Review/Practice on English 1 Assessment Test

From “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson

The original paraphernalia for the lottery had been lost long ago, and the black box now resting on the stool had been put into use even before Old Man Warner, the oldest man in town, was born. Mr. Summers spoke frequently to the villagers about making a new box, but no one liked to upset even as much tradition as was represented by the black box. There was a story that the present box had been made with some pieces of the box that had preceded it, the one that had been constructed when the first people settled down to make a village here.

What can you infer about the lottery from the above passage?

• A. The lottery is an old tradition that has been celebrated for many years

• B. Mr. Summers likes for things to change.

• C. The townspeople like Mr. Summers.

• D. The black box needs to be replaced.

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From “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson

Mrs. Hutchinson craned her neck to see through the crowd and found her husband and children standing near the front. She tapped Mrs. Delacroix on the arm as a farewell and began to make her way through the crowd. The people separated good-humoredly to let her through: two or three people said. in voices just loud enough to be heard across the crowd, "Here comes your, Missus, Hutchinson," and "Bill, she made it after all." Mrs. Hutchinson reached her husband, and Mr. Summers, who had been waiting, said cheerfully. "Thought we were going to have to get on without you, Tessie." Mrs. Hutchinson said. grinning, "Wouldn't have me leave m'dishes in the sink, now, would you. Joe?," and soft laughter ran through the crowd as the people stirred back into position after Mrs. Hutchinson's arrival.

What can you infer about the villagers from the above passage?

• A. The villagers judge Tessie for being late to the lottery.

• B. The villagers are all friendly and know each other.

• C. Mrs. Delacroix does not like Tessie.

• D. Mr. Summers thinks Tessie should have stopped washing dishes to arrive on time

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From “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell

"And if they win?" The smile on the general's face widened. "To date I have not lost," he said. Then he added, hastily: "I don't wish you to think me a braggart, Mr. Rainsford. Many of them afford only the most elementary sort of problem. Occasionally I strike a tartar. One almost did win. I eventually had to use the dogs."

From the excerpt above, which phrase provides the best context clue for the meaning of the word braggart?

• A. And if they win

• B. Occasionally I strike a tartar

• C. To date I have not lost

• Eventually had to use the dogs

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“A White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett

The woods were full of shadows one June evening, just before eight o'clock, although a bright sunset still glimmered faintly among the trunks of the trees. A little girl was driving her cow home. The cow was a plodding, slow and annoying creature, but still a valuable companion. They were going away from the western light, and were heading deep into the woods. But their feet were familiar with the path, and it didn't matter if their eyes could see it or not.

Adapted from Sarah Orne Jewett's "A White Heron, " 1886.

1. Choose the best question to ask before reading the rest of the passage.

• A. At what time does the sun set where this story takes place?

• B. What about the heron?

• C. Had the girl been in these woods before?

• D. Does the girl live on a farm?

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“The House”

It was their dream house—not because it was huge or gorgeous, but because for so many years they'd wanted to own one. Their children were 10, 12 and 15 years old. They had dragged them to four or five apartments and a few trailers while they saved money. But then Henry would lose his job, or Sandra would lose a big client for her accounting work, and they wouldn't be able to buy a house. Finally, they had, and now they waited for the inspector to meet them and assure them that the foundation was solid, the roof would last several more years and the heater was in good shape. But he was 25 minutes late.

What is the best question to ask after you read the passage?

• a. Why does the couple take so long to buy a house?

• b. Why is the inspector late?

• c. Are house inspections a good idea?

• d. How many children does the couple have?

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Which phrase provides the best context clue for the meaning of the word renovate?

Tucker’s family is going to renovate a house down the street. They will be repairing and rebuilding parts of the house before they move in.

• a. a house down the street

• b. repairing and rebuilding

• c. before they move in

• d. parts of the house

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1. Which phrase provides the best context clue for the meaning of the word immeasurable?

The impact of a kind gesture is immeasurable. Even a single smile can have an endless effect.

• a. impact

• b. gesture

• c. single

• d. endless

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1. What does the word courier mean based on the context clues provided?

When Hector arrived at home, his mother informed him that a courier had delivered an important letter for him earlier that day.

• a. an operator

• b. an employee

• c. an assistant

• d. a messenger

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1. What does the word quandary mean based on the context clues provided?

When Liza had to decide between packing an extra jacket or an extra pair of boots, she was in a quandary. She just couldn’t decide which item to add to her already full suitcase.

• a. to be questioned

• b. to be decisive

• c. to be in doubt

• d. to be distracted

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“Brain-computer Interface”

For the past 30 years, researchers have been experimenting with hooking a human brain up to a computer. They call it a brain-computer interface (or BCI), and they have been making progress over the past 10 years. In 1999, doctors were able to place a BCI in the brain of a man who had suffered a stroke. The BCI interpreted his "thoughts" so that he could use a mouse to move a cursor around on a computer screen to type out his words. This device allowed the man to "speak" with his family and friends even after the stroke had damaged most of his brain function. In 2004, doctors placed a BCI in the brain of a paralyzed man, allowing him to use a mouse to move a cursor. He could also type on a keyboard and play video games. He could even operate a robotic arm. This leap in technology will allow future scientists to combine their knowledge of the human body with technology.

1. Which of the following is the best way to summarize this paragraph?

• a. Brain-computer interfaces work when they are connected to the brains of disabled people to allow the people to communicate.

• b. Researchers have had success in connecting a human brain with a computer using a brain-computer interface.

• c. In 10 years, everyone will have a brain-computer interface because researchers

  are making a lot of progress.

• d. Scientists and doctors have been researching brain-computer interfaces for the past 10 years and experimented with them.

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