PSAT 8/9 Reading Exam 1

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Electroconvulsive therapy was pioneered in the 1930s as a method for combatting severe psychiatric symptoms such as intractable depression and paranoid schizophrenia. This procedure, which involves delivering a deliberate electrical shock to the brain, was controversial from the beginning because it caused pain and short-term memory loss. It fell strongly out of public favor after the 1962 publication of Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which featured an unprincipled nurse using electroconvulsive therapy as a means of control over her patients. Paradoxically, medical advances at the time of the novel’s publication made electroconvulsive therapy significantly safer and more humane.

Although the public is still generally opposed to electroconvulsive therapy, it remains a genuine option for psychiatric patients whose symptoms do not improve with medication. Medical professionals who offer this option should be especially careful to make clear distinctions between myth and reality. On this topic, unfortunately, many patients tend to rely on fiction rather than fact.

*

We were led into a stark exam room, where three doctors positioned themselves so Mama and I had no direct path to the door. The one in charge cleared his throat and told me my mother needed electroshock. My brain buzzed—almost as if it was hooked up to some crackpot brainwashing machine—as Big Doctor droned on about his sadistic intentions. I didn’t hear any of it. All I could think was that these people wanted to tie my mother down and stick wires in her ears.
When Big Doctor was finished, he flipped through the papers on his clipboard and asked if I had questions. I mumbled something noncommittal. Then, when he and his silent escort left, I grabbed Mama and beat it out of that wacko ward as fast as I could make her go.

What is the purpose of the first paragraph of Passage 1?

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Electroconvulsive therapy was pioneered in the 1930s as a method for combatting severe psychiatric symptoms such as intractable depression and paranoid schizophrenia. This procedure, which involves delivering a deliberate electrical shock to the brain, was controversial from the beginning because it caused pain and short-term memory loss. It fell strongly out of public favor after the 1962 publication of Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which featured an unprincipled nurse using electroconvulsive therapy as a means of control over her patients. Paradoxically, medical advances at the time of the novel’s publication made electroconvulsive therapy significantly safer and more humane.

Although the public is still generally opposed to electroconvulsive therapy, it remains a genuine option for psychiatric patients whose symptoms do not improve with medication. Medical professionals who offer this option should be especially careful to make clear distinctions between myth and reality. On this topic, unfortunately, many patients tend to rely on fiction rather than fact.

*

We were led into a stark exam room, where three doctors positioned themselves so Mama and I had no direct path to the door. The one in charge cleared his throat and told me my mother needed electroshock. My brain buzzed—almost as if it was hooked up to some crackpot brainwashing machine—as Big Doctor droned on about his sadistic intentions. I didn’t hear any of it. All I could think was that these people wanted to tie my mother down and stick wires in her ears.
When Big Doctor was finished, he flipped through the papers on his clipboard and asked if I had questions. I mumbled something noncommittal. Then, when he and his silent escort left, I grabbed Mama and beat it out of that wacko ward as fast as I could make her go.

What is the primary purpose of Passage 2?

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Electroconvulsive therapy was pioneered in the 1930s as a method for combatting severe psychiatric symptoms such as intractable depression and paranoid schizophrenia. This procedure, which involves delivering a deliberate electrical shock to the brain, was controversial from the beginning because it caused pain and short-term memory loss. It fell strongly out of public favor after the 1962 publication of Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which featured an unprincipled nurse using electroconvulsive therapy as a means of control over her patients. Paradoxically, medical advances at the time of the novel’s publication made electroconvulsive therapy significantly safer and more humane.

Although the public is still generally opposed to electroconvulsive therapy, it remains a genuine option for psychiatric patients whose symptoms do not improve with medication. Medical professionals who offer this option should be especially careful to make clear distinctions between myth and reality. On this topic, unfortunately, many patients tend to rely on fiction rather than fact.

*

We were led into a stark exam room, where three doctors positioned themselves so Mama and I had no direct path to the door. The one in charge cleared his throat and told me my mother needed electroshock. My brain buzzed—almost as if it was hooked up to some crackpot brainwashing machine—as Big Doctor droned on about his sadistic intentions. I didn’t hear any of it. All I could think was that these people wanted to tie my mother down and stick wires in her ears.
When Big Doctor was finished, he flipped through the papers on his clipboard and asked if I had questions. I mumbled something noncommittal. Then, when he and his silent escort left, I grabbed Mama and beat it out of that wacko ward as fast as I could make her go.

