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Directions: Read the memoir and answer questions 1 through 6.

It All Pays Off in the End

The rich scent of freshly cut grass sneaks in my open window and invades my nose. The distinctive smell
sends my mind years back to my first job. I learned so much that summer.

My face sandwiched between two pillows brings perfect comfort to my aching body. But, at 5:05 a.m., the
sadistic alarm clock dares to disrupt my slumber as it does every morning. I grunt and lurch forward to slam
my hand on the off button. My stiff lower back and shoulders throb. My bed feels so good. I want to stay here
forever. I keep my eyelids closed though I am awake, thinking, “Why can’t I be like everyone else?” All my
friends complain if their mothers wake them up before noon, yet here I am before dawn trying to summon the
strength to open my eyes so I can get to work on time.

I stagger over to a pile of clothes and find a somewhat clean pair of khaki shorts and a green shirt with
“Kent Golf Club Staff” embroidered on the chest. Shaking my head with disdain, I pull the shirt on. It’s not
even worth showering before work; I will be saturated in sweat and covered in lawn clippings within an hour.

Chocolate milk and a banana suffice as breakfast. I mount my bike and pedal heavily through the already
humid morning air. Even though I can see the fenced-in golf course from my backyard, the cruel arrangement
of streets and the fence force me to circumnavigate the course to get to the entrance each day. Already sore
from crouching for hours yesterday while I planted marigolds around the club, my leg muscles scream for
mercy when I ascend the steep street leading to the golf course. In my mind, I foolishly liken myself to Lance
Armstrong powering up the mountains in the Tour de France. Instead of heading for the clubhouse where
golfers will soon enjoy leisure-filled time with friends, I veer toward the less attractive brick building that
houses the grounds keeping crew.

The sunrise shines pleasantly on the quiet green landscape as I stroll out of the groundskeepers’ office to
start my routine. The serenity of the moment dies quickly with the loud roar of every assortment of lawn
mower firing up at once. I take my push mower to my assigned section and manicure the grass around the tee.
I need a surprising amount of concentration to steady the jarring mower along its path. I grumble under my
breath each time I notice an error in my cutting. To avoid a lecture from my boss, I carefully retrace my steps
to trim the missed tufts of grass. Apparently, golfers prefer to hit their little white spheres off uniformly
smooth grass.

At break time, most of the grounds keeping crew head for the shady trees near the parking lot. Although
thankful for the chance to rest, no one hesitates to gripe about the hardships of the job. Complaints volley
around about lack of sleep, sunburned necks, and clogged sprinklers. Eventually, the topic moves to baseball
and weekend plans. Sharing these moments builds a true spirit of friendship. Laughter and high fives usually
end our break sessions.

The second half of the workday is even more brutal than the first in some ways. I complete more arduous
tasks like trimming branches from low-hanging trees in the afternoon while the sun blazes at its full height.
However, today seems more tolerable, especially because today is Friday and a payday.

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 My exhausted legs rejuvenate a bit as I approach my boss’ desk. He hands me a thin, plain envelope with
my name on it. It is anything but ordinary to me. Not only does it contain two weeks’ worth of hard-earned
wages, but it also holds dignity and dreams. Each time I get paid, I go up to my room, close the door, and stare
at the check. Of course, I already know the amount because I calculate my hours each night, but somehow the
dollar value and my name on the check amaze me. I pump my fists as if I just won the money in a contest, not
earned it.

My buddies who spend their mornings nestled in bed repeatedly compliment the new shoes I splurged on
a few weeks ago. I am not frivolous when it comes to spending. Soon the misery of morning after dreadful
morning of work will translate to pure joy. I will spend my saved money to buy a used car from my neighbor.
The thought exhilarates me. I envision the open road ahead and all the freedom that will come with it.
Perhaps the best part of owning that car will be the extra eleven minutes of sleep I will enjoy when I drive to
work.
1. One of the author’s purposes for writing this memoir was to describe his summer job experience.
Which sentence from the memoir best illustrates that purpose?
A Apparently, golfers prefer to hit their little white spheres off uniformly smooth grass.
B My exhausted legs rejuvenate a bit as I approach my boss’ desk.
C I am not frivolous when it comes to spending.
D I will spend my saved money to buy a used car from my neighbor.

2. The author reveals the main character through

A the character’s attitude toward his friends.
B his friends’ comments about him.
C the character’s description of himself.
D his fellow workers’ actions toward him.

3. Read this sentence from the memoir.

All my friends complain if their mothers wake them up before noon, yet here I am before dawn trying
to summon the strength to open my eyes so I can get to work on time.
Based on the sentence, the reader can infer that the narrator
A understands his friends’ family situations.
B wants to improve his friendships.
C envies parts of his friends’ lives.
D likes waking up early.

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4. The setting of the memoir impacts the main character because he
A learns to love the outdoors from his job at the golf course.
B changes his career plans because of his fellow workers at the golf course.
C discovers employers can be difficult to please through his job at the golf course.
D develops maturity and self-confidence from meeting the demands of his job at the golf
course.

