FSA Reading Practice: Things that BITE

Based on information in the selection, which two statements would the author most strongly agree?

• Historically sharks are at the top of the food chain and will stay there.

• Modern sharks have come a long way and will continue to evolve.

• Even though sharks are seen as dangerous, they need our help.

• Due to evolution, sharks have become the most intelligent species.

• Sharks may not be able to evolve quickly enough to survive with humankind.

What happened to sharks as their environment changed in Passage 1?

• A) Sharks slowly dwindled in population.

• B) Sharks became larger and stronger.

• C) Sharks slowly evolved to fit their environment.

• D) Sharks became dangerous creatures and more of a threat.

#3 - What does the word “resilient” in Passage 1, paragraph 2 suggest about Sharks?

• A) Sharks adjust easily to new living conditions.

• B) Sharks have become stronger after hard times.

• C) Sharks are generally healthy animals.

• D) Sharks have to prove to others they are stronger.

#4 - Look at Diagram 1 below. Which of the following is the best title for the diagram?

• A) Evolution of Sharks

• B) Effects of Nature on Sharks

• C) Reasons Sharks are Endangered

• D) Why is the Shark Population Shrinking?

#5 - What do Passage 1 and Passage 2 mention about sharks?

• A) Their strong ability to swim.

• B) Their evolution to survive.

• C) Their use of their fins.

• D) Their increase in brain size.

#6 - Select the sentence from Passage 1 that shows why people care about sharks.

• A) “These dangerous creatures also captivate their audience.” (paragraph 1)

• B) “These ancient creatures have been around for over 400 million years.” (paragraph 2)

• C) “Sharks have also been able to adapt to fresh and saltwater alike with the ability to live in all temperatures.” (paragraph 2)

• D) “Over 100 million sharks are killed each year by commercial and recreational fishing.” (paragraph 3)

#7 - Select the boxes to describe sharks in Passage 1.

• Sharks a million years ago: lives in saltwater and less than half of brain function used for their senses

• Sharks in present day: lives in saltwater, large in size, and razor sharp teeth

• Sharks a million years ago: lives in saltwater, large in size, and razor sharp teeth

• Sharks in present day: lives in saltwater, large in size, and less than half of brain function used for their senses

#1 - Select the detail from paragraph 2 that is the first sign the narrator might be in danger.

• A) One by one several of the passengers offered me gifts, which they pressed upon me with an earnestness which would take no denial

• B) these were certainly of an odd and varied kind, but each was given in simple good faith, with a kindly word, and a blessing,

• C) the sign of the cross and the guard against the evil eye

• D) Then, as we flew along, the driver leaned forward, and on each side the passengers, craning over the edge of the coach, peered eagerly into the darkness

#2 - Read the sentence from paragraph 1....“The excitement of the passengers grew greater; the crazy coach rocked on its great leather springs, and swayed like a boat tossed on a stormy sea.”...What is the effect of the simile in paragraph 1?

• A) It emphasizes how uncomfortable the narrator feels.

• B) It suggests that the carriage will not make the trip.

• C) It identifies what the carriage is most like.

• D) It helps the reader imagine how rough the ride is.

#3 - How does the description of the story’s setting in paragraph 2 influence the plot?

• A) The mountain view creates a conflict with the final destination.

• B) The difficult weather makes the narrator feel more nervous.

• C) The dark stormy night foreshadows trouble for the narrator.

• D) The thunder makes the driver change his mind about the trip.