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What kind of sentence is this? The panoramic vistas along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are simply breathtaking.
[ "exclamatory", "declarative", "interrogative" ]
1
closed choice
grade9
language science
punctuation
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Is the sentence declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory?
There are four kinds of sentences. A declarative sentence is a statement and always ends with a period. The nurse told Mr. Abrams to roll up his sleeve so that she could check his blood pressure. An imperative sentence makes a request or a demand and usually ends with a period. If a demand shows strong feeling, it can end with an exclamation point. For this assignment, use references to support your claims. Don't drive so quickly in the construction zone! An interrogative sentence asks a question and always ends with a question mark. Given the recent critiques of her new strategic plan, do you think the CEO will reconsider the company's direction? An exclamatory sentence is a statement that shows surprise or strong feeling. An exclamation always ends with an exclamation point. I can't wait to travel through Europe this summer!
The sentence is a statement and ends with a period. It is a declarative sentence.
Which closing is correct for a letter?
[ "thanks,\nBella", "Thanks,\nBella" ]
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 closing is correct: Its first word is capitalized, and it ends with a comma.
Using only these supplies, which question can Greg investigate with an experiment?
[ "Do rubber balloons stick to a wooden door or a metal door longer after being rubbed on his hair?", "Do rubber balloons or foil balloons stick to the wooden door longer after being rubbed on his hair?", "Do rubber balloons stick to a cotton blanket or a wooden door longer after being rubbed on his hair?" ]
2
Greg went to a magic show. The magician rubbed a balloon on her hair and then held the balloon against a wall. When the magician released the balloon, Greg was amazed to see that it stuck to the wall! He wonders what factors affect how well balloons stick to different surfaces. So, he decides to design an experiment. He has the following supplies available: the hair on his own head a cotton blanket a wooden door five rubber balloons
closed choice
grade8
natural science
science-and-engineering-practices
Designing experiments
Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials
Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment. Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment? First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available. Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick. So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment!
Which would stretch the most?
[ "gold nugget", "aluminum foil", "gum" ]
2
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.
Stretchy is a property. A stretchy material gets longer when you pull on it. Look at each picture, one at a time. Imagine pulling on the material shown in each picture. Of the choices, the gum would stretch the most. If you pull on soft chewing gum, it will get longer.
Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Ben has naturally blond hair.
[ "inherited", "acquired" ]
0
Hint: Some people dye their hair. But this does not change their natural hair color.
closed choice
grade4
natural science
biology
Traits and heredity
Identify inherited and acquired traits
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Children do not inherit their parents' acquired traits.
Humans do not choose their natural hair color. Instead, children get their natural hair color from their parents. So, Ben's hair color is an inherited trait.
Is mowing grass a good or a service?
[ "a service", "a good" ]
0
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 mowing grass is a good or a service, ask these questions: Is mowing grass something you can touch? No. Is mowing grass a job you might pay someone else to do? Yes. So, mowing grass is a service.
Suppose Nellie decides to take a trip to Tennessee. Which result would be a cost?
[ "Nellie will give up the chance to go to Maryland. She would have enjoyed a trip to Maryland more than Tennessee.", "Nellie will save some money. Plane tickets for Nellie to get to Tennessee are less expensive than tickets to Maryland." ]
0
Nellie is deciding whether to take a trip to Maryland or Tennessee. She wants to enjoy her trip. But she is also trying to save money.
closed choice
grade5
social science
economics
Basic economic principles
Costs and benefits
Before you decide to do something, it is often helpful to list costs and benefits. Costs are what you give up or spend when you decide to do something. Costs involve giving up things that you want or need. Benefits are what you gain or save when you decide to do something. Benefits involve gaining something that you want or need.
This result is a cost. It involves giving up or spending something that Nellie wants or needs: Nellie will give up the chance to go to Maryland. She would have enjoyed a trip to Maryland more than Tennessee.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? We held our breath as the basketball made an arc toward the basket and then sunk into the net with a satisfying whoosh.
[ "allusion", "onomatopoeia" ]
1
closed choice
grade9
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. Whoosh represents the sound of the basketball going through the net.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? It's an open secret that Kamal is writing a book based on his experiences living in Singapore. He never talks about it, but almost all his friends know.
[ "euphemism", "oxymoron" ]
1
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 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.
Select the one substance that is not a mineral.
[ "Pyrite is a solid. It is formed in nature.", "Native copper is a pure substance. It is not made by living things.", "Molasses is a liquid. It is made by humans." ]
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. Pyrite is a mineral. Native copper is a mineral. Molasses is a liquid. But all minerals are solids. Molasses is made by humans. But minerals are not made by living things. So, molasses is not a mineral.
Which organ protects the body's other organs?
[ "heart", "skeleton", "brain" ]
1
closed choice
grade3
natural science
biology
Animals
Human organs and their functions
What does the idiom in this text suggest? "Speak of the devil!" Candice declared when Johnny strolled into the room.
[ "Candice had just been speaking about Johnny.", "Candice thought Johnny was a troublemaker." ]
0
closed choice
grade8
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Interpret figures of speech
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake.
The text uses an idiom, an expression that cannot be understood literally. The idiom speak of the devil suggests that Candice had just been speaking about Johnny. People say this when the person they've just been speaking about coincidentally arrives, as if summoned.
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? Isabelle entered the bustling, aromatic spice market in Istanbul and said to her travel companion, "We're not in Kansas anymore."
[ "a movie", "a fable" ]
0
closed choice
grade8
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Recall the source of an allusion
An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. Here, Lila alludes to the fairy tale "Cinderella," in which Cinderella must leave the ball before the coach that brought her transforms into a pumpkin. The allusion shows that Lila must depart immediately.
The source of the allusion We're not in Kansas anymore is a movie. In the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy, a young farm girl from Kansas, finds herself in Oz, an unusual place that looks nothing like her home. She says to her dog, "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." The allusion We're not in Kansas anymore means we're in an unfamiliar place.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? Josiah's leaving his job? That's old news. He's been planning that for months.
[ "oxymoron", "euphemism" ]
0
closed choice
grade9
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify figures of speech: euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron, paradox
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off. Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. I ate so much that I think I might explode! An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic. A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. Always expect the unexpected.
The text uses an oxymoron, a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Old news is a contradiction, because news is recent information.
Compare the motion of two humpback whales. Which humpback whale was moving at a higher speed?
[ "a humpback whale that moved 15miles in 5hours", "a humpback whale that moved 25miles in 5hours" ]
1
closed choice
grade2
natural science
physics
Force and motion
Compare the speeds of moving objects
An object's speed tells you how fast the object is moving. Speed depends on both distance and time. Distance tells you how far the object has moved. One unit used to measure distance is the mile. Time tells you how long the object has spent moving. One unit used to measure time is the hour. Think about two objects moving for the same amount of time. The object that is moving faster will go a farther distance in that time. It is moving at a higher speed.
Look at the distance each humpback whale moved and the time it took to move that distance. One humpback whale moved 25 miles in 5 hours. The other humpback whale moved 15 miles in 5 hours. Notice that each humpback whale spent the same amount of time moving. The humpback whale that moved 25 miles moved a farther distance in that time. So, that humpback whale must have moved at a higher speed.
Compare the motion of two birds. Which bird was moving at a lower speed?
[ "a bird that moved 15kilometers in 10hours", "a bird that moved 90kilometers 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 bird moved and the time it took to move that distance. One bird moved 15 kilometers in 10 hours. The other bird moved 90 kilometers in 10 hours. Notice that each bird spent the same amount of time moving. The bird that moved 15 kilometers moved a shorter distance in that time. So, that bird must have moved at a lower speed.
Which sentence uses a metaphor?
