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Which correctly shows the title of a TV show?

closed choice

grade4

language science

capitalization

Formatting

Capitalizing titles

In a title, capitalize the first word, the last word, and every important word in between. The Wind in the Willows James and the Giant Peach These words are not important in titles: Articles, a, an, the Short prepositions, such as at, by, for, in, of, on, to, up Coordinating conjunctions, such as and, but, or

Capitalize the first word, the last word, and every important word in between. The word in is not important, so it should not be capitalized. The correct title is Bananas in Pajamas.

Suppose Jennifer decides to make cream of mushroom soup. Which result would be a cost?

Jennifer is deciding whether to make cream of mushroom soup or onion soup for dinner. She wants dinner to be as tasty as possible. But she is also hungry and wants to eat soon.

closed choice

grade5

social science

economics

Basic economic principles

Costs and benefits

Before you decide to do something, it is often helpful to list costs and benefits. Costs are what you give up or spend when you decide to do something. Costs involve giving up things that you want or need. Benefits are what you gain or save when you decide to do something. Benefits involve gaining something that you want or need.

This result is a cost. It involves giving up or spending something that Jennifer wants or needs: Jennifer will spend more time making the cream of mushroom soup than she would have spent making the onion soup.

Select the one animal that has all of the reptile traits listed above.

Reptiles are a group of animals with similar traits. The following traits can be used to identify reptiles: They have scaly, waterproof skin. They make eggs with shells. Observe the animals and read the descriptions.

closed choice

grade5

natural science

biology

Classification

Use evidence to classify mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians

Scientists sort animals with similar traits into groups. This is called classification. Classification helps scientists learn about how animals live. How do scientists classify animals? First, they make observations about an animal. Scientists observe the animal's traits, including its body parts and behavior. Then, scientists compare the animal's traits to other animals' traits. Scientists classify animals with similar traits into a group.

To decide if an animal is part of a group, look at the traits of the group. Reptiles have the following traits: They have scaly, waterproof skin. They make eggs with shells. Compare each animal's traits to the group's traits. Select the animal with traits similar to the group's traits. A Galapagos giant tortoise has the following traits: It has scaly, waterproof skin. It makes eggs with shells. A Galapagos giant tortoise has the traits of a reptile. A Galapagos giant tortoise is a reptile. A cardinalfish has the following traits: It has fins, not limbs. It makes eggs with no shells. A cardinalfish does not have all of the traits of a reptile. A cardinalfish is a fish.

What kind of sentence is this? What rights do the first ten amendments to the Constitution guarantee Americans?

closed choice

grade9

language science

punctuation

Sentences, fragments, and run-ons

Is the sentence declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory?

There are four kinds of sentences. A declarative sentence is a statement and always ends with a period. The nurse told Mr. Abrams to roll up his sleeve so that she could check his blood pressure. An imperative sentence makes a request or a demand and usually ends with a period. If a demand shows strong feeling, it can end with an exclamation point. For this assignment, use references to support your claims. Don't drive so quickly in the construction zone! An interrogative sentence asks a question and always ends with a question mark. Given the recent critiques of her new strategic plan, do you think the CEO will reconsider the company's direction? An exclamatory sentence is a statement that shows surprise or strong feeling. An exclamation always ends with an exclamation point. I can't wait to travel through Europe this summer!

The sentence asks a question and ends with a question mark. It is an interrogative sentence.

Which sentence states a fact?

closed choice

grade5

language science

writing-strategies

Developing and supporting arguments

Distinguish facts from opinions

A fact is something that can be proved to be true. The month of July has more days than the month of June. This is a fact. It can be proved by looking at a calendar and counting the number of days in each month. An opinion is something that a person believes, thinks, or feels. An opinion cannot be proved true. July is a better month than June for camping. This is an opinion. People may have different opinions about which month is "better" for camping.

The first sentence states a fact. A plain omelet takes one or two minutes to cook on top of a stove. It can be proved by looking up instructions for making an omelet. The second sentence states an opinion. An omelet is worth the effort needed to make it. Worth the effort shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about whether an omelet is worth the effort.

What is the mass of a pair of boots?

Select the best estimate.

closed choice

grade4

natural science

units-and-measurement

Units and measurement

Choose customary units of mass

Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. Mass is a measurement of how much matter something contains. There are many different units of mass. When you are using customary units, mass may be written with units of ounces, pounds, or tons. There are 16 ounces in 1 pound and 2,000 pounds in 1 ton. So, 1 ounce is less than 1 pound and much less than 1 ton. A slice of bread has a mass of about 1 ounce, while a can of beans has a mass of about 1 pound. A small car has a mass of about 1 ton.

The best estimate for the mass of a pair of boots is 5 pounds. 5 ounces is too light and 5 tons is too heavy.

How long is a garden snail?

Select the best estimate.

closed choice

grade7

natural science

units-and-measurement

Units and measurement

Choose metric units of distance, mass, and volume

Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. When you are using metric units, length can be written with units of millimeters, centimeters, meters, or kilometers. One meter contains 100 centimeters or 1,000 millimeters. So, 1 meter is larger than 1 centimeter, and 1 centimeter is larger than 1 millimeter. The tip of the pencil shown here is only 1 millimeter wide, but the pencil is about 16 centimeters long. A red fox is about 1 meter long. The Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia is about 1,000 meters, or 1 kilometer, in length.

The best estimate for the length of a garden snail is 50 millimeters. 50 centimeters, 50 meters, and 50 kilometers are all too long.

Select the animal that has a backbone.

Hint: Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians all have backbones.

closed choice

grade2

natural science

biology

Classification

Identify animals with and without backbones

Some animals have a backbone. The backbone is made of many bones in an animal's back. An animal's backbone helps connect the different parts of its body. In the drawings below, each animal's backbone is colored orange. Other animals do not have a backbone. In fact, these animals don't have any bones! Some animals without backbones have a hard outer cover. Other animals have a soft body.

A harbor seal is a mammal. Like other mammals, a harbor seal has a backbone. Like other tarantulas, a curlyhair tarantula does not have a backbone. It has a hard outer cover.

Based on this information, what is this rose plant's phenotype for the flower color trait?

In a group of rose plants, some individuals have light yellow flowers and others have dark yellow flowers. In this group, the gene for the flower color trait has two alleles. The allele F is for light yellow flowers, and the allele f is for dark yellow flowers. A certain rose plant from this group has dark yellow flowers. This plant has two alleles for dark yellow flowers.

closed choice

grade6

natural science

biology

Genes to traits

Genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype

All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait.

An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait. The rose plant's observable version of the flower color trait is dark yellow flowers. So, the plant's phenotype for the flower color trait is dark yellow flowers.

Select the one substance that is not a mineral.

closed choice

grade4

natural science

earth-science

Rocks and minerals

Identify minerals using properties

Minerals are the building blocks of rocks. A rock can be made of one or more minerals. Minerals and rocks have the following properties: Property | Mineral | Rock It is a solid. | Yes | Yes It is formed in nature. | Yes | Yes It is not made by organisms. | Yes | Yes It is a pure substance. | Yes | No It has a fixed crystal structure. | Yes | No You can use these properties to tell whether a substance is a mineral, a rock, or neither. Look closely at the last three properties: Minerals and rocks are not made by organisms. Organisms make their own body parts. For example, snails and clams make their shells. Because they are made by organisms, body parts cannot be minerals or rocks. Humans are organisms too. So, substances that humans make by hand or in factories are not minerals or rocks. A mineral is a pure substance, but a rock is not. A pure substance is made of only one type of matter. Minerals are pure substances, but rocks are not. Instead, all rocks are mixtures. A mineral has a fixed crystal structure, but a rock does not. The crystal structure of a substance tells you how the atoms or molecules in the substance are arranged. Different types of minerals have different crystal structures, but all minerals have a fixed crystal structure. This means that the atoms and molecules in different pieces of the same type of mineral are always arranged the same way. However, rocks do not have a fixed crystal structure. So, the arrangement of atoms or molecules in different pieces of the same type of rock may be different!

Compare the properties of each substance to the properties of minerals. Select the substance whose properties do not match those of minerals. Gypsum is a mineral. Perfume is made by humans. But minerals are not made by living things. Perfume is not a pure substance. But all minerals are pure substances. So, perfume is not a mineral. Sphalerite is a mineral.

Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Eating meat can't be wrong. After all, a majority of people in the United States eat meat.

closed choice

grade12

language science

writing-strategies

Developing and supporting arguments

Classify logical fallacies

A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions. A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information: Fallacy | Description ad hominem | an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself appeal to nature | an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice bandwagon fallacy | an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice circular reasoning | an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself guilt by association | an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or something A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand: Fallacy | Description false causation | the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other false dichotomy | an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist hasty generalization | a broad claim based on too few observations slippery slope fallacy | the false assumption that a small first step will necessarily lead to extreme consequences straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against

The text argues that eating meat must not be wrong because many people eat meat. However, the fact that a practice is widespread does not necessarily make it morally or ethically correct. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as the bandwagon fallacy.

Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference?

closed choice

grade7

language science

writing-strategies

Pronouns and antecedents

Identify vague pronoun references

When writing, make sure to avoid vague pronoun references. A vague pronoun reference occurs when a pronoun could refer to more than one possible antecedent. When Lisa and Kim finally landed, she breathed a sigh of relief. The pronoun she could refer to either Lisa or Kim, so the meaning of the sentence is unclear. Vague pronoun references can be corrected in one of two ways: 1. Replace the pronoun with its correct antecedent: When Lisa and Kim finally landed, Lisa breathed a sigh of relief. 2. Rewrite the sentence: Lisa breathed a sigh of relief when she and Kim finally landed. A vague pronoun reference also occurs when they, them, their, theirs, it, or its is used without its antecedent. They say that this nail polish dries in less than five minutes. The pronoun they is used without its antecedent, so the meaning of the sentence is unclear. This problem can be fixed by replacing the pronoun with its missing antecedent. The advertisements say that this nail polish dries in less than five minutes.

The first answer choice contains a vague pronoun reference. The pronoun it could refer to the book or the class. Right after Martina bought the book for her literature class, she dropped it. The second answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. The text has been rewritten so that the meaning is clear. Right after she bought it, Martina dropped the book for her literature class.

Which is a simple sentence?

closed choice

grade6

language science

grammar

Sentences, fragments, and run-ons

Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex?

A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate. An independent clause is a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause is not a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. the oranges on our tree are ripe The clause can stand alone. It is independent. after we pick up Kevin from work The clause cannot stand alone. It is dependent. A simple sentence is made up of a single independent clause. Ben and I spent all day relaxing by the pool. Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but the introductory phrase is part of the predicate. In the winter, Ben usually wears his heavy coat. Ben usually wears his heavy coat in the winter. A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. We saw a flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard the rumble of thunder. A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction such as after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, or while. If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids.

The first sentence is the simple sentence. It is a single independent clause. On a clear, peaceful morning at Rincon Point, Joy paddled out into the surf.

Which figure of speech is used in this text? From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life. —William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

closed choice

grade10

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Classify figures of speech: review

Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words. What a lucky little lady you are! An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake. A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound. The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat. Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. The trees danced in the wind. A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning. A great new broom is sweeping the nation. Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic. Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down. Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.

The text uses alliteration, the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes repeats the f sound.

Select the one substance that is not a mineral.

closed choice

grade4

natural science

earth-science

Rocks and minerals

Identify minerals using properties

Minerals are the building blocks of rocks. A rock can be made of one or more minerals. Minerals and rocks have the following properties: Property | Mineral | Rock It is a solid. | Yes | Yes It is formed in nature. | Yes | Yes It is not made by organisms. | Yes | Yes It is a pure substance. | Yes | No It has a fixed crystal structure. | Yes | No You can use these properties to tell whether a substance is a mineral, a rock, or neither. Look closely at the last three properties: Minerals and rocks are not made by organisms. Organisms make their own body parts. For example, snails and clams make their shells. Because they are made by organisms, body parts cannot be minerals or rocks. Humans are organisms too. So, substances that humans make by hand or in factories are not minerals or rocks. A mineral is a pure substance, but a rock is not. A pure substance is made of only one type of matter. Minerals are pure substances, but rocks are not. Instead, all rocks are mixtures. A mineral has a fixed crystal structure, but a rock does not. The crystal structure of a substance tells you how the atoms or molecules in the substance are arranged. Different types of minerals have different crystal structures, but all minerals have a fixed crystal structure. This means that the atoms and molecules in different pieces of the same type of mineral are always arranged the same way. However, rocks do not have a fixed crystal structure. So, the arrangement of atoms or molecules in different pieces of the same type of rock may be different!

Compare the properties of each substance to the properties of minerals. Select the substance whose properties do not match those of minerals. Graphite is a mineral. Paint is made in a factory. But all minerals are formed in nature. Paint is not a pure substance. But all minerals are pure substances. So, paint is not a mineral. Chalcopyrite is a mineral.

Which is a simple sentence?

closed choice

grade3

language science

grammar

Sentences, fragments, and run-ons

Is the sentence simple or compound?

A simple sentence is a sentence with only one subject and predicate. The pitcher threw the ball to first base. A compound sentence is two simple sentences joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. The pitcher threw the ball, and the batter hit it. Some simple sentences have a compound subject or a compound predicate, but they are not compound sentences. Anna and James will watch the fireworks tonight. This simple sentence has a compound subject, Anna and James. The singers bowed and walked off the stage. This simple sentence has a compound predicate, bowed and walked off the stage. Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but they are not compound sentences. The introductory phrase is part of the predicate. In the winter, Farmer Ben wears his heavy coat. This is a simple sentence. There is one subject, Farmer Ben, and one predicate, wears his heavy coat in the winter.

The second sentence is the simple sentence. It has one subject and predicate. Every morning my alarm clock wakes me at six o'clock.

Complete the statement. Hydrogen chloride is ().

Hydrogen chloride is part of the liquid in your stomach that helps digest food. The chemical formula for hydrogen chloride is HCl.

closed choice

grade8

natural science

chemistry

Atoms and molecules

Classify elementary substances and compounds using chemical formulas

There are more than 100 different chemical elements, or types of atoms. Chemical elements make up all of the substances around you. A substance may be composed of one chemical element or multiple chemical elements. Substances that are composed of only one chemical element are elementary substances. Substances that are composed of multiple chemical elements bonded together are compounds. Every chemical element is represented by its own atomic symbol. An atomic symbol may consist of one capital letter, or it may consist of a capital letter followed by a lowercase letter. For example, the atomic symbol for the chemical element fluorine is F, and the atomic symbol for the chemical element beryllium is Be. The atomic symbol for each chemical element in a substance is shown in the substance's chemical formula. An elementary substance is represented by a chemical formula that contains only one atomic symbol. The atomic symbol in a chemical formula may be followed by a small number written lower than the symbol. This number is called a subscript. A subscript is included when the atoms in the elementary substance are bonded to form molecules. The subscript shows how many atoms are in each molecule. For example, the chemical formula for the elementary substance oxygen, O2, has a subscript of 2. This subscript shows that the atomic symbol O represents two atoms. The elementary substance O2 and the chemical element represented by the atomic symbol O are both named oxygen. So, the formula tells you that each molecule of O2 contains two oxygen atoms. A compound is represented by a chemical formula that contains multiple atomic symbols. The chemical elements in a compound are bonded together in a fixed ratio. This ratio is shown in a compound's chemical formula. For example, in the compound beryllium fluoride, there is one beryllium atom for every two fluorine atoms. So, the ratio of beryllium atoms to fluorine atoms is 1 to 2. This ratio is shown in the chemical formula for beryllium fluoride, BeF2. There is no subscript following the atomic symbol Be because that symbol represents one atom. The subscript 2 follows the atomic symbol F to show that the symbol represents two atoms.

You can tell whether hydrogen chloride is an elementary substance or a compound by counting the number of atomic symbols in its chemical formula. An atomic symbol consists of either one capital letter or a capital letter followed by one or two lowercase letters. The chemical formula for hydrogen chloride, HCl, contains two atomic symbols: H for hydrogen and Cl for chlorine. So, the formula tells you that hydrogen chloride is composed of two chemical elements bonded together. Since hydrogen chloride is composed of multiple chemical elements bonded together, hydrogen chloride is a compound.

What is the mass of an ear of corn?

Select the best estimate.

closed choice

grade5

natural science

units-and-measurement

Units and measurement

Choose customary units of mass

Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. Mass is a measurement of how much matter something contains. There are many different units of mass. When you are using customary units, mass may be written with units of ounces, pounds, or tons. There are 16 ounces in 1 pound and 2,000 pounds in 1 ton. So, 1 ounce is less than 1 pound and much less than 1 ton. A slice of bread has a mass of about 1 ounce, while a can of beans has a mass of about 1 pound. A small car has a mass of about 1 ton.

The best estimate for the mass of an ear of corn is 16 ounces. 16 pounds and 16 tons are both too heavy.

Using only these supplies, which question can Logan investigate with an experiment?

Logan and his sister are building ramps to race their toy cars down. Logan notices that the cars go down some of the ramps faster than others. He wonders what factors affect the cars' speed. So, he decides to design an experiment. He has the following supplies available: two identical toy cars a wooden ramp three feet long and two feet tall a cardboard ramp three feet long and two feet tall

closed choice

grade6

natural science

science-and-engineering-practices

Designing experiments

Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials

Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment. Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment? First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available. Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick. So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment!

Does this passage describe the weather or the climate? Hanson enjoys the cool evening breezes that are common on summer evenings where he lives.