5. Read this sentence from the memoir.

Soon the misery of morning after dreadful morning of work will translate to pure joy.
Which literary element is used in the sentence?
A allegory
B flashback
C paradox
D satire

6. Read this sentence from the memoir.

The serenity of the moment dies quickly with the loud roar of every assortment of lawn mower firing
up at once.
Which word is the most precise replacement for the underlined word to provide clarity in the
sentence?
A bothersome
B thunderous
C judicious
D droning

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 Directions: Read the draft of a research report and answer questions 7 through 12. The report
may contain errors.
Teen Heroes

1 What do you think of when you hear the word “hero”? Superman(TM)? Spider-man(SM)? Perhaps you
think of a real, live hero, such as a member of our nation’s military or your town’s police or firefighters. It
may not have occurred to you that a teen can be a hero. Here are some teens who are heroes to people
they have never even met.

Ellie Ambrose

2 In 2004, ten-year-old Ellie Ambrose of Nashville, Tennessee, heard a presentation about the
children living in Kibera, Kenya. She learned that makeshift housing, poor conditions, and disease made
life in Kibera difficult, especially for children. Kibera had no schools, and, even if it did, families could not
afford uniforms, books, or shoes their children would need in order to attend. Ellie decided to make a
difference. She had the idea to organize a 5K race and a carnival to raise money for the children of
Kibera. She organized a team of volunteers to host the first Ellie’s Run for Africa in September 2004. That
first run raised more than $18,000. Ellie has continued to oversee Elli’s Run for Africa ever since. Over
the years, the run has raised more than $300,000 to help build two Kiberan schools and pay the school
expenses for about 400 Kiberan students. Now eighteen, Ellie Ambrose is a true hero.

Joshua Guthrie

3 Eighteen-year-old Milan, Tennessee, resident Joshua Guthrie organized video game tournaments,
bake sales, and a Web site to help raise funds for the nonprofit organization he founded, A Dollar for a
Drink (DfaD). The goal of the organization is to encourage people to donate one dollar each to provide
fresh water in regions of the world where it is scarce. DfaD provides the funds a global relief organization
digs the wells. In 2008, Guthrie raised approximately $8,000, about enough to dig one well in one of the
most drought-ridden areas of the world, the Darfur region of Sudan. Before the well, people in the area
had to walk four to six hours to get drinking water. In its third year, the organization aims to raise
$50,000, enough for several wells in Sudan and Mozambique, as well as for water filters in Kenya. If the
definition of hero includes helping others, Joshua Guthrie is a world-class hero.

University of Tennessee Students

4 In 2010, members of a University of Tennessee student nonprofit group mixed their love for
fashion and fun with a desire to help students in Haiti. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western
Hemisphere and the site of a devastating earthquake in January of 2010. Give Haiti Hope members
holded a sale of over 600 donated used prom dresses at a local high school. All proceeds of the sale
benefited a school in Haiti. The organizations volunteers publicized the sale online and by word of
mouth. They received donated dresses from as far away as New York and California. A local dry cleaner
donated its cleaning services before the sale. Buyers at the sale happily shopped for prom dresses at
greatly reduced prices. In 2011, the organization’s second annual Fierce and Fancy Formal sale sold over

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 700 dresses. All funds went to help the town of Boucan-Carre, Haiti. These UT students are heroes to the
people of that town.

5 A hero may be known for courage or for accomplishing superhuman tasks. A hero may be someone who
makes a great sacrifice to achieve a noble purpose. On the other hand, some heroes might be Tennessee
teens who give time and effort for important causes.

Superman(TM) is a registered Trademark owned by Warner Communications, Inc.

Spider-man(SM) is a standard Character Mark owned by Marvel Characters, Inc.

7. Which sentence from the report contains an error in verb formation?

A It may not have occurred to you that a teen can be a hero.
B She learned that makeshift housing, poor conditions, and disease made life in Kibera
difficult, especially for children.
C Before the well, people in the area had to walk four to six hours to get drinking water.
D Give Haiti Hope members holded a sale of over 600 donated used prom dresses at a
local high school.

8. Read this sentence.

DfaD provides the funds a global relief organization digs the wells.
How should the underlined part be revised to correct the run-on?
A funds, a
B funds; a
C funds. So a
D funds, and so a

9. Read this sentence.

The organizations volunteers publicized the sale online and by word of mouth.
Which revision, if any, is needed to correct the underlined part of the sentence?
A organizations’ volunteers
B organization’s volunteers
C organizations volunteers’
D no change

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10. Read this excerpt from the draft research report.
She organized a team of volunteers to host the first Ellie’s Run for Africa in September 2004. That first
run raised more than $18,000. Ellie has continued to oversee Ellie’s Run for Africa ever since.
Which option best combines the sentences in the excerpt?
A In September 2004, she organized a team of volunteers to host the first Ellie’s Run for
Africa which raised more than $18,000, and she has continued to oversee the run ever
since.
B In September 2004, the first Ellie’s Run for Africa, which was hosted by a team of
volunteers that Ellie organized and has continued to oversee ever since, raised more
than $18,000.
C Raising more than $18,000, the first Ellie’s Run for Africa in September 2004 was hosted
by a team of volunteers organized by Ellie, who has continued to oversee it ever since.
D The first Ellie’s Run for Africa in September 2004, hosted by a team of volunteers
organized by Ellie and overseen by her ever since, raised more than $18,000.