[ "The wave was a towering wall rising from the sea.", "The wave rose from the sea like a towering wall." ]
0
closed choice
grade5
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Identify similes and metaphors
Similes and metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things that are not actually alike. A simile compares two things by saying that one is like the other. Similes often use the words like and as. My sister runs like a cheetah. The sister's running and a cheetah's running are compared using the word like. A cheetah is known for running fast, so the simile means that the sister also runs fast. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. The cat's fur and the night are compared using the word as. The night is dark, so the simile means that the cat's fur is also dark. A metaphor compares two things by saying that one of them is the other. Unlike similes, metaphors don't use the word like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. The snow and a blanket are compared without the word like or as. A blanket is a large piece of cloth that completely covers a bed. The metaphor makes the reader imagine that the snow becomes a blanket, covering the town completely. Using similes and metaphors in your writing can help you create an interesting picture for the reader.
This sentence uses a metaphor: The wave was a towering wall rising from the sea. The words wave and wall are compared without the word like or as. This sentence uses a simile: The wave rose from the sea like a towering wall. The words wave and wall are compared using the word like.
Which type of sentence is this? Toby took several incredible panoramic photographs of the sweeping view from the top of Table Mountain.
[ "simple", "compound", "complex", "compound-complex" ]
0
closed choice
grade12
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 simple. It is a single independent clause. Toby took several incredible panoramic photographs of the sweeping view from the top of Table Mountain.
Would you find the word grief on a dictionary page with the following guide words? generally - good
[ "no", "yes" ]
0
yes or no
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 grief is not between the guide words generally - good, it would not be found on that page.
Select the one substance that is not a mineral.
[ "A turtle shell is not a pure substance. It is made by a living thing.", "Celestine is a pure substance. It is a solid.", "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. A turtle shell is made by a living thing. But minerals are not made by living things. A turtle shell is not a pure substance. But all minerals are pure substances. So, a turtle shell is not a mineral. Celestine is a mineral. Hematite is a mineral.
What information supports the conclusion that Ellen acquired this trait?
[ "Ellen likes to visit sunflower fields.", "Last summer, Ellen's neighbor showed her how to grow sunflowers.", "Both Ellen and her father grow sunflowers." ]
1
Read the description of a trait. Ellen knows how to grow sunflowers.
closed choice
grade8
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.
Complete the sentence. A piece of pear turning brown is a ().
[ "chemical change", "physical change" ]
0
closed choice
grade5
natural science
chemistry
Physical and chemical change
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 new molecules. The types of molecules in matter before and after a chemical change are always different. Burning a piece of paper is a chemical change. As paper burns, paper molecules react with oxygen molecules in the air. This reaction breaks the chemical bonds in the molecules. The atoms then relink and form different molecules. For example, carbon dioxide molecules are created 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. For example, water vaporizing is a physical change. Liquid water and water vapor are made of the same type of matter: water.
A piece of a pear turning brown is a chemical change. The substances in the pear react with oxygen in the air and turn into a different type of matter. If you scrape off the brown part of the pear, the inside will still be white. The inside hasn't touched the air. So the chemical change hasn't happened to that part of the pear.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? Tamir's room is as tidy as an overgrown garden.
[ "verbal irony", "onomatopoeia" ]
0
closed choice
grade6
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify figures of speech
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words. What a lucky little lady you are! An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake. A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound. The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat. Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. The trees danced in the wind. A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning. A great new broom is sweeping the nation. Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic. Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down. Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.
The text uses verbal irony, which involves saying one thing but implying something very different. As tidy as an overgrown garden shows verbal irony because an overgrown garden is not tidy.
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? His Machiavellian strategies landed him a promotion.
[ "a song", "history" ]
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 Machiavellian is history. During the Renaissance, Niccolò Machiavelli wrote The Prince, an essay that claims that achieving and maintaining political power requires dishonesty and ruthlessness. The allusion Machiavellian means deceptive and cutthroat.
What information supports the conclusion that Julie acquired this trait?
[ "Julie is most interested in human biology.", "Julie learned biology by reading, observing, and experimenting." ]
1
Read the description of a trait. Julie knows a lot about biology.
closed choice
grade4
natural science
biology
Traits and heredity
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment.
What information supports the conclusion that Perry acquired this trait?
[ "Perry's friend showed him how to ride a bicycle.", "Perry and his mother both ride bicycles.", "Perry rides his bicycle to school." ]
0
Read the description of a trait. Perry can ride a bicycle.
closed choice
grade8
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? Lonesome wolf, filling the dark night with your plaintive howl, will you be reunited with your pack before dawn?
[ "antithesis", "apostrophe" ]
1
closed choice
grade11
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify the figure of speech: anaphora, antithesis, apostrophe, assonance, chiasmus, understatement
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. We are united. We are powerful. We are winners. Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. I want to help, not to hurt. Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully? Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words. Try to light the fire. Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you. Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic.
The text uses apostrophe, a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Lonesome wolf is a direct address to a wolf, a nonhuman entity.
Select the solid.
[ "oxygen", "caramel sauce", "ballet shoes", "coffee" ]
2
closed choice
grade3
natural science
physics
States of matter
Identify solids, liquids, and gases
Solid, liquid, and gas are states of matter. Matter is anything that takes up space. Matter can come in different states, or forms. When matter is a solid, it has a definite volume and a definite shape. So, a solid has a size and shape of its own. Some solids can be easily folded, bent, or broken. A piece of paper is a solid. Also, some solids are very small. A grain of sand is a solid. When matter is a liquid, it has a definite volume but not a definite shape. So, a liquid has a size of its own, but it does not have a shape of its own. Think about pouring juice from a bottle into a cup. The juice still takes up the same amount of space, but it takes the shape of the bottle. Some liquids do not pour as easily as others. Honey and milk are both liquids. But pouring honey takes more time than pouring milk. When matter is a gas, it does not have a definite volume or a definite shape. A gas expands, or gets bigger, until it completely fills a space. A gas can also get smaller if it is squeezed into a smaller space. Many gases are invisible. Air is a gas.
Caramel sauce is a liquid. A liquid takes the shape of any container it is in. If you pour caramel sauce into a container, the caramel sauce will take the shape of that container. But the caramel sauce will still take up the same amount of space. A ballet shoe is a solid. A solid has a size and shape of its own. When a dancer wears a ballet shoe, it may bend a little. But the ballet shoe still has a size and shape of its own. Coffee is a liquid. A liquid takes the shape of any container it is in. If you pour coffee into a different container, the coffee will take the shape of that container. But the coffee will still take up the same amount of space. Oxygen is a gas. A gas expands to fill a space. Oxygen can be stored in metal tanks. If oxygen leaks out of the tank, the oxygen will expand into the space around the tank.
What information supports the conclusion that Cooper inherited this trait?
[ "Cooper's mother has blue eyes. She passed this trait down to Cooper.", "Cooper likes to wear a blue sweater to match his blue eyes." ]
0
Read the description of a trait. Cooper has blue eyes.
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.
Which sentence states a fact?
[ "During the summer months, volleyball is more fun to play than basketball.", "A physical fitness teacher came up with the idea for volleyball." ]
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 second sentence states a fact. A physical fitness teacher came up with the idea for volleyball. It can be proved by reading a book about volleyball. The first sentence states an opinion. During the summer months, volleyball is more fun to play than basketball. More fun shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about which game is more fun.
What do these two changes have in common? compost rotting cooking an egg
[ "Both are caused by cooling.", "Both are chemical changes.", "Both are only physical changes.", "Both are caused by heating." ]
1
closed choice
grade3
natural science
chemistry
Physical and chemical change
Compare physical and chemical changes
Chemical changes and physical changes are two common ways matter can change. In a chemical change, the type of matter changes. The types of matter before and after a chemical change are always different. Some chemical changes are caused by heating or cooling. For example, burning a piece of paper is a chemical change caused by heating. When paper gets hot enough, it re­acts with oxygen in the air and burns. The paper and oxygen change into ash and smoke. In a physical change, the type of matter stays the same. The types of matter before and after a physical change are always the same. A change of state is a type of physical change. Changes of state can be caused by heating or cooling. For example, ice melting is a physical change that can be caused by heating. Ice and liquid water are made of the same type of matter: water. The law of conservation of mass says that all physical and chemical changes conserve mass. Conserve means to keep the same. So, the total mass before a physical or chemical change is equal to the total mass after the change.
