Essential Academic Language: Analytical Skills

Scientists use data to _______ the cause of environmental changes.

• identify
• place

• define

• regulate

Answer explanation

Scientists use data to identify the cause of environmental changes. This choice accurately reflects the process of determining specific factors contributing to observed changes in the environment.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What is a synonym for "evaluate"?

• Ignore

• Compare

• Assess

• Observe

Answer explanation

The word "assess" means to evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of something, making it a direct synonym for "evaluate." The other options do not convey the same meaning.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

What does it mean to "trace" something?

• To examine closely

• To find or follow steps in a process

• To measure its value

• To describe it briefly

Answer explanation

To "trace" something means to find or follow steps in a process, as it involves tracking the sequence of actions or events. This distinguishes it from merely examining, measuring, or describing.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

In this sentence, what does "classify" mean? "Biologists classify animals based on their physical features."

• To explain

• To sort into groups

• To distinguish differences

• To evaluate

Answer explanation

In this context, "classify" means to sort animals into groups based on their physical features. This aligns with the correct answer choice, "To sort into groups," as it captures the essence of organizing based on characteristics.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

The word "distinguish" is used in this sentence: "It can be hard to distinguish between similar shades of blue." What does "distinguish" mean?

• To identify differences

• To compare equally

• To make a judgment

• To analyze deeply

Answer explanation

In the sentence, 'distinguish' means to identify differences between similar shades of blue. This aligns with the correct choice, as it emphasizes recognizing what makes each shade unique.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

The teacher asked us to _______ the author's purpose in writing the story.

• interpret
• elaborate

• create

• define

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'interpret' because it means to explain or understand the author's purpose in writing the story, which aligns with the teacher's request.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

What is a synonym for "interpret"?

• Translate

• Ignore

• Examine

• Repeat

Answer explanation

The word "translate" is a synonym for "interpret" as both involve explaining or rendering meaning from one form to another. The other options do not convey the same meaning.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.5B

Using context clues, what does "delineate" mean in this sentence? "The map clearly delineates the boundaries of the city."

• Describes in detail

• Ignores differences

• Groups together

• Interprets vaguely

Answer explanation

In the sentence, 'delineate' refers to clearly showing or describing the boundaries, which aligns with the choice 'Describes in detail'. The other options do not fit the context of providing clear boundaries.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4

CCSS.L.9-10.4A

Which word is the opposite of "compare"?

• Evaluate

• Distinguish

• Contrast

• Ignore

Answer explanation

The word "contrast" is the opposite of "compare" because to compare means to look for similarities, while to contrast means to highlight differences. Thus, "contrast" is the correct answer.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What does "determine" mean?

• To make a choice

• To find out or decide

• To classify or sort

• To evaluate differences

Answer explanation

The term "determine" means to find out or decide something. This aligns with the correct answer choice, as it emphasizes the process of reaching a conclusion or making a decision.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4