Hint: Weather is what the atmosphere is like at a certain place and time. Climate is the pattern of weather in a certain place.

closed choice

grade4

natural science

earth-science

Weather and climate

What's the difference between weather and climate?

The atmosphere is the layer of air that surrounds Earth. Both weather and climate tell you about the atmosphere. Weather is what the atmosphere is like at a certain place and time. Weather can change quickly. For example, the temperature outside your house might get higher throughout the day. Climate is the pattern of weather in a certain place. For example, summer temperatures in New York are usually higher than winter temperatures.

Read the text carefully. Hanson enjoys the cool evening breezes that are common on summer evenings where he lives. This passage tells you about the usual wind patterns where Hanson lives. It does not describe what the weather is like on a particular day. So, this passage describes the climate.

What does the euphemism in this text suggest? William is big-boned, so despite being in middle school, he often shops in the men's department.

closed choice

grade9

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Interpret figures of speech

Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off.

The text uses a euphemism, a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. The euphemism big-boned suggests that William is overweight.

Based on this information, what is Flash's phenotype for the horns trait?

In a group of cows, some individuals have horns and others do not. In this group, the gene for the horns trait has two alleles. The allele H is for not having horns, and the allele h is for having horns. Flash, a cow from this group, does not have horns. Flash has two alleles for not having horns.

closed choice

grade7

natural science

biology

Genes to traits

Genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype

All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait.

An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait. Flash's observable version of the horns trait is not having horns. So, Flash's phenotype for the horns trait is not having horns.

What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? By the time Sarah had finished explaining to Mr. Kramer what had happened, her friends were laughingly referring to her as Scheherazade.

closed choice

grade9

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Recall the source of an allusion

An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. Here, Lila alludes to the fairy tale "Cinderella," in which Cinderella must leave the ball before the coach that brought her transforms into a pumpkin. The allusion shows that Lila must depart immediately.

The source of the allusion Scheherazade is ancient legend. The Arabian Nights presents the ancient legend of how Scheherazade successfully postpones her imminent death by mesmerizing her captor with a thousand and one fascinating tales. The allusion Scheherazade means a person who uses his or her arts to distract someone and avoid consequences.

What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? Bobby spoke at the city council meeting, claiming the new recycling regulations were draconian.

closed choice

grade9

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Recall the source of an allusion

An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. Here, Lila alludes to the fairy tale "Cinderella," in which Cinderella must leave the ball before the coach that brought her transforms into a pumpkin. The allusion shows that Lila must depart immediately.

The source of the allusion draconian is Greek history. Draco, a government official in seventh-century Athens, Greece, wrote a code of laws that called for severe punishments for even minor offenses. The allusion draconian means harsh.

What kind of sentence is this? Roger is the best cook I know!

closed choice

grade4

language science

punctuation

Sentences, fragments, and run-ons

Is the sentence declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory?

There are four kinds of sentences. A declarative sentence is a statement. It tells about something. A declarative sentence always ends with a period. I have an older brother and a younger sister. An interrogative sentence is a question. It asks something. An interrogative sentence always ends with a question mark. How tall are you? An imperative sentence is a command. It makes a request or tells someone to do something. An imperative sentence usually ends with a period. If the command shows strong feeling, it ends with an exclamation point. Read the first chapter by next week. Look out for that car! An exclamatory sentence is like a statement, but it shows surprise or strong feeling. An exclamatory sentence always ends with an exclamation point. Some whales are over ninety feet long! I can't wait until tomorrow!

The sentence tells about something, but it shows strong feeling and ends with an exclamation point. It is an exclamatory sentence.

Which tense does the sentence use? Mrs. Murphy will reply to Grayson's question about space.

closed choice

grade3

language science

verbs

Verb tense

Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense?

Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now. Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es. Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms. Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened. Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed. Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms. Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen. All future-tense verbs use the word will. Present | Past | Future walk, walks | walked | will walk go, goes | went | will go

The sentence is in future tense. You can tell because it uses will before the main verb, reply. The verb tells you about something that is going to happen.

Which tense does the sentence use? Dad will sew a patch on my pants.

closed choice

grade5

language science

verbs

Verb tense

Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense?

Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now. Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es. Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms. Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened. Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed. Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms. Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen. All future-tense verbs use the word will. Present | Past | Future walk, walks | walked | will walk go, goes | went | will go

The sentence is in future tense. You can tell because it uses will before the main verb, sew. The verb tells you about something that is going to happen.

According to Newton's third law, what other force must be happening?

Isaac Newton was born in the 1600s and studied how objects move. He discovered three fundamental laws about forces and motion. According to Newton's third law, for every force, there is an equal and opposite force. Consider the following force: Earth is pulling on the Moon.

closed choice

grade8

natural science

physics

Velocity, acceleration, and forces

Predict forces using Newton's third law

According to Newton's third law, for every force, there is an equal and opposite force. This means that if one object is applying a force on a second object, the second object must also be applying a force on the first object, but in the opposite direction. For example, if your hand is pushing down on a table, the table is also pushing up on your hand. Or, if you are pulling forward on a rope, the rope is also pulling back on you.

Earth is pulling on the Moon. So, Newton's third law tells you that the Moon is pulling on Earth.

Would you find the word snout on a dictionary page with the following guide words? sheep - spoil

yes or no

grade6

language science

reference-skills

Reference skills

Use guide words

Guide words appear on each page of a dictionary. They tell you the first word and last word on the page. The other words on the page come between the guide words in alphabetical order. To put words in alphabetical order, put them in order by their first letters. If the first letters are the same, look at the second letters. If the second letters are the same, look at the third letters, and so on. If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed.

Put the words in alphabetical order. Since snout is between the guide words sheep - spoil, it would be found on that page.

Which correctly shows the title of a book?

closed choice

grade6

language science

punctuation

Formatting

Formatting titles

The title of a book, movie, play, TV show, magazine, or newspaper should be in italics. If you write it by hand, it can be underlined instead. A Midsummer Night's Dream The title of a poem, song, article, or short story should be in quotation marks. "You Are My Sunshine"

A book should be in italics. The correct title is **The Trumpet of the Swan**.

Which figure of speech is used in this text? Tara's Bistro used to be a great place to go for a delicious and carefully prepared dinner, but nobody goes there anymore: it's too crowded.

closed choice

grade9

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Classify figures of speech: euphemism, hyperbole, oxymoron, paradox

Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off. Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. I ate so much that I think I might explode! An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic. A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. Always expect the unexpected.

The text uses a paradox, a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. Nobody goes there anymore: it's too crowded at first appears to be contradictory, because if no one goes to the restaurant, then the restaurant should be empty, not crowded. However, it contains some truth: if a restaurant is frequently perceived to be too crowded, many people will no longer want to go there.

Which greeting is correct for a letter?

closed choice

grade2

language science

capitalization

Capitalization

Greetings and closings of letters

A letter starts with a greeting and ends with a closing. For each one, capitalize the first word and end with a comma. You should also capitalize proper nouns, such as Aunt Sue. Dear Aunt Sue, I'm glad you could come to my party, and thank you for the birthday gift. I could not have asked for a better one! Every time I see it, I think of you. With love, Rory

The first greeting is correct: Its first word is capitalized, and it ends with a comma. Grandma Leah is capitalized because it is a proper noun.

Which logical fallacy is used in the text? You may be impressed by Senator Murphy's work with low-income communities, but the fact remains that he graduated from an elite university. He couldn't possibly empathize with low-income constituents.

closed choice

grade11

language science

writing-strategies

Developing and supporting arguments

Classify logical fallacies

A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions. A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information: Fallacy | Description ad hominem | an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself appeal to nature | an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice bandwagon fallacy | an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice circular reasoning | an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself guilt by association | an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or something A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand: Fallacy | Description false causation | the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other false dichotomy | an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist hasty generalization | a broad claim based on too few observations slippery slope fallacy | the false assumption that a small first step will necessarily lead to extreme consequences straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against

The text argues that Senator Murphy can't empathize with his low-income constituents because he went to an elite university. However, going to an elite university doesn't necessarily mean you're out of touch. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as guilt by association.

What information supports the conclusion that Quincy acquired this trait?

Read the description of a trait. Quincy can ride a bicycle.

closed choice

grade8

natural science

biology

Genes to traits

Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement

Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.

Select the vertebrate.

Hint: Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians are vertebrates.

closed choice

grade4

natural science

biology

Classification

Identify vertebrates and invertebrates

Vertebrates and invertebrates are both groups of animals. A vertebrate has a backbone. The backbone is made of many bones in an animal's back. A vertebrate's backbone helps connect the different parts of its body. In the drawings below, each vertebrate's backbone is colored orange. An invertebrate does not have a backbone. In fact, invertebrates do not have any bones! Some invertebrates have an outer cover on their body called an exoskeleton. Other invertebrates have a soft body.

