Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following did a cloze exercise not call for?

Assess text comprehension
Assess synonym use
Assess spelling (Correct answer)
Assess vocabulary

Correct answer: Assess spelling

The answer above is the best option because neither the passage nor the cloze exercise explicitly reference spelling skills. The cloze exercise is referred to as a reading comprehension tool, which means that it can be used to assess pupils' understanding of texts. The passage mentions that during the cloze activity, students must use context cues and past knowledge, which includes vocabulary, to fill in the spaces, therefore it can also assess these abilities. The passage also argues that the cloze exercise measures a student's capacity to employ synonyms by contrasting it with exercises that require pupils to use them to understand words they are unfamiliar with.

Question 2: When the VCLA asks you to make an inference, you are expected to:

Define every vocabulary word in the passage
Summarize all paragraphs in one sentence
Restate exactly what the author wrote
Draw a logical conclusion based on evidence and reasoning (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Draw a logical conclusion based on evidence and reasoning

Making an inference requires drawing a logical conclusion that is supported by evidence in the text combined with your own reasoning.

Question 3: On the VCLA Writing subtest, parallel structure requires that items in a series be expressed in:

As few words as possible
Different grammatical forms for variety
The same grammatical form (Correct answer)
Complete independent clauses only

Correct answer: The same grammatical form

Parallel structure requires that all items in a series use the same grammatical form, such as all gerunds or all infinitives.

Question 4: On the VCLA Writing subtest, which element is essential in an effective introductory paragraph?

A summary of the entire essay
A clear thesis statement presenting the writer's main argument (Correct answer)
A detailed list of all supporting evidence
A series of rhetorical questions without answers

Correct answer: A clear thesis statement presenting the writer's main argument

An effective introductory paragraph must include a clear thesis statement that presents the writer's main argument or central claim.

Question 5: On the VCLA, an author who uses an 'appeal to fear' is attempting to persuade by:

Exaggerating potential negative consequences to provoke anxiety (Correct answer)
Providing factual statistics about risks
Presenting a balanced view of risks and benefits
Quoting experts about safety concerns

Correct answer: Exaggerating potential negative consequences to provoke anxiety

An appeal to fear is a persuasive technique that exaggerates or emphasizes potential negative outcomes to provoke anxiety and influence the audience.

Question 6: In a VCLA passage, an author claims that 'since schools added vending machines, student grades dropped.' Why might this be a flawed argument?

It uses too many emotional appeals.
The vocabulary is too advanced for the audience.
It confuses correlation with causation. (Correct answer)
The argument is too concise and needs more detail.

Correct answer: It confuses correlation with causation.

The argument confuses correlation with causation—just because two events happened together does not mean one caused the other.

Question 7: On the VCLA Reading subtest, what is the primary purpose of identifying the main idea of a passage?

To summarize every detail in the text
To list all supporting facts mentioned
To determine the central point the author is communicating (Correct answer)
To identify the author's personal background

Correct answer: To determine the central point the author is communicating

Identifying the main idea means determining the central point or argument the author is communicating throughout the passage.

Question 8: In a VCLA passage, the word 'concise' most nearly means:

Complicated and technical
Lengthy and detailed
Repetitive and redundant
Brief and clear (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Brief and clear

'Concise' means expressing much in few words—brief and clear without unnecessary elaboration.

Question 9: On the VCLA Reading test, 'author's purpose' most commonly refers to the author's intention to:

Include personal anecdotes only
Avoid any clear conclusion
Use as many words as possible
Entertain, inform, or persuade (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Entertain, inform, or persuade

Author's purpose is typically categorized as the intent to entertain, inform, or persuade the audience.

Question 10: Which of the following best describes 'rhetorical appeals' as tested on the VCLA?

Strategies used to persuade an audience through ethos, pathos, and logos (Correct answer)
Methods for organizing paragraphs
Techniques used to make text longer
Rules for proper grammar and punctuation

Correct answer: Strategies used to persuade an audience through ethos, pathos, and logos

Rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos) are persuasive strategies authors use to appeal to credibility, emotion, and logic respectively.

Question 11: What is the role of a topic sentence in body paragraphs on the VCLA Writing subtest?

To introduce a new essay topic unrelated to the thesis
To restate the thesis using different vocabulary
To state the main point of that specific paragraph (Correct answer)
To provide a final summary of all evidence presented

Correct answer: To state the main point of that specific paragraph

A topic sentence introduces and states the main point of its specific paragraph, linking it to the overall essay thesis.

