Read the sentence.

There were a finite number of tickets to the game, as the stadium could only hold 20,000 people.

Which word is closest in meaning to the underlined word?
special
reserved
pricey
limited

Read the sentence.

As the trumpet blared a jarring noise, everyone quickly covered their ears!

Using the context clues, what is the meaning of the underlined word?
quiet
subtle
harmonious
shrill

5 answers

For the first sentence, the underlined word "finite" is closest in meaning to limited.

For the second sentence, the underlined word "jarring" means shrill, as it suggests a harsh or unpleasant sound that would cause discomfort.

Read the excerpt from Studies of Trees, by Jacob Levison.

The pines are widely distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere, and include about 80 distinct species with over 600 varieties. The species enumerated here are especially common in the eastern part of the United States, growing either native in the forest or under cultivation in the parks. The pines form a very important class of timber trees, and produce beautiful effects when planted in groups in the parks.

Which strategy does the author use in his choice of language to convey his message?
facts and statements
sequence of events
conclusive evidence
persuasive influence

Read the passage from A New Astronomy, by David Todd.

From Polaris a line of small stars curves toward the handle of the Dipper, meeting the upper one of a pair of the third magnitude. This pair, with another farther on and parallel to it, form the 'Little Dipper,' Polaris being the end of its handle. The group is Ursa Minor. Opposite the handle of the great Dipper, and at about the same distance from Polaris, are five rather bright stars forming a flattened letter W. They are the principal stars of Cassiopeia.

What strategy does the author use in his choice of language to convey his message?
persuasive influence
facts and statements
sequence of events
experts’ logic and reason

Read the introduction to Julissa’s composition.

The largest of the linen tents, erected at the campsite to protect the team of conservationists from the relentless African sun, housed the leader of the expedition, Dr. Aidan Hamilton. His round spectacles framed his slender face and complimented his gray hair as he sat outside his tent, mapping the day’s journey.

Julissa is most likely writing with the purpose of
explaining information using dates and facts.
describing a sequence of events.
describing in an observational manner.
persuading and influencing others.

For the excerpt from Studies of Trees by Jacob Levison, the strategy the author uses in his choice of language to convey his message is facts and statements. This is evident in the objective presentation of information about the distribution, species, and importance of pines.

For the passage from A New Astronomy by David Todd, the strategy the author uses in his choice of language to convey his message is also facts and statements. The author is describing constellations and their locations in the night sky with precise language.

For Julissa’s introduction, she is most likely writing with the purpose of describing in an observational manner. The details provided about the campsite and Dr. Aidan Hamilton suggest a focus on creating a vivid picture rather than simply providing information or persuading.

Read the sentence.

Algebra is a precursor for calculus because it will help students to be successful in the latter course.

Which word is closest in meaning to the underlined word?
complex training
preceding requirement
brief introduction
predominant trait

Read the introduction to Darryl’s composition.

Since the budget for the groundbreaking elephant-behavior-studies program has been cut—just as it was beginning to make progress—wildlife conservationists and their supporters are asking that people from all over the world promote the program by encouraging local agencies and community members to donate time and funds to secure the future of the amazingly gentle and intelligent African elephant species.

Darryl is most likely writing with the purpose of
persuading and influencing others.
describing an entertaining story.
explaining information using dates and facts.
describing in an observational manner.

The paragraph below is an excerpt from an article written for a school newspaper.

Texting is an increasingly popular means of communication with students at Mystic Falls High School. Students text their friends to make plans, ask questions, and share information. However, texting can also be distracting. It takes students' attention away from the primary purpose of school: learning.

What is the tone of the article?
melancholy
humorous
respectful
critical

Read the sentence.

Astronomers are able to map the trajectory of the moon as it travels in a curved trail around the earth.

Which word is closest in meaning to the underlined word?
the speed of an object
the space an object occupies
the path of an object
a spinning motion

Read the paragraph.

Monica relocated into a new apartment last weekend. She had countless boxes to pack and could not possibly attempt to transport the furniture herself. She is hiring movers to help her with the heaviest items. Monica's furniture was loaded into a truck and moved to her new apartment. She was there to instruct the movers where to put everything. Luckily, all the furniture made it to the location in one piece!

Which best explains the inconsistency in writing used in this paragraph?
It does not maintain a single point of view.
It does not maintain appropriate verb tense.
It does not maintain the same tone throughout.
It does not maintain the same style throughout.
  1. For the sentence, "Algebra is a precursor for calculus because it will help students to be successful in the latter course," the underlined word "precursor" is closest in meaning to preceding requirement.

  2. For the introduction to Darryl’s composition, he is most likely writing with the purpose of persuading and influencing others. The focus on encouraging support for the elephant-behavior-studies program suggests a persuasive intent.

  3. The tone of the article about texting at Mystic Falls High School is critical. The article presents both the popularity and the distractions caused by texting, indicating a more critical perspective on the matter.

  4. In the sentence, "Astronomers are able to map the trajectory of the moon as it travels in a curved trail around the earth," the underlined word "trajectory" is closest in meaning to the path of an object.

  5. In the paragraph about Monica moving, the best explanation for the inconsistency in writing is that it does not maintain appropriate verb tense. The paragraph shifts between past and present tenses, which creates inconsistency.