11. The writer wants to add information about another organization that provides clean water for
people in Africa. Which Web site would provide the most valid information about the topic?
A www.cleanwater.edu
B www.africanpeople.net
C www.waterforalltheworld.org
D www.theafricancontinent.gov

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12. Read this Web page.

Which statement from the report suggests an opposing viewpoint from those stated on the Web
page?
A Perhaps you think of a real, live hero, such as a member of our nation’s military or your
town’s police or firefighters.
B A hero may be known for courage or for accomplishing superhuman tasks.
C A hero may be someone who makes a great sacrifice to achieve a noble purpose.
D On the other hand, some heroes might be Tennessee teens who give time and effort for
important causes.

13. Which sentence contains correct pronoun usage?

A Tracy has always been able to run faster and jump higher than me and Todd.
B The coaches and parent volunteers ate more pizza at the party than us and the other
team combined.
C Jen surprised the rest of the class by checking out more library books than them.
D Sonya wanted to find a shortcut because last time, many of the volunteers reached the
park earlier than she.

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14. Read the sentence.
The state senate voted to give ______ more time to study the issue of whether to raise taxes.
Which option best completes the sentence?
A itself
B theirselves
C themselves
D himself or herself

15. Which option is a highly focused research topic?

A how businesses help to support schools
B how various bird species survive cold winters
C where democracy has flourished in the world
D why the interstate highway system was built

16. Read this paragraph.

Fast-food restaurants, long considered by some people to be enemies of children’s health and well-
being, are now taking steps to contribute positively to children’s fitness. Many fast-food outlets have
changed what they include in their kids’ meals, replacing unhealthy side dishes such as french fries
with apple slices or carrot sticks. Instead of sugary sodas, milk and fruit juice are now the standard
beverages. Seemingly small changes can have a significant effect, so these restaurants are making an
important contribution.
Which statement should be added to the paragraph to best strengthen the argument?
A Most fast-food restaurants that have changed their kids’ meals have run television
advertisements to publicize the changes.
B For years, fast-food restaurants have included free toys with kids’ meals in order to
interest children in ordering those meals.
C Some fast-food restaurants have added new playgrounds or improved existing ones to
encourage children to engage in physical activity.
D Adults who in the past shared the french fries that came with children’s meals are now
likely to order an adult portion for themselves.

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17. Look at this photo.

What inference can be made from this photo?

A The men know each other.
B The men are walking into danger.
C The men are strangers who have just met.
D The men have been hiking for several days.

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Directions: Read the personal essay and answer questions 18 through 21.

In Every Aspect But One

I scoffed when my mother first suggested the library job. We had stopped at the library on our way home
from the grocery store to return some books when we noticed the sign.

Calling All Teens!

Do you like to read? Do you enjoy children?
The Oakwell Library is hiring a teen reader for our summer Story Time.
See Ms. Daniels, Children’s Librarian.

“Mom, I couldn’t apply,” I argued. “I don’t have any employment experience.”

“That’s not true,” answered Mom. “You have been babysitting the Parker kids for three years.”

“But babysitting is not a real job,” I protested.

My five-year-old sister Cara greeted us at the door. Her eyebrows knitted together in a frown. “What’s
wrong?” she asked.

“My swimming lessons start today,” she responded, her voice quivering. “What if I can’t do it?”

“You can!” I said, putting my arm around her. “You just have to have a can-do attitude!”

I considered Mom’s suggestion later as I cheered Cara at her swimming lesson. I decided I should try for
the job. Even if I were not successful, I still would have my regular babysitting job with the Parkers.

Two days later, I sat on a miniature chair in the children’s room at the library along with two other
applicants for the position. One of them, Arianna Jackson, was in our school’s drama club and had
appeared in many school plays. When Ms. Daniels introduced the other candidate, Taylor Farr, she
mentioned that he had volunteered at the library last summer and so was very familiar with the workings
of the library. Oh, swell, I thought.

Fifteen children ages four to seven sprawled on the carpet, listening to Ms. Daniels introduce today’s Story
Time. Each candidate had selected a book to read as sort of a tryout in front of this actual audience of
children. In a predetermined order, I was to read last.

Arianna had selected a fantasy story about a small train helping to pull a train that had broken down over
the mountain. Children love this book because of the repetitious language and colorful illustrations, but
Arianna used every ounce of her dramatic talent to make the story come alive. She virtually acted out the
story, varying her voice for each of the characters and pausing in places for dramatic effect. The children
were enthralled. They applauded when she finished. Great, I thought. I might as well slip out the exit.

Taylor had chosen a fictional story about a boy and his mother who watch horseshoe crabs scramble onto
a moonlit beach to lay their eggs. The book’s impressive watercolor illustrations captured the children’s

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 attention. Taylor even had brought a horseshoe crab shell to pass around after he concluded. Why did I
think I had a chance? I asked myself. Of the three candidates, I am the least qualified in every aspect—no
job experience, no acting talent, not even any visual aids.

