SBAC Grade 8 ELA 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In an argumentative essay, which element most strengthens a writer's claim?
- Relevant evidence with reasoning (Correct answer)
- A longer word count
- 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 2: What is the purpose of a counterclaim in an argument?
- To address opposing views (Correct answer)
- To summarize the introduction
- To add descriptive detail
- To list sources
Correct answer: To address opposing views
A counterclaim acknowledges opposing views, making the writer's argument more credible.
Question 3: Which sentence uses a verb in the active voice?
- The team won the game. (Correct answer)
- The game was won by the team.
- Winning was achieved.
- The win had been recorded.
Correct answer: The team won the game.
In active voice the subject performs the action, as in 'The team won.'
Question 4: What does the prefix 'mis-' mean in the word 'misinterpret'?
- Wrongly (Correct answer)
- Again
- Before
- Together
Correct answer: Wrongly
The prefix 'mis-' means wrongly or badly, so 'misinterpret' means to interpret wrongly.
Question 5: A central idea of a text is best described as the:
- Main point the author develops (Correct answer)
- First sentence only
- Author's name
- Hardest vocabulary word
Correct answer: Main point the author develops
The central idea is the main point an author develops throughout a text.
Question 6: Which transition word signals a contrast?
- However (Correct answer)
- Therefore
- Additionally
- Because
Correct answer: However
'However' signals a contrast between ideas.
Question 7: What is the best way to determine the meaning of an unfamiliar word in a passage?
- Use surrounding context clues (Correct answer)
- Skip it entirely
- Guess randomly
- Count its letters
Correct answer: Use surrounding context clues
Context clues in nearby words and sentences help reveal an unfamiliar word's meaning.
SBAC Grade 8 ELA 2
In an argumentative essay, which element most strengthens a writer's claim?