A woodpecker is a bird. Like other birds, a woodpecker is a vertebrate. It has a backbone. A grasshopper is an insect. Like other insects, a grasshopper is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A red-spotted purple butterfly is an insect. Like other insects, a red-spotted purple butterfly is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A castor bean tick is an insect. Like other insects, a castor bean tick is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton.

What does the idiom in this text suggest? In such an unfamiliar environment, Dirk was a fish out of water.

closed choice

grade7

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Interpret figures of speech

Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake.

The text uses an idiom, an expression that cannot be understood literally. The idiom a fish out of water suggests that Dirk felt out of place. A fish out of water is someone out of his or her usual, comfortable environment.

What do these two changes have in common? mixing sand and water a sidewalk heating up in the sun

closed choice

grade4

natural science

chemistry

Physical and chemical change

Compare physical and chemical changes

Chemical changes and physical changes are two common ways matter can change. In a chemical change, the type of matter changes. The types of matter before and after a chemical change are always different. Some chemical changes are caused by heating or cooling. For example, burning a piece of paper is a chemical change caused by heating. When paper gets hot enough, it re­acts with oxygen in the air and burns. The paper and oxygen change into ash and smoke. In a physical change, the type of matter stays the same. The types of matter before and after a physical change are always the same. A change of state is a type of physical change. Changes of state can be caused by heating or cooling. For example, ice melting is a physical change that can be caused by heating. Ice and liquid water are made of the same type of matter: water. The law of conservation of mass says that all physical and chemical changes conserve mass. Conserve means to keep the same. So, the total mass before a physical or chemical change is equal to the total mass after the change.

Step 1: Think about each change. Mixing sand and water is a physical change. Adding water makes the sand wet. But both the sand and water are still made of the same type of matter as before. A sidewalk heating up in the sun is a physical change. The temperature of the sidewalk goes up, but the sidewalk is still made of the same type of matter. Step 2: Look at each answer choice. Both are only physical changes. Both changes are physical changes. No new matter is created. Both are chemical changes. Both changes are physical changes. They are not chemical changes. Both are caused by heating. A sidewalk getting warm in the sun is caused by heating. But mixing sand and water is not. Both are caused by cooling. Neither change is caused by cooling.

Suppose Isabelle decides to see the storks. Which result would be a cost?

Isabelle is deciding whether to see the storks or the cranes at the zoo. She wants to see lots of animals, but the zoo is closing soon.

closed choice

grade5

social science

economics

Basic economic principles

Costs and benefits

Before you decide to do something, it is often helpful to list costs and benefits. Costs are what you give up or spend when you decide to do something. Costs involve giving up things that you want or need. Benefits are what you gain or save when you decide to do something. Benefits involve gaining something that you want or need.

This result is a cost. It involves giving up or spending something that Isabelle wants or needs: Isabelle will spend more time walking to the storks. They are on the other side of the zoo, but the cranes are close by.

Complete the statement. During this chemical reaction, the solution becomes ().

When a chemical reaction absorbs or releases thermal energy, the reaction causes a change in temperature. Read the passage about a chemical reaction that absorbs or releases thermal energy. Then, follow the instructions below. Pickling is used to prevent foods such as meat and vegetables from spoiling too soon. Food that has been pickled may remain edible for more than a year! One type of pickling involves soaking the food in a solution of water and sodium chloride (NaCl). When sodium chloride is dissolved in water, sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl−) form in the solution. During this process, a small amount of thermal energy is taken in from the surroundings.

closed choice

grade6

natural science

chemistry

Chemical reactions

Describe energy changes in chemical reactions

During a chemical reaction, thermal energy is absorbed or released as heat. This transfer of thermal energy changes the temperature of the reaction's surroundings. The surroundings are everything around the reaction, such as the solution that the reaction takes place in or the air nearby. Some reactions release thermal energy into the surroundings. This thermal energy is converted from chemical energy, which is provided by the molecules in the reaction. As the thermal energy moves out of the reaction and into the surroundings, the temperature of the surroundings increases. Some reactions absorb thermal energy from the surroundings. This thermal energy is converted into chemical energy during the reaction. As the thermal energy moves out of the surroundings and into the reaction, the temperature of the surroundings decreases.

To determine whether the solution becomes warmer or colder, look for the text that describes the movement of thermal energy during the reaction.Pickling is used to prevent foods such as meat and vegetables from spoiling too soon. Food that has been pickled may remain edible for more than a year! One type of pickling involves soaking the food in a solution of water and sodium chloride (NaCl). When sodium chloride is dissolved in water, sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl−) form in the solution. During this process, a small amount of thermal energy is taken in from the surroundings.The underlined text tells you that thermal energy is taken in from the surroundings. Because thermal energy moves out of the surroundings and into the reaction, the temperature of the surroundings decreases.The surroundings include the solution that the reaction takes place in. So, the solution becomes colder.

What is the volume of a blender?

Select the better estimate.

closed choice

grade5

natural science

units-and-measurement

Units and measurement

Choose metric units of volume

Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. Volume is a measurement of how much space something takes up. There are many different units of volume. When you are using metric units, volume may be written in units of milliliters or liters. There are 1,000 milliliters in 1 liter. So, 1 milliliter is much less than 1 liter. A raindrop has a volume of about 20 milliliters, while a large soda bottle has a volume of 2 liters. The flask shown here measures volumes up to 500 milliliters.

The better estimate for the volume of a blender is 2 liters. 2 milliliters is too little.

Which change better matches the sentence? A part of Earth's surface shakes.

closed choice

grade2

natural science

earth-science

Earth events

Classify changes to Earth's surface

What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? When it comes to starting new businesses, Kinsley seems to have a Midas touch.

closed choice

grade9

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Recall the source of an allusion

An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. Here, Lila alludes to the fairy tale "Cinderella," in which Cinderella must leave the ball before the coach that brought her transforms into a pumpkin. The allusion shows that Lila must depart immediately.

The source of the allusion Midas is Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, King Midas is granted his wish that everything he touches turn to gold. The allusion Midas means fortunate.

What information supports the conclusion that Sidney acquired this trait?

Read the description of a trait. Sidney knows a lot about history.

closed choice

grade6

natural science

biology

Genes to traits

Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement

Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.

How long is a hiking trail?

Select the better estimate.

closed choice

grade3

natural science

units-and-measurement

Units and measurement

Choose metric units of distance

Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. Imagine being told that a pencil is 16 long. You might be thinking, 16 what? Is the pencil 16 centimeters long? 16 meters? 16 kilometers? The number 16 on its own does not give you much information about the length of the pencil. That is because the units are missing. Now look at the drawing of the pencil and the ruler. The ruler shows that the units are centimeters. So, the length of the pencil is 16 centimeters. There are 100 centimeters in 1 meter. So, 1 centimeter is much shorter than 1 meter. There are 1,000 meters in 1 kilometer. So, 1 meter is much shorter than 1 kilometer.

The better estimate for the length of a hiking trail is 6 kilometers. 6 centimeters is too short.

What is the volume of a bowl of soup?

Select the best estimate.

closed choice

grade5

natural science

units-and-measurement

Units and measurement

Choose customary units of volume

Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. Volume is a measurement of how much space something takes up. There are many different units of volume. When you are using customary units, volume may be written in units of fluid ounces, cups, or gallons. As the diagram shows, there are 8 fluid ounces in 1 cup and 16 cups in 1 gallon. So, 1 fluid ounce is less than 1 cup and much less than 1 gallon. A glass of milk has a volume of about 8 fluid ounces, or 1 cup. A jug of milk has a volume of 1 gallon.

The best estimate for the volume of a bowl of soup is 8 fluid ounces. 8 cups and 8 gallons are both too much.

Based on the passage, what was the Protestant Reformation?

The Protestant Reformation, often called the Reformation, was an important period in European history. Read the following description of the Reformation. Then answer the question below. Before the 1500s, most people in northern and western Europe followed a Christian religion called Roman Catholicism. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church was called the pope. Many people criticized the pope and the Catholic Church during the Reformation. Catholic leaders were asked to reform, or change, what they were teaching and how they led the Catholic community. Some of the people calling for reform decided to separate from the Catholic Church and became known as Protestants.

closed choice

grade7

social science

world-history

Early Modern Europe

The Reformation

The Protestant Reformation was a movement demanding that the Catholic Church reform, or change, some of its practices. Catholic leaders were asked to reform, or change, what they were teaching and how they led the Catholic community. Choice "a period when people asked Protestant churches to reform their teachings" is incorrect. The Reformation was a period when people asked the Catholic Church to reform. Choice "a conflict between Protestants and people who separated from the Catholic Church" is incorrect. The people who left the Catholic Church were not in conflict with Protestants. They were Protestants. Choice "a war fought between Catholics in northern and western Europe" is incorrect. Before the Reformation, most people in northern and western Europe were Catholics, but they were not fighting with each other during this time.

