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Which closing is correct for a letter? | [
"Best wishes,\nMarie",
"Best Wishes,\nMarie"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade4 | language science | punctuation | Formatting | Greetings and closings of letters | A letter starts with a greeting and ends with a closing. For each one, capitalize the first word and end with a comma. You should also capitalize proper nouns, such as Aunt Sue.
Dear Aunt Sue,
I'm glad you could come to my party, and
thank you for the birthday gift. I could not have
asked for a better one! Every time I see it, I think
of you.
With love,
Rory | The first closing is correct:
Its first word is capitalized, and it ends with a comma. |
|
Answer the riddle.
I am round.
You need me to see.
I may be blue, green, or brown.
What am I? | [
"an eye",
"a head"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade1 | language science | vocabulary | Comprehension strategies | What am I? | An eye is round.
You need an eye to see.
An eye may be blue, green, or brown. |
||
Which figure of speech is used in this text?
"This box weighs a ton!" Fernando panted. "Allie, would you mind helping me carry it up the stairs?" | [
"hyperbole",
"chiasmus"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade12 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Classify the figure of speech: review | Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses.
We are united. We are powerful. We are winners.
Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure.
I want to help, not to hurt.
Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity.
Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully?
Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words.
Try to light the fire.
Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words.
Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you.
A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic.
The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off.
Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally.
I ate so much that I think I might explode!
An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms.
Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic.
A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth.
Always expect the unexpected.
Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is.
As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic. | The text uses hyperbole, an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally.
A ton is an exaggeration, since it would be impossible for one or two people to carry a box that weighed a ton, or 2000 pounds. |
|
Based on this information, what is Lottie's phenotype for the fur length trait? | [
"long fur",
"ff"
] | 0 | In a group of Syrian hamsters, some individuals have short fur and others have long fur. In this group, the gene for the fur length trait has two alleles. The allele F is for short fur, and the allele f is for long fur.
Lottie, a Syrian hamster from this group, has long fur. Lottie has two alleles for long fur. | closed choice | grade8 | natural science | biology | Genes to traits | Genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype | All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait.
For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent.
An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene.
An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait. | An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait. Lottie's observable version of the fur length trait is long fur. So, Lottie's phenotype for the fur length trait is long fur. |
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below?
Brody got off the mountain by the skin of his teeth. | [
"the Bible",
"U.S. history"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade11 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Recall the source of an allusion | An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words.
The protean nature of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose.
The word protean is an allusion to the sea god Proteus in Greek mythology. Because the sea is constantly changing, to describe something as protean suggests that it is variable or in flux. | The source of the allusion by the skin of his teeth is the Bible.
In the Bible, Job complains to God about his hardships, saying that both strangers and those he loves have turned against him. He says, "My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth." Scholars have long debated the exact meaning of the phrase, but many claim that Job is saying that he narrowly escaped death.
The allusion by the skin of his teeth means just barely. |
|
Based on this information, what is Boxer's phenotype for the coat pattern trait? | [
"solid coloring",
"white spots"
] | 0 | In a group of cows, some individuals have solid coloring and others have white spots. In this group, the gene for the coat pattern trait has two alleles. The allele for solid coloring (A) is dominant over the allele for white spots (a).
Boxer is a cow from this group. Boxer has the heterozygous genotype Aa for the coat pattern gene. | closed choice | grade6 | natural science | biology | Genes to traits | Genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive | All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait.
For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent.
An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene.
An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait.
Some traits, like flower color in pea plants, are controlled by a single gene. Most plants and animals have a genotype made up of two alleles for these traits. These two alleles determine whether an organism is homozygous or heterozygous for the gene.
An organism with two identical alleles for a gene is homozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype FF or ff is homozygous for the flower color gene.
An organism with two different alleles for a gene is heterozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype Ff is heterozygous for the flower color gene.
The types of alleles in an organism's genotype determine the organism's phenotype. Some alleles have types called dominant and recessive. These two types can cause different versions of a trait to appear as the organism's phenotype.
A dominant allele causes its version of the trait to appear even when the organism also has a recessive allele for the gene. In pea plants, the F allele, which causes purple flowers, is dominant over the f allele. A pea plant with at least one F allele will have the F allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype FF or Ff will have purple flowers.
A recessive allele causes its version of the trait to appear only when the organism does not have any dominant alleles for the gene. In pea plants, the f allele, which causes white flowers, is recessive to the F allele. A pea plant with only f alleles will have the f allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype ff will have white flowers. | You need to determine Boxer's phenotype for the coat pattern trait. First, consider the alleles in Boxer's genotype for the coat pattern gene. Then, decide whether these alleles are dominant or recessive.
The allele for solid coloring (A) is dominant over the allele for white spots (a). This means A is a dominant allele, and a is a recessive allele.
Boxer's genotype of Aa has one dominant allele and one recessive allele. An organism with at least one dominant allele for a gene will have the dominant allele's version of the trait. So, Boxer's phenotype for the coat pattern trait must be solid coloring. |
Which online professional profile is more formal? | [
"Sales professional with strong interpersonal skills.",
"Sales pro who can really sell and is great with people."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade11 | language science | writing-strategies | Audience, purpose, and tone | Which text is most formal? | Informal writing is typically used in casual situations or when communicating with someone you know well. Informal language often expresses familiarity and tends to sound more like speech. It uses more conversational language, such as slang, idioms, abbreviations, imprecise language, and contractions.
Formal writing is typically used in academic and business writing or when writing directly to an authority figure. It tends to be more courteous and impersonal, avoiding overly familiar or conversational language.
Compare the following sentences.
Informal: Yeah, ostriches can't fly, but I think they're awesome.
More formal: Ostriches may be flightless, but they're remarkable runners.
Most formal: Though flightless, ostriches are remarkable runners. | The second online professional profile is more formal. It uses more elevated language (sales professional, strong interpersonal skills). The other professional profile uses imprecise language (really) and abbreviations (sales pro). |
|
Select the living thing. | [
"clownfish",
"beach ball",
"helicopter",
"bracelet"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade4 | natural science | biology | Classification | Identify living and nonliving things | All living things are made up of cells. Plants, animals, and some fungi have many cells. Other living things are made up of just one cell.
All living things need food and water. Water helps living things break down food and remove waste. Food gives living things energy. They use energy from food to grow and change.
All living things sense changes in their environment. Living things might sense changes by seeing, smelling, hearing, or feeling. Living things can respond to the changes they sense. | A helicopter is not a living thing.
A helicopter does not have all the traits of a living thing. It needs energy to fly, but it does not eat food. Helicopters get energy from gasoline or other fuel. They do not grow.
A beach ball is not a living thing.
Beach balls do not have all of the traits of living things. They do not grow or respond to their environment. They do not need food or water.
A bracelet is not a living thing.
Bracelets do not have all of the traits of living things. They do not grow or respond to their environment. They do not need food or water.
A clownfish is a living thing.
Clownfishes grow and respond to their environment. They need food and water. Clownfishes are made up of many cells. |
|
Using only these supplies, which question can Molly investigate with an experiment? | [
"Does a cell phone charge faster when plugged into a wall outlet or into a computer?",
"Does a tablet charge faster with a two-foot-long charging cable or a five-foot-long charging cable?",
"Does a cell phone charge more quickly when it is turned on or when it is turned off?"
] | 2 | Molly notices that her cell phone charges more quickly sometimes and more slowly other times. She wonders what factors affect how quickly a phone charges. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available:
one cell phone
a two-foot-long charging cable
a five-foot-long charging cable
a stopwatch
a wall outlet | closed choice | grade8 | natural science | science-and-engineering-practices | Designing experiments | Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials | Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment.
Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment?
First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available.
Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick.
So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment! | |
Select the animal that does not have a backbone. | [
"painted stork",
"grasshopper"
] | 1 | Hint: Insects, spiders, and worms do not have backbones. | closed choice | grade2 | natural science | biology | Classification | Identify animals with and without backbones | Some animals have a backbone. The backbone is made of many bones in an animal's back. An animal's backbone helps connect the different parts of its body. In the drawings below, each animal's backbone is colored orange.
Other animals do not have a backbone. In fact, these animals don't have any bones! Some animals without backbones have a hard outer cover. Other animals have a soft body. | A grasshopper is an insect. Like other insects, a grasshopper does not have a backbone. It has a hard outer cover.
A painted stork is a bird. Like other birds, a painted stork has a backbone. |
Select the vertebrate. | [
"redback spider",
"curlyhair tarantula",
"harbor seal",
"honey bee"
] | 2 | Hint: Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians are vertebrates. | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | biology | Classification | Identify vertebrates and invertebrates | Vertebrates and invertebrates are both groups of animals.
A vertebrate has a backbone. The backbone is made of many bones in an animal's back. A vertebrate's backbone helps connect the different parts of its body. In the drawings below, each vertebrate's backbone is colored orange.
An invertebrate does not have a backbone. In fact, invertebrates do not have any bones! Some invertebrates have an outer cover on their body called an exoskeleton. Other invertebrates have a soft body. | Like other spiders, a redback spider is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton.
A honey bee is an insect. Like other insects, a honey bee is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton.
A harbor seal is a mammal. Like other mammals, a harbor seal is a vertebrate. It has a backbone.
Like other tarantulas, a curlyhair tarantula is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. |
Complete the paragraph.
A volcano is a (). Volcanoes can erupt. During a volcanic eruption, melted rock () the ground. | [
"fire below Earth's surface . . . turns solid below",
"hole in Earth's surface . . . comes out of",
"type of melted rock . . . flows into"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade2 | natural science | literacy-in-science | Earth events | Changes to Earth's surface: volcanic eruptions | A volcano is a hole in the ground. During a volcanic eruption, melted rock comes out of the ground through a volcano. |
||
Which figure of speech is used in this text?
All the joy the world contains
Has come through wishing happiness for others.
All the misery the world contains
Has come through wanting pleasure for oneself.
—Shantideva, The Way of the Bodhisattva | [
"understatement",
"antithesis"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade11 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Classify the figure of speech: anaphora, antithesis, apostrophe, assonance, chiasmus, understatement | Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses.
We are united. We are powerful. We are winners.
Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure.
I want to help, not to hurt.
Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity.
Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully?
Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words.
Try to light the fire.
Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words.
Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you.
Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is.
As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic. | The text uses antithesis, the contrasting of opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure.
Shantideva contrasts two parallel phrases, all the joy the world contains and all the misery the world contains. |
|
How long is a long-distance running race? | [
"22 kilometers",
"22 meters",
"22 millimeters",
"22 centimeters"
] | 0 | Select the best estimate. | closed choice | grade7 | natural science | units-and-measurement | Units and measurement | Choose metric units of distance, mass, and volume | Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means.
When you are using metric units, length can be written with units of millimeters, centimeters, meters, or kilometers. One meter contains 100 centimeters or 1,000 millimeters. So, 1 meter is larger than 1 centimeter, and 1 centimeter is larger than 1 millimeter.
