ELA Final Study Guide

*What is the best way to change this sentence from passive voice to active voice?* *Trina was awarded first place in the tennis tournament last weekend.*

***A.)Trina won first place in the tennis tournament last weekend.*** B.)In the tennis tournament last weekend, Trina was awarded first place. C.)Last weekend, first place in the tennis tournament was won by Trina. D.)Correct as is.

*Choose the word that best fits on the blank.* The father ___________ his son on his use of good manners.

A.)complimented *B.)complainted* C.)complemented D.)compliminted

Read the following dictionary entry for the word conscious. *conscious adj. 1. aware of one's own existence. 2. fully aware of or sensitive to something. 3. aware of what one is doing. 4. deliberate or intentional. 5. having the mental faculties fully active.* TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Curiosity Increase in Water Recreation Hunger Changes in the Environment Conclusion Terrifying, isn't it? Just the very thought that you could be kicking and splashing in the waves, the salty ocean air blowing through your hair, the sand pushing up between your toes, and—WHAM!—something hits you. But it's not just a friend bumping into you. It's a shark. You've just been attacked in water no deeper than your waist as you swim and play with scores of other people who are swimming just like you. Scientists know a lot more about sharks than they used to, and they believe that the image of the mindless killer isn't right. So, why did that shark attack you? There are several reasons why sharks attack people and why those attacks are increasing, but those reasons may not be what you think. Curiosity By nature, sharks are extremely curious creatures. If there is a foreign object or presence in their territory, they naturally want to check it out. Without hands or feet, the only way sharks can do this is to mouth the objects they encounter. Unfortunately, human beings have thin skin with a lot of small blood vessels close to the surface, so this type of interaction can cause severe damage. Increase in Water Recreation Swimming did not become a favorite pastime until the 1930s, and the amount of time that people spend in the water as a means of recreation has steadily increased ever since. It only makes sense that an increase in contact between sharks and humans means the frequency of attacks will also increase. Hunger Sharks, like any other animal, have dietary needs that must be met if they are going to survive. An overall decrease in their normal food supply, due in part to an increase in fishing hauls, leaves many sharks hungry all the time. Hungry sharks will go for any food source that seems reasonable, and sometimes that includes humans who have wandered into their territory. Changes in the Environment Global warming is taking its toll on humans and animals alike. Sharks are no exception. Waters that were once cold—and therefore preferred by many sharks—have gotten significantly warmer. This change has forced sharks to look for food closer to shore, and that's the best place to run into people. Additionally, agricultural chemicals have drained from the soil and trickled down into the oceans. This chemical change has created "dead zones" in places like the Gulf of Mexico. Dead zones kill aquatic life, leaving sharks with a diminished food supply. Conclusion So what does all this mean for people who love to swim in the ocean? It means that we will all need to educate ourselves more about sharks and their habits if we are going to swim safely. It means that we are going to have to be more conscious and considerate of the shark's territory. Most importantly, it means that we have another reason to understand how our actions are impacting the environment and all the other creatures in the world.

A.)definition 1 B.)definition 4 *C.)definition 2* D.)definition 5

*Which sentence supports the conclusion that humans have contributed to the increased number of shark attacks?* *TABLE OF CONTENTS* Introduction Curiosity Increase in Water Recreation Hunger Changes in the Environment Conclusion Terrifying, isn't it? Just the very thought that you could be kicking and splashing in the waves, the salty ocean air blowing through your hair, the sand pushing up between your toes, and—WHAM!—something hits you. But it's not just a friend bumping into you. It's a shark. You've just been attacked in water no deeper than your waist as you swim and play with scores of other people who are swimming just like you. Scientists know a lot more about sharks than they used to, and they believe that the image of the mindless killer isn't right. So, why did that shark attack you? There are several reasons why sharks attack people and why those attacks are increasing, but those reasons may not be what you think. Curiosity By nature, sharks are extremely curious creatures. If there is a foreign object or presence in their territory, they naturally want to check it out. Without hands or feet, the only way sharks can do this is to mouth the objects they encounter. Unfortunately, human beings have thin skin with a lot of small blood vessels close to the surface, so this type of interaction can cause severe damage. Increase in Water Recreation Swimming did not become a favorite pastime until the 1930s, and the amount of time that people spend in the water as a means of recreation has steadily increased ever since. It only makes sense that an increase in contact between sharks and humans means the frequency of attacks will also increase. Hunger Sharks, like any other animal, have dietary needs that must be met if they are going to survive. An overall decrease in their normal food supply, due in part to an increase in fishing hauls, leaves many sharks hungry all the time. Hungry sharks will go for any food source that seems reasonable, and sometimes that includes humans who have wandered into their territory. Changes in the Environment Global warming is taking its toll on humans and animals alike. Sharks are no exception. Waters that were once cold—and therefore preferred by many sharks—have gotten significantly warmer. This change has forced sharks to look for food closer to shore, and that's the best place to run into people. Additionally, agricultural chemicals have drained from the soil and trickled down into the oceans. This chemical change has created "dead zones" in places like the Gulf of Mexico. Dead zones kill aquatic life, leaving sharks with a diminished food supply. Conclusion So what does all this mean for people who love to swim in the ocean? It means that we will all need to educate ourselves more about sharks and their habits if we are going to swim safely. It means that we are going to have to be more conscious and considerate of the shark's territory. Most importantly, it means that we have another reason to understand how our actions are impacting the environment and all the other creatures in the world.

