CAHSEE English-Language 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student reads: 'The data suggests that the new program has improved test scores significantly.' The word 'suggests' implies:
- The data proves the claim with certainty
- The data supports but does not fully confirm the claim (Correct answer)
- The author is guessing without evidence
- The program has not worked at all
Correct answer: The data supports but does not fully confirm the claim
The word 'suggests' indicates that the data provides support for the claim but stops short of absolute proof.
Question 2: Which sentence BEST demonstrates parallel structure?
- She likes hiking, to swim, and running.
- She likes to hike, swim, and run. (Correct answer)
- She likes hiking, swimming, and to run.
- She likes to hike, swimming, and run.
Correct answer: She likes to hike, swim, and run.
Parallel structure requires that items in a series use the same grammatical form; all three verbs are in the infinitive form.
Question 3: The CAHSEE reading section often asks students to identify the author's purpose. Which is NOT a common author's purpose?
- To inform
- To persuade
- To entertain
- To confuse (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To confuse
The three main author's purposes are to inform, to persuade, and to entertain; confusing readers is not a recognized author's purpose.
Question 4: Read: 'The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.' This sentence primarily uses:
- Figurative language and imagery (Correct answer)
- Logical reasoning and evidence
- Technical vocabulary
- A formal academic tone
Correct answer: Figurative language and imagery
The use of 'painting' (personification) and descriptive color details creates vivid imagery and uses figurative language.
Question 5: Which type of context clue is used in this sentence: 'The physician, or doctor, recommended rest and fluids.'
- Example clue
- Contrast clue
- Appositive clue (Correct answer)
- Inference clue
Correct answer: Appositive clue
An appositive clue directly defines a word by placing a synonym or explanation next to it, often set off by commas.
Question 6: Which revision BEST corrects the run-on sentence: 'It was raining heavily the game was postponed.'
- It was raining heavily, the game was postponed.
- It was raining heavily, so the game was postponed. (Correct answer)
- It was raining heavily and also the game was postponed.
- It was raining heavily because the game was postponed.
Correct answer: It was raining heavily, so the game was postponed.
Adding a coordinating conjunction ('so') with a comma correctly joins the two independent clauses and shows cause and effect.
Question 7: A student is writing a conclusion for an essay. Which action should be AVOIDED in a conclusion?
- Restating the thesis in new words
- Summarizing key points
- Introducing a major new argument (Correct answer)
- Ending with a thought-provoking statement
Correct answer: Introducing a major new argument
A conclusion should wrap up the essay, not introduce new arguments that haven't been discussed in the body paragraphs.
CAHSEE English-Language 5
A student reads: 'The data suggests that the new program has improved test scores significantly.' The word 'suggests' implies: