SBAC Grade 8 ELA 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Two texts on the same topic present conflicting information. A reader should:
- Evaluate each source's evidence (Correct answer)
- Believe the longer text
- Pick one at random
- Ignore both
Correct answer: Evaluate each source's evidence
When sources conflict, a reader should weigh the evidence and reasoning each provides.
Question 2: Which is an example of figurative language?
- Her smile was sunshine. (Correct answer)
- She walked to school.
- The clock read noon.
- He owns two dogs.
Correct answer: Her smile was sunshine.
'Her smile was sunshine' is a metaphor, a type of figurative language.
Question 3: An author's tone is best defined as the author's:
- Attitude toward the subject (Correct answer)
- Number of paragraphs
- Choice of font
- Word count
Correct answer: Attitude toward the subject
Tone reflects the author's attitude toward the subject or audience.
Question 4: Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
- After the storm, we cleaned up. (Correct answer)
- After the storm we, cleaned up.
- After, the storm we cleaned up.
- After the storm we cleaned, up.
Correct answer: After the storm, we cleaned up.
A comma correctly follows the introductory phrase 'After the storm.'
Question 5: What is the main function of a topic sentence?
- State the paragraph's main idea (Correct answer)
- End the essay
- Cite a source
- List vocabulary
Correct answer: State the paragraph's main idea
A topic sentence states the main idea that the rest of the paragraph develops.
Question 6: Which word is a synonym for 'analyze'?
- Examine (Correct answer)
- Ignore
- Memorize
- Shorten
Correct answer: Examine
To analyze means to examine something carefully in detail.
Question 7: When citing textual evidence, a writer should:
- Quote or paraphrase accurately (Correct answer)
- Change the meaning
- Omit the source
- Add personal opinions as facts
Correct answer: Quote or paraphrase accurately
Strong textual evidence is quoted or paraphrased accurately to support a point.
SBAC Grade 8 ELA 3
Two texts on the same topic present conflicting information.
A reader should: