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Which correctly shows the title of a short story?
[ "The Gift of the Magi", "\"The Gift of the Magi\"" ]
1
closed choice
grade9
language science
punctuation
Formatting
Formatting titles
The title of a book, movie, play, TV show, magazine, or newspaper should be in italics. If you write it by hand, it can be underlined instead. A Midsummer Night's Dream The title of a poem, song, article, or short story should be in quotation marks. "You Are My Sunshine"
A short story should be in quotation marks. The correct title is "The Gift of the Magi."
The city of Belmont has been one of the world's biggest makers of cough drops for many years. But last month, Belmont'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
grade3
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 Belmont. The number of producers of cough drops went down. So, the supply of cough drops will probably go down.
Is this a run-on sentence? According to one theory, aviator Amelia Earhart may have crash landed on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean rather than crashing into the water as many historians believe.
[ "yes", "no" ]
1
yes or no
grade12
language science
writing-strategies
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Identify run-on sentences
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily because we have a concert in two weeks. A run-on sentence is formed when two sentences are run together, joined by just a comma or by no punctuation at all. If only a comma is used, the run-on is called a comma splice. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily, we have a concert in two weeks. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily we have a concert in two weeks. There are several ways to fix a run-on sentence: Use stronger punctuation, such as a period or a semicolon. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily. We have a concert in two weeks. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily; we have a concert in two weeks. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction to create a compound sentence. Coordinating conjunctions include and, but, or, and so. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily, and we have a concert in two weeks. Use a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun to create a complex sentence. Subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while. Relative pronouns include that, which, who, whom, and whose. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily since we have a concert in two weeks.
This is not a run-on sentence. It is not formed from two sentences that have been run together without appropriate punctuation. According to one theory, aviator Amelia Earhart may have crash landed on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean rather than crashing into the water as many historians believe.
Which tense does the sentence use? The astronomer uses the telescope only at night.
[ "present tense", "past tense", "future tense" ]
0
closed choice
grade4
language science
verbs
Verb tense
Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense?
Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now. Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es. Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms. Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened. Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed. Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms. Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen. All future-tense verbs use the word will. Present | Past | Future walk, walks | walked | will walk go, goes | went | will go
The sentence is in present tense. You can tell because it uses a present-tense verb, uses. The verb ends in -s and tells you about something that is true or happening now.
Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference?
[ "Peter's brother John wondered whether he ran fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon.", "Peter's brother John wondered whether Peter ran fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon." ]
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 he could refer to Peter or John. The second answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. He has been replaced with Peter. Peter's brother John wondered whether Peter ran fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
Which is harder?
[ "ceramic plate", "paper bag" ]
0
closed choice
grade2
natural science
physics
Materials
Compare properties of materials
Every object is made of one or more materials. A material is a type of matter. Wood, glass, metal, and plastic are common materials. A material has different properties. A material's properties tell you how it looks, feels, tastes, or smells.
Hard is a property. A hard material keeps its shape when you press on it with your finger. Look at each picture, one at a time. Imagine pushing on the material shown in each picture. Of the choices, the ceramic plate is harder. If you press on a piece of ceramic, it will not change shape.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? From the warmth and safety of their beds, the villagers listened to the screaming storm until daybreak. Then there was silence.
[ "personification", "allusion" ]
0
closed choice
grade10
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify figures of speech: review
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words. What a lucky little lady you are! An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake. A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound. The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat. Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. The trees danced in the wind. A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning. A great new broom is sweeping the nation. Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic. Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down. Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.
The text uses personification, giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. Screaming storm describes the loud storm as if it were human.
Which is a compound sentence?
[ "The lightning frightened the horses, but they calmed down after the storm.", "Bison once roamed freely across the Great Plains of the United States." ]
0
closed choice
grade5
language science
grammar
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Is the sentence simple or compound?
A simple sentence is a sentence with only one subject and predicate. The pitcher threw the ball to first base. A compound sentence is two simple sentences joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. The pitcher threw the ball, and the batter hit it. Some simple sentences have a compound subject or a compound predicate, but they are not compound sentences. Anna and James will watch the fireworks tonight. This simple sentence has a compound subject, Anna and James. The singers bowed and walked off the stage. This simple sentence has a compound predicate, bowed and walked off the stage. Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but they are not compound sentences. The introductory phrase is part of the predicate. In the winter, Farmer Ben wears his heavy coat. This is a simple sentence. There is one subject, Farmer Ben, and one predicate, wears his heavy coat in the winter.
The first sentence is the compound sentence. It is made up of two simple sentences joined by a comma and the conjunction but. The lightning frightened the horses, but they calmed down after the storm.
Which is a compound sentence?
[ "The magician made a rabbit disappear, and he pulled flowers out of his hat.", "The woman at the post office weighs the package on a scale." ]
0
closed choice
grade4
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 and. The magician made a rabbit disappear, and he pulled flowers out of his hat.
What information supports the conclusion that Naomi acquired this trait?
[ "Some scars fade more quickly than others.", "Naomi's scar was caused by an accident. She cut her leg when she was climbing a tree." ]
1
Read the description of a trait. Naomi has a scar on her left leg.
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? Hector put on an extra pair of socks this morning because it was so cold.
[ "weather", "climate" ]
0
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. Hector put on an extra pair of socks this morning because it was so cold. This passage tells you about the temperature this morning where Hector lives. It describes the atmosphere at a certain place and time. So, this passage describes the weather.
Based on this information, what is Astro's phenotype for the horns trait?
[ "having horns", "not having horns" ]
1
In a group of cows, some individuals have horns and others do not. In this group, the gene for the horns trait has two alleles. The allele for having horns (h) is recessive to the allele for not having horns (H). Astro is a cow from this group. Astro has the heterozygous genotype Hh for the horns gene.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive
All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait. Some traits, like flower color in pea plants, are controlled by a single gene. Most plants and animals have a genotype made up of two alleles for these traits. These two alleles determine whether an organism is homozygous or heterozygous for the gene. An organism with two identical alleles for a gene is homozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype FF or ff is homozygous for the flower color gene. An organism with two different alleles for a gene is heterozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype Ff is heterozygous for the flower color gene. The types of alleles in an organism's genotype determine the organism's phenotype. Some alleles have types called dominant and recessive. These two types can cause different versions of a trait to appear as the organism's phenotype. A dominant allele causes its version of the trait to appear even when the organism also has a recessive allele for the gene. In pea plants, the F allele, which causes purple flowers, is dominant over the f allele. A pea plant with at least one F allele will have the F allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype FF or Ff will have purple flowers. A recessive allele causes its version of the trait to appear only when the organism does not have any dominant alleles for the gene. In pea plants, the f allele, which causes white flowers, is recessive to the F allele. A pea plant with only f alleles will have the f allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype ff will have white flowers.
You need to determine Astro's phenotype for the horns trait. First, consider the alleles in Astro's genotype for the horns gene. Then, decide whether these alleles are dominant or recessive. The allele for having horns (h) is recessive to the allele for not having horns (H). This means H is a dominant allele, and h is a recessive allele. Astro's genotype of Hh has one dominant allele and one recessive allele. An organism with at least one dominant allele for a gene will have the dominant allele's version of the trait. So, Astro's phenotype for the horns trait must be not having horns.
What information supports the conclusion that Diana acquired this trait?
[ "Diana's mother speaks one language.", "Diana learned to speak two languages in school." ]
1
Read the description of a trait. Diana speaks two languages.
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.
What information supports the conclusion that Ann acquired this trait?