Step 1: Think about each change. Compost forms from the remains of plants and animals, such as vegetable scraps and egg shells. Compost rotting is a chemical change. As the compost rots, it breaks down and turns into a different type of matter. Cooking an egg is a chemical change. The heat causes the matter in the egg to change. Cooked eggs and raw eggs are made of different types of matter. Step 2: Look at each answer choice. Both are only physical changes. Both changes are chemical changes. They are not physical changes. Both are chemical changes. Both changes are chemical changes. The type of matter before and after each change is different. Both are caused by heating. Cooking is caused by heating. But compost rotting is not. Both are caused by cooling. Neither change is caused by cooling.
What do these two changes have in common? saliva breaking down a piece of bread a banana getting ripe on the counter
[ "Both are chemical changes.", "Both are caused by heating.", "Both are caused by cooling.", "Both are only physical changes." ]
0
closed choice
grade7
natural science
chemistry
Chemical reactions
Compare physical and chemical changes
Matter is made of very small particles called atoms. Atoms can be linked together by chemical bonds. When two or more atoms link together, they form a molecule. In a chemical change, the chemical bonds in the molecules break. The atoms then link together to form different molecules. The types of molecules in matter before and after a chemical change are always different. Some chemical changes are caused by heating or cooling. For example, burning a piece of paper is a chemical change caused by heating. As paper burns, paper molecules react with oxygen molecules in the air. This reaction breaks the chemical bonds in the molecules. The atoms then link together in a different way to form different molecules. For example, carbon dioxide molecules are formed when paper burns. In a physical change, chemical bonds do not break. The types of molecules in matter before and after a physical change are always the same. A change of state is a type of physical change. Changes of state can be caused by heating or cooling. For example, water vaporizing is a physical change that can be caused by heating. Liquid water and water vapor are made of the same type of matter: water. The law of conservation of mass says that all physical and chemical changes conserve mass. Conserve means to keep the same. So, the total mass before a physical or chemical change is equal to the total mass after the change.
Step 1: Think about each change. Saliva breaking down a piece of bread is a chemical change. Bread is made up mostly of a chemical called starch. Saliva breaks the bonds between atoms in the starch molecules. The atoms then link together to form smaller, simpler molecules of sugar. The sugar is a different type of matter than the starch. A banana getting ripe on the counter is a chemical change. As a banana ripens, the type of matter in it changes. The peel changes color and the inside becomes softer and sweeter. Step 2: Look at each answer choice. Both are only physical changes. Both changes are chemical changes. They are not physical changes. Both are chemical changes. Both changes are chemical changes. The type of matter before and after each change is different. Both are caused by heating. Neither change is caused by heating. Both are caused by cooling. Neither change is caused by cooling.
Complete the statement. Assume that the sled's mass did not change. The gravitational potential energy stored between the sled and Earth () as Emilia rode down the hill.
[ "decreased", "increased", "stayed the same" ]
0
Read the text about an object in motion. On a snowy day, Emilia rode her sled down a big hill.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
physics
Kinetic and potential energy
Identify changes in gravitational potential energy
Gravitational potential energy is stored between any two objects. So, for every object on or near Earth, there is gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth. The amount of gravitational potential energy stored between an object and Earth depends on the mass of the object. The amount of gravitational potential energy also depends on the distance between the object and the center of Earth. This distance increases when the object moves higher and decreases when the object moves lower. If the distance between an object and the center of Earth changes, the gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth will change. The table below shows how this change can happen. When an object's mass stays the same and its distance from the center of Earth... | Gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth... increases | increases decreases | decreases stays the same | stays the same
Think about how the distance between the sled and the center of Earth changed. The bottom of the hill was lower than the point where Emilia started sledding. As Emilia rode toward the bottom of the hill, the distance between the sled and the center of Earth decreased. So, the gravitational potential energy stored between the sled and Earth decreased as Emilia rode down the hill.
Complete the sentence so that it uses personification. As much as we might like to freeze time, it ().
[ "cannot be stopped", "marches on" ]
1
closed choice
grade10
language science
writing-strategies
Creative techniques
Use personification
Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. It is a figure of speech that can be used to make writing more interesting or to emphasize a point. The trees danced in the wind. The word danced describes the trees as if they were people. Unlike people, however, trees can't actually dance. Instead, the personification suggests that the trees are moving.
Complete the sentence with the phrase marches on. It describes time as if it were a person who keeps walking forward.
Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Kaylee's shoes are superior, because they're made from one hundred percent snakeskin, not synthetic materials.
[ "red herring: the use of a completely unrelated topic or idea", "appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good" ]
1
closed choice
grade7
language science
writing-strategies
Developing and supporting arguments
Classify logical fallacies
A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions. A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information: Fallacy | Description ad hominem | a personal attack meant to discredit one's opponent appeal to nature | an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice bandwagon fallacy | an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice circular reasoning | an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself guilt by association | an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or something red herring | the use of a completely unrelated topic in support of a claim A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand: Fallacy | Description false causation | the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other false dichotomy | an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist hasty generalization | a very broad claim based on very little evidence straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against
The text argues that Kaylee's shoes are the best, because they're made with snakeskin rather than synthetic materials. However, even though the shoes are made from snakes, that doesn't necessarily mean that they are better. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as an appeal to nature.
How long is a garden snail?
[ "30 meters", "30 kilometers", "30 millimeters" ]
2
Select the best estimate.
closed choice
grade4
natural science
units-and-measurement
Units and measurement
Choose metric units of distance
Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. When you are using metric units, length can be written with units of millimeters, centimeters, meters, or kilometers. One meter contains 100 centimeters or 1,000 millimeters. So, 1 meter is larger than 1 centimeter, and 1 centimeter is larger than 1 millimeter. The tip of the pencil shown here is only 1 millimeter wide, but the pencil is about 16 centimeters long. A red fox is about 1 meter long. The Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia is about 1,000 meters, or 1 kilometer, in length.
The best estimate for the length of a garden snail is 30 millimeters. 30 meters and 30 kilometers are both too long.
Would you find the word reason on a dictionary page with the following guide words? ravenous - right
[ "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 reason is between the guide words ravenous - right, it would be found on that page.
Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference?
[ "Brad felt better about collaborating on the research project after Eric talked with him about it.", "After Eric talked with Brad about the research project, he felt better about collaborating on it." ]
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 first answer choice contains a vague pronoun reference. The pronoun he could refer to Eric or Brad. After Eric talked with Brad about the research project, he felt better about collaborating on it. The second answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. The text has been rewritten so that the meaning is clear. Brad felt better about collaborating on the research project after Eric talked with him about it.
Based on this information, what is this Nile tilapia fish's phenotype for the body color trait?
[ "a greenish-brown body", "BB" ]
0
In a group of Nile tilapia fish, some individuals have a greenish-brown body and others have a pink body. In this group, the gene for the body color trait has two alleles. The allele B is for a greenish-brown body, and the allele b is for a pink body. A certain Nile tilapia fish from this group has a greenish-brown body. This fish has two alleles for a greenish-brown body.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype
All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait.
An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait. The Nile tilapia fish's observable version of the body color trait is a greenish-brown body. So, the fish's phenotype for the body color trait is a greenish-brown body.
Which change best matches the sentence? The area around a lake gets covered by water after heavy rain.
[ "volcanic eruption", "wildfire", "flood" ]
2
closed choice
grade3
natural science
earth-science
Earth events
Classify changes to Earth's surface I
Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Right after Raymond moved into the apartment, our washing machine broke. He'd better tell us how he broke it.
[ "false causation: the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other", "appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good" ]
0
closed choice
grade6
language science
writing-strategies
Developing and supporting arguments
Classify logical fallacies
A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions. A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information: Fallacy | Description ad hominem | a personal attack meant to discredit one's opponent appeal to nature | an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice bandwagon fallacy | an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice circular reasoning | an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself guilt by association | an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or something red herring | the use of a completely unrelated topic in support of a claim A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand: Fallacy | Description false causation | the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other false dichotomy | an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist hasty generalization | a very broad claim based on very little evidence straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against
The text argues that Raymond is responsible for the broken washing machine. However, the fact that the machine stopped working soon after Raymond moved in doesn't necessarily mean that he caused the machine to break. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as false causation.
Which sentence states a fact?
[ "A honeybee can make one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.", "Bees are especially useful insects because they can make honey." ]
0
closed choice
grade4
language science
writing-strategies
Developing and supporting arguments
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. A honeybee can make one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime. It can be proved by looking up information about honeybees. The second sentence states an opinion. Bees are especially useful insects because they can make honey. Especially useful shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about what makes bees especially useful.
What does the verbal irony in this text suggest? "It was my good luck to have to study for a test while all my friends went to the water park," Leroy remarked.
[ "Leroy was upset about staying home.", "Leroy wanted time to catch up on his responsibilities." ]
0
closed choice
grade6
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. Good luck ironically suggests that Leroy was upset about staying home. Leroy was actually unlucky because he couldn't join his friends at the water park.
Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? mansion - modern
[ "message", "muscle" ]
0
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 message is between the guide words mansion - modern, it would be found on that page.
Complete the statement. Assume that the motorcycle's mass did not change. The gravitational potential energy stored between the motorcycle and Earth () as Rodrigo rode up the hill.
[ "decreased", "increased", "stayed the same" ]
1
Read the text about an object in motion. Rodrigo rode his motorcycle from the bottom of a hill to the top of the hill.
closed choice
grade8
natural science
physics
Kinetic and potential energy
Identify changes in gravitational potential energy
Gravitational potential energy is stored between any two objects. So, for every object on or near Earth, there is gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth. The amount of gravitational potential energy stored between an object and Earth depends on the mass of the object. The amount of gravitational potential energy also depends on the distance between the object and the center of Earth. This distance increases when the object moves higher and decreases when the object moves lower. If the distance between an object and the center of Earth changes, the gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth will change. The table below shows how this change can happen. When an object's mass stays the same and its distance from the center of Earth... | Gravitational potential energy stored between the object and Earth... increases | increases decreases | decreases stays the same | stays the same
Think about how the distance between the motorcycle and the center of Earth changed. The top of the hill is higher than the bottom of the hill. As Rodrigo rode toward the top of the hill, the distance between the motorcycle and the center of Earth increased. So, the gravitational potential energy stored between the motorcycle and Earth increased as Rodrigo rode up the hill.
Select the one animal that has all of the cartilaginous fish traits listed above.
[ "Amazon milk frogs have moist skin and live in South American rain forests. They hatch from eggs with no shells and begin their lives in water. As adults, Amazon milk frogs live in trees and eat insects.", "Manta rays have wide, triangle-shaped fins that help them swim long distances. They have a skeleton made of cartilage, not bone. Manta ray eggs do not have shells for protection. Instead, the eggs grow and hatch inside the mother manta ray." ]
1
Cartilaginous fish are a group of animals with similar traits. The following traits can be used to identify cartilaginous fish: They have fins, not limbs. They live underwater. They have a skeleton made of cartilage. They make eggs with no shells. Observe the animals and read the descriptions.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Classification
Use evidence to classify animals
Scientists sort animals with similar traits into groups. This is called classification. Classification helps scientists learn about how animals live. How do scientists classify animals? First, they make observations about an animal. Scientists observe the animal's traits, including its body parts and behavior. Then, scientists compare the animal's traits to other animals' traits. Scientists classify animals with similar traits into a group.
To decide if an animal is part of a group, look at the traits of the group. Cartilaginous fish have the following traits: They have fins, not limbs. They live underwater. They have a skeleton made of cartilage. They make eggs with no shells. Compare each animal's traits to the group's traits. Select the animal with traits similar to the group's traits. An Amazon milk frog has the following traits: It spends part of its life in water and part on land. It has moist skin. It makes eggs with no shells. An Amazon milk frog does not have all of the traits of a cartilaginous fish. An Amazon milk frog is an amphibian. A manta ray has the following traits: It has fins, not limbs. It lives underwater. It has a skeleton made of cartilage. It makes eggs with no shells. A manta ray has the traits of a cartilaginous fish. A manta ray is a cartilaginous fish.
Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Estelle has naturally straight hair.
[ "acquired", "inherited" ]
1
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Traits and heredity
Identify inherited and acquired traits
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Children do not inherit their parents' acquired traits.
Some humans are born with naturally straight hair. Others are born with naturally curly hair. Straight and curly are examples of hair texture. Some people use tools to change how their hair looks. But this doesn't affect the natural texture of their hair. So, having naturally straight hair is an inherited trait.
Which phrase has a more negative connotation?
[ "an odor", "a stench" ]
1
closed choice
grade6
language science
vocabulary
Shades of meaning
Positive and negative connotation
Connotation is the feeling or idea that goes along with a word or phrase. Some words are close in meaning but have different connotations. For example, think about the words eager and impatient. They both mean wanting something to happen, but they have different connotations. Eager has a positive connotation. It is a nice word. An eager person is happy and excited. Impatient has a negative connotation. It is not a nice word. An impatient person is often pushy and demanding.
A stench has a more negative connotation. Stench and odor both denote a smell. However, stench always suggests an unpleasant smell.
Which correctly shows the title of a book?
[ "The cat in the Hat", "The Cat in the Hat" ]
1
closed choice
grade5
language science
capitalization
Capitalization
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 words in and the are not important, so they should not be capitalized. The correct title is The Cat in the Hat.
Select the reptile.
[ "Amazon tree boa", "red-eyed tree frog", "poison dart frog", "salmon" ]
0
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Classification
Identify mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians
Reptiles have scaly, waterproof skin. Most reptiles live on land.
A salmon is a fish. It lives underwater. It has fins, not limbs. Unlike most other fish, salmon can live in both fresh water and salt water. An Amazon tree boa is a reptile. It has scaly, waterproof skin. Tree boas eat small mammals, birds, lizards, and frogs. Tree boas only need to eat once every few months! A red-eyed tree frog is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. A red-eyed tree frog has sticky pads on its toes. The sticky pads help the red-eyed tree frog hold on to leaves. A poison dart frog is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Poison dart frogs come in many bright colors. Their bright color warns other animals that these frogs are poisonous.
Complete the sentence so that it uses personification. In the distance, the thunder () loudly.
[ "grumbled", "echoed" ]
0
closed choice
grade10
language science
writing-strategies
Creative techniques
Use personification
Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. It is a figure of speech that can be used to make writing more interesting or to emphasize a point. The trees danced in the wind. The word danced describes the trees as if they were people. Unlike people, however, trees can't actually dance. Instead, the personification suggests that the trees are moving.
Complete the sentence with the word grumbled. It describes the thunder as if it were a grumpy person.
Based on this information, what is Muffin's phenotype for the ear type trait?
[ "dumbo ears", "normal ears" ]
1
This passage describes the ear type trait in rats: In a group of rats, some individuals have normal ears and others have dumbo ears. In this group, the gene for the ear type trait has two alleles. The allele for normal ears (E) is dominant over the allele for dumbo ears (e). Muffin is a rat from this group. Muffin has the heterozygous genotype Ee for the ear type gene.
closed choice
grade8
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive
All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait. Some traits, like flower color in pea plants, are controlled by a single gene. Most plants and animals have a genotype made up of two alleles for these traits. These two alleles determine whether an organism is homozygous or heterozygous for the gene. An organism with two identical alleles for a gene is homozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype FF or ff is homozygous for the flower color gene. An organism with two different alleles for a gene is heterozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype Ff is heterozygous for the flower color gene. The types of alleles in an organism's genotype determine the organism's phenotype. Some alleles have types called dominant and recessive. These two types can cause different versions of a trait to appear as the organism's phenotype. A dominant allele causes its version of the trait to appear even when the organism also has a recessive allele for the gene. In pea plants, the F allele, which causes purple flowers, is dominant over the f allele. A pea plant with at least one F allele will have the F allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype FF or Ff will have purple flowers. A recessive allele causes its version of the trait to appear only when the organism does not have any dominant alleles for the gene. In pea plants, the f allele, which causes white flowers, is recessive to the F allele. A pea plant with only f alleles will have the f allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype ff will have white flowers.
