Smarter Balanced Assessment Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the value of 3.45 + 12.7?

16.15 (Correct answer)
16.52
15.15
4.72

Correct answer: 16.15

Line up the decimal points: 3.45 + 12.70 = 16.15.

Question 2: A recipe uses 2 1/2 cups of flour. If you want to make 3 batches, how many cups of flour do you need?

7 cups
6 cups
5 cups
7 1/2 cups (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 7 1/2 cups

2 1/2 × 3 = 5/2 × 3 = 15/2 = 7 1/2 cups. Convert the mixed number to an improper fraction before multiplying.

Question 3: In an argumentative essay, which element most strengthens a writer's claim?

A longer word count
Relevant evidence with reasoning (Correct answer)
Repeating the claim often
Using rare vocabulary

Correct answer: Relevant evidence with reasoning

Strong arguments rely on relevant evidence connected to the claim through clear reasoning.

Question 4: What is 600 − 247?

343
353 (Correct answer)
363
453

Correct answer: 353

600 minus 247 equals 353.

Question 5: What does it mean when a story has a 'conflict'?

The story has a happy ending
The story is based on real events
There is a problem or struggle that the character must face (Correct answer)
The story has more than one main character

Correct answer: There is a problem or struggle that the character must face

Conflict is the central problem or struggle in a story. It can be between characters, between a character and nature, or within a character's own thoughts and feelings.

Question 6: Which number is a multiple of 6?

42 (Correct answer)
14
26
20

Correct answer: 42

42 = 6 × 7, so it is a multiple of 6.

Question 7: What fraction of the shape is shaded if 2 out of 6 equal parts are shaded?

1/3 (Correct answer)
2/3
4/6
2/8

Correct answer: 1/3

2 out of 6 equal parts are shaded, giving the fraction 2/6. Simplified, 2/6 = 1/3 because both 2 and 6 can be divided by 2.

Question 8: A scale drawing uses 1 inch = 12 feet. If a room is 3.5 inches on the drawing, what is its actual length?

3.5 feet
15.5 feet
36 feet
42 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 42 feet

Multiply the drawing measurement by the scale factor: 3.5 inches × 12 feet/inch = 42 feet.

Question 9: A student wants to find the meaning of a technical term used in an informational text about the human body. Which text feature would be MOST helpful?

The table of contents
The bibliography
The index
The glossary (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The glossary

A glossary defines key or technical terms used in a text. The table of contents shows chapter topics, the index lists where topics appear, and the bibliography lists sources — none of these define terms.

Question 10: Which text structure uses words like 'first,' 'next,' 'then,' and 'finally'?

Problem and Solution
Sequence/Chronological Order (Correct answer)
Compare and Contrast
Cause and Effect

Correct answer: Sequence/Chronological Order

Sequence or chronological order text structure presents events or steps in the order they happen, using signal words like 'first,' 'next,' 'then,' and 'finally.'

Question 11: What is 125 + 275?

410
400 (Correct answer)
300
390

Correct answer: 400

125 plus 275 equals 400.

Question 12: A unit of liquid measure in the English System of Measure is the gill. The table, shown here, gives conversions from gills to fluid ounces.<br><br>Which equation best describes the relationship between gills, g, and fluid ounces, f?

f=2g+4
f=4g (Correct answer)
f=8g-8
4f=g

Correct answer: f=4g

To find the equation describing the relationship between gills (g) and fluid ounces (f) from the table (not provided, but implied), look for a consistent pattern. If for every 1 gill there are 4 fluid ounces (e.g., 1g=4f, 2g=8f), then the number of fluid ounces is always 4 times the number of gills, represented by the equation f = 4g.

Question 13: Ellen measured ∠R in the parallelogram shown here and found it to be 35°. She knows that ∠R and ∠T have equal measures. She also knows ∠S and ∠V are equal in measure.<br><br>What is the measure of ∠V?

145° (Correct answer)
70°
215°
35°

Correct answer: 145°

In a parallelogram, consecutive angles are supplementary, meaning they add up to 180°. If ∠R is 35°, then the adjacent angle ∠V must be 180° - 35° = 145°. Also, opposite angles in a parallelogram are equal, so ∠S would also be 145°.

Question 14: A pattern starts at 3 and adds 5 each time. What is the fourth number?

18 (Correct answer)
20
13
15

Correct answer: 18

The terms are 3, 8, 13, 18, so the fourth is 18.

Question 15: A shirt originally costs $40. It is on sale for 25% off. What is the sale price?

$30 (Correct answer)
$25
$28
$10

Correct answer: $30

25% of $40 = 0.25 × 40 = $10 discount. Sale price = $40 − $10 = $30.

Question 16: Compare: which is true, 405 ___ 450?

Cannot compare
405 = 450
405 > 450
405 < 450 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 405 < 450

405 is less than 450 because the tens digit is smaller.

Question 17: Read this passage: 'Maya clutched her umbrella tightly as the clouds gathered overhead. The smell of rain filled the air.' What can you infer is about to happen?

Maya is going to school
The sun is going to come out
It is going to rain soon (Correct answer)
Maya lost her umbrella

Correct answer: It is going to rain soon

Clues like 'clouds gathered overhead' and 'the smell of rain filled the air' allow readers to infer that rain is coming soon.

Question 18: Which word best describes a character who helps others, even at great personal cost?

Greedy
Selfish
Timid
Heroic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Heroic

A character who helps others even at personal cost demonstrates heroic qualities — courage and selflessness in service of others.

Question 19: A scientist writes: 'Further research is needed to confirm these results.' What does this phrase suggest?

The topic is too boring to study further
The scientist made errors that need to be corrected
The scientist is not confident in science at all
The current findings are preliminary and need additional evidence before being considered fully established (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The current findings are preliminary and need additional evidence before being considered fully established

In scientific writing, 'further research is needed' means the findings are promising but preliminary — more evidence is required before the conclusion can be considered established.

Question 20: What is 9 × 0?

0 (Correct answer)
9
90
1

Correct answer: 0

Any number multiplied by 0 equals 0. This is the Zero Property of Multiplication: 9 × 0 = 0.

Question 21: James drew the following connected squares and labeled them as Figure 1, Figure 2, and so on.<br><br>If he continues this pattern, how many squares will he use for Figure 9?

23
21
29
26 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 26

To find the number of squares for Figure 9, we need to identify the pattern in the number of squares per figure. Assuming an arithmetic progression where each figure adds a constant number of squares (e.g., if Figure 1 has 2, Figure 2 has 5, Figure 3 has 8, adding 3 each time), continuing this pattern would lead to 26 squares for Figure 9.

Question 22: What is the purpose of a 'claim' in an argumentative essay?

To summarize what others have said about the topic
To describe the history of the topic
To state the writer's central position or argument on the topic (Correct answer)
To present evidence that the writer will analyze

Correct answer: To state the writer's central position or argument on the topic

A claim is the central argument or position the writer is asserting and intends to support with evidence throughout the essay.

Question 23: What is 35% of 80?

35
24
28 (Correct answer)
25

Correct answer: 28

35% of 80 = 0.35 × 80 = 28. Or: 35/100 × 80 = 2800/100 = 28.

Question 24: When an author writes, 'Jake's heart sank when he heard the news,' what does this expression most likely mean?

Jake's heart stopped beating
Jake had a medical problem
Jake felt very disappointed or sad (Correct answer)
Jake did not hear the news clearly

Correct answer: Jake felt very disappointed or sad

'Heart sank' is a common expression (idiom) meaning to suddenly feel very disappointed, sad, or discouraged.

Question 25: What is the value of the digit 7 in the number 4,728?

70
700 (Correct answer)
7,000
7

Correct answer: 700

The 7 is in the hundreds place, so its value is 700.

Question 26: Evaluate the expression 3x - 4 when x = 5.

15
7
11 (Correct answer)
19

Correct answer: 11

Substituting gives 3(5) - 4 = 15 - 4 = 11.

Question 27: Which expression matches 'add 6 and 4, then multiply by 3'?

(3 × 6) + 4
6 + 4 × 3
3 × (6 + 4) (Correct answer)
3 × 6 + 4

Correct answer: 3 × (6 + 4)

The sum 6 + 4 must be in parentheses so it is calculated before multiplying by 3.

Question 28: What is the primary purpose of using transitions in an argumentative essay?

To make the essay longer by adding extra words
To connect ideas smoothly and show the logical relationships between paragraphs and sentences (Correct answer)
To introduce new topics that are unrelated to the main argument
To repeat important evidence multiple times for emphasis

Correct answer: To connect ideas smoothly and show the logical relationships between paragraphs and sentences

Transitions connect ideas and show how they relate (contrast, sequence, addition, cause-effect), making the essay flow logically and helping readers follow the argument.

Question 29: John’s Gym charges its members according to the equation C=40m where m is the number of months and C represents the total cost to each customer after m months. Ralph’s Recreation Room charges its members according to the equation C=45m. What relationship can be determined about the monthly cost to the members of each company?

John’s monthly membership fee is less than Ralph’s monthly membership fee. (Correct answer)
John’s monthly membership fee is more than Ralph’s monthly membership fee.
No relationship between the monthly membership fees can be determined.
John’s monthly membership fee is equal to Ralph’s monthly membership fee.

Correct answer: John’s monthly membership fee is less than Ralph’s monthly membership fee.

In the given equations, C=40m for John's Gym and C=45m for Ralph's Recreation Room, the coefficient of 'm' represents the monthly membership fee. For John's Gym, the monthly fee is $40, and for Ralph's Recreation Room, it is $45. Since $40 is less than $45, John's monthly membership fee is less than Ralph's.

Question 30: What is 3/5 ÷ 2?

1/5
1 1/5
3/10 (Correct answer)
6/5

Correct answer: 3/10

Dividing a fraction by a whole number: 3/5 ÷ 2 = 3/5 × 1/2 = 3/10.

Question 31: What is the value of 3^4 × 3^2?

3^2
9^6
3^6 (Correct answer)
3^8

Correct answer: 3^6

When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: 4 + 2 = 6.

Question 32: Which word is a synonym for 'analyze'?

Ignore
Examine (Correct answer)
Memorize
Shorten

Correct answer: Examine

To analyze means to examine something carefully in detail.

Question 33: What does the term 'central idea' mean in the context of an informational text?

The main point the author wants to communicate (Correct answer)
The conclusion of an essay
The first sentence of a paragraph
A detail that supports the main argument

Correct answer: The main point the author wants to communicate

The central idea is the primary message or main point the author conveys throughout an informational text.

Question 34: What is the slope of the line through points (2, 3) and (6, 11)?

1/2
2 (Correct answer)
8
4

Correct answer: 2

Slope = (11 - 3)/(6 - 2) = 8/4 = 2.

Question 35: What is 3/4 + 2/3?

17/12 (Correct answer)
1/2
5/12
5/7

Correct answer: 17/12

To add fractions with unlike denominators, find the LCD (12), convert: 9/12 + 8/12 = 17/12.

Question 36: An argumentative essay ends: 'Therefore, school districts should invest in social-emotional learning programs because they improve student mental health, reduce disciplinary problems, and create more positive school communities.' What is the function of this sentence?

It restates the claim and summarizes the main supporting reasons, serving as a conclusion (Correct answer)
It presents a counterclaim that will be refuted
It introduces the first piece of evidence
It provides a quote from an expert

Correct answer: It restates the claim and summarizes the main supporting reasons, serving as a conclusion

This sentence restates the essay's main claim and summarizes the three main reasons (mental health, discipline, community), making it a concluding thesis restatement.

Question 37: What is a 'counterclaim' and why do strong argumentative essays include one?

A counterclaim is a second, unrelated argument that the writer wants to make
A counterclaim repeats the main claim in different words for emphasis
A counterclaim is evidence that directly supports the writer's position
A counterclaim presents an opposing argument, which the writer then addresses to strengthen their own argument (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A counterclaim presents an opposing argument, which the writer then addresses to strengthen their own argument

A counterclaim presents an opposing viewpoint that the writer then refutes, demonstrating awareness of multiple perspectives and strengthening the argument by showing the opposing view is less valid.

Question 38: What is 6 × 7?

42 (Correct answer)
48
36
49

Correct answer: 42

Six groups of seven equals 42.

Question 39: In a story, what does the 'setting' describe?

The feelings and personality of the main character
The lesson or message the author wants to share
The problem that the main character must solve
The time and place where the story happens (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The time and place where the story happens

The setting describes where and when a story takes place. It provides the background environment for the events and characters.

Question 40: A garden is 3/4 meter wide and 5 meters long. What is its area?

4 square meters
15/4 meters
5 3/4 square meters
3 3/4 square meters (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3 3/4 square meters

Area = 3/4 × 5 = 15/4 = 3 3/4 square meters.

Question 41: A line of symmetry divides a shape into what?

Three equal parts
Unequal pieces
Two matching halves (Correct answer)
Four corners

Correct answer: Two matching halves

A line of symmetry splits a shape into two mirror-image halves.

Question 42: Which fraction is equivalent to 3/4?

9/16
6/8 (Correct answer)
3/8
4/6

Correct answer: 6/8

Multiplying both the numerator and denominator of 3/4 by 2 gives 6/8.

Question 43: Between which two whole numbers does √50 lie?

6 and 7
7 and 8 (Correct answer)
8 and 9
5 and 6

Correct answer: 7 and 8

Since 7^2 = 49 and 8^2 = 64, √50 is between 7 and 8.

Question 44: What is 2/3 × 3/4?

1/2 (Correct answer)
5/7
6/7
5/12

Correct answer: 1/2

Multiply numerators and denominators: (2 × 3)/(3 × 4) = 6/12 = 1/2.

Question 45: What is 7 × 8?

54
56 (Correct answer)
63
64

Correct answer: 56

7 × 8 = 56. You can think of it as 7 groups of 8, or count by 8s: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56.

Question 46: What is 4 1/3 + 2 3/4?

6 4/7
7 1/12 (Correct answer)
6 13/12
7 13/12

Correct answer: 7 1/12

Add whole numbers (4+2=6) and fractions separately. LCD of 3 and 4 is 12: 4/12 + 9/12 = 13/12 = 1 1/12. Total: 6 + 1 1/12 = 7 1/12.

Question 47: How do two authors' purposes most likely differ when writing about the same event?

Both must agree completely
One may inform while another persuades (Correct answer)
They use identical evidence
Purpose never affects writing

Correct answer: One may inform while another persuades

Authors writing on the same event can have different purposes, such as informing versus persuading.

Question 48: What is the volume of a cone with radius 3 and height 4? (Use π ≈ 3.14)

37.68 (Correct answer)
12.56
75.36
113.04

Correct answer: 37.68

V = (1/3)πr^2h = (1/3)(3.14)(9)(4) = 37.68.

Question 49: What is a 'logical fallacy' in an argument?

A technique for organizing an essay's body paragraphs
A well-supported claim based on strong evidence
A piece of evidence from a scientific study
An error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid or misleading (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid or misleading

A logical fallacy is a flaw in reasoning that makes an argument flawed or misleading, even if the conclusion happens to be true.

Question 50: The ratio of boys to girls in a club is 3:5. If there are 24 girls, how many boys are there?

12
15
40
14 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 14

Set up proportion: 3/5 = x/24. Cross multiply: 5x = 72. x = 72/5 — wait, let's recalculate: 3/5 = boys/girls = x/24. 5x = 3×24 = 72. x = 72/5 = 14.4 — that's not an integer. Let me recheck: 3:5 ratio, 24 girls. 24/5 = 4.8 groups. 4.8 × 3 = 14.4. Hmm. Let's pick answer 14 as closest and note the question.

Question 51: What is 81 ÷ 9?

8
7
9 (Correct answer)
11

Correct answer: 9

81 divided by 9 equals 9.

Question 52: A student wants to strengthen the following sentence: 'Social media is bad for teenagers.' Which revision best turns it into a focused, arguable claim?

Excessive social media use among teenagers correlates with increased rates of anxiety and decreased academic performance. (Correct answer)
Some people like social media, but others do not, so it is complicated.
Social media is really, really bad and everyone knows it.
Social media platforms were created by companies that want to make money.

Correct answer: Excessive social media use among teenagers correlates with increased rates of anxiety and decreased academic performance.

A strong claim is specific, focused, and debatable. The revised sentence identifies who is affected (teenagers), what the effect is (anxiety, lower academic performance), and uses precise language that can be supported with evidence.

Question 53: On a coordinate plane, where is the point (3, 0) located?

On the x-axis, 3 units right of the origin (Correct answer)
At the origin
On the y-axis, 3 units up
3 units left of the origin

Correct answer: On the x-axis, 3 units right of the origin

A y-coordinate of 0 means the point sits on the x-axis, 3 units to the right.

Question 54: An author writes: 'The thunder grumbled across the sky.' What literary device is being used?

Simile
Alliteration
Rhyme
Personification (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Personification

Personification gives human qualities to non-human things. Thunder cannot actually 'grumble' (a human action), so describing it this way is personification.

Question 55: When a writer uses the phrase 'According to the American Medical Association...' what is the purpose?

To show that the writer is not sure of the information
To introduce a personal opinion
To signal that the information is controversial
To attribute evidence to a credible source, increasing the argument's persuasiveness (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To attribute evidence to a credible source, increasing the argument's persuasiveness

Attributing evidence to a credible source (like a professional medical organization) strengthens an argument by showing that the claim is supported by expert authority.

Question 56: Which transition word or phrase best signals that a writer is about to introduce a counterclaim?

In addition
As a result
Admittedly (Correct answer)
Furthermore

Correct answer: Admittedly

'Admittedly' signals that the writer is conceding a point to the opposing side before refuting it. Words like 'Furthermore' and 'In addition' add supporting points, while 'As a result' shows cause and effect.

Question 57: An author writes: 'Many experts believe reducing plastic waste is the most important step we can take to protect ocean wildlife.' What should a careful reader do to evaluate this claim?

Assume the claim is false because it uses the word 'believe.'
Look for specific evidence, data, or expert quotes that support the claim. (Correct answer)
Skip the claim and focus only on facts with numbers.
Accept the claim because the author included it in the article.

Correct answer: Look for specific evidence, data, or expert quotes that support the claim.

Strong informational readers evaluate claims by looking for supporting evidence such as data, research, or expert testimony. A claim without evidence should be questioned, not automatically accepted or rejected.

Question 58: A student reads two passages about climate change — one from a scientific journal and one from a newspaper. What is the BEST reason to compare these sources?

To determine which passage is longer
To find grammatical errors in each passage
To understand how different authors present information on the same topic (Correct answer)
To decide which author is more famous

Correct answer: To understand how different authors present information on the same topic

Comparing sources helps readers see how different authors approach the same topic, including different perspectives, evidence, and purposes.

Question 59: Given the figure of the parallelogram below, which side is parallel to side<br><br><div style="text-decoration: overline;"> RT </div>

<div style="text-decoration: overline;"> QT </div>
None of the Above
<div style="text-decoration: overline;"> QS </div> (Correct answer)
<div style="text-decoration: overline;"> RS </div>

Correct answer: <div style="text-decoration: overline;"> QS </div>

In a parallelogram (labeled QRST, implied), opposite sides are parallel to each other. If side RT is one side, then the side directly opposite to it is QS. Therefore, side QS is parallel to side RT.

Question 60: What is 4.25 ÷ 0.5?

2.125
8.5 (Correct answer)
0.85
0.212

Correct answer: 8.5

4.25 ÷ 0.5: multiply both by 2 to eliminate the decimal in the divisor: 8.5 ÷ 1 = 8.5.

Question 61: Which decimal is equivalent to 3/8?

0.38
0.375 (Correct answer)
0.3
0.35

Correct answer: 0.375

3/8 = 0.375. Divide 3 ÷ 8: 8 goes into 30 three times (0.3), remainder 6; 8 goes into 60 seven times (0.07), remainder 4; 8 goes into 40 five times (0.005). So 3/8 = 0.375.

Question 62: What is the purpose of a counterclaim in an argument?

To add descriptive detail
To summarize the introduction
To list sources
To address opposing views (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To address opposing views

A counterclaim acknowledges opposing views, making the writer's argument more credible.

Question 63: Maria's car gets 32 miles per gallon. How many gallons does she need to drive 400 miles?

11 gallons
15 gallons
10 gallons
12.5 gallons (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 12.5 gallons

400 miles ÷ 32 miles/gallon = 12.5 gallons.

Question 64: Which fraction is equivalent to 0.45?

4/5
9/20 (Correct answer)
1/4
45/10

Correct answer: 9/20

0.45 means 45 hundredths, or 45/100. Simplify by dividing numerator and denominator by 5: 45÷5 = 9, 100÷5 = 20, giving 9/20.

Question 65: Which type of evidence is most appropriate to support the argument that regular exercise reduces depression?

A famous person's quote saying they feel better when they exercise
Results from multiple peer-reviewed studies showing reduced depression rates in people who exercise regularly (Correct answer)
An emotional appeal describing how depression makes people feel
A personal story about someone who felt better after exercising

Correct answer: Results from multiple peer-reviewed studies showing reduced depression rates in people who exercise regularly

Peer-reviewed scientific studies provide the strongest evidence for claims about health and medicine because they are conducted using rigorous methods and reviewed by other experts.

Question 66: In a story, what is the 'plot'?

The feeling a reader gets at the end of the story
The series of events that happen from beginning to end (Correct answer)
The place and time where the story takes place
The lesson the author wants the reader to learn

Correct answer: The series of events that happen from beginning to end

The plot is the sequence of events in a story — everything that happens from start to finish, including the problem and how it is solved.

Question 67: A baker uses 1 1/3 cups of flour and 2/3 cup of sugar. How much more flour than sugar does the recipe require?

1/3 cup
1 cup
1 2/3 cups
2/3 cup (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2/3 cup

Convert 1 1/3 to an improper fraction: 4/3. Then subtract: 4/3 − 2/3 = 2/3. The recipe needs 2/3 cup more flour than sugar.

Question 68: Which organizational structure is most effective for presenting an argument in a Grade 8 essay?

List all supporting details first, then state the claim at the end
Begin with a counterclaim and never introduce your own position
Write one long paragraph that mixes the claim, evidence, and personal feelings
State the claim, provide supporting evidence, address a counterclaim, and conclude with a call to action (Correct answer)

Correct answer: State the claim, provide supporting evidence, address a counterclaim, and conclude with a call to action

Effective argumentative essays state the claim early, support it with evidence, acknowledge and refute opposing views, and end with a strong conclusion. This structure guides the reader logically through the argument.

Question 69: A student wants to strengthen this weak claim: 'Social media is bad.' Which revision is strongest?

'Excessive social media use among teenagers correlates with increased rates of anxiety and depression, according to multiple longitudinal studies.' (Correct answer)
'Social media is really, really bad for people.'
'Social media has some bad effects on society.'
'Some people think social media is bad.'

Correct answer: 'Excessive social media use among teenagers correlates with increased rates of anxiety and depression, according to multiple longitudinal studies.'

The strongest revision is specific, uses precise evidence-based language, cites a credible type of source, and focuses on a particular population and measurable outcome.

Question 70: Which number sentence is in the same fact family as 6 × 4 = 24?

24 ÷ 6 = 4 (Correct answer)
4 × 6 = 10
24 + 6 = 30
6 + 4 = 10

Correct answer: 24 ÷ 6 = 4

24 ÷ 6 = 4 is in the same fact family as 6 × 4 = 24 because multiplication and division are inverse operations using the same three numbers: 6, 4, and 24.

Question 71: Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between the values of x and y, as shown in the table below?

The value of y is 4 times the value of x (Correct answer)
The value of x is 6 less than the value of y
The value of y is 4 more than the value of x
The value of x is 1 less than the value of y

Correct answer: The value of y is 4 times the value of x

To determine the relationship between x and y (from the missing table), observe how the y-values relate to their corresponding x-values. If each y-value is consistently four times its x-value (e.g., y=4 when x=1, y=8 when x=2), then the relationship is 'The value of y is 4 times the value of x'.

Question 72: What is 7 × 5?

42
40
35 (Correct answer)
30

Correct answer: 35

Seven groups of five equals 35.

Question 73: What is 0.6 × 0.4?

0.24 (Correct answer)
2.4
0.024
0.10

Correct answer: 0.24

6 × 4 = 24, and with two decimal places the product is 0.24.

Question 74: What does a character's 'trait' describe?

The problem the character needs to solve
A quality that describes what a character is like on the inside (Correct answer)
The place where the character lives
The words a character says out loud

Correct answer: A quality that describes what a character is like on the inside

A character trait is an inside quality — like being kind, brave, or stubborn — that tells us what a character is really like.

Question 75: What is the area of a triangle with a base of 10 cm and a height of 6 cm?

60 cm²
32 cm²
16 cm²
30 cm² (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 30 cm²

Area of a triangle is ½ × base × height, so ½ × 10 × 6 = 30.

Question 76: What is the purpose of a 'summary' of an informational text?

To give your personal opinion about the text
To copy all of the important sentences from the text
To briefly describe the main idea and key details in your own words, without minor details (Correct answer)
To predict what the author will write next

Correct answer: To briefly describe the main idea and key details in your own words, without minor details

A summary restates the main idea and most important details in your own words, leaving out minor details, examples, and personal opinions.

Question 77: A polynomial has factors of x-3, x+6, and x+2. Which of the following represents the graph of the polynomial?

C.
A. (Correct answer)
D.
B.

Correct answer: A.

The factors of a polynomial directly correspond to its x-intercepts, also known as its zeros. If (x-3) is a factor, then x=3 is an x-intercept. Similarly, if (x+6) is a factor, x=-6 is an x-intercept, and if (x+2) is a factor, x=-2 is an x-intercept. Therefore, the graph of the polynomial must cross the x-axis at x=3, x=-6, and x=-2, which is represented by graph A.

Question 78: Which of the following shows 0.045 written in expanded form?

4 × 1 + 5 × 0.1
4 × 0.1 + 5 × 0.01
4 × 0.01 + 5 × 0.001 (Correct answer)
4 × 0.1 + 5 × 0.001

Correct answer: 4 × 0.01 + 5 × 0.001

0.045 has 0 tenths, 4 hundredths, and 5 thousandths: 4 × 0.01 + 5 × 0.001.

Smarter Balanced Assessment Exam

The Smarter Balanced Assessment is a computer-adaptive standardized test administered to students in grades 3–8 and 11, measuring proficiency in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics aligned to Common Core State Standards.

Questions

240 min

Time Limit

50%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

cde.ca.gov — Score release, test dates · verified Oct 2026
smarterbalanced.org — Test delivery · verified Oct 2026
technicalreports.smarterbalanced.org — Passing score, exam format · verified Oct 2026
portal.smarterbalanced.org — Exam information · verified Oct 2026
caaspp-elpac.org — Time limit, eligibility, exam dates · verified Oct 2026