[ "A pilot taught Ann how to fly a plane.", "Ann is in the Air Force. She flies a plane almost every day.", "Ann can fly a plane on cloudy days and at night." ]
0
Read the description of a trait. Ann knows how to fly a plane.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.
Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Avery plays hockey.
[ "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 hockey. Instead, some people learn how to play hockey. Playing the sport takes practice. So, playing hockey is an acquired trait.
Would you find the word pep on a dictionary page with the following guide words? proof - purify
[ "yes", "no" ]
1
yes or no
grade5
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 pep is not between the guide words proof - purify, it would not be found on that page.
Select the animal that has a backbone.
[ "fly", "cassowary" ]
1
Hint: Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians all have backbones.
closed choice
grade2
natural science
biology
Classification
Identify animals with and without backbones
Some animals have a backbone. The backbone is made of many bones in an animal's back. An animal's backbone helps connect the different parts of its body. In the drawings below, each animal's backbone is colored orange. Other animals do not have a backbone. In fact, these animals don't have any bones! Some animals without backbones have a hard outer cover. Other animals have a soft body.
A cassowary is a bird. Like other birds, a cassowary has a backbone. A fly is an insect. Like other insects, a fly does not have a backbone. It has a hard outer cover.
Which closing is correct for a letter?
[ "Love,\nJosh", "love,\nJosh" ]
0
closed choice
grade4
language science
punctuation
Formatting
Greetings and closings of letters
A letter starts with a greeting and ends with a closing. For each one, capitalize the first word and end with a comma. You should also capitalize proper nouns, such as Aunt Sue. Dear Aunt Sue, I'm glad you could come to my party, and thank you for the birthday gift. I could not have asked for a better one! Every time I see it, I think of you. With love, Rory
The second closing is correct: Its first word is capitalized, and it ends with a comma.
What information supports the conclusion that Tristan acquired this trait?
[ "Tristan's scar was caused by an accident. He cut his arm when he fell off his bicycle.", "Some scars fade more quickly than others." ]
0
Read the description of a trait. Tristan has a scar on his right arm.
closed choice
grade6
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.
Complete the statement. Assume that Diego's mass did not change. The gravitational potential energy stored between Diego and Earth () as he rode the escalator.
[ "decreased", "increased", "stayed the same" ]
1
Read the text about a person in motion. Diego rode an escalator from the first floor to the second floor of a shopping mall.
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 Diego and the center of Earth changed. The second floor is higher than the first floor. As he rode the escalator toward the second floor, the distance between Diego and the center of Earth increased. So, the gravitational potential energy stored between Diego and Earth increased as he rode the escalator.
Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Kelly is good at cooking.
[ "acquired", "inherited" ]
0
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Traits and heredity
Identify inherited and acquired traits
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Children do not inherit their parents' acquired traits.
People are not born knowing how to cook. Instead, many people learn how to cook. So, cooking is an acquired trait.
Which sentence states a fact?
[ "A triangle is a shape with three sides.", "Triangles are harder to draw than rectangles." ]
0
closed choice
grade3
language science
writing-strategies
Opinion writing
Distinguish facts from opinions
A fact is something that can be proved to be true. The month of July has more days than the month of June. This is a fact. It can be proved by looking at a calendar and counting the number of days in each month. An opinion is something that a person believes, thinks, or feels. An opinion cannot be proved true. July is a better month than June for camping. This is an opinion. People may have different opinions about which month is "better" for camping.
The second sentence states a fact. A triangle is a shape with three sides. It can be proved by looking up the word triangle. The first sentence states an opinion. Triangles are harder to draw than rectangles. Harder shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about which shape is harder to draw.
Is a pencil a good or a service?
[ "a service", "a good" ]
1
closed choice
grade2
social science
economics
Economics
Goods and services
Everything you can buy is either a good or a service. A good is something you can touch or hold in your hands. For example, a hammer is a good. A service is a job you pay someone else to do. For example, cooking food in a restaurant is a service.
To decide whether a pencil is a good or a service, ask these questions: Is a pencil something you can touch? Yes. Is a pencil a job you might pay someone else to do? No. So, a pencil is a good.
Oranges do not grow well in cold temperatures. After an unusually cold winter, what will probably happen to the overall supply of oranges?
[ "The supply will probably go up.", "The supply will probably go down." ]
1
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.
Cold weather makes it more difficult to grow oranges. Fewer oranges will be grown, and there will probably be fewer oranges to sell. The overall supply of oranges will probably go down. The oranges, which are resources, are harder to get.
Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference?
[ "Steve gave a beautifully bound copy of his favorite book, One Hundred Years of Solitude, to Jake.", "Steve gave Jake a beautifully bound copy of One Hundred Years of Solitude, which is his favorite book." ]
1
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 his could refer to Steve or Jake. Steve gave Jake a beautifully bound copy of One Hundred Years of Solitude, which is his favorite book. The first answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. The text has been rewritten so that the meaning is clear. Steve gave a beautifully bound copy of his favorite book, One Hundred Years of Solitude, to Jake.
Choose the poem that uses alliteration.
[ "Now silent, now singing and swaying and swinging,\nlike blossoms that bend to the breezes or showers,\nNow wantonly winding, they flash, now they falter,\nand, lingering, languish in radiant choir.", "So mirrored in thy heart are all desires,\nEternal longings, Youth's inheritance,\nAll hopes that token immortality,\nAll griefs whereto immortal grief aspires." ]
0
From Sarojini Naidu, "Indian Dancers" and from Archibald MacLeish, "Imagery"
closed choice
grade9
language science
reading-comprehension
Analyzing literature
Identify elements of poetry
Poets often use the sounds of words to create interesting effects and to express moods and emotions. Understanding these elements of poetry can help you better interpret and appreciate poetic forms. Anaphora is the repetition of words or sequences of words at the beginning of multiple phrases, sentences, or lines. Out of the cradle endlessly rocking, Out of the mocking-bird's throat, the musical shuttle, Out of the Ninth-month midnight —From Walt Whitman, "Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking" Onomatopoeia is when language sounds like what it talks about. Sometimes the onomatopoeia uses made-up words: Tlot-tlot! tlot-tlot! Had they heard it? The horse hoofs ringing clear. —From Alfred Noyes, "The Highwayman" Sometimes the onomatopoeia uses real words: Hark! the honey bee is humming. —From Mary Howitt, "The Voice of Spring" Alliteration is when beginning consonant sounds are repeated in words that are close together. Where the wild men watched and waited Wolves in the forest, and bears in the bush. —From Bayard Taylor, "A Night with a Wolf" Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds. Often, assonance can create rhymes or near-rhymes within lines. I wandered lonely as a Cloud That floats on high o'er Vales and Hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden Daffodils. —From William Wordsworth, "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" Meter is a poem's rhythm, or the pattern of strong and weak syllables. Strong syllables are stressed, while weak syllables are unstressed. A poem has an iambic meter when the beat sounds like da-DUM. A weak syllable is followed by a strong syllable. Occasionally, a line may begin with a strong syllable. He watches from his mountain walls, And like a thunderbolt he falls. —From Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "The Eagle" A poem has a trochaic meter when the beat sounds like DUM-da. A strong syllable is followed by a weak syllable. Occasionally, a line may end in a strong syllable. Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning, Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before. —From Edgar Allen Poe, "The Raven" Free verse is when a poem has neither a regular rhythm nor a rhyme pattern. The old bridge has a wrinkled face. He bends his back For us to go over. —From Hilda Conkling, "The Old Bridge" The syllables in bold are strong. You can see this poem does not have a regular rhythm. It also doesn't have a rhyme pattern.
This poem uses alliteration. It repeats beginning consonant sounds.
Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? patient - poncho
[ "perfume", "puzzle" ]
0
closed choice
grade5
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 perfume is between the guide words patient - poncho, it would be found on that page.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? Jada and Danny had met before through mutual friends, but they had never been alone together until their first date.
[ "euphemism", "oxymoron" ]
1
closed choice
grade12
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify the figure of speech: euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron, paradox
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off. Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. I ate so much that I think I might explode! An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic. A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. Always expect the unexpected.
The text uses an oxymoron, a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Alone together is a contradiction, because being alone means by yourself, but together means with someone else.
What information supports the conclusion that Kelly acquired this trait?
[ "Kelly was not born knowing how to identify different bird calls. She had to learn this skill.", "Kelly likes to photograph birds at the zoo." ]
0
Read the description of a trait. Kelly is good at identifying birds from their calls.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Traits and heredity
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment.
Which is more flexible?
[ "chalk", "rubber band" ]
1
closed choice
grade3
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. Some examples of properties are shiny, hard, fragile, and stretchy. For example, a shiny material reflects a lot of light. A fragile material breaks when you drop it.
Flexible is a property. A flexible material can be bent without breaking easily. Look at each picture, one at a time. Imagine bending the material shown in each picture. Of the choices, the rubber band is more flexible. If you bend rubber, it will not break.
Complete the sentence. In this chemical reaction, oxygen is a ().
[ "product", "reactant" ]
0
This passage describes a chemical reaction. Read the passage. Then, follow the instructions below. Hydrogen peroxide, a household disinfectant, breaks down into water and oxygen gas over time. Light speeds up this process, so hydrogen peroxide is typically stored in a dark-colored bottle. The bottle's dark coloring blocks light and makes the hydrogen peroxide last longer.
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 oxygen in this chemical reaction. Hydrogen peroxide, a household disinfectant, breaks down into water and oxygen gas over time. Light speeds up this process, so hydrogen peroxide is typically stored in a dark-colored bottle. The bottle's dark coloring blocks light and makes the hydrogen peroxide last longer. The underlined text tells you that oxygen forms when hydrogen peroxide breaks down. Because oxygen is produced by this chemical reaction, oxygen is a product.
Simon starts to pull the wagon across the yard. To move the wagon at the same speed each time, which friend does Simon need to pull with a larger force?
[ "a friend who weighs 35 pounds", "a friend who weighs 24 pounds" ]
0
Simon gives two friends a ride in his wagon. One friend sits in the wagon at a time.
closed choice
grade2
natural science
physics
Force and motion
How do mass and force affect motion?
A force is a push or a pull. A force can make an object start moving or stop an object that is moving. A force can also make an object speed up, slow down, or change direction. Forces can be different sizes. Think about trying to move a heavy object and a light object. Imagine you want to move them at the same speed. You will need to use a larger force to move the heavy object.
Look for the friend who is heavier. A friend who weighs 35 pounds is heavier than a friend who weighs 24 pounds. So, to move the wagon at the same speed each time, Simon needs to use a larger force to start moving the wagon with a friend who weighs 35 pounds.
Compare the motion of three blue jays. Which blue jay was moving at the lowest speed?
[ "a blue jay that moved 325kilometers east in 10hours", "a blue jay that moved 345kilometers south in 10hours", "a blue jay that moved 315kilometers south in 10hours" ]
2
closed choice
grade3
natural science
physics
Force and motion
Compare the speeds of moving objects
An object's speed tells you how fast the object is moving. Speed depends on both distance and time. Distance tells you how far the object has moved. One unit used to measure distance is the kilometer. Time tells you how long the object has spent moving. One unit used to measure time is the hour. Think about objects moving for the same amount of time. The object that is moving the slowest will go the shortest distance in that time. It is moving at the lowest speed.
Look at the distance each blue jay moved and the time it took to move that distance. The direction each blue jay moved does not affect its speed. Notice that each blue jay moved for 10 hours. The blue jay that moved 315 kilometers moved the shortest distance in that time. So, that blue jay must have moved at the lowest speed.
What does the verbal irony in this text suggest? According to Mr. Buchanan's kids, his snoring is as quiet as a jackhammer.
[ "The snoring occurs in bursts.", "The snoring is loud." ]
1
closed choice
grade7
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Interpret figures of speech
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. 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. As quiet as a jackhammer suggests that the snoring is loud. A jackhammer is not quiet, and neither is Mr. Buchanan's snoring.
Select the one true statement.
[ "An animal cell has both a cell wall and chloroplasts.", "The nucleus of a plant cell has chromosomes.", "The cell membrane of an animal cell uses sunlight to make sugar." ]
1
closed choice
grade7
natural science
biology
Cells
Compare cells and cell parts
What do these two changes have in common? melting wax snowflakes forming in a cloud
[ "Both are caused by cooling.", "Both are chemical changes.", "Both are only physical changes.", "Both are caused by heating." ]
2
closed choice
grade7
natural science
chemistry
Chemical reactions
Compare physical and chemical changes
Matter is made of very small particles called atoms. Atoms can be linked together by chemical bonds. When two or more atoms link together, they form a molecule. In a chemical change, the chemical bonds in the molecules break. The atoms then link together to form different molecules. The types of molecules in matter before and after a chemical change are always different. Some chemical changes are caused by heating or cooling. For example, burning a piece of paper is a chemical change caused by heating. As paper burns, paper molecules react with oxygen molecules in the air. This reaction breaks the chemical bonds in the molecules. The atoms then link together in a different way to form different molecules. For example, carbon dioxide molecules are formed when paper burns. In a physical change, chemical bonds do not break. The types of molecules in matter before and after a physical change are always the same. A change of state is a type of physical change. Changes of state can be caused by heating or cooling. For example, water vaporizing is a physical change that can be caused by heating. Liquid water and water vapor are made of the same type of matter: water. The law of conservation of mass says that all physical and chemical changes conserve mass. Conserve means to keep the same. So, the total mass before a physical or chemical change is equal to the total mass after the change.
Step 1: Think about each change. Melting wax is a change of state. So, it is a physical change. The wax changes from solid to liquid. But it is still made of the same type of matter. Snowflakes forming in a cloud 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. Wax melting is caused by heating. But snowflakes forming in a cloud is not. Both are caused by cooling. A snowflake begins to form when a tiny drop of liquid water in a cloud freezes. This is caused by cooling. But melting wax is not.
Is a piano a good or a service?
[ "a service", "a good" ]
1
closed choice
grade2
social science
economics
Economics
Goods and services
Everything you can buy is either a good or a service. A good is something you can touch or hold in your hands. For example, a hammer is a good. A service is a job you pay someone else to do. For example, cooking food in a restaurant is a service.
To decide whether a piano is a good or a service, ask these questions: Is a piano something you can touch? Yes. Is a piano a job you might pay someone else to do? No. So, a piano is a good.
Which correctly shows the title of a movie?
[ "***The Strongest Man in the World***", "\"The Strongest Man in the World\"" ]
0
closed choice
grade6
language science
punctuation
Formatting
Formatting titles
The title of a book, movie, play, TV show, magazine, or newspaper should be in italics. If you write it by hand, it can be underlined instead. A Midsummer Night's Dream The title of a poem, song, article, or short story should be in quotation marks. "You Are My Sunshine"
A movie should be in italics. The correct title is **The Strongest Man in the World**.
The donkeys move the carts at the same speed. Which cart is pulled with a larger force?
[ "a cart holding 64 pounds", "a cart holding 90 pounds" ]
1
Two donkeys pull carts from the farmhouse to the yard. The carts are the same. Each cart is holding different tools.
closed choice
grade2
natural science
physics
Force and motion
How do mass and force affect motion?