What is the purpose of the second paragraph of Passage 1?

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Electroconvulsive therapy was pioneered in the 1930s as a method for combatting severe psychiatric symptoms such as intractable depression and paranoid schizophrenia. This procedure, which involves delivering a deliberate electrical shock to the brain, was controversial from the beginning because it caused pain and short-term memory loss. It fell strongly out of public favor after the 1962 publication of Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which featured an unprincipled nurse using electroconvulsive therapy as a means of control over her patients. Paradoxically, medical advances at the time of the novel’s publication made electroconvulsive therapy significantly safer and more humane.

Although the public is still generally opposed to electroconvulsive therapy, it remains a genuine option for psychiatric patients whose symptoms do not improve with medication. Medical professionals who offer this option should be especially careful to make clear distinctions between myth and reality. On this topic, unfortunately, many patients tend to rely on fiction rather than fact.

*

We were led into a stark exam room, where three doctors positioned themselves so Mama and I had no direct path to the door. The one in charge cleared his throat and told me my mother needed electroshock. My brain buzzed—almost as if it was hooked up to some crackpot brainwashing machine—as Big Doctor droned on about his sadistic intentions. I didn’t hear any of it. All I could think was that these people wanted to tie my mother down and stick wires in her ears.
When Big Doctor was finished, he flipped through the papers on his clipboard and asked if I had questions. I mumbled something noncommittal. Then, when he and his silent escort left, I grabbed Mama and beat it out of that wacko ward as fast as I could make her go.

With which statement would the author of Passage 1 likely agree?

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Electroconvulsive therapy was pioneered in the 1930s as a method for combatting severe psychiatric symptoms such as intractable depression and paranoid schizophrenia. This procedure, which involves delivering a deliberate electrical shock to the brain, was controversial from the beginning because it caused pain and short-term memory loss. It fell strongly out of public favor after the 1962 publication of Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which featured an unprincipled nurse using electroconvulsive therapy as a means of control over her patients. Paradoxically, medical advances at the time of the novel’s publication made electroconvulsive therapy significantly safer and more humane.

Although the public is still generally opposed to electroconvulsive therapy, it remains a genuine option for psychiatric patients whose symptoms do not improve with medication. Medical professionals who offer this option should be especially careful to make clear distinctions between myth and reality. On this topic, unfortunately, many patients tend to rely on fiction rather than fact.

*

We were led into a stark exam room, where three doctors positioned themselves so Mama and I had no direct path to the door. The one in charge cleared his throat and told me my mother needed electroshock. My brain buzzed—almost as if it was hooked up to some crackpot brainwashing machine—as Big Doctor droned on about his sadistic intentions. I didn’t hear any of it. All I could think was that these people wanted to tie my mother down and stick wires in her ears.
When Big Doctor was finished, he flipped through the papers on his clipboard and asked if I had questions. I mumbled something noncommittal. Then, when he and his silent escort left, I grabbed Mama and beat it out of that wacko ward as fast as I could make her go.

Which detail from Passage 1 supports the conclusion that patients should try other options before electing to undergo electroconvulsive therapy?

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Electroconvulsive therapy was pioneered in the 1930s as a method for combatting severe psychiatric symptoms such as intractable depression and paranoid schizophrenia. This procedure, which involves delivering a deliberate electrical shock to the brain, was controversial from the beginning because it caused pain and short-term memory loss. It fell strongly out of public favor after the 1962 publication of Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which featured an unprincipled nurse using electroconvulsive therapy as a means of control over her patients. Paradoxically, medical advances at the time of the novel’s publication made electroconvulsive therapy significantly safer and more humane.

Although the public is still generally opposed to electroconvulsive therapy, it remains a genuine option for psychiatric patients whose symptoms do not improve with medication. Medical professionals who offer this option should be especially careful to make clear distinctions between myth and reality. On this topic, unfortunately, many patients tend to rely on fiction rather than fact.

*

We were led into a stark exam room, where three doctors positioned themselves so Mama and I had no direct path to the door. The one in charge cleared his throat and told me my mother needed electroshock. My brain buzzed—almost as if it was hooked up to some crackpot brainwashing machine—as Big Doctor droned on about his sadistic intentions. I didn’t hear any of it. All I could think was that these people wanted to tie my mother down and stick wires in her ears.
When Big Doctor was finished, he flipped through the papers on his clipboard and asked if I had questions. I mumbled something noncommittal. Then, when he and his silent escort left, I grabbed Mama and beat it out of that wacko ward as fast as I could make her go.