You need to determine Muffin's phenotype for the ear type trait. First, consider the alleles in Muffin's genotype for the ear type gene. Then, decide whether these alleles are dominant or recessive. The allele for normal ears (E) is dominant over the allele for dumbo ears (e). This means E is a dominant allele, and e is a recessive allele. Muffin's genotype of Ee 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, Muffin's phenotype for the ear type trait must be normal ears.
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? As we hiked through the snow-covered woods, we remembered the weather forecaster's predictions, which seemed in retrospect rather Panglossian.
[ "the Bible", "literature" ]
1
closed choice
grade11
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Recall the source of an allusion
An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words. The protean nature of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose. The word protean is an allusion to the sea god Proteus in Greek mythology. Because the sea is constantly changing, to describe something as protean suggests that it is variable or in flux.
The source of the allusion Panglossian is literature. In Voltaire's 1759 novel Candide, Pangloss is a tutor whose worldview is relentlessly upbeat to the point of excessive optimism. The allusion Panglossian means unreasonably positive.
Which is a complete sentence?
[ "The explorers nervously entered the dark cave.", "Jerry borrowed my book he enjoyed it." ]
0
closed choice
grade3
language science
writing-strategies
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Is it a complete sentence or a run-on?
A sentence is a group of words that forms a complete thought. It has both a subject and a verb. My friends walk along the path. A run-on sentence is made up of two sentences that are joined without end punctuation or with just a comma. I knocked on the door it opened. It started raining, we ran inside. To fix a run-on sentence, separate it into two sentences. Add end punctuation after the first sentence, and capitalize the second sentence. I knocked on the door. It opened. It started raining. We ran inside. You can also fix a run-on sentence by rewriting it as a compound sentence. A compound sentence is two sentences joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. I knocked on the door, and it opened. It started raining, so we ran inside.
The explorers nervously entered the dark cave is a complete sentence. The subject is the explorers, and the verb is entered.
Which tense does the sentence use? Ed will wash the dishes after dinner.
[ "present tense", "future tense", "past tense" ]
1
closed choice
grade2
language science
verbs
Verb tense
Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense?
Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now. Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es. Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms. Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened. Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed. Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms. Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen. All future-tense verbs use the word will. Present | Past | Future walk, walks | walked | will walk go, goes | went | will go
The sentence is in future tense. You can tell because it uses will before the main verb, wash. The verb tells you about something that is going to happen.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? Toby is a real Benedict Arnold. After promising to work on my campaign for class president, he decided to support my opponent.
[ "allusion", "personification" ]
0
closed choice
grade7
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify figures of speech
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words. What a lucky little lady you are! An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake. A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound. The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat. Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. The trees danced in the wind. A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning. A great new broom is sweeping the nation. Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic. Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down. Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.
The text uses an allusion, a brief reference to someone or something well known. Benedict Arnold alludes to the American general during the Revolutionary War who betrayed his country and fought for the British.
Is a glue stick a good or a service?
[ "a service", "a good" ]
1
closed choice
grade3
social science
economics
Basic economic principles
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 glue stick is a good or a service, ask these questions: Is a glue stick something you can touch? Yes. Is a glue stick a job you might pay someone else to do? No. So, a glue stick is a good.
Which type of sentence is this? An avid reader, Noah attends weekly book club meetings, and he finishes several novels every month.
[ "compound", "simple", "compound-complex", "complex" ]
0
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, Noah attends weekly book club meetings, and he finishes several novels every month.
What does the idiom in this text suggest? In such an unfamiliar environment, Pedro was a fish out of water.
[ "Pedro didn't have any friends.", "Pedro felt out of place." ]
1
closed choice
grade10
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Interpret figures of speech
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake.
The text uses an idiom, an expression that cannot be understood literally. The idiom a fish out of water suggests that Pedro felt out of place. A fish out of water is someone out of his or her usual, comfortable environment.
Which text uses the word random in its traditional sense?
[ "Eve made a random trip to the grocery store, though her kitchen was already stocked with a hodgepodge of food.", "At the grocery store, Eve hastily grabbed fruits and vegetables at random, filling her shopping cart with a hodgepodge of food." ]
1
closed choice
grade12
language science
writing-strategies
Word usage and nuance
Explore words with new or contested usages
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner. When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences. Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam. The traditional usage above is considered more standard. David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages. The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The first text uses random in its traditional sense: made or occurring without a definite pattern. At the grocery store, Eve hastily grabbed fruits and vegetables at random, filling her shopping cart with a hodgepodge of food. The second text uses random in its nontraditional sense: odd or out of place. Eve made a random trip to the grocery store, though her kitchen was already stocked with a hodgepodge of food. Most style guides recommend to avoid using the nontraditional sense of the word random because it is generally considered incorrect.
Which change best matches the sentence? Sand is dropped by wind in a desert.
[ "meteorite crash", "erosion", "deposition" ]
2
closed choice
grade3
natural science
earth-science
Earth events
Classify changes to Earth's surface II
Which is a complete sentence?
[ "The park is a beautiful place, everyone goes there.", "Jordan's family moved to a different state." ]
1
closed choice
grade3
language science
writing-strategies
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on?
A sentence is a group of words that forms a complete thought. It has both a subject and a verb. My friends walk along the path. A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. It is usually missing a subject or a verb. Knows the answer. This is a sentence fragment. It is missing a subject. Who knows the answer? She knows the answer. The bright red car. This is a sentence fragment. It is missing a verb. What did the bright red car do? The bright red car stopped. A run-on sentence is made up of two sentences that are joined without end punctuation or with just a comma. I knocked on the door it opened. It started raining, we ran inside. To fix a run-on sentence, separate it into two sentences. Add end punctuation after the first sentence, and capitalize the second sentence. I knocked on the door. It opened. It started raining. We ran inside. You can also fix a run-on sentence by rewriting it as a compound sentence. A compound sentence is two sentences joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. I knocked on the door, and it opened. It started raining, so we ran inside.
Jordan's family moved to a different state is a complete sentence. The subject is Jordan's family, and the verb is moved.
Which greeting is correct for a letter?
[ "Dear grandma zoe,", "Dear Grandma Zoe," ]
1
closed choice
grade2
language science
capitalization
Capitalization
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. Grandma Zoe is capitalized because it is a proper noun.
Which is smoother?
[ "butter", "sandpaper" ]
0
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.
Smooth is a property. A smooth material is not rough or bumpy. Look at each picture, one at a time. Imagine touching the material shown in each picture. Of the choices, the butter is smoother. If you touch a stick of butter, it will not feel rough or bumpy.
Which is a complete sentence?
[ "Swims happily in the beautiful coral reef.", "Emmet's family moved to a different state." ]
1
closed choice
grade3
language science
writing-strategies
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on?
A sentence is a group of words that forms a complete thought. It has both a subject and a verb. My friends walk along the path. A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. It is usually missing a subject or a verb. Knows the answer. This is a sentence fragment. It is missing a subject. Who knows the answer? She knows the answer. The bright red car. This is a sentence fragment. It is missing a verb. What did the bright red car do? The bright red car stopped. A run-on sentence is made up of two sentences that are joined without end punctuation or with just a comma. I knocked on the door it opened. It started raining, we ran inside. To fix a run-on sentence, separate it into two sentences. Add end punctuation after the first sentence, and capitalize the second sentence. I knocked on the door. It opened. It started raining. We ran inside. You can also fix a run-on sentence by rewriting it as a compound sentence. A compound sentence is two sentences joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. I knocked on the door, and it opened. It started raining, so we ran inside.
