FCS Grade 8 Unit 4 ELA Assessment: Test Study Guide

Practice Passage 1:

In the early 2000s, many cities began repurposing abandoned industrial spaces into parks and community centers. One such transformation occurred in a former factory district. The area had been abandoned for decades, but local activists proposed turning it into a public park. After years of planning and construction, the park officially opened, providing green space and recreation areas for thousands of residents.

What is the central idea of the passage?

• Many cities have abandoned industrial spaces.

• Industrial spaces are no longer useful to communities.

• People did not support the idea of turning factories into parks.

• Activists transformed an abandoned factory district into a park.

Answer explanation

Rationale: This sentence expresses the most important idea of the passage, which describes how activists turned an unused space into something beneficial for the community.

Practice Passage 1:

In the early 2000s, many cities began repurposing abandoned industrial spaces into parks and community centers. One such transformation occurred in a former factory district. The area had been abandoned for decades, but local activists proposed turning it into a public park. After years of planning and construction, the park officially opened, providing green space and recreation areas for thousands of residents.

Which sentence is the best summary of the passage?

• Abandoned industrial spaces are common in cities, and people often debate what to do with them.

• A city turned an old factory district into a park, giving residents access to green space.

• Activists opposed the destruction of a factory district and fought to keep it standing.

• Factories are sometimes abandoned, leaving cities to decide what to do with them.

Answer explanation

Rationale: This option provides the most concise and complete summary of the passage, capturing both the transformation and its impact.

Practice Passage 2:

Public transportation plays a critical role in city life, reducing traffic congestion and pollution. In some areas, however, older transit systems have fallen into disrepair. To address this problem, city officials in multiple regions have invested in new bus and train routes, improving efficiency, and expanding accessibility for residents. As a result, more people have returned to using public transportation as a daily mode of travel.

What is the central idea of the passage?

• Cities have improved their public transportation systems to increase ridership.

• Public transportation is the only way to reduce pollution.

• Older transit systems are no longer in use.

• Buses and trains are the most expensive forms of transportation.

Answer explanation

Rationale: The passage explains how city officials worked to improve transit, which led to more people using it.

Practice Passage 2:

Public transportation plays a critical role in city life, reducing traffic congestion and pollution. In some areas, however, older transit systems have fallen into disrepair. To address this problem, city officials in multiple regions have invested in new bus and train routes, improving efficiency, and expanding accessibility for residents. As a result, more people have returned to using public transportation as a daily mode of travel.

Which sentence is the best summary of the passage?

• Some cities struggle with transportation issues, but others do not.

• Public transportation is not essential, yet cities must figure out how to manage it.

• Many cities are working to improve their public transportation systems to make them more efficient and accessible.

• People prefer taking public transportation instead of driving cars.

Answer explanation

Rationale: This is the most complete and accurate summary of the passage, as it highlights the focus on improvements and accessibility.

Practice Passage 1:

Many people assumed that passenger rail travel was a thing of the past, but recent trends suggest otherwise. Some people actually prefer trains to cars. Over the last decade, the number of people traveling by train has increased significantly. Experts attribute this growth to the rising cost of fuel, the expansion of high-speed rail systems, and improvements in customer experience. As a result, train stations in several cities have seen record numbers of travelers.

Which sentence from the passage best supports the idea that train travel is becoming more popular?

• "Many people assumed that passenger rail travel was a thing of the past."

• "Over the last decade, the number of people traveling by train has increased significantly."

• "Some people actually prefer trains to cars.:

• "Experts attribute this growth to the rising cost of fuel, the expansion of high-speed rail systems, and improvements in customer experience."

Answer explanation

Rationale: This sentence directly states that train travel has increased, making it the best choice to support the claim.

Practice Passage 1:

A proposal to build a new highway through a small town was met with mixed reactions. Supporters argued that it would bring economic growth and improve transportation. However, opponents argued that the highway would destroy natural habitats and increase pollution. Eventually, a compromise was reached, rerouting the highway to minimize environmental damage.

What information does the author include to contradict the viewpoint that the highway project should proceed as originally planned?

• The highway would bring economic growth to the town.

• Opponents argued that it would destroy natural habitats and increase pollution.

• Many people supported the highway project.

• The highway project was too expensive to complete.

Answer explanation

Rationale: This sentence contradicts the argument that the highway should proceed as originally planned, as it highlights potential negative consequences.

Practice Passage 2:

Some people believe that historic buildings should always be preserved, arguing that they provide cultural and historical value to a community. Others argue that older buildings are inefficient and expensive to maintain, and cities should replace them with modern structures. A recent case involved the demolition of a 19th-century theater, which caused protests from preservation groups. Despite the opposition, city officials decided to proceed with the demolition, citing safety concerns and high maintenance costs.

What information does the author include to contradict the viewpoint that historic buildings should always be preserved?

• The theater was a beloved cultural landmark.

• Preservation groups protested the demolition.

• Others argue that older buildings are inefficient and expensive to maintain, and cities should replace them with modern structures.

• Many people visited the theater before it was demolished.

Answer explanation

Rationale: This statement contradicts the idea that historic buildings should always be preserved by presenting practical reasons for demolition.

Practice Passage 1:

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become a growing part of modern transportation. These vehicles run on electricity rather than gasoline, reducing carbon emissions and helping to improve air quality. Many governments have introduced policies to promote EV adoption, such as offering tax credits and investing in charging infrastructure. As technology continues to develop, electric cars are expected to become more affordable and efficient, leading to wider usage worldwide.

What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?

• To convince the reader that electric cars are bad for the environment.

• To explain the benefits and advancements of electric vehicles.

• To entertain readers with an interesting story about electric cars.

• To describe how electric cars are made.

Answer explanation

Rationale: The passage gives information about the development and benefits of electric vehicles rather than arguing for or against them.

Practice passage 2:

A new public park would bring many benefits to the city. Green spaces improve air quality, provide a place for exercise, and give children a safe space to play. Studies show that access to parks encourages outdoor activity, which improves both mental and physical health. Critics may argue that the land could be used for new businesses instead, but investing money in parks improves communities and attracts new residents.

What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?

• To persuade the reader that public parks are unnecessary.

• To explain the city’s new plan for redevelopment.

• To entertain readers with an interesting story about the city’s history.

• To convince the reader that the city needs a new public park.

Answer explanation

Rationale:
The passage presents reasons supporting the creation of a public park and includes a counterclaim with a rebuttal, which makes it persuasive rather than explanatory or entertaining. The passage does not focus on redevelopment (B), tell a historical story (C), or argue against parks (A).

What is the meaning of the word expectation as it is used in the sentence below?

Sentence: The expectation of seeing her name on the winner’s list made her heart race with excitement.

• celebration

• invitation

• anticipation

• elevation

Answer explanation

Rationale: In the context of the sentence, "anticipation" means looking forward to something happening, which aligns with "expectation."