The author of Passage 1 would most likely criticize the author of Passage 2 for:

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Electroconvulsive therapy was pioneered in the 1930s as a method for combatting severe psychiatric symptoms such as intractable depression and paranoid schizophrenia. This procedure, which involves delivering a deliberate electrical shock to the brain, was controversial from the beginning because it caused pain and short-term memory loss. It fell strongly out of public favor after the 1962 publication of Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which featured an unprincipled nurse using electroconvulsive therapy as a means of control over her patients. Paradoxically, medical advances at the time of the novel’s publication made electroconvulsive therapy significantly safer and more humane.

Although the public is still generally opposed to electroconvulsive therapy, it remains a genuine option for psychiatric patients whose symptoms do not improve with medication. Medical professionals who offer this option should be especially careful to make clear distinctions between myth and reality. On this topic, unfortunately, many patients tend to rely on fiction rather than fact.

*

We were led into a stark exam room, where three doctors positioned themselves so Mama and I had no direct path to the door. The one in charge cleared his throat and told me my mother needed electroshock. My brain buzzed—almost as if it was hooked up to some crackpot brainwashing machine—as Big Doctor droned on about his sadistic intentions. I didn’t hear any of it. All I could think was that these people wanted to tie my mother down and stick wires in her ears.
When Big Doctor was finished, he flipped through the papers on his clipboard and asked if I had questions. I mumbled something noncommittal. Then, when he and his silent escort left, I grabbed Mama and beat it out of that wacko ward as fast as I could make her go.

The author of Passage 1 would most likely criticize the doctor in Passage 2 for:

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Electroconvulsive therapy was pioneered in the 1930s as a method for combatting severe psychiatric symptoms such as intractable depression and paranoid schizophrenia. This procedure, which involves delivering a deliberate electrical shock to the brain, was controversial from the beginning because it caused pain and short-term memory loss. It fell strongly out of public favor after the 1962 publication of Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which featured an unprincipled nurse using electroconvulsive therapy as a means of control over her patients. Paradoxically, medical advances at the time of the novel’s publication made electroconvulsive therapy significantly safer and more humane.

Although the public is still generally opposed to electroconvulsive therapy, it remains a genuine option for psychiatric patients whose symptoms do not improve with medication. Medical professionals who offer this option should be especially careful to make clear distinctions between myth and reality. On this topic, unfortunately, many patients tend to rely on fiction rather than fact.

*

We were led into a stark exam room, where three doctors positioned themselves so Mama and I had no direct path to the door. The one in charge cleared his throat and told me my mother needed electroshock. My brain buzzed—almost as if it was hooked up to some crackpot brainwashing machine—as Big Doctor droned on about his sadistic intentions. I didn’t hear any of it. All I could think was that these people wanted to tie my mother down and stick wires in her ears.
When Big Doctor was finished, he flipped through the papers on his clipboard and asked if I had questions. I mumbled something noncommittal. Then, when he and his silent escort left, I grabbed Mama and beat it out of that wacko ward as fast as I could make her go.

The author of Passage 1 supports her points primarily by:

Read the passages below and answer the following question.

Electroconvulsive therapy was pioneered in the 1930s as a method for combatting severe psychiatric symptoms such as intractable depression and paranoid schizophrenia. This procedure, which involves delivering a deliberate electrical shock to the brain, was controversial from the beginning because it caused pain and short-term memory loss. It fell strongly out of public favor after the 1962 publication of Ken Kesey’s novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which featured an unprincipled nurse using electroconvulsive therapy as a means of control over her patients. Paradoxically, medical advances at the time of the novel’s publication made electroconvulsive therapy significantly safer and more humane.

Although the public is still generally opposed to electroconvulsive therapy, it remains a genuine option for psychiatric patients whose symptoms do not improve with medication. Medical professionals who offer this option should be especially careful to make clear distinctions between myth and reality. On this topic, unfortunately, many patients tend to rely on fiction rather than fact.

*

We were led into a stark exam room, where three doctors positioned themselves so Mama and I had no direct path to the door. The one in charge cleared his throat and told me my mother needed electroshock. My brain buzzed—almost as if it was hooked up to some crackpot brainwashing machine—as Big Doctor droned on about his sadistic intentions. I didn’t hear any of it. All I could think was that these people wanted to tie my mother down and stick wires in her ears.
When Big Doctor was finished, he flipped through the papers on his clipboard and asked if I had questions. I mumbled something noncommittal. Then, when he and his silent escort left, I grabbed Mama and beat it out of that wacko ward as fast as I could make her go.

