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Which confirmation email message is more formal?

closed choice

grade11

language science

writing-strategies

Audience, purpose, and tone

Which text is most formal?

Informal writing is typically used in casual situations or when communicating with someone you know well. Informal language often expresses familiarity and tends to sound more like speech. It uses more conversational language, such as slang, idioms, abbreviations, imprecise language, and contractions. Formal writing is typically used in academic and business writing or when writing directly to an authority figure. It tends to be more courteous and impersonal, avoiding overly familiar or conversational language. Compare the following sentences. Informal: Yeah, ostriches can't fly, but I think they're awesome. More formal: Ostriches may be flightless, but they're remarkable runners. Most formal: Though flightless, ostriches are remarkable runners.

The first confirmation email message is more formal. It uses more elevated language (choosing to receive). The other confirmation email message uses contractions and is more familiar (we're so happy).

Suppose Alec decides to join the Theater Club. Which result would be a cost?

Alec is deciding whether to join the Photography Club or the Theater Club at school. He wants the club he joins to be fun. But he doesn't want it to take up too much time.

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 Alec wants or needs: Alec will give up the chance to be in the Photography Club. He would have had more fun in the Photography Club than in the Theater Club.

Which text uses the word ironic in its traditional sense?

closed choice

grade11

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 first text uses ironic in its traditional sense: contrary to what was intended, often in an amusing way. It's ironic because Simon tried to get away from the snow but found himself in a snowstorm regardless. Last winter, Simon took a vacation to Florida to escape Boston's cold, snowy weather. In an ironic twist, a rare snowstorm happened to hit Florida that week. The second text uses ironic in its nontraditional sense: marked by coincidence. It was a coincidence that Simon's friends were in Florida the week before. Last winter, Simon took a vacation to Florida to escape Boston's cold, snowy weather. In an ironic twist, he just missed a few of his college friends, who had been in Florida the previous week. Most style guides recommend to avoid using the nontraditional sense of the word ironic because it is generally considered incorrect.

Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Don't ever get a ride from Tisha. Her brother has been driving for only six months, and he's already gotten three speeding tickets.

closed choice

grade7

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 | a personal attack meant to discredit one's opponent 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 red herring | the use of a completely unrelated topic in support of a claim 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 very broad claim based on very little evidence straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against

The text argues that Tisha must be a reckless driver, because her brother is a reckless driver. However, even though Tisha's brother is reckless, that doesn't necessarily mean that Tisha is, too. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as guilt by association.

Would you find the word darn on a dictionary page with the following guide words? deserve - dog

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 darn is not between the guide words deserve - dog, it would not be found on that page.

What information supports the conclusion that Kristen acquired this trait?

Read the description of a trait. Kristen has a scar on her right elbow.

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.

What information supports the conclusion that Lauren inherited this trait?

Read the description of a trait. Lauren has green eyes.

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.

Is this a run-on sentence? The octopus is often considered to be the most intelligent invertebrate and a master of disguise; it can instantly match the colors and textures of its environment to hide from predators.

yes or no

grade12

language science

writing-strategies

Sentences, fragments, and run-ons

Identify run-on sentences

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily because we have a concert in two weeks. A run-on sentence is formed when two sentences are run together, joined by just a comma or by no punctuation at all. If only a comma is used, the run-on is called a comma splice. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily, we have a concert in two weeks. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily we have a concert in two weeks. There are several ways to fix a run-on sentence: Use stronger punctuation, such as a period or a semicolon. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily. We have a concert in two weeks. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily; we have a concert in two weeks. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction to create a compound sentence. Coordinating conjunctions include and, but, or, and so. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily, and we have a concert in two weeks. Use a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun to create a complex sentence. Subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while. Relative pronouns include that, which, who, whom, and whose. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily since we have a concert in two weeks.

This is not a run-on sentence. It is not formed from two sentences that have been run together without appropriate punctuation. The octopus is often considered to be the most intelligent invertebrate and a master of disguise; it can instantly match the colors and textures of its environment to hide from predators.

Which sentence is more formal?

closed choice

grade8

language science

writing-strategies

Author's purpose and tone

Which sentence is more formal?

Formal writing is used for essays, business letters, and reports. The following types of informal language should be avoided in formal writing: Type | Examples slang | cool, awesome idioms | knock your socks off conversational language | gonna, kinda, yeah abbreviated language | ASAP, FYI overly simple or imprecise language | he got some stuff at the store contractions | can't, won't Contractions are not as informal as the other types, but they should be used sparingly in formal writing. Compare the following sentences. The first is informal. The second is formal. Informal: Yeah, ostriches can't fly, but they're awesome runners. Formal: Though ostriches are flightless, they are remarkably adept runners.

The second sentence is less formal. You can tell because it uses slang (ace). The first sentence uses formal language in place of the slang, so it is more formal overall.

What does this Works Cited entry indicate about the cited work? White, Julia. "In My Proud Moments." Spread My Soul. Ed. L. Noel Harvey. Santa Fe: Inhstudio, 2002. 38. Print.

closed choice

grade11

language science

reference-skills

Research skills

Understand a Works Cited entry (MLA 7th edition)

When writing research papers, you will often be asked to follow a particular style guide for your citations. One popular style guide is the Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook. Below are the basic formats for some common types of Works Cited entries. Consult the MLA Handbook for a complete list. Books: Format | Author(s). Book Title. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Medium of Publication. Example | Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Dover Publications, 1995. Print. Essays, short stories, or poems in an anthology or book: Format | Author(s). "Essay, Poem, or Short Story Title." Anthology or Book Title. Ed. Editor Name. City of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Page Number(s). Medium of Publication. Example | James, Henry. "The Middle Years." The Oxford Book of American Short Stories. Ed. Joyce Carol Oates. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2013. 116-135. Print. Magazine and newspaper articles: Format | Author(s). "Article Title." Title of Magazine or Newspaper Date of Publication: Page(s). Medium of Publication. Example | Hayes, David J., and James H. Stock. "The Real Cost of Coal." New York Times 24 Mar. 2015: n. pag. Web. 25 Mar. 2015. Journal articles: Format | Author(s). "Article Title." Title of Journal Volume.Issue (Year): Page(s). Medium of Publication. Example | Gillette, Jane, et al. "Human Simulations of Vocabulary Learning." Cognition 73.2 (1999): 135-176. Print. Web pages: Format | Author(s). "Page Title." Name of Website. Publisher, Date of Publication. Medium of Publication. Date of Access. Example | Gunn, Janelle P., and Lauren E. Owens. "How to Slash Sodium from Your Diet." Livestrong.com. Demand Media, 30 Mar. 2015. Web. 31 Mar. 2015. Additional guidelines: Author Names. The first author's name is written in last name, first name format (Smith, Jane). Additional author names are written in first name last name format (Smith, Jane, and John Doe). If there are more than three authors, the first author's name is followed by "et al.," which stands for and others (e.g., Smith, Jane, et al.). Medium of Publication. Each entry must include information about what form the content was communicated in. The most common mediums are "Print" and "Web," but other possibilities include "Film," "E-mail," and "Lecture." Whenever the Medium of Publication is "Web," the date of access (the day, month, and year the webpage was viewed) must be listed directly after the Medium of Publication. Editors and Translators. If a work has an editor or a translator, this information must be added to the Works Cited entry using the appropriate abbreviation. "Ed." stands for edited by. "Trans." stands for translated by. Missing Information. If a work has no known author, the author section of the citation is simply left out. If a work has no available page numbers, the abbreviation "n. pag." is used instead. If a work has no available publication date, the abbreviation "n.d." is used instead. If a work has no available publisher or no available city of publication, the abbreviation "n.p." is used instead.

Look closely at the Works Cited entry: White, Julia. "In My Proud Moments." Spread My Soul. Ed. L. Noel Harvey. Santa Fe: Inhstudio, 2002. 38. Print. You can tell that the cited work was published in Santa Fe by looking at the place of publication, which appears before the publisher name.

What does the euphemism in this text suggest? Bridgette is between jobs right now, so she's selling some of her old jewelry to help pay the bills.

closed choice

grade11

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Interpret the figure 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 between jobs means that Bridgette is unemployed.

Select the one true statement.

closed choice

grade7

natural science

biology

Cells

Compare cells and cell parts

Is the following statement true or false? Animal cells do not have mitochondria.

true-or false

grade4

natural science

biology

Cells

Cell part functions: true or false

Animal cells do not have mitochondria. This statement is false. Not all cells have mitochondria, but most plant and animal cells have them.

Complete the sentence so that it uses personification. Last year spring was () and warmer weather didn't begin until April.

closed choice

grade10

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 timid. It describes spring as if it were a person who is shy.

Which memo to a manager is more formal?

closed choice

grade11

language science

writing-strategies

Audience, purpose, and tone

Which text is most formal?

Informal writing is typically used in casual situations or when communicating with someone you know well. Informal language often expresses familiarity and tends to sound more like speech. It uses more conversational language, such as slang, idioms, abbreviations, imprecise language, and contractions. Formal writing is typically used in academic and business writing or when writing directly to an authority figure. It tends to be more courteous and impersonal, avoiding overly familiar or conversational language. Compare the following sentences. Informal: Yeah, ostriches can't fly, but I think they're awesome. More formal: Ostriches may be flightless, but they're remarkable runners. Most formal: Though flightless, ostriches are remarkable runners.

The first memo to a manager is more formal. It uses more impersonal and elevated language (please find attached). The other memo to a manager uses a contraction (I've) and sounds more conversational.

Look at the word. Does it have a closed syllable or an open syllable? shelf

closed choice

grade2

language science

word-study

Short and long vowels

Is the syllable open or closed?