Emmet's family moved to a different state is a complete sentence. The subject is Emmet's family, and the verb is moved.
Which sentence states a fact?
[ "The number of people who commute more than an hour to work is outrageous.", "The majority of people who commute to work drive alone rather than carpool." ]
1
closed choice
grade12
language science
writing-strategies
Developing and supporting arguments
Distinguish facts from opinions
Statements of fact make claims that are based on research, observation, or experimentation. Facts can be proved with evidence. Napoleon Bonaparte was shorter than King Louis XVI. This statement is a fact. The statement can be verified by researching and comparing the height of each man. Statements of opinion make claims that are based on personal judgments or perspectives. Opinions can be supported by evidence, but they cannot be definitively proved. Napoleon Bonaparte was a better leader than King Louis XVI. This statement is an opinion. People can have different ideas about what makes someone a "better" leader, so the statement cannot be proved.
The first sentence states a fact. It can be verified by looking up how many people drive alone and how many carpool to work. The majority of people who commute to work drive alone rather than carpool. The second sentence states an opinion. Outrageous indicates a personal judgment. The number of people who commute more than an hour to work is outrageous.
Two baked potatoes have the same temperature but different masses. Which potato has less thermal energy?
[ "the baked potato with more mass", "the baked potato with less mass" ]
1
The objects are made of the same type of matter.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
physics
Heat and thermal energy
How are temperature and mass related to thermal energy?
Matter is made of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are always moving. The energy of moving atoms is called thermal energy. The total amount of thermal energy in matter depends on three things: the type of matter, the amount of matter, and how fast the atoms are moving. Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the atoms in matter slow down, the temperature goes down. The matter now has both less thermal energy and a lower temperature. What happens if the amount of matter changes? A 2-kilogram brick at 70°F has twice as much thermal energy as a 1-kilogram brick at 70°F. The two bricks have the same temperature, but the larger brick has twice as many atoms. So, it has twice as much thermal energy.
The two baked potatoes have the same temperature and are made of the same type of matter. So, the baked potato with less mass has less thermal energy.
Which phrase has a more negative connotation?
[ "an excuse", "a reason" ]
0
closed choice
grade3
language science
vocabulary
Shades of meaning
Positive and negative connotation
Connotation is the feeling or idea that goes along with a word or phrase. Some words are close in meaning but have different connotations. For example, think about the words eager and impatient. They both mean wanting something to happen, but they have different connotations. Eager has a positive connotation. It is a nice word. An eager person is happy and excited. Impatient has a negative connotation. It is not a nice word. An impatient person is often pushy and demanding.
An excuse has a more negative connotation. An excuse is usually not a very good reason.
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? Despite Harper's insistence that she would raise Cain if we ever got lost, we decided to try taking a shortcut.
[ "Greek mythology", "the Bible" ]
1
closed choice
grade11
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Recall the source of an allusion
An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words. The protean nature of the disease makes it difficult to diagnose. The word protean is an allusion to the sea god Proteus in Greek mythology. Because the sea is constantly changing, to describe something as protean suggests that it is variable or in flux.
The source of the allusion raise Cain is the Bible. In the Bible, Adam and Eve's son Cain murders his brother in a jealous rage. The allusion raise Cain means to resort to violence.
Suppose Alice decides to make chicken soup. Which result would be a cost?
[ "Alice will spend more time making the chicken soup than she would have spent making the lentil soup.", "The chicken soup will be tastier than the lentil soup would have been." ]
0
Alice is deciding whether to make chicken soup or lentil soup for dinner. She wants dinner to be as tasty as possible. But she is also hungry and wants to eat soon.
closed choice
grade5
social science
economics
Basic economic principles
Costs and benefits
Before you decide to do something, it is often helpful to list costs and benefits. Costs are what you give up or spend when you decide to do something. Costs involve giving up things that you want or need. Benefits are what you gain or save when you decide to do something. Benefits involve gaining something that you want or need.
This result is a cost. It involves giving up or spending something that Alice wants or needs: Alice will spend more time making the chicken soup than she would have spent making the lentil soup.
Based on this information, what is Beau's phenotype for the cheek color trait?
[ "bright orange cheeks", "pale orange cheeks" ]
0
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). Beau is a cockatiel from this group. Beau has the heterozygous genotype Rr for the cheek color 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 Beau's phenotype for the cheek color trait. First, consider the alleles in Beau'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. Beau'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, Beau's phenotype for the cheek color trait must be bright orange cheeks.
Which sentence states a fact?
[ "The typical length of a Burmese python is sixteen to twenty-three feet.", "Parents should not allow their children to keep Burmese pythons as pets." ]
0
closed choice
grade12
language science
writing-strategies
Developing and supporting arguments
Distinguish facts from opinions
Statements of fact make claims that are based on research, observation, or experimentation. Facts can be proved with evidence. Napoleon Bonaparte was shorter than King Louis XVI. This statement is a fact. The statement can be verified by researching and comparing the height of each man. Statements of opinion make claims that are based on personal judgments or perspectives. Opinions can be supported by evidence, but they cannot be definitively proved. Napoleon Bonaparte was a better leader than King Louis XVI. This statement is an opinion. People can have different ideas about what makes someone a "better" leader, so the statement cannot be proved.
The first sentence states a fact. It can be verified by looking up the average length of a Burmese python. The typical length of a Burmese python is sixteen to twenty-three feet. The second sentence states an opinion. Should indicates a personal judgment. Parents should not allow their children to keep Burmese pythons as pets.
Based on this information, what is Brutus's phenotype for the coat pattern trait?
[ "aa", "a spotted coat" ]
1
In a group of jaguars, some individuals have a black coat and others have a spotted coat. In this group, the gene for the coat pattern trait has two alleles. The allele A is for a black coat, and the allele a is for a spotted coat. Brutus, a jaguar from this group, has a spotted coat. Brutus has two alleles for a spotted coat.
closed choice
grade6
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype
All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait.
An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait. Brutus's observable version of the coat pattern trait is a spotted coat. So, Brutus's phenotype for the coat pattern trait is a spotted coat.
Is this a run-on sentence? On average, office workers spend more than five hours sitting at their desks, researchers believe that extended periods of sitting can have a negative impact on overall health.
[ "no", "yes" ]
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 a run-on sentence. It is a comma splice formed from two sentences run together, joined by just a comma. On average, office workers spend more than five hours sitting at their desks, researchers believe that extended periods of sitting can have a negative impact on overall health. Here is one way to fix the run-on sentence: On average, office workers spend more than five hours sitting at their desks. Researchers believe that extended periods of sitting can have a negative impact on overall health.
Would you find the word pocket on a dictionary page with the following guide words? petticoat - plaster
[ "yes", "no" ]
1
yes or no
grade3
language science
reference-skills
Reference skills
Use guide words
Guide words appear on each page of a dictionary. They tell you the first word and last word on the page. The other words on the page come between the guide words in alphabetical order. To put words in alphabetical order, put them in order by their first letters. If the first letters are the same, look at the second letters. If the second letters are the same, look at the third letters, and so on. If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed.
Put the words in alphabetical order. Since pocket is not between the guide words petticoat - plaster, it would not be found on that page.
Which figure of speech is used in this text? There has been an incident on Praxis. —Brigadier Kerla, after Praxis is destroyed in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
[ "hyperbole", "understatement" ]
1
closed choice
grade12
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify the figure of speech: review
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. We are united. We are powerful. We are winners. Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. I want to help, not to hurt. Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully? Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words. Try to light the fire. Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you. A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off. Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. I ate so much that I think I might explode! An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic. A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. Always expect the unexpected. Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic.
The text uses understatement, which involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. An incident on Praxis is an understatement, since Praxis has been destroyed.
Suppose Audrey decides to go on the screaming swing. Which result would be a cost?
