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Based on this information, what is Mau's genotype for the fur color gene? | [
"ff",
"white fur"
] | 0 | In a group of Bengal tigers, some individuals have orange fur and others have white fur. In this group, the gene for the fur color trait has two alleles. The allele F is for orange fur, and the allele f is for white fur.
Mau, a Bengal tiger from this group, has white fur. Mau has two alleles for white fur. | closed choice | grade7 | 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. Mau has two alleles for white fur (f). So, Mau's genotype for the fur color gene is ff. |
How long is an eyelash? | [
"9 millimeters",
"9 meters",
"9 centimeters",
"9 kilometers"
] | 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 an eyelash is 9 millimeters.
9 centimeters, 9 meters, and 9 kilometers are all too long. |
Complete the sentence.
The Third Amendment says that the government cannot force people to keep soldiers in their () during a time of peace. | [
"homes",
"towns",
"militias",
"states"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade4 | social science | civics | Government | The Bill of Rights | The Third Amendment says that the government can't force people to keep soldiers in their homes during a time of peace. The amendment says that no soldier shall be "quartered in any house." In this case, "quartered" means "given a place to stay." The complete text of the Third Amendment is below. Are there any times when an American might have to let a soldier stay in his or her house? No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. |
||
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below?
Zane described the situation he was facing with his boss as a catch-22. | [
"literature",
"a song"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade10 | 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 catch-22 is literature.
Joseph Heller coined the term "catch-22" in his 1961 novel of the same name. In the novel, if an army pilot wants to avoid dangerous missions, he must be deemed mentally unfit; however, his desire to stay safe proves his sanity, so he can never be excused from a mission. Heller called this sort of predicament or dilemma a catch-22.
The allusion catch-22 means a no-win situation. |
|
Select the vertebrate. | [
"red-spotted purple butterfly",
"peacock mantis shrimp",
"peafowl",
"bull ant"
] | 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. | A bull ant is an insect. Like other insects, a bull ant is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton.
A peafowl is a bird. Like other birds, a peafowl is a vertebrate. It has a backbone.
A red-spotted purple butterfly is an insect. Like other insects, a red-spotted purple butterfly is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton.
A peacock mantis shrimp is a crustacean. Like other crustaceans, a peacock mantis shrimp is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. |
What is the mass of an earthworm? | [
"4 kilograms",
"4 grams"
] | 1 | Select the better estimate. | closed choice | grade4 | natural science | units-and-measurement | Units and measurement | Choose metric units of mass | Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means.
Mass is a measurement of how much matter something contains.
There are many different units of mass. When you are using metric units, mass may be written with units of grams or kilograms.
There are 1,000 grams in 1 kilogram. So, 1 gram is much less than 1 kilogram.
A paper clip has a mass of about 1 gram, while a textbook has a mass of about 1 kilogram. | The better estimate for the mass of an earthworm is 4 grams.
4 kilograms is too heavy. |
Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words?
laugh - lime | [
"log",
"leaf"
] | 1 | 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 leaf is between the guide words laugh - lime, it would be found on that page. |
|
Which word does not rhyme? | [
"luck",
"black",
"duck"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade2 | 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 same sound.
The words meet and treat also rhyme. They both end with the same sound, even though the sound has two different spellings.
The words tip and meet don't rhyme. They end with different sounds. | The words luck and duck rhyme. They both end with the uck sound.
The word black does not rhyme. It ends with a different sound. |
|
What do these two changes have in common?
mixing lettuce and salad dressing
water vapor condensing on a bathroom mirror | [
"Both are caused by cooling.",
"Both are chemical changes.",
"Both are caused by heating.",
"Both are only physical changes."
] | 3 | 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.
Mixing lettuce and salad dressing is a physical change. Together, the salad and dressing make a mixture. But making this mixture does not form a different type of matter.
Water vapor condensing on a bathroom mirror is a change of state. So, it is a physical change. The water changes state from gas in the air to liquid water on the mirror. But the water vapor and the liquid water are both made of water.
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.
Water vapor condensing is caused by cooling. But mixing lettuce and salad dressing is not. |
|
Which text uses the word travesty in its traditional sense? | [
"Mark realized that his essay about the Space Race was a bit inaccurate, but he still thought it a travesty that such an entertaining essay should receive a poor grade.",
"Mark's ill-researched essay about the Space Race received a poor grade because it presented such a travesty of the actual historical events."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade10 | 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 travesty in its traditional sense: a ridiculous imitation; a parody.
Mark's ill-researched essay about the Space Race received a poor grade because it presented such a travesty of the actual historical events.
The second text uses travesty in its nontraditional sense: a disappointment or a tragedy.
Mark realized that his essay about the Space Race was a bit inaccurate, but he still thought it a travesty that such an entertaining essay should receive a poor grade.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word travesty because it is considered more standard. |
|
What do these two changes have in common?
breaking a pencil in half
cutting an apple | [
"Both are chemical changes.",
"Both are only physical changes.",
"Both are caused by cooling.",
"Both are caused by heating."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade3 | 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.
Breaking a pencil is a physical change. The pencil gets broken into pieces. But each piece is still made of the same type of matter.
Cutting an apple is a physical change. The apple gets a different shape. But it is still made of the same type of matter as the uncut apple.
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. |
|
Which tense does the sentence use?
The man will type the note on his computer. | [
"present tense",
"future tense",
"past tense"
] | 1 | 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 future tense. You can tell because it uses will before the main verb, type. The verb tells you about something that is going to happen. |
|
Would you find the word please on a dictionary page with the following guide words?
painting - peanut | [
"yes",
"no"
] | 1 | yes or no | 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 please is not between the guide words painting - peanut, it would not be found on that page. |
|
What is Abraham Lincoln famous for? | [
"He helped write the Declaration of Independence.",
"He was president of the United States.",
"He gave women the right to vote."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade3 | social science | us-history | Historical figures | Abraham Lincoln | Abraham Lincoln was the 16 th president of the United States. He is famous for helping to end slavery. He is also famous for leading the country through the Civil War. |
||
How long is a garden rake? | [
"2 kilometers",
"2 meters"
] | 1 | Select the better estimate. | closed choice | grade3 | natural science | units-and-measurement | Units and measurement | Choose metric units of distance | 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 a pencil is 16 long. You might be thinking, 16 what? Is the pencil 16 centimeters long? 16 meters? 16 kilometers?
The number 16 on its own does not give you much information about the length of the pencil. That is because the units are missing.
Now look at the drawing of the pencil and the ruler. The ruler shows that the units are centimeters. So, the length of the pencil is 16 centimeters.