Words are made up of syllables. Two kinds of syllables are closed and open. A closed syllable has one vowel and ends with a consonant. It usually has a short vowel sound. desk: short e kit / ten: short i / short e An open syllable ends with one vowel. It usually has a long vowel sound. go: long o he / ro: long e / long o Some open syllables end with y. The y makes a long e sound or a long i sound. sky: long i ba / by: long a / long e

The word shelf ends with a consonant and has a short vowel sound. So, it has a closed syllable.

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

Fish are a group of animals with similar traits. The following traits can be used to identify fish: They have fins, not limbs. They make eggs with no 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. Fish have the following traits: They have fins, not limbs. They make eggs with no shells. Compare each animal's traits to the group's traits. Select the animal with traits similar to the group's traits. A great crested newt has the following traits: It spends part of its life in water and part on land. It has moist skin. It makes eggs with no shells. A great crested newt does not have all of the traits of a fish. A great crested newt is an amphibian. A common clownfish has the following traits: It has fins, not limbs. It makes eggs with no shells. A common clownfish has the traits of a fish. A common clownfish is a fish.

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

Nora likes to skip rocks at the river. She notices that some of the rocks she throws skip off the surface of the water many times, while others skip once and then sink. She wonders what factors affect how well rocks skip on the water. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: 10 small flat rocks 10 large flat rocks access to the river by her school

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.

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

Madelyn leaves some chocolates in her jacket pocket. When she finds the chocolates later, she notices that some of them have melted. She wonders what factors affect how quickly chocolate melts. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: one bar of milk chocolate one bar of dark chocolate a stove a pot

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!

What does the simile in this text suggest? Samantha rubbed coconut oil on her hands, which were like the parched earth during a drought.

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 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 the parched earth during a drought suggests that Samantha's hands were dry and cracked. A drought is a period without rain; the ground during a drought can become hard and cracked.

Which sentence uses a simile?

closed choice

grade4

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Identify similes and metaphors

Similes and metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things that are not actually alike. A simile compares two things by saying that one is like the other. Similes often use the words like and as. My sister runs like a cheetah. The sister's running and a cheetah's running are compared using the word like. A cheetah is known for running fast, so the simile means that the sister also runs fast. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. The cat's fur and the night are compared using the word as. The night is dark, so the simile means that the cat's fur is also dark. A metaphor compares two things by saying that one of them is the other. Unlike similes, metaphors don't use the word like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. The snow and a blanket are compared without the word like or as. A blanket is a large piece of cloth that completely covers a bed. The metaphor makes the reader imagine that the snow becomes a blanket, covering the town completely. Using similes and metaphors in your writing can help you create an interesting picture for the reader.

This sentence uses a simile: The children ran by like a stampede of horses. The words children and stampede are compared using the word like. This sentence uses a metaphor: The running children are a stampede of horses. The words children and stampede are compared without the word like or as.

What kind of sentence is this? Mackenzie gave me flowers for no reason.

closed choice

grade5

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, and it ends with a period. It is a declarative sentence.

Which greeting is correct for a letter?

closed choice

grade3

language science

punctuation

Formatting

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. Mr. Keller is capitalized because it is a proper noun.

Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? speed - sworn

closed choice

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 step is between the guide words speed - sworn, it would be found on that page.

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 paper is the most flexible. If you fold a piece of paper, it will not break.

Which text uses the word literally in its traditional sense?

closed choice

grade10

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 first text uses literally in its traditional sense: in a factual, non-exaggerated way. The curry that the chef prepared was so spicy that Mitchell literally had to drink three glasses of milk to ease the pain. The second text uses literally in its nontraditional sense: nearly or in effect (often exaggerated). Mitchell's mouth may be in pain, but it is not actually on fire. The curry that the chef prepared was so spicy that Mitchell's mouth was literally on fire by the time he finished his meal. Most style guides recommend to avoid using the nontraditional sense of the word literally because it is generally considered incorrect.

Would you find the word engine on a dictionary page with the following guide words? eighty - expert

yes or no

grade3

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 engine is between the guide words eighty - expert, it would be found on that page.

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

In a group of dachshund dogs, some individuals have rough fur and others have soft fur. In this group, the gene for the fur texture trait has two alleles. The allele F is for rough fur, and the allele f is for soft fur. Wishbone, a dachshund dog from this group, has soft fur. Wishbone has two alleles for soft fur.

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. Wishbone's observable version of the fur texture trait is soft fur. So, Wishbone's phenotype for the fur texture trait is soft fur.

Which tense does the sentence use? Evelyn will sweep the sidewalk in front of her store.

closed choice

grade4

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, sweep. The verb tells you about something that is going to happen.