Each bus takes the same amount of time to stop. Which school bus needs a larger force to come to a stop?

Kids from two different schools are riding their school buses home. The buses are the same. They are going the same speed. But different numbers of kids are riding in each bus.

closed choice

grade2

natural science

physics

Force and motion

How do mass and force affect motion?

A force is a push or a pull. A force can make an object start moving or stop an object that is moving. A force can also make an object speed up, slow down, or change direction. Forces can be different sizes. Think about trying to move a heavy object and a light object. Imagine you want to move them at the same speed. You will need to use a larger force to move the heavy object.

Look for the school bus that is heavier. A school bus carrying 700 pounds is heavier than a school bus carrying 500 pounds. So, the school bus carrying 700 pounds needs a larger force to come to a stop in the same amount of time as the other bus.

How long is a basketball court?

Select the best estimate.

closed choice

grade6

natural science

units-and-measurement

Units and measurement

Choose metric units of distance, mass, and volume

Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. When you are using metric units, length can be written with units of millimeters, centimeters, meters, or kilometers. One meter contains 100 centimeters or 1,000 millimeters. So, 1 meter is larger than 1 centimeter, and 1 centimeter is larger than 1 millimeter. The tip of the pencil shown here is only 1 millimeter wide, but the pencil is about 16 centimeters long. A red fox is about 1 meter long. The Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia is about 1,000 meters, or 1 kilometer, in length.

The best estimate for the length of a basketball court is 27 meters. 27 millimeters and 27 centimeters are too short. 27 kilometers is too long.

Using only these supplies, which question can Steven investigate with an experiment?

Steven and his sister are building ramps to race their toy cars down. Steven notices that the cars go down some of the ramps faster than others. He wonders what factors affect the cars' speed. So, he decides to design an experiment. He has the following supplies available: two identical toy cars a wooden ramp three feet long and two feet tall a cardboard ramp three feet long and two feet tall

closed choice

grade7

natural science

science-and-engineering-practices

Designing experiments

Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials

Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment. Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment? First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available. Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick. So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment!

According to Newton's third law, what other force must be happening?

Isaac Newton was born in the 1600s and studied how objects move. He discovered three fundamental laws about forces and motion. According to Newton's third law, for every force, there is an equal and opposite force. Consider the following force: A hockey stick is pushing on a hockey puck.

closed choice

grade8

natural science

physics

Velocity, acceleration, and forces

Predict forces using Newton's third law

According to Newton's third law, for every force, there is an equal and opposite force. This means that if one object is applying a force on a second object, the second object must also be applying a force on the first object, but in the opposite direction. For example, if your hand is pushing down on a table, the table is also pushing up on your hand. Or, if you are pulling forward on a rope, the rope is also pulling back on you.

The hockey stick is pushing on the hockey puck. So, Newton's third law tells you that the hockey puck is pushing on the hockey stick.

Using only these supplies, which question can Martha investigate with an experiment?

Martha gets a basketball for her birthday and dribbles it around her neighborhood. She notices that sometimes the ball bounces higher than other times. She wonders what factors affect how high her ball bounces. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: one basketball access to a brick patio access to a grassy lawn access to a gravel driveway a meterstick

closed choice

grade6

natural science

science-and-engineering-practices

Designing experiments

Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials

Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment. Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment? First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available. Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick. So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment!

Select the animal that does not have a backbone.

Hint: Insects, spiders, and worms do not have backbones.

closed choice

grade2

natural science

biology

Classification

Identify animals with and without backbones

Some animals have a backbone. The backbone is made of many bones in an animal's back. An animal's backbone helps connect the different parts of its body. In the drawings below, each animal's backbone is colored orange. Other animals do not have a backbone. In fact, these animals don't have any bones! Some animals without backbones have a hard outer cover. Other animals have a soft body.

A castor bean tick is an insect. Like other insects, a castor bean tick does not have a backbone. It has a hard outer cover. A toucan is a bird. Like other birds, a toucan has a backbone.

Based on this information, what is Sugar's phenotype for the fur texture trait?

In a group of Syrian hamsters, some individuals have straight fur and others have wavy fur. In this group, the gene for the fur texture trait has two alleles. The allele for wavy fur (f) is recessive to the allele for straight fur (F). Sugar is a Syrian hamster from this group. Sugar has the homozygous genotype ff for the fur texture gene.

closed choice

grade8

natural science

biology

Genes to traits

Genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive

All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait. Some traits, like flower color in pea plants, are controlled by a single gene. Most plants and animals have a genotype made up of two alleles for these traits. These two alleles determine whether an organism is homozygous or heterozygous for the gene. An organism with two identical alleles for a gene is homozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype FF or ff is homozygous for the flower color gene. An organism with two different alleles for a gene is heterozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype Ff is heterozygous for the flower color gene. The types of alleles in an organism's genotype determine the organism's phenotype. Some alleles have types called dominant and recessive. These two types can cause different versions of a trait to appear as the organism's phenotype. A dominant allele causes its version of the trait to appear even when the organism also has a recessive allele for the gene. In pea plants, the F allele, which causes purple flowers, is dominant over the f allele. A pea plant with at least one F allele will have the F allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype FF or Ff will have purple flowers. A recessive allele causes its version of the trait to appear only when the organism does not have any dominant alleles for the gene. In pea plants, the f allele, which causes white flowers, is recessive to the F allele. A pea plant with only f alleles will have the f allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype ff will have white flowers.

Sugar's genotype for the fur texture gene is ff. Sugar's genotype of ff has only f alleles. The f allele is for wavy fur. So, Sugar's phenotype for the fur texture trait must be wavy fur. To check this answer, consider whether Sugar's alleles are dominant or recessive. The allele for wavy fur (f) is recessive to the allele for straight fur (F). This means F is a dominant allele, and f is a recessive allele. Sugar's genotype of ff has only recessive alleles. An organism with only recessive alleles for a gene will have the recessive allele's version of the trait. So, Sugar's phenotype for the fur texture trait must be wavy fur.

What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? The politician's staff decided it was time to get off the Titanic, so they left the campaign and started looking for other jobs.

closed choice

grade9

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Recall the source of an allusion

An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. Here, Lila alludes to the fairy tale "Cinderella," in which Cinderella must leave the ball before the coach that brought her transforms into a pumpkin. The allusion shows that Lila must depart immediately.

The source of the allusion Titanic is history. The Titanic was a luxury steamship touted as indestructible, but in 1912, on its maiden voyage, it hit an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean and sank. The allusion Titanic means a large project facing failure.

Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Does she do well in school because she's smart, or is it because she works hard?

closed choice

grade10

language science

writing-strategies

Developing and supporting arguments

Classify logical fallacies

A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions. A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information: Fallacy | Description ad hominem | an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself appeal to nature | an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice bandwagon fallacy | an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice circular reasoning | an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself guilt by association | an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or something A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand: Fallacy | Description false causation | the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other false dichotomy | an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist hasty generalization | a broad claim based on too few observations slippery slope fallacy | the false assumption that a small first step will necessarily lead to extreme consequences straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against

The text argues that she must do well in school either because she's smart or because she works hard. However, someone can be both smart and hardworking. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as a false dichotomy.

Use the evidence in the text to select the photosynthetic organism.

closed choice

grade7

natural science

biology

Photosynthesis

Identify the photosynthetic organism

Organisms that carry out photosynthesis are called photosynthetic organisms. During photosynthesis, these organisms use light energy, carbon dioxide, and water to produce sugars and oxygen. Photosynthetic organisms also often have the following characteristics: They are producers, which are organisms that make their own food inside their cells. Because producers make their own food, they typically do not eat other organisms. Their cells contain chloroplasts, which are cell structures where photosynthesis occurs. Their chloroplasts often contain a green substance called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll captures light energy from the Sun to power photosynthesis. They use the sugars they produce during photosynthesis as food. This food provides energy that helps the organisms live, grow, and reproduce.

This organism is photosynthetic: The text tells you that Sargassum algae uses energy from sunlight to make food. This is evidence that Sargassum algae is a photosynthetic organism. This organism is not photosynthetic: The text does not provide evidence that the shaggy frogfish is photosynthetic.

Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference?

closed choice

grade7

language science

writing-strategies

Pronouns and antecedents

Identify vague pronoun references

When writing, make sure to avoid vague pronoun references. A vague pronoun reference occurs when a pronoun could refer to more than one possible antecedent. When Lisa and Kim finally landed, she breathed a sigh of relief. The pronoun she could refer to either Lisa or Kim, so the meaning of the sentence is unclear. Vague pronoun references can be corrected in one of two ways: 1. Replace the pronoun with its correct antecedent: When Lisa and Kim finally landed, Lisa breathed a sigh of relief. 2. Rewrite the sentence: Lisa breathed a sigh of relief when she and Kim finally landed. A vague pronoun reference also occurs when they, them, their, theirs, it, or its is used without its antecedent. They say that this nail polish dries in less than five minutes. The pronoun they is used without its antecedent, so the meaning of the sentence is unclear. This problem can be fixed by replacing the pronoun with its missing antecedent. The advertisements say that this nail polish dries in less than five minutes.