The tip of the pencil shown here is only 1 millimeter wide, but the pencil is about 16 centimeters long.
A red fox is about 1 meter long. The Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia is about 1,000 meters, or 1 kilometer, in length. | The best estimate for the length of a long-distance running race is 22 kilometers.
22 millimeters, 22 centimeters, and 22 meters are all too short. |
Which tense does the sentence use?
Mr. Johnson signed his name on the letter. | [
"future tense",
"past tense",
"present tense"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade2 | language science | verbs | Verb tense | Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense? | Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now.
Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es.
Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms.
Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened.
Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed.
Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms.
Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen.
All future-tense verbs use the word will.
Present | Past | Future
walk, walks | walked | will walk
go, goes | went | will go | The sentence is in past tense. You can tell because it uses a past-tense verb, signed. The verb ends in -ed and tells you about something that has already happened. |
|
Select the animal that has a backbone. | [
"grasshopper",
"sea eagle"
] | 1 | Hint: Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians all have backbones. | closed choice | grade2 | natural science | biology | Classification | Identify animals with and without backbones | Some animals have a backbone. The backbone is made of many bones in an animal's back. An animal's backbone helps connect the different parts of its body. In the drawings below, each animal's backbone is colored orange.
Other animals do not have a backbone. In fact, these animals don't have any bones! Some animals without backbones have a hard outer cover. Other animals have a soft body. | A sea eagle is a bird. Like other birds, a sea eagle has a backbone.
A grasshopper is an insect. Like other insects, a grasshopper does not have a backbone. It has a hard outer cover. |
Complete the sentence.
A rock heating up in a campfire is a (). | [
"physical change",
"chemical change"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade3 | natural science | chemistry | Physical and chemical change | Identify physical and chemical changes | Chemical changes and physical changes are two common ways matter can change.
In a chemical change, the type of matter changes. The types of matter before and after a chemical change are always different.
Burning a piece of paper is a chemical change. When paper gets hot enough, it reacts with oxygen in the air and burns. The paper and oxygen change into ash and smoke.
In a physical change, the type of matter stays the same. The types of matter before and after a physical change are always the same.
Cutting a piece of paper is a physical change. The cut pieces are still made of paper.
A change of state is a type of physical change. For example, ice melting is a physical change. Ice and liquid water are made of the same type of matter: water. | A rock heating up in a campfire is a physical change. The temperature of the rock goes up, but the rock is still made of the same type of matter. |
|
Which tense does the sentence use?
Julia and Sofia race down the hill. | [
"present tense",
"future tense",
"past tense"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade2 | language science | verbs | Verb tense | Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense? | Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now.
Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es.
Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms.
Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened.
Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed.
Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms.
Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen.
All future-tense verbs use the word will.
Present | Past | Future
walk, walks | walked | will walk
go, goes | went | will go | The sentence is in present tense. You can tell because it uses a present-tense verb, race. The verb tells you about something that is true or happening now. |
|
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below?
"Trisha is such a Pollyanna!" Kendrick announced with a sigh. | [
"British history",
"literature"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade7 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Recall the source of an allusion | An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words.
"I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked.
Here, Lila alludes to the fairy tale "Cinderella," in which Cinderella must leave the ball before the coach that brought her transforms into a pumpkin. The allusion shows that Lila must depart immediately. | The source of the allusion Pollyanna is literature.
The character Pollyanna, from Eleanor Porter's children's book, is a young girl who finds good in everything and everyone.
The allusion Pollyanna means an overly optimistic person. |
|
Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference? | [
"Bruce felt better about collaborating on the research project after Ted talked with him about it.",
"After Ted talked with Bruce about the research project, he felt better about collaborating on it."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade10 | language science | writing-strategies | Pronouns | Identify vague pronoun references | When writing, make sure to avoid vague pronoun references. A vague pronoun reference occurs when a pronoun could refer to more than one possible antecedent.
When Lisa and Kim finally landed, she breathed a sigh of relief.
The pronoun she could refer to either Lisa or Kim, so the meaning of the sentence is unclear.
Vague pronoun references can be corrected in one of two ways:
1. Replace the pronoun with its correct antecedent:
When Lisa and Kim finally landed, Lisa breathed a sigh of relief.
2. Rewrite the sentence:
Lisa breathed a sigh of relief when she and Kim finally landed.
A vague pronoun reference also occurs when they, them, their, theirs, it, or its is used without its antecedent.
They say that this nail polish dries in less than five minutes.
The pronoun they is used without its antecedent, so the meaning of the sentence is unclear.
This problem can be fixed by replacing the pronoun with its missing antecedent.
The advertisements say that this nail polish dries in less than five minutes. | The first answer choice contains a vague pronoun reference. The pronoun he could refer to Ted or Bruce.
After Ted talked with Bruce about the research project, he felt better about collaborating on it.
The second answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. The text has been rewritten so that the meaning is clear.
Bruce felt better about collaborating on the research project after Ted talked with him about it. |
|
Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words?
already - anchor | [
"amuse",
"artist"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade2 | language science | reference-skills | Reference skills | Use guide words | Guide words appear on each page of a dictionary. They tell you the first word and last word on the page. The other words on the page come between the guide words in alphabetical order.
To put words in alphabetical order, put them in order by their first letters. If the first letters are the same, look at the second letters. If the second letters are the same, look at the third letters, and so on. | Put the words in alphabetical order.
Since amuse is between the guide words already - anchor, it would be found on that page. |
|
Using only these supplies, which question can Jennifer investigate with an experiment? | [
"When wrapped in a cotton shirt and placed in the sun, does a large jar or a small jar heat up more?",
"When placed in the sun, does a glass jar wrapped in a black cotton shirt heat up more than a glass jar wrapped in a white cotton shirt?",
"When placed in the sun, does a glass jar wrapped in cotton heat up more than a glass jar wrapped in wool?"
] | 1 | Jennifer is outside with her friend on a sunny day. Jennifer is wearing a light-colored shirt, and she notices that she feels colder than her friend, who is wearing a dark shirt. She wonders what factors affect how fabric warms an object. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available:
a black cotton shirt
a white cotton shirt
two identical empty glass jars
two thermometers | closed choice | grade7 | natural science | science-and-engineering-practices | Designing experiments | Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials | Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment.
Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment?
First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available.
Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick.
So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment! | |
What information supports the conclusion that Julia inherited this trait? | [
"Julia and her mother both wear their hair in braids.",
"Julia's parents have red hair. They passed down this trait to Julia."
] | 1 | Read the description of a trait.
Julia has red hair. | closed choice | grade3 | natural science | biology | Heredity | Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement | Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways.
Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned.
Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. | |
Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference? | [
"Olivia took the memory card out of the digital camera and put the card in her desk drawer.",
"Olivia took the memory card out of the digital camera and put it in her desk drawer."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade10 | language science | writing-strategies | Pronouns | Identify vague pronoun references | When writing, make sure to avoid vague pronoun references. A vague pronoun reference occurs when a pronoun could refer to more than one possible antecedent.
When Lisa and Kim finally landed, she breathed a sigh of relief.
The pronoun she could refer to either Lisa or Kim, so the meaning of the sentence is unclear.
Vague pronoun references can be corrected in one of two ways:
1. Replace the pronoun with its correct antecedent:
When Lisa and Kim finally landed, Lisa breathed a sigh of relief.
2. Rewrite the sentence:
Lisa breathed a sigh of relief when she and Kim finally landed.
A vague pronoun reference also occurs when they, them, their, theirs, it, or its is used without its antecedent.
They say that this nail polish dries in less than five minutes.
The pronoun they is used without its antecedent, so the meaning of the sentence is unclear.
This problem can be fixed by replacing the pronoun with its missing antecedent.
The advertisements say that this nail polish dries in less than five minutes. | The second answer choice contains a vague pronoun reference. The pronoun it could refer to the memory card or the digital camera.
The first answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. It has been replaced with the card.
Olivia took the memory card out of the digital camera and put the card in her desk drawer. |
|
Which object has the most thermal energy? | [
"an orange at a temperature of 93°F",
"an orange at a temperature of 66°F",
"an orange at a temperature of 68°F"
] | 0 | The objects are identical except for their temperatures. | closed choice | grade4 | natural science | physics | Heat and thermal energy | How is temperature related to thermal energy? | All solids, liquids, and gases are made of matter. Matter is made up of tiny particles that are always moving. The energy from the motion of these particles is called thermal energy.
Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the particles in matter move faster, the temperature goes up. The matter now has both more thermal energy and a higher temperature. | All three oranges have the same mass but different temperatures. Since the 93°F orange is the hottest, it has the most thermal energy. |
Is the following trait inherited or acquired?
Diana has a scar on her left hand. | [
"acquired",
"inherited"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | biology | Traits and heredity | Identify inherited and acquired traits | Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways.
Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned.
Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Children do not inherit their parents' acquired traits. | Children do not inherit their parent's scars. Instead, scars are caused by the environment. People can get scars after they get hurt. So, having a scar is an acquired trait. |
|
Which logical fallacy is used in the text?
Stacy has no school spirit—she never comes to any of our football games. | [
"guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something",
"false dichotomy: an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade8 | language science | writing-strategies | Developing and supporting arguments | Classify logical fallacies | A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions.
A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information:
Fallacy | Description
ad hominem | a personal attack meant to discredit one's opponent
appeal to nature | an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice
bandwagon fallacy | an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice
circular reasoning | an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself
guilt by association | an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or something
red herring | the use of a completely unrelated topic in support of a claim
A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand:
Fallacy | Description
false causation | the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other
false dichotomy | an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist
hasty generalization | a very broad claim based on very little evidence
straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against
| The text argues that Stacy doesn't have school spirit, because she doesn't go to football games. However, there may be a number of reasons why Stacy doesn't go to football games. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as a false dichotomy. |
|
What is the volume of a large soup pot? | [
"5 liters",
"5 milliliters"
] | 0 | Select the better estimate. | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | units-and-measurement | Units and measurement | Choose metric units of volume | Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means.
Volume is a measurement of how much space something takes up.
There are many different units of volume. When you are using metric units, volume may be written in units of milliliters or liters.
There are 1,000 milliliters in 1 liter. So, 1 milliliter is much less than 1 liter.
A raindrop has a volume of about 20 milliliters, while a large soda bottle has a volume of 2 liters. The flask shown here measures volumes up to 500 milliliters. | The better estimate for the volume of a large soup pot is 5 liters.
5 milliliters is too little. |
What does the idiom in this text suggest?
In such an unfamiliar environment, Nick was a fish out of water. | [
"Nick felt out of place.",
"Nick had not visited that location before."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade10 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Interpret figures of speech | Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned.
The assignment was a piece of cake. | The text uses an idiom, an expression that cannot be understood literally.
The idiom a fish out of water suggests that Nick felt out of place. A fish out of water is someone out of his or her usual, comfortable environment. |
|
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below?
Brennan's recent behavior made his parents begin to see his friend Edgar as some sort of Svengali. | [
"literature",
"modern history"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade11 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Recall the source of an allusion | An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words.
