8th ELA_Unit 5 Test Study Guide

What is the meaning of renewable as it is used in the U.S. Department of Energy's "Guide to Renewable Energy"?

• able to use again and again

• able to use only once

• producing no pollution

• coming from the earth

Refer to the Newsela article "Climate Change in Hawaii and U.S. Tropical Islands."

How does the article make a connection between humans and animals?

• It suggests that tourists will stop visiting islands because they won't want to swim and snorkel around bleached coral reefs.

• It states that the loss of animal habitats due to climate change will directly affect people's source of food and income.

• It points out that animals are reliant on humans for support and caretaking.

• It hints that coral disease outbreaks will not only affect marine life but can affect humans as well.

Refer to the Newsela article "Climate Change in Hawaii and U.S. Tropical Islands."

What is the author's purpose in mentioning coral reefs in the article?

• to suggest that algae and not climate change is responsible for the decline in coral reefs

• to illustrate how rising sea levels and coral reefs are creating climate change

• to point out that coral reefs were already endangered before climate change

• to explain how climate change is damaging the delicate ecosystem in coral reefs

Refer to the Newsela article "Climate Change in Hawaii and U.S. Tropical Islands."

Part A

Based on the article, which inference can be made about coral reefs?

• The decline of coral reefs would be disastrous for fish populations.

• Coral reefs are largely unaffected by climate change.

• Coral reefs are largely unaffected by ocean acidification.

• A large decrease in ocean temperature would benefit coral reefs.

Part B - Points depend on a correct response in Part A.

Which evidence from the text best supports the statement: "The decline of coral reefs would be disastrous for fish populations" ?

• "Coral reefs in most climates can only handle temperatures as high as 84 degrees Fahrenheit."

• "Reef ecosystems on many islands are already stressed by coastal development and pollution."

• "Coral reefs are crucial parts of underwater ecosystems."

• "Acidic water makes it harder for corals to get calcium. They need calcium for their shells to grow."

Read the passage.

The Ride of His Life

When Jesse Senko was 12 years old, he had an experience that literally changed his life. Senko was snorkeling while on vacation in the Cayman Islands with his family when a large sea turtle swam near him. Senko naturally did what any 12-year-old boy would do and decided to grab the turtle and go for a ride. That turtle ride, in some ways, has never ended. People find their passions in many different ways. Senko found his passion while riding on the back of a turtle when he was just 12 years old.

Today, Senko is a conservation scientist at Arizona State University. He focuses his research and life’s work on marine resource sustainability. Can you guess what that includes? If you guessed sea turtles, you would be correct. In college, Senko majored in fisheries and wildlife science, and he also received a Master of Science degree in wildlife ecology. Much of the focus of his work is on saving endangered sea turtles.

Sea turtles help keep the ocean healthy, and thus their well-being affects the entire ecosystem. They provide a natural regulatory system for the environment. For example, sea turtles eat seagrass, which helps it grow properly, and their unhatched eggs provide nutrients for plant life to keep beaches healthy. Sea turtles also provide a home for small animals that attach to their shells.

Sea turtles are endangered because fishermen inadvertently catch them in their nets, which can cause the turtles irreparable harm. Senko came up with the idea to create solar-powered fishing nets so fishermen can readily see when they accidentally catch a sea turtle. Because the lights are solar powered, the fishermen do not have to maintain the lights or change the batteries. This technology has resulted in a 65 percent reduction in sea turtle catches thus far. Senko’s goal is a 100 percent reduction.

In "The Ride of His Life," what is the author's viewpoint toward Senko’s career?

• Senko is an avid fisherman who wants to help save wildlife.

• Senko is passionate about working with marine wildlife.

• Senko is on the cutting edge of modern technology.

• Senko is overly protective of sea turtles.

The Ride of His Life

When Jesse Senko was 12 years old, he had an experience that literally changed his life. Senko was snorkeling while on vacation in the Cayman Islands with his family when a large sea turtle swam near him. Senko naturally did what any 12-year-old boy would do and decided to grab the turtle and go for a ride. That turtle ride, in some ways, has never ended. People find their passions in many different ways. Senko found his passion while riding on the back of a turtle when he was just 12 years old.

Today, Senko is a conservation scientist at Arizona State University. He focuses his research and life’s work on marine resource sustainability. Can you guess what that includes? If you guessed sea turtles, you would be correct. In college, Senko majored in fisheries and wildlife science, and he also received a Master of Science degree in wildlife ecology. Much of the focus of his work is on saving endangered sea turtles.

Sea turtles help keep the ocean healthy, and thus their well-being affects the entire ecosystem. They provide a natural regulatory system for the environment. For example, sea turtles eat seagrass, which helps it grow properly, and their unhatched eggs provide nutrients for plant life to keep beaches healthy. Sea turtles also provide a home for small animals that attach to their shells.

Sea turtles are endangered because fishermen inadvertently catch them in their nets, which can cause the turtles irreparable harm. Senko came up with the idea to create solar-powered fishing nets so fishermen can readily see when they accidentally catch a sea turtle. Because the lights are solar powered, the fishermen do not have to maintain the lights or change the batteries. This technology has resulted in a 65 percent reduction in sea turtle catches thus far. Senko’s goal is a 100 percent reduction.

What is a central idea of "The Ride of His Life"?

• Senko’s ultimate goal is to save 100 percent of the sea turtles.

• Senko has a unique job that helps the marine environment.

• Senko wants to change the way fishermen catch fish.