It felt as though my sandals were cast in cement as I trudged to the front of the room. I had second
thoughts about my selection, a chapter from one of the books that my sister Cara loves, but the book has
few illustrations. It is not like the picture books that the other two candidates had chosen. I asked whether
any of the children had ever been afraid in a new situation, and several admitted they had. I explained that
in this particular chapter, a little girl hides on the playground one morning before the start of school
because her class has a substitute teacher that day and she is afraid to meet the new teacher. Somewhat
unsteadily, I began to read. At first, some of the children seemed disinterested, or maybe it was that the
book had no illustrations on which they could focus their attention. As I read how lonely the child felt on
the deserted playground after the bell rang, however, fifteen pairs of eyes looked toward me and showed
the children understood exactly how she felt. One little boy walked up and cuddled next to me. I slipped
my arm around him and continued reading. At the end of the chapter, when the little girl is “rescued” by
her older sister, my audience let out its collective breath. I felt somewhat relieved as I threaded my way
back to my chair. At least I had not made a total fool of myself.

Actually, I got the job. In fact, all of us were hired. Ms. Daniels said she was impressed with each of our
presentations. She said my presentation showed a great deal of thought and, most of all, a deep empathy
for children’s feelings. Maybe I was the least qualified candidate in every aspect but one, but that one
turned out to be extremely important.

18. Which sentence expresses the thesis of the essay?

A “What if I can’t do it?”
B “You just have to have a can-do attitude!”
C Even if I were not successful, I still would have my regular babysitting job with the
Parkers.
D Maybe I was the least qualified candidate in every aspect but one, but that one turned
out to be extremely important.

19. Read this sentence from the essay.

“Mom, I couldn’t apply,” I argued. “I don’t have any employment experience.”
In this sentence, the author’s attitude can best be described as one of
A self-doubt. B frustration.
C self-interest. D dislike.

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20. Read this excerpt from the essay.
She virtually acted out the story, varying her voice for each of the characters and pausing in places for
dramatic effect. The children were enthralled. They applauded when she finished. Great, I thought. I
might as well slip out the exit.

Which statement best reflects the author’s assumption in the excerpt?

A Ms. Daniels would not be pleased with the story the author had selected.
B There was no time left for the author to read her story to the children.
C The author could not compete with the other girl for the library job.
D The author would be too nervous to accept the library job.

21. Read the sign from the essay.

Calling All Teens!
Do you like to read? Do you enjoy children?
The Oakwell Library is hiring a teen reader for our summer Story Time.
See Ms. Daniels, Children’s Librarian.
Based on the information in both the essay and the sign, which consideration was most important in
the narrator’s selection to be a teen reader?
A The narrator enjoys reading.
B The narrator is familiar with the library.
C The narrator is good with children.
D The narrator knows the children’s librarian.

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Directions: Read the informative essay and answer questions 22 through 27. The essay may have
errors.

Battery Technology

1 What could be more common, or convenient, than batteries? These self-contained energy sources
simply slide into and out of a flashlight or a television’s remote control. Most people take these kinds of
batteries for granted. Yet, we increasingly rely on more complex batteries as well: Consider the small
rechargeable batteries in music players, laptop computers, and cell phones. These batteries are more
advanced and, thus, more expensive. Of even greater cost and complexity are the batteries that power
electric and hybrid vehicles. While all these batteries have some qualities in common, differences among
them have determined their utility so far and will continue to do so in the future.

2 All batteries work in a similar manner, as they have since Alessandro Volta invented the first
battery in 1800. A battery has two metal electrodes: an anode, which carries a negative charge, and a
cathode, which has a positive charge. A material called an electrolyte connects the anode and the
cathode. The battery provides power through a chemical reaction that causes its charges to run in a
circle. The negative charge provides the power as it flows through something like a flashlight bulb from
the anode to the cathode. Meanwhile, a positive charge flows in the opposite direction, from the
cathode to the anode. The cathode pulls the negative charge away from the anode more strongly than
the anode pulls the positive charge away from the cathode. The battery runs out of power when the
anode runs out of negative charge. The charges stop running in a circle, and the flashlight goes out.
Recharging a battery involves applying power to restore the positive charge. Then the chemical reaction
can begin again.

3 The same chemical principles govern all batteries. Yet all batteries are not created equal. For
example, bulky D-size batteries are not suitable for small electronic devices. Throughout batteries’
history, researchers have tried to reduce batteries’ size and weight. Much of their bulk comes from the
metals used for their electrodes. In larger batteries, the anode is often made of zinc, and the cathode is
manganese dioxide. To provide more power, the zinc of the anode may be a powder rather than a solid
metal piece. Powder has more surface area, which affords more opportunity for the required chemical
reaction to occur. Smaller batteries, known as lithium-ion batteries employ cathodes of lithium, an
extremely light (but very expensive) metal.