The protean nature of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose.
The word protean is an allusion to the sea god Proteus in Greek mythology. Because the sea is constantly changing, to describe something as protean suggests that it is variable or in flux. | The source of the allusion Svengali is literature.
In George du Maurier's novel Trilby, Svengali is a hypnotist who exerts such power over the central character that she is suddenly able to sing, which she was unable to do before.
The allusion Svengali means a person with an unduly strong influence over someone else. |
|
What information supports the conclusion that Josie inherited this trait? | [
"Josie and her mother both have short hair.",
"Josie's parents were born with wavy hair. They passed down this trait to Josie."
] | 1 | Read the description of a trait.
Josie has wavy hair. | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | biology | Traits and heredity | Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement | Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways.
Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned.
Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. | |
Based on this information, what is this Nile tilapia fish's phenotype for the body color trait? | [
"bb",
"a pink body"
] | 1 | In a group of Nile tilapia fish, some individuals have a greenish-brown body and others have a pink body. In this group, the gene for the body color trait has two alleles. The allele B is for a greenish-brown body, and the allele b is for a pink body.
A certain Nile tilapia fish from this group has a pink body. This fish has two alleles for a pink body. | closed choice | grade8 | natural science | biology | Genes to traits | Genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype | All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait.
For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent.
An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene.
An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait. | An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait. The Nile tilapia fish's observable version of the body color trait is a pink body. So, the fish's phenotype for the body color trait is a pink body. |
Which figure of speech is used in this text?
The hum of the computer concerned Oscar. Was the problem with the power supply or the hard drive? | [
"onomatopoeia",
"metaphor"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade6 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Classify figures of speech | Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words.
What a lucky little lady you are!
An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature.
"I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked.
An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned.
The assignment was a piece of cake.
A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike.
The cat's fur was as dark as the night.
A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as.
The snow formed a blanket over the town.
Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound.
The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat.
Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things.
The trees danced in the wind.
A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning.
A great new broom is sweeping the nation.
Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic.
Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down.
Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face. | The text uses onomatopoeia, a word that expresses a sound.
Hum represents the sound the computer was making. |
|
Which text uses the word literally in its traditional sense? | [
"The curry that the chef prepared was so spicy that Victor literally had to drink three glasses of milk to ease the pain.",
"The curry that the chef prepared was so spicy that Victor's mouth was literally on fire by the time he finished his meal."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade11 | language science | writing-strategies | Word usage and nuance | Explore words with new or contested usages | Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner.
When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences.
Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam.
The traditional usage above is considered more standard.
David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages.
The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it. | The second text uses literally in its traditional sense: in a factual, non-exaggerated way.
The curry that the chef prepared was so spicy that Victor literally had to drink three glasses of milk to ease the pain.
The first text uses literally in its nontraditional sense: nearly or in effect (often exaggerated). Victor's mouth may be in pain, but it is not actually on fire.
The curry that the chef prepared was so spicy that Victor's mouth was literally on fire by the time he finished his meal.
Most style guides recommend to avoid using the nontraditional sense of the word literally because it is generally considered incorrect. |
|
Which figure of speech is used in this text?
After the stock market crash, many people's financial futures went into free fall. | [
"alliteration",
"simile"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade10 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Classify figures of speech: review | Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words.
What a lucky little lady you are!
An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature.
"I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked.
An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned.
The assignment was a piece of cake.
A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike.
The cat's fur was as dark as the night.
A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as.
The snow formed a blanket over the town.
Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound.
The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat.
Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things.
The trees danced in the wind.
A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning.
A great new broom is sweeping the nation.
Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic.
Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down.
Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face. | The text uses alliteration, the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words.
Financial futures went into free fall repeats the f sound. |
|
Using only these supplies, which question can Nicole investigate with an experiment? | [
"Which type of sunflower grows more leaves?",
"Do sunflowers grow taller if they are planted in planter boxes or in pots?",
"Do sunflowers grow bigger in sunny planter boxes or in shady planter boxes?"
] | 2 | Nicole wants to grow sunflowers in her backyard garden. She notices that some sunflowers grow much taller than others. She is curious about what factors affect how sunflowers grow. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available:
seeds from one type of sunflower
soil
one wooden planter box in the sun
one wooden planter box in the shade
one plastic planter box in the sun
water | closed choice | grade8 | natural science | science-and-engineering-practices | Designing experiments | Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials | Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment.
Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment?
First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available.
Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick.
So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment! | |
Based on this information, what is Dolly's genotype for the myotonia congenita gene? | [
"having myotonia congenita",
"Mm"
] | 1 | This passage describes the myotonia congenita trait in goats:
In a group of goats, some individuals have myotonia congenita and others do not. In this group, the gene for the myotonia congenita trait has two alleles. The allele M is for having myotonia congenita, and the allele m is for not having myotonia congenita.
Dolly, a goat from this group, has myotonia congenita. Dolly has one allele for having myotonia congenita and one allele for not having myotonia congenita. | closed choice | grade8 | natural science | biology | Genes to traits | Genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype | All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait.
For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent.
An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene.
An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait. | An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. Dolly has one allele for having myotonia congenita (M) and one allele for not having myotonia congenita (m). So, Dolly's genotype for the myotonia congenita gene is Mm. |
How long does it take to knit a scarf? | [
"8 minutes",
"8 hours"
] | 1 | Select the better estimate. | closed choice | grade2 | natural science | units-and-measurement | Units and measurement | Choose units of time | Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means.
Imagine being told that the bus leaves in 7. You might be thinking, 7 what? Does the bus leave in 7 minutes? 7 seconds?
The number 7 on its own does not give you much information about when the bus is leaving. That is because the units are missing.
Time is usually measured in units of seconds, minutes, or hours. It takes about 1 second to sneeze and 1 minute to get dressed in the morning. It takes about 1 hour to bake a pie in the oven.
There are 60 seconds in 1 minute. So, 1 second is much less than 1 minute.
There are 60 minutes in 1 hour. So, 1 minute is much less than 1 hour. | The better estimate for how long it takes to knit a scarf is 8 hours.
8 minutes is too fast. |
Which word does not rhyme? | [
"haze",
"spot",
"maze"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade1 | language science | phonological-awareness | Rhyming | Which word does not rhyme? | Rhyming words are words that end with the same sound.
The words tip and slip rhyme. They both end with the ip sound.
The words lake and make rhyme. They both end with the ake sound.
The words tip and lake don't rhyme. They end with different sounds. | The words haze and maze rhyme. They both end with the aze sound.
The word spot does not rhyme. It ends with a different sound. |
|
Read the following text from a student essay. How can the writer best improve his or her ideas and development?
Why is smoking cigarettes bad for your health? Cigarettes contain poisonous substances like carbon monoxide and tar, which can harm every part of your body. Smoking causes heart disease and damages your blood vessels. Eating a diet high in fat, sugar, and salt can also lead to heart disease. A lack of exercise contributes to heart disease, too. Smoking damages your lungs and can cause breathing problems or lung cancer. In fact, it can cause cancer in any organ in your body. | [
"by focusing on one main idea",
"by stating the main idea clearly"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade6 | language science | writing-strategies | Editing and revising | Suggest appropriate revisions | When you review a fellow student's writing, try to make your feedback clear and specific. You can use questions such as the following to guide your feedback:
Ideas and development: Does the writer express a clear main idea and develop it with evidence, examples, and analysis?
Organization: Does the writer order ideas in a clear, logical way so that the ideas build on one another and are easy to follow?
Sentence fluency: Do the writer's sentences vary in structure and length, or does the writing sound choppy, rambling, or repetitive?
Word choice: Does the writer use words accurately and precisely, avoiding excessive repetition or inappropriate language to create clear, effective, and engaging writing?
Grammar and mechanics: Does the writer use accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar to create writing that is correct and easy to read? | The writer could best improve his or her ideas and development by focusing on one main idea.
For example, the writer could remove the underlined text to focus only on the reasons why smoking cigarettes is bad for your health.
Why is smoking cigarettes bad for your health? Cigarettes contain poisonous substances like carbon monoxide and tar, which can harm every part of your body. Smoking causes heart disease and damages your blood vessels. Eating a diet high in fat, sugar, and salt can also lead to heart disease. A lack of exercise contributes to heart disease, too. Smoking damages your lungs and can cause breathing problems or lung cancer. In fact, it can cause cancer in any organ in your body. |
|
Which logical fallacy is used in the text?
That candidate argues that we should install parking meters downtown and start charging people to park there. How could any sensible person argue that eliminating parking downtown is going to help this city? | [
"slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences",
"bandwagon fallacy: the assumption that the popular choice is automatically correct",
"straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against"
] | 2 | closed choice | grade10 | language science | writing-strategies | Developing and supporting arguments | Classify logical fallacies | A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions.
A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information:
Fallacy | Description
ad hominem | an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself
appeal to nature | an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice
bandwagon fallacy | an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice
circular reasoning | an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself
guilt by association | an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or something
A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand:
Fallacy | Description
false causation | the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other
false dichotomy | an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist
hasty generalization | a broad claim based on too few observations
slippery slope fallacy | the false assumption that a small first step will necessarily lead to extreme consequences
straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against
| The text argues that the candidate wants to eliminate parking downtown. However, this misrepresents the candidate's argument. The candidate argues that he wants to charge people to park downtown, not eliminate parking. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as a straw man. |
|
Is the following trait inherited or acquired?
Kendrick has naturally black hair. | [
"acquired",
"inherited"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | biology | Traits and heredity | Identify inherited and acquired traits | Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways.
Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned.
Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Children do not inherit their parents' acquired traits. | Humans do not choose their natural hair color. Some people dye their hair. But this does not change their natural hair color.
Children get their natural hair color from their parents. So, Kendrick's hair color is an inherited trait. |
|
Which logical fallacy is used in the text?
Every major league baseball player hits with a wooden bat. So, to improve my hitting, I've switched from an aluminum bat to a wooden one. | [
"straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against",
"false causation: the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other",
"circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade11 | language science | writing-strategies | Developing and supporting arguments | Classify logical fallacies | A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions.
A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information:
Fallacy | Description
ad hominem | an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself
appeal to nature | an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice
bandwagon fallacy | an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice
circular reasoning | an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself
guilt by association | an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or something
A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand:
Fallacy | Description
false causation | the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other
false dichotomy | an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist
hasty generalization | a broad claim based on too few observations
slippery slope fallacy | the false assumption that a small first step will necessarily lead to extreme consequences
straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against
| The text argues that because professional baseball players hit with a wooden bat, the speaker thinks her hitting will improve if she switches to a wooden bat. However, this is not necessarily true. Professional baseball players hit with a wooden bat because it's required by the rules of professional baseball. So, they aren't professional players because they use a wooden bat. Rather, they use a wooden bat because they're professional players. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as false causation. |
|
Is the following trait inherited or acquired?
Becky has a scar on her right knee. | [
"acquired",
"inherited"
] | 0 | Hint: Most scars are caused by accidents during a person's life. | closed choice | grade3 | natural science | biology | Heredity | Identify inherited and acquired traits | Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways.
Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned.
Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Children do not inherit their parents' acquired traits. | Children do not inherit their parent's scars. Instead, scars are caused by the environment. People can get scars after they get hurt. So, having a scar is an acquired trait. |
What information supports the conclusion that Ellen acquired this trait? | [
"Ellen and her father play the cello together.",
"Ellen learned how to play the cello in music class.",
"Ellen knows how to polish her cello."
] | 1 | Read the description of a trait.
Ellen can play the cello. | closed choice | grade7 | natural science | biology | Genes to traits | Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement | Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways.
Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned.
Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring. | |
Compare the motion of three geese. Which goose was moving at the lowest speed? | [
"a goose that moved 210miles south in 5hours",
"a goose that moved 285miles north in 5hours",
"a goose that moved 435miles west in 5hours"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade3 | natural science | physics | Force and motion | Compare the speeds of moving objects | An object's speed tells you how fast the object is moving. Speed depends on both distance and time.
Distance tells you how far the object has moved. One unit used to measure distance is the mile.
Time tells you how long the object has spent moving. One unit used to measure time is the hour.
Think about objects moving for the same amount of time. The object that is moving the slowest will go the shortest distance in that time. It is moving at the lowest speed. | Look at the distance each goose moved and the time it took to move that distance. The direction each goose moved does not affect its speed.
Notice that each goose moved for 5 hours. The goose that moved 210 miles moved the shortest distance in that time. So, that goose must have moved at the lowest speed. |
|
Select the animal that has a backbone. | [
"gray tree frog",
"curlyhair tarantula"
] | 0 | Hint: Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians all have backbones. | closed choice | grade2 | natural science | biology | Classification | Identify animals with and without backbones | Some animals have a backbone. The backbone is made of many bones in an animal's back. An animal's backbone helps connect the different parts of its body. In the drawings below, each animal's backbone is colored orange.
Other animals do not have a backbone. In fact, these animals don't have any bones! Some animals without backbones have a hard outer cover. Other animals have a soft body. | A gray tree frog is an amphibian. Like other amphibians, a gray tree frog has a backbone.
Like other tarantulas, a curlyhair tarantula does not have a backbone. It has a hard outer cover. |
What information supports the conclusion that Trent acquired this trait? | [
"Trent's neighbor taught him how to repair a kite.",
"Trent likes to fly a kite with his younger brother.",
"Trent's friend taught him how to fly a kite."
] | 2 | Read the description of a trait.
Trent knows how to fly a kite. | closed choice | grade8 | natural science | biology | Genes to traits | Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement | Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways.
Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned.
Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring. | |
Select the one animal that has all of the fish traits listed above. | [
"Goldfish hatch from eggs with no shells and have scaly skin. They are popular as pets in many countries today. They were first kept as pets by people in ancient China. Goldfish have fins and live underwater.",
"Greater flameback woodpeckers have feathers and two wings. They use their strong beaks to make holes in trees. The woodpeckers use these holes as nests for their eggs, which have white shells."
] | 0 | Fish are a group of animals with similar traits. The following traits can be used to identify fish:
They have fins, not limbs.
They make eggs with no shells. Observe the animals and read the descriptions. | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | biology | Classification | Use evidence to classify mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians | Scientists sort animals with similar traits into groups. This is called classification. Classification helps scientists learn about how animals live.
How do scientists classify animals? First, they make observations about an animal. Scientists observe the animal's traits, including its body parts and behavior. Then, scientists compare the animal's traits to other animals' traits. Scientists classify animals with similar traits into a group. | To decide if an animal is part of a group, look at the traits of the group.
Fish have the following traits:
They have fins, not limbs.
They make eggs with no shells.
Compare each animal's traits to the group's traits. Select the animal with traits similar to the group's traits.
A goldfish has the following traits:
It has fins, not limbs.
It makes eggs with no shells.
A goldfish has the traits of a fish. A goldfish is a fish.
A greater flameback woodpecker has the following traits:
It has feathers.
It has wings.
It has a beak.
It makes eggs with shells.
A greater flameback woodpecker does not have all of the traits of a fish. A greater flameback woodpecker is a bird. |
Which tense does the sentence use?
Akiko teaches Lindsey about customs in Japan. | [
"present tense",
"past tense",
"future tense"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade4 | language science | verbs | Verb tense | Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense? | Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now.
Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es.
Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms.
Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened.
Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed.
Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms.
Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen.
All future-tense verbs use the word will.
Present | Past | Future
walk, walks | walked | will walk
go, goes | went | will go | The sentence is in present tense. You can tell because it uses a present-tense verb, teaches. The verb ends in -es and tells you about something that is true or happening now. |
|
Which text uses the word nauseous in its traditional sense? | [
"The odor emanating from the landfill made Scarlett so nauseous that she had to roll up the car windows as she drove past.",
"Scarlett couldn't tolerate the nauseous odor emanating from the landfill, so she rolled up her car windows as she drove past."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade12 | language science | writing-strategies | Word usage and nuance | Explore words with new or contested usages | Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner.
When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences.
Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam.
The traditional usage above is considered more standard.
David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages.
The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it. | The first text uses nauseous in its traditional sense: causing disgust or nausea.
Scarlett couldn't tolerate the nauseous odor emanating from the landfill, so she rolled up her car windows as she drove past.
The second text uses nauseous in its nontraditional sense: feeling disgusted or nauseated.
The odor emanating from the landfill made Scarlett so nauseous that she had to roll up the car windows as she drove past.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word nauseous because it is considered more standard. |
|
Does the sentence use a simile or a metaphor?
In this desert, the land is as hard as brick. | [
"metaphor",
"simile"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade4 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Identify similes and metaphors | Similes and metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things that are not actually alike.
A simile compares two things by saying that one is like the other. Similes often use the words like and as.
My sister runs like a cheetah.
The sister's running and a cheetah's running are compared using the word like.
A cheetah is known for running fast, so the simile means that the sister also runs fast.
The cat's fur was as dark as the night.
The cat's fur and the night are compared using the word as.
The night is dark, so the simile means that the cat's fur is also dark.
A metaphor compares two things by saying that one of them is the other. Unlike similes, metaphors don't use the word like or as.
The snow formed a blanket over the town.
The snow and a blanket are compared without the word like or as.
A blanket is a large piece of cloth that completely covers a bed. The metaphor makes the reader imagine that the snow becomes a blanket, covering the town completely.
Using similes and metaphors in your writing can help you create an interesting picture for the reader. | In this desert, the land is as hard as brick.
The words land and brick are compared using the word as. So, the sentence uses a simile. |
|
Select the one animal that has all of the amphibian traits listed above. | [
"Red-eye tree frogs lay eggs with no shells. When tadpoles first hatch from the eggs, they live in water. When the tadpoles grow into adults, they live in trees. Adult tree frogs have moist, smooth skin and sticky pads on their toes. The sticky pads help the frogs hold on to leaves.",
"Cardinalfish have scaly skin and live near coral reefs. Cardinalfish lay eggs with no shells and have fins that help them swim underwater."
] | 0 | Amphibians are a group of animals with similar traits. The following traits can be used to identify amphibians:
They spend part of their lives in water and part on land.
They have moist skin.
They make eggs with no shells. Observe the animals and read the descriptions. | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | biology | Classification | Use evidence to classify mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians | Scientists sort animals with similar traits into groups. This is called classification. Classification helps scientists learn about how animals live.
How do scientists classify animals? First, they make observations about an animal. Scientists observe the animal's traits, including its body parts and behavior. Then, scientists compare the animal's traits to other animals' traits. Scientists classify animals with similar traits into a group. | To decide if an animal is part of a group, look at the traits of the group.
Amphibians have the following traits:
They spend part of their lives in water and part on land.
They have moist skin.
They make eggs with no shells.
Compare each animal's traits to the group's traits. Select the animal with traits similar to the group's traits.
A red-eyed tree frog has the following traits:
It spends part of its life in water and part on land.
It has moist skin.
It makes eggs with no shells.
A red-eyed tree frog has the traits of an amphibian. A red-eyed tree frog is an amphibian.
A cardinalfish has the following traits:
It has fins, not limbs.
It makes eggs with no shells.
A cardinalfish does not have all of the traits of an amphibian. A cardinalfish is a fish. |
What does the metaphor in this text suggest?
Wanda felt a roller coaster of emotions when she heard the news. | [
"Wanda had varied feelings.",
"Wanda found the news scary."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade7 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Interpret figures of speech | Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as.
The snow formed a blanket over the town. | The text uses a metaphor, comparing two things that are not actually alike without using like or as.
The metaphor Wanda felt a roller coaster of emotions suggests that Wanda had varied feelings. A roller coaster has a dramatic mix of ups and downs, and so do Wanda's feelings. |
|
Complete the statement.
Phosphorus trichloride is (). | [
"a compound",
"an elementary substance"
] | 0 | Phosphorus trichloride is used to make chemicals that protect crops from insects. The chemical formula for phosphorus trichloride is PCl3. | closed choice | grade6 | natural science | chemistry | Atoms and molecules | Classify elementary substances and compounds using chemical formulas | There are more than 100 different chemical elements, or types of atoms. Chemical elements make up all of the substances around you.
A substance may be composed of one chemical element or multiple chemical elements. Substances that are composed of only one chemical element are elementary substances. Substances that are composed of multiple chemical elements bonded together are compounds.
Every chemical element is represented by its own atomic symbol. An atomic symbol may consist of one capital letter, or it may consist of a capital letter followed by a lowercase letter. For example, the atomic symbol for the chemical element fluorine is F, and the atomic symbol for the chemical element beryllium is Be.
The atomic symbol for each chemical element in a substance is shown in the substance's chemical formula.
An elementary substance is represented by a chemical formula that contains only one atomic symbol.
The atomic symbol in a chemical formula may be followed by a small number written lower than the symbol. This number is called a subscript. A subscript is included when the atoms in the elementary substance are bonded to form molecules. The subscript shows how many atoms are in each molecule.
For example, the chemical formula for the elementary substance oxygen, O2, has a subscript of 2. This subscript shows that the atomic symbol O represents two atoms. The elementary substance O2 and the chemical element represented by the atomic symbol O are both named oxygen. So, the formula tells you that each molecule of O2 contains two oxygen atoms.
A compound is represented by a chemical formula that contains multiple atomic symbols.
The chemical elements in a compound are bonded together in a fixed ratio. This ratio is shown in a compound's chemical formula.
For example, in the compound beryllium fluoride, there is one beryllium atom for every two fluorine atoms. So, the ratio of beryllium atoms to fluorine atoms is 1 to 2. This ratio is shown in the chemical formula for beryllium fluoride, BeF2. There is no subscript following the atomic symbol Be because that symbol represents one atom. The subscript 2 follows the atomic symbol F to show that the symbol represents two atoms. | You can tell whether phosphorus trichloride is an elementary substance or a compound by counting the number of atomic symbols in its chemical formula. An atomic symbol consists of either one capital letter or a capital letter followed by one or two lowercase letters.
The chemical formula for phosphorus trichloride, PCl3, contains two atomic symbols: P for phosphorus and Cl for chlorine. So, the formula tells you that phosphorus trichloride is composed of two chemical elements bonded together.
Since phosphorus trichloride is composed of multiple chemical elements bonded together, phosphorus trichloride is a compound. |
Which figure of speech is used in this text?
The city of Westford is currently experiencing a minor crisis. Its sanitation workers are on strike, and the garbage is piling up in the streets. | [
"paradox",
"oxymoron"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade12 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Classify the figure of speech: euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron, paradox | Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic.
The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off.
Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally.
I ate so much that I think I might explode!
An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms.
Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic.
A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth.
Always expect the unexpected. | The text uses an oxymoron, a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms.
Minor crisis is a contradiction, because minor means small or insignificant, and a crisis is a large problem. |
|
Which logical fallacy is used in the text?
Mr. Murray's class is so boring! Why are all literature classes so dull? | [
"hasty generalization: a broad claim based on too few observations",
"appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good",
"slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade12 | language science | writing-strategies | Developing and supporting arguments | Classify logical fallacies | A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions.
A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information:
Fallacy | Description
ad hominem | an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself
appeal to nature | an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice
bandwagon fallacy | an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice
circular reasoning | an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself
guilt by association | an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or something
A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand:
Fallacy | Description
false causation | the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other
false dichotomy | an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist
hasty generalization | a broad claim based on too few observations
slippery slope fallacy | the false assumption that a small first step will necessarily lead to extreme consequences
straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against
| The text argues that a single boring class indicates that all classes on the same topic are dull. However, this isn't necessarily true. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as a hasty generalization. |
|
Which sales pitch is more formal? | [
"Find crazy good gifts every time.",
"Find the perfect gift for every occasion."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade11 | language science | writing-strategies | Audience, purpose, and tone | Which text is most formal? | Informal writing is typically used in casual situations or when communicating with someone you know well. Informal language often expresses familiarity and tends to sound more like speech. It uses more conversational language, such as slang, idioms, abbreviations, imprecise language, and contractions.
Formal writing is typically used in academic and business writing or when writing directly to an authority figure. It tends to be more courteous and impersonal, avoiding overly familiar or conversational language.
Compare the following sentences.
Informal: Yeah, ostriches can't fly, but I think they're awesome.
More formal: Ostriches may be flightless, but they're remarkable runners.
Most formal: Though flightless, ostriches are remarkable runners. | The first sales pitch is more formal. It uses more elevated language (perfect gift for every occasion). The other sales pitch uses slang (crazy good). |
|
What does this Works Cited entry indicate about the cited work?
Witze, Alexandra. "Race to Unravel Oklahoma's Artificial Quakes." Nature 520.7548 (2015): 418–419. Web. 27 Apr. 2015. | [
"It has more than one author.",
"It was published on April 27, 2015.",
"It was accessed on April 27, 2015."
] | 2 | closed choice | grade11 | language science | reference-skills | Research skills | Understand a Works Cited entry (MLA 7th edition) | When writing research papers, you will often be asked to follow a particular style guide for your citations. One popular style guide is the Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook.
Below are the basic formats for some common types of Works Cited entries. Consult the MLA Handbook for a complete list.
Books:
Format | Author(s). Book Title. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Medium of Publication.
Example | Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Dover Publications, 1995. Print.
Essays, short stories, or poems in an anthology or book:
Format | Author(s). "Essay, Poem, or Short Story Title." Anthology or Book Title. Ed. Editor Name. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Page Number(s). Medium of Publication.
Example | James, Henry. "The Middle Years." The Oxford Book of American Short Stories. Ed. Joyce Carol Oates. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2013. 116-135. Print.
Magazine and newspaper articles:
Format | Author(s). "Article Title." Title of Magazine or Newspaper Date of Publication: Page(s). Medium of Publication.
Example | Hayes, David J., and James H. Stock. "The Real Cost of Coal." New York Times 24 Mar. 2015: n. pag. Web. 25 Mar. 2015.
Journal articles:
Format | Author(s). "Article Title." Title of Journal Volume.Issue (Year): Page(s). Medium of Publication.
Example | Gillette, Jane, et al. "Human Simulations of Vocabulary Learning." Cognition 73.2 (1999): 135-176. Print.
Web pages:
Format | Author(s). "Page Title." Name of Website. Publisher, Date of Publication. Medium of Publication. Date of Access.
Example | Gunn, Janelle P., and Lauren E. Owens. "How to Slash Sodium from Your Diet." Livestrong.com. Demand Media, 30 Mar. 2015. Web. 31 Mar. 2015.
Additional guidelines:
Author Names. The first author's name is written in last name, first name format (Smith, Jane). Additional author names are written in first name last name format (Smith, Jane, and John Doe). If there are more than three authors, the first author's name is followed by "et al.," which stands for and others (e.g., Smith, Jane, et al.).
Medium of Publication. Each entry must include information about what form the content was communicated in. The most common mediums are "Print" and "Web," but other possibilities include "Film," "E-mail," and "Lecture." Whenever the Medium of Publication is "Web," the date of access (the day, month, and year the webpage was viewed) must be listed directly after the Medium of Publication.
Editors and Translators. If a work has an editor or a translator, this information must be added to the Works Cited entry using the appropriate abbreviation. "Ed." stands for edited by. "Trans." stands for translated by.
Missing Information. If a work has no known author, the author section of the citation is simply left out. If a work has no available page numbers, the abbreviation "n. pag." is used instead. If a work has no available publication date, the abbreviation "n.d." is used instead. If a work has no available publisher or no available city of publication, the abbreviation "n.p." is used instead.
| Look closely at the Works Cited entry:
Witze, Alexandra. "Race to Unravel Oklahoma's Artificial Quakes." Nature 520.7548 (2015): 418–419. Web. 27 Apr. 2015.
You can tell that the cited work was accessed on April 27, 2015, by looking at the date of access, which appears after the medium of publication. |
|
Which is a simple sentence? | [
"Mr. Armstrong peeled the tangerine and divided it into sections.",
"The cats hissed at each other through the screen door, and then the dog scared them both away."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade5 | language science | grammar | Sentences, fragments, and run-ons | Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex? | A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate.
An independent clause is a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause is not a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.
the oranges on our tree are ripe
The clause can stand alone. It is independent.
after we pick up Kevin from work
The clause cannot stand alone. It is dependent.
A simple sentence is made up of a single independent clause.
Ben and I spent all day relaxing by the pool.
Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but the introductory phrase is part of the predicate.
In the winter, Ben usually wears his heavy coat.
Ben usually wears his heavy coat in the winter.
A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so.
We saw a flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard the rumble of thunder.
A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction such as after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, or while.
If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids. | The first sentence is the simple sentence. It is a single independent clause.
Mr. Armstrong peeled the tangerine and divided it into sections. |
|
Which figure of speech is used in this text?
William's '64 Impala groaned as he turned the ignition. Yet again he resolved to refurbish it over the summer. | [
"personification",
"simile"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade6 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Classify figures of speech | Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words.
What a lucky little lady you are!
An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature.
"I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked.
An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned.
The assignment was a piece of cake.
A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike.
The cat's fur was as dark as the night.
A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as.
The snow formed a blanket over the town.
Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound.
The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat.
Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things.
The trees danced in the wind.
A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning.
A great new broom is sweeping the nation.
Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic.
Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down.
Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face. | The text uses personification, giving human characteristics to nonhuman things.
William's '64 Impala groaned describes the car as if it were human. |
|
Which would stretch more? | [
"cotton shirt",
"ceramic plate"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade2 | natural science | physics | Materials | Compare properties of materials | Every object is made of one or more materials. A material is a type of matter. Wood, glass, metal, and plastic are common materials.
A material has different properties. A material's properties tell you how it looks, feels, tastes, or smells. | Stretchy is a property. A stretchy material gets longer when you pull on it.
Look at each picture, one at a time. Imagine pulling on the material shown in each picture.
Of the choices, the cotton shirt would stretch more. If you pull the sleeve of a cotton T-shirt, it will get longer. |
|
Which sentence is more formal? | [
"It takes courage to stand up for people who are being bullied.",
"It takes guts to stand up for people who are being bullied."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade5 | language science | writing-strategies | Author's purpose and tone | Which sentence is more formal? | Formal writing is used for essays, business letters, and reports. The following types of informal language should be avoided in formal writing:
Type | Examples
slang | cool, awesome
idioms | knock your socks off
conversational language | gonna, kinda, yeah
abbreviated language | ASAP, FYI
overly simple or imprecise language | he got some stuff at the store
contractions | can't, won't
Contractions are not as informal as the other types, but they should be used sparingly in formal writing.
Compare the following sentences. The first is informal. The second is formal.
Informal: Yeah, ostriches can't fly, but they're awesome runners.
Formal: Though ostriches are flightless, they are remarkably adept runners.
| The second sentence is less formal. You can tell because it uses slang (takes guts).
The first sentence uses formal language in place of the slang, so it is more formal overall. |
|
Which closing is correct for a letter? | [
"thanks,\nTed",
"Thanks,\nTed"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade4 | language science | punctuation | Formatting | Greetings and closings of letters | A letter starts with a greeting and ends with a closing. For each one, capitalize the first word and end with a comma. You should also capitalize proper nouns, such as Aunt Sue.
Dear Aunt Sue,
I'm glad you could come to my party, and
thank you for the birthday gift. I could not have
asked for a better one! Every time I see it, I think
of you.
With love,
Rory | The first closing is correct:
Its first word is capitalized, and it ends with a comma. |
|
What do these two changes have in common?
water boiling on a stove
boiling sugar to make caramel | [
"Both are chemical changes.",
"Both are only physical changes.",
"Both are caused by heating.",
"Both are caused by cooling."
] | 2 | closed choice | grade7 | natural science | chemistry | Chemical reactions | Compare physical and chemical changes | Matter is made of very small particles called atoms. Atoms can be linked together by chemical bonds. When two or more atoms link together, they form a molecule.
In a chemical change, the chemical bonds in the molecules break. The atoms then link together to form different molecules. The types of molecules in matter before and after a chemical change are always different.
Some chemical changes are caused by heating or cooling. For example, burning a piece of paper is a chemical change caused by heating. As paper burns, paper molecules react with oxygen molecules in the air. This reaction breaks the chemical bonds in the molecules. The atoms then link together in a different way to form different molecules. For example, carbon dioxide molecules are formed when paper burns.
In a physical change, chemical bonds do not break. The types of molecules in matter before and after a physical change are always the same.
A change of state is a type of physical change. Changes of state can be caused by heating or cooling. For example, water vaporizing is a physical change that can be caused by heating. Liquid water and water vapor are made of the same type of matter: water.
The law of conservation of mass says that all physical and chemical changes conserve mass. Conserve means to keep the same. So, the total mass before a physical or chemical change is equal to the total mass after the change. | Step 1: Think about each change.