Which details from Passage 2 suggest that the author has a negative outlook about medical professionals?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Until about 1850, few people living in temperate climates had ever had the opportunity to taste a banana. Only after the invention of the steamship could importers and exporters reliably transport this fruit to North America and Europe. Railways and refrigeration were two other vital components in the development of the banana trade. Today, bananas are a major export in several Central and South American countries as well as the Philippines. Around the world, people in climates that cannot support banana production now have access to plentiful inexpensive bananas.

Which sentence provides an effective summary of the text above?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Until about 1850, few people living in temperate climates had ever had the opportunity to taste a banana. Only after the invention of the steamship could importers and exporters reliably transport this fruit to North America and Europe. Railways and refrigeration were two other vital components in the development of the banana trade. Today, bananas are a major export in several Central and South American countries as well as the Philippines. Around the world, people in climates that cannot support banana production now have access to plentiful inexpensive bananas.

Read the following summary of the paragraph above.

According to John K. Miller, the invention of shipping and refrigeration technology helped bananas become a major export crop. The banana trade is an important source of income for many countries around the world, and consumers can buy bananas easily even in places where bananas do not grow.

What makes this summary effective?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Until about 1850, few people living in temperate climates had ever had the opportunity to taste a banana. Only after the invention of the steamship could importers and exporters reliably transport this fruit to North America and Europe. Railways and refrigeration were two other vital components in the development of the banana trade. Today, bananas are a major export in several Central and South American countries as well as the Philippines. Around the world, people in climates that cannot support banana production now have access to plentiful inexpensive bananas.

Read the following summary of the paragraph above.

According to John K. Miller, the invention of shipping and refrigeration technology helped bananas become a major export crop. The banana trade is an important source of income for many countries around the world, and consumers can buy bananas easily even in places where bananas do not grow.

Which summary sentence retains language too close to the original text? 

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Until about 1850, few people living in temperate climates had ever had the opportunity to taste a banana. Only after the invention of the steamship could importers and exporters reliably transport this fruit to North America and Europe. Railways and refrigeration were two other vital components in the development of the banana trade. Today, bananas are a major export in several Central and South American countries as well as the Philippines. Around the world, people in climates that cannot support banana production now have access to plentiful inexpensive bananas.

Which summary sentence fails to be objective?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Until about 1850, few people living in temperate climates had ever had the opportunity to taste a banana. Only after the invention of the steamship could importers and exporters reliably transport this fruit to North America and Europe. Railways and refrigeration were two other vital components in the development of the banana trade. Today, bananas are a major export in several Central and South American countries as well as the Philippines. Around the world, people in climates that cannot support banana production now have access to plentiful inexpensive bananas.

Read the following sentence:

Nobody would eat bananas today if modern shipping and refrigeration technology had never been invented.

Why doesn’t this sentence belong in a summary of the paragraph above?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Until about 1850, few people living in temperate climates had ever had the opportunity to taste a banana. Only after the invention of the steamship could importers and exporters reliably transport this fruit to North America and Europe. Railways and refrigeration were two other vital components in the development of the banana trade. Today, bananas are a major export in several Central and South American countries as well as the Philippines. Around the world, people in climates that cannot support banana production now have access to plentiful inexpensive bananas.

Reread the sentence from the passage:

Until about 1850, few people living in temperate climates had ever had the opportunity to taste a banana.

What type of sentence is this, and why?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Until about 1850, few people living in temperate climates had ever had the opportunity to taste a banana. Only after the invention of the steamship could importers and exporters reliably transport this fruit to North America and Europe. Railways and refrigeration were two other vital components in the development of the banana trade. Today, bananas are a major export in several Central and South American countries as well as the Philippines. Around the world, people in climates that cannot support banana production now have access to plentiful inexpensive bananas.

Where would a reader likely have found this passage?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

Until about 1850, few people living in temperate climates had ever had the opportunity to taste a banana. Only after the invention of the steamship could importers and exporters reliably transport this fruit to North America and Europe. Railways and refrigeration were two other vital components in the development of the banana trade. Today, bananas are a major export in several Central and South American countries as well as the Philippines. Around the world, people in climates that cannot support banana production now have access to plentiful inexpensive bananas.