The second answer choice contains a vague pronoun reference. The pronoun them could refer to the wrappers or the blueberry muffins. The first answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. Them has been replaced with the wrappers. Danny peeled the wrappers off of the blueberry muffins and then set the wrappers aside.

What does the simile in this text suggest? A simple change of scenery can be like an ice-cold lemonade on a warm summer day.

closed choice

grade10

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Interpret figures of speech

Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike. The cat's fur was as dark as the night.

The text includes a simile, using like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike. The simile like an ice-cold lemonade suggests that spending time in a different place is refreshing. An ice-cold lemonade can make you feel better, and so can a change of scenery.

Which text uses the word disinterested in its traditional sense?

closed choice

grade9

language science

writing-strategies

Word usage and nuance

Explore words with new or contested usages

Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner. When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences. Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam. The traditional usage above is considered more standard. David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages. The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.

The second text uses disinterested in its traditional sense: unbiased or impartial. Bonnie is excellent in her position as class treasurer. She always manages to be disinterested in student council debates about the allocation of extracurricular funds. The first text uses disinterested in its nontraditional sense: uninterested or indifferent. Bonnie is happy with her position as class treasurer. Though she would have the support of the student council, she is disinterested in running for student body president. Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word disinterested because it is considered more standard.

What information supports the conclusion that Scott acquired this trait?

Read the description of a trait. Scott knows how to build a fire.

closed choice

grade3

natural science

biology

Heredity

Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement

Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment.

What is the mass of a news magazine?

Select the best estimate.

closed choice

grade5

natural science

units-and-measurement

Units and measurement

Choose customary units of mass

Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. Mass is a measurement of how much matter something contains. There are many different units of mass. When you are using customary units, mass may be written with units of ounces, pounds, or tons. There are 16 ounces in 1 pound and 2,000 pounds in 1 ton. So, 1 ounce is less than 1 pound and much less than 1 ton. A slice of bread has a mass of about 1 ounce, while a can of beans has a mass of about 1 pound. A small car has a mass of about 1 ton.

The best estimate for the mass of a news magazine is 9 ounces. 9 pounds and 9 tons are both too heavy.

Which correctly shows the title of a movie?

closed choice

grade4

language science

capitalization

Formatting

Capitalizing titles

In a title, capitalize the first word, the last word, and every important word in between. The Wind in the Willows James and the Giant Peach These words are not important in titles: Articles, a, an, the Short prepositions, such as at, by, for, in, of, on, to, up Coordinating conjunctions, such as and, but, or

Capitalize the first word, the last word, and every important word in between. The words and and the are not important, so they should not be capitalized. The correct title is The Princess and the Frog.

Which tense does the sentence use? Katie and Liz race down the hill.

closed choice

grade2

language science

verbs

Verb tense

Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense?

Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now. Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es. Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms. Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened. Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed. Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms. Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen. All future-tense verbs use the word will. Present | Past | Future walk, walks | walked | will walk go, goes | went | will go

The sentence is in present tense. You can tell because it uses a present-tense verb, race. The verb tells you about something that is true or happening now.

Which block of iron has more thermal energy?

Two 1-kilogram blocks of iron are identical except for their temperatures.

closed choice

grade5

natural science

physics

Heat and thermal energy

How are temperature and mass related to thermal energy?

Matter is made of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are always moving. The energy of moving atoms is called thermal energy. The total amount of thermal energy in matter depends on three things: the type of matter, the amount of matter, and how fast the atoms are moving. Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the atoms in matter move faster, the temperature goes up. The matter now has both more thermal energy and a higher temperature. What happens if the amount of matter changes? A 2-kilogram brick at 70°F has twice as much thermal energy as a 1-kilogram brick at 70°F. The two bricks have the same temperature, but the larger brick has twice as many atoms. So, it has twice as much thermal energy.

The two blocks of iron are made of the same material and have the same mass. So, the hotter block of iron has more thermal energy.

Using only these supplies, which question can Dan investigate with an experiment?

Dan and his sister are building ramps to race their toy cars down. Dan notices that the cars go down some of the ramps faster than others. He wonders what factors affect the cars' speed. So, he decides to design an experiment. He has the following supplies available: two identical toy cars a wooden ramp three feet long and two feet tall a cardboard ramp three feet long and two feet tall

closed choice

grade6

natural science

science-and-engineering-practices

Designing experiments

Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials

Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment. Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment? First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available. Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick. So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment!

Select the mixture.

closed choice

grade2

natural science

physics

Mixtures

Identify mixtures

A pure substance is made of only one type of matter. A mixture is made of two or more types of matter mixed together.

Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Jackson is not qualified to run the Environmental Club. Have you seen his sister's huge, horrifically inefficient car? The planet cries whenever she turns on the ignition.

closed choice

grade9

language science

writing-strategies

Developing and supporting arguments

Classify logical fallacies

A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions. A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information: Fallacy | Description ad hominem | an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself appeal to nature | an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice bandwagon fallacy | an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice circular reasoning | an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself guilt by association | an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or something A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand: Fallacy | Description false causation | the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other false dichotomy | an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist hasty generalization | a broad claim based on too few observations slippery slope fallacy | the false assumption that a small first step will necessarily lead to extreme consequences straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against

The text argues that Jackson isn't qualified to run the Environmental Club because his sister drives a fuel inefficient car. However, the behavior of Jackson's sister does not necessarily reflect Jackson's own behavior. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as guilt by association.

Which is a complex sentence?

closed choice

grade6

language science

grammar

Sentences, fragments, and run-ons

Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex?

A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate. An independent clause is a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause is not a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. the oranges on our tree are ripe The clause can stand alone. It is independent. after we pick up Kevin from work The clause cannot stand alone. It is dependent. A simple sentence is made up of a single independent clause. Ben and I spent all day relaxing by the pool. Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but the introductory phrase is part of the predicate. In the winter, Ben usually wears his heavy coat. Ben usually wears his heavy coat in the winter. A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. We saw a flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard the rumble of thunder. A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction such as after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, or while. If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids.

The second sentence is the complex sentence. It is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause begins with the subordinating conjunction until. Kyle picked raspberries in the field until his fingertips were stained red.

Which is the most flexible?

closed choice

grade4

natural science

physics

Materials

Compare properties of materials

Every object is made of one or more materials. A material is a type of matter. Wood, glass, metal, and plastic are common materials. A material has different properties. A material's properties tell you how it looks, feels, tastes, or smells. Some examples of properties are shiny, hard, fragile, and stretchy. For example, a shiny material reflects a lot of light. A fragile material breaks when you drop it.

Flexible is a property. A flexible material can be bent without breaking easily. Look at each picture, one at a time. Imagine bending the material shown in each picture. Of the choices, the cardboard is the most flexible. If you gently twist cardboard, it will not tear easily.

Which organ controls what the body's organs do?

closed choice

grade4

natural science

biology

Animals

Human organs and their functions

Using only these supplies, which question can Bryan investigate with an experiment?

Bryan and his classmates are growing tomato plants in the school garden. He wonders what factors affect how tomato plants grow. So, he decides to design an experiment. He has the following supplies available: three different types of tomato seeds one bag of potting soil five identical clay pots water

closed choice

grade7

natural science

science-and-engineering-practices

Designing experiments

Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials

Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment. Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment? First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available. Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick. So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment!

Which pencil has a higher temperature?

Two pencils are identical except for their thermal energies.

closed choice

grade6

natural science

physics

Thermal energy

How are temperature and mass related to thermal energy?

Matter is made of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are always moving. The energy of moving atoms is called thermal energy. The total amount of thermal energy in matter depends on three things: the type of matter, the amount of matter, and how fast the atoms are moving. Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the atoms in matter move faster, the temperature goes up. The matter now has both more thermal energy and a higher temperature. What happens if the amount of matter changes? A 2-kilogram brick at 70°F has twice as much thermal energy as a 1-kilogram brick at 70°F. The two bricks have the same temperature, but the larger brick has twice as many atoms. So, it has twice as much thermal energy.

The two pencils are made of the same material and have the same mass. So, the pencil with more thermal energy has a higher temperature.

What information supports the conclusion that Whitney acquired this trait?

Read the description of a trait. Whitney knows how to build a fire.

closed choice

grade6

natural science

biology

Genes to traits

Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement

Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.

Which sentence states a fact?

closed choice

grade3

language science

writing-strategies

Opinion writing

Distinguish facts from opinions

A fact is something that can be proved to be true. The month of July has more days than the month of June. This is a fact. It can be proved by looking at a calendar and counting the number of days in each month. An opinion is something that a person believes, thinks, or feels. An opinion cannot be proved true. July is a better month than June for camping. This is an opinion. People may have different opinions about which month is "better" for camping.

The second sentence states a fact. In a beehive, the queen lays eggs while the workers guard the hive. It can be proved by reading a book about bees. The first sentence states an opinion. In a beehive, a worker bee's job is more important than the queen's job. More important shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about which job is more important.

Select the one animal that has all of the marsupial traits listed above.

Marsupials are a group of animals with similar traits. The following traits can be used to identify marsupials: They have offspring that lives in the mother's pouch after birth. They have fur or hair. Observe the animals and read the descriptions.

closed choice

grade5

natural science

biology

Classification

Use evidence to classify animals

Scientists sort animals with similar traits into groups. This is called classification. Classification helps scientists learn about how animals live. How do scientists classify animals? First, they make observations about an animal. Scientists observe the animal's traits, including its body parts and behavior. Then, scientists compare the animal's traits to other animals' traits. Scientists classify animals with similar traits into a group.

To decide if an animal is part of a group, look at the traits of the group. Marsupials have the following traits: They have offspring that lives in the mother's pouch after birth. They have fur or hair. Compare each animal's traits to the group's traits. Select the animal with traits similar to the group's traits. A Galapagos giant tortoise has the following traits: It has scaly, waterproof skin. It makes eggs with shells. A Galapagos giant tortoise does not have all of the traits of a marsupial. A Galapagos giant tortoise is a reptile. A koala has the following traits: It has offspring that lives in the mother's pouch after birth. It has fur. A koala has the traits of a marsupial. A koala is a marsupial.

Is a toy a good or a service?

closed choice

grade2

social science

economics

Economics

Goods and services

Everything you can buy is either a good or a service. A good is something you can touch or hold in your hands. For example, a hammer is a good. A service is a job you pay someone else to do. For example, cooking food in a restaurant is a service.

To decide whether a toy is a good or a service, ask these questions: Is a toy something you can touch? Yes. Is a toy a job you might pay someone else to do? No. So, a toy is a good.

Which correctly shows the title of a short story?

closed choice

grade4

language science

capitalization

Formatting

Capitalizing titles

In a title, capitalize the first word, the last word, and every important word in between. The Wind in the Willows James and the Giant Peach These words are not important in titles: Articles, a, an, the Short prepositions, such as at, by, for, in, of, on, to, up Coordinating conjunctions, such as and, but, or

Capitalize the first word, the last word, and every important word in between. The words the and and are not important, so they should not be capitalized. The correct title is "What the Bell Saw and Said."

What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? Troy's Falstaffian nature makes him stand out at a party.

closed choice

grade9

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Recall the source of an allusion

An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. Here, Lila alludes to the fairy tale "Cinderella," in which Cinderella must leave the ball before the coach that brought her transforms into a pumpkin. The allusion shows that Lila must depart immediately.

The source of the allusion Falstaffian is Shakespeare. Sir John Falstaff, a comical character in several of William Shakespeare's plays, is known for his cheerful sociability and sometimes off-color humor. The allusion Falstaffian means characterized by joviality and enjoyment of food and drink.

Which word does not rhyme?

closed choice

grade2

language science

phonological-awareness

Rhyming

Which word does not rhyme?

Rhyming words are words that end with the same sound. The words tip and slip rhyme. They both end with the same sound. The words meet and treat also rhyme. They both end with the same sound, even though the sound has two different spellings. The words tip and meet don't rhyme. They end with different sounds.

The words bait and wait rhyme. They both end with the ait sound. The word mail does not rhyme. It ends with a different sound.

Which figure of speech is used in this text? At twenty-one, Jamal felt overwhelmed with adult responsibilities and wished he could fly off to Neverland.

closed choice

grade7

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Classify figures of speech

Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words. What a lucky little lady you are! An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake. A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound. The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat. Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. The trees danced in the wind. A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning. A great new broom is sweeping the nation. Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic. Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down. Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.

The text uses an allusion, a brief reference to someone or something well known. Neverland alludes to the story of Peter Pan, a boy who lived in Neverland and never grew up.

Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference?

closed choice

grade7

language science

writing-strategies

Pronouns and antecedents

Identify vague pronoun references

When writing, make sure to avoid vague pronoun references. A vague pronoun reference occurs when a pronoun could refer to more than one possible antecedent. When Lisa and Kim finally landed, she breathed a sigh of relief. The pronoun she could refer to either Lisa or Kim, so the meaning of the sentence is unclear. Vague pronoun references can be corrected in one of two ways: 1. Replace the pronoun with its correct antecedent: When Lisa and Kim finally landed, Lisa breathed a sigh of relief. 2. Rewrite the sentence: Lisa breathed a sigh of relief when she and Kim finally landed. A vague pronoun reference also occurs when they, them, their, theirs, it, or its is used without its antecedent. They say that this nail polish dries in less than five minutes. The pronoun they is used without its antecedent, so the meaning of the sentence is unclear. This problem can be fixed by replacing the pronoun with its missing antecedent. The advertisements say that this nail polish dries in less than five minutes.

The first answer choice contains a vague pronoun reference. The pronoun them is used without its antecedent. The second answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. Them has been replaced with the nurses. Scott, did you ask the nurses if the flu vaccination is available yet?

Which object has the least thermal energy?

The objects are identical except for their temperatures.

closed choice

grade4

natural science

physics

Heat and thermal energy

How is temperature related to thermal energy?

All solids, liquids, and gases are made of matter. Matter is made up of tiny particles that are always moving. The energy from the motion of these particles is called thermal energy. Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the particles in matter slow down, the temperature goes down. The matter now has both less thermal energy and a lower temperature.

All three bricks have the same mass but different temperatures. Since the 276°F brick is the coldest, it has the least thermal energy.

Use the evidence in the text to select the photosynthetic organism.

closed choice

grade7

natural science

biology

Photosynthesis

Identify the photosynthetic organism

Organisms that carry out photosynthesis are called photosynthetic organisms. During photosynthesis, these organisms use light energy, carbon dioxide, and water to produce sugars and oxygen. Photosynthetic organisms also often have the following characteristics: They are producers, which are organisms that make their own food inside their cells. Because producers make their own food, they typically do not eat other organisms. Their cells contain chloroplasts, which are cell structures where photosynthesis occurs. Their chloroplasts often contain a green substance called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll captures light energy from the Sun to power photosynthesis. They use the sugars they produce during photosynthesis as food. This food provides energy that helps the organisms live, grow, and reproduce.

This organism is photosynthetic: The text tells you that bee orchids use chlorophyll to capture energy from sunlight. This is evidence that the bee orchid is a photosynthetic organism. This organism is not photosynthetic: The text does not provide evidence that the Javan green magpie is photosynthetic.

Does this passage describe the weather or the climate? Caleb lives in a city that is often covered by thick stratus clouds.

Hint: Weather is what the atmosphere is like at a certain place and time. Climate is the pattern of weather in a certain place.

closed choice

grade3

natural science

earth-science

Weather and climate

What's the difference between weather and climate?

The atmosphere is the layer of air that surrounds Earth. Both weather and climate tell you about the atmosphere. Weather is what the atmosphere is like at a certain place and time. Weather can change quickly. For example, the temperature outside your house might get higher throughout the day. Climate is the pattern of weather in a certain place. For example, summer temperatures in New York are usually higher than winter temperatures.

Read the text carefully. Caleb lives in a city that is often covered by thick stratus clouds. This passage tells you about the usual clouds where Caleb lives. It does not describe what the weather is like on a particular day. So, this passage describes the climate.

Select the vertebrate.

Hint: Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians are vertebrates.

closed choice

grade5

natural science

biology

Classification

Identify vertebrates and invertebrates

Vertebrates and invertebrates are both groups of animals. A vertebrate has a backbone. The backbone is made of many bones in an animal's back. A vertebrate's backbone helps connect the different parts of its body. In the drawings below, each vertebrate's backbone is colored orange. An invertebrate does not have a backbone. In fact, invertebrates do not have any bones! Some invertebrates have an outer cover on their body called an exoskeleton. Other invertebrates have a soft body.

A bull ant is an insect. Like other insects, a bull ant is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. Like other spiders, a black orb weaver spider is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A julia butterfly is an insect. Like other insects, a julia butterfly is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A green iguana is a reptile. Like other reptiles, a green iguana is a vertebrate. It has a backbone.

Which object has more thermal energy?

The objects are identical except for their temperatures.

closed choice

grade3

natural science

physics

Heat and thermal energy

How is temperature related to thermal energy?

All solids, liquids, and gases are made of matter. Matter is made up of tiny particles that are always moving. The energy from the motion of these particles is called thermal energy. Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the particles in matter move faster, the temperature goes up. The matter now has both more thermal energy and a higher temperature.

The two blocks of iron have the same mass but different temperatures. Since the 175°C block is hotter than the 165°C block, it has more thermal energy.

What does the verbal irony in this text suggest? "Sleeping through the rooster's crowing was no problem," Brennan joked with a yawn.

closed choice

grade7

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Interpret figures of speech

Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic. Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down. Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.

The text uses verbal irony, which involves saying one thing but implying something very different. Sleeping through the rooster's crowing was no problem ironically suggests that Brennan slept poorly. Brennan was tired, so the rooster's crowing was clearly a problem.

Would you find the word belief on a dictionary page with the following guide words? bind - bug

yes or no

grade7

language science

reference-skills

Reference skills

Use guide words

Guide words appear on each page of a dictionary. They tell you the first word and last word on the page. The other words on the page come between the guide words in alphabetical order. To put words in alphabetical order, put them in order by their first letters. If the first letters are the same, look at the second letters. If the second letters are the same, look at the third letters, and so on. If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed.

Put the words in alphabetical order. Since belief is not between the guide words bind - bug, it would not be found on that page.

What do these two changes have in common? a puddle freezing into ice on a cold night shaking up salad dressing

closed choice

grade8

natural science

chemistry

Chemical reactions

Compare physical and chemical changes

Matter is made of very small particles called atoms. Atoms can be linked together by chemical bonds. When two or more atoms link together, they form a molecule. In a chemical change, the chemical bonds in the molecules break. The atoms then link together to form different molecules. The types of molecules in matter before and after a chemical change are always different. Some chemical changes are caused by heating or cooling. For example, burning a piece of paper is a chemical change caused by heating. As paper burns, paper molecules react with oxygen molecules in the air. This reaction breaks the chemical bonds in the molecules. The atoms then link together in a different way to form different molecules. For example, carbon dioxide molecules are formed when paper burns. In a physical change, chemical bonds do not break. The types of molecules in matter before and after a physical change are always the same. A change of state is a type of physical change. Changes of state can be caused by heating or cooling. For example, water vaporizing is a physical change that can be caused by heating. Liquid water and water vapor are made of the same type of matter: water. The law of conservation of mass says that all physical and chemical changes conserve mass. Conserve means to keep the same. So, the total mass before a physical or chemical change is equal to the total mass after the change.

Step 1: Think about each change. A puddle freezing into ice on a cold night is a change of state. So, it is a physical change. Liquid water freezes and becomes solid, but it is still made of water. A different type of matter is not formed. Shaking up salad dressing is a physical change. The different parts mix together, but they are still made of the same type of matter. Step 2: Look at each answer choice. Both are only physical changes. Both changes are physical changes. No new matter is created. Both are chemical changes. Both changes are physical changes. They are not chemical changes. Both are caused by heating. Neither change is caused by heating. Both are caused by cooling. A puddle freezing is caused by cooling. But shaking up salad dressing is not.

Complete the sentence so that it uses personification. The wind () dispersed the leaves that Zack had spent so long raking.

closed choice

grade9

language science

writing-strategies

Creative techniques

Use personification

Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. It is a figure of speech that can be used to make writing more interesting or to emphasize a point. The trees danced in the wind. The word danced describes the trees as if they were people. Unlike people, however, trees can't actually dance. Instead, the personification suggests that the trees are moving.

Complete the sentence with the word carelessly. It describes the wind as if it were a person who didn't care.

Would you find the word period on a dictionary page with the following guide words? pity - practice

yes or no

grade8

language science

reference-skills

Reference skills

Use guide words

Guide words appear on each page of a dictionary. They tell you the first word and last word on the page. The other words on the page come between the guide words in alphabetical order. To put words in alphabetical order, put them in order by their first letters. If the first letters are the same, look at the second letters. If the second letters are the same, look at the third letters, and so on. If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed.

Put the words in alphabetical order. Since period is not between the guide words pity - practice, it would not be found on that page.

Which figure of speech is used in this text? Jonathan's room is as tidy as an overgrown garden.

closed choice

grade7

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Classify figures of speech

Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words. What a lucky little lady you are! An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake. A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound. The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat. Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. The trees danced in the wind. A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning. A great new broom is sweeping the nation. Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic. Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down. Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.

The text uses verbal irony, which involves saying one thing but implying something very different. As tidy as an overgrown garden shows verbal irony because an overgrown garden is not tidy.

Select the animal that has a backbone.

Hint: Mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians all have backbones.

closed choice

grade2

natural science

biology

Classification

Identify animals with and without backbones

Some animals have a backbone. The backbone is made of many bones in an animal's back. An animal's backbone helps connect the different parts of its body. In the drawings below, each animal's backbone is colored orange. Other animals do not have a backbone. In fact, these animals don't have any bones! Some animals without backbones have a hard outer cover. Other animals have a soft body.

A comet moth is an insect. Like other insects, a comet moth does not have a backbone. It has a hard outer cover. A kangaroo is a mammal. Like other mammals, a kangaroo has a backbone.

Complete the sentence. Water evaporating from a lake is a ().

closed choice

grade3

natural science

chemistry

Physical and chemical change

Identify physical and chemical changes

Chemical changes and physical changes are two common ways matter can change. In a chemical change, the type of matter changes. The types of matter before and after a chemical change are always different. Burning a piece of paper is a chemical change. When paper gets hot enough, it reacts with oxygen in the air and burns. The paper and oxygen change into ash and smoke. In a physical change, the type of matter stays the same. The types of matter before and after a physical change are always the same. Cutting a piece of paper is a physical change. The cut pieces are still made of paper. A change of state is a type of physical change. For example, ice melting is a physical change. Ice and liquid water are made of the same type of matter: water.

Water evaporating from a lake is a change of state. So, it is a physical change. The liquid changes into a gas, but a different type of matter is not formed.

Select the one true statement.

closed choice

grade7

natural science

biology

Cells

Compare cells and cell parts

What information supports the conclusion that Tony inherited this trait?

Read the description of a trait. Tony has blond hair.

closed choice

grade5

natural science

biology

Traits and heredity

Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement

Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment.

Complete the sentence. Making whipped cream is a ().

closed choice

grade5

natural science

chemistry

Physical and chemical change

Compare physical and chemical changes

Matter is made of very small particles called atoms. Atoms can be linked together by chemical bonds. When two or more atoms link together, they form a molecule. In a chemical change, the chemical bonds in the molecules break. The atoms then link together to form new molecules. The types of molecules in matter before and after a chemical change are always different. Burning a piece of paper is a chemical change. As paper burns, paper molecules react with oxygen molecules in the air. This reaction breaks the chemical bonds in the molecules. The atoms then relink and form different molecules. For example, carbon dioxide molecules are created when paper burns. In a physical change, chemical bonds do not break. The types of molecules in matter before and after a physical change are always the same. A change of state is a type of physical change. For example, water vaporizing is a physical change. Liquid water and water vapor are made of the same type of matter: water.

Making whipped cream is a physical change. Whipped cream is a mixture of cream and air. But making a mixture does not form a different type of matter. As cream is whipped, its molecules begin to stick together. But the bonds between the atoms in the molecules do not change. Air gets trapped between the molecules in the cream. This makes the cream fluffy.

Suppose Natalie decides to make potato soup. Which result would be a cost?

Natalie is deciding whether to make beef barley soup or potato soup for dinner. She wants dinner to be as tasty as possible. But she is also hungry and wants to eat soon.

closed choice

grade5

social science

economics

Basic economic principles

Costs and benefits

Before you decide to do something, it is often helpful to list costs and benefits. Costs are what you give up or spend when you decide to do something. Costs involve giving up things that you want or need. Benefits are what you gain or save when you decide to do something. Benefits involve gaining something that you want or need.

This result is a cost. It involves giving up or spending something that Natalie wants or needs: Natalie will give up the chance to eat the beef barley soup, which would have been tastier than the potato soup.

What information supports the conclusion that Ariana inherited this trait?

Read the description of a trait. Ariana has brown eyes.

closed choice

grade5

natural science

biology

Traits and heredity

Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement

Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment.

Which is a complex sentence?

closed choice

grade6

language science

grammar

Sentences, fragments, and run-ons

Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex?

A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate. An independent clause is a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause is not a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. the oranges on our tree are ripe The clause can stand alone. It is independent. after we pick up Kevin from work The clause cannot stand alone. It is dependent. A simple sentence is made up of a single independent clause. Ben and I spent all day relaxing by the pool. Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but the introductory phrase is part of the predicate. In the winter, Ben usually wears his heavy coat. Ben usually wears his heavy coat in the winter. A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. We saw a flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard the rumble of thunder. A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction such as after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, or while. If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids.

The first sentence is the complex sentence. It is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause begins with the subordinating conjunction until. Kenny picked raspberries in the field until his fingertips were stained red.