Water boiling on the stove is a change of state. So, it is a physical change. The liquid changes into a gas, but a different type of matter is not formed.
Boiling sugar to make caramel is a chemical change. The heat causes the sugar to change into a different type of matter. Unlike sugar, the new matter is brown and sticky.
Step 2: Look at each answer choice.
Both are only physical changes.
Water boiling is a physical change. But boiling sugar to make caramel is not.
Both are chemical changes.
Boiling sugar to make caramel is a chemical change. But water boiling is not.
Both are caused by heating.
Both changes are caused by heating.
Both are caused by cooling.
Neither change is caused by cooling. |
|
Which correctly shows the title of a book? | [
"Pat the Bunny",
"pat the Bunny"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade3 | language science | capitalization | Formatting | Capitalizing titles | In a title, capitalize the first word, the last word, and every important word in between.
The Wind in the Willows James and the Giant Peach
These words are not important in titles:
Articles, a, an, the
Short prepositions, such as at, by, for, in, of, on, to, up
Coordinating conjunctions, such as and, but, or | Capitalize the first word, the last word, and every important word in between. The word the is not important, so it should not be capitalized.
The correct title is Pat the Bunny. |
|
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below?
Much to our shock, Jake chose to turn the other cheek when Alana insulted him in a meeting. | [
"a song",
"the Bible"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade9 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Recall the source of an allusion | An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words.
"I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked.
Here, Lila alludes to the fairy tale "Cinderella," in which Cinderella must leave the ball before the coach that brought her transforms into a pumpkin. The allusion shows that Lila must depart immediately. | The source of the allusion turn the other cheek is the Bible.
In the Bible, Jesus counsels his followers to resist retaliation. He says that if they are struck on the right cheek, they shouldn't lash out; instead, they should turn the other cheek toward their attacker.
The allusion turn the other cheek means to respond without aggression. |
|
Which figure of speech is used in this text?
When I was a teenager, reading was my ticket to foreign lands: I traveled to India, China, and Antarctica without ever leaving the comfort of my home. | [
"simile",
"metaphor"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade10 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Classify figures of speech: review | Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words.
What a lucky little lady you are!
An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature.
"I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked.
An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned.
The assignment was a piece of cake.
A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike.
The cat's fur was as dark as the night.
A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as.
The snow formed a blanket over the town.
Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound.
The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat.
Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things.
The trees danced in the wind.
A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning.
A great new broom is sweeping the nation.
Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic.
Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down.
Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face. | The text uses a metaphor, comparing two things that are not actually alike without using like or as.
Reading was my ticket compares reading to a ticket to foreign lands without using like or as. |
|
What kind of sentence is this?
Does Jeanette prefer pizza or pasta? | [
"interrogative",
"imperative"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade5 | language science | punctuation | Sentences, fragments, and run-ons | Is the sentence declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory? | There are four kinds of sentences.
A declarative sentence is a statement. It tells about something. A declarative sentence always ends with a period.
I have an older brother and a younger sister.
An interrogative sentence is a question. It asks something. An interrogative sentence always ends with a question mark.
How tall are you?
An imperative sentence is a command. It makes a request or tells someone to do something. An imperative sentence usually ends with a period. If the command shows strong feeling, it ends with an exclamation point.
Read the first chapter by next week.
Look out for that car!
An exclamatory sentence is like a statement, but it shows surprise or strong feeling. An exclamatory sentence always ends with an exclamation point.
Some whales are over ninety feet long!
I can't wait until tomorrow! | The sentence asks something, and it ends with a question mark. It is an interrogative sentence. |
|
What information supports the conclusion that Colin acquired this trait? | [
"Some scars fade more quickly than others.",
"Colin's scar was caused by an accident. He cut his arm when he fell off his bicycle."
] | 1 | Read the description of a trait.
Colin has a scar on his right arm. | closed choice | grade6 | natural science | biology | Genes to traits | Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement | Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways.
Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned.
Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring. | |
Based on this information, what is Buttons's phenotype for the fur type trait? | [
"curly fur",
"straight fur"
] | 0 | In a group of cats, some individuals have straight fur and others have curly fur. In this group, the gene for the fur type trait has two alleles. The allele for curly fur (f) is recessive to the allele for straight fur (F).
Buttons is a cat from this group. Buttons has the homozygous genotype ff for the fur type gene. | closed choice | grade8 | natural science | biology | Genes to traits | Genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive | All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait.
For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent.
An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene.
An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait.
Some traits, like flower color in pea plants, are controlled by a single gene. Most plants and animals have a genotype made up of two alleles for these traits. These two alleles determine whether an organism is homozygous or heterozygous for the gene.
An organism with two identical alleles for a gene is homozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype FF or ff is homozygous for the flower color gene.
An organism with two different alleles for a gene is heterozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype Ff is heterozygous for the flower color gene.
The types of alleles in an organism's genotype determine the organism's phenotype. Some alleles have types called dominant and recessive. These two types can cause different versions of a trait to appear as the organism's phenotype.
A dominant allele causes its version of the trait to appear even when the organism also has a recessive allele for the gene. In pea plants, the F allele, which causes purple flowers, is dominant over the f allele. A pea plant with at least one F allele will have the F allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype FF or Ff will have purple flowers.
A recessive allele causes its version of the trait to appear only when the organism does not have any dominant alleles for the gene. In pea plants, the f allele, which causes white flowers, is recessive to the F allele. A pea plant with only f alleles will have the f allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype ff will have white flowers. | Buttons's genotype for the fur type gene is ff. Buttons's genotype of ff has only f alleles. The f allele is for curly fur. So, Buttons's phenotype for the fur type trait must be curly fur.
To check this answer, consider whether Buttons's alleles are dominant or recessive. The allele for curly fur (f) is recessive to the allele for straight fur (F). This means F is a dominant allele, and f is a recessive allele.
Buttons's genotype of ff has only recessive alleles. An organism with only recessive alleles for a gene will have the recessive allele's version of the trait. So, Buttons's phenotype for the fur type trait must be curly fur. |
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below?
Brooke anticipated that the free makeover her friend was promising would turn out to be a Trojan horse. | [
"the Bible",
"Greek mythology"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade8 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Recall the source of an allusion | An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words.
"I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked.
Here, Lila alludes to the fairy tale "Cinderella," in which Cinderella must leave the ball before the coach that brought her transforms into a pumpkin. The allusion shows that Lila must depart immediately. | The source of the allusion Trojan horse is Greek mythology.
In Greek mythology, the Greek army tricks the Trojan army into taking a large wooden horse into their carefully guarded city. The horse turns out to be filled with Greek warriors who, once inside the city of Troy, open the gates to the Greek army waiting outside.
The allusion Trojan horse means a deceptive or harmful offering. |
|
Which is harder? | [
"ice rink",
"clay ball"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade2 | natural science | physics | Materials | Compare properties of materials | Every object is made of one or more materials. A material is a type of matter. Wood, glass, metal, and plastic are common materials.
A material has different properties. A material's properties tell you how it looks, feels, tastes, or smells. | Hard is a property. A hard material keeps its shape when you press on it with your finger.
Look at each picture, one at a time. Imagine pushing on the material shown in each picture.
Of the choices, the ice rink is harder. If you step on the ice at an ice rink, it will not change shape. |
|
Is there a sentence fragment?
In 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy gave her husband, President John F. Kennedy, an artistically engraved whale tooth. Which was eventually buried with him in Arlington National Cemetery. | [
"yes",
"no"
] | 0 | yes or no | grade12 | language science | writing-strategies | Sentences, fragments, and run-ons | Identify sentence fragments | A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought.
The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily because we have a concert in two weeks.
A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought.
Rehearsing daily because we have a concert in two weeks.
This fragment is missing a subject. It doesn't tell who is rehearsing.
The band I'm in.
This fragment is missing a verb. It doesn't tell what the band I'm in is doing.
Because we have a concert in two weeks.
This fragment is missing an independent clause. It doesn't tell what happened because of the concert. | There is a sentence fragment that does not express a complete thought.
In 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy gave her husband, President John F. Kennedy, an artistically engraved whale tooth. Which was eventually buried with him in Arlington National Cemetery.
Here is one way to fix the sentence fragment:
In 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy gave her husband, President John F. Kennedy, an artistically engraved whale tooth, which was eventually buried with him in Arlington National Cemetery. |
|
Which is a compound sentence? | [
"The woman at the post office weighs the package on a scale.",
"I will address the envelope, and you can put the stamp on it."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade5 | language science | grammar | Sentences, fragments, and run-ons | Is the sentence simple or compound? | A simple sentence is a sentence with only one subject and predicate.
The pitcher threw the ball to first base.
A compound sentence is two simple sentences joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so.
The pitcher threw the ball, and the batter hit it.
Some simple sentences have a compound subject or a compound predicate, but they are not compound sentences.
Anna and James will watch the fireworks tonight.
This simple sentence has a compound subject, Anna and James.
The singers bowed and walked off the stage.
This simple sentence has a compound predicate, bowed and walked off the stage.
Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but they are not compound sentences. The introductory phrase is part of the predicate.
In the winter, Farmer Ben wears his heavy coat.
This is a simple sentence. There is one subject, Farmer Ben, and one predicate, wears his heavy coat in the winter. | The second sentence is the compound sentence. It is made up of two simple sentences joined by a comma and the conjunction and.
I will address the envelope, and you can put the stamp on it. |
|
Based on this information, what is this pea plant's genotype for the pea shape gene? | [
"round peas",
"EE"
] | 1 | In a group of pea plants, some individuals have round peas and others have wrinkled peas. In this group, the gene for the pea shape trait has two alleles. The allele E is for round peas, and the allele e is for wrinkled peas.
A certain pea plant from this group has round peas. This plant has two alleles for round peas. | closed choice | grade6 | natural science | biology | Genes to traits | Genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype | All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait.
For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent.
An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene.
An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait. | An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. The pea plant has two alleles for round peas (E). So, the plant's genotype for the pea shape gene is EE. |
Which tense does the sentence use?
The passengers will give Derek their tickets. | [
"present tense",
"future tense",
"past tense"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade3 | language science | verbs | Verb tense | Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense? | Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now.
Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es.
Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms.
Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened.
Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed.
Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms.
Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen.
All future-tense verbs use the word will.
Present | Past | Future
walk, walks | walked | will walk
go, goes | went | will go | The sentence is in future tense. You can tell because it uses will before the main verb, give. The verb tells you about something that is going to happen. |
|
Which tense does the sentence use?
Cole reads an exciting mystery story. | [
"present tense",
"future tense",
"past tense"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade5 | language science | verbs | Verb tense | Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense? | Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now.
Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es.
Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms.
Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened.
Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed.
Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms.
Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen.
All future-tense verbs use the word will.
Present | Past | Future
walk, walks | walked | will walk
go, goes | went | will go | The sentence is in present tense. You can tell because it uses a present-tense verb, reads. The verb ends in -s and tells you about something that is true or happening now. |
|
What information supports the conclusion that Clara inherited this trait? | [
"Clara and her mother both wear their hair in braids.",
"Clara's parents have red hair. They passed down this trait to Clara."
