PSSA English 3

Question 1

When an author writes from a first-person point of view, which pronoun is most commonly used?

Accepted Answer

I

Answer

First-person point of view uses 'I' (and 'we') because the narrator tells the story from their own perspective.

Question 2

A student reads two articles about climate change, one by a scientist and one by an oil company spokesperson. What should the student consider about the sources?

Accepted Answer

The scientist's article is likely more objective while the company spokesperson may have a bias.

Answer

Evaluating author bias and purpose is essential; a scientist's peer-reviewed work is generally more objective than a company representative who has financial interests.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

Accepted Answer

To state the main argument or claim the essay will support

Answer

A thesis statement presents the central claim or argument that the rest of the essay will develop and support.

Question 4

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Accepted Answer

The dog chased the cat that was barking loudly.

Answer

In 'the dog chased the cat that was barking loudly,' the modifier 'barking loudly' incorrectly seems to describe the cat rather than the dog.

Question 5

In the context of reading informational texts, what does 'text features' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Elements like headings, captions, graphs, and sidebars that help organize information

Answer

Text features are visual and organizational elements—headings, bold words, charts—that help readers navigate and understand informational texts.

PSSA - Pennsylvania System of School Assessment Practice Test

PSSA - Pennsylvania System of School Assessment Practice Test

PSSA English 3