Question 12: A website with a .gov domain is generally considered reliable because:

It is maintained by an official government agency (Correct answer)
The content is verified by a private company
Government websites are always written by scientists
Government sites never contain biased information

Correct answer: It is maintained by an official government agency

The .gov domain is restricted to official U.S. government agencies, making these sites generally trustworthy sources of factual and authoritative information.

Question 13: Reference of the Question: Each statement in the next section has a component that is underlined. The underlined portion has an improper spelling. Pick the selected words that goes with the part of the sentence that is incorrectly underlined.

can be seen
capitol (Correct answer)
whole signage
no error

Correct answer: capitol

The Capitol is referred to as the "Capitol". Here, "capital," which denotes an uppercase character, is the appropriate term.

Question 14: Reference of the Question: Each statement in the next section has a component that is underlined. The underlined portion has an improper spelling. Pick the selected words that goes with the part of the sentence that is incorrectly underlined.

no error
One covid patient
had to
averse (Correct answer)

Correct answer: averse

When something is disliked or avoided, it is said to be adverse to it. Because she was terrified of the strong waves, she avoided going to the beach. The correct word here is ""adverse,"" which denotes a negative or the reverse of what was anticipated reaction.

Question 15: Which of the following best describes the passage's title?

The Duties of the Vocational Counselor
Why Students Need Vocational Counseling
An Overview of Vocational Counseling (Correct answer)
The Value of the Vocational Counselor

Correct answer: An Overview of Vocational Counseling

The passage's substance is best described by "An Overview of Vocational Counseling," hence this is the right answer.

Question 16: When assessing the currency of a source, a researcher should ask:

Is this source popular among students?
How many pages does this source contain?
How much does this source cost to access?
When was this information published or last updated? (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When was this information published or last updated?

Currency refers to the timeliness of the information, so checking the publication or update date is essential for determining if the content is still accurate.

Question 17: When a VCLA passage uses a heading like 'Causes of the Problem,' what organizational pattern does this suggest?

Alphabetical listing
Narrative storytelling
Cause and effect (Correct answer)
Compare and contrast

Correct answer: Cause and effect

A heading that references 'causes' clearly indicates a cause-and-effect organizational pattern in the passage.

Question 18: Which of the following best describes 'voice' in writing as it relates to VCLA essay assessment?

The number of sentences per paragraph
The writer's unique style, tone, and personality expressed through word choice (Correct answer)
The physical sound of reading aloud
The use of dialogue in narrative writing

Correct answer: The writer's unique style, tone, and personality expressed through word choice

Voice in writing refers to the writer's unique style, tone, and personality as expressed through their specific word choices and sentence construction.

Question 19: Which word is a synonym for 'ambiguous' as it might appear in a VCLA reading passage?

Specific
Direct
Vague (Correct answer)
Clear

Correct answer: Vague

'Vague' is a synonym for 'ambiguous,' both meaning unclear or open to more than one interpretation.

Question 20: Which of the following is the BEST strategy for keeping track of sources during the research process?

Wait until the paper is finished, then find the sources again
Record full citation information and key notes as each source is found (Correct answer)
Memorize the key details of each source
Only record the title and skip other publication details

Correct answer: Record full citation information and key notes as each source is found

Recording full citation details and key notes immediately when each source is found prevents time-consuming searches later and ensures accurate documentation for the bibliography.

Question 21: On the VCLA Writing subtest, which of the following is a run-on sentence?

He was late he missed the meeting. (Correct answer)
The teacher explained the lesson clearly.
She studied hard, and she passed the exam.
Although it was raining, she went for a walk.

Correct answer: He was late he missed the meeting.

'He was late he missed the meeting' is a run-on because two independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunction.

Question 22: Which context clue type is demonstrated here: 'The pedagogy, or teaching methods, were highly effective'?

Example clue
Antonym clue
General context clue
Synonym clue (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Synonym clue

The phrase 'or teaching methods' is a synonym clue—the author directly restates the meaning of 'pedagogy' in simpler words.

Question 23: Which of the following words contains a derivational suffix that creates an adjective from a noun?

Kindness
Musical (Correct answer)
Unkind
Rewrite

Correct answer: Musical

'Musical' uses the suffix '-al' to transform the noun 'music' into an adjective meaning 'of or relating to music.'

