PARCC Grade 9 ELA 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In an argumentative essay, which element most strengthens a writer's claim?
- Relevant evidence and reasoning (Correct answer)
- Frequent use of exclamation points
- A longer word count
- Repeating the claim many times
Correct answer: Relevant evidence and reasoning
Strong arguments rely on relevant evidence supported by logical reasoning.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a counterclaim in an argument?
- To address opposing viewpoints (Correct answer)
- To restate the introduction
- To list the author's sources
- To summarize the plot
Correct answer: To address opposing viewpoints
A counterclaim acknowledges opposing views, which the writer then refutes.
Question 3: Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
- The storm passed; the streets stayed flooded. (Correct answer)
- The storm passed; and the streets stayed flooded.
- The storm passed, the streets stayed flooded.
- The storm; passed and flooded streets.
Correct answer: The storm passed; the streets stayed flooded.
A semicolon joins two independent clauses without a conjunction.
Question 4: What does the word 'inevitable' most nearly mean?
- Certain to happen (Correct answer)
- Easily avoided
- Rarely seen
- Difficult to understand
Correct answer: Certain to happen
'Inevitable' means something is unavoidable or certain to occur.
Question 5: In a literary analysis, a theme is best described as the text's:
- Central message or insight (Correct answer)
- Sequence of events
- Setting and time period
- List of characters
Correct answer: Central message or insight
Theme is the underlying message or insight a work conveys.
Question 6: Which transition word best signals a contrast?
- However (Correct answer)
- Furthermore
- Therefore
- Similarly
Correct answer: However
'However' signals a contrast between ideas.
Question 7: When citing textual evidence, a writer should:
- Quote or paraphrase and explain its relevance (Correct answer)
- Copy the entire passage without comment
- Use only personal opinion
- Avoid referencing the text
Correct answer: Quote or paraphrase and explain its relevance
Effective evidence is quoted or paraphrased and then explained.
PARCC Grade 9 ELA 2
In an argumentative essay, which element most strengthens a writer's claim?