Nebraska State Accountability (NeSA) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which literary device is used in the following sentence: "The leaves danced in the wind"?

Hyperbole
Simile
Metaphor
Personification (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Personification

Personification is a literary device where human qualities or actions are attributed to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. In the sentence 'The leaves danced in the wind,' the action 'danced' is a human characteristic given to the inanimate 'leaves.' This makes 'Personification' the correct literary device.

Question 2: Which type of triangle has all three sides of equal length?

Isosceles
Scalene
Equilateral (Correct answer)
Right

Correct answer: Equilateral

An equilateral triangle has three equal sides and three equal angles of 60° each.

Question 3: The Oregon Trail, an important historic route through Nebraska, was primarily used by:

Settlers heading west seeking land and new opportunities (Correct answer)
Fur traders from Canada
Confederate soldiers during the Civil War
Spanish explorers searching for gold

Correct answer: Settlers heading west seeking land and new opportunities

The Oregon Trail was used by thousands of westward-bound settlers during the 1840s–1860s who traveled through Nebraska seeking farmland and new lives.

Question 4: What is the range of the data set: 14, 22, 8, 35, 19?

35
27 (Correct answer)
21
19

Correct answer: 27

Range = maximum − minimum = 35 − 8 = 27.

Question 5: What is the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 6?

24
8
10
12 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 12

The smallest number divisible by both 4 and 6 is 12.

Question 6: What is the measure of each interior angle of a regular hexagon?

108°
90°
135°
120° (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 120°

Sum of interior angles of a hexagon = (6−2)×180° = 720°; each angle = 720°/6 = 120°.

Question 7: A pizza is cut into 8 equal slices. If 3 slices are eaten, what fraction remains?

6/8
3/8
5/8 (Correct answer)
4/8

Correct answer: 5/8

8 − 3 = 5 slices remain, so 5/8 of the pizza is left.

Question 8: What is the function of a thesis statement in an essay?

To present the main argument or claim of the essay. (Correct answer)
To provide evidence supporting the argument.
To conclude the essay.
To summarize the main points of the essay.

Correct answer: To present the main argument or claim of the essay.

A thesis statement is the central argument or claim of an essay, typically presented in the introduction. Its main function is to clearly state the essay's primary point or purpose, providing a roadmap for the reader and guiding the entire discussion that follows.

Question 9: What does the prefix 'un-' mean in the word 'unlikely'?

Again
Under
Not (Correct answer)
Before

Correct answer: Not

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

Question 10: A pie chart shows that 25% of students prefer reading. If there are 200 students total, how many prefer reading?

25
40
75
50 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 50

25% of 200 = 0.25 × 200 = 50 students.

Question 11: What is the distance between points (1, 2) and (4, 6)?

4
3
7
5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5

Distance = √((4−1)² + (6−2)²) = √(9 + 16) = √25 = 5.

Question 12: If the ratio of boys to girls in a class is 3:4 and there are 21 boys, how many girls are there?

36
28 (Correct answer)
24
32

Correct answer: 28

If 3 parts = 21, then 1 part = 7, so 4 parts = 28 girls.

Question 13: Which sentence demonstrates correct capitalization?

We visited omaha, nebraska during the summer.
We visited Omaha, Nebraska during the Summer.
We visited Omaha, Nebraska during the summer. (Correct answer)
We Visited Omaha, Nebraska during the summer.

Correct answer: We visited Omaha, Nebraska during the summer.

Proper nouns like city and state names (Omaha, Nebraska) are capitalized, but common nouns like 'summer' are not.

Question 14: Which of the following best describes the function of the mitochondria in a cell?

They store genetic information.
They digest waste materials.
They generate energy. (Correct answer)
They produce proteins.

Correct answer: They generate energy.

Mitochondria are often referred to as the 'powerhouses' of the cell because their primary function is to generate the majority of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the main energy currency of the cell, produced through cellular respiration to fuel various cellular activities.

