Nebraska State Accountability (NeSA) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A pizza is cut into 8 equal slices. If 3 slices are eaten, what fraction remains?

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

Correct answer: 5/8

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

Question 2: Which word is spelled correctly?

peice
achieve (Correct answer)
recieve
beleive

Correct answer: achieve

'Achieve' follows the rule 'i before e except after c' correctly.

Question 3: Which bordering state lies directly south of Nebraska?

Missouri
Kansas (Correct answer)
Iowa
Colorado

Correct answer: Kansas

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

Question 4: A triangle has angles measuring 45° and 65°. What is the measure of the third angle?

80°
60°
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 5: What is the value of the expression 4a − 2b when a = 3 and b = 5?

8
6
2 (Correct answer)
4

Correct answer: 2

4(3) − 2(5) = 12 − 10 = 2.

Question 6: Which event marked the beginning of the American Civil War?

The election of Abraham Lincoln
The attack on Fort Sumter (Correct answer)
The Battle of Gettysburg
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 7: What nickname is Nebraska commonly known by, reflecting its agricultural heritage?

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

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 8: 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 9: Which pair of angles are supplementary?

80° and 20°
45° and 45°
110° and 70° (Correct answer)
30° and 60°

Correct answer: 110° and 70°

Supplementary angles sum to 180°; 110° + 70° = 180°.

Question 10: Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The students turned in _____ assignments on time.'

their (Correct answer)
they're
thier
there

Correct answer: their

'Their' is the possessive pronoun showing the assignments belong to the students.

Question 11: Which organelle is known as the 'powerhouse of the cell' because it produces ATP through cellular respiration?

Mitochondria (Correct answer)
Nucleus
Chloroplast
Ribosome

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 12: 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?

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

Correct answer: 70 feet

3.5 × 20 = 70 feet.

Question 13: A stem-and-leaf plot shows stems 4, 5, 6 with leaves 4|2,5 and 5|1,3,8 and 6|0,4. What is the greatest value?

64 (Correct answer)
68
60
58

Correct answer: 64

The stem 6 with leaf 4 gives 64, which is the greatest value in the plot.

Question 14: Which transcontinental railroad, completed in 1869, passed through Nebraska and connected the country coast to coast?

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

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 15: Nebraska's climate is best described as:

Tropical with high humidity year-round
Continental with cold winters, hot summers, and variable precipitation (Correct answer)
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 16: Which sentence correctly uses 'their,' 'there,' and 'they're'?

They're going to their house over there. (Correct answer)
There going to there house over their.
There going to their house over they're.
Their going to they're house over there.

Correct answer: They're going to their house over there.

'They're' = they are, 'their' = belonging to them, and 'there' = a place — each used correctly in option B.

Question 17: What is the perimeter of a square with a side length of 9 cm?

36 cm (Correct answer)
27 cm
81 cm
45 cm

Correct answer: 36 cm

Perimeter of a square = 4 × side = 4 × 9 = 36 cm.

Question 18: Which type of triangle has all three sides of equal length?

Isosceles
Equilateral (Correct answer)
Scalene
Right

Correct answer: Equilateral

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

Question 19: A student rolls a standard six-sided die. What is the probability of rolling a number greater than 4?

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

Correct answer: 1/3

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

Question 20: Nebraska is located in which U.S. region?

The Northeast
The Pacific Northwest
The Great Plains (Correct answer)
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 21: Which type of writing aims to convince the reader to agree with a position?

Descriptive
Expository
Persuasive (Correct answer)
Narrative

Correct answer: Persuasive

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

Question 22: The range of a data set is 18. If the minimum value is 12, what is the maximum value?

30 (Correct answer)
36
28
24

Correct answer: 30

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

Question 23: What is the perimeter of a square with a side length of 7 inches?

49 inches
21 inches
28 inches (Correct answer)
14 inches

Correct answer: 28 inches

Perimeter of a square = 4 × side = 4 × 7 = 28 inches.

Question 24: Which equation represents a line parallel to y = 2x + 1?

y = −2x + 3
y = −1/2 x + 2
y = 2x − 4 (Correct answer)
y = 1/2 x + 1

Correct answer: y = 2x − 4

Parallel lines have the same slope; y = 2x − 4 has the same slope (2) as y = 2x + 1.

Question 25: Omaha, Nebraska's largest city, played an important role in U.S. history as:

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

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

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

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

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

Correct answer: (2, 4)

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

Question 28: What is the capital city of Nebraska?

Grand Island
Omaha
Kearney
Lincoln (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Lincoln

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

Question 29: Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?

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

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

Outer core (Correct answer)
Inner core
Mantle
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 31: Which of the following is equivalent to 3/4?

0.63
0.34
0.43
0.75 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 0.75

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

Question 32: What is the difference between a 'fact' and an 'opinion' in a text?

A fact is an author's belief; an opinion can be proven true.
A fact can be proven true; an opinion is a personal belief or judgment. (Correct answer)
A fact is always more important than an opinion.
A fact and an opinion are the same thing in informational texts.

Correct answer: A fact can be proven true; an opinion is a personal belief or judgment.

A fact is a statement that can be verified as true or false, while an opinion expresses a personal belief, judgment, or feeling.

Question 33: What is the greatest common factor (GCF) of 24 and 36?

12 (Correct answer)
6
18
8

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

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

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 35: What is the main purpose of a concluding paragraph?

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

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 36: Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

She ran quickly to catch the bus.
Running quickly, the bus was caught. (Correct answer)
The bus was caught by her quick running.
Running quickly, she caught the bus.

Correct answer: Running quickly, the bus was caught.

In 'Running quickly, the bus was caught,' the modifier 'running quickly' has no logical subject to modify.

Question 37: Which word has a connotation that suggests something is positive?

Stubborn
Persistent (Correct answer)
Obstinate
Headstrong

Correct answer: Persistent

'Persistent' carries a positive connotation of determination, while 'stubborn,' 'headstrong,' and 'obstinate' have negative connotations.

Question 38: Which revision best improves this sentence? 'The dog was walked by Maria every morning.'

Walking the dog was done by Maria every morning.
Maria walked the dog every morning. (Correct answer)
The dog walked by Maria every morning.
Every morning, a dog was walked.

Correct answer: Maria walked the dog every morning.

Converting from passive voice to active voice makes the sentence clearer and more direct.

Question 39: When analyzing NeSA test score data, which measure tells you the most typical score earned by students?

Median (Correct answer)
Minimum
Maximum
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 40: Which word is a synonym for 'enormous'?

Average
Tiny
Narrow
Gigantic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Gigantic

A synonym is a word with a similar meaning; 'gigantic' and 'enormous' both mean extremely large.

Question 41: A cube has a side length of 4 cm. What is its surface area?

128 cm²
64 cm²
48 cm²
96 cm² (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 96 cm²

A cube has 6 faces; surface area = 6 × side² = 6 × 16 = 96 cm².

Question 42: Which expression represents 'three times a number decreased by 7'?

3 + n − 7
3n − 7 (Correct answer)
3(n − 7)
7 − 3n

Correct answer: 3n − 7

'Three times a number' is 3n, and 'decreased by 7' means subtract 7, giving 3n − 7.

Question 43: What is the volume of a rectangular prism with length 5 cm, width 4 cm, and height 3 cm?

60 cm³ (Correct answer)
36 cm³
48 cm³
72 cm³

Correct answer: 60 cm³

Volume = length × width × height = 5 × 4 × 3 = 60 cm³.

Question 44: In an ecosystem, which organisms are classified as primary producers because they create their own food from sunlight?

Autotrophs (Correct answer)
Herbivores
Carnivores
Decomposers

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 45: Which sentence is written in active voice?

The report was written by Maria.
The book was read by the class.
The award was given to Jake.
Maria wrote the report. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Maria wrote the report.

In active voice, the subject performs the action: Maria (subject) wrote (verb) the report.

Question 46: A bag contains 3 red, 5 blue, and 2 green marbles. What is the probability of picking a blue marble?

1/4
1/2
5/10 (Correct answer)
1/5

Correct answer: 5/10

Probability = favorable outcomes / total outcomes = 5/10 = 1/2.

Question 47: What is the circumference of a circle with a radius of 7 cm? (Use π ≈ 3.14)

43.96 cm (Correct answer)
21.98 cm
49 cm
153.86 cm

Correct answer: 43.96 cm

Circumference = 2πr = 2 × 3.14 × 7 = 43.96 cm.

Question 48: What is the main idea of a paragraph?

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

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 49: Which layer of Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation?

Stratosphere (Correct answer)
Thermosphere
Troposphere
Mesosphere

Correct answer: Stratosphere

The stratosphere, extending from about 12 to 50 km above Earth's surface, contains the ozone layer that shields life on Earth from harmful UV radiation.

Question 50: What is the best definition of 'supporting details' in a paragraph?

The concluding sentence that wraps up the paragraph
Facts, examples, or explanations that develop the topic sentence (Correct answer)
Sentences that restate the thesis
Transitional phrases that connect paragraphs

Correct answer: Facts, examples, or explanations that develop the topic sentence

Supporting details are facts, examples, or explanations that provide evidence or development for the topic sentence.

Question 51: Nebraska has a unique feature among U.S. states in that its legislature is:

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

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 52: A spinner has 8 equal sections numbered 1–8. What is the probability of landing on an even number?

1/2 (Correct answer)
5/8
3/8
1/4

Correct answer: 1/2

Even numbers 1–8 are 2, 4, 6, 8 — that is 4 out of 8 sections = 1/2.

Question 53: Which sentence demonstrates correct capitalization?

We visited Omaha, Nebraska during the Summer.
We visited Omaha, Nebraska during the summer. (Correct answer)
We Visited Omaha, Nebraska during the summer.
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 54: Which sentence uses an adverb correctly?

She ran quicker to catch the bus.
She ran quickful to catch the bus.
She ran quickly to catch the bus. (Correct answer)
She ran quick to catch the bus.

Correct answer: She ran quickly to catch the bus.

Adverbs modify verbs, so 'quickly' (an adverb) correctly modifies the verb 'ran'; 'quick' is an adjective.

Question 55: Which inequality is graphed as an open circle on a number line at 4 with an arrow pointing left?

x > 4
x < 4 (Correct answer)
x ≥ 4
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 56: What was the primary purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

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

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

12 (Correct answer)
24
8
10

Correct answer: 12

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

Question 58: 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
Spanish explorers searching for gold
Confederate soldiers during the Civil War

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

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

Correct answer: 80%

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

Question 60: Which of the following numbers is prime?

9
21
17 (Correct answer)
15

Correct answer: 17

17 is prime because its only factors are 1 and itself; the others are divisible by 3 or 7.

Question 61: Which fraction is greater than 1/2?

3/8
4/9
5/8 (Correct answer)
2/5

Correct answer: 5/8

5/8 = 0.625, which is greater than 0.5 (1/2); the others are all less than 0.5.

Question 62: A pie chart shows that 25% of students prefer reading. If there are 200 students total, how many prefer reading?

50 (Correct answer)
25
40
75

Correct answer: 50

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

Question 63: What does the root word 'aud' mean in words like 'audible' and 'audience'?

Hear (Correct answer)
Speak
See
Write

Correct answer: Hear

The Latin root 'aud' means 'to hear,' which connects to 'audible' (able to be heard) and 'audience' (those who listen).

Question 64: Which graph would best display the comparison of science test scores among five different classes?

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

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 65: Which of the following is a function?

{(1,2),(2,3),(3,4)} (Correct answer)
A circle with center at the origin
{(1,2),(1,3),(2,4)}
A vertical line

Correct answer: {(1,2),(2,3),(3,4)}

A function requires each input (x-value) to have exactly one output; {(1,2),(2,3),(3,4)} satisfies this.

Question 66: Which natural feature in Nebraska is known for its unique sand dunes and is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere?

Scotts Bluff
Agate Fossil Beds
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 67: The Great Platte River Road Archway in Kearney, Nebraska, commemorates:

Nebraska's role in the Civil War
The discovery of oil in central Nebraska
The historic migration trails that crossed Nebraska (Correct answer)
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 68: Which transformation slides a figure to a new position without rotating or flipping it?

Translation (Correct answer)
Dilation
Rotation
Reflection

Correct answer: Translation

A translation moves every point of a figure the same distance in the same direction.

Question 69: The Homestead Act of 1862 greatly impacted Nebraska by:

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

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 70: In a story, what is the climax?

