Manga:Whimsical Pictures1You could probably name several superheroes featured in popular American comic books, but you may not know that many Japanese comic books are even more beloved worldwide. Comic books and graphic novels produced and published in Japan are called manga. This term is often confused with anime, which is Japanese animation. The word manga comes from two Japanese characters: man, meaning “whimsical,” and ga, meaning “pictures.” The phrase “whimsical pictures” is a perfect description for this diverse medium loved by so many.2Manga got its start in the twelfth century when Japanese monks drew animals behaving in humanlike ways onto scrolls. Books with pictures surrounded by dialogue appeared in the eighteenth century. During World War II, manga was used to promote Japanese government ideals. Then, American comics were introduced in Japan, which caused a turning point. Manga shifted away from being a wartime tool. In 1952, Osamu Tezuka, known as the “Father of Manga,” created one of the most successful manga series: Astro Boy. He drew characters from different angles, used close-ups and other new techniques, and included themes uncommon in comics, such as grief, hate, and hope. Osamu’s art and writing style influenced most modern manga that followed.3Although American comics inspired modern manga, there are differences. American comics are in color, but manga is typically black and white. Instead of being read from left to right, manga is read from right to left. And while American comics are aimed at teens, manga is well-liked by people of all ages. In fact, manga is so popular that it is even more profitable than American comics. It is estimated that manga creators made more than five billion dollars in 2020, while the American comic industry earned only $1.28 billion.4Manga’s popularity likely stems from its varied subject matter and genres. There is literally something for everyone! There are five main genres: Shōjo, Shōnen, Kodomomuke, Josei, and Seinen. Shōjo includes stories like Sailor Moon. It is geared toward girls with romantic, magical, or comedic themes. Shōnen includes stories like Dragonball. It is action, fantasy, and adventure written for boys. Kodomomuke, including the hit Pokémon Adventure series, is for young children. Josei and Seinen have older characters and are aimed at adults. However, there are no rules; people may enjoy any genre, regardless of sex or age. The volume and variety of manga is the key to its great success.
Which evidence from "Manga" MOST STRONGLY supports the author's claim that manga is more popular than American comics?
A.
You could probably name several superheroes featured in popular American comic books, but you may not know that many Japanese comic books are even more beloved worldwide. (paragraph 1)
B.
Books with pictures surrounded by dialogue appeared in the eighteenth century. (paragraph 2)
C.
Although American comics inspired modern manga, there are differences. (paragraph 3)
D.
It is estimated that manga creators made more than five billion dollars in 2020, while the American comic industry earned only $1.28 billion. (paragraph 3)
D. It is estimated that manga creators made more than five billion dollars in 2020, while the American comic industry earned only $1.28 billion. (paragraph 3)
Anime:Animated Drawings1Do you like watching cartoons? If you answered yes, you are not alone. People have been enjoying cartoons in theaters and on television for more than 100 years. These moving pictures have captured the imaginations and hearts of children and adults all around the world. One such person, Japanese artist Osamu Tezuka, was so inspired by cartoons that he created his own highly stylized version called anime. The word anime comes from animēshon, which means "animated drawings." It refers to animated films and series produced in Japan. Anime is known for its bold and colorful graphics, dynamic characters, and compelling storylines. While American animation appeals to children, anime attracts audiences of all ages. Today, anime is more popular than ever.2Anime was first introduced in Japan in the 1920s, but modern anime evolved from manga after World War II. Manga refers to comic books and graphic novels produced in Japan. Manga and anime are not synonyms; they are separate types of visual media. However, both were greatly influenced by the American comic books and cartoons imported into Japan during World War II. Manga artist Osamu Tezuka is credited with pioneering modern anime. He drew characters with big, doe-like eyes due to his obsession with Walt Disney's movie Bambi. His manga panels were action-packed and gave the feeling of movement. In the 1960s, his manga was adapted into anime series, and the rest is history. His work contributed greatly to the look and feel of modern-day anime, earning him the title "Godfather of anime."3Even though American cartoons influenced Tezuka and other animators, anime differs from western animation. Cartoons are often humorous stories marketed toward children with simple drawing styles. Anime is much more diverse. The character design is detailed, with bright coloring. Anime characters typically have exaggerated movements and emotions compared to American characters. Anime has epic storylines that cover a variety of themes like romance, science fiction, and action. The biggest difference is that anime has a wide range of genres written for children, teens, and adults.4Anime's universal appeal has enabled it to continuously grow in popularity. In 2019, the anime industry earned about 24 billion dollars. That is double what it made eight years prior. Streaming services have helped it become more mainstream by giving people access to well-liked series, like Pokémon and My Hero Acadamia. Its varied, intriguing storytelling has captivated audiences worldwide.