A force is a push or a pull. A force can make an object start moving or stop an object that is moving. A force can also make an object speed up, slow down, or change direction. Forces can be different sizes. Think about trying to move a heavy object and a light object. Imagine you want to move them at the same speed. You will need to use a larger force to move the heavy object.
Look for the cart that is heavier. A cart holding 90 pounds is heavier than a cart holding 64 pounds. So, the cart holding 90 pounds needs a larger force to start moving at the same speed as the other cart.
Which is the hardest?
[ "styrofoam packing peanuts", "cobalt", "linen handkerchief" ]
1
closed choice
grade4
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. Some examples of properties are shiny, hard, fragile, and stretchy. For example, a shiny material reflects a lot of light. A fragile material breaks when you drop it.
Hard is a property. A hard material keeps its shape when you press on it with your finger. Look at each picture, one at a time. Imagine pushing on the material shown in each picture. Of the choices, the cobalt is the hardest. If you press on a bar of cobalt, it will not change shape.
Which type of sentence is this? An avid reader, Zack attends weekly book club meetings, and he finishes several novels every month.
[ "simple", "complex", "compound", "compound-complex" ]
2
closed choice
grade10
language science
grammar
Phrases and clauses
Is the sentence simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex?
A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate. An independent clause is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is not a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. the oranges on our tree are ripe The clause can stand alone. It is independent. after we pick up Kevin from work The clause cannot stand alone. It is dependent. A simple sentence is made up of a single independent clause. Ben and I spent all day relaxing by the pool. Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but the introductory phrase is part of the predicate. In the winter, Ben usually wears his heavy coat. Ben usually wears his heavy coat in the winter. A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. We saw the flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard a rumble of thunder. A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause in a complex sentence usually begins with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun. Subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while. Relative pronouns include that, which, who, whom, or whose. If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids. During his trip to Italy, Tony visited the Trevi Fountain, which is in Rome. A compound-complex sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. After Samantha left work, she stopped at the bank, and then she went to the gym. Sometimes a dependent clause in a complex or compound-complex sentence can interrupt an independent clause. Orcas that are kept in captivity often have bent dorsal fins.
The sentence is compound. It is made up of two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction and. An avid reader, Zack attends weekly book club meetings, and he finishes several novels every month.
What information supports the conclusion that Janelle acquired this trait?
[ "Janelle likes to photograph birds at the zoo.", "Janelle was not born knowing how to identify different bird calls. She had to learn this skill." ]
1
Read the description of a trait. Janelle is good at identifying birds from their calls.
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 greeting is correct for a letter?
[ "Dear grandpa Nick,", "Dear Grandpa Nick," ]
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. Grandpa Nick is capitalized because it is a proper noun.
Would you find the word destroy on a dictionary page with the following guide words? dam - dirty
[ "no", "yes" ]
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 destroy is between the guide words dam - dirty, it would be found on that page.
Which is a compound sentence?
[ "The engine in the car makes a strange noise.", "Grandma shelled the peas, but she left the beans for me." ]
1
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 but. Grandma shelled the peas, but she left the beans for me.
Which type of sentence is this? An avid reader, Pablo attends weekly book club meetings, and he finishes several novels every month.
[ "compound-complex", "compound", "simple", "complex" ]
1
closed choice
grade11
language science
grammar
Phrases and clauses
Is the sentence simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex?
A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate. An independent clause is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is not a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. the oranges on our tree are ripe The clause can stand alone. It is independent. after we pick up Kevin from work The clause cannot stand alone. It is dependent. A simple sentence is made up of a single independent clause. Ben and I spent all day relaxing by the pool. Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but the introductory phrase is part of the predicate. In the winter, Ben usually wears his heavy coat. Ben usually wears his heavy coat in the winter. A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. We saw the flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard a rumble of thunder. A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause in a complex sentence usually begins with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun. Subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while. Relative pronouns include that, which, who, whom, or whose. If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids. During his trip to Italy, Tony visited the Trevi Fountain, which is in Rome. A compound-complex sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. After Samantha left work, she stopped at the bank, and then she went to the gym. Sometimes a dependent clause in a complex or compound-complex sentence can interrupt an independent clause. Orcas that are kept in captivity often have bent dorsal fins.
The sentence is compound. It is made up of two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction and. An avid reader, Pablo attends weekly book club meetings, and he finishes several novels every month.
Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Brett can ride a motorcycle.
[ "inherited", "acquired" ]
1
Hint: Riding a motorcycle well takes practice.
closed choice
grade3
natural science
biology
Heredity
Identify inherited and acquired traits
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Children do not inherit their parents' acquired traits.
People are not born knowing how to ride a motorcycle. Instead, many people learn how to ride. So, riding a motorcycle is an acquired trait.
Which word does not rhyme?
[ "get", "meet", "feet" ]
0
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 feet and meet rhyme. They both end with the eet sound. The word get does not rhyme. It ends with a different sound.
Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? mayor - mist
[ "mosquito", "mechanic" ]
1
closed choice
grade5
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 mechanic is between the guide words mayor - mist, it would be found on that page.
Using only these supplies, which question can Aubrey investigate with an experiment?
[ "Does the basketball bounce higher on a lawn or on a dirt path?", "Do larger basketballs bounce higher than smaller basketballs on a brick patio?", "Does the basketball bounce higher on gravel or on grass?" ]
2
Aubrey gets a basketball for her birthday and dribbles it around her neighborhood. She notices that sometimes the ball bounces higher than other times. She wonders what factors affect how high her ball bounces. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: one basketball access to a brick patio access to a grassy lawn access to a gravel driveway a meterstick
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!
The Fifth Amendment talks about the rights of people who are accused of crimes. For example, it says that a person cannot be put on trial for the same crime more than once. Which is another right protected by the Fifth Amendment?
[ "the right to lie to a judge", "the right to apologize", "the right to own weapons", "the right to remain silent" ]
3
closed choice
grade4
social science
civics
Government
The Bill of Rights
The Fifth Amendment says that a person cannot be put on trial for the same crime more than once. It also says that anyone accused of a crime has the right to remain silent. The right to remain silent is important when someone is accused of a crime. A person does not have to answer questions from the police. In fact, the police need to tell a person about the Fifth Amendment before questioning him or her. A person also does not have to speak at his or her own trial. Even if a person does speak, he or she can plead the Fifth to avoid answering any question. Part of the text of the Fifth Amendment is below. It does not use the words "right to remain silent." Where do you think that phrase comes from? Nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? It's an open secret that Brennan is writing a book based on his experiences living in Singapore. He never talks about it, but almost all his friends know.
[ "oxymoron", "apostrophe" ]
0
closed choice
grade11
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify the figure of speech: review
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. We are united. We are powerful. We are winners. Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. I want to help, not to hurt. Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully? Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words. Try to light the fire. Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you. A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off. Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. I ate so much that I think I might explode! An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic. A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. Always expect the unexpected. Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic.
The text uses an oxymoron, a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Open secret is a contradiction, because open describes something that is freely or publicly known, and a secret is hidden.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? And if you can't be with the one you love, honey, Love the one you're with —Stephen Stills, "Love the One You're With"
[ "chiasmus", "anaphora" ]
0
closed choice
grade11
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify the figure of speech: anaphora, antithesis, apostrophe, assonance, chiasmus, understatement
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. We are united. We are powerful. We are winners. Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. I want to help, not to hurt. Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully? Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words. Try to light the fire. Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you. Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic.
The text uses chiasmus, an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. The second half of the sentence reverses the order of the words with and love relative to the first half.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? I was just beginning to yawn with nerves . . . when I knew his tattarrattat at the door. —James Joyce, Ulysses
[ "onomatopoeia", "simile" ]
0
closed choice
grade10
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify figures of speech: review
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words. What a lucky little lady you are! An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake. A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound. The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat. Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. The trees danced in the wind. A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning. A great new broom is sweeping the nation. Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic. Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down. Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.
The text uses onomatopoeia, a word that expresses a sound. Tattarrattat represents the sound of a knock on a door.
Which tense does the sentence use? Mom will pitch the ball to Fred.
[ "future tense", "present tense", "past tense" ]
0
closed choice
grade4
language science
verbs
Verb tense
Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense?
Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now. Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es. Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms. Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened. Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed. Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms. Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen. All future-tense verbs use the word will. Present | Past | Future walk, walks | walked | will walk go, goes | went | will go
The sentence is in future tense. You can tell because it uses will before the main verb, pitch. The verb tells you about something that is going to happen.
Select the one substance that is not a mineral.
[ "Soap is made in a factory. It is not a pure substance.", "Sphalerite is a pure substance. It is not made by living things.", "Hematite is not made by living things. It is a solid." ]
0
closed choice
grade4
natural science
earth-science
Rocks and minerals
Identify minerals using properties
Minerals are the building blocks of rocks. A rock can be made of one or more minerals. Minerals and rocks have the following properties: Property | Mineral | Rock It is a solid. | Yes | Yes It is formed in nature. | Yes | Yes It is not made by organisms. | Yes | Yes It is a pure substance. | Yes | No It has a fixed crystal structure. | Yes | No You can use these properties to tell whether a substance is a mineral, a rock, or neither. Look closely at the last three properties: Minerals and rocks are not made by organisms. Organisms make their own body parts. For example, snails and clams make their shells. Because they are made by organisms, body parts cannot be minerals or rocks. Humans are organisms too. So, substances that humans make by hand or in factories are not minerals or rocks. A mineral is a pure substance, but a rock is not. A pure substance is made of only one type of matter. Minerals are pure substances, but rocks are not. Instead, all rocks are mixtures. A mineral has a fixed crystal structure, but a rock does not. The crystal structure of a substance tells you how the atoms or molecules in the substance are arranged. Different types of minerals have different crystal structures, but all minerals have a fixed crystal structure. This means that the atoms and molecules in different pieces of the same type of mineral are always arranged the same way. However, rocks do not have a fixed crystal structure. So, the arrangement of atoms or molecules in different pieces of the same type of rock may be different!
Compare the properties of each substance to the properties of minerals. Select the substance whose properties do not match those of minerals. Hematite is a mineral. Sphalerite is a mineral. Soap is made in a factory. But all minerals are formed in nature. Soap is not a pure substance. But all minerals are pure substances. So, soap is not a mineral.
Does this passage describe the weather or the climate? Where Wayne lives, the wind often blows in from the nearby hills.
[ "climate", "weather" ]
0
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
grade4
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. Where Wayne lives, the wind often blows in from the nearby hills. This passage tells you about the usual wind pattern where Wayne lives. It does not describe what the weather is like on a particular day. So, this passage describes the climate.
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? By the time Evelyn had finished explaining to Mr. Scott what had happened, her friends were laughingly referring to her as Scheherazade.
[ "Greek history", "ancient legend" ]
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 Scheherazade is ancient legend. The Arabian Nights presents the ancient legend of how Scheherazade successfully postpones her imminent death by mesmerizing her captor with a thousand and one fascinating tales. The allusion Scheherazade means a person who uses his or her arts to distract someone and avoid consequences.
Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Evan knows how to type.
[ "acquired", "inherited" ]
0
Hint: Typing takes practice.
closed choice
grade3
natural science
biology
Heredity
Identify inherited and acquired traits
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Children do not inherit their parents' acquired traits.
People are not born knowing how to type. Instead, many people learn how to type. So, typing is an acquired trait.
Compare the motion of two bowhead whales. Which bowhead whale was moving at a lower speed?
[ "a bowhead whale that moved 45kilometers in 10hours", "a bowhead whale that moved 65kilometers in 10hours" ]
0
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 kilometer. 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 slower will go a shorter distance in that time. It is moving at a lower speed.
Look at the distance each bowhead whale moved and the time it took to move that distance. One bowhead whale moved 45 kilometers in 10 hours. The other bowhead whale moved 65 kilometers in 10 hours. Notice that each bowhead whale spent the same amount of time moving. The bowhead whale that moved 45 kilometers moved a shorter distance in that time. So, that bowhead whale must have moved at a lower speed.
The trucks begin to move at the same speed. Which truck needs a larger force to start moving?
[ "a mail truck carrying 250 pounds of mail", "a mail truck carrying 350 pounds of mail" ]
1
Two mail trucks are loaded with mail. The trucks are the same. But they are carrying different amounts of mail.
closed choice
grade2
natural science
physics
Force and motion
How do mass and force affect motion?
A force is a push or a pull. A force can make an object start moving or stop an object that is moving. A force can also make an object speed up, slow down, or change direction. Forces can be different sizes. Think about trying to move a heavy object and a light object. Imagine you want to move them at the same speed. You will need to use a larger force to move the heavy object.
Look for the mail truck that is heavier. A mail truck carrying 350 pounds of mail is heavier than a mail truck carrying 250 pounds of mail. So, the mail truck carrying 350 pounds needs a larger force to start moving at the same speed as the other mail truck.
Which sentence states a fact?
[ "The American Revolution went on for too many years.", "Thousands of people were injured during the American Revolution." ]
1
closed choice
grade8
social science
civics
Social studies skills
Identify facts and opinions
A fact is something that can be proved true by research or observation. George Washington became president of the United States in 1789. This statement is a fact. It can be proved by researching what year George Washington was inaugurated president. An opinion is something that a person believes, thinks, or feels. An opinion can be supported by evidence, but it cannot be proved true. George Washington was a better president than Thomas Jefferson. This statement is an opinion. People can have different ideas about what makes someone a "better" president, so the statement cannot be proved.
The first sentence states a fact. Thousands of people were injured during the American Revolution. It can be proved by researching how many people were injured during the American Revolution. The second sentence states an opinion. The American Revolution went on for too many years. Too many shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about how many years is too many.
Answer the riddle. I grow on a tree. You can eat me. I may be red, yellow, or green. What am I?
[ "an apple", "a leaf" ]
0
closed choice
grade1
language science
vocabulary
Comprehension strategies
What am I?
An apple grows on a tree. You can eat an apple. An apple may be red, yellow, or green.
Which is a complete sentence?
[ "Coach Landry talked to her team before the game.", "My ancestors are from Russia, they came here many years ago." ]
0
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.
Coach Landry talked to her team before the game is a complete sentence. The subject is Coach Landry, and the verb is talked.
Which sentence states a fact?
[ "Cheeses made from cow's milk taste better than cheeses made from sheep's milk.", "Cheese is often made from milk that comes from cows, sheep, or goats." ]
1
closed choice
grade3
language science
writing-strategies
Opinion writing
Distinguish facts from opinions
A fact is something that can be proved to be true. The month of July has more days than the month of June. This is a fact. It can be proved by looking at a calendar and counting the number of days in each month. An opinion is something that a person believes, thinks, or feels. An opinion cannot be proved true. July is a better month than June for camping. This is an opinion. People may have different opinions about which month is "better" for camping.
The first sentence states a fact. Cheese is often made from milk that comes from cows, sheep, or goats. It can be proved by looking up information about cheese. The second sentence states an opinion. Cheeses made from cow's milk taste better than cheeses made from sheep's milk. Better shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about which kind of cheeses tastes better.
