best shows Odysseus demonstrating the epic hero traits of strength and leadership? a. This was an army, trained to fight on horsebackor, where the ground required, on foot. They camewith dawn over that terrain like the leavesand blades of spring. So doom appeared to us,dark word of Zeus for us, our evil days. b. We saw death in that fury, dropped the yards,unshipped the oars, and pulled for the nearest lee:then two long days and nights we lay offshoreworn out and sick at heart, tasting our grief,until a third Dawn came with ringlets shining. c. We stopped to take on water. All ships' companiesmustered alongside for the mid-day meal.Then I sent out two picked men and a runnerto learn what race of men that land sustained.They fell in, soon enough, with Lotus-Eaters, d. I drove them, all three wailing, to the ships,tied them down under their rowing benches,and called the rest: 'All hands aboard;come, clear the beach and no one tastethe Lotus, or you lose your hope of home.'

d. I drove them, all three wailing, to the ships,tied them down under their rowing benches,and called the rest: 'All hands aboard;come, clear the beach and no one tastethe Lotus, or you lose your hope of home.'

Read the excerpt from "A Quilt of a Country." Today the citizens of the United States have come together once more because of armed conflict and enemy attack. Terrorism has led to devastation—and unity. Which statement best explains the role context plays in better understanding this excerpt? a. Knowing that Quindlen has an Italian and Irish heritage helps the reader better understand her viewpoint, which is that all immigrants are the same. b. Knowing that Quindlen compares the American people to a quilt helps the reader better understand her viewpoint of America as a melting pot. c. Knowing that Quindlen lives in New York helps the reader understand that she lives in a multicultural environment. d. Knowing that Quindlen wrote this piece after the 9/11 attacks helps readers understand her viewpoint, which is that tragedy unites people.

d. Knowing that Quindlen wrote this piece after the 9/11 attacks helps readers understand her viewpoint, which is that tragedy unites people.

What is the first step in summarizing a plot? a. restating central ideas and key details b. eliminating minor or unimportant details c. connecting ideas with logical transitions d. identifying important words and phrases

d. identifying important words and phrases

Read the excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. The Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition. The emotional connotation of the underlined word helps King a. express his indecision. b. hopefulness. c. spirituality. d. outrage.

d. outrage.