What type of data would best help support the main idea of the passage?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

You know what I hate? Businesses that rely on contract workers and freelancers instead of regular employees.

Don’t hit me with arguments about grater freedom for workers. Freedom isn’t free if your bleeding out in the street.

Sound the alarm, people! Workers are suffering! No benefits means you’re out of luck if you get sick and can’t do your job. Plus, studies show freelancers don’t make as much money as regular employees.

–From Rod’s Job Blog at rodtalksaboutjobs.com

Which of the following is not a sign that the reader should be skeptical of this source?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

You know what I hate? Businesses that rely on contract workers and freelancers instead of regular employees.

Don’t hit me with arguments about grater freedom for workers. Freedom isn’t free if your bleeding out in the street.

Sound the alarm, people! Workers are suffering! No benefits means you’re out of luck if you get sick and can’t do your job. Plus, studies show freelancers don’t make as much money as regular employees.

–From Rod’s Job Blog at rodtalksaboutjobs.com

Why should a reader be skeptical of the point about freelancers not making as much money as regular employees?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

You know what I hate? Businesses that rely on contract workers and freelancers instead of regular employees.

Don’t hit me with arguments about grater freedom for workers. Freedom isn’t free if your bleeding out in the street.

Sound the alarm, people! Workers are suffering! No benefits means you’re out of luck if you get sick and can’t do your job. Plus, studies show freelancers don’t make as much money as regular employees.

–From Rod’s Job Blog at rodtalksaboutjobs.com

A reader should be skeptical of the line “Freedom isn’t free if your (sic) bleeding out in the street” because it:

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

You know what I hate? Businesses that rely on contract workers and freelancers instead of regular employees.

Don’t hit me with arguments about grater freedom for workers. Freedom isn’t free if your bleeding out in the street.

Sound the alarm, people! Workers are suffering! No benefits means you’re out of luck if you get sick and can’t do your job. Plus, studies show freelancers don’t make as much money as regular employees.

–From Rod’s Job Blog at rodtalksaboutjobs.com

A student is writing a paper on employment trends and wants to quote an expert’s opinion. What type of site would provide the most credible alternative to Rod’s Job Blog?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

You know what I hate? Businesses that rely on contract workers and freelancers instead of regular employees.

Don’t hit me with arguments about grater freedom for workers. Freedom isn’t free if your bleeding out in the street.

Sound the alarm, people! Workers are suffering! No benefits means you’re out of luck if you get sick and can’t do your job. Plus, studies show freelancers don’t make as much money as regular employees.

–From Rod’s Job Blog at rodtalksaboutjobs.com

What does the author mean by “Sound the alarm, people!”

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

You know what I hate? Businesses that rely on contract workers and freelancers instead of regular employees.

Don’t hit me with arguments about grater freedom for workers. Freedom isn’t free if your bleeding out in the street.

Sound the alarm, people! Workers are suffering! No benefits means you’re out of luck if you get sick and can’t do your job. Plus, studies show freelancers don’t make as much money as regular employees.

–From Rod’s Job Blog at rodtalksaboutjobs.com

What could the author of this blog do to make his argument stronger?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

You know what I hate? Businesses that rely on contract workers and freelancers instead of regular employees.

Don’t hit me with arguments about greater freedom for workers. Freedom isn’t free if you’re bleeding out in the street.

Sound the alarm, people! Workers are suffering! No benefits means you’re out of luck if you get sick and can’t do your job. Plus, studies show freelancers don’t make as much money as regular employees.

–From Rod’s Job Blog at rodtalksaboutjobs.com

Reread the following sentence from the passage:

“Don’t hit me with arguments about greater freedom for workers.”

Which of the following would be a more formal way to rewrite the sentence?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

You know what I hate? Businesses that rely on contract workers and freelancers instead of regular employees.

Don’t hit me with arguments about grater freedom for workers. Freedom isn’t free if your bleeding out in the street.

Sound the alarm, people! Workers are suffering! No benefits means you’re out of luck if you get sick and can’t do your job. Plus, studies show freelancers don’t make as much money as regular employees.

–From Rod’s Job Blog at rodtalksaboutjobs.com

What is the author’s intended purpose of the blog post?

Please read the text below and answer the following question.