Question 24: On the VCLA, which question requires you to evaluate how well an author supports their argument with evidence?

A literal comprehension question
An author's craft and evidence question (Correct answer)
A vocabulary definition question
A text structure identification question

Correct answer: An author's craft and evidence question

Author's craft and evidence questions evaluate how effectively the author uses evidence and reasoning to support their argument.

Question 25: The students that get the most from vocational counseling often are, according to the passage:

Those who are honest about their interests.
Those who have a vocational counselor in their school.
Those who already know their eventual career choice.
Those who do not have a chosen profession. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Those who do not have a chosen profession.

Vocational counseling is referred to in the paragraph as a helpful resource for students who are unsure of their career goals or who have not yet decided on a profession.

Question 26: In a VCLA passage, a word described as having a 'negative connotation' means it carries:

A strictly literal meaning
A neutral, dictionary definition only
An implied, unfavorable emotional association (Correct answer)
A positive and uplifting feeling

Correct answer: An implied, unfavorable emotional association

A word with a negative connotation carries an implied unfavorable or unpleasant emotional association beyond its literal definition.

Question 27: What does the Greek root 'graph' mean, as in 'paragraph' and 'biography'?

To think or believe
To write or draw (Correct answer)
To move or travel
To speak or say

Correct answer: To write or draw

The Greek root 'graph' means 'to write' or 'to draw,' seen in 'paragraph' (written beside) and 'biography' (written life).

Question 28: A reader encounters an unfamiliar word in a VCLA passage. Which context clue strategy is most effective first?

Substitute a random synonym and move on
Count syllables to determine the word's meaning
Skip the word and continue reading
Look at surrounding sentences for meaning clues (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Look at surrounding sentences for meaning clues

Using surrounding sentences and context is the most effective first strategy for determining the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

Question 29: Which sentence revision best corrects wordiness by eliminating redundancy?

The finished report was now done being completed.
The report was finished and done and complete.
The report was completely and entirely finished.
The report was finished. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The report was finished.

'The report was finished' eliminates redundant phrases like 'completely and entirely' that repeat the same idea unnecessarily.

Question 30: Which signal word most commonly indicates a contrast relationship between two ideas in a VCLA reading passage?

However (Correct answer)
Therefore
Similarly
Furthermore

Correct answer: However

'However' is a transitional word that signals a contrast or opposing idea between two statements.

Question 31: Which sentence uses the word 'infer' correctly?

The teacher inferred a strict homework policy.
She inferred her opinion clearly in the essay.
He could infer from her expression that she was upset. (Correct answer)
They inferred the rule to the entire class.

Correct answer: He could infer from her expression that she was upset.

'He could infer from her expression that she was upset' correctly uses 'infer' to mean drawing a conclusion from evidence.

Question 32: In context, what does the word 'corroborate' most likely mean: 'The witness's testimony helped to corroborate the defendant's alibi'?

Question or challenge
Ignore or dismiss
Contradict or disprove
Confirm or support (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Confirm or support

'Corroborate' means to confirm or give support to a statement, theory, or finding.

Question 33: Which of the following sentences contains a misplaced modifier?

Nearly every student passed the VCLA exam.
She carefully reviewed each answer before submitting.
She nearly drove her children to school every day. (Correct answer)
He handed the report to the supervisor carefully.

Correct answer: She nearly drove her children to school every day.

'Nearly' is misplaced; the intended meaning is 'She drove her children to school nearly every day,' not that she 'nearly drove' them.

Question 34: What is the key difference between a fact and an opinion on the VCLA Reading test?

Facts are always written by experts; opinions are written by general public.
Facts can be verified objectively; opinions express personal beliefs or judgments. (Correct answer)
Facts are longer sentences; opinions are shorter.
Facts use complex vocabulary; opinions use simple language.

Correct answer: Facts can be verified objectively; opinions express personal beliefs or judgments.

Facts are verifiable through observation or evidence, while opinions express personal beliefs, judgments, or preferences that cannot be proven.

Question 35: What does the Latin root 'bene' mean, as found in words like 'benefit' and 'benevolent'?

Bad or harmful
Large or great
Old or ancient
Good or well (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Good or well

The Latin root 'bene' means 'good' or 'well,' which is reflected in words like 'benefit' (something good) and 'benevolent' (well-wishing).

Question 36: Which of the following is an example of an indirect object used correctly in a sentence?