Which text uses the word nauseous in its traditional sense?
[ "Everyone seemed to enjoy the magnolia-scented candle, but Derek found the smell rather nauseous.", "Everyone seemed to enjoy the magnolia-scented candle, but it made Derek feel rather nauseous." ]
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 second text uses nauseous in its traditional sense: causing disgust or nausea. Everyone seemed to enjoy the magnolia-scented candle, but Derek found the smell rather nauseous. The first text uses nauseous in its nontraditional sense: feeling disgusted or nauseated. Everyone seemed to enjoy the magnolia-scented candle, but it made Derek feel rather nauseous. Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word nauseous because it is considered more standard.
Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Johnny must not have enjoyed the casserole, or he would have asked for a second serving.
[ "false dichotomy: an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist", "circular reasoning: an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself", "ad hominem: an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself" ]
0
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 if Johnny enjoyed the casserole, then he would have eaten more. However, Johnny could have enjoyed the casserole without wanting a second serving. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as a false dichotomy.
Would you find the word giant on a dictionary page with the following guide words? glorious - grumble
[ "no", "yes" ]
0
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 giant is not between the guide words glorious - grumble, it would not be found on that page.
Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? palm - poster
[ "prowl", "pearl" ]
1
closed choice
grade6
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 pearl is between the guide words palm - poster, it would be found on that page.
What is the mass of a skateboard?
[ "7 ounces", "7 tons", "7 pounds" ]
2
Select the best estimate.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
units-and-measurement
Units and measurement
Choose customary 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 customary units, mass may be written with units of ounces, pounds, or tons. There are 16 ounces in 1 pound and 2,000 pounds in 1 ton. So, 1 ounce is less than 1 pound and much less than 1 ton. A slice of bread has a mass of about 1 ounce, while a can of beans has a mass of about 1 pound. A small car has a mass of about 1 ton.
The best estimate for the mass of a skateboard is 7 pounds. 7 ounces is too light and 7 tons is too heavy.
Using only these supplies, which question can Sofia investigate with an experiment?
[ "Does the basketball bounce higher on a lawn or on a dirt path?", "Does the basketball bounce higher on gravel or on grass?", "Do larger basketballs bounce higher than smaller basketballs on a brick patio?" ]
1
Sofia gets a basketball for her birthday and dribbles it around her neighborhood. She notices that sometimes the ball bounces higher than other times. She wonders what factors affect how high her ball bounces. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: one basketball access to a brick patio access to a grassy lawn access to a gravel driveway a meterstick
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 is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? Dillon spoke at the city council meeting, claiming the new recycling regulations were draconian.
[ "a fable", "Greek history" ]
1
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 draconian is Greek history. Draco, a government official in seventh-century Athens, Greece, wrote a code of laws that called for severe punishments for even minor offenses. The allusion draconian means harsh.
Which word does not rhyme?
[ "bone", "hole", "pole" ]
0
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 pole and hole rhyme. They both end with the ole sound. The word bone does not rhyme. It ends with a different sound.
Is there a sentence fragment? In the early 1800s, John Chapman—known today as Johnny Appleseed—planted acres of apple trees. The apples weren't meant for eating but instead were used to make cider.
[ "no", "yes" ]
0
yes or no
grade12
language science
writing-strategies
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Identify sentence fragments
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily because we have a concert in two weeks. A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. Rehearsing daily because we have a concert in two weeks. This fragment is missing a subject. It doesn't tell who is rehearsing. The band I'm in. This fragment is missing a verb. It doesn't tell what the band I'm in is doing. Because we have a concert in two weeks. This fragment is missing an independent clause. It doesn't tell what happened because of the concert.
There is not a sentence fragment. These are complete sentences because they express complete thoughts. In the early 1800 s, John Chapman—known today as Johnny Appleseed—planted acres of apple trees. The apples weren't meant for eating but instead were used to make cider.
Would you find the word pluck on a dictionary page with the following guide words? pinch - print
[ "yes", "no" ]
0
yes or no
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 pluck is between the guide words pinch - print, it would be found on that page.
Using only these supplies, which question can Dakota investigate with an experiment?
[ "Does a rubber inner tube sled or a plastic sled go faster down a hill?", "Does a plastic sled or a wooden sled go down a hill faster?", "Does a rubber inner tube sled go faster down a small hill or down a big hill?" ]
0
Dakota is sledding with her friends. She notices that some of them go faster down the sledding hill. She wonders what factors affect sledding speed. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: access to a small snow-covered hill at the park a small plastic sled a large plastic sled a rubber inner tube sled a stopwatch
closed choice
grade8
natural science
science-and-engineering-practices
Designing experiments
Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials
Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment. Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment? First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available. Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick. So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment!
Select the one substance that is not a mineral.
[ "Gypsum is a solid. It is not made by living things.", "Native gold is a pure substance. It is not made by living things.", "Brass is made in a factory. It is a solid." ]
2
closed choice
grade4
natural science
earth-science
Rocks and minerals
Identify minerals using properties
Minerals are the building blocks of rocks. A rock can be made of one or more minerals. Minerals and rocks have the following properties: Property | Mineral | Rock It is a solid. | Yes | Yes It is formed in nature. | Yes | Yes It is not made by organisms. | Yes | Yes It is a pure substance. | Yes | No It has a fixed crystal structure. | Yes | No You can use these properties to tell whether a substance is a mineral, a rock, or neither. Look closely at the last three properties: Minerals and rocks are not made by organisms. Organisms make their own body parts. For example, snails and clams make their shells. Because they are made by organisms, body parts cannot be minerals or rocks. Humans are organisms too. So, substances that humans make by hand or in factories are not minerals or rocks. A mineral is a pure substance, but a rock is not. A pure substance is made of only one type of matter. Minerals are pure substances, but rocks are not. Instead, all rocks are mixtures. A mineral has a fixed crystal structure, but a rock does not. The crystal structure of a substance tells you how the atoms or molecules in the substance are arranged. Different types of minerals have different crystal structures, but all minerals have a fixed crystal structure. This means that the atoms and molecules in different pieces of the same type of mineral are always arranged the same way. However, rocks do not have a fixed crystal structure. So, the arrangement of atoms or molecules in different pieces of the same type of rock may be different!
Compare the properties of each substance to the properties of minerals. Select the substance whose properties do not match those of minerals. Native gold is a mineral. Gypsum is a mineral. Brass is made in a factory. But all minerals are formed in nature. So, brass is not a mineral.
Which sentence states a fact?
[ "Thomas Edison's inventions are more interesting than Nikola Tesla's.", "Thomas Edison invented the phonograph." ]
1
closed choice
grade5
social science
civics
Social studies skills
Identify facts and opinions
A fact is something that can be proved to be true. Facts can be proved by observing, measuring, or studying information. The flag of the United States has 13 stripes. This is a fact. It can be proved by looking at the flag and counting the number of stripes. An opinion is something that a person believes, thinks, or feels. An opinion cannot be proved true. The flag of the United States is easy to draw. This is an opinion. People may have different opinions about what makes a flag "easy" to draw.
The second sentence states a fact. Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. It can be proved by reading a biography of Thomas Edison. The first sentence states an opinion. Thomas Edison's inventions are more interesting than Nikola Tesla's. More interesting shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about what makes something interesting.
Would you find the word vicious on a dictionary page with the following guide words? variety - volley
[ "yes", "no" ]
0
yes or no
grade5
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 vicious is between the guide words variety - volley, it would be found on that page.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? My mother always told me that "you can't afford cheap shoes." After having spent so much money repairing these boots, I'm beginning to believe her.