Is this a run-on sentence? Overcome with joy, Mrs. McBride told her husband the exciting news about her promotion.

yes or no

grade12

language science

writing-strategies

Sentences, fragments, and run-ons

Identify run-on sentences

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily because we have a concert in two weeks. A run-on sentence is formed when two sentences are run together, joined by just a comma or by no punctuation at all. If only a comma is used, the run-on is called a comma splice. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily, we have a concert in two weeks. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily we have a concert in two weeks. There are several ways to fix a run-on sentence: Use stronger punctuation, such as a period or a semicolon. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily. We have a concert in two weeks. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily; we have a concert in two weeks. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction to create a compound sentence. Coordinating conjunctions include and, but, or, and so. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily, and we have a concert in two weeks. Use a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun to create a complex sentence. Subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while. Relative pronouns include that, which, who, whom, and whose. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily since we have a concert in two weeks.

This is not a run-on sentence. It is not formed from two sentences that have been run together without appropriate punctuation. Overcome with joy, Mrs. McBride told her husband the exciting news about her promotion.

Which of the following is an example of technologies?

People in early China invented many new types of technologies. Today, the word "technology" often refers to electronic objects such as computers and cell phones. But technology can be any device or object that helps people solve problems or complete tasks more easily.

closed choice

grade7

social science

world-history

Early China

Science and technology in early China

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

Brian 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

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!

What do these two changes have in common? baking an apple pie water evaporating from a puddle

closed choice

grade3

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. Baking an apple pie is a chemical change. The type of matter in the pie changes. The apples become soft, and the crust turns brown. Water evaporating from a puddle 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. Step 2: Look at each answer choice. Both are only physical changes. Water evaporating is a physical change. But baking a pie is not. Both are chemical changes. Baking a pie is a chemical change. But water evaporating from a puddle is not. Both are caused by heating. Both changes are caused by heating. Both are caused by cooling. Neither change is caused by cooling.

Select the action that doesn't belong.

closed choice

grade3

language science

vocabulary

Categories

Select the words that don't belong

Multiply doesn't belong. Rewrite, edit, and write all name things you do while writing.

Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? variety - visible

closed choice

grade5

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 veil is between the guide words variety - visible, it would be found on that page.

Which sentence states a fact?

closed choice

grade4

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. Tomatoes can be red, pink, yellow, purple, white, or black. It can be proved by checking a website about tomatoes. The second sentence states an opinion. Red tomatoes taste better when they are cooked. Better shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about whether cooked red tomatoes taste better.

Complete the sentence so that it uses personification. I felt like my fate was () when I broke my arm right before the biggest game of the season.

closed choice

grade10

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 phrase scheming against me. It describes fate as if it were a person who is trying to make me fail.

What does the idiom in this text suggest? Molly submitted her suggestions to Eddie; now the ball is in his court.

closed choice

grade11

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Interpret the figure 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 the ball is in his court suggests that Eddie needs to act next. In tennis, when the ball is in a player's court, it is that person's turn.

Would you find the word tie on a dictionary page with the following guide words? thrift - tug

yes or no

grade2

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.

Put the words in alphabetical order. Since tie is between the guide words thrift - tug, it would be found on that page.

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

Miranda is sledding with her friends. She notices that some of them go faster down the sledding hill. She wonders what factors affect sledding speed. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: access to a small snow-covered hill at the park a small plastic sled a large plastic sled a rubber inner tube sled a stopwatch

closed choice

grade8

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 sentence uses a metaphor?

closed choice

grade4

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Identify similes and metaphors

Similes and metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things that are not actually alike. A simile compares two things by saying that one is like the other. Similes often use the words like and as. My sister runs like a cheetah. The sister's running and a cheetah's running are compared using the word like. A cheetah is known for running fast, so the simile means that the sister also runs fast. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. The cat's fur and the night are compared using the word as. The night is dark, so the simile means that the cat's fur is also dark. A metaphor compares two things by saying that one of them is the other. Unlike similes, metaphors don't use the word like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. The snow and a blanket are compared without the word like or as. A blanket is a large piece of cloth that completely covers a bed. The metaphor makes the reader imagine that the snow becomes a blanket, covering the town completely. Using similes and metaphors in your writing can help you create an interesting picture for the reader.

This sentence uses a metaphor: Mr. Smith's long legs were sunflower stalks. The words legs and sunflower stalks are compared without the word like or as. This sentence uses a simile: Mr. Smith's legs were as long as sunflower stalks. The words legs and sunflower stalks are compared using the word as.

Which greeting is correct for a letter?

closed choice

grade3

language science

punctuation

Formatting

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. Kyle is capitalized because it is a proper noun.

Which plate of spaghetti has a higher temperature?

Two plates of spaghetti 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 plates of spaghetti are made of the same material and have the same mass. So, the plate of spaghetti with more thermal energy has a higher temperature.

Would you find the word regiment on a dictionary page with the following guide words? rake - rogue

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 regiment is between the guide words rake - rogue, it would be found on that page.

What is the mass of a full box of cereal?

Select the better estimate.

closed choice

grade5

natural science

units-and-measurement

Units and measurement

Choose metric 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 metric units, mass may be written with units of grams or kilograms. There are 1,000 grams in 1 kilogram. So, 1 gram is much less than 1 kilogram. A paper clip has a mass of about 1 gram, while a textbook has a mass of about 1 kilogram.