She reviewed carefully the assignment.
She gave the teacher the completed assignment. (Correct answer)
She gave the assignment a careful review.
She assigned the teacher to the task.

Correct answer: She gave the teacher the completed assignment.

In 'She gave the teacher the completed assignment,' 'the teacher' is the indirect object—the recipient of what was given.

Question 37: Which of the following is an example of an author using a logical fallacy known as 'hasty generalization'?

Experts in education have reviewed and endorsed this program.
Two students failed the test, so all students in the school are failing. (Correct answer)
This policy was tested in five states before being implemented nationally.
The data from 1,000 surveyed teachers supports this conclusion.

Correct answer: Two students failed the test, so all students in the school are failing.

Concluding that all students in a school are failing based on only two students failing is a hasty generalization—drawing a broad conclusion from insufficient evidence.

Question 38: In a VCLA written response, which technique makes an introduction most engaging?

Beginning with a definition copied from the dictionary
Opening with a relevant question, statistic, or brief anecdote before the thesis (Correct answer)
Starting immediately with the thesis statement without context
Opening with a broad statement like 'Throughout history, people have...'

Correct answer: Opening with a relevant question, statistic, or brief anecdote before the thesis

An engaging introduction hooks the reader with a relevant question, statistic, or anecdote before moving to the thesis statement.

Question 39: Reference of the Question: Each statement in the next section has a component that is underlined. The underlined portion has an improper spelling. Pick the selected words that goes with the part of the sentence that is incorrectly underlined.

No one
was able
no error (Correct answer)
credible

Correct answer: no error

The way the sentence is worded is accurate.

Question 40: In a VCLA passage, the author writes: 'Everyone knows that this is the best solution.' Which persuasive technique is being used?

Cause-and-effect reasoning
Bandwagon appeal (Correct answer)
Statistical evidence
Expert testimony

Correct answer: Bandwagon appeal

The phrase 'everyone knows' is a bandwagon appeal—suggesting that because it is widely believed, the claim must be true.

Question 41: Which type of bias occurs when an author only presents information that supports their viewpoint and ignores contradicting evidence?

Anchoring bias
Confirmation bias
Selection bias
One-sided bias (Correct answer)

Correct answer: One-sided bias

One-sided bias (also called one-sided argument) occurs when an author presents only evidence supporting their view while ignoring contradicting information.

Question 42: Which of the following is the most effective way to integrate evidence into a VCLA written response?

Paraphrase every source without ever explaining its relevance.
Place the quote at the beginning of the essay without context.
Quote the source and provide no further comment.
Introduce the quote, provide it, and then explain how it supports your argument. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Introduce the quote, provide it, and then explain how it supports your argument.

Effective evidence integration involves introducing the quote, presenting it, and then explaining how it directly supports the argument—the 'sandwich' method.

Question 43: Which of the following sentences avoids passive voice in favor of active voice?

The report was written by the committee.
Mistakes were made during the presentation.
The exam was passed by most students.
The committee wrote the report. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The committee wrote the report.

'The committee wrote the report' is in active voice because the subject (committee) performs the action (wrote).

Question 44: Which of the following is an example of a fact rather than an opinion in a VCLA passage?

This policy is clearly the best approach available.
Virginia has 95 independent cities and counties. (Correct answer)
Everyone should support environmental conservation.
The new park is the most beautiful in the state.

Correct answer: Virginia has 95 independent cities and counties.

A fact is a verifiable statement; 'Virginia has 95 independent cities and counties' can be confirmed with official sources.

Question 45: In VCLA formal writing, which revision strengthens a vague conclusion?

Repeat the introduction word-for-word.
Restate the thesis in new words and summarize key supporting points. (Correct answer)
Add a new argument not mentioned in the essay.
End with a question to leave the reader thinking.

Correct answer: Restate the thesis in new words and summarize key supporting points.

A strong conclusion restates the thesis using different language and briefly summarizes the key supporting points made in the body.

Question 46: Which of the following best corrects the dangling modifier in 'Running to catch the bus, the rain began to fall'?

Running to catch the bus and the rain fell.
Running to catch the bus, she noticed the rain began to fall. (Correct answer)
She ran and the rain began to fall.
The rain began to fall, running to catch the bus.

Correct answer: Running to catch the bus, she noticed the rain began to fall.

Adding 'she noticed' gives the participial phrase 'Running to catch the bus' a clear subject to modify.