A global temperature change of a few degrees is more significant than it may seem at first glance. This is not merely a change in weather in any one location. Rather, it is an average change in temperatures around the entire surface of the planet. It takes a vast amount of heat energy to warm every part of our world—including oceans, air, and land—by even a tiny measurable amount. Moreover, relatively small changes in the earth’s surface temperatures have historically caused enormous changes in climate. In the last ice age 20,000 years ago, when much of the northern hemisphere was buried under huge sheets of ice, mean global temperatures were only about five degrees Celsius lower than they are now. Scientists predict a temperature rise of two to six degrees Celsius by 2100. What if this causes similarly drastic changes to the world we call home?

Which sentence is the topic sentence?

Please read the text below and answer the following question.

A global temperature change of a few degrees is more significant than it may seem at first glance. This is not merely a change in weather in any one location. Rather, it is an average change in temperatures around the entire surface of the planet. It takes a vast amount of heat energy to warm every part of our world—including oceans, air, and land—by even a tiny measurable amount. Moreover, relatively small changes in the earth’s surface temperatures have historically caused enormous changes in climate. In the last ice age 20,000 years ago, when much of the northern hemisphere was buried under huge sheets of ice, mean global temperatures were only about five degrees Celsius lower than they are now. Scientists predict a temperature rise of two to six degrees Celsius by 2100. What if this causes similarly drastic changes to the world we call home?

In the paragraph above, global temperature change is:

Please read the text below and answer the following question.

A global temperature change of a few degrees is more significant than it may seem at first glance. This is not merely a change in weather in any one location. Rather, it is an average change in temperatures around the entire surface of the planet. It takes a vast amount of heat energy to warm every part of our world—including oceans, air, and land—by even a tiny measurable amount. Moreover, relatively small changes in the earth’s surface temperatures have historically caused enormous changes in climate. In the last ice age 20,000 years ago, when much of the northern hemisphere was buried under huge sheets of ice, mean global temperatures were only about five degrees Celsius lower than they are now. Scientists predict a temperature rise of two to six degrees Celsius by 2100. What if this causes similarly drastic changes to the world we call home?

Which sentence summarizes the main idea of the paragraph?

Please read the text below and answer the following question.

A global temperature change of a few degrees is more significant than it may seem at first glance. This is not merely a change in weather in any one location. Rather, it is an average change in temperatures around the entire surface of the planet. It takes a vast amount of heat energy to warm every part of our world—including oceans, air, and land—by even a tiny measurable amount. Moreover, relatively small changes in the earth’s surface temperatures have historically caused enormous changes in climate. In the last ice age 20,000 years ago, when much of the northern hemisphere was buried under huge sheets of ice, mean global temperatures were only about five degrees Celsius lower than they are now. Scientists predict a temperature rise of two to six degrees Celsius by 2100. What if this causes similarly drastic changes to the world we call home?

What function does the information about temperature differences in the last ice age play in the paragraph?

Please read the text below and answer the following question.

A global temperature change of a few degrees is more significant than it may seem at first glance. This is not merely a change in weather in any one location. Rather, it is an average change in temperatures around the entire surface of the planet. It takes a vast amount of heat energy to warm every part of our world—including oceans, air, and land—by even a tiny measurable amount. Moreover, relatively small changes in the earth’s surface temperatures have historically caused enormous changes in climate. In the last ice age 20,000 years ago, when much of the northern hemisphere was buried under huge sheets of ice, mean global temperatures were only about five degrees Celsius lower than they are now. Scientists predict a temperature rise of two to six degrees Celsius by 2100. What if this causes similarly drastic changes to the world we call home?

Which sentence would best function as a supporting detail in this paragraph?

Please read the text below and answer the following question.

A global temperature change of a few degrees is more significant than it may seem at first glance. This is not merely a change in weather in any one location. Rather, it is an average change in temperatures around the entire surface of the planet. It takes a vast amount of heat energy to warm every part of our world—including oceans, air, and land—by even a tiny measurable amount. Moreover, relatively small changes in the earth’s surface temperatures have historically caused enormous changes in climate. In the last ice age 20,000 years ago, when much of the northern hemisphere was buried under huge sheets of ice, mean global temperatures were only about five degrees Celsius lower than they are now. Scientists predict a temperature rise of two to six degrees Celsius by 2100. What if this causes similarly drastic changes to the world we call home?

The author wants to include a line graph demonstrating the mean global temperature changes between the last ice age to the present. Why should the author not do this?

Please read the text below and answer the following question.