A.The splashing and kicking of swimmers attracts sharks. B.Blood is in the water, encouraging a feeding frenzy. C.People are trying to feed sharks as if they were pets. **D.People are spending more time in the shark's territory.**

*1.Directions: Select the correct text in the passage.* *Which sentence from the passage best supports the following idea* *Henry Cisneros worked to improve the lives of people.*

* Henry Cisneros is an American politician and businessman who was born in San Antonio, Texas.* After earning a Master's degree at Texas A&M University, he earned a second Master's degree at Harvard. He then returned to Texas to pursue a career in politics. *In 1975, he became the youngest member to serve on the San Antonio city council.* In 1981, he became the mayor of San Antonio. As mayor, one of his main goals was to improve the economy of San Antonio. *He implemented programs to create new jobs and rebuild the city's economic base.* Cisneros had a successful career as mayor, and he went on to serve four terms from 1981 to 1989.

*What is the best way to combine sentence 1 and sentence 2?* (1) Elephants are the largest living land mammals today. (2) Elephants are distinguished by their high level of intelligence, interesting behavior, methods of communication, and complex social structure. (3) African elephants in particular are the largest among all living land mammals. (4) The elephant's trunk is its most distinguishing feature. (5) It not only serves as a nose but also as a hand extra foot signaling device and tool for gathering food siphoning water dusting and digging. (6) Elephants are found in the African and Asian continents. (7) They weigh over six tons, and in order to survive, these large creatures need plenty of food and water. (8) They devour several hundred pounds of plant matter in a single day. (9) Because elephants place such huge demands on their own environment that in order to survive, they often come into conflict with humans, who are competing for the same resources.

*(1)Elephants are the largest living land mammals today, and they are distinguished by their high level of intelligence, interesting behavior, methods of communication, and complex social structure.*

*Which is the correct way to write the sentence above?* *The committee made five recommendations however only two were approved.*

A.]The committee made five recommendations, however, only two were approved. **B.]The committee made five recommendations; however, only two were approved.** C.]The committee, made five recommendations. However only two were approved. D.]The committee made five recommendations—however—only two were approved.

*Which of the following reference sources would be best to use to find the meaning of a word?*

A.atlas B.almanac *C.(dictionary)* D.manual

*Which of the following sources would be most helpful when writing a report on the life of Susan B. Anthony?*