The better estimate for the mass of a full box of cereal is 470 grams. 470 kilograms is too heavy.

Does this passage describe the weather or the climate? Morning clouds usually clear up by noon where Kimi 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. Morning clouds usually clear up by noon where Kimi lives. This passage tells you about the usual pattern of clouds where Kimi lives. It does not describe what the weather is like on a particular day. So, this passage describes the climate.

Complete the sentence. Using a large magnet to remove pieces of iron from a junkyard 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.

Using a large magnet to remove pieces of iron from a junkyard is a physical change. Both the iron and the magnet are still made of the same type of matter as before.

What is the mass of a fire truck?

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 fire truck is 20 tons. 20 ounces and 20 pounds are both too light.

Which drop of dish soap has a higher temperature?

Two drops of dish soap are identical except for their thermal energies.

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 drops of dish soap are made of the same material and have the same mass. So, the drop of dish soap with more thermal energy has a higher temperature.

Is this a run-on sentence? When a dog wags its tail, it doesn't always mean the dog is happy or friendly, a wag that is slow and restrained may convey a warning to "back off."

yes or no

grade12

language science

writing-strategies

Sentences, fragments, and run-ons

Identify run-on sentences

A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily because we have a concert in two weeks. A run-on sentence is formed when two sentences are run together, joined by just a comma or by no punctuation at all. If only a comma is used, the run-on is called a comma splice. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily, we have a concert in two weeks. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily we have a concert in two weeks. There are several ways to fix a run-on sentence: Use stronger punctuation, such as a period or a semicolon. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily. We have a concert in two weeks. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily; we have a concert in two weeks. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction to create a compound sentence. Coordinating conjunctions include and, but, or, and so. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily, and we have a concert in two weeks. Use a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun to create a complex sentence. Subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while. Relative pronouns include that, which, who, whom, and whose. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily since we have a concert in two weeks.

This is a run-on sentence. It is a comma splice formed from two sentences run together, joined by just a comma. When a dog wags its tail, it doesn't always mean the dog is happy or friendly, a wag that is slow and restrained may convey a warning to "back off." Here is one way to fix the run-on sentence: When a dog wags its tail, it doesn't always mean the dog is happy or friendly. A wag that is slow and restrained may convey a warning to "back off."

Based on this information, what is this bitter melon plant's genotype for the seed color gene?

In a group of bitter melon plants, some individuals have dark brown seeds and others have light brown seeds. In this group, the gene for the seed color trait has two alleles. The allele D is for dark brown seeds, and the allele d is for light brown seeds. A certain bitter melon plant from this group has dark brown seeds. This plant has two alleles for dark brown seeds.

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 genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. The bitter melon plant has two alleles for dark brown seeds (D). So, the plant's genotype for the seed color gene is DD.

Which figure of speech is used in this text? "This box weighs a ton!" Scott panted. "Irma, would you mind helping me carry it up the stairs?"

closed choice

grade12

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Classify the figure 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. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. We are united. We are powerful. We are winners. Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. I want to help, not to hurt. Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully? Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words. Try to light the fire. Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you. 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. Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic.

The text uses hyperbole, an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. A ton is an exaggeration, since it would be impossible for one or two people to carry a box that weighed a ton, or 2000 pounds.

Answer the riddle. I am white. You can drink me. I come from a cow. What am I?

closed choice

grade1

language science

vocabulary

Comprehension strategies

What am I?

Milk is white. You can drink milk. Milk comes from a cow.

Suppose Layla decides to plant the eucalyptus tree. Which result would be a cost?

Layla is deciding whether to plant hydrangeas or a eucalyptus tree in her backyard. She wants to make her backyard more beautiful. But she also wants to leave space for doing fun things.

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 Layla wants or needs: The eucalyptus tree will use up more space than the hydrangeas would have used up.

Which figure of speech is used in this text? It's an open secret that Steven is writing a book based on his experiences living in Singapore. He never talks about it, but almost all his friends know.

closed choice

grade11

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Classify the figure 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 an oxymoron, a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Open secret is a contradiction, because open describes something that is freely or publicly known, and a secret is hidden.

Which sentence is more formal?

closed choice

grade7

language science

writing-strategies

Author's purpose and tone

Which sentence is more formal?

Formal writing is used for essays, business letters, and reports. The following types of informal language should be avoided in formal writing: Type | Examples slang | cool, awesome idioms | knock your socks off conversational language | gonna, kinda, yeah abbreviated language | ASAP, FYI overly simple or imprecise language | he got some stuff at the store contractions | can't, won't Contractions are not as informal as the other types, but they should be used sparingly in formal writing. Compare the following sentences. The first is informal. The second is formal. Informal: Yeah, ostriches can't fly, but they're awesome runners. Formal: Though ostriches are flightless, they are remarkably adept runners.

The second sentence is less formal. You can tell because it uses an idiom (made a splash). The first sentence uses formal language in place of the idiom, so it is more formal overall.