There are 100 centimeters in 1 meter. So, 1 centimeter is much shorter than 1 meter.
There are 1,000 meters in 1 kilometer. So, 1 meter is much shorter than 1 kilometer. | The better estimate for the length of a garden rake is 2 meters.
2 kilometers is too long. |
Which sentence is more formal? | [
"Mecca's a city in Saudi Arabia, and it's an important religious center for Muslims around the world.",
"Mecca, a city in Saudi Arabia, is a religious center for Muslims around the world."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade7 | 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 first sentence is less formal. You can tell because it uses contractions (Mecca's, it's).
The second sentence does not use contractions, so it is more formal. |
|
Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference? | [
"As Eva entered the harbor, her sailboat bumped into the old wooden pier; she was relieved that it didn't sustain any damage.",
"As Eva entered the harbor, her sailboat bumped into the old wooden pier; she was relieved that the boat didn't sustain any damage."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade11 | 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 sailboat or the old wooden pier.
The first answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. It has been replaced with the boat.
As Eva entered the harbor, her sailboat bumped into the old wooden pier; she was relieved that the boat didn't sustain any damage. |
|
What kind of sentence is this?
I can't believe this is Denise's first time seeing the Pacific Ocean! | [
"exclamatory",
"interrogative",
"declarative"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade6 | 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, and it always ends with a period.
The nurse told Mr. Abrams to roll up his sleeve so that she could check his blood pressure.
An interrogative sentence is a question, and it always ends with a question mark.
Do you have any plans for the upcoming weekend?
An imperative sentence is a command. It makes a request or tells someone to do something, and it usually ends with a period. If the command shows strong feeling, it ends with an exclamation point.
For this assignment, use references to support your claims.
Don't drive so quickly in the construction zone!
An exclamatory sentence is like a statement, but it shows surprise or strong feeling. An exclamatory sentence always ends with an exclamation point.
I can't wait to travel through Europe this summer! | The sentence tells about something, but it shows surprise and ends with an exclamation point. It is an exclamatory sentence. |
|
Which tense does the sentence use?
Quinn will sweep the sidewalk in front of her store. | [
"past tense",
"future tense",
"present tense"
] | 1 | 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 future tense. You can tell because it uses will before the main verb, sweep. The verb tells you about something that is going to happen. |
|
Select the invertebrate. | [
"grasshopper",
"West African rubber frog",
"bald eagle",
"water buffalo"
] | 0 | Hint: Insects, spiders, and worms are invertebrates. | 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. | A water buffalo is a mammal. Like other mammals, a water buffalo is a vertebrate. It has a backbone.
A grasshopper is an insect. Like other insects, a grasshopper is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton.
A West African rubber frog is an amphibian. Like other amphibians, a West African rubber frog is a vertebrate. It has a backbone.
A bald eagle is a bird. Like other birds, a bald eagle is a vertebrate. It has a backbone. |
Would you find the word mystery on a dictionary page with the following guide words?
magic - merely | [
"yes",
"no"
] | 1 | yes or no | grade3 | 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.
If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed. | Put the words in alphabetical order.
Since mystery is not between the guide words magic - merely, it would not be found on that page. |
|
Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference? | [
"Right after she bought it, Leslie dropped the book for her literature class.",
"Right after Leslie bought the book for her literature class, she dropped it."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade6 | language science | pronouns | Pronouns and antecedents | 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 it could refer to the book or the class.
Right after Leslie bought the book for her literature class, she dropped 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.
Right after she bought it, Leslie dropped the book for her literature class. |
|
What do these two changes have in common?
stapling an envelope shut
ice crystals forming on a window | [
"Both are caused by cooling.",
"Both are caused by heating.",
"Both are only physical changes.",
"Both are chemical changes."
] | 2 | closed choice | grade8 | 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.
Stapling an envelope shut is a physical change. The envelope and the staple get new shapes. Both are still made of the same type of matter.
Ice crystals forming on a window is a change of state. So, it is a physical change. Water vapor in the air can change directly into ice when it touches a very cold window! A change of state from a gas to a solid is called depositing.
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.
Ice crystals form on a window when water vapor in the air becomes ice. This is caused by cooling. But stapling an envelope shut is not. |
|
What is the volume of a kiddie pool? | [
"1,170 milliliters",
"1,170 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 kiddie pool is 1,170 liters.
1,170 milliliters is too little. |
Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words?
sale - stammer | [
"sunk",
"seldom"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade4 | 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.
If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed. | Put the words in alphabetical order.
Since seldom is between the guide words sale - stammer, it would be found on that page. |
|
Using only these supplies, which question can Emily investigate with an experiment? | [
"Do sunflowers grow taller if they are planted in planter boxes or in pots?",
"Which type of sunflower grows more leaves?",
"Do sunflowers grow bigger in sunny planter boxes or in shady planter boxes?"
] | 2 | Emily 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! | |
Which greeting is correct for a letter? | [
"Dear aunt jenny,",
"Dear Aunt Jenny,"
] | 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 second greeting is correct:
Its first word is capitalized, and it ends with a comma. Aunt Jenny is capitalized because it is a proper noun. |
|
Which is a compound sentence? | [
"Dad took the last chair, so you will have to stand.",
"The Mississippi River flows from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade3 | 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 first sentence is the compound sentence. It is made up of two simple sentences joined by a comma and the conjunction so.
Dad took the last chair, so you will have to stand. |
|
Which would smell more? | [
"bone",
"gum"
] | 1 | 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. | Smelly is a property. A smelly material has a strong smell.
Look at each picture, one at a time. Imagine smelling the material shown in each picture.
Of the choices, the gum would smell more. Gum has a strong smell. |
|
Which is a run-on sentence? | [
"The child chews her food carefully.",
"The park is a beautiful place, everyone goes there."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade3 | language science | writing-strategies | Sentences, fragments, and run-ons | Is it a complete sentence or a run-on? | A sentence is a group of words that forms a complete thought. It has both a subject and a verb.
My friends walk along the path.
A run-on sentence is made up of two sentences that are joined without end punctuation or with just a comma.
I knocked on the door it opened.
It started raining, we ran inside.
To fix a run-on sentence, separate it into two sentences. Add end punctuation after the first sentence, and capitalize the second sentence.
I knocked on the door. It opened.
It started raining. We ran inside.
You can also fix a run-on sentence by rewriting it as a compound sentence. A compound sentence is two sentences joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so.
I knocked on the door, and it opened.
It started raining, so we ran inside. | The park is a beautiful place, everyone goes there is a run-on sentence. It has two sentences that are joined by just a comma: The park is a beautiful place and Everyone goes there. |
|
Which logical fallacy is used in the text?
