High School Short Answer Writing

Read this sentence from a student's story about finding something to wear.

Nancy raced to change out of the clothes her mother bought for her because the color combination was __________ .

Fill the blank with the word with the most precise meaning.

• bad–looking

• boring

• hideous

• unappealing

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Howard received a sponsorship from a local business owner to help pay for his study abroad in Italy. Howard now needs to write a thank you letter to this business owner.

Which of the following demonstrates an appropriate choice of words for his letter?

• It's really cool of you to give me money so that I can study abroad in Italy.

• Thanks a ton for your support on my venture to study in Italy.

• Thank you for your generosity in supporting me in my endeavor to study in Italy.

• Thank you for your financial support so that I could study in Italy—I owe you big time.

Read the paragraph below, and then answer the question.

1) Now thriving in the lower 48 states, the once endangered bald eagle is the majestic national bird of the United States. 2) In the late 20th century the bald eagle was on the brink of extinction in the continental United States. 3) According to the World Wildlife Fund, hundreds of species of animals each year are placed on the endangered species list. 4) With the help of protection from the federal government, this national bird has made a comeback and can be seen today soaring in the skies of many U.S. states. 5) One thing that makes this bird appear so magnificent is its hefty size. 6) The wingspan of the bald eagle ranges from six to seven and a half feet. 7) Also, it can weigh between six and seventeen pounds. 8) Named for its contrasting white head, this stately bird is symbolic for the United States. 9) This bird is a symbol of freedom and strength for the United States.

What is the best way to combine sentences 8 and 9?

• Named for its contrasting white head, this stately bird is symbolic for the United States, and this bird is a symbol of freedom and strength for the United States.

• Named for its contrasting white head, this stately bird is symbolic of freedom and strength for the United States.

• Named for its contrasting white head, this stately bird is symbolic for the United States; this bird is a symbol of freedom and strength for the United States.

• Named for its contrasting white head, its symbolism of freedom and strength, this stately bird is symbolic for the United States.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

1) Traveling in an RV (recreational vehicle) can be a fun, affordable and a more convenient way to vacation. 2) Everyone should take a vacation once in a while. 3) A recent study found that vacationing in an RV can save 74% more than conventional travel. 4) In addition, traveling in an RV allows for customization of a trip. 5) Stops for sightseeing are easy accommodations to make when you are driving an RV. 6) Furthermore, vacationing in an RV is fun for young children. 7) They love the outdoors and experiencing new things.

Which sentence should be eliminated because it does not relate to the main idea of the paragraph?

• sentence 2

• sentence 3

• sentence 4

• sentence 6

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

Which sentence uses an appropriate choice of words for Natalie's essay to her teacher about why a high school diploma is important?

• Getting a high school diploma is gonna help all of us cause it just sets you up for success.

• Getting a high school diploma will, most likely, help you get a good job and make more money in the future.

• I think that everyone should get a high school diploma since money is totally important in life and you gotta get a good job.

• Well, I don't really need a high school diploma for cosmetology school, but I still wanna try to get it anyway so I can make more money in life.

Read the paragraph below, and then answer the question. It may contain errors.

1) Snorkeling can be an exhilarating and easy way to experience underwater wildlife. 2) Because snorkeling does not require the ability to swim, almost anyone can participate in this activity. 3) In fact, by using a floatation device such as an inner tube or raft, you barely have to put your face underwater to be fascinated by a variety of fish and other sea life. 4) Scuba diving is a more advanced form of snorkeling and requires an air tank to be submerged under water.

Which sentence should be eliminated because it does not relate to the main idea of the paragraph?

• sentence 1

• sentence 2

• sentence 3

• sentence 4

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

Judith decided to write a letter to her school principal about keeping the arts a part of the high school curriculum.

Which of the following uses an appropriate choice of words for her letter to her principal?

• Art classes need to remain in the curriculum so that the cool teachers can still have jobs, and all students can have a more well–rounded education.

• Art classes are necessary and something must be done ASAP to make sure they are saved.

• The arts are really awesome and students would miss out on a lot if all of the classes are given the axe.

• If art classes were eliminated, all of our lives would be negatively affected.

James is applying for an internship position at the local hospital. Which sentence uses an appropriate choice of words and tone for James's letter to the director of the hospital?

• Even though I am sure you have many applicants and qualified students for the internship position this summer, I believe I would make the best candidate because I have experience in the medical field and in working with people.

• Working at the hospital this summer would be a really cool experience and it would be tight to get to hang out with people too.

• I wanna internship position at your hospital, and I think I would be a really good worker.

• Go ahead and hire me for this position since there is no one compared to me; your hospital would be fortunate to have me as an intern.

Read this sentence from a student's report on Danica Patrick.

The new racecar she helped develop really moves when she steps on the gas pedal.

What is the best way to revise the underlined portion of the sentence for a more formal tone?

• drives extremely fast

• accelerates quickly

• speeds up

• proceeds

How can this sentence from the passage be revised to make the wording more precise?

Babysitting offers young people who go to school flexible, after–school and weekend hours, and extra cash to help cover costs of an education.

• Babysitting offers young students flexible hours and extra cash to defray educational costs.

• Babysitting offers students flexible, after–school and weekend hours, and extra cash.

• Babysitting offers young students flexible, after–school and weekend hours, and extra cash to delete costs of an education.

• Correct as is

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.3

CCSS.RI.8.3

CCSS.RI.9-10.3