Arizona's Academic Standards Assessment (AASA) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: If a right triangle has legs of 6 and 8, what is the length of the hypotenuse?

14
10 (Correct answer)
12
√100

Correct answer: 10

c = √(6² + 8²) = √(36 + 64) = √100 = 10.

Question 2: A class survey shows 12 out of 30 students prefer soccer. What percentage prefer soccer?

40% (Correct answer)
30%
12%
50%

Correct answer: 40%

12/30 = 0.4 = 40%.

Question 3: Which punctuation mark is used to show possession?

Apostrophe (Correct answer)
Colon
Comma
Semicolon

Correct answer: Apostrophe

An apostrophe followed by 's' (or just an apostrophe for plural nouns) shows possession.

Question 4: Which literary device is used in the phrase 'the wind whispered through the trees'?

Alliteration
Simile
Hyperbole
Personification (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Personification

Personification gives human qualities (whispering) to a non-human subject (wind).

Question 5: What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

To consume plants as the primary consumer
To convert sunlight into chemical energy
To break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients (Correct answer)
To produce food through photosynthesis

Correct answer: To break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients

Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the soil.

Question 6: What is the difference between fiction and nonfiction?

Fiction is always written as poetry.
Fiction is always shorter than nonfiction.
Nonfiction uses characters; fiction does not.
Fiction is imaginary; nonfiction is based on real events or facts. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fiction is imaginary; nonfiction is based on real events or facts.

Fiction is invented or imaginary, while nonfiction is based on real people, events, and facts.

Question 7: Which gas do humans exhale?

Carbon dioxide (Correct answer)
Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Oxygen

Correct answer: Carbon dioxide

Humans exhale carbon dioxide as a waste product of cellular respiration.

Question 8: What is the value of 6 in 863,241?

600,000
6,000
6,000,000
60,000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60,000

The digit 6 is in the ten-thousands place, so its value is 60,000.

Question 9: What is the main purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

To give an example
To conclude the paragraph
To state the main idea of the paragraph (Correct answer)
To provide supporting details

Correct answer: To state the main idea of the paragraph

A topic sentence introduces the main idea that the rest of the paragraph will support.

Question 10: What is the basic unit of life?

Cell (Correct answer)
Atom
Tissue
Molecule

Correct answer: Cell

The cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

Question 11: In a narrative essay, what is the purpose of the climax?

To introduce the main characters and setting
To provide background information about the conflict
To reach the highest point of tension or turning point in the story (Correct answer)
To wrap up the story and resolve all problems

Correct answer: To reach the highest point of tension or turning point in the story

The climax is the moment of greatest tension or the turning point in a narrative, after which the conflict begins to resolve.

Question 12: A meeting room with one large table and several little tables can accommodate up to 140 people according to construction regulations; when full, the large table can accommodate 15 people, while the small tables can accommodate 5 people apiece. The maximum number of little tables that can be filled when the large table is likewise full can be found using which of the following methods?

5t + 15 ≤ 140 (Correct answer)
15t + 5 ≤ 140
5t + 15 ≥ 140
15t + 5 ≥ 140

Correct answer: 5t + 15 ≤ 140

The meeting room has a maximum capacity of 140 people. The large table accommodates 15 people. Each small table accommodates 5 people, so 't' small tables accommodate 5t people. The total number of people (15 + 5t) must be less than or equal to the maximum capacity of 140. Therefore, the inequality that represents this situation is 5t + 15 ≤ 140.

Question 13: What is an ecosystem?

A single type of animal in a habitat
The weather patterns of a region
All the living and nonliving things interacting in an area (Correct answer)
Only the plants in a forest

Correct answer: All the living and nonliving things interacting in an area

An ecosystem includes all living organisms and the nonliving environment they interact with in a specific area.

Question 14: What is photosynthesis?

The process by which plants make food using sunlight (Correct answer)
The breakdown of rocks by weather
The process by which animals digest food
The movement of water through the water cycle

Correct answer: The process by which plants make food using sunlight

Photosynthesis is the process plants use to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.

Question 15: What does the prefix 'un-' mean in the word 'unlikely'?

Under
Again
Before
Not (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Not

The prefix 'un-' means not, so 'unlikely' means not likely.

Question 16: Of the following phrases, which one has a 1.25 value?