Did you hear? A bunch of Liam's friends were at that protest that got out of hand. I had no idea that Liam was such a troublemaker. | [
"false dichotomy: an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist",
"guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something",
"straw man: a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against"
] | 1 | 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 Liam must be a troublemaker because his friends were at an unruly protest. However, the behavior of Liam's friends doesn't necessarily determine his own behavior. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as guilt by association. |
|
Which is a run-on sentence? | [
"An email from my friend in Italy.",
"Mr. Soto will teach a math lesson the children will take notes."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade3 | language science | writing-strategies | Sentences, fragments, and run-ons | Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on? | A sentence is a group of words that forms a complete thought. It has both a subject and a verb.
My friends walk along the path.
A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. It is usually missing a subject or a verb.
Knows the answer.
This is a sentence fragment. It is missing a subject.
Who knows the answer? She knows the answer.
The bright red car.
This is a sentence fragment. It is missing a verb.
What did the bright red car do? The bright red car stopped.
A run-on sentence is made up of two sentences that are joined without end punctuation or with just a comma.
I knocked on the door it opened.
It started raining, we ran inside.
To fix a run-on sentence, separate it into two sentences. Add end punctuation after the first sentence, and capitalize the second sentence.
I knocked on the door. It opened.
It started raining. We ran inside.
You can also fix a run-on sentence by rewriting it as a compound sentence. A compound sentence is two sentences joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so.
I knocked on the door, and it opened.
It started raining, so we ran inside. | Mr. Soto will teach a math lesson the children will take notes is a run-on sentence. It has two sentences that are joined without end punctuation: Mr. Soto will teach a math lesson and The children will take notes. |
|
Complete the statement.
During this chemical reaction, the airbag becomes (). | [
"warmer",
"colder"
] | 0 | When a chemical reaction absorbs or releases thermal energy, the reaction causes a change in temperature. Read the passage about a chemical reaction that absorbs or releases thermal energy. Then, follow the instructions below.
Airbags reduce injuries during car crashes by inflating quickly to provide cushions for people inside a car. Older airbags contain a small amount of sodium azide (NaN3). If a crash occurs, the sodium azide is heated, causing it to break down into sodium metal (Na) and nitrogen gas (N2). In less than one-tenth of a second, enough nitrogen gas is produced to completely fill the airbag. As a result of the reaction, thermal energy is transferred into the surroundings. | closed choice | grade6 | natural science | chemistry | Chemical reactions | Describe energy changes in chemical reactions | During a chemical reaction, thermal energy is absorbed or released as heat. This transfer of thermal energy changes the temperature of the reaction's surroundings. The surroundings are everything around the reaction, such as the solution that the reaction takes place in or the air nearby.
Some reactions release thermal energy into the surroundings. This thermal energy is converted from chemical energy, which is provided by the molecules in the reaction. As the thermal energy moves out of the reaction and into the surroundings, the temperature of the surroundings increases.
Some reactions absorb thermal energy from the surroundings. This thermal energy is converted into chemical energy during the reaction. As the thermal energy moves out of the surroundings and into the reaction, the temperature of the surroundings decreases. | To determine whether the airbag becomes warmer or colder, look for the text that describes the movement of thermal energy during the reaction.Airbags reduce injuries during car crashes by inflating quickly to provide cushions for people inside a car. Older airbags contain a small amount of sodium azide (NaN3). If a crash occurs, the sodium azide is heated, causing it to break down into sodium metal (Na) and nitrogen gas (N2). In less than one-tenth of a second, enough nitrogen gas is produced to completely fill the airbag. As a result of the reaction, thermal energy is transferred into the surroundings.The underlined text tells you that thermal energy is transferred into the surroundings. Because thermal energy moves out of the reaction and into the surroundings, the temperature of the surroundings increases.The surroundings include the airbag that the reaction takes place in. So, the airbag becomes warmer. |
Is the following trait inherited or acquired?
Ed has a scar on his left hand. | [
"acquired",
"inherited"
] | 0 | Hint: Most scars are caused by accidents during a person's life. | closed choice | grade4 | 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. |
Complete the sentence.
In this chemical reaction, hydrogen is a (). | [
"reactant",
"product"
] | 0 | This passage describes a chemical reaction. Read the passage. Then, follow the instructions below.
The Space Shuttle program sent astronauts on 135 missions using a fleet of five shuttles between 1981 and 2011. The engines of each shuttle, like other modern rocket engines, used liquid hydrogen as fuel. When liquid hydrogen combines with liquid oxygen, an enormous amount of energy is released, along with water vapor. The shuttles used this energy to launch into space. | 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 hydrogen in this chemical reaction.
The Space Shuttle program sent astronauts on 135 missions using a fleet of five shuttles between 1981 and 2011. The engines of each shuttle, like other modern rocket engines, used liquid hydrogen as fuel. When liquid hydrogen combines with liquid oxygen, an enormous amount of energy is released, along with water vapor. The shuttles used this energy to launch into space.
The underlined text tells you that when hydrogen and oxygen combine, water is formed. When hydrogen and oxygen react, or go through a chemical change, their atoms are rearranged to form water. Because hydrogen reacts in this chemical reaction, hydrogen is a reactant. |
Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words?
bitter - buffalo | [
"bound",
"bed"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade3 | 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.
If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed. | Put the words in alphabetical order.
Since bound is between the guide words bitter - buffalo, it would be found on that page. |
|
Which phrase has a more negative connotation? | [
"speak about something",
"grumble about something"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade4 | language science | vocabulary | Shades of meaning | Positive and negative connotation | Connotation is the feeling or idea that goes along with a word or phrase. Some words are close in meaning but have different connotations.
For example, think about the words eager and impatient. They both mean wanting something to happen, but they have different connotations.
Eager has a positive connotation. It is a nice word. An eager person is happy and excited.
Impatient has a negative connotation. It is not a nice word. An impatient person is often pushy and demanding. | Grumble about something has a more negative connotation. If you grumble about something, you speak about it in an unhappy, complaining way. |
|
Select the solid. | [
"fork",
"grape juice",
"air inside a bubble"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade2 | natural science | physics | States of matter | Identify solids, liquids, and gases | Solid, liquid, and gas are states of matter. Matter is anything that takes up space. Matter can come in different states, or forms.
When matter is a solid, it has a shape of its own.
Some solids can be bent or broken easily. Others are hard to bend or break.
A glass cup is a solid. A sock is also a solid.
When matter is a liquid, it takes the shape of its container.