4 The consumer electronics industry has prompted the quest for smaller and lighter batteries.
However, the most significant application for such batteries may be in the automobile industry. Although
electric cars may seem a recent innovation, they have been around almost as long as cars have. Thomas
Edison developed an early battery-powered car in 1899. He believed his design was superior to Henry
Ford’s design for gasoline-powered cars. Gasoline won out, however, for several reasons. Batteries were
heavy. They could power cars for only short distances. They took a long time to recharge.

5 These same battery-technology issues plague the auto industry today. Batteries still weigh far
more than gasoline, in proportion to the amount of energy they provide. Even lithium-ion batteries are
heavy when large enough to power a car. Drivers still have questions about range: For example, how far

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 can a car travel on a single charge? At present, not nearly as far as on a tank of gasoline. Furthermore,
we have thousands of conveniently located gas stations but no similar network of charging stations. Even
if such a network existed, recharging a lithium-ion battery can take up to eight hours using a standard
electrical outlet. Scientists continue to test methods that will increase charging speeds and to design
batteries that produce more power for their weight. They are testing several promising approaches.

6 If scientists can solve or merely decrease the problems associated with batteries, a world of
possibilities will open up. For example, just as the difference between a D-size battery and a button-sized
battery changes the size and design of devices that use batteries, the switch from gasoline tanks to
batteries will change car design. Consumer electronics, too, will continue to shrink. Our lives will improve
in ways that transcend convenience: Implanted medical devices that now require large external battery
packs will house their own tiny power sources. And yet some things will remain the same. One writer
maintains, “The functionality and user interface of a portable media player or cell phone would probably
amaze or baffle Alessandro Volta, though he would likely have little trouble grasping the basic design
principles of its battery.” Scientists may improve anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes, but they are still
what make a battery a battery.

22. Read this excerpt from the essay.

Batteries were heavy. They could power cars for only short distances. They took a long time to
recharge.
Which sentence best combines the three sentences?
A Batteries were heavy, could power cars for only short distances, and took a long time to
recharge.
B Batteries were heavy, they could power cars for only short distances, took a long time to
recharge.
C Batteries were heavy, and could power cars for only short distances, they took a long
time to recharge.
D Batteries were heavy, and they could power cars for only short distances, and took a
long time to recharge.

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23. Read this sentence from the essay.
Smaller batteries, known as lithium-ion batteries employ cathodes of lithium, an extremely light (but
very expensive) metal.
Which revision shows correct comma usage?
A Smaller batteries known as lithium-ion batteries, employ cathodes of lithium, an
extremely light (but very expensive) metal.

B Smaller, batteries known as lithium-ion, batteries employ cathodes of lithium, an

extremely light (but very expensive) metal.

C Smaller batteries, known as lithium-ion batteries, employ cathodes of lithium, an

extremely light (but very expensive) metal.

D Smaller batteries, known as, lithium-ion batteries, employ cathodes of lithium, an

extremely light (but very expensive) metal.

24. Which Web site would be the best choice for further information about Alessandro Volta’s role in
developing battery technology?

A www.coolinventors.com
B www.batterymuseum.org
C www.newtechinventions.net
D www.batterypoweredcars.gov

25. Read this excerpt from the essay.

And yet some things will remain the same. One writer maintains, “The functionality and user interface
of a portable media player or cell phone would probably amaze or baffle Alessandro Volta, though he
would likely have little trouble grasping the design principles of its battery.”
Which information should be included in the excerpt above?
A the titles of several works by the writer whose words are quoted
B the author of the source and page number on which the quoted material appears
C the publishing house that issued the quoted material and the year of publication
D the name of the writer whose words are quoted

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26. Which graphic would be most appropriate to illustrate information in the essay?
A a diagram of the chemical reaction that occurs in a battery

B a drawing made by Alessandro Volta of the battery he invented

C a photograph of the battery-powered car designed by Thomas Edison

D a chart showing which batteries to use in common consumer electronic devices

27. A car company has designed a new battery-powered car. Company officials could best explain to the
salespeople their role in the publicity campaign for the new car in a

A phone message.
B written letter.
C project plan.
D work order.

28. Read this excerpt from a newspaper article about a new production of William Shakespeare's play
Romeo and Juliet.
Daniel Webber plays the conflicted Mercutio, Romeo's dearest friend, with all the biting wit and depth
of feeling required of this key character. However, it is Josh Cleveland who steals the scene as the
villainous Tybalt, cousin to Juliet.
This excerpt is an example of a critique, not a summary because the author
A explains which actors are playing the various roles.
B describes the traits of minor characters in the play.
C shares opinions about the performances of various actors in key roles.
D tells how the characters are linked to one another and why they are important.
29. Read this description.
The high school's junior art class has been asked to design a float for an upcoming parade. After
making a step-by-step list of what needs to be done, students write down which part of the project
they feel their individual talents will best support.
Which strategy for participating productively in a team is related in the description?
A listening attentively to the ideas of others
B gaining the floor in orderly, respectful ways
C identifying project needs and sharing resources to meet the needs
D establishing group agreements and ensuring individual tasks support the team

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30. Read this excerpt from a newspaper article.
Voter participation in local elections has been declining for many years. City and county officials are
engaging in two approaches intended to reverse this trend: First, they are running ads in the local
newspaper and during the local TV news shows to familiarize the public with the candidates and issues
that will be appearing on the ballot. Second, they will keep polling places open for several more hours
than usual on election day itself. Their goal is to increase the number of ballots cast by at least 20
percent from last year’s election.

What does the bar graph help to clarify?

A the likely effects of the approaches taken by city and county officials
B the change in the rate of voter participation in local elections over time
C whether voters will notice that polling places are open longer hours on election day
D whether the city and county officials achieved their goal with regard to the number of
ballots

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Directions: Read the draft of a persuasive speech and answer questions 31 through 34.

Thumbs Down to Group Projects

School projects that require individual effort, like writing and giving a speech, encourage students to do
their best work. They provide an accurate measure of each student’s skills, effort, and work habits. The same
cannot be said for group projects. These begin in elementary school and, from what I hear, continue in college
and graduate school. Many teachers like to assign group projects, supposedly because such projects prepare
students for the real world by providing experience collaborating on the job with others. More likely, these
teachers prefer group projects because there is less grading involved. I give a “thumbs down” to group work
for several reasons.

Rarely does everyone pull his or her own weight on group projects. More commonly, one or two people do
most of the work while several other group members do little or nothing to help. The less motivated members
in the group know that someone else will take responsibility for ensuring that the project is completed
successfully and on time. After all, no one wants to get a failing grade, right? To add insult to injury, when
teachers assign grades they usually do not distinguish among group members. The few students who ever
dare to report a classmate’s lack of effort are treated by other students and, sometimes, even by the teacher
as poor sports.

Group members often have different work habits and learning styles, and this often causes serious conflict
during group projects. The organized group member likes to do everything in a systematic way. Another
member tends to procrastinate. She always gets her work done but invariably not until the night before it is
due. In every group I have ever been assigned to, there has been an assertive classmate who decides to take
charge. I always wind up being—like many other students working in a group—a quiet and unappreciated
“worker bee.”

Group projects can have negative consequences, even when all the group members cooperate and do
their fair share of work. Unless the teacher assigns specific roles, students generally wind up contributing to
the project based on the skills they already have. They do not take the opportunity to develop expertise in
other areas. The best writer typically winds up in charge of any written products, while the person with the
best technology skills creates the visual media presentation or Web page. This may lead to a successful
project and a top grade. However, working as part of a group does not assure all students will become more
proficient at new and unfamiliar skills.

For all of these reasons and others as well, teachers should stop assigning group projects. If they don’t,
then many students won’t learn all they are capable of, and they won’t be prepared to work independently in
the real world after all.

English II Practice Test P a g e 21 | 30

31. Read this sentence from the speech.
I always wind up being—like many other students working in a group—a quiet and unappreciated
“worker bee.”
Which would be the most effective way for the speaker to engage the audience when delivering this
sentence?

A speaking very slowly when delivering the entire sentence

B gesturing to himself or herself when delivering the first part of the sentence
C making eye contact across the room from left to right when delivering the middle part
of the sentence
D lowering his or her speaking voice when delivering the last part of the sentence

32. Read this paragraph from the speech.

Group projects can have negative consequences, even when all the group members cooperate and do
their fair share of work. Unless the teacher assigns specific roles, students generally wind up
contributing to the project based on the skills they already have. They do not take the opportunity to
develop expertise in other areas. The best writer typically winds up in charge of any written products,
while the person with the best technology skills creates the visual media presentation or Web page.
This may lead to a successful project and a top grade. However, working as part of a group does not
assure all students will become more proficient at new and unfamiliar skills.
Which structure is used to organize ideas in the paragraph?
A cause−effect
B problem−soluƟon
C theme−illustraƟon
D proposition−support

English II Practice Test P a g e 22 | 30

33. Read the first paragraph of the speech.
School projects that require individual effort, like writing and giving a speech, encourage students to
do their best work. They provide an accurate measure of each student’s skills, effort, and work habits.
The same cannot be said for group projects. These begin in elementary school and, from what I hear,
continue in college and graduate school. Many teachers like to assign group projects, supposedly
because such projects prepare students for the real world by providing experience collaborating on the
job with others. More likely, these teachers prefer group projects because there is less grading
involved. I give a “thumbs down” to group work for several reasons.
Which sentence, if added to the end of the paragraph, would best summarize the objections to
group projects offered in later paragraphs?
A Students do not like to fail, to be blamed for the poor work habits of others, or to have
to do all of the work on a group project.

B Not all group members are equally motivated, equally organized, or equally talented
when it comes to completing group projects.

C Group members rarely share the workload, often have different work styles, and tend to
serve in the same role for every project.

D Students are usually assigned to a group, receive the same grade as other group
members regardless of their contribution, and wind up learning very little.

34. Read this paragraph from the speech.

Rarely does everyone pull his or her own weight on group projects. More commonly, one or two
people do most of the work while several other group members do little or nothing to help. The less
motivated members in the group know that someone else will take responsibility for ensuring that the
project is completed successfully and on time. After all, no one wants to get a failing grade, right? To
add insult to injury, when teachers assign grades they usually do not distinguish among group
members. The few students who ever dare to report a classmate’s lack of effort are treated by other
students and, sometimes, even by the teacher as poor sports.
Which device is used in the paragraph?