A global temperature change of a few degrees is more significant than it may seem at first glance. This is not merely a change in weather in any one location. Rather, it is an average change in temperatures around the entire surface of the planet. It takes a vast amount of heat energy to warm every part of our world—including oceans, air, and land—by even a tiny measurable amount. Moreover, relatively small changes in the earth’s surface temperatures have historically caused enormous changes in climate. In the last ice age 20,000 years ago, when much of the northern hemisphere was buried under huge sheets of ice, mean global temperatures were only about five degrees Celsius lower than they are now. Scientists predict a temperature rise of two to six degrees Celsius by 2100. What if this causes similarly drastic changes to the world we call home?

What graphic(s) would best assist the passage to support the author’s argument?

Please read the text below and answer the following question.

A global temperature change of a few degrees is more significant than it may seem at first glance. This is not merely a change in weather in any one location. Rather, it is an average change in temperatures around the entire surface of the planet. It takes a vast amount of heat energy to warm every part of our world—including oceans, air, and land—by even a tiny measurable amount. Moreover, relatively small changes in the earth’s surface temperatures have historically caused enormous changes in climate. In the last ice age 20,000 years ago, when much of the northern hemisphere was buried under huge sheets of ice, mean global temperatures were only about five degrees Celsius lower than they are now. Scientists predict a temperature rise of two to six degrees Celsius by 2100. What if this causes similarly drastic changes to the world we call home?

Select a more formal rewrite for the following sentence:

“It takes a vast amount of heat energy to warm every part of our world—including oceans, air, and land—by even a tiny measurable amount.”

Please read the text below and answer the following question.

A global temperature change of a few degrees is more significant than it may seem at first glance. This is not merely a change in weather in any one location. Rather, it is an average change in temperatures around the entire surface of the planet. It takes a vast amount of heat energy to warm every part of our world—including oceans, air, and land—by even a tiny measurable amount. Moreover, relatively small changes in the earth’s surface temperatures have historically caused enormous changes in climate. In the last ice age 20,000 years ago, when much of the northern hemisphere was buried under huge sheets of ice, mean global temperatures were only about five degrees Celsius lower than they are now. Scientists predict a temperature rise of two to six degrees Celsius by 2100. What if this causes similarly drastic changes to the world we call home?

Why does the author end the passage with a question?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

When my 13-year-old daughter entered the house, the door slammed open with a celebratory “bang!” I was instantly dismayed to see that my first-born stomped right by me as I held my arms open for a warm hug.

“How was your day, honey?” I asked as she gave me her quintessential eye roll.
I sat across from her ready to hear how marvelous her day was. However, I only got an earful of all the drama that had ensued at school: “So-and-so said this,” “gym was a drag,” “Mr. Fletcher doesn’t like me because I am not a math genius.”

My head ached from nodding so much, so I got up quickly to bring her something.
“Mom! How could you get up when I’m in the middle of telling you about my life?” she barked.
Despite her protest, her eyes could not help but light up when I brought her a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie on a plate.

I guess life isn’t all that bad, is it?

Which adjectives best describe the tone of the passage?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

When my 13-year-old daughter entered the house, the door slammed open with a celebratory “bang!” I was instantly dismayed to see that my first-born stomped right by me as I held my arms open for a warm hug.

“How was your day, honey?” I asked as she gave me her quintessential eye roll.
I sat across from her ready to hear how marvelous her day was. However, I only got an earful of all the drama that had ensued at school: “So-and-so said this,” “gym was a drag,” “Mr. Fletcher doesn’t like me because I am not a math genius.”

My head ached from nodding so much, so I got up quickly to bring her something.
“Mom! How could you get up when I’m in the middle of telling you about my life?” she barked.
Despite her protest, her eyes could not help but light up when I brought her a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie on a plate.

I guess life isn’t all that bad, is it?

Which sentence from the passage is clearly ironic?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

When my 13-year-old daughter entered the house, the door slammed open with a celebratory “bang!” I was instantly dismayed to see that my first-born stomped right by me as I held my arms open for a warm hug.

“How was your day, honey?” I asked as she gave me her quintessential eye roll.
I sat across from her ready to hear how marvelous her day was. However, I only got an earful of all the drama that had ensued at school: “So-and-so said this,” “gym was a drag,” “Mr. Fletcher doesn’t like me because I am not a math genius.”

My head ached from nodding so much, so I got up quickly to bring her something.
“Mom! How could you get up when I’m in the middle of telling you about my life?” she barked.
Despite her protest, her eyes could not help but light up when I brought her a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie on a plate.