] | 1 | Read the description of a trait.
Clara has red hair. | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | biology | Traits and heredity | Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement | Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways.
Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned.
Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. | |
Which object has less thermal energy? | [
"a bowl of oatmeal at a temperature of 110°F",
"a bowl of oatmeal at a temperature of 95°F"
] | 1 | The objects are identical except for their temperatures. | closed choice | grade3 | natural science | physics | Heat and thermal energy | How is temperature related to thermal energy? | All solids, liquids, and gases are made of matter. Matter is made up of tiny particles that are always moving. The energy from the motion of these particles is called thermal energy.
Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the particles in matter slow down, the temperature goes down. The matter now has both less thermal energy and a lower temperature. | The two bowls of oatmeal have the same mass but different temperatures. Since the 95°F bowl of oatmeal is colder than the 110°F bowl of oatmeal, it has less thermal energy. |
What does the verbal irony in this text suggest?
"Sleeping through the rooster's crowing was no problem," Sanjay joked with a yawn. | [
"Sanjay slept poorly.",
"Sanjay finds roosters amusing."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade10 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Interpret figures of speech | Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic.
Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down.
Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face. | The text uses verbal irony, which involves saying one thing but implying something very different.
Sleeping through the rooster's crowing was no problem ironically suggests that Sanjay slept poorly. Sanjay was tired, so the rooster's crowing was clearly a problem. |
|
What do these two changes have in common?
cooking a pancake
burning food on a stove | [
"Both are chemical changes.",
"Both are caused by cooling.",
"Both are only physical changes."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade4 | natural science | chemistry | Physical and chemical change | Compare physical and chemical changes | Chemical changes and physical changes are two common ways matter can change.
In a chemical change, the type of matter changes. The types of matter before and after a chemical change are always different.
Some chemical changes are caused by heating or cooling. For example, burning a piece of paper is a chemical change caused by heating. When paper gets hot enough, it reacts with oxygen in the air and burns. The paper and oxygen change into ash and smoke.
In a physical change, the type of matter stays the same. The types of matter before and after a physical change are always the same.
A change of state is a type of physical change. Changes of state can be caused by heating or cooling. For example, ice melting is a physical change that can be caused by heating. Ice and liquid water are made of the same type of matter: water.
The law of conservation of mass says that all physical and chemical changes conserve mass. Conserve means to keep the same. So, the total mass before a physical or chemical change is equal to the total mass after the change. | Step 1: Think about each change.
Cooking a pancake is a chemical change. Pancakes are made from pancake batter. A cooked pancake is a different type of matter than pancake batter. Pancake batter is wet and slippery. Cooked pancakes are fluffy and can be good to eat!
Burning food on a stove is a chemical change. When the food burns, the type of matter in it changes. The food turns black and gives off smoke.
Step 2: Look at each answer choice.
Both are only physical changes.
Both changes are chemical changes. They are not physical changes.
Both are chemical changes.
Both changes are chemical changes. The type of matter before and after each change is different.
Both are caused by heating.
Both changes are caused by heating.
Both are caused by cooling.
Neither change is caused by cooling. |
|
What is the volume of a bathroom sink? | [
"12 milliliters",
"12 liters"
] | 1 | Select the better estimate. | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | units-and-measurement | Units and measurement | Choose metric units of volume | Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means.
Volume is a measurement of how much space something takes up.
There are many different units of volume. When you are using metric units, volume may be written in units of milliliters or liters.
There are 1,000 milliliters in 1 liter. So, 1 milliliter is much less than 1 liter.
A raindrop has a volume of about 20 milliliters, while a large soda bottle has a volume of 2 liters. The flask shown here measures volumes up to 500 milliliters. | The better estimate for the volume of a bathroom sink is 12 liters.
12 milliliters is too little. |
How long does it take to mow the lawn? | [
"35 seconds",
"35 minutes"
] | 1 | Select the better estimate. | closed choice | grade3 | natural science | units-and-measurement | Units and measurement | Choose units of time | Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means.
Imagine being told that the bus leaves in 7. You might be thinking, 7 what? Does the bus leave in 7 minutes? 7 seconds?
The number 7 on its own does not give you much information about when the bus is leaving. That is because the units are missing.
Time is usually measured in units of seconds, minutes, or hours. It takes about 1 second to sneeze and 1 minute to get dressed in the morning. It takes about 1 hour to bake a pie in the oven.
There are 60 seconds in 1 minute. So, 1 second is much less than 1 minute.
There are 60 minutes in 1 hour. So, 1 minute is much less than 1 hour. | The better estimate for how long it takes to mow the lawn is 35 minutes.
35 seconds is too fast. |
Complete the sentence.
In this chemical reaction, charcoal is a (). | [
"reactant",
"product"
] | 0 | This passage describes a chemical reaction. Read the passage. Then, follow the instructions below.
People have used gunpowder as an explosive for hundreds of years. Gunpowder is a mixture of three different substances: potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur. When these substances are burned together, they release a large amount of heat and gas. In the past, gunpowder was used in muskets and cannons, but today, it is mainly used in fireworks. | closed choice | grade7 | natural science | chemistry | Chemical reactions | Identify reactants and products | A chemical change occurs when new substances are formed from existing substances. This process is called a chemical reaction.
In a chemical reaction, one or more substances change into one or more different substances. During the reaction, the atoms of the original substances are rearranged to form other substances.
The original substances in a chemical reaction are called reactants. These substances react, or go through a chemical change.
The substances that are formed in a chemical reaction are called products. These substances are produced by the chemical reaction.
So, in a chemical reaction, reactants go through a chemical change to form products. | Read the underlined text carefully. Look for information about what happens to charcoal in this chemical reaction.
People have used gunpowder as an explosive for hundreds of years. Gunpowder is a mixture of three different substances: potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur. When these substances are burned together, they release a large amount of heat and gas. In the past, gunpowder was used in muskets and cannons, but today, it is mainly used in fireworks.
The underlined text tells you that when potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur combine, a large amount of heat and gas is released. When potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur react, or go through a chemical change, their atoms are rearranged. Because charcoal reacts in this chemical reaction, charcoal is a reactant. |
Which word does not rhyme? | [
"blue",
"frog",
"glue"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade1 | language science | phonological-awareness | Rhyming | Which word does not rhyme? | Rhyming words are words that end with the same sound.
The words tip and slip rhyme. They both end with the ip sound.
The words lake and make rhyme. They both end with the ake sound.
The words tip and lake don't rhyme. They end with different sounds. | The words glue and blue rhyme. They both end with the ue sound.
The word frog does not rhyme. It ends with a different sound. |
|
Which text structure does the text use? | [
"sequential",
"cause-effect"
] | 0 | Read the text.
It takes a long time and a lot of hard work to become a veterinarian. You'll want to start by finishing high school and going on to college. During college, you might study biology, chemistry, or animal science. Then, after four years of college, you'll attend four years of veterinary school. There you will learn more about medicine and animals and how to care for them. After finishing veterinary school, you will need to pass a test called a licensing exam. Then, at last, you can work as a veterinarian. | closed choice | grade4 | language science | writing-strategies | Text structure | Identify text structures | Writers can organize their ideas in different ways. These ways of organizing writing are called text structures. When you can tell how a text is organized, it's easier to understand how the writer's ideas go together. You can also use these text structures to organize your own writing.
| Text structure | Where you might find it | Words and phrases to look for
A sequential structure tells you about events that happen in a certain order. | a recipe for how to make a blueberry pie | first, until, second, after, next, then, before, finally, during
A cause-effect structure shows the causes and the effects, or results, of an event. | an essay about how recycling helps the environment | because, led to, since, as a result, due to, so, reason
A problem-solution structure explains a problem and offers possible solutions. | an article about ways to get more people to vote | issue, suggest, question, puzzle, fix, answer
A compare-contrast structure shows how two (or more) things are the same or different. | a chapter about the differences between whales and sharks | like, unlike, too, on the other hand, both, while, same, instead, common, different, as well as, however
A descriptive structure tells you a list of details about an object, scene, or topic. | a paragraph about what Tyrannosaurus rex looked like| for example, near, for instance beside, such as, most important, also | The text uses a sequential structure to show the steps in becoming a veterinarian, or animal doctor. In the text, certain words and phrases help to organize ideas in a sequential structure. Notice the words start, then, and after, as well as the phrases during college and at last. |
Compare the motion of three cars. Which car was moving at the highest speed? | [
"a car that moved 255miles west in 10hours",
"a car that moved 270miles south in 10hours",
"a car that moved 305miles north in 10hours"
] | 2 | closed choice | grade3 | natural science | physics | Force and motion | Compare the speeds of moving objects | An object's speed tells you how fast the object is moving. Speed depends on both distance and time.
Distance tells you how far the object has moved. One unit used to measure distance is the mile.
Time tells you how long the object has spent moving. One unit used to measure time is the hour.
Think about objects moving for the same amount of time. The object that is moving the fastest will go the farthest distance in that time. It is moving at the highest speed. | Look at the distance each car moved and the time it took to move that distance. The direction each car moved does not affect its speed.
Notice that each car moved for 10 hours. The car that moved 305 miles moved the farthest distance in that time. So, that car must have moved at the highest speed. |
|
What information supports the conclusion that Brianna inherited this trait? | [
"Brianna and her father both have dark hair.",
"Brianna's parents have dark skin. They passed down this trait to Brianna."
] | 1 | Read the description of a trait.
Brianna has dark skin. | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | biology | Traits and heredity | Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement | Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways.
Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned.
Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. | |
Which is a simple sentence? | [
"Do you want biscuits and jam for breakfast, or would you like some scrambled eggs?",
"Mr. Swift's afternoon lecture was about art and culture in Germany before World War II."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade6 | language science | grammar | Sentences, fragments, and run-ons | Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex? | A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate.
An independent clause is a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause is not a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.
the oranges on our tree are ripe
The clause can stand alone. It is independent.
after we pick up Kevin from work
The clause cannot stand alone. It is dependent.
A simple sentence is made up of a single independent clause.
Ben and I spent all day relaxing by the pool.
Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but the introductory phrase is part of the predicate.
In the winter, Ben usually wears his heavy coat.
Ben usually wears his heavy coat in the winter.
A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so.
We saw a flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard the rumble of thunder.
A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction such as after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, or while.
If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids. | The first sentence is the simple sentence. It is a single independent clause.
Mr. Swift's afternoon lecture was about art and culture in Germany before World War II. |
|
Assume all other forces on the rope are balanced. Which statement describes the forces on the rope? | [
"The forces are unbalanced, so there is a net force on the rope.",
"The forces are balanced, so there is no net force on the rope."
] | 0 | Kurt and Gary are playing tug-of-war. Kurt is pulling on one end of a rope with a force of 230N. Gary is pulling on the other end of the rope with a force of 300N. | closed choice | grade7 | natural science | physics | Velocity, acceleration, and forces | Balanced and unbalanced forces | A force is a push or a pull that acts on an object. Every force has a direction and a magnitude, or strength. If two forces act on an object in opposite directions, the forces are called opposing forces.
