(01.02 MC)Read the fable. Answer the question that follows.One day Sun, Moon, and Wind went out to dine with their uncle and aunt Thunder and Lightning. Their mother (one of the most distant Stars you see far up in the sky) waited alone for her children’s return.Now both Sun and Wind were greedy and selfish. They enjoyed the great feast that had been prepared for them, without a thought of saving any of it to take home to their mother—but the gentle Moon did not forget her. Of every dainty dish that was brought round, she placed a small portion under one of her beautiful long fingernails, that Star might also have a share in the treat.On their return, their mother, Who had kept watch for them all night long with her little bright eye, said, “Well, children, what have yon brought home for me?” Then Sun (who was eldest) said, “I have brought nothing home for you. I went out to enjoy myself with my friends—not to fetch dinner for my mother!” And Wind said, “Neither have I brought anything home for you, mother. You could hardly expect me to bring a collection of good things for you, when I merely went out for my own pleasure.” But Moon said, “Mother, fetch a plate, see what I have brought you.” And shaking her hands she showered down such a choice dinner as never was seen before.Then Star turned to Sun and spoke thus, “Because you went out to amuse yourself with your friends, and feasted and enjoyed yourself, without any thought of our mother at home—you shall be cursed. Henceforth, your rays shall ever be hot and scorching, and shall burn all that they touch. And men shall hate you, and cover their heads when you appear.Then she turned to Wind and said, “You also who forgot your mother in the midst of your selfish pleasures—hear your doom. You shall always blow in the hot, dry weather, and shall parch and shrivel all living things. And men shall detest and avoid you from this very time.”But to Moon she said, “Daughter, because you remembered your mother, and kept for her a share in your own enjoyment, from henceforth you shall be ever cool, and calm and bright. No noxious glare shall accompany your pure rays, and men shall always call you ‘blessed.'”What universal theme is revealed in the text?

(03.01 MC)Read the argumentative essay introduction and answer the question that follows.The gaining of new knowledge never stops. As humans, we are constantly learning new things. The traditional school year should be extended to a year round schedule so that students have access to full-time education. Some say that students need a break to regroup and be children. They believe that downtime is beneficial to the behavioral development of adolescents. However, taking a summer break from consistent learning can cause students to forget important information learned throughout the school year. The lessons lost have to be made up at the beginning of the next school year and more effort is required of students and teachers. With a year-round school year, learning will come full circle for all involved.Which of the following sentences is the author’s counterclaim?

(01.03 LC)A thesaurus can assist a writer or speaker in finding a word with the connotation to best match their purpose.

(01.03 LC)The literal meaning of a word is its ________; the emotional meaning of a word is its ________.

(03.01 MC)Read the argumentative essay introduction and answer the question that follows.Getting daily nutrients is essential to living a healthy life. The world provides humans with rich and delicious nutrients that people often take for granted. Foods like broccoli, oranges, and spinach are chalked full of immune-boosting vitamins that help people live their healthiest lives. Some say, however, that it is easier to take vitamins to provide the body with what it needs to thrive. Pre-packaged vitamins are convenient and make getting these nutrients easy. Thanks to the bountiful variety already found in nature, however, it is easy to eat foods that can provide more than enough of the required daily doses of nutrients a body craves. Taking pre-packaged vitamins to acquire nutrients can seem dull and routine. However, food possibilities are endless, and people are less likely to get bored with their nutrient regime. Which of the following sentences is the author’s counterclaim?

(01.03 LC)A thesaurus is useful in finding synonyms for words with suitable connotative meanings.

(03.01 MC)Rohan is writing an argumentative essay about standardized test scores and college admission. He claims that colleges should no longer rely on the SAT for admission. Which of the following statements avoids a logical fallacy to support his claim?

(01.03 MC)Read the passage and answer the question that follows.As she went down the dark and desolate path, fear took a hold of her and held her captive. It was again her master and it had her locked in place. She had been here before and fear had won then, too. She was determined not to let fear beat her this time, so she summoned all the courage she could and continued walking. By looking at the bolded sections of the passage, what can the reader take away from the personification used?

(02.01 MC)Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Most people assume a turtle is just a turtle, but that isn’t the case. Aquatic turtles have a smooth, lightweight, and streamlined shell that allows them to easily navigate ponds and lakes. Land turtles, like tortoises, have dome-shaped shells that help to regulate their body temperatures both above and below ground.Which text structure does the author use?

(01.03 MC)Read the excerpt from The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery and answer the question that follows.Rich, golden-brown hair, elaborately dressed, with a sparkling bandeau holding its glossy puffs in place; large, brilliant blue eyes and thick silken lashes; face of rose and bare neck of snow, rising above her gown; great pearl bubbles in her ears; the blue-white diamond flame on her long, smooth, waxen finger with its rosy, pointed nail. Arms of marble, gleaming through green chiffon and shadow lace.How does the use of the metaphors in bold enhance the meaning of the passage?