PARCC Grade 8 ELA 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When two texts present different accounts of the same event, a reader should analyze the difference in their what?
- Point of view and evidence emphasized (Correct answer)
- Page length only
- Font and formatting
- Publication price
Correct answer: Point of view and evidence emphasized
Comparing accounts means examining how perspective and selected evidence shape each version.
Question 2: Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?
- The storm passed; the sun finally appeared. (Correct answer)
- The storm passed, the sun; finally appeared.
- The storm; passed the sun finally appeared.
- The storm passed the sun; finally appeared.
Correct answer: The storm passed; the sun finally appeared.
A semicolon correctly joins two related independent clauses.
Question 3: What does the word 'benevolent' most nearly mean?
- Kind and generous (Correct answer)
- Angry and cruel
- Confused and lost
- Fast and loud
Correct answer: Kind and generous
'Benevolent' describes a kind, well-meaning attitude.
Question 4: In a well-organized informational text, what is the main job of a topic sentence?
- State the main idea of the paragraph (Correct answer)
- Provide the bibliography
- End the essay
- Introduce a quotation only
Correct answer: State the main idea of the paragraph
A topic sentence announces the paragraph's central idea.
Question 5: Which line is an example of figurative language using a metaphor?
- Her voice was music to the crowd. (Correct answer)
- Her voice was as loud as a siren.
- Her voice carried across the room.
- Her voice grew tired by midnight.
Correct answer: Her voice was music to the crowd.
Calling her voice 'music' directly compares two things without 'like' or 'as,' making it a metaphor.
Question 6: What is the best way to determine an author's tone?
- Analyzing word choice and details (Correct answer)
- Counting the paragraphs
- Reading only the title
- Looking at the page numbers
Correct answer: Analyzing word choice and details
Tone is revealed through the author's diction and the details emphasized.
Question 7: Which sentence is written in the active voice?
- The committee approved the new schedule. (Correct answer)
- The new schedule was approved by the committee.
- The new schedule had been approved.
- Approval of the schedule was given.
Correct answer: The committee approved the new schedule.
In active voice, the subject (committee) performs the action.
PARCC Grade 8 ELA 3
When two texts present different accounts of the same event, a reader should analyze the difference in their what?