Question 15: Omaha, Nebraska's largest city, played an important role in U.S. history as:

The site of Nebraska's only Civil War battle
The first capital of the Nebraska Territory
The eastern starting point of the transcontinental railroad (Correct answer)
The location of the first homestead claim under the Homestead Act

Correct answer: The eastern starting point of the transcontinental railroad

Omaha served as the eastern terminus and headquarters of the Union Pacific Railroad when construction of the first transcontinental railroad began in 1863.

Question 16: Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The cat ____ on the windowsill all afternoon.

laid
lay (Correct answer)
lain
lie

Correct answer: lay

The sentence describes the cat reclining itself on the windowsill, which requires a form of the intransitive verb 'lie' (to recline). The action occurred 'all afternoon,' indicating a completed past action. The simple past tense of 'lie' is 'lay', making 'The cat lay on the windowsill all afternoon' the correct choice. 'Laid' is the past tense of the transitive verb 'lay' (to place something).

Question 17: Which graph would best display the percentage breakdown of students' favorite subjects?

Histogram
Box plot
Line graph
Pie chart (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pie chart

A pie chart is ideal for showing how a whole is divided into percentage-based parts.

Question 18: Nebraska is located in which U.S. region?

The Great Plains (Correct answer)
The Northeast
The Pacific Northwest
The Southwest

Correct answer: The Great Plains

Nebraska is part of the Great Plains region, characterized by flat to rolling terrain and grasslands suitable for farming and ranching.

Question 19: During photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to produce glucose and which other substance?

Carbon monoxide
Nitrogen
Hydrogen
Oxygen (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Oxygen

Photosynthesis produces glucose for the plant and releases oxygen as a byproduct, which is essential for most living organisms on Earth.

Question 20: A map uses a scale of 1 inch = 50 miles. Two cities are 3.5 inches apart on the map. What is the actual distance?

200 miles
125 miles
175 miles (Correct answer)
150 miles

Correct answer: 175 miles

Multiply the map distance by the scale factor: 3.5 × 50 = 175 miles.

Question 21: In a story, what is the climax?

The resolution of the story’s conflict
The highest point of tension or conflict (Correct answer)
The introduction of characters and setting
The description of the background

Correct answer: The highest point of tension or conflict

In a story, the climax is the pivotal moment of highest tension, conflict, or emotional intensity. It is the turning point where the main character confronts the central conflict, and the outcome of the story becomes clear or is decided, leading to the falling action and resolution.

Question 22: A NeSA student's scores on 4 practice tests are 80, 90, 70, and 100. What is the mean score?

90
85 (Correct answer)
82
84

Correct answer: 85

Mean = (80 + 90 + 70 + 100) / 4 = 340 / 4 = 85.

Question 23: Which element distinguishes formal writing from informal writing?

Conversational tone and abbreviations
Complete sentences and standard grammar (Correct answer)
Short paragraphs and bullet points
Use of slang and contractions

Correct answer: Complete sentences and standard grammar

Formal writing uses complete sentences, standard grammar, and avoids slang or contractions, making it appropriate for academic and professional contexts.

Question 24: Which is the most effective concluding sentence for a paragraph about recycling benefits?

Clearly, recycling conserves resources, reduces waste, and protects the environment for future generations. (Correct answer)
So, recycling is good and everyone should try it.
In conclusion, there are many things about recycling.
Recycling is something people do.

Correct answer: Clearly, recycling conserves resources, reduces waste, and protects the environment for future generations.

An effective concluding sentence restates the main idea with specific details and a sense of finality, without being vague.

Question 25: In the sentence 'The test was a piece of cake,' the phrase 'a piece of cake' is an example of:

A metaphor
A simile
Alliteration
An idiom (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An idiom

An idiom is a phrase whose figurative meaning differs from its literal meaning; 'a piece of cake' means 'very easy.'

Question 26: What is the main purpose of a concluding paragraph?

To ask the reader questions
To introduce new arguments
To restate the thesis and summarize key points (Correct answer)
To provide more evidence for the body paragraphs

Correct answer: To restate the thesis and summarize key points

The conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes the essay's main points without introducing new arguments.

Question 27: How many degrees are in a straight angle?

360°
45°
90°
180° (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 180°

A straight angle forms a straight line and measures exactly 180°.