A.news articles B.pamphlets C.advertisements *(D.Her Biography)*

*Luis might bring his parents to the recital if they do not have to work.*

A.work *(B.might)* C.not D.recital

*Because Josh gets lost in the desert, he learns that?* I know what you're thinking. No way, right? English class is the most boring class of the day, right? I mean, why do I need to take English class when I already speak English? Right? Yeah, well I felt that way, too, until last summer when English class literally saved my life. Let me explain. My foster family, the Jamesons, decided to take a vacation. Sounds great, huh? Maybe Disneyland or a week on the beach? No way. They wanted to go to the desert. Long story short, we drove half way across the country to camp out in the Great Basin Desert. "Josh, be sure to pack your warmest clothing," Mrs. Jameson yelled up the stairs. "The desert is cold at night, but don't worry. It won't leave you cold. Just wait until you see the stars." We finally arrived at the Great Basin National Park, and I have to admit it was different than I imagined. "Amazing, isn't it?" Mr. Jameson asked me as we looked out over the desert's vast, silent valleys. I just grunted back at him and put my earphones back in. No matter what changed in my life, no matter how many times I failed, my music was always there. Later that night, I sat inside my tent and listened to the Jamesons telling stories around the fire they made. They thought it was so easy. Telling stories. Reading stories. I couldn't even pass English class. I couldn't understand those stupid stories. Suddenly angry, I left the tent. They didn't even notice. The air was colder, but the stars were amazing. I had to admit it. I turned off my music as I walked and listened to the desert. Coyotes howling. Owls hooting. Clawing. Scurrying. Something wet hit my face. I looked up and realized it was snowing! In the desert in July! And I was lost. I wandered for hours but couldn't find our camp. The temperature continued to drop. I found a tree with deep crevices in the trunk and took shelter. My hands were getting numb, and I knew I was in trouble. Then I remembered Jack London and his story that we read in English class, "To Build a Fire." I knew I needed to keep warm, so I gathered up the branches around the base of the tree, piled up some dry grasses for kindling, and used the matches in my pocket to get the fire going. Just like in Jack's story. It worked! I spent the night keeping that fire going and listening to the sounds of the desert. In the morning, the Jamesons found me. I was only about a half-mile away. "Look at you," Mrs. Jameson said, when I told her how I'd remembered that story from English class, "making use of those 'stupid' stories from English class. Now all you have to do is write your own because your friends aren't going to believe how English class saved your life!"

He really does understand the stories he reads in English.

*Josh gains confidence in his reading and writing skills because?* I know what you're thinking. No way, right? English class is the most boring class of the day, right? I mean, why do I need to take English class when I already speak English? Right? Yeah, well I felt that way, too, until last summer when English class literally saved my life. Let me explain. My foster family, the Jamesons, decided to take a vacation. Sounds great, huh? Maybe Disneyland or a week on the beach? No way. They wanted to go to the desert. Long story short, we drove half way across the country to camp out in the Great Basin Desert. "Josh, be sure to pack your warmest clothing," Mrs. Jameson yelled up the stairs. "The desert is cold at night, but don't worry. It won't leave you cold. Just wait until you see the stars." We finally arrived at the Great Basin National Park, and I have to admit it was different than I imagined. "Amazing, isn't it?" Mr. Jameson asked me as we looked out over the desert's vast, silent valleys. I just grunted back at him and put my earphones back in. No matter what changed in my life, no matter how many times I failed, my music was always there. Later that night, I sat inside my tent and listened to the Jamesons telling stories around the fire they made. They thought it was so easy. Telling stories. Reading stories. I couldn't even pass English class. I couldn't understand those stupid stories. Suddenly angry, I left the tent. They didn't even notice. The air was colder, but the stars were amazing. I had to admit it. I turned off my music as I walked and listened to the desert. Coyotes howling. Owls hooting. Clawing. Scurrying. Something wet hit my face. I looked up and realized it was snowing! In the desert in July! And I was lost. I wandered for hours but couldn't find our camp. The temperature continued to drop. I found a tree with deep crevices in the trunk and took shelter. My hands were getting numb, and I knew I was in trouble. Then I remembered Jack London and his story that we read in English class, "To Build a Fire." I knew I needed to keep warm, so I gathered up the branches around the base of the tree, piled up some dry grasses for kindling, and used the matches in my pocket to get the fire going. Just like in Jack's story. It worked! I spent the night keeping that fire going and listening to the sounds of the desert. In the morning, the Jamesons found me. I was only about a half-mile away. "Look at you," Mrs. Jameson said, when I told her how I'd remembered that story from English class, "making use of those 'stupid' stories from English class. Now all you have to do is write your own because your friends aren't going to believe how English class saved your life!"

He remembers a story he read and uses it to save himself.

*How should this be rewritten to avoid a confusing reference?* Hiking in the jungle, the frogs croaked loudly.

Hiking in the jungle, Matt and Mark heard the frogs croak loudly.

