PARCC Grade 7 ELA Practice Test Questions
1. The underlined word mortal means
1. C: Based on the sentence that follows the one in which "mortal" appears, it can be inferred that this word is describing the president's wound as fatal: The wound is mortal. The President has been insensible ever since it was inflicted, and is now dying.
2. What is a likely purpose for including so many headlines at the start of the article?
2. A: This article has eight headlines, each containing more specific information than the one that comes before. Though some of the information presented in the headlines is clearly opinion, the overall message that is being communicated is informational: Lincoln was shot at Ford's theater; he's still alive, but not expected to survive. An attempt was also made on Secretary Seward's life.
3. Who is the author of this article?
3. B: The notation at the beginning of the article lets the reader know that the information provided is an official communication from the government. There is no author indicated at the beginning of the article. This is something that is included in most newspaper articles. However, the article is written in the first person, and the identity of the author is revealed at the end: I have seen Mr. Seward, but he and Frederick were both unconscious. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. Two of the answer choices reference people mentioned in the article. Finally, The New York Times is the publisher, not the author.
4. Write a summary of the article. _____________________
4. A good summary of the article would be something close to this: President Lincoln was shot by an assassin at Ford's Theater; the president is not expected to survive. Secretary Seward and his son were also attacked by an assassin at their home this evening. They remain unconscious, and their chances of survival are questionable. General Grant was scheduled to be at the theater, but changed his plans and was not harmed by the evening's events.
5. What is implied by the following sentence? It is hoped the wounds may not be mortal. My apprehension is that they will prove fatal.
5. C: The first sentence expresses hope that the wounds inflicted upon Seward are not so severe that he would not be able to recover. The second sentence expresses the writer's fear that this hope may be misplaced, and it conveys that he is anxious about Seward's fate.
