Reading Informational Text Unit Test

Question

Language Arts 8 Q1 / Reading Information Text

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)

Answer 1

The words in the letter that create a negative tone are "disgrace," "rots," "rust," "garbage," and "junkyard." These words convey a sense of decay, neglect, and worthlessness. The letter also mentions that the city government refuses to take responsibility for restoring the structure and that concerned citizens are not allowed to make their own repairs, further highlighting the negative situation. Overall, the use of these words and the description of the park's current state create a strong negative tone.

Answer 2

write it like an 8th grader