Question 28: Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

She: needs a pencil and eraser.
She needs: a pencil and an eraser.
She needs a pencil: and an eraser.
She needs three things: a pencil, an eraser, and a ruler. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She needs three things: a pencil, an eraser, and a ruler.

A colon is correctly used after a complete independent clause to introduce a list.

Question 29: A student scores 72 out of 90 on a NeSA math section. What percentage did they score?

82%
75%
80% (Correct answer)
78%

Correct answer: 80%

72 divided by 90 equals 0.80, which is 80%.

Question 30: What is the correct way to cite a quote within an essay?

Introduce the quote, enclose it in quotation marks, and cite the source. (Correct answer)
Place the quote in parentheses without quotation marks.
Place the quote in italics without attribution.
Summarize the quote in your own words only.

Correct answer: Introduce the quote, enclose it in quotation marks, and cite the source.

Properly cited quotes are introduced, placed in quotation marks, and attributed to their source.

Question 31: What does 'revising' mean in the writing process?

Formatting the final document
Fixing spelling and punctuation errors
Improving content, organization, and clarity (Correct answer)
Writing the first rough draft

Correct answer: Improving content, organization, and clarity

Revising focuses on improving the overall content, structure, and clarity of a draft.

Question 32: What type of graph is best for showing how data changes over time?

Pictograph
Pie chart
Bar graph
Line graph (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Line graph

Line graphs connect data points over time and clearly show trends and changes.

Question 33: The Platte River is significant to Nebraska because it:

Flows through the center of the state and was a key Oregon Trail route (Correct answer)
Is the deepest river in the Midwest
Forms the northern border with South Dakota
Provides water only to Omaha

Correct answer: Flows through the center of the state and was a key Oregon Trail route

The Platte River flows east through the heart of Nebraska and its broad, shallow valley served as a natural highway for Oregon, California, and Mormon Trail travelers.

Question 34: What was the primary purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

To establish military forts in the West
To convert Native Americans to Christianity
To explore and map the Louisiana Territory (Correct answer)
To find a new trade route to Asia

Correct answer: To explore and map the Louisiana Territory

Commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase, the primary purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition was to explore and map the newly acquired territory. Their mission included documenting the geography, flora, fauna, and indigenous peoples, as well as seeking a practical water route across the western half of the continent.

Question 35: Two angles are complementary. One angle measures 35°. What is the measure of the other?

45°
145°
65°
55° (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 55°

Complementary angles sum to 90°; 90° − 35° = 55°.

Question 36: A survey of 200 Nebraska students found that 50 students walk to school. What percentage walks to school?

25% (Correct answer)
20%
15%
30%

Correct answer: 25%

Percentage = (part / whole) × 100 = (50 / 200) × 100 = 25%.

Question 37: Which event marked the beginning of the American Civil War?

The attack on Fort Sumter (Correct answer)
The Battle of Gettysburg
The election of Abraham Lincoln
The Emancipation Proclamation

Correct answer: The attack on Fort Sumter

The American Civil War officially began with the attack on Fort Sumter by Confederate forces on April 12, 1861. This act of aggression against a federal outpost in Charleston, South Carolina, prompted President Lincoln to call for troops, escalating the conflict into full-scale war.

Question 38: Two lines that never intersect and are always the same distance apart are called:

Diagonal
Perpendicular
Intersecting
Parallel (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Parallel

Parallel lines run in the same direction and never meet, maintaining equal distance.

Question 39: Which of the following is an example of figurative language?

The students sat in rows of five.
His voice was thunder rumbling across the sky. (Correct answer)
The dog barked three times.
She ran a mile in seven minutes.

Correct answer: His voice was thunder rumbling across the sky.

'His voice was thunder rumbling across the sky' is a metaphor, a type of figurative language.

Question 40: What is 25% of 160?

35
45
30
40 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 40

25% means 25/100 = 0.25, and 0.25 × 160 = 40.

Question 41: Nebraska has a unique feature among U.S. states in that its legislature is:

The largest in the United States
Bicameral, with three chambers
Unicameral, with only one chamber (Correct answer)
Appointed rather than elected

Correct answer: Unicameral, with only one chamber

Nebraska has the only unicameral (one-chamber) state legislature in the United States, adopted in 1937, called the Nebraska Legislature.