[ "Audrey will save some ride tickets. She needs fewer tickets to go on the screaming swing than on the log ride.", "Audrey will give up the chance to go on the log ride. She would have had more fun on that ride." ]
1
Audrey is deciding which ride to go on at the fair. She can go on either the log ride or the screaming swing. She wants to have as much fun as possible at the fair.
closed choice
grade5
social science
economics
Basic economic principles
Costs and benefits
Before you decide to do something, it is often helpful to list costs and benefits. Costs are what you give up or spend when you decide to do something. Costs involve giving up things that you want or need. Benefits are what you gain or save when you decide to do something. Benefits involve gaining something that you want or need.
This result is a cost. It involves giving up or spending something that Audrey wants or needs: Audrey will give up the chance to go on the log ride. She would have had more fun on that ride.
The shopper lifts each bag at the same speed. Which bag is lifted with a larger force?
[ "a bag holding 7 pounds of food", "a bag holding 3 pounds of food" ]
0
A shopper is buying food at the store. He fills two shopping bags. The shopping bags are the same size and shape.
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 shopping bag that is heavier. A shopping bag holding 7 pounds of food is heavier than a shopping bag holding 3 pounds of food. So, the bag holding 7 pounds needs a larger force to start moving upward at the same speed as the other bag.
Which is a complete sentence?
[ "Mom kisses Kimberly's cheek Kimberly smiles at Mom.", "The class chuckles at Ms. Joseph's joke." ]
1
closed choice
grade3
language science
writing-strategies
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Is it a complete sentence or a run-on?
A sentence is a group of words that forms a complete thought. It has both a subject and a verb. My friends walk along the path. A run-on sentence is made up of two sentences that are joined without end punctuation or with just a comma. I knocked on the door it opened. It started raining, we ran inside. To fix a run-on sentence, separate it into two sentences. Add end punctuation after the first sentence, and capitalize the second sentence. I knocked on the door. It opened. It started raining. We ran inside. You can also fix a run-on sentence by rewriting it as a compound sentence. A compound sentence is two sentences joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. I knocked on the door, and it opened. It started raining, so we ran inside.
The class chuckles at Ms. Joseph's joke is a complete sentence. The subject is the class, and the verb is chuckles.
What information supports the conclusion that Bert inherited this trait?
[ "Bert likes to wear a blue sweater to match his blue eyes.", "Bert's mother has blue eyes. She passed this trait down to Bert." ]
1
Read the description of a trait. Bert has blue eyes.
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 type of sentence is this? We can watch the presidential debate, which will be broadcast at nine o'clock, or we can view the documentary about the greatest innovations of the twenty-first century.
[ "compound", "simple", "complex", "compound-complex" ]
3
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-complex. It is made up of two independent clauses and a dependent clause. The dependent clause begins with the relative pronoun which. We can watch the presidential debate, which will be broadcast at nine o'clock, or we can view the documentary about the greatest innovations of the twenty-first century.
Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Pamela is good at knitting scarves.
[ "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 knit. Instead, many people learn how to knit. Knitting well takes practice. So, knitting well is an acquired trait.
What is the volume of a bathroom sink?
[ "2 gallons", "2 cups", "2 fluid ounces" ]
0
Select the best estimate.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
units-and-measurement
Units and measurement
Choose customary units of volume
Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. Volume is a measurement of how much space something takes up. There are many different units of volume. When you are using customary units, volume may be written in units of fluid ounces, cups, or gallons. As the diagram shows, there are 8 fluid ounces in 1 cup and 16 cups in 1 gallon. So, 1 fluid ounce is less than 1 cup and much less than 1 gallon. A glass of milk has a volume of about 8 fluid ounces, or 1 cup. A jug of milk has a volume of 1 gallon.
The best estimate for the volume of a bathroom sink is 2 gallons. 2 fluid ounces and 2 cups are both too little.
Compare the motion of three speedboats. Which speedboat was moving at the lowest speed?
[ "a speedboat that moved 295kilometers west in 5hours", "a speedboat that moved 230kilometers south in 5hours", "a speedboat that moved 205kilometers south in 5hours" ]
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 speedboat moved and the time it took to move that distance. The direction each speedboat moved does not affect its speed. Notice that each speedboat moved for 5 hours. The speedboat that moved 205 kilometers moved the shortest distance in that time. So, that speedboat must have moved at the lowest speed.
What kind of sentence is this? Denise considers Paris the most romantic city in the world.
[ "exclamatory", "declarative", "interrogative" ]
1
closed choice
grade9
language science
punctuation
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Is the sentence declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory?
There are four kinds of sentences. A declarative sentence is a statement and always ends with a period. The nurse told Mr. Abrams to roll up his sleeve so that she could check his blood pressure. An imperative sentence makes a request or a demand and usually ends with a period. If a demand shows strong feeling, it can end with an exclamation point. For this assignment, use references to support your claims. Don't drive so quickly in the construction zone! An interrogative sentence asks a question and always ends with a question mark. Given the recent critiques of her new strategic plan, do you think the CEO will reconsider the company's direction? An exclamatory sentence is a statement that shows surprise or strong feeling. An exclamation always ends with an exclamation point. I can't wait to travel through Europe this summer!
The sentence is a statement and ends with a period. It is a declarative sentence.
How long is a long-distance running race?
[ "39 meters", "39 kilometers", "39 centimeters", "39 millimeters" ]
1
Select the best estimate.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
units-and-measurement
Units and measurement
Choose metric units of distance, mass, and volume
Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. When you are using metric units, length can be written with units of millimeters, centimeters, meters, or kilometers. One meter contains 100 centimeters or 1,000 millimeters. So, 1 meter is larger than 1 centimeter, and 1 centimeter is larger than 1 millimeter. The tip of the pencil shown here is only 1 millimeter wide, but the pencil is about 16 centimeters long. A red fox is about 1 meter long. The Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia is about 1,000 meters, or 1 kilometer, in length.
The best estimate for the length of a long-distance running race is 39 kilometers. 39 millimeters, 39 centimeters, and 39 meters are all too short.
Select the animal.
[ "Apple trees can grow fruit.", "Anteaters walk and run." ]
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.
An apple tree is a plant. It can grow fruit. People have been growing apples for thousands of years. There are more than 7,500 types of apples! An anteater is an animal. It walks and runs. Anteaters mostly eat ants. They also eat other insects.
Is this a sentence fragment? Long ago, fossils were used as evidence to support mythical tales. In fact, fourth-century Chinese historian Chang Qu once mislabeled a giant dinosaur bone as that of a dragon.
[ "yes", "no" ]
1
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.
This is not a sentence fragment. It is a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought. Long ago, fossils were used as evidence to support mythical tales. In fact, fourth-century Chinese historian Chang Qu once mislabeled a giant dinosaur bone as that of a dragon.
Last year, there were seven men's clothing stores on Main Street in Oakland. This year, there are only three. What probably happened to the overall supply of men's shirts in Oakland?
[ "The supply probably went up.", "The supply probably went down." ]
1
closed choice
grade4
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.
When four men's clothing stores closed on Main Street, the number of suppliers went down. There were fewer stores selling men's shirts. So, the supply of men's shirts probably went down.
Read the following excerpt from a student essay. How can the writer best improve his or her grammar and mechanics? Raise the minimum driving age from sixteen? I don't think so. Driving a vehicle is important for teens. A life-changing experience. Being able to drive teaches teens responsibility and decision-making skills. Many teens have jobs or sports practices after school. Need to drive themselves to these places. If the driving age were raised, there would be problems for teens. More difficult to get around. Fewer chances for responsibility. No to raising the driving age!
[ "by fixing sentence fragments", "by fixing subject-verb agreement errors", "by correcting misplaced modifiers" ]
0
closed choice
grade11
language science
writing-strategies
Editing and revising
Suggest appropriate revisions
During peer review, you read and respond to a fellow student's writing. While there are many methods and strategies that you can use for reviewing a text, it is generally helpful to frame your suggestions in concrete and constructive ways and to consider the following areas for revision: Ideas and development: Does the writer express a clear idea and develop it with evidence, examples, or analysis? Organization: Does the writer order ideas in a clear, logical way so that they build on one another and are easy to follow? Voice: Does the writer maintain an appropriate voice, such as a formal and objective voice in an academic essay or an engaging and expressive voice in a narrative essay? Sentence fluency: Does the writer use sentences that vary in structure and length to create a sense of rhythm and flow within and between sentences, or does the writing sound choppy, rambling, or repetitive? Word choice: Does the writer use words accurately and precisely to create clear, effective, and engaging writing? Grammar and mechanics: Does the writer follow appropriate conventions, using accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar to create writing that is correct and easy to read?
