Use the paragraph to answer the question.
The platypus is an Australian mammal that is not easily classified. It is one of only two mammals (the other being the echidna) that bears young by laying eggs. In some respects, the platypus resembles a duck; both have webbed feet and bills. The platypus has a tail like a beaver’s and a furry body similar to an otter’s. Its unusual hybrid of body parts makes it well-suited for its largely aquatic life. The platypus uses its webbed feet to paddle through water, and its tail serves as a kind of rudder for steering. While underwater, the platypus uses its bill to scoop up bits of food, such as insects and shellfish, from the water’s bottom. The platypus also scoops up bits of gravel, which grind up the food, as the platypus is toothless. The platypus stores the food and gravel in its cheeks until it reaches the water’s surface. Once the platypus surfaces, it consumes its meal.
Which sentence describes the main idea?
(1 point)
Responses
The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique.
The platypus is a mammal with many characteristics that make it unique.
The platypus has features similar to an otter and a beaver.
The platypus has features similar to an otter and a beaver.
The platypus lives in Australia.
The platypus lives in Australia.
The platypus uses an interesting method to consume its meals.
real
The platypus uses an interesting method to consume its meals.
Use the paragraph to answer the question.
It happens way too often: oil leaking from wells beneath the ocean or tankers spilling their cargo into the waves. One disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, called the Tyler spill, has been leaking hundreds of barrels of oil per day into the ocean for the past 14 years. While safety has not been made a priority, something can be done to clean up oil spills that does not involve pouring chemical cleanup agents into the already polluted waters. The question is, when will the oil industry embrace this effective, safe method?
Which sentence best summarizes the text?
(1 point)
Responses
The oil industry needs to work more more efficiently.
The oil industry needs to work more more efficiently.
The oil industry should focus on the fastest way to clean up oil spills.
The oil industry should focus on the fastest way to clean up oil spills.
There is a smart solution to the ongoing problem of oil spills the industry should use.
There is a smart solution to the ongoing problem of oil spills the industry should use.
There is no reason that oil spills occur as often as they do.
There is a smart solution to the ongoing problem of oil spills the industry should use.
Use the sentences to answer the question.
Many people believe a European named Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press. However, Gutenberg’s press was actually building on inventions that appeared centuries earlier in China.
What is the connection between the ideas in these sentences?
(1 point)
Responses
cause and effect
cause and effect
comparison
comparison
problem and solution
problem and solution
contrast
comparison
Use the sentences to answer the question.
A Buddhist book called The Diamond Sutra, printed around 868 C.E., is the oldest known printed book. It was printed using page-sized panels of wood blocks. These blocks were carved by hand with Chinese characters shown in reverse.
Which word or phrase describes the relationship between the ideas in the sentences?
(1 point)
Responses
contrast
contrast
cause and effect
cause and effect
problem and solution
problem and solution
description
description
Use the paragraph to answer the question.
All around the world, millions of people watch hundreds of new movies each year. Most people are aware that these movies have actors and actresses, directors, stunt doubles, and camera operators. But have you ever wondered how the crack of a bat in a baseball scene sounds so authentic even though the camera must be dozens of feet away?
Which word means the same as authentic as it is used in the paragraph?
(1 point)
Responses
distant
distant
fast
fast
real
real
boring
Use the paragraph to answer the question.
You may not think earthquakes and volcanoes can go together, but they are unlikely friends, creating sensations under the earth’s surface. Most earthquakes occur because of the movement of tectonic plates previously described. Sometimes earthquakes happen below a volcano. This happens because magma, which is hot molten rock beneath the earth’s surface, pushes on rock until it breaks the rock and seeps into it. Then, the magma builds more pressure until it leaks more magma into the crack. Little earthquakes happen each time the rock breaks and lets in more magma. These little earthquakes are too small to feel. They are called harmonic tremors, perhaps because of their constant release of energy, like one long song played underground.
What does the analogy "they are called harmonic tremors, perhaps because of their constant release of energy, like one long song played underground" from the paragraph mean?
(1 point)
Responses
The same amount of energy is released by music and small earthquakes.
The same amount of energy is released by music and small earthquakes.
When little earthquakes occur, they make sounds similar to music.
When little earthquakes occur, they make sounds similar to music.
Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.
Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.
The tremors from small earthquakes follow unpredictable patterns, unlike musical meter.
Much like background music, little earthquakes tremor underground without much notice.
Why would a student include an allusion to Albert Einstein, an accomplished scientist with a famously bad memory, in a paper about how people learn?(1 point)
Responses
to show how remembering something is not as important as understanding it
to show how remembering something is not as important as understanding it
to show that memorization is important to everyone
to show that memorization is important to everyone
to show how famous people are remembered
to show how famous people are remembered
to show that memorization is important when learning something new
to show how remembering something is not as important as understanding it
Use the sentences to answer the question.
"Mary is such a quiet child," said Aunt Lydia. "It makes me wonder what will become of her."
Which word would give the sentence a negative tone if it replaced the word quiet?