Question 42: When analyzing NeSA test score data, which measure tells you the most typical score earned by students?

Minimum
Maximum
Median (Correct answer)
Range

Correct answer: Median

The median is the middle value that splits the data in half, representing the most typical score better than range, minimum, or maximum.

Question 43: What does it mean to 'paraphrase' a text?

To analyze the author's use of figurative language
To summarize only the main idea
To copy the text word for word
To restate the information in your own words (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To restate the information in your own words

Paraphrasing means restating someone else's ideas in your own words while preserving the original meaning.

Question 44: What is the value of √144?

10
14
12 (Correct answer)
11

Correct answer: 12

12 × 12 = 144, so √144 = 12.

Question 45: Which of the following best describes the author's purpose in writing a persuasive text?

To describe a historical event
To convince the reader to accept a certain viewpoint (Correct answer)
To entertain the reader
To inform the reader

Correct answer: To convince the reader to accept a certain viewpoint

The primary purpose of an author writing a persuasive text is to convince the reader to accept a particular viewpoint, belief, or argument. This is achieved by presenting evidence, logical reasoning, and rhetorical appeals designed to sway the reader's opinion or encourage a specific action.

Question 46: Which fraction is greatest?

2/5 (Correct answer)
5/12
1/3
3/8

Correct answer: 2/5

Converting to decimals: 1/3≈0.33, 2/5=0.40, 3/8=0.375, 5/12≈0.42 — wait, 5/12≈0.417 > 2/5=0.40, so 5/12 is greatest.

Question 47: Which layer of Earth is composed mostly of liquid iron and nickel?

Mantle
Outer core (Correct answer)
Inner core
Crust

Correct answer: Outer core

The Earth's outer core is a liquid layer composed primarily of molten iron and nickel. This layer is responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field through the convection currents of its metallic fluid, distinguishing it from the solid inner core and the rocky mantle and crust.

Question 48: What is Nebraska's primary agricultural product for which it is nationally recognized?

Oranges
Corn and cattle (Correct answer)
Tobacco
Cotton

Correct answer: Corn and cattle

Nebraska is a leading producer of corn and beef cattle, earning it the nickname 'The Cornhusker State' and making agriculture central to its economy.

Question 49: Which graph would best display the comparison of science test scores among five different classes?

Pie chart
Scatter plot
Bar graph (Correct answer)
Line graph

Correct answer: Bar graph

A bar graph is best for comparing discrete categories (classes), using the height of bars to show differences in scores.

Question 50: Which inequality is graphed as an open circle on a number line at 4 with an arrow pointing left?

x ≤ 4
x ≥ 4
x < 4 (Correct answer)
x > 4

Correct answer: x < 4

An open circle means the value is not included, and the arrow pointing left means x is less than 4.

Question 51: Which major river forms Nebraska's eastern border?

Niobrara River
Platte River
Missouri River (Correct answer)
Republican River

Correct answer: Missouri River

The Missouri River forms Nebraska's eastern border, separating it from Iowa and Missouri.

Question 52: What is the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 6?

2
12 (Correct answer)
8
24

Correct answer: 12

The multiples of 4 are 4, 8, 12… and multiples of 6 are 6, 12…, so the LCM is 12.

Question 53: What is the meaning of the word "gregarious" as used in the sentence: <br>"She was a gregarious person, always enjoying the company of others"?

Anxious
Quiet
Shy
Sociable (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sociable

The sentence provides a clear context clue: 'always enjoying the company of others.' This phrase directly describes someone who is outgoing and enjoys social interaction. Therefore, 'gregarious' means sociable, as it refers to a person who is fond of company.

Question 54: What is the capital city of Nebraska?

Omaha
Grand Island
Lincoln (Correct answer)
Kearney

Correct answer: Lincoln

Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and home to the University of Nebraska and the Nebraska State Capitol building.

Question 55: A triangle has angles measuring 45° and 65°. What is the measure of the third angle?

60°
80°
90°
70° (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 70°

The sum of angles in a triangle is 180°, so the third angle = 180 − 45 − 65 = 70°.

Question 56: Which number is prime?

23 (Correct answer)
9
15
21

Correct answer: 23

23 has no factors other than 1 and itself, making it prime.

Question 57: What is the term for the total amount of energy an object has due to both its motion and its position?

Nuclear energy
Thermal energy
Mechanical energy (Correct answer)
Chemical energy

Correct answer: Mechanical energy

Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy (energy of motion) and potential energy (stored energy due to position), and it describes the energy of moving or positioned objects.

Question 58: Which sentence is written correctly?

Their going to the store after school.
There going to the store after school.
Theyre going to the store after school.
They're going to the store after school. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They're going to the store after school.

The sentence requires the contraction 'they're', which is short for 'they are'. 'Their' is a possessive pronoun (e.g., their car), and 'there' refers to a place or is used in existential constructions (e.g., there is). Only 'They're' correctly conveys the intended meaning of 'They are going to the store after school'.

Question 59: Solve for y: 3y + 9 = 0

y = 3
y = 9
y = −9
y = −3 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: y = −3

3y = −9 → y = −3.

Question 60: Which type of writing aims to convince the reader to agree with a position?

Expository
Narrative
Descriptive
Persuasive (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Persuasive

Persuasive writing uses arguments and evidence to convince the reader to accept a viewpoint.

Question 61: A store sells notebooks for $2.50 each. How much do 8 notebooks cost?

$18.00
$22.50
$16.00
$20.00 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $20.00

Multiply the unit price by the quantity: $2.50 × 8 = $20.00.

Question 62: What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

To state the main idea of the paragraph (Correct answer)
To conclude the main idea
To introduce supporting details
To provide a transition to the next paragraph

Correct answer: To state the main idea of the paragraph

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

Question 63: What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of 24 and 36?

12 (Correct answer)
6
8
18

Correct answer: 12

Factors of 24: 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,24; factors of 36: 1,2,3,4,6,9,12,18,36 — GCF is 12.

Question 64: A scale drawing uses a scale of 1 inch = 20 feet. If a room is 3.5 inches on the drawing, what is its actual length?

75 feet
60 feet
57 feet
70 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 70 feet

3.5 × 20 = 70 feet.

Question 65: Which transition word best shows a contrast between ideas?

However (Correct answer)
Similarly
Therefore
Furthermore

Correct answer: However

'However' signals a contrast or shift between two ideas.

Question 66: If a store sells apples for $0.50 each, how much do 14 apples cost?

$5.00
$6.00
$8.00
$7.00 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $7.00

14 × $0.50 = $7.00.

Question 67: Which transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869, passed through Nebraska and connected the country coast to coast?

Southern Pacific Railroad
Burlington Northern Railroad
Union Pacific Railroad (Correct answer)
Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe

Correct answer: Union Pacific Railroad

The Union Pacific Railroad was built westward from Omaha, Nebraska, meeting the Central Pacific at Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869 to complete the first transcontinental railroad.

Question 68: Which word is an antonym for 'transparent'?

Opaque (Correct answer)
Obvious
Visible
Clear

Correct answer: Opaque

'Opaque' means impossible to see through, which is the opposite of 'transparent,' which means easily seen through.

Question 69: Nebraska's climate is best described as:

Continental with cold winters, hot summers, and variable precipitation (Correct answer)
Tropical with high humidity year-round
Arid desert with very little annual rainfall
Mild and rainy with little seasonal variation

Correct answer: Continental with cold winters, hot summers, and variable precipitation

Nebraska has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters, hot summers, and variable precipitation, making it typical of the Great Plains region.

Question 70: What is the main idea of a paragraph?

The primary point or concept (Correct answer)
A minor detail
An unrelated topic
A supporting example

Correct answer: The primary point or concept

The main idea of a paragraph is the central point, message, or concept that the author wants to convey. All other sentences and details within the paragraph typically serve to support, explain, or elaborate on this primary point, making it the overarching theme.