(2.5)(-0.5)
(-2.5)(-0.5) (Correct answer)
-(-2.5)(-0.5)
-(2.5)(0.5)

Correct answer: (-2.5)(-0.5)

To find the expression with a value of 1.25, we need to evaluate each option. Option D, (-2.5)(-0.5), involves multiplying two negative numbers. The product of two negative numbers is always a positive number. Multiplying 2.5 by 0.5 gives 1.25, so (-2.5)(-0.5) equals positive 1.25. All other options result in -1.25 due to the signs of the numbers being multiplied.

Question 17: Which sentence is an example of a compound sentence?

Running quickly, she arrived first.
She ran because she was late.
She ran, and he walked. (Correct answer)
She ran quickly.

Correct answer: She ran, and he walked.

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction like 'and.'

Question 18: Which transition word BEST connects two contrasting ideas in an argumentative essay?

Furthermore
Similarly
In addition
However (Correct answer)

Correct answer: However

'However' signals a contrast or opposing idea, making it the correct transition for connecting two contrasting points.

Question 19: What is the volume of a rectangular prism that is 5 cm long, 4 cm wide, and 3 cm tall?

24 cu cm
47 cu cm
60 cu cm (Correct answer)
35 cu cm

Correct answer: 60 cu cm

Volume = length × width × height = 5 × 4 × 3 = 60 cubic centimeters.

Question 20: Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe?

The dog's bowl were empty after its' meal.
The dogs' bowls were empty after their meal. (Correct answer)
The dogs bowls were empty after their meal's.
The dog's bowl was empty after it's meal.

Correct answer: The dogs' bowls were empty after their meal.

'Dogs'' shows correct plural possessive (multiple dogs owning bowls), and 'their' is the correct pronoun for plural possessive without an apostrophe.

Question 21: Which transitional word signals a contrast between two ideas?

Furthermore
Additionally
Therefore
However (Correct answer)

Correct answer: However

'However' signals that the next idea contrasts with or contradicts what was said before.

Question 22: This equation is displayed below. 12 – 9 + c equals 12. For what value of c, the equation is true?

9 (Correct answer)
0
12
3

Correct answer: 9

To find the value of 'c' that makes the equation true, we first simplify the left side of the equation: '12 - 9' equals '3'. The equation then becomes '3 + c = 12'. To isolate 'c', subtract 3 from both sides of the equation, resulting in 'c = 12 - 3', which simplifies to 'c = 9'.

Question 23: What type of text structure is used when an author describes a problem and its solution?

Problem and solution (Correct answer)
Cause and effect
Chronological order
Compare and contrast

Correct answer: Problem and solution

Problem-and-solution text structure identifies an issue and explains how it is or can be resolved.

Question 24: A student is writing an opinion essay about school uniforms. Which source would be MOST appropriate to cite?

A classmate's personal opinion shared at lunch
A study published by a university examining uniform policies in schools (Correct answer)
A social media post from an anonymous account
A TV commercial for a clothing company

Correct answer: A study published by a university examining uniform policies in schools

Published academic studies are credible, peer-reviewed sources that provide reliable evidence to support claims in an opinion essay.

Question 25: Which layer of Earth is the thickest?

Crust
Outer core
Mantle (Correct answer)
Inner core

Correct answer: Mantle

The mantle is the thickest layer of Earth, extending about 1,800 miles below the crust.

Question 26: What is the author's purpose in an informational text?

To entertain the reader with a story
To inform the reader with facts (Correct answer)
To persuade the reader to take action
To express personal feelings

Correct answer: To inform the reader with facts

Informational texts aim to educate readers by presenting facts, data, and explanations.

Question 27: What is 1,236 × 4?

4,844
4,824
4,924
4,944 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4,944

1,236 × 4 = 4,944 using standard multi-digit multiplication.

Question 28: Which word is a synonym for 'courageous'?

Brave (Correct answer)
Cautious
Cowardly
Timid

Correct answer: Brave

Courageous and brave both mean willing to face danger or difficulty without fear.

Question 29: Which of the following is an example of a simile?

The moon is a silver coin.
The thunder roared angrily.
Her smile lit up the room.
He ran as fast as a cheetah. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: He ran as fast as a cheetah.

A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as'; 'as fast as a cheetah' uses 'as' to compare.

Question 30: Which sentence uses correct subject-verb agreement?