• Senko’s career was shaped by an experience in his childhood

The Ride of His Life

When Jesse Senko was 12 years old, he had an experience that literally changed his life. Senko was snorkeling while on vacation in the Cayman Islands with his family when a large sea turtle swam near him. Senko naturally did what any 12-year-old boy would do and decided to grab the turtle and go for a ride. That turtle ride, in some ways, has never ended. People find their passions in many different ways. Senko found his passion while riding on the back of a turtle when he was just 12 years old.

Today, Senko is a conservation scientist at Arizona State University. He focuses his research and life’s work on marine resource sustainability. Can you guess what that includes? If you guessed sea turtles, you would be correct. In college, Senko majored in fisheries and wildlife science, and he also received a Master of Science degree in wildlife ecology. Much of the focus of his work is on saving endangered sea turtles.

Sea turtles help keep the ocean healthy, and thus their well-being affects the entire ecosystem. They provide a natural regulatory system for the environment. For example, sea turtles eat seagrass, which helps it grow properly, and their unhatched eggs provide nutrients for plant life to keep beaches healthy. Sea turtles also provide a home for small animals that attach to their shells.

Sea turtles are endangered because fishermen inadvertently catch them in their nets, which can cause the turtles irreparable harm. Senko came up with the idea to create solar-powered fishing nets so fishermen can readily see when they accidentally catch a sea turtle. Because the lights are solar powered, the fishermen do not have to maintain the lights or change the batteries. This technology has resulted in a 65 percent reduction in sea turtle catches thus far. Senko’s goal is a 100 percent reduction.

Which sentence from the text best shows the development of the central idea that Senko's career was shaped by an experience in his childhood?

• "Sea turtles help keep the ocean healthy, and thus their well-being affects the entire ecosystem."

• "Senko found his passion while riding on the back of a turtle when he was just 12 years old."

• "Much of the focus of his work is on saving endangered sea turtles."

• This technology has resulted in a 65 percent reduction in sea turtle catches thus far."

Read the passage.

The Ride of His Life

When Jesse Senko was 12 years old, he had an experience that literally changed his life. Senko was snorkeling while on vacation in the Cayman Islands with his family when a large sea turtle swam near him. Senko naturally did what any 12-year-old boy would do and decided to grab the turtle and go for a ride. That turtle ride, in some ways, has never ended. People find their passions in many different ways. Senko found his passion while riding on the back of a turtle when he was just 12 years old.

Today, Senko is a conservation scientist at Arizona State University. He focuses his research and life’s work on marine resource sustainability. Can you guess what that includes? If you guessed sea turtles, you would be correct. In college, Senko majored in fisheries and wildlife science, and he also received a Master of Science degree in wildlife ecology. Much of the focus of his work is on saving endangered sea turtles.

Sea turtles help keep the ocean healthy, and thus their well-being affects the entire ecosystem. They provide a natural regulatory system for the environment. For example, sea turtles eat seagrass, which helps it grow properly, and their unhatched eggs provide nutrients for plant life to keep beaches healthy. Sea turtles also provide a home for small animals that attach to their shells.

Sea turtles are endangered because fishermen inadvertently catch them in their nets, which can cause the turtles irreparable harm. Senko came up with the idea to create solar-powered fishing nets so fishermen can readily see when they accidentally catch a sea turtle. Because the lights are solar powered, the fishermen do not have to maintain the lights or change the batteries. This technology has resulted in a 65 percent reduction in sea turtle catches thus far. Senko’s goal is a 100 percent reduction.

What does sustainability mean as it is used in this sentence from "The Ride of His Life"?

He focuses his research and life's work on marine resource sustainability.

• action of converting waste into reusable material

• surroundings in which a person or animal lives

• ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level

• process by which organisms use sunlight to create food

The Sandia Mountains

Surrounding New Mexico’s largest city are some of the most majestic and awe-inspiring mountains in the Southwest. The Sandia Mountain range stretches only 17 miles. Its highest point, Sandia Crest, is just over 10,000 feet high. This point is two miles above sea level but only one mile above the city of Albuquerque.

The word sandia means “watermelon” in Spanish. The range received its name because of the deep reds, maroons, and pinks that make up its granite and limestone faces. These colors are especially striking at sunset. The westward face of the range is characterized by its rugged, sheer cliffs and large, rocky outgrowths. The eastward face slopes gradually and is covered in the green of pine and juniper trees.

The Sandia Mountains have many different attractions that draw tourists each year. One of these is the “Sandia Man” cave, first discovered and excavated in the 1930s. During its excavation, human tools and clothing were found, as well as the remains of a prehistoric mastodon. Evidence at the cave site dates human usage between nine and eleven thousand years ago, making this one of the oldest human habitats in North America.

Another attraction is the Sandia Peak Tramway. This tram system has two tram cars that run every 15 to 30 minutes. One car ascends the mountain, taking passengers to the top where they disembark. The other descends the mountain, bringing them back down. First opened in 1966, the cars hold a maximum of 55 passengers. During construction of the tram, thousands of helicopter flights lifted cables, workers, and materials to build the two towers to the mountaintop.

The total length of the tram system extends nearly three miles. The span that extends from the second tower to the peak is the third longest clear span in the world. A clear span is a "length of cable between supporting towers." The cars travel at a speed of 12 miles per hour and provide passengers with an unimpeded view of the city of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande, and even three extinct volcanoes.

Tram passengers are also able to see a wide variety of birds and animals native to the mountain’s ecosystem. As a passenger on the Sandia Peak Tramway, you might see golden eagles, Steller’s jays, ravens, and canyon wrens. You may also glimpse a few land animals like mule deer, black bears, and bobcats.

What is the author’s purpose in writing “The Sandia Mountains”?

• to inform the reader about the Sandia Mountains’ history

• to describe the allure of the Sandia Mountains area

• to persuade the reader to visit the Sandia Mountains

• to convince the reader that the Sandia Mountains are special