FSA Practice Test (9th-10th Grade: English Language & Arts) 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: ________is a text that has been chosen for reading. Something selected or chosen.

selection (Correct answer)
conclusion
effective
solution

Correct answer: selection

The term 'selection' refers to something that has been chosen or picked from a larger group. In the context of reading, a selection is a specific text or passage that has been chosen for study or enjoyment. It directly matches the definition provided in the question.

Question 2: Identify the tone of the following writing sample: 'As he smelled the enticing aroma of the apple pie, he couldn't help but remember back to the old days.' When he was a kid, his grandmother would bake pies like that and feed him large servings as he sat at her big kitchen table.'

Humorous
Critical
Optimistic
Nostalgic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Nostalgic

The writing sample evokes feelings of warmth and longing for past experiences, specifically remembering childhood memories with a grandmother. This emotional connection to the past, often with a sense of fondness or wistfulness, is the definition of a nostalgic tone. The aroma of apple pie acts as a trigger for these cherished memories.

Question 3: A change from one state to another. What exactly is this?

structure
opinion
transition (Correct answer)
conclusion

Correct answer: transition

A 'transition' is a process or period of changing from one state, condition, or topic to another. In writing, transitions are words or phrases that connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, ensuring a smooth flow of thought. It perfectly describes a shift or change from one state to another.

Question 4: In the conclusion, how is the thesis statement used?

It is repeated word-for-word in the conclusion.
A new thesis statement is included in the conclusion.
It is restated in the conclusion, but in different words. (Correct answer)
It is not included in the conclusion.

Correct answer: It is restated in the conclusion, but in different words.

In the conclusion of an essay, the thesis statement should be restated, but not repeated word-for-word. This means rephrasing it using different vocabulary and sentence structure to summarize the main argument without sounding redundant. It reinforces the essay's central idea in a fresh way.

Question 5: Which of the following is a source that modern writers use to create their own works?

Traditional stories
Myths
Religious works like the Bible
All of these (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of these

Modern writers frequently draw inspiration and material from a wide array of traditional sources. Myths, religious works like the Bible, and traditional stories (such as folktales and legends) provide rich narratives, characters, and themes that can be reinterpreted or referenced in new creative works. Therefore, all these options are valid sources.

Question 6: A list of main points is referred to as an ___________.

purpose
include
opinion
outline (Correct answer)

Correct answer: outline

An 'outline' is a structured list of main points or topics that serves as a plan for a piece of writing or a speech. It helps organize thoughts and ensures that all key ideas are covered in a logical order. This definition directly aligns with a list of main points.

Question 7: Which of the following is NOT a concern to listen for when you're speaking?

The pitch of your voice (Correct answer)
Verbal fillers
Repetitive sentences
Long pauses

Correct answer: The pitch of your voice

While the pitch of your voice is a natural characteristic, concerns for effective speaking typically focus on elements that hinder clarity or engagement. Verbal fillers (like 'um' or 'like'), repetitive sentences, and long, awkward pauses are all common speaking habits that can distract an audience and should be minimized. Pitch, however, is a natural vocal quality and not inherently a 'concern' to listen for in the same negative sense.

Question 8: The smallest unit of written language is which of the following?

phoneme
suffix
grapheme (Correct answer)
None of the answers are correct

Correct answer: grapheme

A 'grapheme' is defined as the smallest functional unit of a writing system. It represents a phoneme (the smallest unit of sound) in written form, such as a single letter or a combination of letters (e.g., 'sh' or 'th'). This makes it the fundamental building block of written language.

Question 9: What is a problem's answer?

solution (Correct answer)
structure
formulate
purpose

Correct answer: solution

A 'solution' is the answer to a problem or a means of solving it. When faced with a problem, the goal is to find a solution that resolves the issue. This term directly corresponds to the definition provided.

Question 10: It is a belief or idea held by a person

transition
outline
conclusion
opinion (Correct answer)

Correct answer: opinion

An 'opinion' is a personal belief, judgment, or way of thinking about something that is not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. It reflects an individual's perspective or viewpoint. This definition perfectly matches the description of a belief or idea held by a person.

Question 11: You're composing an essay for a standardized test in which you argue that not everyone receives what they deserve. Which of the following would be a good piece of evidence to back up your claim?

Once you got in trouble for something your sister did. (Correct answer)
At your school, detention is the most common punishment for students.
You have never done anything mean or cruel to your dog.
Once in elementary school, you stole your friend's lunch.