Which TWO pieces of evidence from “Anime” MOST STRONGLY support the author’s claim that anime is more popular than ever?
A.
People have been enjoying cartoons in theaters and on television for more than 100 years. (paragraph 1)
B.
While American animation appeals to children, anime attracts audiences of all ages. (paragraph 1)
C.
Anime was first introduced in Japan in the 1920s, but modern anime evolved from manga after World War II. (paragraph 2)
D.
Anime has epic storylines that cover . . . romance, science fiction, and action. (paragraph 3)
E.
In 2019, the anime industry earned . . . double what it made eight years prior. (paragraph 4)
F.
Streaming services have helped it become more mainstream by giving people access to well-liked series, like Pokémon and My Hero Acadamia. (paragraph 4)
E. In 2019, the anime industry earned . . . double what it made eight years prior. (paragraph 4)
F. Streaming services have helped it become more mainstream by giving people access to well-liked series, like Pokémon and My Hero Acadamia. (paragraph 4)
A student is writing an argumentative essay for her class. The student wants to revise the draft to have more clarity. Read the draft of the essay and complete the task that follows.
Many students look forward to getting a part–time job after school. Working at an after–school job is a big step toward growing up. Students go to school to learn to prepare for college and then for life as an adult. Having a job is another way students can get ready for their future. Students can learn how to be independent and responsible. It also teaches students life skills that can be hard to learn in school, like how to manage their time and money.
Some may say that having an after–school job takes time away from homework. However, some studies have shown that students with part–time jobs after school earn higher grades than those who do not. It is true that students who work after school might not be able to join sports teams or do other extracurricular activities, but many jobs also give students the chance to learn about teamwork and make friends. Jobs are important because they are a source of useful skills, money and pride for students.
Revise the introduction by choosing the sentence that would improve the introduction by setting up the argument.
A.
Many students have to work to help support their families.
B.
Having a job has both long–term and short–term benefits for students.
C.
Parents should encourage their children to do volunteer work if they cannot find jobs.
D.
All students should try having an after–school job so they can figure out if they like working.=
B. Having a job has both long-term and short-term benefits for students.
Read the following paragraph from Alyssa's draft of an argumentative essay.
Team Sports
Playing a team sport helps to support character growth. Being on a team sport holds an individual responsible. Each team member must do their part to help reach a common goal. Being on a team sport can contribute to more physical exercise as well. Learning to work on a team also develops important skills needed in the future. Not only will a team member be expected to learn how to lead, they will also learn to follow directions from others. Team sports also teach participants good sportsmanship.
Which of the following sentences should be removed because it does NOT support the main argument of the essay?
A.
Being on a team sport holds an individual responsible.
B.
Being on a team sport can contribute to more physical exercise as well.
C.
Not only will a team member be expected to learn how to lead, they will also learn to follow directions from others.
D.
Team sports also teach participants good sportsmanship.
B. Being on a team sport can contribute to more physical exercise as well.
Use the information in the box below to answer the question.
fault n.
1. something that is not physically or intellectually perfect
2. a mistake
3. a crack in the crust of a planet
4. someone who does something to an excessive degree
Which sentence uses the word fault as it is described in definition 1?
A.
The antique dresser had one fault, a deep scratch near its second drawer.
B.
Her grammar is perfect to a fault.
C.
A fault in Earth's crust is where earthquakes occur.
D.
The woman admitted that the misunderstanding was her fault.
A. The antique dresser had one fault, a deep scratch near its second drawer.
Read the following sentence.
The Earth is divided into a Northern and Southern hemisphere.
The underlined word contains the Greek affix hemi. The Greek affix hemi most nearly means
object.
responses
circle or round
any fraction or section of an
double or twice the
half or bisected