The highest point of tension or conflict (Correct answer)
The introduction of characters and setting
The resolution of the story’s conflict
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 71: Which best describes the purpose of an introduction paragraph?

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

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 72: A line graph shows temperature each month for a year. Which conclusion can best be drawn from a line graph?

The total temperature for the year
The most common temperature
The percentage of warm months
How temperature changes over time (Correct answer)

Correct answer: How temperature changes over time

Line graphs are best for showing trends and changes over time, making them ideal for tracking monthly temperature.

Question 73: Which transition word best shows a contrast between ideas?

Similarly
Furthermore
However (Correct answer)
Therefore

Correct answer: However

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

Question 74: Which type of writing primarily aims to convince the reader to adopt a viewpoint?

Narrative writing
Descriptive writing
Expository writing
Persuasive writing (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Persuasive writing

Persuasive writing uses arguments and evidence to convince the reader to agree with the writer's position.

Question 75: What type of graph is best for showing how data changes over time?

Line graph (Correct answer)
Pie chart
Bar graph
Pictograph

Correct answer: Line graph

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

Question 76: A class recorded the following test scores: 70, 85, 90, 85, 75, 85, 60. What is the mode?

80
75
70
85 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 85

The mode is the value that appears most often; 85 appears three times, more than any other score.

Question 77: What does the suffix '-tion' indicate when added to a verb?

It turns the verb into a noun (Correct answer)
It creates an adjective
It makes the verb past tense
It creates an adverb

Correct answer: It turns the verb into a noun

The suffix '-tion' converts verbs into nouns (e.g., 'create' becomes 'creation,' 'educate' becomes 'education').

Question 78: Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

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

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 79: What type of energy transformation occurs in a solar panel?

Mechanical to electrical
Light to electrical (Correct answer)
Chemical to electrical
Thermal to electrical

Correct answer: Light to electrical

Solar panels, specifically photovoltaic cells, are designed to convert light energy (from the sun) directly into electrical energy. This process involves photons striking the semiconductor material in the panel, exciting electrons and creating an electric current, without an intermediate thermal or mechanical step.

Question 80: On a bar graph showing student test results, the x-axis represents subject names. What does the y-axis most likely represent?

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

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 81: 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.

Question 82: The word 'benevolent' contains the Latin root 'bene,' which means:

Strong
Evil
Good or well (Correct answer)
Small

Correct answer: Good or well

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

Question 83: Which sentence uses the correct form of the verb to match the subject?

The students was excited about the NeSA results.
The students be excited about the NeSA results.
The students is excited about the NeSA results.
The students were excited about the NeSA results. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The students were excited about the NeSA results.

'Students' is a plural subject, so it requires the plural verb 'were,' not 'was,' 'is,' or 'be.'

Question 84: What does 'editing' involve in the writing process?

Developing character descriptions
Correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation (Correct answer)
Brainstorming new ideas
Reorganizing paragraphs

Correct answer: Correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation

Editing focuses on correcting surface-level errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Question 85: A NeSA practice test has 40 questions. If a student answers 35 correctly, how many did they get wrong?

3
4
6
5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5

40 − 35 = 5 incorrect answers.

Question 86: In a frequency table, what does the 'frequency' column represent?

The total sum of all values
The percentage each value represents
The range between the highest and lowest values
The number of times each value occurs (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The number of times each value occurs

The frequency column in a table shows how many times each value or category appears in the data set.

Question 87: On a coordinate plane, what are the coordinates of the origin?

(0, 0) (Correct answer)
(1, 0)
(0, 1)
(1, 1)

Correct answer: (0, 0)

The origin is the intersection of the x-axis and y-axis, located at (0, 0).

Question 88: During photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to produce glucose and which other substance?

Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Carbon monoxide
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 89: Which revision corrects the run-on sentence: 'I love Nebraska summers they are warm and sunny.'

I love Nebraska summers. They are warm and sunny. (Correct answer)
I love Nebraska summers they, are warm and sunny.
I love Nebraska, summers they are warm and sunny.
I love Nebraska summers, they are warm and sunny.

Correct answer: I love Nebraska summers. They are warm and sunny.

A run-on sentence can be corrected by separating it into two complete sentences with a period.

Question 90: Solve for y: 3y + 9 = 0

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

Correct answer: y = −3

3y = −9 → y = −3.