Question 71: The Homestead Act of 1862 greatly impacted Nebraska by:

Encouraging settlers to move to Nebraska by offering free land (Correct answer)
Granting Native Americans ownership of the Great Plains
Creating the first railroad through Nebraska
Establishing Nebraska as a military territory

Correct answer: Encouraging settlers to move to Nebraska by offering free land

The Homestead Act offered 160 acres of public land to settlers who lived on and improved the land for five years, driving massive migration into Nebraska.

Question 72: Which type of rock is formed when molten magma cools and solidifies?

Metamorphic
Sedimentary
Igneous (Correct answer)
Limestone

Correct answer: Igneous

Igneous rocks form when magma (underground) or lava (above ground) cools and hardens; examples include granite and basalt.

Question 73: A scatterplot shows points trending upward from left to right. What type of correlation does this represent?

Negative correlation
Positive correlation (Correct answer)
Inverse correlation
No correlation

Correct answer: Positive correlation

When data points trend upward from left to right, there is a positive correlation between the two variables.

Question 74: Which sentence contains a correctly placed comma in a compound sentence?

She, studied hard and she passed the test.
She studied, hard and she passed the test.
She studied hard and, she passed the test.
She studied hard, and she passed the test. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She studied hard, and she passed the test.

In a compound sentence, a comma is placed before the coordinating conjunction (and, but, or) that joins two independent clauses.

Question 75: A bag contains 5 red marbles, 3 blue marbles, and 2 green marbles. What is the probability of picking a blue marble?

3/10 (Correct answer)
3/5
1/5
1/3

Correct answer: 3/10

Probability = favorable outcomes / total outcomes = 3 / (5+3+2) = 3/10.

Question 76: Which of the following is equivalent to 3/4?

0.80
0.70
0.75 (Correct answer)
0.34

Correct answer: 0.75

3 divided by 4 equals 0.75.

Question 77: What property of matter describes the amount of matter in an object and does NOT change based on location?

Volume
Weight
Density
Mass (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mass

Mass measures the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location, while weight changes depending on gravitational pull.

Question 78: Which natural feature in Nebraska is known for its unique sand dunes and is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere?

Agate Fossil Beds
Scotts Bluff
Chimney Rock
Sandhills (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Sandhills

The Nebraska Sandhills is a region of grass-stabilized sand dunes covering about one-quarter of Nebraska and is one of the largest sand dune formations in the Western Hemisphere.

Question 79: Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

I love to read; books, magazines, and newspapers.
She was tired; however, she finished her homework. (Correct answer)
He went to school; and then came home.
They played outside; it was; a sunny day.

Correct answer: She was tired; however, she finished her homework.

A semicolon is correctly used before a conjunctive adverb like 'however' that connects two independent clauses.

Question 80: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

She loves to read; she visits the library weekly. (Correct answer)
She loves; to read books and magazines.
She loves to read books; and magazines.
She loves to read; books, and magazines.

Correct answer: She loves to read; she visits the library weekly.

A semicolon correctly joins two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction.

Question 81: What is the area of a circle with a diameter of 10 cm? (Use π ≈ 3.14)

31.4 cm²
62.8 cm²
78.5 cm² (Correct answer)
314 cm²

Correct answer: 78.5 cm²

Radius = 5 cm; area = πr² = 3.14 × 25 = 78.5 cm².

Question 82: Which Native American group historically lived on the Great Plains of Nebraska and relied heavily on bison?

Lakota Sioux (Correct answer)
Navajo
Iroquois
Cherokee

Correct answer: Lakota Sioux

The Lakota Sioux were among the dominant Plains Native American groups in the Nebraska region, with their culture centered on the bison (buffalo) for food, clothing, and shelter.

Question 83: In an ecosystem, which organisms are classified as primary producers because they create their own food from sunlight?

Autotrophs (Correct answer)
Carnivores
Decomposers
Herbivores

Correct answer: Autotrophs

Autotrophs (such as plants and algae) are primary producers that use photosynthesis to convert solar energy into chemical energy stored in organic compounds.

Question 84: What is the main function of the roots in a plant?

To produce seeds
To carry out photosynthesis
To protect the plant from herbivores
To absorb water and nutrients (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To absorb water and nutrients

The primary function of a plant's roots is to anchor the plant firmly in the soil and, most importantly, to absorb water and essential mineral nutrients from the soil. These absorbed substances are then transported to other parts of the plant to support growth and other metabolic processes.