[ "paradox", "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 a paradox, a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. You can't afford cheap shoes at first appears to be contradictory, as cheap shoes should by definition not be expensive. However, cheap shoes may need to be replaced or repaired more often than expensive shoes, and so may end up being more expensive over time.
Select the plant.
[ "Flamingos walk and fly.", "Maple trees have star-shaped leaves." ]
1
closed choice
grade2
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.
A maple tree is a plant. It has star-shaped leaves. Maple trees have green leaves in the spring and summer. In the fall, their leaves turn yellow, red, or brown. A flamingo is an animal. It walks and flies. Flamingos live in large groups. These groups are called flocks.
Based on this information, what is Fieval's phenotype for the fur color trait?
[ "brown fur", "black fur" ]
1
In a group of rabbits, some individuals have black fur and others have brown fur. In this group, the gene for the fur color trait has two alleles. The allele for brown fur (f) is recessive to the allele for black fur (F). Fieval is a rabbit from this group. Fieval has the heterozygous genotype Ff for the fur color gene.
closed choice
grade6
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive
All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait. Some traits, like flower color in pea plants, are controlled by a single gene. Most plants and animals have a genotype made up of two alleles for these traits. These two alleles determine whether an organism is homozygous or heterozygous for the gene. An organism with two identical alleles for a gene is homozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype FF or ff is homozygous for the flower color gene. An organism with two different alleles for a gene is heterozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype Ff is heterozygous for the flower color gene. The types of alleles in an organism's genotype determine the organism's phenotype. Some alleles have types called dominant and recessive. These two types can cause different versions of a trait to appear as the organism's phenotype. A dominant allele causes its version of the trait to appear even when the organism also has a recessive allele for the gene. In pea plants, the F allele, which causes purple flowers, is dominant over the f allele. A pea plant with at least one F allele will have the F allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype FF or Ff will have purple flowers. A recessive allele causes its version of the trait to appear only when the organism does not have any dominant alleles for the gene. In pea plants, the f allele, which causes white flowers, is recessive to the F allele. A pea plant with only f alleles will have the f allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype ff will have white flowers.
You need to determine Fieval's phenotype for the fur color trait. First, consider the alleles in Fieval's genotype for the fur color gene. Then, decide whether these alleles are dominant or recessive. The allele for brown fur (f) is recessive to the allele for black fur (F). This means F is a dominant allele, and f is a recessive allele. Fieval's genotype of Ff has one dominant allele and one recessive allele. An organism with at least one dominant allele for a gene will have the dominant allele's version of the trait. So, Fieval's phenotype for the fur color trait must be black fur.
Which correctly shows the title of a book?
[ "Sarah, Plain and Tall", "sarah, plain and Tall" ]
0
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 word and is not important, so it should not be capitalized. The correct title is Sarah, Plain and Tall.
Which is a compound sentence?
[ "Rumors about Mayor Wagner were spreading like wildfire, so she set the record straight at a press conference.", "At the auction, several paintings by famous artists were for sale, including one by Pablo Picasso." ]
0
closed choice
grade6
language science
grammar
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex?
A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate. An independent clause is a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause is not a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. the oranges on our tree are ripe The clause can stand alone. It is independent. after we pick up Kevin from work The clause cannot stand alone. It is dependent. A simple sentence is made up of a single independent clause. Ben and I spent all day relaxing by the pool. Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but the introductory phrase is part of the predicate. In the winter, Ben usually wears his heavy coat. Ben usually wears his heavy coat in the winter. A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. We saw a flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard the rumble of thunder. A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction such as after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, or while. If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids.
The second sentence is the compound sentence. It is made up of two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction so. Rumors about Mayor Wagner were spreading like wildfire, so she set the record straight at a press conference.
Based on this information, what is Tweety's phenotype for the cheek color trait?
[ "pale orange cheeks", "bright orange cheeks" ]
1
In a group of cockatiels, some individuals have bright orange cheeks and others have pale orange cheeks. In this group, the gene for the cheek color trait has two alleles. The allele for bright orange cheeks (R) is dominant over the allele for pale orange cheeks (r). Tweety is a cockatiel from this group. Tweety has the heterozygous genotype Rr for the cheek color gene.
closed choice
grade6
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive
All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait. Some traits, like flower color in pea plants, are controlled by a single gene. Most plants and animals have a genotype made up of two alleles for these traits. These two alleles determine whether an organism is homozygous or heterozygous for the gene. An organism with two identical alleles for a gene is homozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype FF or ff is homozygous for the flower color gene. An organism with two different alleles for a gene is heterozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype Ff is heterozygous for the flower color gene. The types of alleles in an organism's genotype determine the organism's phenotype. Some alleles have types called dominant and recessive. These two types can cause different versions of a trait to appear as the organism's phenotype. A dominant allele causes its version of the trait to appear even when the organism also has a recessive allele for the gene. In pea plants, the F allele, which causes purple flowers, is dominant over the f allele. A pea plant with at least one F allele will have the F allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype FF or Ff will have purple flowers. A recessive allele causes its version of the trait to appear only when the organism does not have any dominant alleles for the gene. In pea plants, the f allele, which causes white flowers, is recessive to the F allele. A pea plant with only f alleles will have the f allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype ff will have white flowers.
You need to determine Tweety's phenotype for the cheek color trait. First, consider the alleles in Tweety's genotype for the cheek color gene. Then, decide whether these alleles are dominant or recessive. The allele for bright orange cheeks (R) is dominant over the allele for pale orange cheeks (r). This means R is a dominant allele, and r is a recessive allele. Tweety's genotype of Rr has one dominant allele and one recessive allele. An organism with at least one dominant allele for a gene will have the dominant allele's version of the trait. So, Tweety's phenotype for the cheek color trait must be bright orange cheeks.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? Dear Ella Our Special First Lady of Song You gave your best for so long This is true. —Dee Dee Bridgewater, "Dear Ella"
[ "oxymoron", "apostrophe" ]
1
closed choice
grade11
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify the figure of speech: review
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. We are united. We are powerful. We are winners. Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. I want to help, not to hurt. Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully? Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words. Try to light the fire. Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you. A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off. Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. I ate so much that I think I might explode! An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic. A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. Always expect the unexpected. Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic.
The text uses apostrophe, a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Dear Ella is a direct address to Ella Fitzgerald, who died in 1996.
Based on this information, what is Mabel's phenotype for the leg color trait?
[ "white legs", "yellow legs" ]
1
In a group of chickens, some individuals have white legs and others have yellow legs. In this group, the gene for the leg color trait has two alleles. The allele for white legs (L) is dominant over the allele for yellow legs (l). Mabel is a chicken from this group. Mabel has the homozygous genotype ll for the leg color gene.
closed choice
grade6
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive
All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait. Some traits, like flower color in pea plants, are controlled by a single gene. Most plants and animals have a genotype made up of two alleles for these traits. These two alleles determine whether an organism is homozygous or heterozygous for the gene. An organism with two identical alleles for a gene is homozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype FF or ff is homozygous for the flower color gene. An organism with two different alleles for a gene is heterozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype Ff is heterozygous for the flower color gene. The types of alleles in an organism's genotype determine the organism's phenotype. Some alleles have types called dominant and recessive. These two types can cause different versions of a trait to appear as the organism's phenotype. A dominant allele causes its version of the trait to appear even when the organism also has a recessive allele for the gene. In pea plants, the F allele, which causes purple flowers, is dominant over the f allele. A pea plant with at least one F allele will have the F allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype FF or Ff will have purple flowers. A recessive allele causes its version of the trait to appear only when the organism does not have any dominant alleles for the gene. In pea plants, the f allele, which causes white flowers, is recessive to the F allele. A pea plant with only f alleles will have the f allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype ff will have white flowers.