The writer could best improve his or her grammar and mechanics by fixing sentence fragments. For example, the writer could revise the underlined fragments to make them complete sentences. Raise the minimum driving age from sixteen? I don't think so. Driving a vehicle is important for teens. A life-changing experience. Being able to drive teaches teens responsibility and decision-making skills. Many teens have jobs or sports practices after school. Need to drive themselves to these places. If the driving age were raised, there would be problems for teens. More difficult to get around. Fewer chances for responsibility. No to raising the driving age!
Which text uses the word travesty in its traditional sense?
[ "Because the bank robbers were acquitted on a technicality, many people called the trial's outcome a travesty of justice.", "Although no one was injured in the bank robbery, the event was a travesty for the bank." ]
0
closed choice
grade10
language science
writing-strategies
Word usage and nuance
Explore words with new or contested usages
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner. When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences. Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam. The traditional usage above is considered more standard. David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages. The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The second text uses travesty in its traditional sense: a ridiculous imitation; a parody. Because the bank robbers were acquitted on a technicality, many people called the trial's outcome a travesty of justice. The first text uses travesty in its nontraditional sense: a disappointment or a tragedy. Although no one was injured in the bank robbery, the event was a travesty for the bank. Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word travesty because it is considered more standard.
Which greeting is correct for a letter?
[ "Dear aunt Katie,", "Dear Aunt Katie," ]
1
closed choice
grade4
language science
punctuation
Formatting
Greetings and closings of letters
A letter starts with a greeting and ends with a closing. For each one, capitalize the first word and end with a comma. You should also capitalize proper nouns, such as Aunt Sue. Dear Aunt Sue, I'm glad you could come to my party, and thank you for the birthday gift. I could not have asked for a better one! Every time I see it, I think of you. With love, Rory
The second greeting is correct: Its first word is capitalized, and it ends with a comma. Aunt Katie is capitalized because it is a proper noun.
Which sentence is more formal?
[ "The cruise will begin in Florida and will make stops in Puerto Rico, Dominica, and the Bahamas.", "The cruise will begin in Florida, and it'll make stops in Puerto Rico, Dominica, and the Bahamas." ]
0
closed choice
grade7
language science
writing-strategies
Author's purpose and tone
Which sentence is more formal?
Formal writing is used for essays, business letters, and reports. The following types of informal language should be avoided in formal writing: Type | Examples slang | cool, awesome idioms | knock your socks off conversational language | gonna, kinda, yeah abbreviated language | ASAP, FYI overly simple or imprecise language | he got some stuff at the store contractions | can't, won't Contractions are not as informal as the other types, but they should be used sparingly in formal writing. Compare the following sentences. The first is informal. The second is formal. Informal: Yeah, ostriches can't fly, but they're awesome runners. Formal: Though ostriches are flightless, they are remarkably adept runners.
The second sentence is less formal. You can tell because it uses a contraction (it'll). The first sentence does not use a contraction, so it is more formal.
Based on this information, what is this plant's phenotype for the flower color trait?
[ "dark yellow flowers", "light yellow flowers" ]
1
In a group of rose plants, some individuals have light yellow flowers and others have dark yellow flowers. In this group, the gene for the flower color trait has two alleles. The allele for light yellow flowers (F) is dominant over the allele for dark yellow flowers (f). A certain rose plant from this group has the homozygous genotype FF for the flower 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.
The rose plant's genotype for the flower color gene is FF. The rose plant's genotype of FF has only F allelles. The F allele is for light yellow flowers. So, the rose plant's phenotype for the flower color trait must be light yellow flowers. To check this answer, consider whether the rose plant's alleles are dominant or recessive. The allele for light yellow flowers (F) is dominant over the allele for dark yellow flowers (f). This means F is a dominant allele, and f is a recessive allele. The rose plant's genotype of FF has two dominant alleles. An organism with at least one dominant allele for a gene will have the dominant allele's version of the trait. So, the rose plant's phenotype for the flower color trait must be light yellow flowers.
Using only these supplies, which question can Lara investigate with an experiment?
[ "Does a cell phone charge faster when plugged into a wall outlet or into a computer?", "Does a cell phone charge more quickly when it is turned on or when it is turned off?", "Does a tablet charge faster with a two-foot-long charging cable or a five-foot-long charging cable?" ]
1
Lara 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!
Which of the following is an example of technologies?
[ "a loom to weave fabric", "a hurricane that damages homes" ]
0
People in early China invented many new types of technologies. Today, the word "technology" often refers to electronic objects such as computers and cell phones. But technology can be any device or object that helps people solve problems or complete tasks more easily.
closed choice
grade7
social science
world-history
Early China
Science and technology in early China
Which figure of speech is used in this text? Colleen swore she would never go back to Riverside, but I told her she should never say never. The city might be a very different place in ten years.
[ "paradox", "oxymoron" ]
0
closed choice
grade11
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 a paradox, a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. Never say never at first appears to be contradictory: by saying the phrase itself, you have already said never. However, it contains some truth: people often change their minds as they age and so should not rule anything out by saying never.
Select the vertebrate.
[ "panda", "golden orb-weaver", "weaver ant", "atlas moth" ]
0
Hint: Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians are vertebrates.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Classification
Identify vertebrates and invertebrates
Vertebrates and invertebrates are both groups of animals. A vertebrate has a backbone. The backbone is made of many bones in an animal's back. A vertebrate's backbone helps connect the different parts of its body. In the drawings below, each vertebrate's backbone is colored orange. An invertebrate does not have a backbone. In fact, invertebrates do not have any bones! Some invertebrates have an outer cover on their body called an exoskeleton. Other invertebrates have a soft body.
Like other spiders, a golden orb-weaver is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A weaver ant is an insect. Like other insects, a weaver ant is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. An atlas moth is an insect. Like other insects, an atlas moth is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A panda is a mammal. Like other mammals, a panda is a vertebrate. It has a backbone.
Select the plant.
[ "Bald eagles walk and fly.", "Honey bees walk and fly.", "Ginkgo trees have flat leaves.", "Manatees swim underwater." ]
2
closed choice
grade3
natural science
biology
Classification
Identify plants and animals
Plants and animals are living things. Living things are called organisms. Plants come in many shapes and sizes. Most plants grow in the ground. They might grow leaves, flowers, and fruit. Plants cannot move around on their own like animals can. Animals also come in many shapes and sizes. Most animals can move around. Animals might run, swim, jump, or fly. Animals eat plants or other organisms for food.
A ginkgo tree is a plant. It has flat leaves. Ginkgo trees are from China. They can grow in cold places. A bald eagle is an animal. It walks and flies. Bald eagles live in trees near water. They eat mostly fish. A manatee is an animal. It swims underwater. Manatees eat plants that live underwater. A honey bee is an animal. It walks and flies. A honey bee is an insect. Honey bees live in large groups called colonies.
Which object has less thermal energy?
[ "a 250-gram glass of orange juice at a temperature of 45°F", "a 250-gram glass of orange juice at a temperature of 40°F" ]
1
The objects are identical except for their temperatures.
closed choice
grade3
natural science
physics
Heat and thermal energy
How is temperature related to thermal energy?
All solids, liquids, and gases are made of matter. Matter is made up of tiny particles that are always moving. The energy from the motion of these particles is called thermal energy. Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the particles in matter slow down, the temperature goes down. The matter now has both less thermal energy and a lower temperature.
The two glasses of orange juice have the same mass but different temperatures. Since the 40°F glass of orange juice is colder than the 45°F glass of orange juice, it has less thermal energy.