A hyperbole
B rhetorical question
C metaphor
D parallelism and repetition

English II Practice Test P a g e 23 | 30

Directions: Read the letter to the editor and answer questions 35 through 39.

The Miller Street Crosswalk

October 17

To: Todd Wilson, editor in chief of the Clarksville Daily News

Mr. Wilson,

I am writing this letter to urge the city to repair the Miller Street crosswalk. Miller Street is one of the
busiest streets in downtown Clarksville at all times of the day and night. Foot traffic through the
downtown area is at an all-time high since the revitalization efforts to our downtown area have been
so successful. Our beautiful downtown is home to our favorite restaurants, shops, and theaters. Early
birds flock to the Daily Bread Bakery each morning for bagels, donuts, and coffee from 5 a.m. until
noon. Live performances such as concerts and plays pack the area with pedestrians nightly from 6 p.m.
until midnight. The large hotels are open throughout the year; many patrons choose to walk rather
than drive when staying at the hotels. The city gains a large portion of its income from tourists who
frequent the area. Sadly, the Miller Street crosswalk has become more of a danger than a help.

Last Saturday, my grandmother and I were enjoying an afternoon of shopping after eating lunch at
Rihn’s. I could not believe how many potholes have developed in the crosswalk! I saw mothers pushing
their babies and young children in strollers, struggling to navigate the crosswalk while trying to avoid
the craters. The mother had to lift the stroller up out of the crevice while managing to hold onto her
squirmy three-year-old child. As you know, there is a limited amount of time to cross, and traffic could
have begun to come her way if a heroic pedestrian had not stopped to render aid. My grandmother
remarked about how dangerous the crosswalk is now; she experienced difficulty walking on the
uneven surface. This obstacle course is even worse after a rainstorm! Holes are camouflaged by the
water, which can easily lead to sprained ankles or worse! A slippery surface on the unlevel ground is a
recipe for disaster. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to maneuver the crosswalk in a
wheelchair or using other adaptive equipment.

I am asking the city to please make an effort to protect the citizens of our great city! We all need to
stand together to accomplish this task! The Miller Street crosswalk allows pedestrians time to cross
without fear of oncoming traffic, but it no longer protects them from injury. The crosswalk needs to be
repaired before someone is hurt.

Sincerely,

Ferguson G. Turon

English II Practice Test P a g e 24 | 30

35. Read this excerpt from the letter.
(1) I could not believe how many potholes have developed in the crosswalk! (2) I saw mothers pushing
their babies and young children in strollers, struggling to navigate the crosswalk while trying to avoid
the craters. (3) The mother had to lift the stroller up out of the crevice while managing to hold onto
her squirmy three-year-old child.(4) As you know, there is a limited amount of time to cross, and traffic
could have begun to come her way if a heroic pedestrian had not stopped to render aid.
After which sentence should the writer add this sentence to the letter?
In one instance, I watched as a stroller’s front wheel caught in one of the potholes!
A Sentence 1
B Sentence 2
C Sentence 3
D Sentence 4

36. Read this excerpt from the letter.

(1) My grandmother remarked about how dangerous the crosswalk is now; she experienced difficulty
walking on the uneven surface. (2) This obstacle course is even worse after a rainstorm!
Which word would provide the most appropriate transition if added before Sentence 2?
A Similarly,
B Therefore,
C Consequently,
D Furthermore,

37. Read this sentence from the letter.

I can only imagine how difficult it must be to maneuver the crosswalk in a wheelchair or using other
adaptive equipment.
The sentence implies that
A too many people use the crosswalk on a regular basis.
B the crosswalk was not constructed following a traditional design.
C the crosswalk is especially challenging for individuals with disabilities.
D there are problems with the crosswalk that have not yet been discovered.

English II Practice Test P a g e 25 | 30

38. Which option states the strongest argument for repairing the Miller Street crosswalk?
A The crosswalk is too dangerous for pedestrians.
B The crosswalk repair is likely to increase tourism.
C The crosswalk is difficult for children to cross without an adult.
D The crosswalk is an eyesore in an otherwise beautiful downtown.

39. Which rebuttal statement best refutes the writer’s viewpoint?

A A new skywalk might better suit the needs of pedestrians crossing Miller Street.
B The Miller Street crosswalk should be repaired immediately so that pedestrians will not
be injured.
C The Miller Street crosswalk only needs minor repairs, and those repairs are not a
pressing matter.
D Building a new skywalk instead of repairing the crosswalk would be a waste of taxpayer
money.

40. Read the sentence.

The doctor prescribed a new medication she said it had just been approved for use.
What is the correct way to write the underlined section to avoid the run-on sentence?
A medication, because she said
B medication. She said
C medication. However she said
D medication, she said

41. Which sentence shows correct comma usage?

A We went back to the theater on Tuesday, because, Harry wanted to see the movie
again.
B Angie, who enjoyed the meal, asked if she could take some leftovers home from the
picnic.
C The piano, which, usually sounded so good seemed to be a little out of tune during my
lesson.
D City council meetings, are open to the public, who are invited to comment on issues of
concern.