Question 47: When evaluating the credibility of a source, which factor is MOST important to consider?

The author's qualifications and expertise (Correct answer)
The length of the document
Whether the source is available online
The number of images included

Correct answer: The author's qualifications and expertise

An author's qualifications and expertise directly affect how reliable and accurate the information in a source is likely to be.

Question 48: In a VCLA vocabulary question, 'denotation' refers to a word's:

Emotional associations and feelings it evokes
Origin in another language
Frequency of use in formal writing
Exact, literal dictionary definition (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Exact, literal dictionary definition

Denotation is the precise, literal dictionary definition of a word, as opposed to its connotation (emotional associations).

Question 49: What does the prefix 'mis-' mean in words like 'misinform' and 'misplace'?

Again or anew
Below or under
Before or earlier
Wrongly or badly (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Wrongly or badly

The prefix 'mis-' means 'wrongly' or 'badly,' as seen in 'misinform' (to inform incorrectly) and 'misplace' (to place wrongly).

Question 50: Which critical thinking skill involves recognizing when an author's personal background or interests may influence their writing?

Detecting bias (Correct answer)
Identifying text structure
Analyzing vocabulary
Summarizing the main idea

Correct answer: Detecting bias

Detecting bias involves recognizing how an author's personal perspective, background, or interests may influence their presentation of information.

Question 51: On the VCLA, when a reader synthesizes information from multiple passages, they are expected to:

Summarize only the first passage read
Combine ideas from different sources to form a new understanding (Correct answer)
Copy the main idea from each passage
Identify only the differences between passages

Correct answer: Combine ideas from different sources to form a new understanding

Synthesis involves combining information and ideas from multiple sources to create a new, integrated understanding.

Question 52: Which of the following is an example of a sentence fragment?

Because she studied every evening. (Correct answer)
The student submitted the assignment.
She passed the exam with a high score.
They reviewed the material together.

Correct answer: Because she studied every evening.

'Because she studied every evening' is a dependent clause that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence—it is a fragment.

Question 53: Which of the following demonstrates evaluating an author's reasoning on the VCLA?

Summarizing the passage in three sentences
Identifying every vocabulary word in the passage
Counting the number of paragraphs in the text
Judging whether the evidence logically supports the conclusion (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Judging whether the evidence logically supports the conclusion

Evaluating an author's reasoning involves judging whether the evidence presented logically and adequately supports the conclusion drawn.

Question 54: What does the suffix '-ology' indicate when added to a root word, as in 'psychology' and 'biology'?

Fear of something
The study or science of something (Correct answer)
A person who performs an action
A tool used for measurement

Correct answer: The study or science of something

The suffix '-ology' means 'the study or science of,' as in psychology (study of the mind) and biology (study of life).

Question 55: Which word is an antonym for 'eloquent' as used in a VCLA reading passage?

Inarticulate (Correct answer)
Persuasive
Articulate
Fluent

Correct answer: Inarticulate

'Inarticulate' is an antonym for 'eloquent'—it means unable to express oneself clearly or fluently.

Question 56: Which of the following types of bias might affect information presented in a source?

Confirmation bias, where an author selects evidence that supports a predetermined conclusion (Correct answer)
Length bias, where longer sources are considered more accurate
Digital bias, where online sources are always less credible than print sources
Popularity bias, where widely read sources are always more reliable

Correct answer: Confirmation bias, where an author selects evidence that supports a predetermined conclusion

Confirmation bias occurs when a writer selectively presents evidence that supports their existing viewpoint while ignoring contradictory evidence, which can distort the accuracy of a source.

Question 57: Which of the following is NOT demonstrated by the words and deeds of the characters?

It is cold outside.
Shenny and Hazel are friends.
Shenny is on the varsity team, while Hazel is not. (Correct answer)
The bus has not yet arrived to pick up the track team.

Correct answer: Shenny is on the varsity team, while Hazel is not.

Hazel's declaration that she wants to play for the varsity team proves that she is not a member of the team. To indicate whether Shenny is a member of the varsity team or not, the characters don't say or do anything. Hazel's actions indicate that the characters are still waiting for the bus to come, and Shenny's comments indicate that they will be traveling by bus. Shenny's words and deeds indicate how chilly the weather is. Due to their conversation and close proximity while standing in the chilly weather, Shenny and Hazel's acts demonstrate their friendship.