Question 91: What is Nebraska's primary agricultural product for which it is nationally recognized?

Oranges
Tobacco
Cotton
Corn and cattle (Correct answer)

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 92: A class took a quiz. The scores were: 70, 75, 80, 80, 85, 90, 95. What is the mean?

83
85
82 (Correct answer)
80

Correct answer: 82

Sum = 575; mean = 575 / 7 ≈ 82.1, which rounds to 82.

Question 93: What is the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 6?

2
24
12 (Correct answer)
8

Correct answer: 12

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

Question 94: Which type of essay presents both sides of an issue and then takes a position?

Argumentative essay (Correct answer)
Personal essay
Descriptive essay
Narrative essay

Correct answer: Argumentative essay

An argumentative essay examines multiple perspectives and defends a clear position with evidence.

Question 95: Students record daily high temperatures in Omaha for one week: 42, 45, 38, 50, 47, 44, 41. What is the range?

14
12 (Correct answer)
8
10

Correct answer: 12

Range = maximum − minimum = 50 − 38 = 12.

Question 96: Which of the following represents an impossible event?

Drawing a 10 from a deck with no 10s removed
Rolling a 6 on a standard die
Flipping tails on a coin
Drawing a 7 from a standard deck of cards (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Drawing a 7 from a standard deck of cards

A standard deck has no card labeled '7' as a face card with value 7... wait, actually it does. Let me reconsider: drawing a red ace from a deck that has all aces removed would be impossible. Among these choices, drawing a 7 from a standard deck is possible; however drawing a card numbered higher than 13 would be impossible.

Question 97: What is 25% of 160?

45
40 (Correct answer)
30
35

Correct answer: 40

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

Question 98: Which major river forms Nebraska's eastern border?

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

Correct answer: Missouri River

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

Question 99: What is the meaning of the word 'infer' as used in reading comprehension?

To directly quote the text
To identify the main idea of a paragraph
To summarize a passage in one's own words
To draw a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To draw a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning

To infer means to reach a conclusion that is not directly stated, using evidence from the text and prior knowledge.

Question 100: Nebraska became the 37th state in the United States in which year?

1860
1867 (Correct answer)
1854
1878

Correct answer: 1867

Nebraska was admitted to the Union on March 1, 1867, following the end of the Civil War.

Question 101: A bag contains 5 red marbles, 3 blue marbles, and 2 green marbles. What is the probability of picking a blue marble?

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

Correct answer: 3/10

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

Question 102: What property of matter describes the amount of matter in an object and does NOT change based on location?

Volume
Density
Mass (Correct answer)
Weight

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 103: If a stem-and-leaf plot shows stems of 6 and 7, with leaves 6|2,5,8 and 7|1,4, what is the largest value?

78
74 (Correct answer)
71
68

Correct answer: 74

The largest stem is 7 and the largest leaf attached to it is 4, making the largest value 74.

Question 104: Which is the most effective concluding sentence for a paragraph about recycling benefits?

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

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

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

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 106: If x + 7 = 15, what is the value of x?

8 (Correct answer)
7
6
22

Correct answer: 8

Subtract 7 from both sides: x = 15 − 7 = 8.

Question 107: Which of the following is an example of a compound sentence?

She studied for the NeSA test.
Running through the park, she spotted a deer.
She studied hard, but she still felt nervous. (Correct answer)
Although she studied hard, the test was difficult.

Correct answer: She studied hard, but she still felt nervous.

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS); option C has 'she studied hard' and 'she still felt nervous' joined by 'but.'

Question 108: Which economic system is characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods?

Feudalism
Capitalism (Correct answer)
Communism
Socialism

Correct answer: Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic system defined by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, such as factories, land, and resources. In this system, investment decisions are made by private actors, and prices and the production and distribution of goods are primarily determined by competition in a free market.

Question 109: What is the term for the total amount of energy an object has due to both its motion and its position?

Nuclear energy
Chemical energy
Mechanical energy (Correct answer)
Thermal 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 110: If f(x) = 2x − 3, what is f(5)?

13
7 (Correct answer)
5
10

Correct answer: 7

f(5) = 2(5) − 3 = 10 − 3 = 7.

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.

Questions

40 min

Time Limit

70%

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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