The dogs runned fast.
The dogs runs fast.
The dogs running fast.
The dogs run fast. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The dogs run fast.

A plural subject (dogs) requires a plural verb (run), not a singular verb (runs).

Question 31: What happens during evaporation in the water cycle?

Liquid water turns into water vapor and rises (Correct answer)
Clouds release water as precipitation
Water vapor cools and turns to liquid
Water freezes into ice

Correct answer: Liquid water turns into water vapor and rises

During evaporation, liquid water gains enough energy to become water vapor and rise into the atmosphere.

Question 32: hich of the following phrases best describes it? 3 less than an amount, p.

3÷P
p÷3
p-3 (Correct answer)
3-p

Correct answer: p-3

The phrase '3 less than an amount, p' indicates subtraction. When you say 'less than', the number being subtracted comes after the 'less than' phrase, and the amount it is less than comes first. Therefore, '3 less than p' is correctly written as p - 3. Option A accurately represents this mathematical operation.

Question 33: Which revision BEST improves the vague sentence: 'She went to the store and got some stuff.'?

Going to the store, she got stuff.
She went to the grocery store and purchased milk, bread, and eggs. (Correct answer)
She got stuff from the store that she needed.
She went to the store and got a lot of stuff for dinner.

Correct answer: She went to the grocery store and purchased milk, bread, and eggs.

Replacing vague words like 'went,' 'got,' and 'stuff' with specific details (grocery store, purchased, milk/bread/eggs) makes the writing clear and precise.

Question 34: What is the purpose of a 'hook' at the beginning of an essay?

To grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading (Correct answer)
To list all the sources used in the essay
To summarize all the main points of the essay
To restate the thesis statement at the end

Correct answer: To grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading

A hook is an engaging opening line — such as a question, quote, or surprising fact — designed to capture the reader's interest immediately.

Question 35: What is the process by which water vapor cools and turns into liquid water droplets?

Transpiration
Condensation (Correct answer)
Evaporation
Precipitation

Correct answer: Condensation

Condensation occurs when water vapor cools and converts back into liquid water, forming clouds or dew.

Question 36: Which force pulls objects toward Earth?

Gravity (Correct answer)
Friction
Buoyancy
Magnetism

Correct answer: Gravity

Gravity is the force of attraction that pulls objects with mass toward Earth's center.

Question 37: Which expressions are equivalent?

16x + 10 and 14x + 10 - 2x
x³ and x+x+x
17x² + 10 and 12x² + 5x + 10
4(3x + 4x) and 12x + 16x (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4(3x + 4x) and 12x + 16x

Equivalent expressions have the same value for any variable. In option D, applying the distributive property to '4(3x + 4x)' gives '4 * 3x + 4 * 4x', which simplifies to '12x + 16x'. Alternatively, simplifying inside the parentheses first, '3x + 4x' equals '7x', so '4(7x)' is '28x'. Since '12x + 16x' also equals '28x', the expressions are equivalent.

Question 38: What is 48 ÷ 6?

7
8 (Correct answer)
6
9

Correct answer: 8

48 ÷ 6 = 8 because 6 × 8 = 48.

Question 39: Which sentence uses formal language appropriate for an informational essay?

Climate change is totally a huge problem for everyone on Earth today.
Climate change poses significant threats to ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide. (Correct answer)
Global warming is, like, really messing up the planet super badly.
Global warming is bad and lots of animals are dying because of it.

Correct answer: Climate change poses significant threats to ecosystems and biodiversity worldwide.

Formal writing uses precise academic vocabulary and avoids slang or casual expressions, as demonstrated in option C.

Question 40: Which organizational structure BEST suits an essay comparing two books?

Cause and effect
Compare and contrast (Correct answer)
Problem and solution
Chronological order

Correct answer: Compare and contrast

A compare and contrast structure is specifically designed to examine similarities and differences between two subjects, making it ideal for comparing two books.

Question 41: What is a theme in a story?

The lesson or message the author conveys (Correct answer)
The setting where the story takes place
The problem the main character faces
A description of the main character

Correct answer: The lesson or message the author conveys

The theme is the underlying message or lesson the author wants readers to take away from the story.

Question 42: What does 'point of view' refer to in a story?