Think about pouring a liquid from a cup into a bottle. The shape of the liquid is different in the cup than in the bottle. But the liquid still takes up the same amount of space.
Juice is a liquid. Honey is also a liquid.
When matter is a gas, it spreads out to fill a space.
Many gases are invisible. So, you can’t see them. Air is a gas. | The air inside a bubble is a gas. A gas spreads out to fill a space. The air inside a bubble fills all the space in the bubble. If the bubble pops, the air will spread out to fill a much larger space.
A fork is a solid. You can bend a fork. But it will still have a size and shape of its own.
Grape juice is a liquid. A liquid takes the shape of any container it is in. If you pour grape juice into a different container, the grape juice will take the shape of that container. But the grape juice will still take up the same amount of space. |
|
Complete the sentence so that it uses personification.
The run-down truck () through its very last trip. | [
"lasted",
"suffered"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade8 | 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 word suffered. It describes the truck as if it were an old, sick person. |
|
Which closing is correct for a letter? | [
"Thank You,\nLuther",
"Thank you,\nLuther"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade3 | 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. |
|
Which tense does the sentence use?
They will fix the car engine. | [
"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, fix. The verb tells you about something that is going to happen. |
|
Which object has the most thermal energy? | [
"a metal paper clip at a temperature of 16°C",
"a metal paper clip at a temperature of 20°C",
"a metal paper clip at a temperature of 23°C"
] | 2 | 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 metal paper clips have the same mass but different temperatures. Since the 23°C paper clip is the hottest, it has the most thermal energy. |
Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference? | [
"At lunchtime, Mike can often be found reading at his favorite café, where they provide unlimited coffee refills.",
"At lunchtime, Mike can often be found reading at his favorite café, where the servers provide unlimited coffee refills."
] | 0 | 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 they is used without its antecedent.
The second answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. They has been replaced with the servers.
At lunchtime, Mike can often be found reading at his favorite café, where the servers provide unlimited coffee refills. |
|
Would you find the word sung on a dictionary page with the following guide words?
shot - stork | [
"yes",
"no"
] | 1 | yes or no | grade7 | 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.
If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed. | Put the words in alphabetical order.
Since sung is not between the guide words shot - stork, it would not be found on that page. |
|
Which is a run-on sentence? | [
"We wanted a snack we ate some cherries.",
"The conductor took tickets from everyone on the train."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade3 | language science | writing-strategies | Sentences, fragments, and run-ons | Is it a complete sentence or a run-on? | A sentence is a group of words that forms a complete thought. It has both a subject and a verb.
My friends walk along the path.
A run-on sentence is made up of two sentences that are joined without end punctuation or with just a comma.
I knocked on the door it opened.
It started raining, we ran inside.
To fix a run-on sentence, separate it into two sentences. Add end punctuation after the first sentence, and capitalize the second sentence.
I knocked on the door. It opened.
It started raining. We ran inside.
You can also fix a run-on sentence by rewriting it as a compound sentence. A compound sentence is two sentences joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so.
I knocked on the door, and it opened.
It started raining, so we ran inside. | We wanted a snack we ate some cherries is a run-on sentence. It has two sentences that are joined without end punctuation: We wanted a snack and We ate some cherries. |
|
Does this passage describe the weather or the climate?
The air in Boulder, Colorado, is often dry in the winter. | [
"weather",
"climate"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | earth-science | Weather and climate | What's the difference between weather and climate? | The atmosphere is the layer of air that surrounds Earth. Both weather and climate tell you about the atmosphere.
Weather is what the atmosphere is like at a certain place and time. Weather can change quickly. For example, the temperature outside your house might get higher throughout the day.
Climate is the pattern of weather in a certain place. For example, summer temperatures in New York are usually higher than winter temperatures. | Read the text carefully.
The air in Boulder, Colorado, is often dry in the winter.
Humidity is the amount of water in the air.
This passage tells you about the usual winter humidity in Boulder. It does not describe what the weather is like on a particular day. So, this passage describes the climate. |
|
Complete the statement. Assume that the athlete's mass did not change.
The gravitational potential energy stored between the athlete and Earth () as she sped up around the track. | [
"increased",
"stayed the same",
"decreased"
] | 1 | Read the text about a person in motion.
An athlete competed in a 5,000-meter wheelchair race. As she began her last lap around the flat track, she pushed hard and sped past another racer. | closed choice | grade7 | natural science | physics | Kinetic and potential energy | Identify changes in gravitational potential energy | Gravitational potential energy is stored between any two objects. So, for every object on or near Earth, there is gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth.
The amount of gravitational potential energy stored between an object and Earth depends on the mass of the object. The amount of gravitational potential energy also depends on the distance between the object and the center of Earth. This distance increases when the object moves higher and decreases when the object moves lower.
If the distance between an object and the center of Earth changes, the gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth will change. The table below shows how this change can happen.
When an object's mass stays the same and its distance from the center of Earth... | Gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth...
increases | increases
decreases | decreases
stays the same | stays the same | Think about how the distance between the athlete and the center of Earth changed.
Because the track was flat, each point on the track was the same distance from the center of Earth. As she sped up around the track, the distance between the athlete and the center of Earth stayed the same. So, the gravitational potential energy stored between the athlete and Earth stayed the same as she sped up around the track. |
What do these two changes have in common?
a sidewalk heating up in the sun
a puddle freezing into ice on a cold night | [
"Both are chemical changes.",
"Both are caused by cooling.",
"Both are caused by heating.",
"Both are only physical changes."
] | 3 | closed choice | grade3 | 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.
A sidewalk heating up in the sun is a physical change. The temperature of the sidewalk goes up, but the sidewalk is still made of the same type of matter.
A puddle freezing into ice on a cold night is a change of state. So, it is a physical change. Liquid water freezes and becomes solid, but it is still made of water. A different type of matter is not formed.
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.
A sidewalk getting warm in the sun is caused by heating. But a puddle freezing is not.
Both are caused by cooling.
A puddle freezing is caused by cooling. But a sidewalk heating up in the sun is not. |
|
How long is a caterpillar? | [
"49 millimeters",
"49 kilometers",
"49 centimeters"
] | 0 | Select the best estimate. | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | units-and-measurement | Units and measurement | Choose metric units of distance | 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 caterpillar is 49 millimeters.
49 centimeters and 49 kilometers are both too long. |
Which object has less thermal energy? | [
"a 300-gram glass of water at a temperature of 75°F",
"a 300-gram glass of water at a temperature of 80°F"
] | 0 | 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 glasses of water have the same mass but different temperatures. Since the 75°F glass of water is colder than the 80°F glass of water, it has less thermal energy. |
Which set of instructions is more formal? | [
"Enter the applicant's name and address in the spaces provided.",
"Write down your name and address on the lines."
] | 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 first set of instructions is more formal. Its uses clear, impersonal language. |
|
What do these two changes have in common?
a piece of avocado turning brown
a piece of pizza rotting in a trashcan | [
"Both are only physical changes.",
"Both are chemical changes.",
"Both are caused by heating.",
"Both are caused by cooling."
] | 1 | 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.
A piece of avocado turning brown is a chemical change. The avocado reacts with oxygen in the air to form a different type of matter.
If you scrape off the brown part of the avocado, the inside will still be green. The inside hasn't touched the air. So the chemical change hasn't happened to that part of the avocado.
A piece of pizza rotting is a chemical change. The matter in the pizza breaks down and slowly turns into a different type of matter.
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.
Neither change is caused by heating.
Both are caused by cooling.
Neither change is caused by cooling. |
|
What do these two changes have in common?
burning a candle
roasting a marshmallow over a campfire | [
"Both are chemical changes.",
"Both are only physical changes.",
"Both are caused by cooling."
] | 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.
Burning a candle is a chemical change. Both the wick and the melted wax burn. They react with oxygen in the air and turn into soot, carbon dioxide, and water.
Roasting a marshmallow is a chemical change. The type of matter on the outside of the marshmallow changes. As a marshmallow is roasted, it turns brown and crispy.
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 do these two changes have in common?
breaking a piece of glass
butter melting on a hot day | [
"Both are only physical changes.",
"Both are caused by heating.",
"Both are chemical changes.",
"Both are caused by cooling."
] | 0 | 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.
Breaking a piece of glass is a physical change. The glass gets broken into pieces. But each piece is still made of the same type of matter.
Butter melting on a hot day is a change of state. So, it is a physical change. The butter changes from solid to liquid, but it is still made of the same type of matter.
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.
Butter melting on a hot day is caused by heating. But breaking a piece of glass is not.
Both are caused by cooling.
Neither change is caused by cooling. |
|
The city of Seaside has been one of the world's biggest makers of cough drops for many years. But last month, Seaside's cough drop factories were destroyed by floods. What will probably happen to the overall supply of cough drops? | [
"The supply will probably go down.",
"The supply will probably go up."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade7 | social science | economics | Supply and demand | Understand overall supply and demand | Overall supply is the total amount of a good or service that producers make and sell. There are several things that can make overall supply go up or down. The table below shows how changes to these things might affect overall supply.
| Resources | Number of producers or suppliers | Expected change in demand
Supply goes up | when resources cost less or are easier to get | when there are more producers or suppliers | when demand is expected to go up
Supply goes down | when resources cost more or are harder to get | when there are fewer producers or suppliers | when demand is expected to go down
Producers are people or companies that make goods or provide services. Suppliers are people or companies that sell goods or services. New inventions or technologies can also help workers produce goods and services more quickly. As a result of these changes, the supply of a good or service will often go up. | Floods destroyed the cough drop factories in Seaside. The number of producers of cough drops went down. So, the supply of cough drops will probably go down. |
|
Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference? | [
"After Paul beat Aaron in tennis, he asked for a rematch.",
"Aaron asked for a rematch after Paul beat him in tennis."
] | 0 | 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 he could refer to Paul or Aaron.
After Paul beat Aaron in tennis, he asked for a rematch.
The first answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. The text has been rewritten so that the meaning is clear.
Aaron asked for a rematch after Paul beat him in tennis. |
|
Answer the riddle.
I am a toy.
I look like a person.
You can dress me up.
What am I? | [
"a girl",
"a doll"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade1 | language science | vocabulary | Comprehension strategies | What am I? | A doll is a toy.
A doll looks like a person.
You can dress a doll up. |
||
Using only these supplies, which question can Edgar investigate with an experiment? | [
"Do cloth towels dry faster if they are hung in the laundry room or in the backyard?",
"When hung in the laundry room, do black cloth towels or white cloth towels dry more quickly?",
"Does a small cloth towel or a large cloth towel dry faster when hung in the backyard?"
] | 0 | After Edgar cleans up a spill, he hangs a wet cloth towel in the laundry room. Two hours later, he notices that the towel has partially dried. He wonders what factors affect how cloth dries. So, he decides to design an experiment. He has the following supplies available:
two identical white cloth towels
water
a clothesline in the laundry room
a clothesline in the backyard | closed choice | grade6 | 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 do these two changes have in common?
an iceberg melting slowly
carving a piece of wood | [
"Both are caused by cooling.",
"Both are chemical changes.",
"Both are caused by heating.",
"Both are only physical changes."
] | 3 | 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.
An iceberg melting is a change of state. So, it is a physical change. An iceberg is made of frozen water. As it melts, the water changes from a solid to a liquid. But a different type of matter is not formed.
Carving a piece of wood is a physical change. The wood changes shape, but it is still made of the same type of matter.
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.
An iceberg melting is caused by heating. But carving a piece of wood is not.
Both are caused by cooling.
Neither change is caused by cooling. |
|
Based on this information, what is Vivian's phenotype for the Marfan syndrome trait? | [
"mm",
"not having Marfan syndrome"
] | 1 | This passage describes the Marfan syndrome trait in humans:
In a group of humans, some individuals have Marfan syndrome and others do not. In this group, the gene for the Marfan syndrome trait has two alleles. The allele M is for having Marfan syndrome, and the allele m is for not having Marfan syndrome.
Vivian, a human from this group, does not have Marfan syndrome. Vivian has two alleles for not having Marfan syndrome. | 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. Vivian's observable version of the Marfan syndrome trait is not having Marfan syndrome. So, Vivian's phenotype for the Marfan syndrome trait is not having Marfan syndrome. |
What does the verbal irony in this text suggest?
"Sleeping through the rooster's crowing was no problem," Raymond joked with a yawn. | [
"Raymond slept poorly.",
"Raymond 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 Raymond slept poorly. Raymond was tired, so the rooster's crowing was clearly a problem. |
|
Is the following trait inherited or acquired?
Liz plays basketball. | [
"inherited",
"acquired"
] | 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. | People are not born knowing how to play basketball. Instead, some people learn how to play basketball. Playing the sport takes practice. So, playing basketball is an acquired trait. |
|
Select the animal. | [
"Octopuses eat animals that live underwater.",
"Apple trees can grow fruit.",
"Cypress trees have green leaves.",
"Hydrangea bushes can grow colorful flowers."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade3 | natural science | biology | Classification | Identify plants and animals | Plants and animals are living things. Living things are called organisms.
