EOC Practice - Reading Selection #1

Read this sentence from paragraph 4.
I always knew when she was making something, because she would be singing or humming.
How is this sentence significant to the author's central argument?

• It is evidence that creative work promotes happiness.
• It shows that his mother was multitalented.
• It demonstrates the benefit of having a strong work ethic.
• It illustrates that his mother was an exceptional role model.

Which sentence best describes the author's attitude toward art?

• Art instruction must begin at home.
• Practice and effort produce great art.
• Art is something everyone should have access to.
• Most people are incapable of appreciating art.

The author supports his argument primarily with evidence drawn from ______.

• a variety of artistic and literary works
• his personal experiences and observations
• the firsthand accounts of eyewitnesses
• recent history and current events

The author tells the story of painting the Baskin-Robbins windows in order to support his belief that ______.

• creativity and freedom of expression are essential to a happy childhood
• children should not expect to be paid for performing minor tasks
• children who are kept busy with art projects are less likely to get into trouble
• art lessons can provide children with valuable skills on the job market

The author of the boxed information about Walker most likely chose to use the word "abounds" in the title because Walker ______.

• likes using words in an unusual way
• has received many awards and is heavily published
• writes poetry for a wide audience
• believes that there are many ways to be creative

Which sentence best reflects a primary theme of the selection?

• Mama was a delightful person.
• Life was simple for us, but it was good.
• As a child, I lived some distance back in the woods.
• I didn't know what it was to be lonely.

The figurative language in paragraph 2 suggests that for the narrator the boxwood bushes are a symbol of _____.

• hope
• isolation
• independence
• security

The tone of the passage can best be described as ______.

• blunt and candid
• sarcastic and irreverent
• light and whimsical
• nostalgic and sentimental

Based on how the narrator describes her childhood, readers can conclude that she ______.

• attaches meaning to the details and rituals of daily life
• believes she has had to live without certain luxuries
• regrets that she did not appreciate her family more
• thinks that nature is both beautiful and overwhelming

In paragraph 10, the word reverie means ______.

• amusement
• laughter
• slumber
• daydreaming