The conflict in the story
The setting of the story
The perspective from which the story is told (Correct answer)
The moral of the story

Correct answer: The perspective from which the story is told

Point of view describes who is narrating the story and how much they know, such as first-person or third-person.

Question 43: What is the correct way to write a title of a book in a sentence?

Charlotte's Web (underlined or italicized) (Correct answer)
CHARLOTTES WEB
"Charlotte's Web"
charlotte's web

Correct answer: Charlotte's Web (underlined or italicized)

Book titles should be underlined or italicized in formal writing to distinguish them from the surrounding text.

Question 44: What is the meaning of the word 'vivid' in the sentence: 'The author used vivid descriptions to paint a picture'?

Very short
Confusing
Dull and boring
Bright and detailed (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Bright and detailed

Vivid means producing strong, clear mental images; it describes descriptions that are rich and detailed.

Question 45: What does 'context clues' mean in reading comprehension?

Finding the main idea
Identifying the genre of a text
Guessing a word meaning from surrounding text (Correct answer)
Using a dictionary to find definitions

Correct answer: Guessing a word meaning from surrounding text

Context clues are hints within the surrounding text that help readers determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

Question 46: In narrative writing, what is the climax?

The beginning introduction of characters
The background information provided
The resolution where conflict is solved
The turning point or most exciting moment (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The turning point or most exciting moment

The climax is the most intense or decisive moment of the story, where the conflict reaches its peak.

Question 47: In the writing process, what should a student do FIRST before drafting an essay?

Plan and organize ideas through prewriting strategies like outlining or brainstorming (Correct answer)
Write the conclusion paragraph
Add transitions between paragraphs
Proofread for spelling and grammar errors

Correct answer: Plan and organize ideas through prewriting strategies like outlining or brainstorming

Prewriting (brainstorming, outlining, organizing ideas) comes before drafting and helps writers structure their thoughts for a more coherent essay.

Question 48: Which revision BEST corrects the run-on sentence: 'I love science class it is my favorite subject I always learn new things'?

I love science class and it is my favorite subject and I always learn new things.
I love science class. It is my favorite subject because I always learn new things. (Correct answer)
Science class I love it, my favorite subject, always learning.
I love science class, it is my favorite subject, I always learn new things.

Correct answer: I love science class. It is my favorite subject because I always learn new things.

Splitting the run-on into two sentences and using 'because' to connect the reason creates clear, grammatically correct sentences.

Question 49: A number line shows a point at 2/4. Which fraction is at the same location?

1/2 (Correct answer)
3/4
1/4
1/3

Correct answer: 1/2

2/4 simplifies to 1/2 because both can be divided by 2.

Question 50: What state of matter has a definite shape and a definite volume?

Solid (Correct answer)
Liquid
Plasma
Gas

Correct answer: Solid

Solids have a definite shape and volume because their particles are tightly packed.

Question 51: A coffee shop sells pastries, coffee, and tea. Sales of coffee accounted for ⅖ of the coffee shop's income last week, while sales of tea accounted for ⅓ of its profits. Sales of pastries accounted for the remaining income. What percentage of pastries sold last week contributed to the coffee shop's overall profits?

2/15
1/15
4/15 (Correct answer)
11/15

Correct answer: 4/15

The total income is represented by 1 (or 100%). Coffee sales account for 2/5 of the income, and tea sales account for 1/3. To find the fraction of income from pastries, subtract the sum of coffee and tea sales from the total. First, find a common denominator for 5 and 3, which is 15. So, 2/5 = 6/15 and 1/3 = 5/15. The combined fraction for coffee and tea is 6/15 + 5/15 = 11/15. Subtracting this from the total income (1 or 15/15) gives 15/15 - 11/15 = 4/15 for pastry sales.

Question 52: What does it mean to 'elaborate' on a point in writing?

To provide additional details, examples, or explanation to develop the idea further (Correct answer)
To summarize all previous points in one sentence
To move on to the next paragraph quickly
To restate the same idea using the exact same words

Correct answer: To provide additional details, examples, or explanation to develop the idea further

Elaborating means expanding on an idea by adding supporting details, examples, or explanations that give the reader a deeper understanding.

Arizona's Academic Standards Assessment (AASA)

The AASA is Arizona's statewide achievement test for grades 3-8 in ELA and Mathematics, measuring student proficiency against Arizona Academic Standards.

Questions

120 min

Time Limit

60%

To Pass

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