English II Practice Test P a g e 26 | 30

42. Read this paragraph.
(1) I am looking forward to the upcoming Leonardo da Vinci exhibit at the art museum. (2) The exhibit
will feature high-quality copies of Leonardo’s sketchbooks and models of his inventions. (3) The
advertisement in the newspaper states that the materials used in the models are as close to those of
Leonardo’s fifteenth-century Italy as possible. (4) Da Vinci was born just outside Florence, Italy, in
1452, but he moved to France in the early 1500s. (5) At the exhibit, museum visitors will be able to
interact with da Vinci’s machines, most of which were never built during his lifetime, and develop a
sense of how the artist imagined they would work.
Which sentence in the paragraph is irrelevant and should be deleted?

A Sentence 1
B Sentence 2
C Sentence 4
D Sentence 5

43. Read this paragraph.

Neuroscientists, or researchers who investigate the brain, are making discoveries that are at last
enabling us to understand this most complicated organ of the body. In recent years, brain researchers
have uncovered all kinds of new information about how we form memories, make decisions,
experience emotions, and even process basic information about the world. The more these scientists
understand about the brain, the better they become at asking informed research questions, which in
turn lead to the discovery of more accurate answers.
What is the implied main idea of this paragraph?

A Neuroscientists are worthy of respect for their dedication to studying the brain.
B Scientists who specialize in studying the brain are likely to continue making
breakthroughs.
C The brain is the most complicated organ of the body, but we are finally beginning to
understand how it works.
D Experiencing emotions, forming memories, and making decisions are all important tasks
performed by the brain.

English II Practice Test P a g e 27 | 30

Directions: Read the poem and answer questions 44 through 46.

The Green Gardener

1 She stares at the paradise across the street

fresh buds bursting through soil, pretty shrubs, lush

trailing vines alive and teeming, fragrant, sweet.

Her own dusty garden, an empty hush.

5 She tried once or twice to find the right light,

enough shade; dirt sticking to her damp, hot

brow as she raked the soil clumsily, quite

squeamish as the worms wriggled in the plot.

The feeble vegetation that struggled out

10 of the dirt she'd worked, bitten and wilted

left her uninspired, tired, filled with doubt.

Like an abandoned bride, stunned, and jilted.

Unwilling, unable to create her own,

she yearns for the gardens others have sown.

44. What does her neighbor's garden symbolize to the woman in the poem?

A achievement
B encouragement
C experience
D diversity

English II Practice Test P a g e 28 | 30

45. Read these lines from the poem.
She stares at the paradise across the street
fresh buds bursting through soil, pretty shrubs, lush
trailing vines alive and teeming, fragrant, sweet.
Which word best replaces "pretty" in the second line to strengthen the description?
A lovely
B odorous
C vibrant
D wild

46. Why is a poem a more appropriate medium to express the author’s message than a short story?
A Because it is short, the poem delivers its message about life concisely, whereas a short
story must develop setting, plot, and character.
B Because the poem rhymes, the message is delivered in a fun and lighthearted manner,
whereas a short story is a more serious medium.
C This poem has only one character, whereas short stories contain interaction between
multiple characters.
D Short stories require a conflict, whereas this poem does not have a conflict.

47. Which sentence shows correct subject−verb agreement?

A That cherry pie, when compared to the other contest entries, taste the best.
B A map that shows the way to many tourist attractions are available at the visitors’
center.
C The review session, during which the teacher went over several math problems, were
extremely helpful.
D The actors in the most recent play put on by the community theater have performed in
many local shows.

48. Which sentence punctuates the quotation correctly?

A Grandpa sighed, “When I was young, I went to camp every summer”.

B “Did anyone locate the missing box of books” my mother asked?
C “I know,” she admitted, “who took the last slice of cake.”
D “The riverbed is almost dry”, the ecologist claimed.

English II Practice Test P a g e 29 | 30

 English II
Answer Key

Question # Answer SPI Question # Answer SPI

1 B 3.12 25 B 4.6
2 C 8.4 26 A 6.3
3 C 5.1 27 C 3.14
4 D 8.7 28 C 2.3
5 C 8.13 29 C 2.7
6 B 3.15 30 B 6.2
7 D 1.1 31 C 2.6
8 B 1.7 32 D 2.4
9 B 1.15 33 C 2.1
10 A 3.5 34 B 2.5
11 C 4.3 35 B 3.2
12 D 4.5 36 D 3.3
13 D 1.10 37 C 5.7
14 A 1.11 38 A 5.14
15 D 4.1 39 C 5.13
16 C 5.12 40 B 1.4
17 A 7.1 41 B 1.6
18 D 3.7 42 C 3.8
19 A 3.10 43 B 6.1
20 C 5.9 44 A 8.5
21 C 7.7 45 C 3.4
22 A 1.3 46 A 7.5
23 C 1.5 47 D 1.8
24 B 4.4 48 C 1.12

English II Practice Test P a g e 30 | 30