(1 point)
Responses
calm
calm
disciplined
disciplined
reserved
reserved
sullen
sullen
Use the paragraph to answer the question.
The crowd gathered around a chain-link fence and waited for the show to begin. The artist approached the large tree stump and powered up his chainsaw with a loud roar. Everyone was startled even though they knew the sound was coming. Swinging the saw in rhythmic motions and lunging forward to make quick stabs at the wood, the artist began to create an image. The people in the crowd turned their heads and squinted their eyes, trying to make out what shape the sculpture would take. Time passed quickly and the buzz of the saw dominated the scene for most of the afternoon. Then, just as the evening light softened the forest, the artist set down his saw and touched the face of the giant grizzly bear with his bare hand.
Which piece of evidence from the paragraph supports the inference that the artist is inspired by nature?
(1 point)
Responses
His work requires physical strength.
His work requires physical strength.
He performs in front of a crowd.
He performs in front of a crowd.
He likes to be hands-on with his work.
He likes to be hands-on with his work.
He carves animals out of wood.
He carves animals out of wood.
What is the most likely purpose for writing an explanatory article in third-person point of view that includes many facts and details about a topic?(1 point)
Responses
to entertain the reader
to entertain the reader
to inform
to inform
to persuade
to persuade
to express an opinion
to express an opinion
to inform
Use the paragraph to answer the prompt.
Most forest fires and wildfires are natural. They clear away debris, old brush, and dying trees, leaving heartier trees better able to grow. In fact, some trees only produce seeds when heated by fire. If a wildfire removes thick shrubs and undergrowth, the water supply increases, which helps other plants and local animals. Fire may also kill predatory insects or pests that live on and damage otherwise healthy trees.
In two sentences, identify the main idea and at least one supporting detail of this paragraph.
(2 points)
Main idea: Forest fires and wildfires have natural benefits for the ecosystem.
Supporting detail: Fires clear away debris, old brush, and dying trees, leaving heartier trees better able to grow.
Use the paragraph to answer the prompt.
What are nudibranch? Only some of the most colorful sea creatures on Earth! These marine mollusks boast a variety of unique shapes and colors, and they live anywhere in the world's oceans, from the tropics to Antarctica. There are many different types of nudibranchs, some no longer than an inch, and some as long as two feet! Some use toxic appendages to defend themselves, while others use camouflage. Some even make their own chemicals to keep predators at bay. Why do nudibranchs have these defenses? Because they are naked! Nudibranch means "naked gills," so named for their soft bodies and their exposed gills, which sit atop their backs. While common to the ocean, these unusual creatures can be spotted on underwater dives.
In 2–3 sentences, summarize the information in the paragraph.
(2 points)
Nudibranchs are colorful marine mollusks found in various shapes and sizes across the world's oceans. They possess a range of defense mechanisms, such as toxic appendages, camouflage, and chemical production, to protect themselves from predators. These unique creatures, named for their exposed gills and soft bodies, can be observed during underwater dives.
In 3–5 sentences, describe a character that is stingy with money and dishonest. Include allusions to Scrooge and Pinocchio or two other suitable, well-known allusions in your response. (4 points)
The character, let's call him Harold, was known throughout the town for his stinginess with money. He possessed a miserly nature, hoarding his wealth and rarely parting with a cent. People often remarked on his likeness to Scrooge, the infamous character from Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," due to his unwillingness to give to those in need. Not only was Harold miserly, but he was also dishonest. His lies flowed effortlessly from his lips, just like Pinocchio's nose growing with every fib, earning him the nickname "Pinocchio in a suit." In their interactions with Harold, people couldn't help but be reminded of these iconic fictional characters who embodied greed and deceit.
Use the excerpt from a letter to answer the prompt.
The current state of Castle Park is a disgrace to our community. Ten years ago, community groups came together to give our children a safe place to play. Today, the wooden structure rots, the chains on the swing set rust, and garbage covers the ground. The city government refuses to take responsibility for restoring the structure, yet it will not allow concerned citizens to make their own repairs. Our children deserve a safe, clean, functional play space. The city council’s inaction has turned a gem of the park system into yet another public junkyard.
In 3–5 sentences, identify and explain words in the letter that create a negative tone. Support your answer with details from the text.
(4 points)
The words in the letter that create a negative tone are "disgrace," "rots," "rust," "garbage," "refuses," "junkyard," and "inaction." These words convey a sense of decay, neglect, and disappointment. The use of "disgrace" and "junkyard" implies that the current state of Castle Park is shameful and unsightly. The words "rots" and "rust" emphasize the deteriorated condition of the wooden structure and swing set. "Garbage" suggests a lack of cleanliness and care. "Refuses" and "inaction" highlight the city government's failure to take responsibility and address the issue, further fueling the negative tone of the letter.
In 3–5 sentences, describe a character that is stingy with money and dishonest. Include allusions to Scrooge and Pinocchio or two other suitable, well-known allusions in your response. (4 points)
@bot
In 3–5 sentences, describe a character that is stingy with money and dishonest. Include allusions to Scrooge and Pinocchio or two other suitable, well-known allusions in your response. (4 points)