Plants come in many shapes and sizes. Most plants grow in the ground. They might grow leaves, flowers, and fruit. Plants cannot move around on their own like animals can.
Animals also come in many shapes and sizes. Most animals can move around. Animals might run, swim, jump, or fly. Animals eat plants or other organisms for food. | An octopus is an animal. It eats animals that live underwater.
An octopus has two eyes and eight arms.
An apple tree is a plant. It can grow fruit.
People have been growing apples for thousands of years. There are more than 7,500 types of apples!
A cypress tree is a plant. It has green leaves.
The leaves of cypress trees are called needles.
A hydrangea bush is a plant. It can grow colorful flowers.
Hydrangea bushes can have blue, white, purple, or pink flowers. |
|
What do these two changes have in common?
filtering air to remove dust and pollen
a crayon melting in the sun | [
"Both are only physical changes.",
"Both are caused by heating.",
"Both are chemical changes.",
"Both are caused by cooling."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade8 | 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.
Filtering air to remove dust and pollen is a physical change. The air flows through the filter, and the pollen and dust stay behind. This separates the mixture of air, pollen, and dust. But separating a mixture does not form a different type of matter.
A crayon melting in the sun is a change of state. So, it is a physical change. The crayon changes state from solid to liquid. The crayon is still made of wax, even after it melts.
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.
A crayon melting in the sun is caused by heating. But filtering air is not.
Both are caused by cooling.
Neither change is caused by cooling. |
|
What information supports the conclusion that Alec acquired this trait? | [
"Alec learned biology by reading, observing, and experimenting.",
"Alec is most interested in human biology."
] | 0 | Read the description of a trait.
Alec knows a lot about biology. | closed choice | grade4 | 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 word is not like the others? | [
"cookie",
"ice cream",
"cake",
"dirt"
] | 3 | closed choice | grade1 | language science | vocabulary | Categories | Which word is not like the others? | Some words are alike. They go together in a group.
Red, blue, and green go together. They are colors.
Mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa go together. They are people in a family. | Ice cream, cookie, and cake go together. They are sweet things. Dirt is not a sweet thing, so it is not like the other words. |
|
Which sentence uses a simile? | [
"The bare tree's branches were as sharp as needles.",
"The bare tree's branches were sharp needles."
] | 0 | 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. | This sentence uses a simile:
The bare tree's branches were as sharp as needles.
The words branches and needles are compared using the word as.
This sentence uses a metaphor:
The bare tree's branches were sharp needles.
The words branches and needles are compared without the word like or as. |
|
Would you find the word smell on a dictionary page with the following guide words?
send - swung | [
"yes",
"no"
] | 0 | yes or no | grade7 | 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.
If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed. | Put the words in alphabetical order.
Since smell is between the guide words send - swung, it would be found on that page. |
|
Which text uses the word peruse in its traditional sense? | [
"Jasper perused a catalog from his wife's favorite clothing store, searching for the perfect birthday gift.",
"Jasper perused a clothing catalog as he waited for his appointment, flipping through the pages distractedly."
] | 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 first text uses peruse in its traditional sense: to examine in detail.
Jasper perused a catalog from his wife's favorite clothing store, searching for the perfect birthday gift.
The second text uses peruse in its nontraditional sense: to look through in a casual manner.
Jasper perused a clothing catalog as he waited for his appointment, flipping through the pages distractedly.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word peruse because it is considered more standard. |
|
Complete the statement. Assume that the penny's mass did not change.
The gravitational potential energy stored between the penny and Earth () as the penny fell toward the bottom of the well. | [
"decreased",
"stayed the same",
"increased"
] | 0 | Read the text about an object in motion.
Sofia dropped a penny in a wishing well. The penny fell to the bottom of the well as she made a wish. | closed choice | grade7 | natural science | physics | Kinetic and potential energy | Identify changes in gravitational potential energy | Gravitational potential energy is stored between any two objects. So, for every object on or near Earth, there is gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth.
The amount of gravitational potential energy stored between an object and Earth depends on the mass of the object. The amount of gravitational potential energy also depends on the distance between the object and the center of Earth. This distance increases when the object moves higher and decreases when the object moves lower.
If the distance between an object and the center of Earth changes, the gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth will change. The table below shows how this change can happen.
When an object's mass stays the same and its distance from the center of Earth... | Gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth...
increases | increases
decreases | decreases
stays the same | stays the same | Think about how the distance between the penny and the center of Earth changed.
The bottom of the well is lower than the point where Sofia dropped the penny. As it fell toward the bottom of the well, the distance between the penny and the center of Earth decreased. So, the gravitational potential energy stored between the penny and Earth decreased as the penny fell toward the bottom of the well. |
Which figure of speech is used in this text?
The Kramer family is going to spend two weeks in Ocean City, but for Jim it will be a working vacation, since he'll be checking in with the office every day. | [
"oxymoron",
"hyperbole"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade9 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Classify figures 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.
Working vacation is a contradiction, because going on a vacation implies that you are taking a break from work. |
|
Would you find the word greet on a dictionary page with the following guide words?
gander - glider | [
"yes",
"no"
] | 1 | yes or no | grade3 | 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.
If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed. | Put the words in alphabetical order.
Since greet is not between the guide words gander - glider, it would not be found on that page. |
|
Which figure of speech is used in this text?
Harold's '64 Impala groaned as he turned the ignition. Yet again he resolved to refurbish it over the summer. | [
"metaphor",
"personification"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade8 | 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.
Harold's '64 Impala groaned describes the car as if it were human. |
|
What information supports the conclusion that Hector inherited this trait? | [
"Hector's parents were born with straight hair. They passed down this trait to Hector.",
"Hector and his father both have short hair."
] | 0 | Read the description of a trait.
Hector has straight hair. | 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. | |
Does this passage describe the weather or the climate?
Jack noticed that fall usually has mild temperatures. | [
"weather",
"climate"
] | 1 | Hint: Weather is what the atmosphere is like at a certain place and time. Climate is the pattern of weather in a certain place. | closed choice | grade3 | natural science | earth-science | Weather and climate | What's the difference between weather and climate? | The atmosphere is the layer of air that surrounds Earth. Both weather and climate tell you about the atmosphere.
Weather is what the atmosphere is like at a certain place and time. Weather can change quickly. For example, the temperature outside your house might get higher throughout the day.
Climate is the pattern of weather in a certain place. For example, summer temperatures in New York are usually higher than winter temperatures. | Read the text carefully.
Jack noticed that fall usually has mild temperatures.