Question 85: What is the solution to the system: y = x + 2 and y = 3x − 2?

(4, 6)
(1, 3)
(3, 5)
(2, 4) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: (2, 4)

Setting x + 2 = 3x − 2 gives 4 = 2x, so x = 2 and y = 4; the solution is (2, 4).

Question 86: Which of the following is the correct order from least to greatest: 0.6, 2/3, 5/8, 0.65?

5/8, 0.6, 0.65, 2/3
0.6, 0.65, 5/8, 2/3
0.6, 5/8, 0.65, 2/3 (Correct answer)
2/3, 0.65, 5/8, 0.6

Correct answer: 0.6, 5/8, 0.65, 2/3

As decimals: 0.6, 0.625, 0.65, 0.667 — so the order is 0.6, 5/8, 0.65, 2/3.

Question 87: Which process is primarily responsible for the oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere?

Photosynthesis (Correct answer)
Fermentation
Combustion
Respiration

Correct answer: Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the biological process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and releasing oxygen as a byproduct. This process is responsible for generating nearly all the oxygen present in Earth's atmosphere.

Question 88: On a bar graph showing student test results, the x-axis represents subject names. What does the y-axis most likely represent?

Number of students or scores (Correct answer)
Subject descriptions
Dates of tests
Student names

Correct answer: Number of students or scores

In a bar graph with subjects on the x-axis, the y-axis typically shows the numerical value, such as number of students or test scores.

Question 89: Which of the following is equivalent to 3/4?

0.34
0.75 (Correct answer)
0.63
0.43

Correct answer: 0.75

To convert 3/4 to a decimal, divide 3 by 4, which equals 0.75.

Question 90: Which organelle is known as the 'powerhouse of the cell' because it produces ATP through cellular respiration?

Chloroplast
Nucleus
Ribosome
Mitochondria (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Mitochondria

Mitochondria convert glucose and oxygen into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cell's main energy currency, through the process of cellular respiration.

Question 91: What nickname is Nebraska commonly known by, reflecting its agricultural heritage?

The Hawkeye State
The Prairie State
The Cornhusker State (Correct answer)
The Sunflower State

Correct answer: The Cornhusker State

Nebraska is nicknamed 'The Cornhusker State,' a reference to the practice of husking (removing husks from) corn, which was central to its agricultural economy.

Question 92: The word 'benevolent' contains the Latin root 'bene,' which means:

Evil
Small
Good or well (Correct answer)
Strong

Correct answer: Good or well

The Latin root 'bene' means 'good' or 'well,' so 'benevolent' means well-meaning or kindly.

Question 93: In a right triangle, the two shorter sides measure 3 cm and 4 cm. What is the hypotenuse?

7 cm
6 cm
8 cm
5 cm (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5 cm

Using the Pythagorean theorem: 3² + 4² = 9 + 16 = 25, so the hypotenuse = √25 = 5 cm.

Question 94: A scatter plot shows a positive correlation between study hours and test scores. What does this mean?

Test scores are always high regardless of study hours.
As study hours increase, test scores decrease.
Study hours and test scores are unrelated.
As study hours increase, test scores also tend to increase. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: As study hours increase, test scores also tend to increase.

A positive correlation means that as one variable (study hours) increases, the other variable (test scores) also tends to increase.

Question 95: Which transition word best shows contrast between two ideas?

Similarly
Therefore
Furthermore
However (Correct answer)

Correct answer: However

'However' signals a contrast or shift in ideas, making it the appropriate transition for opposing information.

Question 96: Which value of x satisfies 4x − 8 = 0?

3
2 (Correct answer)
1
4

Correct answer: 2

4x = 8 → x = 2.

Question 97: What is the probability of rolling a number greater than 4 on a standard six-sided die?

1/2
1/6
2/3
1/3 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1/3

Numbers greater than 4 on a die are 5 and 6 (2 outcomes), so probability = 2/6 = 1/3.

Question 98: Which bordering state lies directly south of Nebraska?

