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Which figure of speech is used in this text? Jason's room is as tidy as an overgrown garden.
[ "verbal irony", "pun" ]
A
closed choice
grade7
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify figures of speech
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words. What a lucky little lady you are! An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake. A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound. The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat. Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. The trees danced in the wind. A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning. A great new broom is sweeping the nation. Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic. Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down. Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.
The text uses verbal irony, which involves saying one thing but implying something very different. As tidy as an overgrown garden shows verbal irony because an overgrown garden is not tidy.
Context: N/A Question: Which figure of speech is used in this text? Jason's room is as tidy as an overgrown garden. Options: (A) verbal irony (B) pun
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which figure of speech is used in this text? Jason's room is as tidy as an overgrown garden. Options: (A) verbal irony (B) pun Answer: The answer is A.
null
What information supports the conclusion that Amy acquired this trait?
[ "Amy's mother speaks one language.", "Amy learned to speak two languages in school." ]
B
Read the description of a trait. Amy speaks two languages.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Traits and heredity
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Amy speaks two languages. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Amy acquired this trait? Options: (A) Amy's mother speaks one language. (B) Amy learned to speak two languages in school.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Amy speaks two languages. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Amy acquired this trait? Options: (A) Amy's mother speaks one language. (B) Amy learned to speak two languages in school. Answer: The answer is B.
null
What information supports the conclusion that Jayce inherited this trait?
[ "Jayce's biological mother has long hair. Jayce also has long hair.", "Jayce uses a headband to keep his wavy hair out of his face.", "Jayce's biological parents have wavy hair." ]
C
Read the description of a trait. Jayce has wavy hair.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Jayce has wavy hair. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Jayce inherited this trait? Options: (A) Jayce's biological mother has long hair. Jayce also has long hair. (B) Jayce uses a headband to keep his wavy hair out of his face. (C) Jayce's biological parents have wavy hair.
Answer: The answer is C.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Jayce has wavy hair. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Jayce inherited this trait? Options: (A) Jayce's biological mother has long hair. Jayce also has long hair. (B) Jayce uses a headband to keep his wavy hair out of his face. (C) Jayce's biological parents have wavy hair. Answer: The answer is C.
null
Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? splash - sure
[ "struck", "sack" ]
A
closed choice
grade2
language science
reference-skills
Reference skills
Use guide words
Guide words appear on each page of a dictionary. They tell you the first word and last word on the page. The other words on the page come between the guide words in alphabetical order. To put words in alphabetical order, put them in order by their first letters. If the first letters are the same, look at the second letters. If the second letters are the same, look at the third letters, and so on.
Put the words in alphabetical order. Since struck is between the guide words splash - sure, it would be found on that page.
Context: N/A Question: Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? splash - sure Options: (A) struck (B) sack
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? splash - sure Options: (A) struck (B) sack Answer: The answer is A.
null
Which sentence uses a simile?
[ "Our boots were muddy pig's hooves.", "Our boots were as muddy as a pig's hooves." ]
B
closed choice
grade4
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Identify similes and metaphors
Similes and metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things that are not actually alike. A simile compares two things by saying that one is like the other. Similes often use the words like and as. My sister runs like a cheetah. The sister's running and a cheetah's running are compared using the word like. A cheetah is known for running fast, so the simile means that the sister also runs fast. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. The cat's fur and the night are compared using the word as. The night is dark, so the simile means that the cat's fur is also dark. A metaphor compares two things by saying that one of them is the other. Unlike similes, metaphors don't use the word like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. The snow and a blanket are compared without the word like or as. A blanket is a large piece of cloth that completely covers a bed. The metaphor makes the reader imagine that the snow becomes a blanket, covering the town completely. Using similes and metaphors in your writing can help you create an interesting picture for the reader.
This sentence uses a simile: Our boots were as muddy as a pig's hooves. The words boots and pig's hooves are compared using the word as. This sentence uses a metaphor: Our boots were muddy pig's hooves. The words boots and pig's hooves are compared without the word like or as.
Context: N/A Question: Which sentence uses a simile? Options: (A) Our boots were muddy pig's hooves. (B) Our boots were as muddy as a pig's hooves.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Which sentence uses a simile? Options: (A) Our boots were muddy pig's hooves. (B) Our boots were as muddy as a pig's hooves. Answer: The answer is B.
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Below are three examples of using energy from natural resources. Select the use of energy that did not add to air pollution.
[ "A solar heater on the roof of a house warmed water that was used for bathing and cleaning.", "A gas stove created an open flame for cooking by burning natural gas.", "A steamboat's engine burned coal." ]
A
Humans have invented many ways to use energy from natural resources. Some of these uses of energy add to air pollution, and others do not. Hint: Burning a material such as wood, oil, or coal releases chemicals that add to air pollution.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
earth-science
Conservation and natural resources
Evaluate natural energy sources
Humans have invented many ways to use natural resources. We use energy from natural resources in our daily activities, including cooking food, moving objects, and powering machines. Some ways of using natural resources for energy add to air pollution, and others do not. Wood, oil, and coal are examples of natural resources that are fuels. Burning a fuel provides energy. But it also releases chemicals that can be harmful to our health and to the environment. These chemicals add to air pollution. Sunlight, wind, and water are natural resources that can provide energy. Using energy from the Sun, wind, or water does not burn material. These uses of energy do not release chemicals that add to air pollution.
Context: Humans have invented many ways to use energy from natural resources. Some of these uses of energy add to air pollution, and others do not. Hint: Burning a material such as wood, oil, or coal releases chemicals that add to air pollution. Question: Below are three examples of using energy from natural resources. Select the use of energy that did not add to air pollution. Options: (A) A solar heater on the roof of a house warmed water that was used for bathing and cleaning. (B) A gas stove created an open flame for cooking by burning natural gas. (C) A steamboat's engine burned coal.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: Humans have invented many ways to use energy from natural resources. Some of these uses of energy add to air pollution, and others do not. Hint: Burning a material such as wood, oil, or coal releases chemicals that add to air pollution. Question: Below are three examples of using energy from natural resources. Select the use of energy that did not add to air pollution. Options: (A) A solar heater on the roof of a house warmed water that was used for bathing and cleaning. (B) A gas stove created an open flame for cooking by burning natural gas. (C) A steamboat's engine burned coal. Answer: The answer is A.
null
Does the sentence use a simile or a metaphor? Mrs. Snyder is an owl, working at night and sleeping during the day.
[ "simile", "metaphor" ]
B
closed choice
grade5
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Identify similes and metaphors
Similes and metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things that are not actually alike. A simile compares two things by saying that one is like the other. Similes often use the words like and as. My sister runs like a cheetah. The sister's running and a cheetah's running are compared using the word like. A cheetah is known for running fast, so the simile means that the sister also runs fast. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. The cat's fur and the night are compared using the word as. The night is dark, so the simile means that the cat's fur is also dark. A metaphor compares two things by saying that one of them is the other. Unlike similes, metaphors don't use the word like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. The snow and a blanket are compared without the word like or as. A blanket is a large piece of cloth that completely covers a bed. The metaphor makes the reader imagine that the snow becomes a blanket, covering the town completely. Using similes and metaphors in your writing can help you create an interesting picture for the reader.
Mrs. Snyder is an owl, working at night and sleeping during the day. The words Mrs. Snyder and owl are compared without the word like or as. So, the sentence uses a metaphor.
Context: N/A Question: Does the sentence use a simile or a metaphor? Mrs. Snyder is an owl, working at night and sleeping during the day. Options: (A) simile (B) metaphor
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Does the sentence use a simile or a metaphor? Mrs. Snyder is an owl, working at night and sleeping during the day. Options: (A) simile (B) metaphor Answer: The answer is B.
null
What information supports the conclusion that Grace inherited this trait?
[ "Grace and her biological father wear sunglasses when they go outside.", "Grace's neighbor has green eyes.", "Grace has green eyes like her biological mother." ]
C
Read the description of a trait. Grace has green eyes.
closed choice
grade8
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Grace has green eyes. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Grace inherited this trait? Options: (A) Grace and her biological father wear sunglasses when they go outside. (B) Grace's neighbor has green eyes. (C) Grace has green eyes like her biological mother.
Answer: The answer is C.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Grace has green eyes. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Grace inherited this trait? Options: (A) Grace and her biological father wear sunglasses when they go outside. (B) Grace's neighbor has green eyes. (C) Grace has green eyes like her biological mother. Answer: The answer is C.
null
Which type of sentence is this? As Leo sat down on the rickety old chair, it abruptly collapsed beneath him.
[ "simple", "complex", "compound-complex", "compound" ]
B
closed choice
grade11
language science
grammar
Phrases and clauses
Is the sentence simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex?
A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate. An independent clause is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is not a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. the oranges on our tree are ripe The clause can stand alone. It is independent. after we pick up Kevin from work The clause cannot stand alone. It is dependent. A simple sentence is made up of a single independent clause. Ben and I spent all day relaxing by the pool. Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but the introductory phrase is part of the predicate. In the winter, Ben usually wears his heavy coat. Ben usually wears his heavy coat in the winter. A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. We saw the flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard a rumble of thunder. A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause in a complex sentence usually begins with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun. Subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while. Relative pronouns include that, which, who, whom, or whose. If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids. During his trip to Italy, Tony visited the Trevi Fountain, which is in Rome. A compound-complex sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. After Samantha left work, she stopped at the bank, and then she went to the gym. Sometimes a dependent clause in a complex or compound-complex sentence can interrupt an independent clause. Orcas that are kept in captivity often have bent dorsal fins.
The sentence is complex. It is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause begins with the subordinating conjunction as. As Leo sat down on the rickety old chair, it abruptly collapsed beneath him.
Context: N/A Question: Which type of sentence is this? As Leo sat down on the rickety old chair, it abruptly collapsed beneath him. Options: (A) simple (B) complex (C) compound-complex (D) compound
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Which type of sentence is this? As Leo sat down on the rickety old chair, it abruptly collapsed beneath him. Options: (A) simple (B) complex (C) compound-complex (D) compound Answer: The answer is B.
null
What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? Kristen entered the bustling, aromatic spice market in Istanbul and said to her travel companion, "We're not in Kansas anymore."
[ "a movie", "a poem" ]
A
closed choice
grade8
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Recall the source of an allusion
An allusion is a brief mention of something or someone well known, often from mythology, history, or literature. An allusion lets you reference ideas from an entire story in just a few words. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. Here, Lila alludes to the fairy tale "Cinderella," in which Cinderella must leave the ball before the coach that brought her transforms into a pumpkin. The allusion shows that Lila must depart immediately.
The source of the allusion We're not in Kansas anymore is a movie. In the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy, a young farm girl from Kansas, finds herself in Oz, an unusual place that looks nothing like her home. She says to her dog, "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." The allusion We're not in Kansas anymore means we're in an unfamiliar place.
Context: N/A Question: What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? Kristen entered the bustling, aromatic spice market in Istanbul and said to her travel companion, "We're not in Kansas anymore." Options: (A) a movie (B) a poem
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: What is the source of the allusion in the sentence below? Kristen entered the bustling, aromatic spice market in Istanbul and said to her travel companion, "We're not in Kansas anymore." Options: (A) a movie (B) a poem Answer: The answer is A.
null
Which correctly shows the title of a play?
[ "My Fair Lady", "My fair Lady" ]
A
closed choice
grade4
language science
capitalization
Formatting
Capitalizing titles
In a title, capitalize the first word, the last word, and every important word in between. The Wind in the Willows James and the Giant Peach These words are not important in titles: Articles, a, an, the Short prepositions, such as at, by, for, in, of, on, to, up Coordinating conjunctions, such as and, but, or
Capitalize the first word, the last word, and every important word in between. The correct title is My Fair Lady.
Context: N/A Question: Which correctly shows the title of a play? Options: (A) My Fair Lady (B) My fair Lady
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which correctly shows the title of a play? Options: (A) My Fair Lady (B) My fair Lady Answer: The answer is A.
null
Compare the motion of two bowhead whales. Which bowhead whale was moving at a higher speed?
[ "a bowhead whale that moved 25miles in 5hours", "a bowhead whale that moved 20miles in 5hours" ]
A
closed choice
grade2
natural science
physics
Force and motion
Compare the speeds of moving objects
An object's speed tells you how fast the object is moving. Speed depends on both distance and time. Distance tells you how far the object has moved. One unit used to measure distance is the mile. Time tells you how long the object has spent moving. One unit used to measure time is the hour. Think about two objects moving for the same amount of time. The object that is moving faster will go a farther distance in that time. It is moving at a higher speed.
Look at the distance each bowhead whale moved and the time it took to move that distance. One bowhead whale moved 25 miles in 5 hours. The other bowhead whale moved 20 miles in 5 hours. Notice that each bowhead whale spent the same amount of time moving. The bowhead whale that moved 25 miles moved a farther distance in that time. So, that bowhead whale must have moved at a higher speed.
Context: N/A Question: Compare the motion of two bowhead whales. Which bowhead whale was moving at a higher speed? Options: (A) a bowhead whale that moved 25miles in 5hours (B) a bowhead whale that moved 20miles in 5hours
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Compare the motion of two bowhead whales. Which bowhead whale was moving at a higher speed? Options: (A) a bowhead whale that moved 25miles in 5hours (B) a bowhead whale that moved 20miles in 5hours Answer: The answer is A.
null
Based on this information, what is Buck's genotype for the coat pattern gene?
[ "white spots", "aa" ]
B
In a group of cows, some individuals have solid coloring and others have white spots. In this group, the gene for the coat pattern trait has two alleles. The allele A is for solid coloring, and the allele a is for white spots. Buck, a cow from this group, has white spots. Buck has two alleles for white spots.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype
All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait.
An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. Buck has two alleles for white spots (a). So, Buck's genotype for the coat pattern gene is aa.
Context: In a group of cows, some individuals have solid coloring and others have white spots. In this group, the gene for the coat pattern trait has two alleles. The allele A is for solid coloring, and the allele a is for white spots. Buck, a cow from this group, has white spots. Buck has two alleles for white spots. Question: Based on this information, what is Buck's genotype for the coat pattern gene? Options: (A) white spots (B) aa
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: In a group of cows, some individuals have solid coloring and others have white spots. In this group, the gene for the coat pattern trait has two alleles. The allele A is for solid coloring, and the allele a is for white spots. Buck, a cow from this group, has white spots. Buck has two alleles for white spots. Question: Based on this information, what is Buck's genotype for the coat pattern gene? Options: (A) white spots (B) aa Answer: The answer is B.
null
Which press release is more formal?
[ "On Nov. 19, musicians from all over town will battle it out in the fourth annual Jam-a-thon, happening at the amphitheater.", "On November 19, the Middletown Amphitheater will host area musicians vying for top honors in the fourth annual Jam-a-thon." ]
B
closed choice
grade10
language science
writing-strategies
Audience, purpose, and tone
Which text is most formal?
Informal writing is typically used in casual situations or when communicating with someone you know well. Informal language often expresses familiarity and tends to sound more like speech. It uses more conversational language, such as slang, idioms, abbreviations, imprecise language, and contractions. Formal writing is typically used in academic and business writing or when writing directly to an authority figure. It tends to be more courteous and impersonal, avoiding overly familiar or conversational language. Compare the following sentences. Informal: Yeah, ostriches can't fly, but I think they're awesome. More formal: Ostriches may be flightless, but they're remarkable runners. Most formal: Though flightless, ostriches are remarkable runners.
The second press release is more formal. It uses more elevated language (area musicians, top honors). The other press release uses idioms (battle it out) and abbreviations (Nov.).
Context: N/A Question: Which press release is more formal? Options: (A) On Nov. 19, musicians from all over town will battle it out in the fourth annual Jam-a-thon, happening at the amphitheater. (B) On November 19, the Middletown Amphitheater will host area musicians vying for top honors in the fourth annual Jam-a-thon.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Which press release is more formal? Options: (A) On Nov. 19, musicians from all over town will battle it out in the fourth annual Jam-a-thon, happening at the amphitheater. (B) On November 19, the Middletown Amphitheater will host area musicians vying for top honors in the fourth annual Jam-a-thon. Answer: The answer is B.
null
Does the sentence use a simile or a metaphor? Zack swam with ease across the swimming pool, like a dolphin.
[ "simile", "metaphor" ]
A
closed choice
grade5
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Identify similes and metaphors
Similes and metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things that are not actually alike. A simile compares two things by saying that one is like the other. Similes often use the words like and as. My sister runs like a cheetah. The sister's running and a cheetah's running are compared using the word like. A cheetah is known for running fast, so the simile means that the sister also runs fast. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. The cat's fur and the night are compared using the word as. The night is dark, so the simile means that the cat's fur is also dark. A metaphor compares two things by saying that one of them is the other. Unlike similes, metaphors don't use the word like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. The snow and a blanket are compared without the word like or as. A blanket is a large piece of cloth that completely covers a bed. The metaphor makes the reader imagine that the snow becomes a blanket, covering the town completely. Using similes and metaphors in your writing can help you create an interesting picture for the reader.
Zack swam with ease across the swimming pool, like a dolphin. The words Zack and dolphin are compared using the word like. So, the sentence uses a simile.
Context: N/A Question: Does the sentence use a simile or a metaphor? Zack swam with ease across the swimming pool, like a dolphin. Options: (A) simile (B) metaphor
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Does the sentence use a simile or a metaphor? Zack swam with ease across the swimming pool, like a dolphin. Options: (A) simile (B) metaphor Answer: The answer is A.
null
What information supports the conclusion that Megan inherited this trait?
[ "Megan has green eyes like her biological mother.", "Megan's neighbor has green eyes.", "Megan and her biological father wear sunglasses when they go outside." ]
A
Read the description of a trait. Megan has green eyes.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Megan has green eyes. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Megan inherited this trait? Options: (A) Megan has green eyes like her biological mother. (B) Megan's neighbor has green eyes. (C) Megan and her biological father wear sunglasses when they go outside.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Megan has green eyes. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Megan inherited this trait? Options: (A) Megan has green eyes like her biological mother. (B) Megan's neighbor has green eyes. (C) Megan and her biological father wear sunglasses when they go outside. Answer: The answer is A.
null
How long is a sandbox?
[ "3 meters", "3 centimeters", "3 millimeters", "3 kilometers" ]
A
Select the best estimate.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
units-and-measurement
Units and measurement
Choose metric units of distance, mass, and volume
Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. When you are using metric units, length can be written with units of millimeters, centimeters, meters, or kilometers. One meter contains 100 centimeters or 1,000 millimeters. So, 1 meter is larger than 1 centimeter, and 1 centimeter is larger than 1 millimeter. The tip of the pencil shown here is only 1 millimeter wide, but the pencil is about 16 centimeters long. A red fox is about 1 meter long. The Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia is about 1,000 meters, or 1 kilometer, in length.
The best estimate for the length of a sandbox is 3 meters. 3 millimeters and 3 centimeters are too short. 3 kilometers is too long.
Context: Select the best estimate. Question: How long is a sandbox? Options: (A) 3 meters (B) 3 centimeters (C) 3 millimeters (D) 3 kilometers
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: Select the best estimate. Question: How long is a sandbox? Options: (A) 3 meters (B) 3 centimeters (C) 3 millimeters (D) 3 kilometers Answer: The answer is A.
null
Select the taiga ecosystem.
[ "This ecosystem has:\nwarm summers and warm winters\na rainy season and a dry season\nsoil that is poor in nutrients", "This ecosystem has:\nlong, cold winters and short, cool summers\nmany evergreen trees\nsoil that is poor in nutrients", "This ecosystem has:\nyear-round rain and warm temperatures\nsoil that i...
B
closed choice
grade7
natural science
biology
Ecosystems
Identify ecosystems
An environment includes all of the biotic, or living, and abiotic, or nonliving, things in an area. An ecosystem is created by the relationships that form among the biotic and abiotic parts of an environment. There are many different types of terrestrial, or land-based, ecosystems. Here are some ways in which terrestrial ecosystems can differ from each other: the pattern of weather, or climate the type of soil the organisms that live there
A taiga is a type of ecosystem. It has long, cold winters and short, cool summers, many evergreen trees, and soil that is poor in nutrients. Choice 1 is a taiga ecosystem. It has many evergreen trees. It also has long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Choice 2 is a tropical rain forest ecosystem. It has year-round rain and soil that is poor in nutrients. Choice 3 is a savanna grassland ecosystem. It is covered in grasses and has a dry season and a wet season.
Context: N/A Question: Select the taiga ecosystem. Options: (A) This ecosystem has: warm summers and warm winters a rainy season and a dry season soil that is poor in nutrients (B) This ecosystem has: long, cold winters and short, cool summers many evergreen trees soil that is poor in nutrients (C) This ecosystem has: year-round rain and warm temperatures soil that is poor in nutrients many different types of organisms
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Select the taiga ecosystem. Options: (A) This ecosystem has: warm summers and warm winters a rainy season and a dry season soil that is poor in nutrients (B) This ecosystem has: long, cold winters and short, cool summers many evergreen trees soil that is poor in nutrients (C) This ecosystem has: year-round rain and warm temperatures soil that is poor in nutrients many different types of organisms Answer: The answer is B.
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Select the amphibian.
[ "horned frog", "robin", "sugar glider", "ostrich" ]
A
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Classification
Identify mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians
Amphibians have moist skin and begin their lives in water.
A sugar glider is a mammal. It has fur and feeds its young milk. Sugar gliders can jump long distances from tree to tree. They have flaps of loose skin on their sides. These flaps help them stay in the air. A horned frog is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Frogs live near water or in damp places. Most frogs lay their eggs in water. A robin is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. A robin is a songbird. It sings different songs at different times of the day. An ostrich is a bird. It has feathers, two wings, and a beak. The ostrich is the largest bird alive today. Ostriches cannot fly, but they can run very fast.
Context: N/A Question: Select the amphibian. Options: (A) horned frog (B) robin (C) sugar glider (D) ostrich
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Select the amphibian. Options: (A) horned frog (B) robin (C) sugar glider (D) ostrich Answer: The answer is A.
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Using only these supplies, which question can Clare investigate with an experiment?
[ "Does a catapult with a longer arm launch a rubber ball farther than a catapult with a shorter arm?", "Does a rubber ball travel farther when launched from a metal catapult or from a wooden catapult?", "Does a heavier ball travel farther than a lighter ball when launched from a catapult?" ]
A
Clare visits a museum about ancient Greece. She notices an exhibit with models of wooden catapults that were used to launch large rocks across battlefields. She wonders what factors affect how far a catapult can launch an object. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: a wooden catapult with a 10-inch-long arm a wooden catapult with a five-inch-long arm two identical rubber balls
closed choice
grade6
natural science
science-and-engineering-practices
Designing experiments
Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials
Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment. Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment? First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available. Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick. So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment!
Context: Clare visits a museum about ancient Greece. She notices an exhibit with models of wooden catapults that were used to launch large rocks across battlefields. She wonders what factors affect how far a catapult can launch an object. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: a wooden catapult with a 10-inch-long arm a wooden catapult with a five-inch-long arm two identical rubber balls Question: Using only these supplies, which question can Clare investigate with an experiment? Options: (A) Does a catapult with a longer arm launch a rubber ball farther than a catapult with a shorter arm? (B) Does a rubber ball travel farther when launched from a metal catapult or from a wooden catapult? (C) Does a heavier ball travel farther than a lighter ball when launched from a catapult?
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: Clare visits a museum about ancient Greece. She notices an exhibit with models of wooden catapults that were used to launch large rocks across battlefields. She wonders what factors affect how far a catapult can launch an object. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: a wooden catapult with a 10-inch-long arm a wooden catapult with a five-inch-long arm two identical rubber balls Question: Using only these supplies, which question can Clare investigate with an experiment? Options: (A) Does a catapult with a longer arm launch a rubber ball farther than a catapult with a shorter arm? (B) Does a rubber ball travel farther when launched from a metal catapult or from a wooden catapult? (C) Does a heavier ball travel farther than a lighter ball when launched from a catapult? Answer: The answer is A.
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Which sentence states a fact?
[ "Venice Beach lies along the western edge of Los Angeles.", "Venice Beach is too crowded in the summer." ]
A
closed choice
grade4
language science
writing-strategies
Developing and supporting arguments
Distinguish facts from opinions
A fact is something that can be proved to be true. The month of July has more days than the month of June. This is a fact. It can be proved by looking at a calendar and counting the number of days in each month. An opinion is something that a person believes, thinks, or feels. An opinion cannot be proved true. July is a better month than June for camping. This is an opinion. People may have different opinions about which month is "better" for camping.
The second sentence states a fact. Venice Beach lies along the western edge of Los Angeles. It can be proved by checking a map of Los Angeles. The first sentence states an opinion. Venice Beach is too crowded in the summer. Too crowded shows what a person believes, thinks, or feels. Another person might have a different opinion about how crowded is too crowded.
Context: N/A Question: Which sentence states a fact? Options: (A) Venice Beach lies along the western edge of Los Angeles. (B) Venice Beach is too crowded in the summer.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which sentence states a fact? Options: (A) Venice Beach lies along the western edge of Los Angeles. (B) Venice Beach is too crowded in the summer. Answer: The answer is A.
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Which figure of speech is used in this text? It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend. —William Blake
[ "apostrophe", "paradox" ]
B
closed choice
grade11
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify the figure of speech: review
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. We are united. We are powerful. We are winners. Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. I want to help, not to hurt. Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully? Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words. Try to light the fire. Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you. A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off. Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. I ate so much that I think I might explode! An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic. A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. Always expect the unexpected. Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic.
The text uses a paradox, a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend at first appears to be contradictory, as it should be difficult to forgive someone whom you oppose. However, there is some truth to it: it is more hurtful when your friend does something to wrong you than when your enemy does, making it harder to forgive the person close to you.
Context: N/A Question: Which figure of speech is used in this text? It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend. —William Blake Options: (A) apostrophe (B) paradox
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Which figure of speech is used in this text? It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend. —William Blake Options: (A) apostrophe (B) paradox Answer: The answer is B.
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Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Did you know that Stanley is back home living with his parents again and won't get a job? Gosh, millennials are such a lazy generation.
[ "ad hominem: an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself", "appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good", "hasty generalization: a broad claim based on too few observations" ]
C
closed choice
grade9
language science
writing-strategies
Developing and supporting arguments
Classify logical fallacies
A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions. A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information: Fallacy | Description ad hominem | an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself appeal to nature | an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice bandwagon fallacy | an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice circular reasoning | an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself guilt by association | an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or something A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand: Fallacy | Description false causation | the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other false dichotomy | an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist hasty generalization | a broad claim based on too few observations slippery slope fallacy | the false assumption that a small first step will necessarily lead to extreme consequences straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against
The text argues that Stanley living with his parents means that millennials in general are lazy. However, one millennial's behavior does not necessarily reflect the behavior of the entire generation. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as a hasty generalization.
Context: N/A Question: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Did you know that Stanley is back home living with his parents again and won't get a job? Gosh, millennials are such a lazy generation. Options: (A) ad hominem: an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself (B) appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good (C) hasty generalization: a broad claim based on too few observations
Answer: The answer is C.
Context: N/A Question: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? Did you know that Stanley is back home living with his parents again and won't get a job? Gosh, millennials are such a lazy generation. Options: (A) ad hominem: an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself (B) appeal to nature: the assumption that natural things are always good (C) hasty generalization: a broad claim based on too few observations Answer: The answer is C.
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What kind of sentence is this? That's his fourth touchdown in the game!
[ "interrogative", "exclamatory" ]
B
closed choice
grade4
language science
punctuation
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Is the sentence declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory?
There are four kinds of sentences. A declarative sentence is a statement. It tells about something. A declarative sentence always ends with a period. I have an older brother and a younger sister. An interrogative sentence is a question. It asks something. An interrogative sentence always ends with a question mark. How tall are you? An imperative sentence is a command. It makes a request or tells someone to do something. An imperative sentence usually ends with a period. If the command shows strong feeling, it ends with an exclamation point. Read the first chapter by next week. Look out for that car! An exclamatory sentence is like a statement, but it shows surprise or strong feeling. An exclamatory sentence always ends with an exclamation point. Some whales are over ninety feet long! I can't wait until tomorrow!
The sentence tells about something, but it shows surprise and ends with an exclamation point. It is an exclamatory sentence.
Context: N/A Question: What kind of sentence is this? That's his fourth touchdown in the game! Options: (A) interrogative (B) exclamatory
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: What kind of sentence is this? That's his fourth touchdown in the game! Options: (A) interrogative (B) exclamatory Answer: The answer is B.
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Which is the stickiest?
[ "plastic beads", "rubber duck", "glue" ]
C
closed choice
grade4
natural science
physics
Materials
Compare properties of materials
Every object is made of one or more materials. A material is a type of matter. Wood, glass, metal, and plastic are common materials. A material has different properties. A material's properties tell you how it looks, feels, tastes, or smells. Some examples of properties are shiny, hard, fragile, and stretchy. For example, a shiny material reflects a lot of light. A fragile material breaks when you drop it.
Sticky is a property. A sticky material easily attaches to other things. Look at each picture, one at a time. Imagine touching the material shown in each picture. Of the choices, the glue is the stickiest. If you touch wet glue, it will stick to you.
Context: N/A Question: Which is the stickiest? Options: (A) plastic beads (B) rubber duck (C) glue
Answer: The answer is C.
Context: N/A Question: Which is the stickiest? Options: (A) plastic beads (B) rubber duck (C) glue Answer: The answer is C.
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Which logical fallacy is used in the text? The number of pirates in existence decreased as the global average temperature rose. Therefore, we can conclude that hotter weather reduces piracy.
[ "false causation: the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other", "slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences", "guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something" ]
A
closed choice
grade9
language science
writing-strategies
Developing and supporting arguments
Classify logical fallacies
A strong argument uses valid reasoning and logic in support of a claim. When an argument or claim introduces irrelevant information or misrepresents the issues at hand, it may be committing a logical fallacy. Logical fallacies can hurt a writer's credibility and can lead readers to draw false conclusions. A logical fallacy may present irrelevant information: Fallacy | Description ad hominem | an attack against the person making the argument, rather than the argument itself appeal to nature | an argument that assumes the natural choice is always the best choice bandwagon fallacy | an argument that assumes the popular choice is always the best choice circular reasoning | an argument that supports a claim with the claim itself guilt by association | an unfair negative association with another person or group that is intended to discredit someone or something A logical fallacy may misrepresent the issues at hand: Fallacy | Description false causation | the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other false dichotomy | an argument that presents only two choices when more options exist hasty generalization | a broad claim based on too few observations slippery slope fallacy | the false assumption that a small first step will necessarily lead to extreme consequences straw man | a misrepresentation of an opponent's position that makes it easier to argue against
The text argues that an increase in the global average temperature causes less piracy. However, that's not necessarily true. The fact that piracy decreased as global average temperature increased does not mean that hotter weather reduces piracy. This illustrates a type of logical fallacy known as false causation.
Context: N/A Question: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? The number of pirates in existence decreased as the global average temperature rose. Therefore, we can conclude that hotter weather reduces piracy. Options: (A) false causation: the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other (B) slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences (C) guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which logical fallacy is used in the text? The number of pirates in existence decreased as the global average temperature rose. Therefore, we can conclude that hotter weather reduces piracy. Options: (A) false causation: the assumption that because two things happened together, one caused the other (B) slippery slope fallacy: the false assumption that a small first step will lead to extreme consequences (C) guilt by association: a negative association intended to discredit someone or something Answer: The answer is A.
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Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Carrie has a scar on her right hand.
[ "acquired", "inherited" ]
A
Hint: Most scars are caused by accidents during a person's life.
closed choice
grade3
natural science
biology
Heredity
Identify inherited and acquired traits
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Children do not inherit their parents' acquired traits.
Children do not inherit their parent's scars. Instead, scars are caused by the environment. People can get scars after they get hurt. So, having a scar is an acquired trait.
Context: Hint: Most scars are caused by accidents during a person's life. Question: Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Carrie has a scar on her right hand. Options: (A) acquired (B) inherited
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: Hint: Most scars are caused by accidents during a person's life. Question: Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Carrie has a scar on her right hand. Options: (A) acquired (B) inherited Answer: The answer is A.
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Based on this information, what is Birdie's genotype for the leg color gene?
[ "Ll", "white legs" ]
A
In a group of chickens, some individuals have white legs and others have yellow legs. In this group, the gene for the leg color trait has two alleles. The allele L is for white legs, and the allele l is for yellow legs. Birdie, a chicken from this group, has white legs. Birdie has one allele for white legs and one allele for yellow legs.
closed choice
grade6
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Genetics vocabulary: genotype and phenotype
All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait.
An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. Birdie has one allele for white legs (L) and one allele for yellow legs (l). So, Birdie's genotype for the leg color gene is Ll.
Context: In a group of chickens, some individuals have white legs and others have yellow legs. In this group, the gene for the leg color trait has two alleles. The allele L is for white legs, and the allele l is for yellow legs. Birdie, a chicken from this group, has white legs. Birdie has one allele for white legs and one allele for yellow legs. Question: Based on this information, what is Birdie's genotype for the leg color gene? Options: (A) Ll (B) white legs
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: In a group of chickens, some individuals have white legs and others have yellow legs. In this group, the gene for the leg color trait has two alleles. The allele L is for white legs, and the allele l is for yellow legs. Birdie, a chicken from this group, has white legs. Birdie has one allele for white legs and one allele for yellow legs. Question: Based on this information, what is Birdie's genotype for the leg color gene? Options: (A) Ll (B) white legs Answer: The answer is A.
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Which word does not rhyme?
[ "barn", "turn", "burn" ]
A
closed choice
grade2
language science
phonological-awareness
Rhyming
Which word does not rhyme?
Rhyming words are words that end with the same sound. The words tip and slip rhyme. They both end with the same sound. The words meet and treat also rhyme. They both end with the same sound, even though the sound has two different spellings. The words tip and meet don't rhyme. They end with different sounds.
The words turn and burn rhyme. They both end with the urn sound. The word barn does not rhyme. It ends with a different sound.
Context: N/A Question: Which word does not rhyme? Options: (A) barn (B) turn (C) burn
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which word does not rhyme? Options: (A) barn (B) turn (C) burn Answer: The answer is A.
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Which figure of speech is used in this text? Give praise with the rasp and sizzle of crickets, katydids and cicadas, Give praise with hum of bees, Give praise with the little peepers who live near water. —Anne Porter, "A List of Praises"
[ "chiasmus", "anaphora" ]
B
closed choice
grade11
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify the figure of speech: anaphora, antithesis, apostrophe, assonance, chiasmus, understatement
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. We are united. We are powerful. We are winners. Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. I want to help, not to hurt. Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully? Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words. Try to light the fire. Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you. Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic.
The text uses anaphora, the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. Porter repeats the words give praise at the beginning of each clause.
Context: N/A Question: Which figure of speech is used in this text? Give praise with the rasp and sizzle of crickets, katydids and cicadas, Give praise with hum of bees, Give praise with the little peepers who live near water. —Anne Porter, "A List of Praises" Options: (A) chiasmus (B) anaphora
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Which figure of speech is used in this text? Give praise with the rasp and sizzle of crickets, katydids and cicadas, Give praise with hum of bees, Give praise with the little peepers who live near water. —Anne Porter, "A List of Praises" Options: (A) chiasmus (B) anaphora Answer: The answer is B.
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Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? we - wink
[ "waiter", "whom" ]
B
closed choice
grade8
language science
reference-skills
Reference skills
Use guide words
Guide words appear on each page of a dictionary. They tell you the first word and last word on the page. The other words on the page come between the guide words in alphabetical order. To put words in alphabetical order, put them in order by their first letters. If the first letters are the same, look at the second letters. If the second letters are the same, look at the third letters, and so on. If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed.
Put the words in alphabetical order. Since whom is between the guide words we - wink, it would be found on that page.
Context: N/A Question: Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? we - wink Options: (A) waiter (B) whom
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? we - wink Options: (A) waiter (B) whom Answer: The answer is B.
null
Select the living thing.
[ "boa", "rainboot" ]
A
closed choice
grade3
natural science
biology
Classification
Identify living and nonliving things
All living things need food and water. Water helps living things break down food and remove waste. Food gives living things energy. Living things use this energy to grow and change. All living things grow and change during their lives. All living things sense changes in the world around them. Living things might sense changes by seeing, smelling, hearing, or feeling. Living things can respond to the changes they sense.
A boa is a living thing. Boas grow and respond to the world around them. They need food and water. A rainboot is not a living thing. Rainboots do not have all of the traits of living things. They do not grow or respond to the world around them. They do not need food or water.
Context: N/A Question: Select the living thing. Options: (A) boa (B) rainboot
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Select the living thing. Options: (A) boa (B) rainboot Answer: The answer is A.
null
Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? car - coupon
[ "cure", "chore" ]
B
closed choice
grade5
language science
reference-skills
Reference skills
Use guide words
Guide words appear on each page of a dictionary. They tell you the first word and last word on the page. The other words on the page come between the guide words in alphabetical order. To put words in alphabetical order, put them in order by their first letters. If the first letters are the same, look at the second letters. If the second letters are the same, look at the third letters, and so on. If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed.
Put the words in alphabetical order. Since chore is between the guide words car - coupon, it would be found on that page.
Context: N/A Question: Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? car - coupon Options: (A) cure (B) chore
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Which word would you find on a dictionary page with the following guide words? car - coupon Options: (A) cure (B) chore Answer: The answer is B.
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Which text uses the word literally in its traditional sense?
[ "Justine adores the classic Renaissance style of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. She was surprised to learn that the bridge remains functional even though it is literally hundreds of years old.", "Justine adores the classic Renaissance style of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. She was surprised to learn that the bridge ...
A
closed choice
grade10
language science
writing-strategies
Word usage and nuance
Explore words with new or contested usages
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner. When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences. Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam. The traditional usage above is considered more standard. David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages. The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The second text uses literally in its traditional sense: in a factual, non-exaggerated way. Justine adores the classic Renaissance style of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. She was surprised to learn that the bridge remains functional even though it is literally hundreds of years old. The first text uses literally in its nontraditional sense: nearly or in effect (often exaggerated). The bridge is old, but it is not actually a million years old. Justine adores the classic Renaissance style of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. She was surprised to learn that the bridge remains functional even though it is literally a million years old. Most style guides recommend to avoid using the nontraditional sense of the word literally because it is generally considered incorrect.
Context: N/A Question: Which text uses the word literally in its traditional sense? Options: (A) Justine adores the classic Renaissance style of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. She was surprised to learn that the bridge remains functional even though it is literally hundreds of years old. (B) Justine adores the classic Renaissance style of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. She was surprised to learn that the bridge remains functional even though it is literally a million years old.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which text uses the word literally in its traditional sense? Options: (A) Justine adores the classic Renaissance style of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. She was surprised to learn that the bridge remains functional even though it is literally hundreds of years old. (B) Justine adores the classic Renaissance style of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. She was surprised to learn that the bridge remains functional even though it is literally a million years old. Answer: The answer is A.
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What does the idiom in this text suggest? Shelley has a lot on her plate: she is attending college, has a full-time job as a waitress, and volunteers at the animal shelter.
[ "Shelley has many responsibilities.", "Shelley has worked up an appetite." ]
A
closed choice
grade7
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Interpret figures of speech
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake.
The text uses an idiom, an expression that cannot be understood literally. The idiom a lot on her plate suggests that Shelley has many responsibilities. If you have a lot on your plate, you are busy with many different obligations.
Context: N/A Question: What does the idiom in this text suggest? Shelley has a lot on her plate: she is attending college, has a full-time job as a waitress, and volunteers at the animal shelter. Options: (A) Shelley has many responsibilities. (B) Shelley has worked up an appetite.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: What does the idiom in this text suggest? Shelley has a lot on her plate: she is attending college, has a full-time job as a waitress, and volunteers at the animal shelter. Options: (A) Shelley has many responsibilities. (B) Shelley has worked up an appetite. Answer: The answer is A.
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Which text uses the word terribly in its traditional sense?
[ "Cole shivered terribly as he gazed at the snow-clad slope. After calming his nerves, he began his descent.", "Cole shivered as he gazed at the terribly steep, snowy slope. After calming his nerves, he began his descent." ]
A
closed choice
grade12
language science
writing-strategies
Word usage and nuance
Explore words with new or contested usages
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner. When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences. Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam. The traditional usage above is considered more standard. David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages. The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The second text uses terribly in its traditional sense: in a terrible manner. Cole shivered terribly as he gazed at the snow-clad slope. After calming his nerves, he began his descent. The first text uses terribly in its nontraditional sense: extremely; very. Cole shivered as he gazed at the terribly steep, snowy slope. After calming his nerves, he began his descent. Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word terribly because it is considered more standard.
Context: N/A Question: Which text uses the word terribly in its traditional sense? Options: (A) Cole shivered terribly as he gazed at the snow-clad slope. After calming his nerves, he began his descent. (B) Cole shivered as he gazed at the terribly steep, snowy slope. After calming his nerves, he began his descent.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which text uses the word terribly in its traditional sense? Options: (A) Cole shivered terribly as he gazed at the snow-clad slope. After calming his nerves, he began his descent. (B) Cole shivered as he gazed at the terribly steep, snowy slope. After calming his nerves, he began his descent. Answer: The answer is A.
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Below are three examples of using energy from natural resources. Select the use of energy that did not add to air pollution.
[ "Wood burned in a fire, cooking vegetables.", "Flowing water carried a girl in an inflatable tube down a river.", "A candle burned paraffin, a wax made from petroleum oil." ]
B
Humans have invented many ways to use energy from natural resources. Some of these uses of energy add to air pollution, and others do not. Hint: Burning a material such as wood, oil, or coal releases chemicals that add to air pollution.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
earth-science
Conservation and natural resources
Evaluate natural energy sources
Humans have invented many ways to use natural resources. We use energy from natural resources in our daily activities, including cooking food, moving objects, and powering machines. Some ways of using natural resources for energy add to air pollution, and others do not. Wood, oil, and coal are examples of natural resources that are fuels. Burning a fuel provides energy. But it also releases chemicals that can be harmful to our health and to the environment. These chemicals add to air pollution. Sunlight, wind, and water are natural resources that can provide energy. Using energy from the Sun, wind, or water does not burn material. These uses of energy do not release chemicals that add to air pollution.
Context: Humans have invented many ways to use energy from natural resources. Some of these uses of energy add to air pollution, and others do not. Hint: Burning a material such as wood, oil, or coal releases chemicals that add to air pollution. Question: Below are three examples of using energy from natural resources. Select the use of energy that did not add to air pollution. Options: (A) Wood burned in a fire, cooking vegetables. (B) Flowing water carried a girl in an inflatable tube down a river. (C) A candle burned paraffin, a wax made from petroleum oil.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Humans have invented many ways to use energy from natural resources. Some of these uses of energy add to air pollution, and others do not. Hint: Burning a material such as wood, oil, or coal releases chemicals that add to air pollution. Question: Below are three examples of using energy from natural resources. Select the use of energy that did not add to air pollution. Options: (A) Wood burned in a fire, cooking vegetables. (B) Flowing water carried a girl in an inflatable tube down a river. (C) A candle burned paraffin, a wax made from petroleum oil. Answer: The answer is B.
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Suppose Ted decides to get the pumpkin spice ice cream. Which result would be a cost?
[ "Ted will get to eat the pumpkin spice ice cream. He likes this flavor more than vanilla bean.", "Ted will give up the chance to get a free waffle cone. He would have enjoyed the waffle cone." ]
B
Ted is deciding whether to get pumpkin spice ice cream or vanilla bean ice cream. He likes pumpkin spice more than vanilla bean. But a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream comes with a free waffle cone.
closed choice
grade5
social science
economics
Basic economic principles
Costs and benefits
Before you decide to do something, it is often helpful to list costs and benefits. Costs are what you give up or spend when you decide to do something. Costs involve giving up things that you want or need. Benefits are what you gain or save when you decide to do something. Benefits involve gaining something that you want or need.
This result is a cost. It involves giving up or spending something that Ted wants or needs: Ted will give up the chance to get a free waffle cone. He would have enjoyed the waffle cone.
Context: Ted is deciding whether to get pumpkin spice ice cream or vanilla bean ice cream. He likes pumpkin spice more than vanilla bean. But a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream comes with a free waffle cone. Question: Suppose Ted decides to get the pumpkin spice ice cream. Which result would be a cost? Options: (A) Ted will get to eat the pumpkin spice ice cream. He likes this flavor more than vanilla bean. (B) Ted will give up the chance to get a free waffle cone. He would have enjoyed the waffle cone.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Ted is deciding whether to get pumpkin spice ice cream or vanilla bean ice cream. He likes pumpkin spice more than vanilla bean. But a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream comes with a free waffle cone. Question: Suppose Ted decides to get the pumpkin spice ice cream. Which result would be a cost? Options: (A) Ted will get to eat the pumpkin spice ice cream. He likes this flavor more than vanilla bean. (B) Ted will give up the chance to get a free waffle cone. He would have enjoyed the waffle cone. Answer: The answer is B.
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Select the invertebrate.
[ "woodpecker", "ladybug", "red-headed poison frog", "wombat" ]
B
Hint: Insects, spiders, and worms are invertebrates.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Classification
Identify vertebrates and invertebrates
Vertebrates and invertebrates are both groups of animals. A vertebrate has a backbone. The backbone is made of many bones in an animal's back. A vertebrate's backbone helps connect the different parts of its body. In the drawings below, each vertebrate's backbone is colored orange. An invertebrate does not have a backbone. In fact, invertebrates do not have any bones! Some invertebrates have an outer cover on their body called an exoskeleton. Other invertebrates have a soft body.
A ladybug is an insect. Like other insects, a ladybug is an invertebrate. It does not have a backbone. It has an exoskeleton. A woodpecker is a bird. Like other birds, a woodpecker is a vertebrate. It has a backbone. A red-headed poison frog is an amphibian. Like other amphibians, a red-headed poison frog is a vertebrate. It has a backbone. A wombat is a mammal. Like other mammals, a wombat is a vertebrate. It has a backbone.
Context: Hint: Insects, spiders, and worms are invertebrates. Question: Select the invertebrate. Options: (A) woodpecker (B) ladybug (C) red-headed poison frog (D) wombat
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Hint: Insects, spiders, and worms are invertebrates. Question: Select the invertebrate. Options: (A) woodpecker (B) ladybug (C) red-headed poison frog (D) wombat Answer: The answer is B.
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Which pot of spaghetti sauce has more thermal energy?
[ "the hotter pot of spaghetti sauce", "the colder pot of spaghetti sauce" ]
A
Two pots of spaghetti sauce are identical except for their temperatures.
closed choice
grade6
natural science
physics
Thermal energy
How are temperature and mass related to thermal energy?
Matter is made of tiny particles called atoms. Atoms are always moving. The energy of moving atoms is called thermal energy. The total amount of thermal energy in matter depends on three things: the type of matter, the amount of matter, and how fast the atoms are moving. Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the atoms in matter move faster, the temperature goes up. The matter now has both more thermal energy and a higher temperature. What happens if the amount of matter changes? A 2-kilogram brick at 70°F has twice as much thermal energy as a 1-kilogram brick at 70°F. The two bricks have the same temperature, but the larger brick has twice as many atoms. So, it has twice as much thermal energy.
The two pots of spaghetti sauce are made of the same material and have the same mass. So, the hotter pot of spaghetti sauce has more thermal energy.
Context: Two pots of spaghetti sauce are identical except for their temperatures. Question: Which pot of spaghetti sauce has more thermal energy? Options: (A) the hotter pot of spaghetti sauce (B) the colder pot of spaghetti sauce
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: Two pots of spaghetti sauce are identical except for their temperatures. Question: Which pot of spaghetti sauce has more thermal energy? Options: (A) the hotter pot of spaghetti sauce (B) the colder pot of spaghetti sauce Answer: The answer is A.
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What does the allusion in this text suggest? When Elise claimed she had loaded the dishwasher before turning on Dancing with the Stars, her mother replied, "Your nose is growing!"
[ "Elise was trustworthy.", "Elise was lying." ]
B
closed choice
grade8
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Interpret figures of speech
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked.
The text uses an allusion, a brief reference to someone or something well known. The allusion nose is growing suggests that Elise was lying. In the story of Pinocchio, when Pinocchio lies, his nose grows longer.
Context: N/A Question: What does the allusion in this text suggest? When Elise claimed she had loaded the dishwasher before turning on Dancing with the Stars, her mother replied, "Your nose is growing!" Options: (A) Elise was trustworthy. (B) Elise was lying.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: What does the allusion in this text suggest? When Elise claimed she had loaded the dishwasher before turning on Dancing with the Stars, her mother replied, "Your nose is growing!" Options: (A) Elise was trustworthy. (B) Elise was lying. Answer: The answer is B.
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What information supports the conclusion that Ben acquired this trait?
[ "Ben is most interested in American history.", "Ben learned history by reading." ]
B
Read the description of a trait. Ben knows a lot about history.
closed choice
grade3
natural science
biology
Heredity
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Ben knows a lot about history. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Ben acquired this trait? Options: (A) Ben is most interested in American history. (B) Ben learned history by reading.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Ben knows a lot about history. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Ben acquired this trait? Options: (A) Ben is most interested in American history. (B) Ben learned history by reading. Answer: The answer is B.
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What information supports the conclusion that Maura inherited this trait?
[ "Maura and her father both have dark hair.", "Maura's parents have dark skin. They passed down this trait to Maura." ]
B
Read the description of a trait. Maura has dark skin.
closed choice
grade4
natural science
biology
Traits and heredity
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Maura has dark skin. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Maura inherited this trait? Options: (A) Maura and her father both have dark hair. (B) Maura's parents have dark skin. They passed down this trait to Maura.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Maura has dark skin. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Maura inherited this trait? Options: (A) Maura and her father both have dark hair. (B) Maura's parents have dark skin. They passed down this trait to Maura. Answer: The answer is B.
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Which statement describes the driftwood's motion?
[ "The driftwood has a constant velocity.", "The driftwood is accelerating." ]
A
A piece of driftwood is floating straight down a stream at a constant speed.
closed choice
grade8
natural science
physics
Velocity, acceleration, and forces
Identify whether objects are accelerating
An object's velocity describes its speed and its direction. An object has a constant velocity when neither its speed nor its direction is changing. So, an object has a constant velocity when the object is: moving in a straight line at a constant speed, or remaining motionless. If an object does not have a constant velocity, the object is accelerating. An object is accelerating when either its speed or its direction is changing. So, an object is accelerating when the object is: speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction.
The driftwood is moving in a straight line at a constant speed. So, the driftwood has a constant velocity.
Context: A piece of driftwood is floating straight down a stream at a constant speed. Question: Which statement describes the driftwood's motion? Options: (A) The driftwood has a constant velocity. (B) The driftwood is accelerating.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: A piece of driftwood is floating straight down a stream at a constant speed. Question: Which statement describes the driftwood's motion? Options: (A) The driftwood has a constant velocity. (B) The driftwood is accelerating. Answer: The answer is A.
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What information supports the conclusion that Brad acquired this trait?
[ "Brad was not born knowing how to identify different fish. He had to learn this skill.", "Brad has two pet fish. The fish live in a fish tank together." ]
A
Read the description of a trait. Brad is good at identifying fish.
closed choice
grade3
natural science
biology
Heredity
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Brad is good at identifying fish. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Brad acquired this trait? Options: (A) Brad was not born knowing how to identify different fish. He had to learn this skill. (B) Brad has two pet fish. The fish live in a fish tank together.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Brad is good at identifying fish. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Brad acquired this trait? Options: (A) Brad was not born knowing how to identify different fish. He had to learn this skill. (B) Brad has two pet fish. The fish live in a fish tank together. Answer: The answer is A.
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Which correctly shows the title of a movie?
[ "\"White House Down\"", "***White House Down***" ]
B
closed choice
grade9
language science
punctuation
Formatting
Formatting titles
The title of a book, movie, play, TV show, magazine, or newspaper should be in italics. If you write it by hand, it can be underlined instead. A Midsummer Night's Dream The title of a poem, song, article, or short story should be in quotation marks. "You Are My Sunshine"
A movie should be in italics. The correct title is **White House Down**.
Context: N/A Question: Which correctly shows the title of a movie? Options: (A) "White House Down" (B) ***White House Down***
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Which correctly shows the title of a movie? Options: (A) "White House Down" (B) ***White House Down*** Answer: The answer is B.
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What does the idiom in this text suggest? Sophia submitted her suggestions to Chad; now the ball is in his court.
[ "Chad needs to act next.", "Chad feels like playing or relaxing, not working." ]
A
closed choice
grade12
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Interpret the figure of speech
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake.
The text uses an idiom, an expression that cannot be understood literally. The idiom the ball is in his court suggests that Chad needs to act next. In tennis, when the ball is in a player's court, it is that person's turn.
Context: N/A Question: What does the idiom in this text suggest? Sophia submitted her suggestions to Chad; now the ball is in his court. Options: (A) Chad needs to act next. (B) Chad feels like playing or relaxing, not working.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: What does the idiom in this text suggest? Sophia submitted her suggestions to Chad; now the ball is in his court. Options: (A) Chad needs to act next. (B) Chad feels like playing or relaxing, not working. Answer: The answer is A.
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What information supports the conclusion that Emmet inherited this trait?
[ "Emmet likes to wear a blue sweater to match his blue eyes.", "Emmet's mother has blue eyes. She passed this trait down to Emmet." ]
B
Read the description of a trait. Emmet has blue eyes.
closed choice
grade3
natural science
biology
Heredity
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Emmet has blue eyes. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Emmet inherited this trait? Options: (A) Emmet likes to wear a blue sweater to match his blue eyes. (B) Emmet's mother has blue eyes. She passed this trait down to Emmet.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Emmet has blue eyes. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Emmet inherited this trait? Options: (A) Emmet likes to wear a blue sweater to match his blue eyes. (B) Emmet's mother has blue eyes. She passed this trait down to Emmet. Answer: The answer is B.
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What is the temperature of the air inside of a classroom?
[ "70°C", "70°F" ]
B
Select the better estimate.
closed choice
grade6
natural science
units-and-measurement
Units and measurement
Estimate temperatures
Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. Temperature can be written with units of degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or Celsius (°C). Use the list below to compare the two units. 212°F | Water boils | 100°C 98.6°F | Body temperature | 37°C 68°F | Room temperature | 20°C 32°F | Water freezes | 0°C
The better estimate for the temperature of the air inside of a classroom is 70°F. 70°C is too hot.
Context: Select the better estimate. Question: What is the temperature of the air inside of a classroom? Options: (A) 70°C (B) 70°F
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Select the better estimate. Question: What is the temperature of the air inside of a classroom? Options: (A) 70°C (B) 70°F Answer: The answer is B.
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Which text uses the word nauseous in its traditional sense?
[ "Victoria couldn't tolerate the nauseous odor emanating from the landfill, so she rolled up her car windows as she drove past.", "The odor emanating from the landfill made Victoria so nauseous that she had to roll up the car windows as she drove past." ]
A
closed choice
grade11
language science
writing-strategies
Word usage and nuance
Explore words with new or contested usages
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner. When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences. Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam. The traditional usage above is considered more standard. David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages. The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The first text uses nauseous in its traditional sense: causing disgust or nausea. Victoria couldn't tolerate the nauseous odor emanating from the landfill, so she rolled up her car windows as she drove past. The second text uses nauseous in its nontraditional sense: feeling disgusted or nauseated. The odor emanating from the landfill made Victoria so nauseous that she had to roll up the car windows as she drove past. Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word nauseous because it is considered more standard.
Context: N/A Question: Which text uses the word nauseous in its traditional sense? Options: (A) Victoria couldn't tolerate the nauseous odor emanating from the landfill, so she rolled up her car windows as she drove past. (B) The odor emanating from the landfill made Victoria so nauseous that she had to roll up the car windows as she drove past.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which text uses the word nauseous in its traditional sense? Options: (A) Victoria couldn't tolerate the nauseous odor emanating from the landfill, so she rolled up her car windows as she drove past. (B) The odor emanating from the landfill made Victoria so nauseous that she had to roll up the car windows as she drove past. Answer: The answer is A.
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Which is a complete sentence?
[ "At the hospital, all the doctors and nurses work hard.", "Mom drank coffee and milk, I had tea." ]
A
closed choice
grade3
language science
writing-strategies
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Is it a complete sentence, a fragment, or a run-on?
A sentence is a group of words that forms a complete thought. It has both a subject and a verb. My friends walk along the path. A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. It is usually missing a subject or a verb. Knows the answer. This is a sentence fragment. It is missing a subject. Who knows the answer? She knows the answer. The bright red car. This is a sentence fragment. It is missing a verb. What did the bright red car do? The bright red car stopped. A run-on sentence is made up of two sentences that are joined without end punctuation or with just a comma. I knocked on the door it opened. It started raining, we ran inside. To fix a run-on sentence, separate it into two sentences. Add end punctuation after the first sentence, and capitalize the second sentence. I knocked on the door. It opened. It started raining. We ran inside. You can also fix a run-on sentence by rewriting it as a compound sentence. A compound sentence is two sentences joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. I knocked on the door, and it opened. It started raining, so we ran inside.
At the hospital, all the doctors and nurses work hard is a complete sentence. The subject is all the doctors and nurses, and the verb is work.
Context: N/A Question: Which is a complete sentence? Options: (A) At the hospital, all the doctors and nurses work hard. (B) Mom drank coffee and milk, I had tea.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which is a complete sentence? Options: (A) At the hospital, all the doctors and nurses work hard. (B) Mom drank coffee and milk, I had tea. Answer: The answer is A.
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Use the evidence in the text to select the photosynthetic organism.
[ "Echidnas are egg-laying mammals. An echidna is covered in spines and has a long snout that it uses to eat ants and termites.", "Yucca plants have long, sharp leaves. These leaves have a waxy covering. Yucca plants use carbon dioxide and water to make their food." ]
B
closed choice
grade7
natural science
biology
Photosynthesis
Identify the photosynthetic organism
Organisms that carry out photosynthesis are called photosynthetic organisms. During photosynthesis, these organisms use light energy, carbon dioxide, and water to produce sugars and oxygen. Photosynthetic organisms also often have the following characteristics: They are producers, which are organisms that make their own food inside their cells. Because producers make their own food, they typically do not eat other organisms. Their cells contain chloroplasts, which are cell structures where photosynthesis occurs. Their chloroplasts often contain a green substance called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll captures light energy from the Sun to power photosynthesis. They use the sugars they produce during photosynthesis as food. This food provides energy that helps the organisms live, grow, and reproduce.
This organism is photosynthetic: The text tells you that yucca plants use carbon dioxide and water to make food. This is evidence that the yucca plant is a photosynthetic organism. This organism is not photosynthetic: The text does not provide evidence that the echidna is photosynthetic.
Context: N/A Question: Use the evidence in the text to select the photosynthetic organism. Options: (A) Echidnas are egg-laying mammals. An echidna is covered in spines and has a long snout that it uses to eat ants and termites. (B) Yucca plants have long, sharp leaves. These leaves have a waxy covering. Yucca plants use carbon dioxide and water to make their food.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Use the evidence in the text to select the photosynthetic organism. Options: (A) Echidnas are egg-laying mammals. An echidna is covered in spines and has a long snout that it uses to eat ants and termites. (B) Yucca plants have long, sharp leaves. These leaves have a waxy covering. Yucca plants use carbon dioxide and water to make their food. Answer: The answer is B.
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Select the animal.
[ "Rose bushes can grow colorful flowers.", "Mangrove trees have wide green leaves.", "Albatrosses walk, fly, and swim.", "Strawberry bushes have green leaves." ]
C
closed choice
grade3
natural science
biology
Classification
Identify plants and animals
Plants and animals are living things. Living things are called organisms. Plants come in many shapes and sizes. Most plants grow in the ground. They might grow leaves, flowers, and fruit. Plants cannot move around on their own like animals can. Animals also come in many shapes and sizes. Most animals can move around. Animals might run, swim, jump, or fly. Animals eat plants or other organisms for food.
A mangrove tree is a plant. It has wide green leaves. Mangrove trees grow in salty water near oceans and seas. A strawberry bush is a plant. It has green leaves. The type of strawberries most people eat today were first grown in the 1750 s. A rose bush is a plant. It can grow colorful flowers. Most rose bushes have sharp thorns. The thorns help protect the rose bush from being eaten by animals. An albatross is an animal. It walks, flies, and swims. An albatross is a bird. It lives near the ocean and eats fish.
Context: N/A Question: Select the animal. Options: (A) Rose bushes can grow colorful flowers. (B) Mangrove trees have wide green leaves. (C) Albatrosses walk, fly, and swim. (D) Strawberry bushes have green leaves.
Answer: The answer is C.
Context: N/A Question: Select the animal. Options: (A) Rose bushes can grow colorful flowers. (B) Mangrove trees have wide green leaves. (C) Albatrosses walk, fly, and swim. (D) Strawberry bushes have green leaves. Answer: The answer is C.
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Which tense does the sentence use? Liz throws the ball into the hoop.
[ "past tense", "future tense", "present tense" ]
C
closed choice
grade3
language science
verbs
Verb tense
Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense?
Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now. Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es. Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms. Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened. Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed. Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms. Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen. All future-tense verbs use the word will. Present | Past | Future walk, walks | walked | will walk go, goes | went | will go
The sentence is in present tense. You can tell because it uses a present-tense verb, throws. The verb ends in -s and tells you about something that is true or happening now.
Context: N/A Question: Which tense does the sentence use? Liz throws the ball into the hoop. Options: (A) past tense (B) future tense (C) present tense
Answer: The answer is C.
Context: N/A Question: Which tense does the sentence use? Liz throws the ball into the hoop. Options: (A) past tense (B) future tense (C) present tense Answer: The answer is C.
null
Which text uses the word factoid in its traditional sense?
[ "Hassan seemed to know a lot about African wildlife, but it turned out that his knowledge was mostly based on factoids gleaned from unreliable websites.", "Hassan subscribed to an online newsletter about African wildlife; he enjoyed receiving daily factoids about the wild animals' natural habitats and behavior." ...
A
closed choice
grade9
language science
writing-strategies
Word usage and nuance
Explore words with new or contested usages
Words change in meaning when speakers begin using them in new ways. For example, the word peruse once only meant to examine in detail, but it's now also commonly used to mean to look through in a casual manner. When a word changes in meaning, its correct usage is often debated. Although a newer sense of the word may be more commonly used, many people consider a word's traditional definition to be the correct usage. Being able to distinguish the different uses of a word can help you use it appropriately for different audiences. Britney perused her notes, carefully preparing for her exam. The traditional usage above is considered more standard. David perused the magazine, absentmindedly flipping through the pages. The nontraditional usage above is now commonly used, but traditional style guides generally advise against it.
The first text uses factoid in its traditional sense: something made up presented as a true fact. Hassan seemed to know a lot about African wildlife, but it turned out that his knowledge was mostly based on factoids gleaned from unreliable websites. The second text uses factoid in its nontraditional sense: a trivial but true fact. Hassan subscribed to an online newsletter about African wildlife; he enjoyed receiving daily factoids about the wild animals' natural habitats and behavior. Most style guides recommend to use the traditional sense of the word factoid because it is considered more standard.
Context: N/A Question: Which text uses the word factoid in its traditional sense? Options: (A) Hassan seemed to know a lot about African wildlife, but it turned out that his knowledge was mostly based on factoids gleaned from unreliable websites. (B) Hassan subscribed to an online newsletter about African wildlife; he enjoyed receiving daily factoids about the wild animals' natural habitats and behavior.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which text uses the word factoid in its traditional sense? Options: (A) Hassan seemed to know a lot about African wildlife, but it turned out that his knowledge was mostly based on factoids gleaned from unreliable websites. (B) Hassan subscribed to an online newsletter about African wildlife; he enjoyed receiving daily factoids about the wild animals' natural habitats and behavior. Answer: The answer is A.
null
Which object has the least thermal energy?
[ "a 3-kilogram block of steel at a temperature of 68°F", "a 3-kilogram block of steel at a temperature of 66°F", "a 3-kilogram block of steel at a temperature of 112°F" ]
B
The objects are identical except for their temperatures.
closed choice
grade4
natural science
physics
Heat and thermal energy
How is temperature related to thermal energy?
All solids, liquids, and gases are made of matter. Matter is made up of tiny particles that are always moving. The energy from the motion of these particles is called thermal energy. Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the particles in matter slow down, the temperature goes down. The matter now has both less thermal energy and a lower temperature.
All three blocks of steel have the same mass but different temperatures. Since the 66°F block is the coldest, it has the least thermal energy.
Context: The objects are identical except for their temperatures. Question: Which object has the least thermal energy? Options: (A) a 3-kilogram block of steel at a temperature of 68°F (B) a 3-kilogram block of steel at a temperature of 66°F (C) a 3-kilogram block of steel at a temperature of 112°F
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: The objects are identical except for their temperatures. Question: Which object has the least thermal energy? Options: (A) a 3-kilogram block of steel at a temperature of 68°F (B) a 3-kilogram block of steel at a temperature of 66°F (C) a 3-kilogram block of steel at a temperature of 112°F Answer: The answer is B.
null
Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Sophia has a scar on her left ankle.
[ "inherited", "acquired" ]
B
Hint: Most scars are caused by accidents during a person's life.
closed choice
grade3
natural science
biology
Heredity
Identify inherited and acquired traits
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Children do not inherit their parents' acquired traits.
Children do not inherit their parent's scars. Instead, scars are caused by the environment. People can get scars after they get hurt. So, having a scar is an acquired trait.
Context: Hint: Most scars are caused by accidents during a person's life. Question: Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Sophia has a scar on her left ankle. Options: (A) inherited (B) acquired
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Hint: Most scars are caused by accidents during a person's life. Question: Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Sophia has a scar on her left ankle. Options: (A) inherited (B) acquired Answer: The answer is B.
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What do these two changes have in common? butter melting on a hot day sediment settling to the bottom of a muddy puddle
[ "Both are caused by cooling.", "Both are caused by heating.", "Both are chemical changes.", "Both are only physical changes." ]
D
closed choice
grade4
natural science
chemistry
Physical and chemical change
Compare physical and chemical changes
Chemical changes and physical changes are two common ways matter can change. In a chemical change, the type of matter changes. The types of matter before and after a chemical change are always different. Some chemical changes are caused by heating or cooling. For example, burning a piece of paper is a chemical change caused by heating. When paper gets hot enough, it re­acts with oxygen in the air and burns. The paper and oxygen change into ash and smoke. In a physical change, the type of matter stays the same. The types of matter before and after a physical change are always the same. A change of state is a type of physical change. Changes of state can be caused by heating or cooling. For example, ice melting is a physical change that can be caused by heating. Ice and liquid water are made of the same type of matter: water. The law of conservation of mass says that all physical and chemical changes conserve mass. Conserve means to keep the same. So, the total mass before a physical or chemical change is equal to the total mass after the change.
Step 1: Think about each change. Butter melting on a hot day is a change of state. So, it is a physical change. The butter changes from solid to liquid, but it is still made of the same type of matter. Loose matter such as sand and dirt is called sediment. Sediment settling to the bottom of a muddy puddle is a physical change. The sediment sinks, and the water above becomes clearer. This separates the water from the sediment. But separating a mixture does not form a different type of matter. Step 2: Look at each answer choice. Both are only physical changes. Both changes are physical changes. No new matter is created. Both are chemical changes. Both changes are physical changes. They are not chemical changes. Both are caused by heating. Butter melting on a hot day is caused by heating. But sediment settling to the bottom of a muddy puddle is not. Both are caused by cooling. Neither change is caused by cooling.
Context: N/A Question: What do these two changes have in common? butter melting on a hot day sediment settling to the bottom of a muddy puddle Options: (A) Both are caused by cooling. (B) Both are caused by heating. (C) Both are chemical changes. (D) Both are only physical changes.
Answer: The answer is D.
Context: N/A Question: What do these two changes have in common? butter melting on a hot day sediment settling to the bottom of a muddy puddle Options: (A) Both are caused by cooling. (B) Both are caused by heating. (C) Both are chemical changes. (D) Both are only physical changes. Answer: The answer is D.
null
Complete the sentence. Pouring milk on oatmeal is a ().
[ "physical change", "chemical change" ]
A
closed choice
grade4
natural science
chemistry
Physical and chemical change
Identify physical and chemical changes
Chemical changes and physical changes are two common ways matter can change. In a chemical change, the type of matter changes. The types of matter before and after a chemical change are always different. Burning a piece of paper is a chemical change. When paper gets hot enough, it reacts with oxygen in the air and burns. The paper and oxygen change into ash and smoke. In a physical change, the type of matter stays the same. The types of matter before and after a physical change are always the same. Cutting a piece of paper is a physical change. The cut pieces are still made of paper. A change of state is a type of physical change. For example, ice melting is a physical change. Ice and liquid water are made of the same type of matter: water.
Pouring milk on oatmeal is a physical change. The oatmeal and milk form a creamy mixture. But making this mixture does not form a different type of matter.
Context: N/A Question: Complete the sentence. Pouring milk on oatmeal is a (). Options: (A) physical change (B) chemical change
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Complete the sentence. Pouring milk on oatmeal is a (). Options: (A) physical change (B) chemical change Answer: The answer is A.
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Does this passage describe the weather or the climate? It has not rained in over a week at Luna's house.
[ "weather", "climate" ]
A
Hint: Weather is what the atmosphere is like at a certain place and time. Climate is the pattern of weather in a certain place.
closed choice
grade4
natural science
earth-science
Weather and climate
What's the difference between weather and climate?
The atmosphere is the layer of air that surrounds Earth. Both weather and climate tell you about the atmosphere. Weather is what the atmosphere is like at a certain place and time. Weather can change quickly. For example, the temperature outside your house might get higher throughout the day. Climate is the pattern of weather in a certain place. For example, summer temperatures in New York are usually higher than winter temperatures.
Read the text carefully. It has not rained in over a week at Luna's house. This passage tells you about the precipitation last week at Luna's house. It describes the atmosphere at a certain place and time. So, this passage describes the weather.
Context: Hint: Weather is what the atmosphere is like at a certain place and time. Climate is the pattern of weather in a certain place. Question: Does this passage describe the weather or the climate? It has not rained in over a week at Luna's house. Options: (A) weather (B) climate
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: Hint: Weather is what the atmosphere is like at a certain place and time. Climate is the pattern of weather in a certain place. Question: Does this passage describe the weather or the climate? It has not rained in over a week at Luna's house. Options: (A) weather (B) climate Answer: The answer is A.
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Would you find the word blot on a dictionary page with the following guide words? beef - bolt
[ "yes", "no" ]
A
yes or no
grade8
language science
reference-skills
Reference skills
Use guide words
Guide words appear on each page of a dictionary. They tell you the first word and last word on the page. The other words on the page come between the guide words in alphabetical order. To put words in alphabetical order, put them in order by their first letters. If the first letters are the same, look at the second letters. If the second letters are the same, look at the third letters, and so on. If one word is shorter, and there are no more letters to compare, then the shorter word comes first in alphabetical order. For example, be comes before bed.
Put the words in alphabetical order. Since blot is between the guide words beef - bolt, it would be found on that page.
Context: N/A Question: Would you find the word blot on a dictionary page with the following guide words? beef - bolt Options: (A) yes (B) no
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Would you find the word blot on a dictionary page with the following guide words? beef - bolt Options: (A) yes (B) no Answer: The answer is A.
null
Using only these supplies, which question can Joy investigate with an experiment?
[ "Do sunflowers grow taller if they are planted in planter boxes or in pots?", "Do sunflowers grow bigger in sunny planter boxes or in shady planter boxes?", "Which type of sunflower grows more leaves?" ]
B
Joy wants to grow sunflowers in her backyard garden. She notices that some sunflowers grow much taller than others. She is curious about what factors affect how sunflowers grow. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: seeds from one type of sunflower soil one wooden planter box in the sun one wooden planter box in the shade one plastic planter box in the sun water
closed choice
grade8
natural science
science-and-engineering-practices
Designing experiments
Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials
Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment. Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment? First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available. Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick. So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment!
Context: Joy wants to grow sunflowers in her backyard garden. She notices that some sunflowers grow much taller than others. She is curious about what factors affect how sunflowers grow. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: seeds from one type of sunflower soil one wooden planter box in the sun one wooden planter box in the shade one plastic planter box in the sun water Question: Using only these supplies, which question can Joy investigate with an experiment? Options: (A) Do sunflowers grow taller if they are planted in planter boxes or in pots? (B) Do sunflowers grow bigger in sunny planter boxes or in shady planter boxes? (C) Which type of sunflower grows more leaves?
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Joy wants to grow sunflowers in her backyard garden. She notices that some sunflowers grow much taller than others. She is curious about what factors affect how sunflowers grow. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: seeds from one type of sunflower soil one wooden planter box in the sun one wooden planter box in the shade one plastic planter box in the sun water Question: Using only these supplies, which question can Joy investigate with an experiment? Options: (A) Do sunflowers grow taller if they are planted in planter boxes or in pots? (B) Do sunflowers grow bigger in sunny planter boxes or in shady planter boxes? (C) Which type of sunflower grows more leaves? Answer: The answer is B.
null
Select the living thing.
[ "coral", "globe", "the Great Sphinx of Giza", "cell phone" ]
A
closed choice
grade4
natural science
biology
Classification
Identify living and nonliving things
All living things are made up of cells. Plants, animals, and some fungi have many cells. Other living things are made up of just one cell. All living things need food and water. Water helps living things break down food and remove waste. Food gives living things energy. They use energy from food to grow and change. All living things sense changes in their environment. Living things might sense changes by seeing, smelling, hearing, or feeling. Living things can respond to the changes they sense.
A cell phone is not a living thing. A cell phone does not have all the traits of a living thing. It does many useful things, and even responds to the world around it. But it does not grow. It does not need food or water. The Great Sphinx of Giza is not a living thing. The Great Sphinx of Giza is a statue of a mythical sphinx, a creature with a lion's body and a human head. The Great Sphinx does not have all of the traits of a living thing. It does not grow or respond to the world around it. It does not need food or water. A coral is a living thing. Corals grow and respond to their environment. They need food and water. Corals are made up of many cells. Corals are animals that live in the ocean. Most corals grow in warm water. A globe is not a living thing. Globes do not have all of the traits of living things. They do not grow or respond to their environment. They do not need food or water.
Context: N/A Question: Select the living thing. Options: (A) coral (B) globe (C) the Great Sphinx of Giza (D) cell phone
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Select the living thing. Options: (A) coral (B) globe (C) the Great Sphinx of Giza (D) cell phone Answer: The answer is A.
null
Select the solid.
[ "gold bracelet", "milk", "wet paint" ]
A
closed choice
grade2
natural science
physics
States of matter
Identify solids and liquids
Solid and liquid are states of matter. Matter is anything that takes up space. Matter can come in different states, or forms. When matter is a solid, it has a shape of its own. Some solids can be bent or broken easily. Others are hard to bend or break. A glass cup is a solid. A sock is also a solid. When matter is a liquid, it takes the shape of its container. Think about pouring a liquid from a cup into a bottle. The shape of the liquid is different in the cup than in the bottle. But the liquid still takes up the same amount of space. Juice is a liquid. Honey is also a liquid.
Context: N/A Question: Select the solid. Options: (A) gold bracelet (B) milk (C) wet paint
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Select the solid. Options: (A) gold bracelet (B) milk (C) wet paint Answer: The answer is A.
null
Which correctly shows the title of a book?
[ "Hair for Mama", "Hair for mama" ]
A
closed choice
grade3
language science
capitalization
Formatting
Capitalizing titles
In a title, capitalize the first word, the last word, and every important word in between. The Wind in the Willows James and the Giant Peach These words are not important in titles: Articles, a, an, the Short prepositions, such as at, by, for, in, of, on, to, up Coordinating conjunctions, such as and, but, or
Capitalize the first word, the last word, and every important word in between. The word for is not important, so it should not be capitalized. The correct title is Hair for Mama.
Context: N/A Question: Which correctly shows the title of a book? Options: (A) Hair for Mama (B) Hair for mama
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which correctly shows the title of a book? Options: (A) Hair for Mama (B) Hair for mama Answer: The answer is A.
null
What is the volume of a large soup pot?
[ "12 milliliters", "12 liters" ]
B
Select the better estimate.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
units-and-measurement
Units and measurement
Choose metric units of volume
Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. Volume is a measurement of how much space something takes up. There are many different units of volume. When you are using metric units, volume may be written in units of milliliters or liters. There are 1,000 milliliters in 1 liter. So, 1 milliliter is much less than 1 liter. A raindrop has a volume of about 20 milliliters, while a large soda bottle has a volume of 2 liters. The flask shown here measures volumes up to 500 milliliters.
The better estimate for the volume of a large soup pot is 12 liters. 12 milliliters is too little.
Context: Select the better estimate. Question: What is the volume of a large soup pot? Options: (A) 12 milliliters (B) 12 liters
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Select the better estimate. Question: What is the volume of a large soup pot? Options: (A) 12 milliliters (B) 12 liters Answer: The answer is B.
null
Select the one animal that has all of the arachnid traits listed above.
[ "Earthworms live in soil and have no limbs. Their bodies are soft, cylindrical, and made up of many segments.", "Castor bean ticks have a hard exoskeleton, eight legs, and no antennae. They feed on blood from mammals, including deer and people." ]
B
Arachnids are a group of animals with similar traits. The following traits can be used to identify arachnids: They have eight legs. They have an exoskeleton. They have no antennae. Observe the animals and read the descriptions.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Classification
Use evidence to classify animals
Scientists sort animals with similar traits into groups. This is called classification. Classification helps scientists learn about how animals live. How do scientists classify animals? First, they make observations about an animal. Scientists observe the animal's traits, including its body parts and behavior. Then, scientists compare the animal's traits to other animals' traits. Scientists classify animals with similar traits into a group.
To decide if an animal is part of a group, look at the traits of the group. Arachnids have the following traits: They have eight legs. They have an exoskeleton. They have no antennae. Compare each animal's traits to the group's traits. Select the animal with traits similar to the group's traits. A castor bean tick has the following traits: It has eight legs. It has an exoskeleton. It has no antennae. A castor bean tick has the traits of an arachnid. A castor bean tick is an arachnid. An earthworm has the following traits: It has a soft, cylindrical body. It has no limbs. It is made up of segments. An earthworm does not have all of the traits of an arachnid. An earthworm is a segmented worm.
Context: Arachnids are a group of animals with similar traits. The following traits can be used to identify arachnids: They have eight legs. They have an exoskeleton. They have no antennae. Observe the animals and read the descriptions. Question: Select the one animal that has all of the arachnid traits listed above. Options: (A) Earthworms live in soil and have no limbs. Their bodies are soft, cylindrical, and made up of many segments. (B) Castor bean ticks have a hard exoskeleton, eight legs, and no antennae. They feed on blood from mammals, including deer and people.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Arachnids are a group of animals with similar traits. The following traits can be used to identify arachnids: They have eight legs. They have an exoskeleton. They have no antennae. Observe the animals and read the descriptions. Question: Select the one animal that has all of the arachnid traits listed above. Options: (A) Earthworms live in soil and have no limbs. Their bodies are soft, cylindrical, and made up of many segments. (B) Castor bean ticks have a hard exoskeleton, eight legs, and no antennae. They feed on blood from mammals, including deer and people. Answer: The answer is B.
null
Which is a simple sentence?
[ "China grows most of the wheat in the world.", "Mrs. Thornton plants flower seeds, and they blossom in the spring." ]
A
closed choice
grade3
language science
grammar
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Is the sentence simple or compound?
A simple sentence is a sentence with only one subject and predicate. The pitcher threw the ball to first base. A compound sentence is two simple sentences joined by a comma and a conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. The pitcher threw the ball, and the batter hit it. Some simple sentences have a compound subject or a compound predicate, but they are not compound sentences. Anna and James will watch the fireworks tonight. This simple sentence has a compound subject, Anna and James. The singers bowed and walked off the stage. This simple sentence has a compound predicate, bowed and walked off the stage. Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but they are not compound sentences. The introductory phrase is part of the predicate. In the winter, Farmer Ben wears his heavy coat. This is a simple sentence. There is one subject, Farmer Ben, and one predicate, wears his heavy coat in the winter.
The second sentence is the simple sentence. It has one subject and predicate. China grows most of the wheat in the world.
Context: N/A Question: Which is a simple sentence? Options: (A) China grows most of the wheat in the world. (B) Mrs. Thornton plants flower seeds, and they blossom in the spring.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which is a simple sentence? Options: (A) China grows most of the wheat in the world. (B) Mrs. Thornton plants flower seeds, and they blossom in the spring. Answer: The answer is A.
null
Which figure of speech is used in this text? Eddie remarked that the new book on anti-gravity was impossible to put down.
[ "pun", "allusion" ]
A
closed choice
grade9
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify figures of speech: review
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words. What a lucky little lady you are! An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature. "I'd better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!" Lila remarked. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned. The assignment was a piece of cake. A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike. The cat's fur was as dark as the night. A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as. The snow formed a blanket over the town. Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound. The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat. Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. The trees danced in the wind. A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning. A great new broom is sweeping the nation. Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic. Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down. Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.
The text uses a pun, a word or phrase that humorously suggests more than one meaning. Impossible to put down means that the book is so good that it is hard to stop reading. The phrase impossible to put down is also a joke about anti-gravity: if gravity pulls things down, perhaps anti-gravity does the opposite and makes them impossible to put down.
Context: N/A Question: Which figure of speech is used in this text? Eddie remarked that the new book on anti-gravity was impossible to put down. Options: (A) pun (B) allusion
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which figure of speech is used in this text? Eddie remarked that the new book on anti-gravity was impossible to put down. Options: (A) pun (B) allusion Answer: The answer is A.
null
Is there a sentence fragment? Obon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist festival. Because the festival honors the spirits of family members who have died, many people spend it with family and friends.
[ "yes", "no" ]
B
yes or no
grade12
language science
writing-strategies
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Identify sentence fragments
A sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. The band I'm in has been rehearsing daily because we have a concert in two weeks. A sentence fragment is a group of words that does not express a complete thought. Rehearsing daily because we have a concert in two weeks. This fragment is missing a subject. It doesn't tell who is rehearsing. The band I'm in. This fragment is missing a verb. It doesn't tell what the band I'm in is doing. Because we have a concert in two weeks. This fragment is missing an independent clause. It doesn't tell what happened because of the concert.
There is not a sentence fragment. These are complete sentences because they express complete thoughts. Obon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist festival. Because the festival honors the spirits of family members who have died, many people spend it with family and friends.
Context: N/A Question: Is there a sentence fragment? Obon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist festival. Because the festival honors the spirits of family members who have died, many people spend it with family and friends. Options: (A) yes (B) no
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Is there a sentence fragment? Obon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist festival. Because the festival honors the spirits of family members who have died, many people spend it with family and friends. Options: (A) yes (B) no Answer: The answer is B.
null
What information supports the conclusion that Will inherited this trait?
[ "Will's mother has blue eyes. She passed this trait down to Will.", "Will likes to wear a blue sweater to match his blue eyes." ]
A
Read the description of a trait. Will has blue eyes.
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Traits and heredity
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Will has blue eyes. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Will inherited this trait? Options: (A) Will's mother has blue eyes. She passed this trait down to Will. (B) Will likes to wear a blue sweater to match his blue eyes.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Will has blue eyes. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Will inherited this trait? Options: (A) Will's mother has blue eyes. She passed this trait down to Will. (B) Will likes to wear a blue sweater to match his blue eyes. Answer: The answer is A.
null
Which tense does the sentence use? Megan will ride horses on the ranch.
[ "future tense", "past tense", "present tense" ]
A
closed choice
grade2
language science
verbs
Verb tense
Is the sentence in the past, present, or future tense?
Present tense verbs tell you about something that is happening now. Most present-tense verbs are regular. They have no ending, or they end in -s or -es. Two verbs are irregular in the present tense, to be and to have. You must remember their forms. Past tense verbs tell you about something that has already happened. Most past-tense verbs are regular. They end in -ed. Some verbs are irregular in the past tense. You must remember their past-tense forms. Future tense verbs tell you about something that is going to happen. All future-tense verbs use the word will. Present | Past | Future walk, walks | walked | will walk go, goes | went | will go
The sentence is in future tense. You can tell because it uses will before the main verb, ride. The verb tells you about something that is going to happen.
Context: N/A Question: Which tense does the sentence use? Megan will ride horses on the ranch. Options: (A) future tense (B) past tense (C) present tense
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which tense does the sentence use? Megan will ride horses on the ranch. Options: (A) future tense (B) past tense (C) present tense Answer: The answer is A.
null
Which object has less thermal energy?
[ "a 300-gram mug of cocoa at a temperature of 35°C", "a 300-gram mug of cocoa at a temperature of 30°C" ]
B
The objects are identical except for their temperatures.
closed choice
grade3
natural science
physics
Heat and thermal energy
How is temperature related to thermal energy?
All solids, liquids, and gases are made of matter. Matter is made up of tiny particles that are always moving. The energy from the motion of these particles is called thermal energy. Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the particles in matter slow down, the temperature goes down. The matter now has both less thermal energy and a lower temperature.
The two mugs of cocoa have the same mass but different temperatures. Since the 30°C mug of cocoa is colder than the 35°C mug of cocoa, it has less thermal energy.
Context: The objects are identical except for their temperatures. Question: Which object has less thermal energy? Options: (A) a 300-gram mug of cocoa at a temperature of 35°C (B) a 300-gram mug of cocoa at a temperature of 30°C
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: The objects are identical except for their temperatures. Question: Which object has less thermal energy? Options: (A) a 300-gram mug of cocoa at a temperature of 35°C (B) a 300-gram mug of cocoa at a temperature of 30°C Answer: The answer is B.
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Which organ pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs and oxygen-rich blood to other body organs?
[ "skin", "heart", "skeleton", "brain" ]
B
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Animals
Human organs and their functions
Context: N/A Question: Which organ pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs and oxygen-rich blood to other body organs? Options: (A) skin (B) heart (C) skeleton (D) brain
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Which organ pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs and oxygen-rich blood to other body organs? Options: (A) skin (B) heart (C) skeleton (D) brain Answer: The answer is B.
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Using only these supplies, which question can Florence investigate with an experiment?
[ "Do larger basketballs bounce higher than smaller basketballs on a brick patio?", "Does the basketball bounce higher on a lawn or on a dirt path?", "Does the basketball bounce higher on gravel or on grass?" ]
C
Florence gets a basketball for her birthday and dribbles it around her neighborhood. She notices that sometimes the ball bounces higher than other times. She wonders what factors affect how high her ball bounces. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: one basketball access to a brick patio access to a grassy lawn access to a gravel driveway a meterstick
closed choice
grade7
natural science
science-and-engineering-practices
Designing experiments
Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials
Experiments can be designed to answer specific questions. When designing an experiment, you must identify the supplies that are necessary to answer your question. In order to do this, you need to figure out what will be tested and what will be measured during the experiment. Imagine that you are wondering if plants grow to different heights when planted in different types of soil. How might you decide what supplies are necessary to conduct this experiment? First, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be tested, which is the independent variable. This is usually the part of the experiment that is different or changed. In this case, you would like to know how plants grow in different types of soil. So, you must have different types of soil available. Next, you need to identify the part of the experiment that will be measured or observed, which is the dependent variable. In this experiment, you would like to know if some plants grow taller than others. So, you must be able to compare the plants' heights. To do this, you can observe which plants are taller by looking at them, or you can measure their exact heights with a meterstick. So, if you have different types of soil and can observe or measure the heights of your plants, then you have the supplies you need to investigate your question with an experiment!
Context: Florence gets a basketball for her birthday and dribbles it around her neighborhood. She notices that sometimes the ball bounces higher than other times. She wonders what factors affect how high her ball bounces. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: one basketball access to a brick patio access to a grassy lawn access to a gravel driveway a meterstick Question: Using only these supplies, which question can Florence investigate with an experiment? Options: (A) Do larger basketballs bounce higher than smaller basketballs on a brick patio? (B) Does the basketball bounce higher on a lawn or on a dirt path? (C) Does the basketball bounce higher on gravel or on grass?
Answer: The answer is C.
Context: Florence gets a basketball for her birthday and dribbles it around her neighborhood. She notices that sometimes the ball bounces higher than other times. She wonders what factors affect how high her ball bounces. So, she decides to design an experiment. She has the following supplies available: one basketball access to a brick patio access to a grassy lawn access to a gravel driveway a meterstick Question: Using only these supplies, which question can Florence investigate with an experiment? Options: (A) Do larger basketballs bounce higher than smaller basketballs on a brick patio? (B) Does the basketball bounce higher on a lawn or on a dirt path? (C) Does the basketball bounce higher on gravel or on grass? Answer: The answer is C.
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What information supports the conclusion that Akira inherited this trait?
[ "Akira's parents have dark skin. They passed down this trait to Akira.", "Akira and her father both have dark hair." ]
A
Read the description of a trait. Akira has dark skin.
closed choice
grade6
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Akira has dark skin. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Akira inherited this trait? Options: (A) Akira's parents have dark skin. They passed down this trait to Akira. (B) Akira and her father both have dark hair.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Akira has dark skin. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Akira inherited this trait? Options: (A) Akira's parents have dark skin. They passed down this trait to Akira. (B) Akira and her father both have dark hair. Answer: The answer is A.
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Select the one substance that is not a mineral.
[ "Fluorite is a pure substance. It is formed in nature.", "Wool is not a pure substance. It is a solid.", "Baryte is a pure substance. It is formed in nature." ]
B
closed choice
grade4
natural science
earth-science
Rocks and minerals
Identify minerals using properties
Minerals are the building blocks of rocks. A rock can be made of one or more minerals. Minerals and rocks have the following properties: Property | Mineral | Rock It is a solid. | Yes | Yes It is formed in nature. | Yes | Yes It is not made by organisms. | Yes | Yes It is a pure substance. | Yes | No It has a fixed crystal structure. | Yes | No You can use these properties to tell whether a substance is a mineral, a rock, or neither. Look closely at the last three properties: Minerals and rocks are not made by organisms. Organisms make their own body parts. For example, snails and clams make their shells. Because they are made by organisms, body parts cannot be minerals or rocks. Humans are organisms too. So, substances that humans make by hand or in factories are not minerals or rocks. A mineral is a pure substance, but a rock is not. A pure substance is made of only one type of matter. Minerals are pure substances, but rocks are not. Instead, all rocks are mixtures. A mineral has a fixed crystal structure, but a rock does not. The crystal structure of a substance tells you how the atoms or molecules in the substance are arranged. Different types of minerals have different crystal structures, but all minerals have a fixed crystal structure. This means that the atoms and molecules in different pieces of the same type of mineral are always arranged the same way. However, rocks do not have a fixed crystal structure. So, the arrangement of atoms or molecules in different pieces of the same type of rock may be different!
Compare the properties of each substance to the properties of minerals. Select the substance whose properties do not match those of minerals. Baryte is a mineral. Wool is not a pure substance. But all minerals are pure substances. So, wool is not a mineral. Fluorite is a mineral.
Context: N/A Question: Select the one substance that is not a mineral. Options: (A) Fluorite is a pure substance. It is formed in nature. (B) Wool is not a pure substance. It is a solid. (C) Baryte is a pure substance. It is formed in nature.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Select the one substance that is not a mineral. Options: (A) Fluorite is a pure substance. It is formed in nature. (B) Wool is not a pure substance. It is a solid. (C) Baryte is a pure substance. It is formed in nature. Answer: The answer is B.
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Select the fish.
[ "wombat", "cobra", "American toad", "giant moray" ]
D
closed choice
grade5
natural science
biology
Classification
Identify mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians
Fish live underwater. They have fins, not limbs.
An American toad is an amphibian. It has moist skin and begins its life in water. Toads do not have teeth! They swallow their food whole. A giant moray is a fish. It lives underwater. It has fins, not limbs. Eels are long and thin. They may have small fins. They look like snakes, but they are fish! A cobra is a reptile. It has scaly, waterproof skin. Most cobras have a wide, flat hood below their head. A cobra can display its hood to scare away a predator. A wombat is a mammal. It has fur and feeds its young milk. Wombats have strong claws on their front feet. They use their claws to dig underground holes called burrows.
Context: N/A Question: Select the fish. Options: (A) wombat (B) cobra (C) American toad (D) giant moray
Answer: The answer is D.
Context: N/A Question: Select the fish. Options: (A) wombat (B) cobra (C) American toad (D) giant moray Answer: The answer is D.
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Which word is not like the others?
[ "girl", "duck", "hen", "chicken" ]
A
closed choice
grade1
language science
vocabulary
Categories
Which word is not like the others?
Some words are alike. They go together in a group. Red, blue, and green go together. They are colors. Mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa go together. They are people in a family.
Hen, chicken, and duck go together. They are birds. Girl is not a bird, so it is not like the other words.
Context: N/A Question: Which word is not like the others? Options: (A) girl (B) duck (C) hen (D) chicken
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which word is not like the others? Options: (A) girl (B) duck (C) hen (D) chicken Answer: The answer is A.
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Which type of sentence is this? As Noah sat down on the rickety old chair, it abruptly collapsed beneath him.
[ "simple", "compound-complex", "compound", "complex" ]
D
closed choice
grade7
language science
grammar
Phrases and clauses
Is the sentence simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex?
A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate. An independent clause is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is not a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. the oranges on our tree are ripe The clause can stand alone. It is independent. after we pick up Kevin from work The clause cannot stand alone. It is dependent. A simple sentence is made up of a single independent clause. Ben and I spent all day relaxing by the pool. Some simple sentences have introductory phrases, but the introductory phrase is part of the predicate. In the winter, Ben usually wears his heavy coat. Ben usually wears his heavy coat in the winter. A compound sentence is made up of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, or so. We saw the flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard a rumble of thunder. A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause in a complex sentence usually begins with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun. Subordinating conjunctions include after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, and while. Relative pronouns include that, which, who, whom, or whose. If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids. During his trip to Italy, Tony visited the Trevi Fountain, which is in Rome. A compound-complex sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. After Samantha left work, she stopped at the bank, and then she went to the gym. Sometimes a dependent clause in a complex or compound-complex sentence can interrupt an independent clause. Orcas that are kept in captivity often have bent dorsal fins.
The sentence is complex. It is made up of an independent clause and a dependent clause. The dependent clause begins with the subordinating conjunction as. As Noah sat down on the rickety old chair, it abruptly collapsed beneath him.
Context: N/A Question: Which type of sentence is this? As Noah sat down on the rickety old chair, it abruptly collapsed beneath him. Options: (A) simple (B) compound-complex (C) compound (D) complex
Answer: The answer is D.
Context: N/A Question: Which type of sentence is this? As Noah sat down on the rickety old chair, it abruptly collapsed beneath him. Options: (A) simple (B) compound-complex (C) compound (D) complex Answer: The answer is D.
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Select the animal.
[ "Penguins walk and swim.", "Almond trees can grow many small flowers." ]
A
closed choice
grade2
natural science
biology
Classification
Identify plants and animals
Plants and animals are living things. Living things are called organisms. Plants come in many shapes and sizes. Most plants grow in the ground. They might grow leaves, flowers, and fruit. Plants cannot move around on their own like animals can. Animals also come in many shapes and sizes. Most animals can move around. Animals might run, swim, jump, or fly. Animals eat plants or other organisms for food.
An almond tree is a plant. It can grow many small flowers. Almonds were first grown by people living near the Mediterranean Sea. A penguin is an animal. It walks and swims. A penguin is a bird that lives near water. Penguins cannot fly! They use their wings to swim.
Context: N/A Question: Select the animal. Options: (A) Penguins walk and swim. (B) Almond trees can grow many small flowers.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Select the animal. Options: (A) Penguins walk and swim. (B) Almond trees can grow many small flowers. Answer: The answer is A.
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Which figure of speech is used in this text? Leon's leaving his job? That's old news. He's been planning that for months.
[ "chiasmus", "oxymoron" ]
B
closed choice
grade12
language science
figurative-language
Literary devices
Classify the figure of speech: review
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive. Anaphora is the repetition of the same word or words at the beginning of several phrases or clauses. We are united. We are powerful. We are winners. Antithesis involves contrasting opposing ideas within a parallel grammatical structure. I want to help, not to hurt. Apostrophe is a direct address to an absent person or a nonhuman entity. Oh, little bird, what makes you sing so beautifully? Assonance is the repetition of a vowel sound in a series of nearby words. Try to light the fire. Chiasmus is an expression in which the second half parallels the first but reverses the order of words. Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you. A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic. The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off. Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally. I ate so much that I think I might explode! An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic. A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth. Always expect the unexpected. Understatement involves deliberately representing something as less serious or important than it really is. As you know, it can get a little cold in the Antarctic.
The text uses an oxymoron, a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms. Old news is a contradiction, because news is recent information.
Context: N/A Question: Which figure of speech is used in this text? Leon's leaving his job? That's old news. He's been planning that for months. Options: (A) chiasmus (B) oxymoron
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Which figure of speech is used in this text? Leon's leaving his job? That's old news. He's been planning that for months. Options: (A) chiasmus (B) oxymoron Answer: The answer is B.
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Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Natalie can play the banjo.
[ "inherited", "acquired" ]
B
Hint: Playing an instrument well takes practice.
closed choice
grade4
natural science
biology
Traits and heredity
Identify inherited and acquired traits
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Children do not inherit their parents' acquired traits.
People are not born knowing how to play the banjo. Instead, some people learn how to play. So, playing the banjo is an acquired trait.
Context: Hint: Playing an instrument well takes practice. Question: Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Natalie can play the banjo. Options: (A) inherited (B) acquired
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Hint: Playing an instrument well takes practice. Question: Is the following trait inherited or acquired? Natalie can play the banjo. Options: (A) inherited (B) acquired Answer: The answer is B.
null
What kind of sentence is this? Does Cora have any hobbies?
[ "declarative", "interrogative" ]
B
closed choice
grade4
language science
punctuation
Sentences, fragments, and run-ons
Is the sentence declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory?
There are four kinds of sentences. A declarative sentence is a statement. It tells about something. A declarative sentence always ends with a period. I have an older brother and a younger sister. An interrogative sentence is a question. It asks something. An interrogative sentence always ends with a question mark. How tall are you? An imperative sentence is a command. It makes a request or tells someone to do something. An imperative sentence usually ends with a period. If the command shows strong feeling, it ends with an exclamation point. Read the first chapter by next week. Look out for that car! An exclamatory sentence is like a statement, but it shows surprise or strong feeling. An exclamatory sentence always ends with an exclamation point. Some whales are over ninety feet long! I can't wait until tomorrow!
The sentence asks something, and it ends with a question mark. It is an interrogative sentence.
Context: N/A Question: What kind of sentence is this? Does Cora have any hobbies? Options: (A) declarative (B) interrogative
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: What kind of sentence is this? Does Cora have any hobbies? Options: (A) declarative (B) interrogative Answer: The answer is B.
null
What information supports the conclusion that Anne inherited this trait?
[ "Anne's neighbor has green eyes.", "Anne and her biological father wear sunglasses when they go outside.", "Anne has green eyes like her biological mother." ]
C
Read the description of a trait. Anne has green eyes.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Anne has green eyes. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Anne inherited this trait? Options: (A) Anne's neighbor has green eyes. (B) Anne and her biological father wear sunglasses when they go outside. (C) Anne has green eyes like her biological mother.
Answer: The answer is C.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Anne has green eyes. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Anne inherited this trait? Options: (A) Anne's neighbor has green eyes. (B) Anne and her biological father wear sunglasses when they go outside. (C) Anne has green eyes like her biological mother. Answer: The answer is C.
null
Suppose Andrew decides to take a trip to Georgia. Which result would be a cost?
[ "Andrew will save some money. Plane tickets for Andrew to get to Georgia are less expensive than tickets to California.", "Andrew will give up the chance to go to California. He would have enjoyed a trip to California more than Georgia." ]
B
Andrew is deciding whether to take a trip to California or Georgia. He wants to enjoy his trip. But he is also trying to save money.
closed choice
grade4
social science
economics
Basic economic principles
Costs and benefits
Before you decide to do something, it is often helpful to list costs and benefits. Costs are what you give up or spend when you decide to do something. Costs involve giving up things that you want or need. Benefits are what you gain or save when you decide to do something. Benefits involve gaining something that you want or need.
This result is a cost. It involves giving up or spending something that Andrew wants or needs: Andrew will give up the chance to go to California. He would have enjoyed a trip to California more than Georgia.
Context: Andrew is deciding whether to take a trip to California or Georgia. He wants to enjoy his trip. But he is also trying to save money. Question: Suppose Andrew decides to take a trip to Georgia. Which result would be a cost? Options: (A) Andrew will save some money. Plane tickets for Andrew to get to Georgia are less expensive than tickets to California. (B) Andrew will give up the chance to go to California. He would have enjoyed a trip to California more than Georgia.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Andrew is deciding whether to take a trip to California or Georgia. He wants to enjoy his trip. But he is also trying to save money. Question: Suppose Andrew decides to take a trip to Georgia. Which result would be a cost? Options: (A) Andrew will save some money. Plane tickets for Andrew to get to Georgia are less expensive than tickets to California. (B) Andrew will give up the chance to go to California. He would have enjoyed a trip to California more than Georgia. Answer: The answer is B.
null
Is a loaf of bread a good or a service?
[ "a good", "a service" ]
A
closed choice
grade2
social science
economics
Economics
Goods and services
Everything you can buy is either a good or a service. A good is something you can touch or hold in your hands. For example, a hammer is a good. A service is a job you pay someone else to do. For example, cooking food in a restaurant is a service.
To decide whether a loaf of bread is a good or a service, ask these questions: Is a loaf of bread something you can touch? Yes. Is a loaf of bread a job you might pay someone else to do? No. So, a loaf of bread is a good.
Context: N/A Question: Is a loaf of bread a good or a service? Options: (A) a good (B) a service
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Is a loaf of bread a good or a service? Options: (A) a good (B) a service Answer: The answer is A.
null
Select the plant.
[ "Barn owls walk and fly.", "Catfish swim underwater.", "Aloe vera has spiny leaves.", "Toucans eat mostly fruit." ]
C
closed choice
grade3
natural science
biology
Classification
Identify plants and animals
Plants and animals are living things. Living things are called organisms. Plants come in many shapes and sizes. Most plants grow in the ground. They might grow leaves, flowers, and fruit. Plants cannot move around on their own like animals can. Animals also come in many shapes and sizes. Most animals can move around. Animals might run, swim, jump, or fly. Animals eat plants or other organisms for food.
Aloe vera is a plant. It has spiny leaves. Aloe vera leaves contain a watery liquid. People use this liquid in lotion and medicine. A barn owl is an animal. It walks and flies. A barn owl is a bird. Barn owls live on every continent except Antarctica. A toucan is an animal. It eats mostly fruit. A toucan is a bird with a large beak. A toucan's beak can be half as long as its body! A catfish is an animal. It swims underwater. A catfish is a fish. Unlike most other fish, catfish do not have scales! They have slimy skin.
Context: N/A Question: Select the plant. Options: (A) Barn owls walk and fly. (B) Catfish swim underwater. (C) Aloe vera has spiny leaves. (D) Toucans eat mostly fruit.
Answer: The answer is C.
Context: N/A Question: Select the plant. Options: (A) Barn owls walk and fly. (B) Catfish swim underwater. (C) Aloe vera has spiny leaves. (D) Toucans eat mostly fruit. Answer: The answer is C.
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What do these two changes have in common? erosion caused by wind shaking up salad dressing
[ "Both are only physical changes.", "Both are caused by cooling.", "Both are chemical changes.", "Both are caused by heating." ]
A
closed choice
grade8
natural science
chemistry
Chemical reactions
Compare physical and chemical changes
Matter is made of very small particles called atoms. Atoms can be linked together by chemical bonds. When two or more atoms link together, they form a molecule. In a chemical change, the chemical bonds in the molecules break. The atoms then link together to form different molecules. The types of molecules in matter before and after a chemical change are always different. Some chemical changes are caused by heating or cooling. For example, burning a piece of paper is a chemical change caused by heating. As paper burns, paper molecules react with oxygen molecules in the air. This reaction breaks the chemical bonds in the molecules. The atoms then link together in a different way to form different molecules. For example, carbon dioxide molecules are formed when paper burns. In a physical change, chemical bonds do not break. The types of molecules in matter before and after a physical change are always the same. A change of state is a type of physical change. Changes of state can be caused by heating or cooling. For example, water vaporizing is a physical change that can be caused by heating. Liquid water and water vapor are made of the same type of matter: water. The law of conservation of mass says that all physical and chemical changes conserve mass. Conserve means to keep the same. So, the total mass before a physical or chemical change is equal to the total mass after the change.
Step 1: Think about each change. Erosion caused by wind is a physical change. The wind carries away tiny pieces of rock. But the pieces of rock do not become a different type of matter. Shaking up salad dressing is a physical change. The different parts mix together, but they are still made of the same type of matter. Step 2: Look at each answer choice. Both are only physical changes. Both changes are physical changes. No new matter is created. Both are chemical changes. Both changes are physical changes. They are not chemical changes. Both are caused by heating. Neither change is caused by heating. Both are caused by cooling. Neither change is caused by cooling.
Context: N/A Question: What do these two changes have in common? erosion caused by wind shaking up salad dressing Options: (A) Both are only physical changes. (B) Both are caused by cooling. (C) Both are chemical changes. (D) Both are caused by heating.
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: What do these two changes have in common? erosion caused by wind shaking up salad dressing Options: (A) Both are only physical changes. (B) Both are caused by cooling. (C) Both are chemical changes. (D) Both are caused by heating. Answer: The answer is A.
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Which greeting is correct for a letter?
[ "Dear Ms. Warren,", "Dear ms. Warren," ]
A
closed choice
grade4
language science
punctuation
Formatting
Greetings and closings of letters
A letter starts with a greeting and ends with a closing. For each one, capitalize the first word and end with a comma. You should also capitalize proper nouns, such as Aunt Sue. Dear Aunt Sue, I'm glad you could come to my party, and thank you for the birthday gift. I could not have asked for a better one! Every time I see it, I think of you. With love, Rory
The first greeting is correct: Its first word is capitalized, and it ends with a comma. Ms. Warren is capitalized because it is a proper noun.
Context: N/A Question: Which greeting is correct for a letter? Options: (A) Dear Ms. Warren, (B) Dear ms. Warren,
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: N/A Question: Which greeting is correct for a letter? Options: (A) Dear Ms. Warren, (B) Dear ms. Warren, Answer: The answer is A.
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How long does it take to put on your seat belt?