What is the mass of a guitar?

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 guitar is 8 pounds. 8 ounces is too light and 8 tons is too heavy.

Based on this information, what is this plant's phenotype for the pod shape trait?

This passage describes the pod shape trait in pea plants: In a group of pea plants, some individuals have inflated pods and others have constricted pods. In this group, the gene for the pod shape trait has two alleles. The allele for inflated pods (D) is dominant over the allele for constricted pods (d). A certain pea plant from this group has the heterozygous genotype Dd for the pod shape 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.

You need to determine the pea plant's phenotype for the pod shape trait. First, consider the alleles in the plant's genotype for the pod shape gene. Then, decide whether these alleles are dominant or recessive. The allele for inflated pods (D) is dominant over the allele for constricted pods (d). This means D is a dominant allele, and d is a recessive allele. The pea plant's genotype of Dd has one dominant allele and one recessive allele. An organism with at least one dominant allele for a gene will have the dominant allele's version of the trait. So, the pea plant's phenotype for the pod shape trait must be inflated pods.

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 Fox and the Hound.

What is the mass of an eraser?

Select the better estimate.

closed choice

grade4

natural science

units-and-measurement

Units and measurement

Choose metric 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 metric units, mass may be written with units of grams or kilograms. There are 1,000 grams in 1 kilogram. So, 1 gram is much less than 1 kilogram. A paper clip has a mass of about 1 gram, while a textbook has a mass of about 1 kilogram.

The better estimate for the mass of an eraser is 46 grams. 46 kilograms is too heavy.

Which figure of speech is used in this text? All the cars at McCoy's Auto Dealership are certified pre-owned. Although they all seem to be in good condition, I think I'd prefer to buy a new car.

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 euphemism, a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. Pre-owned is an indirect way of saying used.

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

Riley likes to skip rocks at the river. She notices that some of the rocks she throws skip off the surface of the water many times, while others skip once and then sink. She wonders what factors affect how well rocks skip on the water. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: 10 small flat rocks 10 large flat rocks access to the river by her school

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!

Last year, canvas shoes were in style. This year, all the fashion magazines are showing leather shoes. What will probably happen to the overall supply of leather shoes over the next year?

closed choice

grade7

social science

economics

Supply and demand

Understand overall supply and demand

Overall supply is the total amount of a good or service that producers make and sell. There are several things that can make overall supply go up or down. The table below shows how changes to these things might affect overall supply. | Resources | Number of producers or suppliers | Expected change in demand Supply goes up | when resources cost less or are easier to get | when there are more producers or suppliers | when demand is expected to go up Supply goes down | when resources cost more or are harder to get | when there are fewer producers or suppliers | when demand is expected to go down Producers are people or companies that make goods or provide services. Suppliers are people or companies that sell goods or services. New inventions or technologies can also help workers produce goods and services more quickly. As a result of these changes, the supply of a good or service will often go up.

Producers know that consumers like to buy goods that are in style. They expect that leather shoes will be in style this year. So, there is an expected change in demand for leather shoes. Producers want to sell as many pairs of leather shoes as they can. So, the supply of leather shoes will probably go up.

Which figure of speech is used in this text? I've heard that Shawna & Co. is downsizing, so I'm happy to see that their store in downtown Greenville will remain open for now.

closed choice

grade11

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Classify the figure 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. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. We are united. We are powerful. We are winners. Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. I want to help, not to hurt. Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully? Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words. Try to light the fire. Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you. 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. Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic.

The text uses a euphemism, a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. Downsizing is an indirect way of saying that the company is planning on firing employees, closing shops or branches, and/or reducing its budget.

Look at the word. Does it have a closed syllable or an open syllable? go

closed choice

grade2

language science

word-study

Short and long vowels

Is the syllable open or closed?

Words are made up of syllables. Two kinds of syllables are closed and open. A closed syllable has one vowel and ends with a consonant. It usually has a short vowel sound. desk: short e kit / ten: short i / short e An open syllable ends with one vowel. It usually has a long vowel sound. go: long o he / ro: long e / long o Some open syllables end with y. The y makes a long e sound or a long i sound. sky: long i ba / by: long a / long e

The word go ends with a vowel and has a long vowel sound. So, it has an open syllable.

What is the mass of an apple?

Select the better estimate.

closed choice

grade4

natural science

units-and-measurement

Units and measurement

Choose metric 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 metric units, mass may be written with units of grams or kilograms. There are 1,000 grams in 1 kilogram. So, 1 gram is much less than 1 kilogram. A paper clip has a mass of about 1 gram, while a textbook has a mass of about 1 kilogram.

The better estimate for the mass of an apple is 85 grams. 85 kilograms is too heavy.

Which of the following contains a vague pronoun reference?

closed choice

grade11

language science

writing-strategies

Pronouns

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 he could refer to Ron or his brother. Ron had to stay home with his brother because he wasn't feeling well. The second answer choice shows a possible correction for the vague pronoun reference. The text has been rewritten so that the meaning is clear. Ron's brother wasn't feeling well, so Ron had to stay home with him.

Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? ceiling - claim

closed choice

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 chick is between the guide words ceiling - claim, it would be found on that page.

What information supports the conclusion that Latrell acquired this trait?

Read the description of a trait. Latrell knows how to knit sweaters.

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.

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

Luna leaves a glass jar of cold tea outside in full sunlight. When she goes to get it, she notices that the tea is warm. She wonders what factors affect how warm a liquid gets from sitting in the sunlight. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: two identical glass jars two jar lids tap water a measuring cup two thermometers

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!

What information supports the conclusion that Bruce acquired this trait?

Read the description of a trait. Bruce knows a lot about biology.

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.

Which is a compound 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 compound sentence. It is made up of two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction so. Hazel dislikes radishes, so she always orders her salad without them.

Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Judith is good at cooking.

Hint: Cooking well takes practice.

closed choice

grade4

natural science

biology

Traits and heredity

Identify inherited and acquired traits

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. Children do not inherit their parents' acquired traits.

People are not born knowing how to cook. Instead, many people learn how to cook. So, cooking is an acquired trait.

Which figure of speech is used in this text? The city of Richmond is currently experiencing a minor crisis. Its sanitation workers are on strike, and the garbage is piling up in the streets.

closed choice

grade11

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Classify the figure 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 an oxymoron, a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Minor crisis is a contradiction, because minor means small or insignificant, and a crisis is a large problem.

Based on this information, what is this pea plant's genotype for the pod color gene?

In a group of pea plants, some individuals have green pods and others have yellow pods. In this group, the gene for the pod color trait has two alleles. The allele D is for green pods, and the allele d is for yellow pods. A certain pea plant from this group has green pods. This plant has one allele for green pods and one allele for yellow pods.

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 genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. The pea plant has one allele for green pods (D) and one allele for yellow pods (d). So, the plant's genotype for the pod color gene is Dd.

Select the temperature shown by this thermometer.

closed choice

grade3

natural science

units-and-measurement

Weather and climate

Read a thermometer

A thermometer is a tool that measures temperature. Temperature can be measured in degrees. The symbol for degrees is °. Some thermometers measure temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Fahrenheit is one scale used to measure temperature. This is a tube thermometer. It has a tube filled with a red liquid. There is a Fahrenheit scale along the right side of the tube. The top of the red liquid lines up with the number 80 on the scale. So, the temperature shown by this thermometer is 80°F.

Find the top of the red liquid. Now look at the scale to the right. The top of the red liquid is halfway between 80 and 90. So, the temperature is 85°F.

Which figure of speech is used in this text? I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue. —Barry Goldwater, in his acceptance speech at the 1964 Republican National Convention

closed choice

grade11

language science

figurative-language

Literary devices

Classify the figure of speech: anaphora, antithesis, apostrophe, assonance, chiasmus, understatement

Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. We are united. We are powerful. We are winners. Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. I want to help, not to hurt. Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully? Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words. Try to light the fire. Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you. Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic.

The text uses antithesis, the contrasting of opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. Goldwater contrasts two parallel clauses, extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice and moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.

Select the one substance that is not a rock.

closed choice

grade4

natural science

earth-science

Rocks and minerals

Identify rocks using properties

Rocks are made of minerals. Here are some properties of rocks: They are solid. They are formed in nature. They are not made by living things. They are not pure substances.

Compare the properties of each substance to the properties of rocks. Select the substance whose properties do not match those of rocks. Granite is a rock. A peach pit is made by a living thing. But rocks are not made by living things. So, a peach pit is not a rock. Diorite is a rock.

What do these two changes have in common? cooking a pancake salt and vinegar removing tarnish from a penny

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. Cooking a pancake is a chemical change. Pancakes are made from pancake batter. A cooked pancake is a different type of matter than pancake batter. Pancake batter is wet and slippery. Cooked pancakes are fluffy and can be good to eat! Salt and vinegar removing tarnish from a penny is a chemical change. The salt and vinegar change the tarnish into a different type of matter that can be easily wiped away. This makes the penny look shiny again. Step 2: Look at each answer choice. Both are only physical changes. Both changes are chemical changes. They are not physical changes. Both are chemical changes. Both changes are chemical changes. The type of matter before and after each change is different. Both are caused by heating. Cooking is caused by heating. But salt and vinegar removing tarnish from a penny is not. Both are caused by cooling. Neither change is caused by cooling.

Which greeting is correct for a letter?

closed choice

grade4

language science

punctuation

Formatting

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. Tucker is capitalized because it is a proper noun.

What does the verbal irony in this text suggest? After a jog around the block, Helen collapsed on the couch and declared with a wheeze, "Well, I'm ready to run a marathon."

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. 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. Ready to run a marathon ironically suggests that Helen was out of shape. She was actually far from ready to run a marathon.

Which closing is correct for a letter?

closed choice

grade3

language science

punctuation

Formatting

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 second closing is correct: Its first word is capitalized, and it ends with a comma.