Correct answer: Once you got in trouble for something your sister did.

The essay argues that not everyone receives what they deserve, implying a lack of fairness or justice. Being punished for something your sister did is a direct example of an unjust outcome, as you are receiving a negative consequence for someone else's actions. This piece of evidence directly supports the claim of undeserved treatment.

Question 12: __________ to tell or write about; and to paint a picture with words

selection
summarize
describe (Correct answer)
justify

Correct answer: describe

To 'describe' means to give an account in words of someone or something, including its characteristics, qualities, or events. It involves using language to create a vivid mental image for the reader or listener, effectively 'painting a picture with words.' This definition aligns perfectly with the prompt.

Question 13: When should you capitalize titles like president, professor, and senator?

When they appear as part of a clause
When they refer to a specific person (Correct answer)
They should never be capitalized.
All of the answers are correct.

Correct answer: When they refer to a specific person

Titles like 'President,' 'Professor,' and 'Senator' should be capitalized when they precede a specific person's name, functioning as part of their proper title (e.g., President Biden, Professor Smith). When used generically or without a specific name, they are typically lowercase (e.g., the president of the company). This rule ensures proper noun capitalization.

Question 14: Which of the following should you avoid if you're requested to produce an objective summary?

Explaining the resolution of the conflict
Stating the central conflict of the story
Explaining your ideas about the meaning of the story (Correct answer)
Listing the major events of the story

Correct answer: Explaining your ideas about the meaning of the story

An objective summary focuses solely on the main points and facts of a story, without incorporating personal biases, interpretations, or feelings. Explaining your own ideas about the meaning of the story introduces subjectivity and moves beyond simply summarizing the text itself. The other options involve recounting factual elements of the story.

Question 15: It's the polar opposite of a correct or accurate mistake.

error (Correct answer)
support
opinion
revise

Correct answer: error

An 'error' is a mistake, an inaccuracy, or something that is incorrect or wrong. It is the direct opposite of something that is correct or accurate. This definition precisely matches the given description.

Question 16: Information that makes up a passage; the subject of a piece of writing; or the message or meaning of a piece of writing. What is this?

problem
compare
content (Correct answer)
contrast

Correct answer: content

'Content' refers to the information, ideas, or subject matter contained within a piece of writing, speech, or other medium. It encompasses what is being communicated, including the main message and supporting details. This definition accurately describes the information, subject, or meaning of a passage.

Question 17: Why is it essential to identify and search for signal words in a text that organizes information through a series of events or steps?

Signal words help the reader identify what happened and when, or what steps need to be taken and in what order. It also helps him or her understand the writer's opinion about the topic. (Correct answer)
Signal words help show time order and give the reader a sense of the setting and the obstacles faced throughout the series of events discussed.
Signal words help the writer transition from one organizational structure to the next.
Signal words help the reader identify the organizational structure being used. They also help him or her understand the process or series of events and remember its key parts in a clear and concise manner.

Correct answer: Signal words help the reader identify what happened and when, or what steps need to be taken and in what order. It also helps him or her understand the writer's opinion about the topic.

Signal words in a text organized by a series of events or steps (like 'first,' 'next,' 'then,' 'finally') are crucial for guiding the reader through the sequence. They help identify the order of actions or steps, making the process clear and understandable. This allows the reader to follow the progression of events and grasp the key parts in a logical manner.

Question 18: Tell me how to do it, teach me how to do something, or show me how to do it and: to clarify or make understandable

selection
evaluate
opinion
explain (Correct answer)

Correct answer: explain

To 'explain' means to make something clear or understandable to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas. It involves teaching or showing how something works or what it means. This definition perfectly encapsulates the act of clarifying or making understandable.

Question 19: Which of the following is an important step to remember when applying what new-found knowledge from your reference materials?

Try to make up things that aren't true just to keep the readers on their toes
Cite your sources (Correct answer)
Use as much information as you can find
Only use information you agree with

Correct answer: Cite your sources

When applying new knowledge from reference materials, it is essential to 'cite your sources.' Citing gives credit to the original authors and researchers, avoids plagiarism, and allows readers to verify the information or explore the topic further. It upholds academic integrity and ethical research practices.

Question 20: _______ is to contain; and to add

interpret
include (Correct answer)
compare
outline

Correct answer: include

To 'include' means to contain something as part of a whole or to add something to a group or set. It implies making something a component or element of something larger. This definition aligns directly with the meanings 'to contain' and 'to add'.

Question 21: What does the term 'gist' mean?

The conclusion of an article.
The main point or essence. (Correct answer)
The facts used by the author to make a point.
The transitions between paragraphs.

Correct answer: The main point or essence.

The 'gist' of something refers to its main point, essence, or general meaning. It's the core idea or substance of a discussion, argument, or text, without all the specific details. Understanding the gist means grasping the fundamental message.

Question 22: The reason for why the author created the piece; the three most common reasons are to inform, entertain, or persuade the reader.

author's purpose (Correct answer)
content
persuade
conclusion

Correct answer: author's purpose

The 'author's purpose' is the primary reason an author chooses to write a particular piece. Common purposes include to inform (provide facts), to entertain (amuse or engage), or to persuade (convince the reader of a viewpoint). This concept explains the underlying motivation behind the writing.

Question 23: This allows us to figure out what a prepositional phrase modifies.

paying attention to the information the phrase provides (Correct answer)
looking at the words that come directly after the prepositional phrase
looking at the words that come directly before the prepositional phrase
all of these answers are correct

Correct answer: paying attention to the information the phrase provides

To determine what a prepositional phrase modifies, one must analyze the information it provides within the sentence. The phrase typically adds detail to a noun, pronoun, verb, or adjective, and understanding its function depends on how it clarifies or specifies meaning in context. Simply looking at words before or after isn't sufficient without considering the overall meaning.

Question 24: _________ to try to convince someone else to think or feel the same way you do

explain
evaluate
persuade (Correct answer)
describe

Correct answer: persuade

To 'persuade' means to cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument, or to convince them to believe something. It involves using various techniques to influence another person's thoughts, feelings, or actions. This definition directly matches the act of trying to convince someone to think or feel the same way.

Question 25: How does the zeitgeist of an era affect an author's work?

Authors tend to use the same settings and themes, no matter when they complete their work.
The same ideas beliefs and to show up in all stories, regardless of when they were written.
Women are always portrayed a certain way in stories.
The beliefs and ideas of an author's era tend to show up in his or her work, making even recycled stories unique. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The beliefs and ideas of an author's era tend to show up in his or her work, making even recycled stories unique.

The 'zeitgeist' refers to the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history, as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time. These prevailing cultural, intellectual, and moral ideas inevitably influence authors, shaping the themes, characters, and perspectives present in their works, even when adapting older stories. This makes each era's retelling unique.

Question 26: The reason for something being done is ___________.

structure
problem
compare
purpose (Correct answer)

Correct answer: purpose

Purpose refers to the reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists. It defines the objective or aim behind an action or an object. Therefore, 'purpose' directly answers what the reason for something being done is, making it the correct choice.

Question 27: What kind of evidence should be used to support inferences?

with prior knowledge
with a teacher's notes
with because statements (Correct answer)
with context clues

Correct answer: with because statements

'Because statements' are crucial for supporting inferences as they explicitly connect the inference to the textual evidence. They require you to articulate the specific details or facts from the text that led you to your conclusion. This method demonstrates a clear logical link between the evidence and the inference, making your reasoning transparent and defensible.

Question 28: to explain what something means

effective
contrast
interpret (Correct answer)
illustrate

Correct answer: interpret

To interpret means to explain the meaning of something, often by translating it into understandable terms or by giving one's own understanding of it. This involves analyzing and clarifying information to make it comprehensible. The other options, like 'effective,' 'contrast,' or 'illustrate,' do not directly mean to explain what something means.

Question 29: A __________ is a person who gets things done by taking conversation and discussion and converting it into action and deliverables.

Follower
Investigator
Shaper
Implementor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Implementor

An Implementor is a team role, often from Belbin's Team Roles, characterized by their practical approach and ability to turn ideas into concrete actions. They are disciplined, reliable, and efficient, focusing on making plans work and delivering tangible results. This definition perfectly matches the description of someone who converts discussion into action and deliverables.

Question 30: ______ break it into parts, and also tell about the parts

include
main idea
outline
analyze (Correct answer)

Correct answer: analyze

To analyze means to examine something methodically and in detail, typically in order to explain and interpret it. This process involves breaking down a complex subject or substance into its constituent parts to study their interrelationships and understand the whole. Therefore, 'analyze' accurately describes the act of dissecting something into parts and discussing those parts.

FSA Practice Test (9th-10th Grade: English Language & Arts) 1

________is a text that has been chosen for reading.
Something selected or chosen.