*The narrator asks a lot of questions in order to?* I know what you're thinking. No way, right? English class is the most boring class of the day, right? I mean, why do I need to take English class when I already speak English? Right? Yeah, well I felt that way, too, until last summer when English class literally saved my life. Let me explain. My foster family, the Jamesons, decided to take a vacation. Sounds great, huh? Maybe Disneyland or a week on the beach? No way. They wanted to go to the desert. Long story short, we drove half way across the country to camp out in the Great Basin Desert. "Josh, be sure to pack your warmest clothing," Mrs. Jameson yelled up the stairs. "The desert is cold at night, but don't worry. It won't leave you cold. Just wait until you see the stars." We finally arrived at the Great Basin National Park, and I have to admit it was different than I imagined. "Amazing, isn't it?" Mr. Jameson asked me as we looked out over the desert's vast, silent valleys. I just grunted back at him and put my earphones back in. No matter what changed in my life, no matter how many times I failed, my music was always there. Later that night, I sat inside my tent and listened to the Jamesons telling stories around the fire they made. They thought it was so easy. Telling stories. Reading stories. I couldn't even pass English class. I couldn't understand those stupid stories. Suddenly angry, I left the tent. They didn't even notice. The air was colder, but the stars were amazing. I had to admit it. I turned off my music as I walked and listened to the desert. Coyotes howling. Owls hooting. Clawing. Scurrying. Something wet hit my face. I looked up and realized it was snowing! In the desert in July! And I was lost. I wandered for hours but couldn't find our camp. The temperature continued to drop. I found a tree with deep crevices in the trunk and took shelter. My hands were getting numb, and I knew I was in trouble. Then I remembered Jack London and his story that we read in English class, "To Build a Fire." I knew I needed to keep warm, so I gathered up the branches around the base of the tree, piled up some dry grasses for kindling, and used the matches in my pocket to get the fire going. Just like in Jack's story. It worked! I spent the night keeping that fire going and listening to the sounds of the desert. In the morning, the Jamesons found me. I was only about a half-mile away. "Look at you," Mrs. Jameson said, when I told her how I'd remembered that story from English class, "making use of those 'stupid' stories from English class. Now all you have to do is write your own because your friends aren't going to believe how English class saved your life!"

Make it feel like he is speaking directly to the reader.

*One main theme of this story is that?* I know what you're thinking. No way, right? English class is the most boring class of the day, right? I mean, why do I need to take English class when I already speak English? Right? Yeah, well I felt that way, too, until last summer when English class literally saved my life. Let me explain. My foster family, the Jamesons, decided to take a vacation. Sounds great, huh? Maybe Disneyland or a week on the beach? No way. They wanted to go to the desert. Long story short, we drove half way across the country to camp out in the Great Basin Desert. "Josh, be sure to pack your warmest clothing," Mrs. Jameson yelled up the stairs. "The desert is cold at night, but don't worry. It won't leave you cold. Just wait until you see the stars." We finally arrived at the Great Basin National Park, and I have to admit it was different than I imagined. "Amazing, isn't it?" Mr. Jameson asked me as we looked out over the desert's vast, silent valleys. I just grunted back at him and put my earphones back in. No matter what changed in my life, no matter how many times I failed, my music was always there. Later that night, I sat inside my tent and listened to the Jamesons telling stories around the fire they made. They thought it was so easy. Telling stories. Reading stories. I couldn't even pass English class. I couldn't understand those stupid stories. Suddenly angry, I left the tent. They didn't even notice. The air was colder, but the stars were amazing. I had to admit it. I turned off my music as I walked and listened to the desert. Coyotes howling. Owls hooting. Clawing. Scurrying. Something wet hit my face. I looked up and realized it was snowing! In the desert in July! And I was lost. I wandered for hours but couldn't find our camp. The temperature continued to drop. I found a tree with deep crevices in the trunk and took shelter. My hands were getting numb, and I knew I was in trouble. Then I remembered Jack London and his story that we read in English class, "To Build a Fire." I knew I needed to keep warm, so I gathered up the branches around the base of the tree, piled up some dry grasses for kindling, and used the matches in my pocket to get the fire going. Just like in Jack's story. It worked! I spent the night keeping that fire going and listening to the sounds of the desert. In the morning, the Jamesons found me. I was only about a half-mile away. "Look at you," Mrs. Jameson said, when I told her how I'd remembered that story from English class, "making use of those 'stupid' stories from English class. Now all you have to do is write your own because your friends aren't going to believe how English class saved your life!"

People sometimes underestimate their abilities.

*When Mrs. Jameson says "It (the desert) won't leave you cold," what does she mean?* I know what you're thinking. No way, right? English class is the most boring class of the day, right? I mean, why do I need to take English class when I already speak English? Right? Yeah, well I felt that way, too, until last summer when English class literally saved my life. Let me explain. My foster family, the Jamesons, decided to take a vacation. Sounds great, huh? Maybe Disneyland or a week on the beach? No way. They wanted to go to the desert. Long story short, we drove half way across the country to camp out in the Great Basin Desert. "Josh, be sure to pack your warmest clothing," Mrs. Jameson yelled up the stairs. "The desert is cold at night, but don't worry. It won't leave you cold. Just wait until you see the stars." We finally arrived at the Great Basin National Park, and I have to admit it was different than I imagined. "Amazing, isn't it?" Mr. Jameson asked me as we looked out over the desert's vast, silent valleys. I just grunted back at him and put my earphones back in. No matter what changed in my life, no matter how many times I failed, my music was always there. Later that night, I sat inside my tent and listened to the Jamesons telling stories around the fire they made. They thought it was so easy. Telling stories. Reading stories. I couldn't even pass English class. I couldn't understand those stupid stories. Suddenly angry, I left the tent. They didn't even notice. The air was colder, but the stars were amazing. I had to admit it. I turned off my music as I walked and listened to the desert. Coyotes howling. Owls hooting. Clawing. Scurrying. Something wet hit my face. I looked up and realized it was snowing! In the desert in July! And I was lost. I wandered for hours but couldn't find our camp. The temperature continued to drop. I found a tree with deep crevices in the trunk and took shelter. My hands were getting numb, and I knew I was in trouble. Then I remembered Jack London and his story that we read in English class, "To Build a Fire." I knew I needed to keep warm, so I gathered up the branches around the base of the tree, piled up some dry grasses for kindling, and used the matches in my pocket to get the fire going. Just like in Jack's story. It worked! I spent the night keeping that fire going and listening to the sounds of the desert. In the morning, the Jamesons found me. I was only about a half-mile away. "Look at you," Mrs. Jameson said, when I told her how I'd remembered that story from English class, "making use of those 'stupid' stories from English class. Now all you have to do is write your own because your friends aren't going to believe how English class saved your life!"

The desert will not bore him.

*How is Josh's story similar to Jack London's story?* I know what you're thinking. No way, right? English class is the most boring class of the day, right? I mean, why do I need to take English class when I already speak English? Right? Yeah, well I felt that way, too, until last summer when English class literally saved my life. Let me explain. My foster family, the Jamesons, decided to take a vacation. Sounds great, huh? Maybe Disneyland or a week on the beach? No way. They wanted to go to the desert. Long story short, we drove half way across the country to camp out in the Great Basin Desert. "Josh, be sure to pack your warmest clothing," Mrs. Jameson yelled up the stairs. "The desert is cold at night, but don't worry. It won't leave you cold. Just wait until you see the stars." We finally arrived at the Great Basin National Park, and I have to admit it was different than I imagined. "Amazing, isn't it?" Mr. Jameson asked me as we looked out over the desert's vast, silent valleys. I just grunted back at him and put my earphones back in. No matter what changed in my life, no matter how many times I failed, my music was always there. Later that night, I sat inside my tent and listened to the Jamesons telling stories around the fire they made. They thought it was so easy. Telling stories. Reading stories. I couldn't even pass English class. I couldn't understand those stupid stories. Suddenly angry, I left the tent. They didn't even notice. The air was colder, but the stars were amazing. I had to admit it. I turned off my music as I walked and listened to the desert. Coyotes howling. Owls hooting. Clawing. Scurrying. Something wet hit my face. I looked up and realized it was snowing! In the desert in July! And I was lost. I wandered for hours but couldn't find our camp. The temperature continued to drop. I found a tree with deep crevices in the trunk and took shelter. My hands were getting numb, and I knew I was in trouble. Then I remembered Jack London and his story that we read in English class, "To Build a Fire." I knew I needed to keep warm, so I gathered up the branches around the base of the tree, piled up some dry grasses for kindling, and used the matches in my pocket to get the fire going. Just like in Jack's story. It worked! I spent the night keeping that fire going and listening to the sounds of the desert. In the morning, the Jamesons found me. I was only about a half-mile away. "Look at you," Mrs. Jameson said, when I told her how I'd remembered that story from English class, "making use of those 'stupid' stories from English class. Now all you have to do is write your own because your friends aren't going to believe how English class saved your life!"

They must both light a fire in order to survive in the wilderness.