Question 58: A VCLA passage argues that exercise improves academic performance, citing one study with 30 participants. Which critical thinking skill flags a potential weakness?

Identifying the passage's text structure
Noting the author's use of transition words
Analyzing the length of the passage
Evaluating the sufficiency and scope of the evidence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Evaluating the sufficiency and scope of the evidence

Evaluating the sufficiency of evidence means recognizing that one small study with 30 participants may not provide enough evidence to support a broad claim.

Question 59: Which of the following is an example of 'logos' in a persuasive VCLA passage?

An emotional appeal to parents worried about their children's futures
A quote from a well-respected educator endorsing the program
Statistics showing a 40% improvement in test scores after the intervention (Correct answer)
A moving personal story about a struggling student

Correct answer: Statistics showing a 40% improvement in test scores after the intervention

Statistics and data-driven evidence represent logos—the appeal to logic and reason through facts and numbers.

Question 60: In VCLA writing tasks, which pronoun-antecedent agreement error appears in the following sentence: 'Everyone must submit their application by Friday'?

'Everyone' should be replaced with 'All persons.'
The sentence contains a subject-verb disagreement.
'Application' should be plural.
There is no error; 'their' is now accepted as a singular pronoun. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: There is no error; 'their' is now accepted as a singular pronoun.

Modern grammar widely accepts 'their' as a singular gender-neutral pronoun, so the sentence contains no error.

Question 61: Which type of text structure presents events in the order they occurred?

Chronological order (Correct answer)
Compare and contrast
Cause and effect
Problem and solution

Correct answer: Chronological order

Chronological order presents events sequentially from first to last as they occurred in time.

Question 62: Which sentence contains a subject-verb agreement error?

The group of teachers are presenting at noon. (Correct answer)
She writes clearly and concisely.
Each of the candidates has submitted a form.
The students complete their assignments on time.

Correct answer: The group of teachers are presenting at noon.

The subject 'group' is singular, so the correct verb is 'is presenting,' not 'are presenting.'

Question 63: Which approach best helps a VCLA test-taker answer questions about a lengthy reading passage efficiently?

Only read the first and last paragraph
Read every word multiple times before looking at questions
Read the questions first, then scan the passage for relevant information (Correct answer)
Skip the passage and answer based on general knowledge

Correct answer: Read the questions first, then scan the passage for relevant information

Reading the questions first helps you focus your attention on relevant sections of the passage, increasing efficiency.

Question 64: What is the main purpose of a bibliography or works cited page in a research paper?

To list the topics the writer plans to cover
To show how long the paper is
To give credit to all sources used in the research (Correct answer)
To summarize the main argument of the paper

Correct answer: To give credit to all sources used in the research

A bibliography or works cited page documents all sources consulted and cited in the paper, giving proper credit to original authors and allowing readers to locate those sources.

Question 65: Reference of the Question: Each statement in the next section has a component that is underlined. The underlined portion has an improper spelling. Pick the selected words that goes with the part of the sentence that is incorrectly underlined.

todays track meet (Correct answer)
No error
highly unlikely
With Alic injured and Christian sick

Correct answer: todays track meet

Today's identifies the specific track meet that is being discussed. The apostrophe -s is necessary since the noun is in the possessive form.

Question 66: Which revision best improves the wordiness in: 'Due to the fact that she was tired, she went to bed early'?

She went to early bed, owing to the fact of tiredness.
Being tired was why she went to early bed.
She was tired due to the fact of going to bed early.
Because she was tired, she went to bed early. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Because she was tired, she went to bed early.

Replacing 'Due to the fact that' with the single word 'Because' eliminates wordiness while preserving the full meaning.

Question 67: Why is it important to consult multiple sources when conducting research?

Having many sources makes a bibliography look more impressive
Each source must be used at least twice in a research paper
Using more sources always increases a paper's grade
Multiple sources allow the researcher to verify information and consider different perspectives (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Multiple sources allow the researcher to verify information and consider different perspectives

Consulting multiple sources helps verify the accuracy of information by cross-referencing claims and ensures the researcher considers a range of perspectives and interpretations.

Question 68: Reference of the Question: Each statement in the next section has a component that is underlined. The underlined portion has an improper spelling. Pick the selected words that goes with the part of the sentence that is incorrectly underlined.

student's
affect (Correct answer)
negative
no error

Correct answer: affect

While "effect" refers to the final outcome, "affect" denotes influence.

Question 69: Which of the following is an example of a primary source?

A textbook chapter summarizing historical events
A magazine article reviewing a novel
An encyclopedia entry about World War II
A diary written by a Civil War soldier (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A diary written by a Civil War soldier

A diary written by a Civil War soldier is a firsthand account created during the time period being studied, making it a primary source.

Question 70: All of the following propositions are accurate in light of the passage EXCEPT:

Predicting what will happen in a story is an important skill for all students.
Older students can still benefit from being read aloud to.
Teachers should ask questions as they read.
Student opinions are not as important as discussions about vocabulary words. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Student opinions are not as important as discussions about vocabulary words.

According to the paragraph, the teacher should promote class debates about vocabulary words and the views of the pupils, indicating that both are crucial.

Question 71: Which strategy best helps a VCLA test-taker improve the coherence of their written response?

Adding as many vocabulary words as possible
Writing longer sentences throughout
Avoiding any reference to the prompt question
Using transitional words and phrases to connect ideas (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Using transitional words and phrases to connect ideas

Transitional words and phrases (e.g., 'furthermore,' 'however,' 'as a result') connect ideas and improve the flow and coherence of writing.

Question 72: Which punctuation mark correctly joins two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction on the VCLA?

Semicolon (Correct answer)
Ellipsis
Comma
Hyphen

Correct answer: Semicolon

A semicolon correctly joins two closely related independent clauses without requiring a coordinating conjunction.

Question 73: On the VCLA, which type of writing requires the writer to analyze a text and develop an argument supported by textual evidence?

Analytical essay (Correct answer)
Personal narrative
Procedural text
Descriptive paragraph

Correct answer: Analytical essay

An analytical essay requires the writer to examine a text critically and develop an argument supported by specific evidence from the source.

Question 74: When analyzing an author's tone in a VCLA passage, which element should you examine first?

The passage's length and paragraph count
Whether the passage uses headings
The number of vocabulary words per sentence
Word choice and descriptive language used (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Word choice and descriptive language used

An author's tone is most directly revealed through word choice and descriptive language, which convey attitude and feeling.

Question 75: On the VCLA, a passage states that 'the new policy reduced absenteeism.' What type of relationship does this sentence illustrate?

Cause and effect (Correct answer)
Chronological sequence
Classification
Compare and contrast

Correct answer: Cause and effect

The sentence illustrates a cause-and-effect relationship where the policy (cause) led to reduced absenteeism (effect).

Question 76: A reader identifies that a VCLA passage shifts from describing a problem to proposing solutions. Which text structure does this represent?

Narrative
Compare-contrast
Descriptive
Problem-solution (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Problem-solution

When a passage moves from describing a problem to presenting solutions, it follows a problem-solution text structure.

Question 77: What is the primary purpose of an abstract in a research article?

To provide a brief summary of the article's purpose, methods, and findings (Correct answer)
To list all sources cited in the article
To explain the author's personal interest in the subject
To argue against previous research on the topic

Correct answer: To provide a brief summary of the article's purpose, methods, and findings

An abstract is a concise summary at the beginning of a research article that helps readers quickly determine whether the article is relevant to their research needs.

Question 78: What is the meaning of the prefix 'inter-' in words such as 'interact' and 'interstate'?

Above or over
Against or opposite
Between or among (Correct answer)
Within a single group

Correct answer: Between or among

The prefix 'inter-' means 'between' or 'among,' as in 'interstate' (between states) and 'interact' (act between/with each other).

Question 79: On the VCLA, which element of an argument is defined as the central claim the author wants to prove?

Transition
Evidence
Counterargument
Thesis (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Thesis

The thesis is the central claim or position that the author seeks to prove or support throughout an argumentative text.

Question 80: Reference of the Question: Each statement in the next section has a component that is underlined. The underlined portion has an improper spelling. Pick the selected words that goes with the part of the sentence that is incorrectly underlined.

the hard time
No error
My Father (Correct answer)
and me

Correct answer: My Father

"Father" should not be capitalized in this sentence because it is not a proper noun.

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA)

The VCLA is a Virginia teacher certification exam that assesses candidates' communication and literacy skills across reading comprehension, critical analysis, vocabulary, and writing proficiency required for educator licensure.

Questions

240 min

Time Limit

78%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

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

va.nesinc.com — Retake policy, test delivery, fees, exam format, passing score, test dates, time limit · verified Oct 2026