Smarter Balanced Assessment Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: How do two authors' purposes most likely differ when writing about the same event?

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

Correct answer: One may inform while another persuades

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

Question 2: 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 provides a quote from an expert
It presents a counterclaim that will be refuted
It introduces the first piece of evidence
It restates the claim and summarizes the main supporting reasons, serving as a conclusion (Correct answer)

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

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

Correct answer: 30 cm²

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

Question 4: A rectangle has a length of 8 cm and a width of 5 cm. What is its area?

26 cm²
40 cm² (Correct answer)
13 cm²
45 cm²

Correct answer: 40 cm²

Area of a rectangle is length times width, so 8 × 5 = 40.

Question 5: A line of symmetry divides a shape into what?

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

Correct answer: Two matching halves

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

Question 6: What is 36 ÷ 9?

9
3
6
4 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4

36 ÷ 9 = 4 because 9 × 4 = 36. Division is the opposite of multiplication, so knowing your 9s multiplication facts helps.

Question 7: Which statement best describes 'ethos' as a persuasive technique?

Appealing to the reader's emotions with vivid stories and descriptions
Using logical reasoning to connect evidence to a conclusion
Establishing the writer's credibility and trustworthiness to persuade readers (Correct answer)
Using statistics and data to prove a factual claim

Correct answer: Establishing the writer's credibility and trustworthiness to persuade readers

Ethos is a rhetorical appeal based on the writer's or speaker's credibility, character, and trustworthiness — persuading through established authority.

Question 8: When a character in a story faces a problem, solves it, and learns a lesson, this structure is called:

Dialogue
Setting
Genre
Plot (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Plot

Plot is the sequence of events in a story, including the problem a character faces, the actions taken to address it, and the resolution where it is solved.

Question 9: 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 find grammatical errors in each passage
To decide which author is more famous
To determine which passage is longer
To understand how different authors present information on the same topic (Correct answer)

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

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

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 11: Maria reads 4 pages each day. How many pages does she read in 9 days?

36 (Correct answer)
32
40
13

Correct answer: 36

4 pages times 9 days equals 36 pages.

Question 12: A writer wants to revise this sentence to use a more sophisticated word choice: 'The plan was good because it fixed the problem.' Which revision BEST demonstrates eighth-grade level writing?

'It was a good plan and worked on the problem.'
'The plan was effective because it resolved the underlying issue.' (Correct answer)
'The plan was really good because it fixed the problem well.'
'The plan, which was good, fixed what needed to be fixed.'

Correct answer: 'The plan was effective because it resolved the underlying issue.'

'Effective' is more precise than 'good,' and 'resolved the underlying issue' is more specific and formal than 'fixed the problem,' demonstrating better word choice.

Question 13: A pencil costs 30 cents. How much do 5 pencils cost?

$2.00
$1.00
$1.75
$1.50 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $1.50

30 cents times 5 equals 150 cents, or $1.50.

Question 14: Which transition word or phrase best signals that a writer is about to introduce a counterclaim?

As a result
Furthermore
In addition
Admittedly (Correct answer)

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

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

Correct answer: To address opposing views

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

Question 16: When an author writes, 'Jake's heart sank when he heard the news,' what does this expression most likely mean?

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

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 17: What does 'connotation' refer to?

A word's dictionary spelling
A grammar rule
The emotional association of a word (Correct answer)
The number of syllables

Correct answer: The emotional association of a word

Connotation is the emotional or implied meaning a word carries beyond its definition.

Question 18: In a story, the 'narrator' is:

The villain of the story
The main problem in the story
The person or voice telling the story (Correct answer)
The author who wrote the book

Correct answer: The person or voice telling the story

The narrator is the voice or character that tells the story to the reader. The narrator may be a character in the story (first person) or an outside observer (third person).

Question 19: On a map, 2 centimeters represents 50 kilometers. If two cities are 7 centimeters apart on the map, what is the actual distance between them?

175 kilometers (Correct answer)
150 kilometers
200 kilometers
125 kilometers

Correct answer: 175 kilometers

The scale ratio is 50 km per 2 cm = 25 km per cm. Multiply 7 cm × 25 km/cm = 175 km.

Question 20: What is the slope of the line y = 7?

7
0 (Correct answer)
1
Undefined

Correct answer: 0

A horizontal line has a slope of 0.

Question 21: Order these from least to greatest: 0.6, 3/5, 0.59, 11/20

0.59, 11/20, 3/5, 0.6 (Correct answer)
11/20, 0.59, 3/5, 0.6
3/5, 0.6, 0.59, 11/20
0.59, 0.6, 3/5, 11/20

Correct answer: 0.59, 11/20, 3/5, 0.6

Convert all to decimals: 0.6 = 0.600, 3/5 = 0.600, 0.59 = 0.590, 11/20 = 0.550. Order: 0.59 (0.590) = 0.59, 11/20 (0.550) — wait, 11/20 = 0.55. So: 0.55 < 0.59 < 0.60 = 0.60.

Question 22: Which word best describes a character who helps others, even at great personal cost?

Selfish
Heroic (Correct answer)
Greedy
Timid

Correct answer: Heroic

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

Question 23: 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 24: What is the primary purpose of a concluding paragraph in an argumentative essay?

To introduce new evidence that was not mentioned in the body paragraphs
To reinforce the argument by synthesizing key points and leaving the reader with a final impression (Correct answer)
To apologize for any weaknesses in the argument presented
To restate the claim in exactly the same words used in the introduction

Correct answer: To reinforce the argument by synthesizing key points and leaving the reader with a final impression

A strong conclusion synthesizes — rather than simply repeats — the main argument and evidence, reminding the reader why the claim is valid and often ending with a broader implication or call to action.

Question 25: Which fraction is equivalent to 2/4?

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

Correct answer: 1/2

2/4 = 1/2 because both the numerator and denominator can be divided by 2. Both fractions represent the same amount — half of a whole.

Question 26: What is the purpose of analyzing an author's word choice (diction)?

To count the words
To find spelling errors only
To measure page length
To understand tone and meaning (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To understand tone and meaning

Analyzing diction reveals how word choice shapes the tone and meaning of a text.

Question 27: A linear function has rate of change 3 and starts at 4. What is its equation?

y = 3x + 4 (Correct answer)
y = 3x - 4
y = 4x + 3
y = 7x

Correct answer: y = 3x + 4

Rate of change is the slope (3) and the start value is the y-intercept (4).

Question 28: A car travels 150 miles in 3 hours. What is its unit rate in miles per hour?

75 mph
45 mph
30 mph
50 mph (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 50 mph

Dividing 150 miles by 3 hours gives 50 miles per hour.

Question 29: What is the least common multiple (LCM) of 4 and 6?

10
12 (Correct answer)
24
2

Correct answer: 12

12 is the smallest number that both 4 and 6 divide into evenly.

Question 30: What does it mean when a story has a 'conflict'?

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

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 31: 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 32: What is the purpose of a 'claim' in an argumentative essay?

To state the writer's central position or argument on the topic (Correct answer)
To describe the history of the topic
To summarize what others have said about the topic
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 33: A student reads two articles about wolves — one by a rancher who lost livestock, and one by a wildlife biologist. Why is it important to consider the author's perspective in both?

Because you should only trust one source on any topic
Because each author's background and interests may affect which information they emphasize or how they interpret it (Correct answer)
Because the longer article is always more trustworthy
Because perspective only matters in fiction, not in informational text

Correct answer: Because each author's background and interests may affect which information they emphasize or how they interpret it

An author's background, experience, and interests influence what they emphasize and how they present information. Recognizing perspective helps readers evaluate sources critically.

Question 34: What does it mean to 'cite evidence from the text'?

To find information from outside the text to support your ideas
To summarize the entire text in your own words
To use specific quotes or details from the reading to support your claims (Correct answer)
To make up examples that support your opinion

Correct answer: To use specific quotes or details from the reading to support your claims

Citing evidence means using specific quotes, paraphrases, or details directly from the text to support your claims or answers about the text.

Question 35: In SBAC assessments, what does it mean to 'cite textual evidence'?

To use specific quotes or details from the text to support your answer (Correct answer)
To summarize the text in your own words
To write a personal opinion about the text
To identify the genre of the text

Correct answer: To use specific quotes or details from the text to support your answer

Citing textual evidence means using specific quotes or details directly from the text to support your claims.

Question 36: Lily baked 36 cookies and put them equally into 4 bags. She then gave away 2 bags. How many cookies did she give away?

27
18 (Correct answer)
9
14

Correct answer: 18

First divide: 36 ÷ 4 = 9 cookies per bag. Then multiply: 9 × 2 = 18 cookies given away.

Question 37: Which of the following represents the difference of (3x^3-9x^2+6x)-(8x^3+4x^2-3x)?

-5x^3-13x^2+9x (Correct answer)
5x^3+13x^2+9x
-5x^3-5x^2+3x
11x^3-13x^2+3x

Correct answer: -5x^3-13x^2+9x

To find the difference between the two polynomials, distribute the negative sign to each term in the second polynomial and then combine like terms. This results in (3x^3 - 9x^2 + 6x - 8x^3 - 4x^2 + 3x), which simplifies to -5x^3 - 13x^2 + 9x.

Question 38: What is 7/10 + 2/10?

5/10
9/10 (Correct answer)
14/10
9/20

Correct answer: 9/10

Add the numerators over the common denominator: 7 + 2 = 9, giving 9/10.

Question 39: 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 40: Express 0.00056 in scientific notation.

56 × 10^-5
5.6 × 10^4
5.6 × 10^-4 (Correct answer)
5.6 × 10^-3

Correct answer: 5.6 × 10^-4

Move the decimal 4 places right to get 5.6, giving an exponent of -4.

Question 41: A recipe uses 2 1/2 cups of flour. If you want to make 3 batches, how many cups of flour do you need?

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

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 42: What is the value of 3.45 + 12.7?

16.52
16.15 (Correct answer)
15.15
4.72

Correct answer: 16.15

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

Question 43: 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
Maya lost her umbrella
It is going to rain soon (Correct answer)

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 44: What is 3/4 ÷ 1/2?

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

Correct answer: 1 1/2

Dividing by a fraction means multiplying by its reciprocal: 3/4 × 2/1 = 6/4 = 3/2 = 1 1/2.

Question 45: A student answered 18 out of 24 questions correctly on a test. What percentage of questions did the student answer correctly?

65%
70%
80%
75% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 75%

Divide correct answers by total: 18 ÷ 24 = 0.75. Multiply by 100 to get 75%.

Question 46: A clock shows 3:45. How many minutes until 4:00?

10
20
15 (Correct answer)
25

Correct answer: 15

From 3:45 to 4:00 is 15 minutes.

Question 47: What does it mean to 'develop' a body paragraph in an argumentative essay?

To repeat the essay's introduction in different words
To present a topic sentence, provide evidence, analyze how it supports the claim, and connect back to the thesis (Correct answer)
To copy multiple sources and list them without explanation
To write a very long paragraph with many unrelated sentences

Correct answer: To present a topic sentence, provide evidence, analyze how it supports the claim, and connect back to the thesis

A developed body paragraph includes a clear topic sentence, specific evidence, analysis explaining how the evidence supports the claim, and a connection to the thesis.

Question 48: What is 2.5 − 1.75?

1.25
0.85
0.75 (Correct answer)
0.65

Correct answer: 0.75

Rewrite 2.5 as 2.50, then subtract: 2.50 − 1.75 = 0.75. Subtract hundredths (0−5, borrow), tenths, then ones.

Question 49: A student writes: 'Some people think homework is harmful, but studies show that moderate homework improves academic performance.' What is the function of the first part of this sentence?

It serves as a transition to a new paragraph
It introduces the student's main claim
It provides statistical evidence
It acknowledges a counterclaim before presenting the argument (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It acknowledges a counterclaim before presenting the argument

The phrase 'Some people think homework is harmful' acknowledges an opposing viewpoint (counterclaim) before the writer pivots to defend their own position with evidence, which is a hallmark of strong argumentation.

Question 50: Which number is even?

63
27
58 (Correct answer)
41

Correct answer: 58

58 ends in 8, so it is even.

Question 51: What does a character's 'trait' describe?

The place where the character lives
The problem the character needs to solve
A quality that describes what a character is like on the inside (Correct answer)
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 52: What is 4 1/3 + 2 3/4?

7 13/12
6 4/7
7 1/12 (Correct answer)
6 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 53: Which shows the fraction 3/4 correctly?

3 wholes divided by 4 groups
3 groups of 4 items
4 parts out of 3 equal parts of a whole
3 parts out of 4 equal parts of a whole (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3 parts out of 4 equal parts of a whole

A fraction like 3/4 means the whole is divided into 4 equal parts, and we are considering 3 of those parts.

Question 54: What is 3/5 ÷ 2?

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

Correct answer: 3/10

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

Question 55: An author's tone is best defined as the author's:

Number of paragraphs
Attitude toward the subject (Correct answer)
Choice of font
Word count

Correct answer: Attitude toward the subject

Tone reflects the author's attitude toward the subject or audience.

Question 56: Which decimal is equivalent to 3/8?

0.3
0.35
0.375 (Correct answer)
0.38

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 57: What is 9 × 0?

90
0 (Correct answer)
9
1

Correct answer: 0

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

Question 58: What is the difference between a primary source and a secondary source?

Primary sources are more important than secondary sources
A primary source is an original, firsthand account; a secondary source analyzes or describes primary sources (Correct answer)
A primary source is a textbook; a secondary source is a novel
Primary sources are always older than secondary sources

Correct answer: A primary source is an original, firsthand account; a secondary source analyzes or describes primary sources

A primary source is original, firsthand material (a diary, photograph, speech, artifact). A secondary source analyzes, interprets, or discusses primary sources (a textbook, biography, documentary).

Question 59: A student reads an article about how deforestation leads to soil erosion, which then causes rivers to become muddy and harm fish populations. What text structure does this article most likely use?

Compare and contrast
Description
Sequence
Cause and effect (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cause and effect

When one event leads to another, authors use cause and effect structure. Here, deforestation causes erosion, which in turn causes harm to rivers and fish — a chain of causes and effects.

Question 60: 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=8g-8
f=2g+4
4f=g
f=4g (Correct answer)

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 61: Which unit is best to measure the length of a classroom?

Ounces
Miles
Meters (Correct answer)
Inches

Correct answer: Meters

Meters are the right size for measuring a room.

Question 62: Why do authors often include dialogue in stories?

To avoid using descriptive language
To make the story longer
To confuse readers about who is speaking
To reveal character traits and advance the plot (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To reveal character traits and advance the plot

Dialogue reveals what characters think and feel, shows their personality, and moves the story forward by showing interactions and conflict between characters.

Question 63: Which number is 1/10 of 4?

0.04
40
4.1
0.4 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 0.4

Taking one-tenth of 4 means 4 ÷ 10 = 0.4.

Question 64: What is 3/4 + 2/3?

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

Correct answer: 17/12

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

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

A personal story about someone who felt better after exercising
An emotional appeal describing how depression makes people feel
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)

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: What is 4.25 ÷ 0.5?

8.5 (Correct answer)
2.125
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 67: What does an author mean when they write 'In conclusion' at the beginning of a paragraph?

The author is about to summarize the main points and provide a final thought on the topic (Correct answer)
The author is beginning the most important section of the text
The author is about to introduce a new topic
The author is giving an example to support their argument

Correct answer: The author is about to summarize the main points and provide a final thought on the topic

'In conclusion' is a signal phrase that tells readers the author is about to wrap up by summarizing main points and providing final thoughts.

Question 68: The polynomial, x^3+7x^2-20x-96, has a factor of (x+8). Which of the following represents two of the zeros of the polynomial?

x=-3 and x=-4
x=-6 and x=2
x=6 and x=-2
x=-3 and x=4 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: x=-3 and x=4

If (x+8) is a factor of the polynomial, then x=-8 is one of its zeros. To find the other zeros, we can use synthetic division to divide the polynomial x^3+7x^2-20x-96 by (x+8). This division results in the quadratic expression x^2-x-12. Factoring this quadratic equation, we get (x-4)(x+3). Setting these factors to zero gives the remaining zeros: x=4 and x=-3.

Question 69: What is 2/3 × 3/5?

2/5 (Correct answer)
1/2
5/8
6/8

Correct answer: 2/5

Multiply numerators and denominators separately: (2×3)/(3×5) = 6/15, then simplify by dividing both by 3 to get 2/5.

Question 70: What does the term 'central idea' mean in the context of an informational text?

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

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 71: Tamara solved 4 + 6 = 10 and then said that means 6 + 4 = 10 too. What property is she using?

Associative Property
Commutative Property (Correct answer)
Distributive Property
Zero Property

Correct answer: Commutative Property

The Commutative Property of Addition states that the order of addends can be switched without changing the sum: 4 + 6 = 6 + 4 = 10.

Question 72: Which best describes the climax of a story?

The turning point of greatest tension (Correct answer)
The opening description
The list of characters
The final page number

Correct answer: The turning point of greatest tension

The climax is the story's turning point where tension reaches its peak.

Question 73: How many sides does a hexagon have?

8
7
5
6 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 6

A hexagon has 6 sides.

Question 74: Which fraction is greater than 1/2?

2/5
1/4
3/8
5/8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5/8

5/8 is more than 4/8, which equals 1/2.

Question 75: Which sentence contains the weakest evidence for an argumentative essay?

According to the American Psychological Association, mindfulness reduces student anxiety by 30%.
A 2023 CDC report found that teens who sleep at least nine hours perform better on standardized tests.
I personally feel that school lunches should be healthier because my friend agrees with me. (Correct answer)
Research published in the Journal of Education shows a link between class size and student achievement.

Correct answer: I personally feel that school lunches should be healthier because my friend agrees with me.

Personal feelings and anecdotal agreement from a friend are not credible evidence. Strong argumentative essays rely on data, expert sources, and peer-reviewed research rather than personal opinion.

Question 76: Which heading would BEST help a reader quickly locate information about the effects of pollution on marine life?

What Is the Ocean?
Effects of Ocean Pollution on Marine Life (Correct answer)
Why the Ocean Is Beautiful
History of the World's Oceans

Correct answer: Effects of Ocean Pollution on Marine Life

Headings should precisely describe the content in that section. 'Effects of Ocean Pollution on Marine Life' directly matches what the reader is looking for.

Question 77: What is 3/8 of 16?

6 (Correct answer)
48
8
5

Correct answer: 6

16 ÷ 8 = 2, and 2 × 3 = 6.

Question 78: What does the prefix 'un-' mean in words like 'unlikely' and 'unhappy'?

Before
Not (Correct answer)
Half
Again

Correct answer: Not

The prefix 'un-' means 'not,' so 'unlikely' means not likely and 'unhappy' means not happy.

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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