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 3 or 4 sentences, identify the main idea and at least one supporting detail of this paragraph.

The main idea of this paragraph is that most forest fires and wildfires are natural and beneficial for the ecosystem. One supporting detail is that these fires clear away debris, old brush, and dying trees, allowing heartier trees to grow. Another supporting detail is that some trees only produce seeds when heated by fire.

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 sea creatures that come in various shapes and sizes. They have different defense mechanisms, such as toxic appendages and camouflage, to protect themselves from predators. Their name, which means "naked gills," refers to their soft bodies and exposed gills.

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)

Meet Mr. Smith, a character who is not only stingy with money but also incredibly dishonest. He is akin to the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge, hoarding every penny and refusing to spend even a dime on others. Just like Pinocchio, Mr. Smith tells lie after lie, fabricating elaborate tales to manipulate others and avoid parting with his precious wealth. Much like the character Iago from Shakespeare's play "Othello", Mr. Smith is driven by his greed, willing to deceive and betray anyone for personal gain. This combination of miserliness and deceit creates a character who is both despicable and intriguing, mirroring the archetypal traits of these well-known literary figures.

In 3–5 sentences, describe a character that exists in fiction 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)

Enter Mr. Blackwood, an enigmatic character who embodies the traits of greed and deceit. Like Ebenezer Scrooge, he is incredibly stingy with money, refusing to part with a single cent and hoarding his wealth. However, Mr. Blackwood takes his deception to another level, resembling the conniving character of Iago from Shakespeare's play "Othello." He weaves intricate webs of lies and manipulation to maintain his fortunes and exploit those around him. In addition, he possesses the slyness of Gollum from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," always scheming and seeking to acquire more wealth at any cost. This combination of Scrooge, Iago, and Gollum creates a character who embodies the worst aspects of human morality, making him a compelling and reviled figure in fiction.