I guess life isn’t all that bad, is it?

The author of the passage first establishes the ironic tone by:

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

When my 13-year-old daughter entered the house, the door slammed open with a celebratory “bang!” I was instantly dismayed to see that my first-born stomped right by me as I held my arms open for a warm hug.

“How was your day, honey?” I asked as she gave me her quintessential eye roll.
I sat across from her ready to hear how marvelous her day was. However, I only got an earful of all the drama that had ensued at school: “So-and-so said this,” “gym was a drag,” “Mr. Fletcher doesn’t like me because I am not a math genius.”

My head ached from nodding so much, so I got up quickly to bring her something.
“Mom! How could you get up when I’m in the middle of telling you about my life?” she barked.
Despite her protest, her eyes could not help but light up when I brought her a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie on a plate.

I guess life isn’t all that bad, is it?

Reread the following sentence:

I guess life isn’t all that bad, is it?

Which adjective could describe an effective reader’s mood when reading this line in the context of the passage?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

When my 13-year-old daughter entered the house, the door slammed open with a celebratory “bang!” I was instantly dismayed to see that my first-born stomped right by me as I held my arms open for a warm hug.

“How was your day, honey?” I asked as she gave me her quintessential eye roll.
I sat across from her ready to hear how marvelous her day was. However, I only got an earful of all the drama that had ensued at school: “So-and-so said this,” “gym was a drag,” “Mr. Fletcher doesn’t like me because I am not a math genius.”

My head ached from nodding so much, so I got up quickly to bring her something.
“Mom! How could you get up when I’m in the middle of telling you about my life?” she barked.
Despite her protest, her eyes could not help but light up when I brought her a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie on a plate.

I guess life isn’t all that bad, is it?

Which word or phrase does not function as a transition in the passage?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

When my 13-year-old daughter entered the house, the door slammed open with a celebratory “bang!” I was instantly dismayed to see that my first-born stomped right by me as I held my arms open for a warm hug.

“How was your day, honey?” I asked as she gave me her quintessential eye roll.
I sat across from her ready to hear how marvelous her day was. However, I only got an earful of all the drama that had ensued at school: “So-and-so said this,” “gym was a drag,” “Mr. Fletcher doesn’t like me because I am not a math genius.”

My head ached from nodding so much, so I got up quickly to bring her something.
“Mom! How could you get up when I’m in the middle of telling you about my life?” she barked.
Despite her protest, her eyes could not help but light up when I brought her a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie on a plate.

I guess life isn’t all that bad, is it?

The transitions “however” and “despite” link ideas in the passage by showing:

Read the following passage and answer the question.

When my 13-year-old daughter entered the house, the door slammed open with a celebratory “bang!” I was instantly dismayed to see that my first-born stomped right by me as I held my arms open for a warm hug.

“How was your day, honey?” I asked as she gave me her quintessential eye roll.
I sat across from her ready to hear how marvelous her day was. However, I only got an earful of all the drama that had ensued at school: “So-and-so said this,” “gym was a drag,” “Mr. Fletcher doesn’t like me because I am not a math genius.”

My head ached from nodding so much, so I got up quickly to bring her something.
“Mom! How could you get up when I’m in the middle of telling you about my life?” she barked.
Despite her protest, her eyes could not help but light up when I brought her a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie on a plate.

I guess life isn’t all that bad, is it?

Reread the following sentence:

“How was your day, honey?” I asked as she gave me her quintessential eye roll.

Which transition would you use if the next sentence describes the daughter also making a “tsk” sound to show her frustration?

Read the passage below and answer the following question.

When my 13-year-old daughter entered the house, the door slammed open with a celebratory “bang!” I was instantly dismayed to see that my first-born stomped right by me as I held my arms open for a warm hug.

“How was your day, honey?” I asked as she gave me her quintessential eye roll.
I sat across from her ready to hear how marvelous her day was. However, I only got an earful of all the drama that had ensued at school: “So-and-so said this,” “gym was a drag,” “Mr. Fletcher doesn’t like me because I am not a math genius.”

My head ached from nodding so much, so I got up quickly to bring her something.
“Mom! How could you get up when I’m in the middle of telling you about my life?” she barked.
Despite her protest, her eyes could not help but light up when I brought her a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie on a plate.

I guess life isn’t all that bad, is it?

The author details how her daughter states, “Mr. Fletcher doesn’t like me because I am not a math genius.” Why does the author not take this statement seriously?