Reading & Writing Benchmark Review

One the most popular musical instruments is the piano. In the traditional musical instrument classification system of string, woodwind, percussion and brass, the piano falls into two categories. It is considered a string instrument because the sound comes from the strings inside the piano. It is also considered a percussion instrument, since the player strikes the keyboard, which signals an internal hammer to strike the strings.

What is the author's main point?

• The piano is both a string and percussion instrument.

• The piano is a string instrument.

• The piano is a popular instrument.

• The strings of a piano makes the sound.

Many breeds of dogs are used for work. In many cultures dogs are used to herd sheep. The dogs keep the flock from being attacked by animals such as wolves. They also keep sheep from wandering off. Sheepdogs are known for their loyalty and gentleness. Based on your reading of the text, you can INFER that:

• Sheepdogs are not very smart dogs.

• Sheepdogs are gentle and loyal.

• There are many breeds of dogs.

• Wolves are afraid of sheepdogs.

What type of text would you need to convince someone to buy a new phone?

• descriptive

• argumentative

• narrative

• persuasive

Cause & Effect:

The students were late_____the traffic jam.

• because

• because of

• since

• as

What is the effect in this sentence?

Due to peanut allergies, students aren't permitted to bring in baked goods.

• peanut allergies

• students aren't permitted to bring in baked goods

Read the following sentences:

Todd's brother would not stop teasing him. Todd was so agitated by his brother that he had tears in his eyes and grunted in anger.

Which word is an antonym for the word agitated as it is used in the sentence above?

• calm

• angry

• frustrated

• bothered

Read these sentences:

Jamie shouts, "Hooray!" when she realizes her birthday is today. She starts jumping up and down and is very boisterous. Her mother tells her to try to be calm as she waits for the cake to finish baking.

Which word is a synonym for the word boisterous as it is used in the sentence above?

• quiet

• calm

• loud

• soft

The latin prefix sent- means feel. The root word -tient means to have. What does the word sentient mean?

• to not have feelings

• to have feelings

• to be full of emotions

• to be familiar

Read the piece below:

"When the snow froze over into ice, it caused quite the catastrophe for the parking lot. The ice was so heavy, it caused the branches to break from the trees and onto the parked cars. "

Using your knowledge of Greek and Latin roots, what is the meaning of the word catastrophe in the passage above?

• Glass

• Insurance

• A turn for the worst

• Happiness

• Splitting the room in half can be a good way to tackle a painting job
• It’s better to do things right the first time
• If you have a good suggestion, adults will agree with it
• Painting a room can be a time-consuming task.