What is the mass of a floor lamp?

Select the better estimate.

closed choice

grade5

natural science

units-and-measurement

Units and measurement

Choose metric 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 metric units, mass may be written with units of grams or kilograms. There are 1,000 grams in 1 kilogram. So, 1 gram is much less than 1 kilogram. A paper clip has a mass of about 1 gram, while a textbook has a mass of about 1 kilogram.

The better estimate for the mass of a floor lamp is 3 kilograms. 3 grams is too light.

Complete the sentence. Mixing sand and water is a ().

closed choice

grade2

natural science

chemistry

Physical and chemical change

Identify physical and chemical changes

Chemical changes and physical changes are two ways matter can change. In a chemical change, the type of matter changes. Burning a piece of paper is a chemical change. The paper changes into ash and smoke. In a physical change, the type of matter stays the same. Cutting a piece of paper is a physical change. The cut pieces are still made of paper. Ice melting is also a physical change. When ice melts, it changes from a solid to a liquid. But both ice and liquid water are made of the same type of matter: water! This kind of change is called a change of state.

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.

What do these two changes have in common? chicken cooking in an oven baking an apple pie

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. Cooking chicken is a chemical change. The heat causes the matter in the chicken to change. Cooked chicken and raw chicken are different types of matter. Baking an apple pie is a chemical change. The type of matter in the pie changes when it is baked. The crust turns brown, and the apples become soft. Step 2: Look at each answer choice. Both are only physical changes. Both changes are chemical changes. They are not physical changes. Both are chemical changes. Both changes are chemical changes. The type of matter before and after each change is different. Both are caused by heating. Both changes are caused by heating. Both are caused by cooling. Neither change is caused by cooling.

Select the one true statement.

closed choice

grade7

natural science

biology

Cells

Compare cells and cell parts

Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? shatter - stagger

closed choice

grade4

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 slight is between the guide words shatter - stagger, it would be found on that page.

Marco starts to pull the wagon across the yard. To move the wagon at the same speed each time, which friend does Marco need to pull with a larger force?

Marco gives two friends a ride in his wagon. One friend sits in the wagon at a time.

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 friend who is heavier. A friend who weighs 35 pounds is heavier than a friend who weighs 28 pounds. So, to move the wagon at the same speed each time, Marco needs to use a larger force to start moving the wagon with a friend who weighs 35 pounds.

Does this passage describe the weather or the climate? The sky is clear today. So, Erik thinks the air pressure must be high.

closed choice

grade5

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. The sky is clear today. So, Erik thinks the air pressure must be high. Air pressure is caused by the weight of the air in the atmosphere. When the air pressure is high, the sky is usually clear. This passage tells you about the air pressure right now where Erik is. It describes the atmosphere at a certain place and time. So, this passage describes the weather.

Which figure of speech is used in this text? After Brianna cooked and served a scrumptious dinner, Dad boasted that she is the Julia Child of our family.

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. Julia Child alludes to the famous chef who is known for popularizing French cuisine in the United States.

Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Michelle has no school spirit—she never comes to any of our football games.

closed choice

grade7

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 | a personal attack meant to discredit one's opponent 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 red herring | the use of a completely unrelated topic in support of a claim 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 very broad claim based on very little evidence straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against

The text argues that Michelle doesn't have school spirit, because she doesn't go to football games. However, there may be a number of reasons why Michelle doesn't go to football games. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as a false dichotomy.

Which tense does the sentence use? Emmet carefully spelled the word aloud.

closed choice

grade4

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 past tense. You can tell because it uses a past-tense verb, spelled. The verb ends in -ed and tells you about something that has already happened.

Which logical fallacy is used in the text? I won't even bother to respond to Isaiah's comment on my op-ed. His profile picture is a duck wearing a top hat—he's clearly incapable of thoughtful debate.

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 Isaiah's comment should not be taken seriously because he has a silly profile picture. This is a personal attack that isn't relevant to whether his comment is valid. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as ad hominem.

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 rubber band is the most flexible. If you bend rubber, it will not break.

How long is a bench?

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 bench is 4 meters. 4 millimeters and 4 centimeters are too short. 4 kilometers is too long.

Is the following statement true or false? Animal cells do not have chloroplasts.

true-or false

grade4

natural science

biology

Cells

Cell part functions: true or false

Animal cells do not have chloroplasts. This statement is true. Plant cells have chloroplasts, but animal cells do not. Chloroplasts help plant cells make their own food. This food is a type of sugar called glucose. Animal cells cannot make their own food.

Select the one true statement.

closed choice

grade7

natural science

biology

Cells

Compare cells and cell parts

Would you find the word service on a dictionary page with the following guide words? silver - sore

yes or no

grade2

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.

Put the words in alphabetical order. Since service is not between the guide words silver - sore, it would not be found on that page.

Would you find the word mole on a dictionary page with the following guide words? mission - mumble

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 mole is between the guide words mission - mumble, it would be found on that page.