PSSA English 5

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes the 'central idea' of an informational text?

Accepted Answer

The most important point the author wants to communicate throughout the entire text

Answer

The central idea is the overarching point that the entire informational text develops and supports, similar to a main theme.

Question 2

A student reads a passage and notices the author uses sarcasm. What should the student conclude about the author's tone?

Accepted Answer

The author is expressing a mocking or ironic attitude.

Answer

Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony used to mock or express contempt, signaling an ironic or critical tone.

Question 3

Which sentence correctly uses a comma after an introductory element?

Accepted Answer

After the game, we ate pizza.

Answer

A comma is required after an introductory phrase or clause before the main clause begins.

Question 4

What does it mean to 'summarize' a text?

Accepted Answer

To restate only the main ideas and key details in your own words

Answer

Summarizing means briefly restating the main ideas and essential details without copying the original wording or adding personal opinions.

Question 5

A student writes: 'The firefighters battled the blaze bravely.' This sentence is an example of which sound device?

Accepted Answer

Alliteration

Answer

Alliteration is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of nearby words, as in 'battled the blaze bravely' (b-b-b).

PSSA - Pennsylvania System of School Assessment Practice Test