This passage tells you about the usual fall temperatures where Jack lives. It does not describe what the weather is like on a particular day. So, this passage describes the climate. |
Is there a surplus or a shortage of tickets? | [
"surplus",
"shortage"
] | 0 | There are 300 concert tickets for sale. Tickets cost $20 each. At that price, there are 200 people who want to buy a ticket. | closed choice | grade5 | social science | economics | Supply and demand | Identify shortage and surplus | There is a surplus if there is too much for sale at a given price.
There is a shortage if there is not enough for sale at a given price.
Surpluses and shortages usually happen when people who are selling goods or services charge too much or too little.
When the price is too high, consumers will not want to buy much of the good or service. The quantity demanded will be less than the quantity supplied. So, there will be a surplus.
When the price is too low, too many consumers will want to buy the good or service. The quantity demanded will be more than the quantity supplied. So, there will be a shortage. | At the current price, there are too many tickets for sale. There are 300 tickets for sale, but only 200 people want to buy a ticket.
So, there is a surplus of tickets. The ticket seller will not get any money for the leftover tickets. |
Is the following statement true or false?
Plant cells do not have chloroplasts. | [
"false",
"true"
] | 0 | true-or false | grade4 | natural science | biology | Cells | Cell part functions: true or false | Plant cells do not have chloroplasts.
This statement is false. Most plant cells have chloroplasts. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the green substance that gives plants their color. |
||
Which logical fallacy is used in the text?
All the popular guys at school are dyeing their hair purple, so you should, too! | [
"hasty generalization: a very broad claim based on very little evidence",
"bandwagon fallacy: the assumption that the popular choice is automatically correct"
] | 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 someone should dye his hair purple, because other people are dyeing their hair purple. However, even though some people are dyeing their hair purple, that doesn't necessarily mean that everyone else should. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as the bandwagon fallacy. |
|
Which text uses the word factoid in its traditional sense? | [
"As a geneticist, Justine dislikes many popular sci-fi movies because they often present audiences with factoids that misrepresent her field.",
"As a geneticist, Justine enjoys watching science documentaries and sharing various factoids she's learned with her colleagues."
] | 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 factoid in its traditional sense: something made up presented as a true fact.
As a geneticist, Justine dislikes many popular sci-fi movies because they often present audiences with factoids that misrepresent her field.
The second text uses factoid in its nontraditional sense: a trivial but true fact.
As a geneticist, Justine enjoys watching science documentaries and sharing various factoids she's learned with her colleagues.
Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word factoid because it is considered more standard. |
|
Which correctly shows the title of a movie? | [
"One fine Day",
"One Fine Day"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade4 | 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 correct title is One Fine Day. |
|
Which figure of speech is used in this text?
Dr. Shepherd is unhappy with her new assistant because simple tasks, like fetching coffee, take him years to finish. | [
"hyperbole",
"oxymoron"
] | 0 | closed choice | grade9 | language science | figurative-language | Literary devices | Classify figures 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 hyperbole, an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally.
Take him years to finish is an exaggeration, since it probably does not take him entire years to fetch coffee. |
|
What is the volume of a bowl of soup? | [
"10 gallons",
"10 fluid ounces",
"10 cups"
] | 1 | Select the best estimate. | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | units-and-measurement | Units and measurement | Choose customary 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 customary units, volume may be written in units of fluid ounces, cups, or gallons.
As the diagram shows, there are 8 fluid ounces in 1 cup and 16 cups in 1 gallon. So, 1 fluid ounce is less than 1 cup and much less than 1 gallon.
A glass of milk has a volume of about 8 fluid ounces, or 1 cup. A jug of milk has a volume of 1 gallon. | The best estimate for the volume of a bowl of soup is 10 fluid ounces.
10 cups and 10 gallons are both too much. |
What information supports the conclusion that Leslie acquired this trait? | [
"Leslie learned to speak two languages in school.",
"Leslie's mother speaks one language."
] | 0 | Read the description of a trait.
Leslie speaks two languages. | closed choice | grade4 | 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. | |
Select the living thing. | [
"shoe",
"opossum"
] | 1 | closed choice | grade3 | natural science | biology | Classification | Identify living and nonliving things | All living things need food and water. Water helps living things break down food and remove waste. Food gives living things energy. Living things use this energy to grow and change. All living things grow and change during their lives.
All living things sense changes in the world around them. Living things might sense changes by seeing, smelling, hearing, or feeling. Living things can respond to the changes they sense. | A shoe is not a living thing.
Shoes do not have all of the traits of living things. They do not grow or respond to the world around them. They do not need food or water.
An opossum is a living thing.
Opossums grow and respond to the world around them. They need food and water. |
|
What is the temperature of the air on a cold, snowy day? | [
"21°F",
"21°C"
] | 0 | Select the better estimate. | closed choice | grade7 | natural science | units-and-measurement | Units and measurement | Estimate temperatures | Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means.
Temperature can be written with units of degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or Celsius (°C). Use the list below to compare the two units.
212°F | Water boils | 100°C
98.6°F | Body temperature | 37°C
68°F | Room temperature | 20°C
32°F | Water freezes | 0°C
| The better estimate for the temperature of the air on a cold, snowy day is 21°F.
21°C is too hot. |
What does the verbal irony in this text suggest?
"Sleeping through the rooster's crowing was no problem," Dale joked with a yawn. | [
"Dale finds roosters amusing.",
"Dale slept poorly."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade8 | 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 Dale slept poorly. Dale was tired, so the rooster's crowing was clearly a problem. |
|
Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference? | [
"Mr. King was reaching for the ladle in the gravy bowl when his wife took it away.",
"Mr. King was reaching for the ladle in the gravy bowl when his wife took the ladle away."
] | 0 | 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 ladle or the gravy bowl.
The first answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. It has been replaced with the ladle.
Mr. King was reaching for the ladle in the gravy bowl when his wife took the ladle away. |
|
What does the metaphor in this text suggest?
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
—Marcel Proust | [
"People who cultivate beautiful gardens make us happy.",
"People nourish our souls when they make us happy."
] | 1 | 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.
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 they are the charming gardeners suggests that people nourish our souls when they make us happy. Like gardeners caring for flowers, our friends help our souls thrive and grow. |
|
When is Thanksgiving celebrated in the United States? | [
"on January 12",
"on the second Sunday of September",
"on the fourth Thursday of November",
"on December 5"
] | 2 | closed choice | grade2 | social science | civics | Cultural celebrations | Thanksgiving | This is a symbol of the harvest. It shows fruits and vegetables that are picked in the fall.
In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.