When opposing forces have the same magnitude, they are balanced. If all the forces on an object are balanced, there is no net force on the object.
When opposing forces have different magnitudes, the forces are unbalanced. If any forces on an object are unbalanced, there is a net force on the object. | To determine if there is a net force on the rope, look at the forces:
Kurt is pulling the rope toward himself with a force of 230 N.
Gary is pulling the rope toward himself with a force of 300 N.
The forces are in opposite directions, and the forces have different magnitudes: 230 N and 300 N. This means that the forces are unbalanced, so there is a net force on the rope. |
Read the following excerpt from a student essay. How can the writer best improve his or her narrative voice?
Before I took a photography class, I always shot photos using the camera's automatic mode. In the class, though, I learned how important it is to take control of things like exposure to make photos look how you want them to look. The instructor also taught us how to change the aperture and choose the correct f-stop number. Now I know how to control shutter speed and ISO to capture clear, beautiful photos under any lighting conditions. My photos have never been better! | [
"by defining technical terms",
"by using more emotional language",
"by including more technical terms"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade11 | language science | writing-strategies | Editing and revising | Suggest appropriate revisions | During peer review, you read and respond to a fellow student's writing. While there are many methods and strategies that you can use for reviewing a text, it is generally helpful to frame your suggestions in concrete and constructive ways and to consider the following areas for revision:
Ideas and development: Does the writer express a clear idea and develop it with evidence, examples, or analysis?
Organization: Does the writer order ideas in a clear, logical way so that they build on one another and are easy to follow?
Voice: Does the writer maintain an appropriate voice, such as a formal and objective voice in an academic essay or an engaging and expressive voice in a narrative essay?
Sentence fluency: Does the writer use sentences that vary in structure and length to create a sense of rhythm and flow within and between sentences, or does the writing sound choppy, rambling, or repetitive?
Word choice: Does the writer use words accurately and precisely to create clear, effective, and engaging writing?
Grammar and mechanics: Does the writer follow appropriate conventions, using accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar to create writing that is correct and easy to read? | The writer could best improve his or her narrative voice by defining technical terms.
For example, the writer could provide definitions for the underlined terms so that a person unfamiliar with them will have a better understanding.
Before I took a photography class, I always shot photos using the camera's automatic mode. In the class, though, I learned how important it is to take control of things like exposure to make photos look how you want them to look. The instructor also taught us how to change the aperture and choose the correct f-stop number. Now I know how to control shutter speed and ISO to capture clear, beautiful photos under any lighting conditions. My photos have never been better! |
|
Suppose Kimberly decides to go on the log ride. Which result would be a cost? | [
"Kimberly will spend more ride tickets on the log ride than she would have spent on the balloon race.",
"Kimberly will have more fun on the log ride than she would have had on the balloon race."
] | 0 | Kimberly is deciding which ride to go on at the fair. She can go on either the log ride or the balloon race. She wants to have as much fun as possible at the fair. | closed choice | grade4 | social science | economics | Basic economic principles | Costs and benefits | Before you decide to do something, it is often helpful to list costs and benefits.
Costs are what you give up or spend when you decide to do something. Costs involve giving up things that you want or need.
Benefits are what you gain or save when you decide to do something. Benefits involve gaining something that you want or need. | This result is a cost. It involves giving up or spending something that Kimberly wants or needs:
Kimberly will spend more ride tickets on the log ride than she would have spent on the balloon race. |
Which tense does the sentence use?
Mr. Dodson will mail those letters. | [
"past tense",
"present tense",
"future tense"
] | 2 | closed choice | grade2 | language science | verbs | Verb tense | Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense? | Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now.
Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es.
Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms.
Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened.
Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed.
Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms.
Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen.
All future-tense verbs use the word will.
Present | Past | Future
walk, walks | walked | will walk
go, goes | went | will go | The sentence is in future tense. You can tell because it uses will before the main verb, mail. The verb tells you about something that is going to happen. |
|
Which plate of spaghetti has less thermal energy? | [
"the hotter plate of spaghetti",
"the colder plate of spaghetti"
] | 1 | Two plates of spaghetti are identical except for their temperatures. | closed choice | grade6 | natural science | physics | Thermal energy | How are temperature and mass related to thermal energy? | Matter is made of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are always moving.
The energy of moving atoms is called thermal energy. The total amount of thermal energy in matter depends on three things: the type of matter, the amount of matter, and how fast the atoms are moving.
Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the atoms in matter slow down, the temperature goes down. The matter now has both less thermal energy and a lower temperature.
What happens if the amount of matter changes? A 1-kilogram brick at 70°F has half as much thermal energy as a 2-kilogram brick at 70°F. The two bricks have the same temperature, but the smaller brick has half as many atoms. So, it has half as much thermal energy. | The two plates of spaghetti are made of the same material and have the same mass. So, the colder plate of spaghetti has less thermal energy. |
Compare the motion of two mountain bikers. Which mountain biker was moving at a higher speed? | [
"a mountain biker who moved 95miles in 10hours",
"a mountain biker who moved 185miles in 10hours"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade2 | natural science | physics | Force and motion | Compare the speeds of moving objects | An object's speed tells you how fast the object is moving. Speed depends on both distance and time.
Distance tells you how far the object has moved. One unit used to measure distance is the mile.
Time tells you how long the object has spent moving. One unit used to measure time is the hour.
Think about two objects moving for the same amount of time. The object that is moving faster will go a farther distance in that time. It is moving at a higher speed. | Look at the distance each mountain biker moved and the time it took to move that distance.
One mountain biker moved 185 miles in 10 hours.
The other mountain biker moved 95 miles in 10 hours.
Notice that each mountain biker spent the same amount of time moving. The mountain biker who moved 185 miles moved a farther distance in that time. So, that mountain biker must have moved at a higher speed. |
|
Which text uses the word ironic in its traditional sense? | [
"Last winter, Turner took a vacation to Florida to escape Boston's cold, snowy weather. In an ironic twist, a rare snowstorm happened to hit Florida that week.",
"Last winter, Turner took a vacation to Florida to escape Boston's cold, snowy weather. In an ironic twist, he just missed a few of his college friends, who had been in Florida the previous week."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade9 | language science | writing-strategies | Word usage and nuance | Explore words with new or contested usages | Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner.
When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences.
Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam.
The traditional usage above is considered more standard.
David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages.
The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it. | The first text uses ironic in its traditional sense: contrary to what was intended, often in an amusing way. It's ironic because Turner tried to get away from the snow but found himself in a snowstorm regardless.
Last winter, Turner took a vacation to Florida to escape Boston's cold, snowy weather. In an ironic twist, a rare snowstorm happened to hit Florida that week.
The second text uses ironic in its nontraditional sense: marked by coincidence. It was a coincidence that Turner's friends were in Florida the week before.
Last winter, Turner took a vacation to Florida to escape Boston's cold, snowy weather. In an ironic twist, he just missed a few of his college friends, who had been in Florida the previous week.
Most style guides recommend to avoid using the nontraditional sense of the word ironic because it is generally considered incorrect. |
|
What do these two changes have in common?
pouring milk on oatmeal
sewing an apron | [
"Both are caused by cooling.",
"Both are caused by heating.",
"Both are only physical changes.",
"Both are chemical changes."
] | 2 | closed choice | grade4 | natural science | chemistry | Physical and chemical change | Compare physical and chemical changes | Chemical changes and physical changes are two common ways matter can change.
In a chemical change, the type of matter changes. The types of matter before and after a chemical change are always different.
Some chemical changes are caused by heating or cooling. For example, burning a piece of paper is a chemical change caused by heating. When paper gets hot enough, it reacts with oxygen in the air and burns. The paper and oxygen change into ash and smoke.
In a physical change, the type of matter stays the same. The types of matter before and after a physical change are always the same.
A change of state is a type of physical change. Changes of state can be caused by heating or cooling. For example, ice melting is a physical change that can be caused by heating. Ice and liquid water are made of the same type of matter: water.
The law of conservation of mass says that all physical and chemical changes conserve mass. Conserve means to keep the same. So, the total mass before a physical or chemical change is equal to the total mass after the change. | Step 1: Think about each change.
Pouring milk on oatmeal is a physical change. The oatmeal and milk form a creamy mixture. But making this mixture does not form a different type of matter.
Sewing an apron is a physical change. The fabric and thread that make up the apron get a new shape, but the type of matter in each of them does not change.
Step 2: Look at each answer choice.
Both are only physical changes.
Both changes are physical changes. No new matter is created.
Both are chemical changes.
Both changes are physical changes. They are not chemical changes.
Both are caused by heating.
Neither change is caused by heating.
Both are caused by cooling.
Neither change is caused by cooling. |
|
Complete the sentence so that it uses personification.
The steaming hot plate of spaghetti () to be eaten. | [
"called out",
"was ready"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade9 | language science | writing-strategies | Creative techniques | Use personification | Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. It is a figure of speech that can be used to make writing more interesting or to emphasize a point.
The trees danced in the wind.
The word danced describes the trees as if they were people. Unlike people, however, trees can't actually dance. Instead, the personification suggests that the trees are moving. | Complete the sentence with the phrase called out. It describes the plate of spaghetti as if it were a person trying to get noticed. |
|
What do these two changes have in common?
chicken cooking in an oven
water evaporating from a puddle | [
"Both are chemical changes.",
"Both are caused by heating.",
"Both are only physical changes.",
"Both are caused by cooling."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade4 | natural science | chemistry | Physical and chemical change | Compare physical and chemical changes | Chemical changes and physical changes are two common ways matter can change.
In a chemical change, the type of matter changes. The types of matter before and after a chemical change are always different.
Some chemical changes are caused by heating or cooling. For example, burning a piece of paper is a chemical change caused by heating. When paper gets hot enough, it reacts with oxygen in the air and burns. The paper and oxygen change into ash and smoke.
In a physical change, the type of matter stays the same. The types of matter before and after a physical change are always the same.
A change of state is a type of physical change. Changes of state can be caused by heating or cooling. For example, ice melting is a physical change that can be caused by heating. Ice and liquid water are made of the same type of matter: water.
The law of conservation of mass says that all physical and chemical changes conserve mass. Conserve means to keep the same. So, the total mass before a physical or chemical change is equal to the total mass after the change. | Step 1: Think about each change.
Cooking chicken is a chemical change. The heat causes the matter in the chicken to change. Cooked chicken and raw chicken are different types of matter.
Water evaporating from a puddle is a change of state. So, it is a physical change. The liquid changes into a gas, but a different type of matter is not formed.
Step 2: Look at each answer choice.
Both are only physical changes.
Water evaporating is a physical change. But cooking chicken is not.
Both are chemical changes.
Cooking chicken is a chemical change. But water evaporating from a puddle is not.
Both are caused by heating.
Both changes are caused by heating.
Both are caused by cooling.
Neither change is caused by cooling. |
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