Mabel's genotype for the leg color gene is ll. Mabel's genotype of ll has only l alleles. The l allele is for yellow legs. So, Mabel's phenotype for the leg color trait must be yellow legs. To check this answer, consider whether Mabel's alleles are dominant or recessive. The allele for white legs (L) is dominant over the allele for yellow legs (l). This means L is a dominant allele, and l is a recessive allele. Mabel's genotype of ll has only recessive alleles. An organism with only recessive alleles for a gene will have the recessive allele's version of the trait. So, Mabel's phenotype for the leg color trait must be yellow legs.
Select the one substance that is not a mineral.
[ "Plagioclase is not made by living things. It is a solid.", "Glue is made in a factory. It is not a pure substance.", "Graphite is formed in nature. It is a pure substance." ]
1
closed choice
grade4
natural science
earth-science
Rocks and minerals
Identify minerals using properties
Minerals are the building blocks of rocks. A rock can be made of one or more minerals. Minerals and rocks have the following properties: Property | Mineral | Rock It is a solid. | Yes | Yes It is formed in nature. | Yes | Yes It is not made by organisms. | Yes | Yes It is a pure substance. | Yes | No It has a fixed crystal structure. | Yes | No You can use these properties to tell whether a substance is a mineral, a rock, or neither. Look closely at the last three properties: Minerals and rocks are not made by organisms. Organisms make their own body parts. For example, snails and clams make their shells. Because they are made by organisms, body parts cannot be minerals or rocks. Humans are organisms too. So, substances that humans make by hand or in factories are not minerals or rocks. A mineral is a pure substance, but a rock is not. A pure substance is made of only one type of matter. Minerals are pure substances, but rocks are not. Instead, all rocks are mixtures. A mineral has a fixed crystal structure, but a rock does not. The crystal structure of a substance tells you how the atoms or molecules in the substance are arranged. Different types of minerals have different crystal structures, but all minerals have a fixed crystal structure. This means that the atoms and molecules in different pieces of the same type of mineral are always arranged the same way. However, rocks do not have a fixed crystal structure. So, the arrangement of atoms or molecules in different pieces of the same type of rock may be different!
Compare the properties of each substance to the properties of minerals. Select the substance whose properties do not match those of minerals. Graphite is a mineral. Glue is not a pure substance. But all minerals are pure substances. Glue is made in a factory. But all minerals are formed in nature. So, glue is not a mineral. Plagioclase is a mineral.
Which is a compound sentence?
[ "Those carpenters use wood to build stairways and doorframes.", "We asked Andrew to join us, but we couldn't persuade him to go." ]
1
closed choice
grade4
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 but. We asked Andrew to join us, but we couldn't persuade him to go.
Using only these supplies, which question can Lily investigate with an experiment?
[ "Does a cell phone charge faster when plugged into a wall outlet or into a computer?", "Does a tablet charge faster with a two-foot-long charging cable or a five-foot-long charging cable?", "Does a cell phone charge more quickly when it is turned on or when it is turned off?" ]
2
Lily notices that her cell phone charges more quickly sometimes and more slowly other times. She wonders what factors affect how quickly a phone charges. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: one cell phone a two-foot-long charging cable a five-foot-long charging cable a stopwatch a wall outlet
closed choice
grade8
natural science
science-and-engineering-practices
Designing experiments
Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials
Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment. Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment? First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available. Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick. So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment!
Select the animal.
[ "Humans eat plants and animals.", "Oak trees can have thick branches." ]
0
closed choice
grade2
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.
A human is an animal! Humans eat plants and animals. Humans are primates. Monkeys and apes are also primates. An oak tree is a plant. It can have thick branches. Acorns grow on oak trees. Acorns are small nuts with a seed inside.
Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference?
[ "Lester bought a program for the opera without realizing that it was in Russian.", "Lester bought a program for the opera without realizing that the program was in Russian." ]
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 program or the opera. The first answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. It has been replaced with the program. Lester bought a program for the opera without realizing that the program was in Russian.
Select the plant.
[ "Orchids can grow flowers.", "Sea otters eat animals that live in the ocean." ]
0
closed choice
grade2
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.
A sea otter is an animal. It eats animals that live in the ocean. Sea otters have very thick fur. Their fur keeps them warm in cold water. An orchid is a plant. It can grow flowers. Many orchids grow in warm, wet places.
Which correctly shows the title of a short story?
[ "\"Hansel and Gretel\"", "Hansel and Gretel" ]
0
closed choice
grade8
language science
punctuation
Formatting
Formatting titles
The title of a book, movie, play, TV show, magazine, or newspaper should be in italics. If you write it by hand, it can be underlined instead. A Midsummer Night's Dream The title of a poem, song, article, or short story should be in quotation marks. "You Are My Sunshine"
A short story should be in quotation marks. The correct title is "Hansel and Gretel."
How long is a soccer field?
[ "380 yards", "380 inches", "380 feet", "380 miles" ]
2
Select the best estimate.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
units-and-measurement
Units and measurement
Choose customary 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 customary units, length may be written with units of inches, feet, yards, or miles. There are 12 inches in 1 foot, and 3 feet in 1 yard. There are 5,280 feet in 1 mile. A football is about 1 foot long. A football field is 100 yards long.
The best estimate for the length of a soccer field is 380 feet. 380 inches is too short. 380 yards and 380 miles are too long.
Which object has the least thermal energy?
[ "a fish tank at a temperature of 23°C", "a fish tank at a temperature of 20°C", "a fish tank at a temperature of 19°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 slow down, the temperature goes down. The matter now has both less thermal energy and a lower temperature.
All three fish tanks have the same mass but different temperatures. Since the 19°C fish tank is the coldest, it has the least thermal energy.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? Zoe's Boutique claims to have "something for everyone," but it is generally understood that their target market is women of a certain age.
[ "euphemism", "paradox" ]
0
closed choice
grade10
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 a euphemism, a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. Of a certain age is an indirect and generally more polite way of referring to older people.
How long is a soccer field?
[ "385 inches", "385 feet" ]
1
Select the better estimate.
closed choice
grade2
natural science
units-and-measurement
Units and measurement
Choose customary 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 8 long. You might be thinking, 8 what? Is the pencil 8 inches long? 8 feet? 8 miles? The number 8 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 inches. So, the length of the pencil is 8 inches. There are 12 inches in 1 foot. So, 1 inch is much shorter than 1 foot. There are 3 feet in 1 yard. So, 1 foot is shorter than 1 yard.
The better estimate for the length of a soccer field is 385 feet. 385 inches is too short.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? Dr. Chapman is unhappy with her new assistant because simple tasks, like fetching coffee, take him years to finish.
[ "hyperbole", "oxymoron" ]
0
closed choice
grade11
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify the figure of speech: review
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. We are united. We are powerful. We are winners. Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. I want to help, not to hurt. Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully? Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words. Try to light the fire. Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you. A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off. Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. I ate so much that I think I might explode! An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic. A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. Always expect the unexpected. Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic.
The text uses hyperbole, an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. Take him years to finish is an exaggeration, since it probably does not take him entire years to fetch coffee.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? Ezra and Florence have trouble working on projects together. Although Florence is very sociable and friendly, she's not exactly a team player.
[ "euphemism", "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 a euphemism, a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. Not exactly a team player is an indirect way of saying that someone doesn't work well with others.