In the past, Thanksgiving celebrated the harvest. It celebrated the food that was picked in the fall. So, Thanksgiving is celebrated in the fall, too. |
||
Which sentence is more formal? | [
"The president and prime minister discussed new trade regulations and announced that they were in agreement.",
"The president and prime minister discussed new trade regulations and announced that they were on the same page."
] | 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 an idiom (on the same page).
The first sentence uses formal language in place of the idiom, so it is more formal overall. |
|
Does the sentence use a simile or a metaphor?
The joking boys and girls are silly clowns. | [
"metaphor",
"simile"
] | 0 | 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. | The joking boys and girls are silly clowns.
The words boys and girls and clowns are compared without the word like or as. So, the sentence uses a metaphor. |
|
Which object has the least thermal energy? | [
"a 7-kilogram block of copper at a temperature of 17°C",
"a 7-kilogram block of copper at a temperature of 19°C",
"a 7-kilogram block of copper at a temperature of 27°C"
] | 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 slow down, the temperature goes down. The matter now has both less thermal energy and a lower temperature. | All three blocks of copper have the same mass but different temperatures. Since the 17°C block is the coldest, it has the least thermal energy. |
What is the mass of a small candy bar? | [
"45 kilograms",
"45 grams"
] | 1 | Select the better estimate. | closed choice | grade4 | natural science | units-and-measurement | Units and measurement | Choose metric units of mass | Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means.
Mass is a measurement of how much matter something contains.
There are many different units of mass. When you are using metric units, mass may be written with units of grams or kilograms.
There are 1,000 grams in 1 kilogram. So, 1 gram is much less than 1 kilogram.
A paper clip has a mass of about 1 gram, while a textbook has a mass of about 1 kilogram. | The better estimate for the mass of a small candy bar is 45 grams.
45 kilograms is too heavy. |
Compare the motion of two beluga whales. Which beluga whale was moving at a higher speed? | [
"a beluga whale that moved 10miles in 5hours",
"a beluga whale that moved 15miles in 5hours"
] | 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 beluga whale moved and the time it took to move that distance.
One beluga whale moved 15 miles in 5 hours.
The other beluga whale moved 10 miles in 5 hours.
Notice that each beluga whale spent the same amount of time moving. The beluga whale that moved 15 miles moved a farther distance in that time. So, that beluga whale must have moved at a higher speed. |
|
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below?
Red velvet cupcakes were Brooke's Achilles's heel when she was trying to eat more healthily. | [
"a movie",
"Greek mythology"
] | 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 Achilles's heel is Greek mythology.
In Greek mythology, Achilles's mother dips him in a river that protects his body wherever it touches. His heel does not get wet, so it is the one part of his body left unprotected. During the Trojan War, an arrow hits Achilles in the heel and kills him.
The allusion Achilles's heel means a sole weakness. |
|
How long is a long-distance running race? | [
"33 kilometers",
"33 centimeters"
] | 0 | Select the better estimate. | closed choice | grade2 | natural science | units-and-measurement | Units and measurement | Choose metric units of distance | 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 a pencil is 16 long. You might be thinking, 16 what? Is the pencil 16 centimeters long? 16 meters? 16 kilometers?
The number 16 on its own does not give you much information about the length of the pencil. That is because the units are missing.
Now look at the drawing of the pencil and the ruler. The ruler shows that the units are centimeters. So, the length of the pencil is 16 centimeters.
There are 100 centimeters in 1 meter. So, 1 centimeter is much shorter than 1 meter.
There are 1,000 meters in 1 kilometer. So, 1 meter is much shorter than 1 kilometer. | The better estimate for the length of a long-distance running race is 33 kilometers.
33 centimeters is too short. |
Complete the statement. Assume that the water balloon's mass did not change.
The gravitational potential energy stored between the water balloon and Earth () as the water balloon fell toward Nate. | [
"decreased",
"stayed the same",
"increased"
] | 0 | Read the text about an object in motion.
Mariana dropped a water balloon off a balcony. The water balloon fell toward her friend Nate, who was standing below the balcony. | closed choice | grade8 | natural science | physics | Kinetic and potential energy | Identify changes in gravitational potential energy | Gravitational potential energy is stored between any two objects. So, for every object on or near Earth, there is gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth.
The amount of gravitational potential energy stored between an object and Earth depends on the mass of the object. The amount of gravitational potential energy also depends on the distance between the object and the center of Earth. This distance increases when the object moves higher and decreases when the object moves lower.
If the distance between an object and the center of Earth changes, the gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth will change. The table below shows how this change can happen.
When an object's mass stays the same and its distance from the center of Earth... | Gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth...
increases | increases
decreases | decreases
stays the same | stays the same | Think about how the distance between the water balloon and the center of Earth changed.
Nate was lower than the balcony. As the water balloon fell toward Nate, the distance between the water balloon and the center of Earth decreased. So, the gravitational potential energy stored between the water balloon and Earth decreased as the water balloon fell toward Nate. |
Which sentence is more formal? | [
"Although penguins, ostriches, and kiwis are birds, they cannot fly.",
"Penguins, ostriches, and kiwis can't fly, even though they are birds."
] | 0 | closed choice | grade7 | 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 first sentence is less formal. You can tell because it uses a contraction (can't).
The second sentence does not use a contraction, so it is more formal. |
|
Use the evidence in the text to select the photosynthetic organism. | [
"Emerald tree boas eat only once every few months. The boas eat small animals, which their bodies break down for energy.",
"Snake plants use carbon dioxide and water to make sugars. These plants use the sugars to get the energy they need to live."
] | 1 | closed choice | grade5 | natural science | biology | Plants | Identify the photosynthetic organism | Organisms that carry out photosynthesis are called photosynthetic organisms. During photosynthesis, these organisms use light energy to turn water and carbon dioxide into sugars and oxygen.
Photosynthetic organisms also often have the following characteristics:
They are producers, which are organisms that make their own food inside their cells. Producers don't usually eat other organisms.
Their cells contain chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are cell parts where photosynthesis occurs.
Their chloroplasts often contain chlorophyll, which is green. Chlorophyll captures energy from sunlight to power photosynthesis.
They use the sugars they make during photosynthesis as food. This food provides the organisms with the energy they need to live. | This organism is photosynthetic:
The text tells you that snake plants use carbon dioxide and water to make sugars, and then use these sugars to get energy. This is evidence that the snake plant is a photosynthetic organism.
This organism is not photosynthetic:
The text does not provide evidence that the emerald tree boa is photosynthetic. |
|
Which tense does the sentence use?
The mouse nibbles on the bread. | [
"future tense",
"past tense",
"present tense"
] | 2 | 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 present tense. You can tell because it uses a present-tense verb, nibbles. The verb ends in -s and tells you about something that is true or happening now. |
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