Grade 8 Semester 1 Exam

Based on the passage, what can you infer about Tom?

Read the following passage

Tom sat on his bed, staring at the new bicycle leaning against the wall. His parents had given it to him after he brought home his report card. He smiled, remembering how hard he had studied for his tests and the late nights spent reviewing his notes. Now, he couldn't wait to try out his new bike.

• Tom wrecked his bicycle
• Tom brought home good grades on his report card
• According to his report card, Tom failed all of his classes.
• Tom is borrowing his neighbor's bicycle.

How do Tom's actions and the gift he received reflect his parents' values regarding education and effort?

Read the following passage

Tom sat on his bed, staring at the new bicycle leaning against the wall. His parents had given it to him after he brought home his report card. He smiled, remembering how hard he had studied for his tests and the late nights spent reviewing his notes. Now, he couldn't wait to try out his new bike.

• Tom's parents value leisure activities and encourage him to spend more time playing outside rather than studying.
• Tom's parents believe that studying hard is not important as long as he passes his exams.
• Tom's parents value hard work and educational success, rewarding him for his efforts and achievements
• Tom's parents think that Tom should focus more on sports and less on his academic achievements.

What can you infer about the activity taking place in the classroom?

Read the following passage

Emily glanced at the clock and sighed. The classroom was silent except for the sound of pencils scratching on paper. She quickly flipped through her notes, trying to find any last-minute information that might help her. Her leg bounced nervously under the desk.

• The students are preparing for a group presentation.
• The students are taking a test or exam.
• The students are watching a movie.
• The students are participating in a class discussion.

What does Emily's behavior suggest about her feelings towards the activity?

Read the following passage

Emily glanced at the clock and sighed. The classroom was silent except for the sound of pencils scratching on paper. She quickly flipped through her notes, trying to find any last-minute information that might help her. Her leg bounced nervously under the desk.

• Emily is confident and relaxed about the test.
• Emily is bored and uninterested in the test.
• Emily is anxious and worried about the test.
• Emily is excited and looking forward to the test.

What can you infer about Buddy's reaction to the thunderstorm?

Read the following passage

As the thunder roared and the rain poured, Max's dog, Buddy, darted under the table, his body trembling. Max tried to coax him out with a treat, but Buddy refused to budge, his eyes wide with fear.

• Buddy is excited and wants to play in the rain.
• Buddy is indifferent to the thunderstorm.
• Buddy is scared of the thunderstorm.
• Buddy is curious about the thunderstorm.

What does Max's attempt to coax Buddy out with a treat suggest about Buddy's usual behavior?

Read the following passage

As the thunder roared and the rain poured, Max's dog, Buddy, darted under the table, his body trembling. Max tried to coax him out with a treat, but Buddy refused to budge, his eyes wide with fear.

• Buddy is usually very brave during storms.
• Buddy typically responds positively to treats.
• Buddy never listens to Max, regardless of the situation.
• Buddy prefers to stay under the table all the time.

Which STEAL characterization tool can be used to determine that Dana is rude?

Read the following passage

After class, Deija asked Dana a question, “I’m sorry, Dana, but my little brother was sick and my parents made me stay home and watch him yesterday. Can I see your reading notes?” Dana huffed and rolled her eyes. She replied to Deija, “Uh, I don’t know where they are right now.”

• Actions
• Looks
• Thoughts
• Effect on others

Which STEAL characterization tool can be used to determine that Deija is apologetic?

Read the following passage

After class, Deija asked Dana a question, “I’m sorry, Dana, but my little brother was sick and my parents made me stay home and watch him yesterday. Can I see your reading notes?” Dana huffed and rolled her eyes. She replied to Deija, “Uh, I don’t know where they are right now.”

• Actions
• Speech
• Thoughts
• Looks

Which STEAL characterization tool can be used to determine that Kiki is gullible?

Read the following passage:

Today was Kiki's first day at high school. She was overwhelmed by the size of the building. As she passed by the fire alarm, one of the seniors struck up a conversation with her. "Did you know that we have a fire drill today?" Kiki said that she did not know that. The senior then told her that the principal was running late and that he would give her a reward if she pulled the fire alarm for him. Wanting to make a good impression on the older students and the principal, Kiki pulled the fire alarm. She was suspended for a week. 

• Actions
• Speech
• Thoughts
• Looks

Which STEAL characterization tool can be used to determine that the senior is a trickster?

Read the following passage:

Today was Kiki's first day at high school. She was overwhelmed by the size of the building. As she passed by the fire alarm, one of the seniors struck up a conversation with her. "Did you know that we have a fire drill today?" Kiki said that she did not know that. The senior then told her that the principal was running late and that he would give her a reward if she pulled the fire alarm for him. Wanting to make a good impression on the older students and the principal, Kiki pulled the fire alarm. She was suspended for a week. 

• Actions
• Speech
• Thoughts
• Looks