[ "5 seconds", "5 minutes" ]
A
Select the better estimate.
closed choice
grade3
natural science
units-and-measurement
Units and measurement
Choose units of time
Measurements are written with both a number and a unit. The unit comes after the number. The unit shows what the number means. Imagine being told that the bus leaves in 7. You might be thinking, 7 what? Does the bus leave in 7 minutes? 7 seconds? The number 7 on its own does not give you much information about when the bus is leaving. That is because the units are missing. Time is usually measured in units of seconds, minutes, or hours. It takes about 1 second to sneeze and 1 minute to get dressed in the morning. It takes about 1 hour to bake a pie in the oven. There are 60 seconds in 1 minute. So, 1 second is much less than 1 minute. There are 60 minutes in 1 hour. So, 1 minute is much less than 1 hour.
The better estimate for how long it takes to put on your seat belt is 5 seconds. 5 minutes is too slow.
Context: Select the better estimate. Question: How long does it take to put on your seat belt? Options: (A) 5 seconds (B) 5 minutes
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: Select the better estimate. Question: How long does it take to put on your seat belt? Options: (A) 5 seconds (B) 5 minutes Answer: The answer is A.
null
What information supports the conclusion that Maya inherited this trait?
[ "Maya's hair is the same color as her brown eyes.", "Maya's father has brown eyes. He passed this trait down to Maya." ]
B
Read the description of a trait. Maya has brown eyes.
closed choice
grade6
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down from biological parents to their offspring through genes. Genes are pieces of hereditary material that contain the instructions that affect inherited traits. Offspring receive their genes, and therefore gain their inherited traits, from their biological parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment. Parents do not pass acquired traits down to their offspring.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Maya has brown eyes. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Maya inherited this trait? Options: (A) Maya's hair is the same color as her brown eyes. (B) Maya's father has brown eyes. He passed this trait down to Maya.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Maya has brown eyes. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Maya inherited this trait? Options: (A) Maya's hair is the same color as her brown eyes. (B) Maya's father has brown eyes. He passed this trait down to Maya. Answer: The answer is B.
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Last year, there were seven men's clothing stores on Main Street in Burlington. This year, there are only three. What probably happened to the overall supply of men's shirts in Burlington?
[ "The supply probably went up.", "The supply probably went down." ]
B
closed choice
grade8
social science
economics
Supply and demand
Understand overall supply and demand
Overall supply is the total amount of a good or service that producers make and sell. There are several things that can make overall supply go up or down. The table below shows how changes to these things might affect overall supply. | Resources | Number of producers or suppliers | Expected change in demand Supply goes up | when resources cost less or are easier to get | when there are more producers or suppliers | when demand is expected to go up Supply goes down | when resources cost more or are harder to get | when there are fewer producers or suppliers | when demand is expected to go down Producers are people or companies that make goods or provide services. Suppliers are people or companies that sell goods or services. New inventions or technologies can also help workers produce goods and services more quickly. As a result of these changes, the supply of a good or service will often go up.
When four men's clothing stores closed on Main Street, the number of suppliers went down. There were fewer stores selling men's shirts. So, the supply of men's shirts probably went down.
Context: N/A Question: Last year, there were seven men's clothing stores on Main Street in Burlington. This year, there are only three. What probably happened to the overall supply of men's shirts in Burlington? Options: (A) The supply probably went up. (B) The supply probably went down.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Last year, there were seven men's clothing stores on Main Street in Burlington. This year, there are only three. What probably happened to the overall supply of men's shirts in Burlington? Options: (A) The supply probably went up. (B) The supply probably went down. Answer: The answer is B.
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What information supports the conclusion that Dillon acquired this trait?
[ "Dillon can cook food over a fire.", "Dillon learned how to build a fire at summer camp." ]
B
Read the description of a trait. Dillon knows how to build a fire.
closed choice
grade4
natural science
biology
Traits and heredity
Inherited and acquired traits: use evidence to support a statement
Organisms, including people, have both inherited and acquired traits. Inherited and acquired traits are gained in different ways. Inherited traits are passed down through families. Children gain these traits from their parents. Inherited traits do not need to be learned. Acquired traits are gained during a person's life. Some acquired traits, such as riding a bicycle, are gained by learning. Other acquired traits, such as scars, are caused by the environment.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Dillon knows how to build a fire. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Dillon acquired this trait? Options: (A) Dillon can cook food over a fire. (B) Dillon learned how to build a fire at summer camp.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: Read the description of a trait. Dillon knows how to build a fire. Question: What information supports the conclusion that Dillon acquired this trait? Options: (A) Dillon can cook food over a fire. (B) Dillon learned how to build a fire at summer camp. Answer: The answer is B.
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Complete the sentence so that it uses personification. "You might think you'll always be young," Mrs. Osborne counseled, "but time ()".
[ "affects everyone", "creeps up on you" ]
B
closed choice
grade9
language science
writing-strategies
Creative techniques
Use personification
Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things. It is a figure of speech that can be used to make writing more interesting or to emphasize a point. The trees danced in the wind. The word danced describes the trees as if they were people. Unlike people, however, trees can't actually dance. Instead, the personification suggests that the trees are moving.
Complete the sentence with the phrase creeps up on you. It describes time as if it were a sneaky person.
Context: N/A Question: Complete the sentence so that it uses personification. "You might think you'll always be young," Mrs. Osborne counseled, "but time ()". Options: (A) affects everyone (B) creeps up on you
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Complete the sentence so that it uses personification. "You might think you'll always be young," Mrs. Osborne counseled, "but time ()". Options: (A) affects everyone (B) creeps up on you Answer: The answer is B.
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What do these two changes have in common? burning a candle burning a marshmallow over a campfire
[ "Both are only physical changes.", "Both are caused by heating.", "Both are caused by cooling." ]
B
closed choice
grade4
natural science
chemistry
Physical and chemical change
Compare physical and chemical changes
Chemical changes and physical changes are two common ways matter can change. In a chemical change, the type of matter changes. The types of matter before and after a chemical change are always different. Some chemical changes are caused by heating or cooling. For example, burning a piece of paper is a chemical change caused by heating. When paper gets hot enough, it re­acts with oxygen in the air and burns. The paper and oxygen change into ash and smoke. In a physical change, the type of matter stays the same. The types of matter before and after a physical change are always the same. A change of state is a type of physical change. Changes of state can be caused by heating or cooling. For example, ice melting is a physical change that can be caused by heating. Ice and liquid water are made of the same type of matter: water. The law of conservation of mass says that all physical and chemical changes conserve mass. Conserve means to keep the same. So, the total mass before a physical or chemical change is equal to the total mass after the change.
Step 1: Think about each change. Burning a candle is a chemical change. Both the wick and the melted wax burn. They react with oxygen in the air and turn into soot, carbon dioxide, and water. Burning a marshmallow is a chemical change. The heat from the fire causes the type of matter in the marshmallow to change. The marshmallow becomes black and crispy. Step 2: Look at each answer choice. Both are only physical changes. Both changes are chemical changes. They are not physical changes. Both are chemical changes. Both changes are chemical changes. The type of matter before and after each change is different. Both are caused by heating. Both changes are caused by heating. Both are caused by cooling. Neither change is caused by cooling.
Context: N/A Question: What do these two changes have in common? burning a candle burning a marshmallow over a campfire Options: (A) Both are only physical changes. (B) Both are caused by heating. (C) Both are caused by cooling.
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: What do these two changes have in common? burning a candle burning a marshmallow over a campfire Options: (A) Both are only physical changes. (B) Both are caused by heating. (C) Both are caused by cooling. Answer: The answer is B.
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Which change better matches the sentence? The farms in an area get covered by water after heavy rain.
[ "earthquake", "flood" ]
B
closed choice
grade2
natural science
earth-science
Earth events
Classify changes to Earth's surface
Context: N/A Question: Which change better matches the sentence? The farms in an area get covered by water after heavy rain. Options: (A) earthquake (B) flood
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: N/A Question: Which change better matches the sentence? The farms in an area get covered by water after heavy rain. Options: (A) earthquake (B) flood Answer: The answer is B.
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Based on this information, what is this plant's phenotype for the leaf texture trait?
[ "smooth leaves", "fuzzy leaves" ]
B
In a group of summer squash plants, some individuals have fuzzy leaves and others have smooth leaves. In this group, the gene for the leaf texture trait has two alleles. The allele for fuzzy leaves (L) is dominant over the allele for smooth leaves (l). A certain summer squash plant from this group has the homozygous genotype LL for the leaf texture gene.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive
All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait. Some traits, like flower color in pea plants, are controlled by a single gene. Most plants and animals have a genotype made up of two alleles for these traits. These two alleles determine whether an organism is homozygous or heterozygous for the gene. An organism with two identical alleles for a gene is homozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype FF or ff is homozygous for the flower color gene. An organism with two different alleles for a gene is heterozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype Ff is heterozygous for the flower color gene. The types of alleles in an organism's genotype determine the organism's phenotype. Some alleles have types called dominant and recessive. These two types can cause different versions of a trait to appear as the organism's phenotype. A dominant allele causes its version of the trait to appear even when the organism also has a recessive allele for the gene. In pea plants, the F allele, which causes purple flowers, is dominant over the f allele. A pea plant with at least one F allele will have the F allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype FF or Ff will have purple flowers. A recessive allele causes its version of the trait to appear only when the organism does not have any dominant alleles for the gene. In pea plants, the f allele, which causes white flowers, is recessive to the F allele. A pea plant with only f alleles will have the f allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype ff will have white flowers.
The summer squash plant's genotype for the leaf texture gene is LL. The summer squash plant's genotype of LL has only L allelles. The L allele is for fuzzy leaves. So, the summer squash plant's phenotype for the leaf texture trait must be fuzzy leaves. To check this answer, consider whether the summer squash plant's alleles are dominant or recessive. The allele for fuzzy leaves (L) is dominant over the allele for smooth leaves (l). This means L is a dominant allele, and l is a recessive allele. The summer squash plant's genotype of LL has two dominant alleles. An organism with at least one dominant allele for a gene will have the dominant allele's version of the trait. So, the summer squash plant's phenotype for the leaf texture trait must be fuzzy leaves.
Context: In a group of summer squash plants, some individuals have fuzzy leaves and others have smooth leaves. In this group, the gene for the leaf texture trait has two alleles. The allele for fuzzy leaves (L) is dominant over the allele for smooth leaves (l). A certain summer squash plant from this group has the homozygous genotype LL for the leaf texture gene. Question: Based on this information, what is this plant's phenotype for the leaf texture trait? Options: (A) smooth leaves (B) fuzzy leaves
Answer: The answer is B.
Context: In a group of summer squash plants, some individuals have fuzzy leaves and others have smooth leaves. In this group, the gene for the leaf texture trait has two alleles. The allele for fuzzy leaves (L) is dominant over the allele for smooth leaves (l). A certain summer squash plant from this group has the homozygous genotype LL for the leaf texture gene. Question: Based on this information, what is this plant's phenotype for the leaf texture trait? Options: (A) smooth leaves (B) fuzzy leaves Answer: The answer is B.
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Which object has less thermal energy?
[ "a pot of spaghetti sauce at a temperature of 145°F", "a pot of spaghetti sauce at a temperature of 185°F" ]
A
The objects are identical except for their temperatures.
closed choice
grade3
natural science
physics
Heat and thermal energy
How is temperature related to thermal energy?
All solids, liquids, and gases are made of matter. Matter is made up of tiny particles that are always moving. The energy from the motion of these particles is called thermal energy. Temperature measures how hot or cold matter is. If the particles in matter slow down, the temperature goes down. The matter now has both less thermal energy and a lower temperature.
The two pots of spaghetti sauce have the same mass but different temperatures. Since the 145°F pot of spaghetti sauce is colder than the 185°F pot of spaghetti sauce, it has less thermal energy.
Context: The objects are identical except for their temperatures. Question: Which object has less thermal energy? Options: (A) a pot of spaghetti sauce at a temperature of 145°F (B) a pot of spaghetti sauce at a temperature of 185°F
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: The objects are identical except for their temperatures. Question: Which object has less thermal energy? Options: (A) a pot of spaghetti sauce at a temperature of 145°F (B) a pot of spaghetti sauce at a temperature of 185°F Answer: The answer is A.
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Based on this information, what is this plant's phenotype for the thorns trait?
[ "having thorns", "not having thorns" ]
A
In a group of rose plants, some individuals have thorns and others do not. In this group, the gene for the thorns trait has two alleles. The allele for having thorns (R) is dominant over the allele for not having thorns (r). A certain rose plant from this group has the heterozygous genotype Rr for the thorns gene.
closed choice
grade7
natural science
biology
Genes to traits
Genetics vocabulary: dominant and recessive
All organisms have pieces of hereditary material called genes, which are passed from parents to offspring. Genes contain instructions for building the parts of an organism. An organism's genes affect its observable traits, including its appearance, its behavior, and which diseases it may have. Genes may have different alleles, or forms, that can cause different versions of a trait. For example, flower color is a trait in pea plants. The gene for this trait has two possible alleles. Each allele is represented by an uppercase or lowercase letter. The allele F is for purple flowers, and the allele f is for white flowers. Each pea plant has two alleles for the flower color gene—one allele inherited from each parent. An organism's genotype for a gene is its combination of alleles for that gene. So, a pea plant may have a genotype of FF, Ff, or ff for the flower color gene. An organism's phenotype for a trait is its observable version of that trait, which depends on the organism's combination of alleles. A pea plant may have a phenotype of purple flowers or white flowers for the flower color trait. Some traits, like flower color in pea plants, are controlled by a single gene. Most plants and animals have a genotype made up of two alleles for these traits. These two alleles determine whether an organism is homozygous or heterozygous for the gene. An organism with two identical alleles for a gene is homozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype FF or ff is homozygous for the flower color gene. An organism with two different alleles for a gene is heterozygous for that gene. A pea plant with the genotype Ff is heterozygous for the flower color gene. The types of alleles in an organism's genotype determine the organism's phenotype. Some alleles have types called dominant and recessive. These two types can cause different versions of a trait to appear as the organism's phenotype. A dominant allele causes its version of the trait to appear even when the organism also has a recessive allele for the gene. In pea plants, the F allele, which causes purple flowers, is dominant over the f allele. A pea plant with at least one F allele will have the F allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype FF or Ff will have purple flowers. A recessive allele causes its version of the trait to appear only when the organism does not have any dominant alleles for the gene. In pea plants, the f allele, which causes white flowers, is recessive to the F allele. A pea plant with only f alleles will have the f allele's version of the flower color trait. So, a plant with the genotype ff will have white flowers.
You need to determine the rose plant's phenotype for the thorns trait. First, consider the alleles in the plant's genotype for the thorns gene. Then, decide whether these alleles are dominant or recessive. The allele for having thorns (R) is dominant over the allele for not having thorns (r). This means R is a dominant allele, and r is a recessive allele. The rose plant's genotype of Rr has one dominant allele and one recessive allele. An organism with at least one dominant allele for a gene will have the dominant allele's version of the trait. So, the rose plant's phenotype for the thorns trait must be having thorns.
Context: In a group of rose plants, some individuals have thorns and others do not. In this group, the gene for the thorns trait has two alleles. The allele for having thorns (R) is dominant over the allele for not having thorns (r). A certain rose plant from this group has the heterozygous genotype Rr for the thorns gene. Question: Based on this information, what is this plant's phenotype for the thorns trait? Options: (A) having thorns (B) not having thorns
Answer: The answer is A.
Context: In a group of rose plants, some individuals have thorns and others do not. In this group, the gene for the thorns trait has two alleles. The allele for having thorns (R) is dominant over the allele for not having thorns (r). A certain rose plant from this group has the heterozygous genotype Rr for the thorns gene. Question: Based on this information, what is this plant's phenotype for the thorns trait? Options: (A) having thorns (B) not having thorns Answer: The answer is A.