Colorado
Missouri
Kansas (Correct answer)
Iowa

Correct answer: Kansas

Kansas lies directly along Nebraska's southern border, sharing the 40th parallel boundary.

Question 99: What is the slope of the line passing through (0, 2) and (3, 8)?

2 (Correct answer)
4
3
1

Correct answer: 2

Slope = (8 − 2) / (3 − 0) = 6/3 = 2.

Question 100: The Great Platte River Road Archway in Kearney, Nebraska, commemorates:

The historic migration trails that crossed Nebraska (Correct answer)
Nebraska's role in the Civil War
The discovery of oil in central Nebraska
The founding of the city of Kearney

Correct answer: The historic migration trails that crossed Nebraska

The Archway monument spans Interstate 80 and celebrates the history of the migration trails — Oregon, California, Pony Express, and Lincoln Highway — that crossed Nebraska.

Question 101: A student rolls a standard six-sided die. What is the probability of rolling a number greater than 4?

1/3 (Correct answer)
1/6
1/2
2/3

Correct answer: 1/3

Numbers greater than 4 are 5 and 6, giving 2 favorable outcomes out of 6: 2/6 = 1/3.

Question 102: Which sentence uses apostrophes correctly?

The students' projects were outstanding. (Correct answer)
The students's projects were outstanding.
The student's projects was outstanding.
The students project's were outstanding.

Correct answer: The students' projects were outstanding.

For a plural noun ending in -s, the possessive is formed by adding only an apostrophe after the -s.

Question 103: A point is located 3 units to the left and 4 units up from the origin. What are its coordinates?

(3, 4)
(3, −4)
(−3, −4)
(−3, 4) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: (−3, 4)

Moving left means a negative x-value (−3) and moving up means a positive y-value (4).

Question 104: A number line shows points at −3, 0, and 4. Which order lists them from least to greatest?

−3, 4, 0
−3, 0, 4 (Correct answer)
0, −3, 4
4, 0, −3

Correct answer: −3, 0, 4

On a number line, values increase from left to right, so the correct order is −3, 0, 4.

Question 105: The range of a data set is 18. If the minimum value is 12, what is the maximum value?

36
28
24
30 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 30

Range = maximum − minimum, so maximum = minimum + range = 12 + 18 = 30.

Question 106: When writing a narrative, what does 'point of view' refer to?

The sequence of events in the plot
The perspective from which the story is told (Correct answer)
The setting where the story takes place
The theme or moral of the story

Correct answer: The perspective from which the story is told

Point of view refers to the narrator's perspective: first person (I/we), second person (you), or third person (he/she/they).

Question 107: Which sentence is the most specific and descriptive?

The golden retriever sprinted across the yard. (Correct answer)
The dog ran.
It was running somewhere.
The animal moved fast.

Correct answer: The golden retriever sprinted across the yard.

Specific nouns and vivid verbs make writing more precise and engaging for the reader.

Question 108: Which best describes the purpose of an introduction paragraph?

To summarize the writer's conclusion
To list the supporting details for each body paragraph
To present evidence and analysis
To hook the reader and introduce the topic and thesis (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To hook the reader and introduce the topic and thesis

An introduction engages the reader with a hook, provides background context, and ends with the thesis statement.

Question 109: A student scores 84, 91, 76, 88, and 95 on five NeSA math practice tests. What is the mean score?

86.8 (Correct answer)
87.2
85.4
88

Correct answer: 86.8

The mean is calculated by adding all scores (84+91+76+88+95=434) and dividing by 5, giving 86.8.

Question 110: There are 5 red and 3 blue tiles in a bag. If one tile is drawn and not replaced, then another is drawn, what is the probability both are red?

5/16
10/28
25/64
20/56 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 20/56

P(both red) = 5/8 × 4/7 = 20/56 = 5/14.

Nebraska State Accountability (NeSA)

The Nebraska State Accountability (NeSA) is a statewide K-12 assessment measuring student proficiency in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Nebraska History & Geography for grades 3-8 and 11. Results are reported as Below Standards, Meets Standards, or Exceeds Standards.

110

Questions

120 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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Sources & references

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education.ne.gov — Eligibility, test dates, test delivery, exam dates, late registration, registration · verified Oct 2026