Central idea: Schools should eliminate the summer vacation. Select one that provides the best evidence to support the central idea.

Year-round school can better prepare students for year-round work in the adult world.

It costs too much money for school buildings to remain empty in the summer months.

Students have more energy than adults.

During summer classes, schools should be air-conditioned.

Main idea: Some people have very poor telephone manners. Select one that provides the best evidence to support the main idea.

They often call around 6 p.m., which is most people’s dinner hour.

They often make their calls on cordless phones.

Some people don’t like to talk on the phone.

They have an unlisted telephone number.

Central idea: Nobody in this neighborhood will miss the Martins when they move. Select one that provides the best evidence to support the central idea.

When the neighborhood kids play ball anywhere near their house, Mr. Martin yells at them, “Keep your ball game off my property

Mr. Martin has been sick for years, so you can understand his being short tempered.

They recently had a tree removed from their front yard because its roots were growing into the sewer line.

Both the Martins are retired now and rarely leave their home.

What is the correct way to write the red portion of the sentence? There was barely enough time to walk home from the park: even so-we somehow managed to get home in time for dinner.

from the park; even so, we somehow managed

from the park; even so-we somehow managed

from the park: even so, we somehow managed

from the park: even so; we somehow managed

Select the statement that is punctuated correctly.

Connor knew just what to bring on his camping trip: a canteen, a sleeping bag, a compass, and food for three days.

Izzie had several favorite foods: the were salads, pizza, tortillas and nuts

Tate decided to visit six states; Alaska, New Hampshire, Texas, Utah, New York, and Colorado

Lucy knew all the answers to the questions: she also knew the names of all the states and their capitals.

Which of the following is the correct version of the sentence?

Pam liked Wayne, and Leena also liked Wayne.

Pam liked Wayne and Leena also liked Wayne.

Pam liked Wayne; and Leena also liked Wayne.

Pam liked Wayne, and, Leena also liked Wayne.

Which of the following is the correct version of the sentence?

Pam liked Wayne, and Leena also liked Wayne.

Pam liked Wayne and Leena also liked Wayne.

Pam liked Wayne; and Leena also liked Wayne.

Pam liked Wayne, and, Leena also liked Wayne.

Which of the following is the correct version of the sentence?

Memorize your speech; you won’t need your cheat notes.

Memorize your speech, you won’t need your cheat notes.

Memorize your speech you won’t need your cheat notes.

Memorize your speech; you won’t, need your cheat notes.

Which of the following is the correct version of the sentence?

Learn to use the semicolon properly; your punctuation test mark will improve.

Learn to use the semicolon properly; your punctuation, test mark will improve.

Learn to use the semicolon properly your punctuation test mark will improve.

Learn to use the semicolon properly, your punctuation test mark will improve.

Which of the following is the correct version of the sentence?

The little boy did not like to go to school, yet he went anyway.

The little boy did not like to go to school; yet he went anyway.

The little boy did not like to go to school, yet, he went anyway.

The little boy did not like to go to school; yet, he went anyway.

Which of the following is the correct version of the sentence?

Jose did not read the instructions; therefore, he did not assemble it properly.

Jose did not read the instructions; therefore he did not assemble it properly.

Jose did not read the instructions, therefore, he did not assemble it properly.

Jose did not read the instructions therefore he did not assemble it properly.

Which of the following is the correct version of the sentence?

My dog likes to play with cats; my dog likes most animals.

My dog likes to play with cats my dog likes most animals.

My dog likes to play with cats, my dog likes most animals.

My dog likes to play with cats; my dog likes, most animals.

Make people think the opposite thing

Rules are very important. They help keep things running smoothly. Rules let you know what you can and cannot do whether you are playing a game or explaining how to act in class. You should follow rules; they help people get along. What is the author's purpose?

to persuade people to follow the rules

to entertain with a story about people who follow the rules

to inform about the rules of games

What you learn in school will help you later in life. It will also help you get a job. If you work hard in school and make good grades, you may be able to go to college and have a career. What is the author's purpose?

to persuade you to work hard in school

to entertain with a story about school

to teach you how to get good grades

Ted was anxious to try out for the basketball team. He had practiced and knew he was ready. Tryouts made him a little nervous, but when he found out he made the team he knew that all the work had paid off. What is the author's purpose?

to tell a story about a boy who worked hard

to teach how to play basketball

to persuade you to try out for the basketball team

to explain the rules of basketball

Which of the following is a claim the author supports in paragraph 1? “The best things in life are free,” they say, which is true for things like libraries. However, it is not true for many museums. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, for example, costs $20 to get in. Traveling exhibits, such as the work of a certain artist that is touring the country, almost always cost even more. People must pay to get into the museum and also pay for the special showing. That means people who don’t have much money cannot enjoy the art.

Poor people cannot enjoy museums.

Museums should not charge extra fees.

Traveling exhibits should always be free.

Museums need more traveling shows.

English 10 Benchmark Practice

Authored by Lucinda Lazenby

English

10th - 12th Grade

CCSS covered

Used 187+ times

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About

This quiz covers English Language Arts skills appropriate for 10th grade students, focusing on three core areas: vocabulary and word analysis, punctuation and grammar mechanics, and reading comprehension with author's purpose. Students need strong foundational skills in determining connotative meanings, using context clues to define unfamiliar words, and understanding how word choice affects tone and meaning. The grammar section requires mastery of complex punctuation rules, particularly semicolon usage, compound sentence construction, and passive voice recognition. For the reading comprehension components, students must analyze supporting evidence for main ideas, distinguish between different purposes for writing (persuade, inform, entertain), and identify claims within argumentative text passages. These skills build upon middle school language arts foundations while preparing students for the more sophisticated textual analysis required in upper-level high school courses. Created by Lucinda Lazenby, an English teacher in the US who teaches grades 10 and 12. This comprehensive benchmark practice quiz serves multiple instructional purposes throughout the academic year, from diagnostic assessment at the beginning of the semester to targeted review before standardized testing. Teachers can use individual sections as warm-up activities to reinforce specific skills, assign the complete quiz as homework to gauge student progress, or implement it as formative assessment to identify areas needing additional instruction. The varied question types make it particularly valuable for differentiated instruction and test preparation strategies. This assessment aligns with Common Core standards including CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.4 (determining word meanings), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.2 (demonstrating command of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling), CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.6 (determining author's purpose), and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.8 (evaluating arguments and claims in text).

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37 questions

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MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

What message does an author convey with words such as desolate, unfriendly, and isolated?

something is happy

something is concerning

something is not welcoming

something is joyful

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

Pick the correct connotative word for the following sentence:
Jake asked his mother for permission to go to his friend Rodney’s dance party, stating that his grades had improved. He was quite pleased when she ________.

dissented

consented

denied

disapproved

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

Pick the correct connotative word for the following sentence:
Beatrix Potter's "A Tale of Peter Rabbit" was published in 1902, she showed that __________ pays off. Six publishers had previously rejected her book but she never gave up.

persistence

giving up

indolence

apathy

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

Use context clues to determine the best synonym for the highlighted word:
The intrepid young girl ran up to the beast and began scratching it behind the ears.

silly

brave

foolish

meek

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

Use context clues to determine the best synonym for the highlighted word:
After Brian broke Darcy’s heart this last time, he will have to make some serious amends if he ever wants to win her back.

touch-ups

enhancements

adjustments

blemishes

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

20 sec • 1 pt

Use context clues to determine the best synonym for the highlighted word:
The body builder's constitution surprised the judges of the competition.

organization

physique

written laws

personality

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

45 sec • 1 pt

Main idea:
If you think school is difficult, it’s even harder for older students.
Select one that provides evidence that supports the main idea.

Studies show that more and more adults are returning to school.

Many older students have family and job responsibilities in addition to classes.

Older students can contribute to class discussions by talking about their “real-world” experiences.

Studies show that more and more adults are returning to school.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

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English 10 Benchmark Practice

What message does an author convey with words such as desolate, unfriendly, and isolated?

Pick the correct connotative word for the following sentence: Jake asked his mother for permission to go to his friend Rodney’s dance party, stating that his grades had improved. He was quite pleased when she ________.

Pick the correct connotative word for the following sentence: Beatrix Potter's "A Tale of Peter Rabbit" was published in 1902, she showed that __________ pays off. Six publishers had previously rejected her book but she never gave up.

Use context clues to determine the best synonym for the highlighted word: The intrepid young girl ran up to the beast and began scratching it behind the ears.

Use context clues to determine the best synonym for the highlighted word: After Brian broke Darcy’s heart this last time, he will have to make some serious amends if he ever wants to win her back.

Use context clues to determine the best synonym for the highlighted word: The body builder's constitution surprised the judges of the competition.

Main idea: If you think school is difficult, it’s even harder for older students.Select one that provides evidence that supports the main idea.

Central idea:Schools should eliminate the summer vacation.Select one that provides the best evidence to support the central idea.

Main idea: Some people have very poor telephone manners.Select one that provides the best evidence to support the main idea.

Central idea:Nobody in this neighborhood will miss the Martins when they move.Select one that provides the best evidence to support the central idea.

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Discover more resources for English

Pick the correct connotative word for the following sentence:
Jake asked his mother for permission to go to his friend Rodney’s dance party, stating that his grades had improved. He was quite pleased when she ________.

Pick the correct connotative word for the following sentence:
Beatrix Potter's "A Tale of Peter Rabbit" was published in 1902, she showed that __________ pays off. Six publishers had previously rejected her book but she never gave up.

Use context clues to determine the best synonym for the highlighted word:
The intrepid young girl ran up to the beast and began scratching it behind the ears.

Use context clues to determine the best synonym for the highlighted word:
After Brian broke Darcy’s heart this last time, he will have to make some serious amends if he ever wants to win her back.

Use context clues to determine the best synonym for the highlighted word:
The body builder's constitution surprised the judges of the competition.

Main idea:
If you think school is difficult, it’s even harder for older students.
Select one that provides evidence that supports the main idea.

Central idea:
Schools should eliminate the summer vacation.
Select one that provides the best evidence to support the central idea.

Main idea:
Some people have very poor telephone manners.
Select one that provides the best evidence to support the main idea.

Central idea:
Nobody in this neighborhood will miss the Martins when they move.
Select one that provides the best evidence to support the central idea.