MAP NWEA TEST Language

Question Vocabulary: cosmic Workers at the local observatory record all night sky activity spotted in the area. Over the years, they have logged sightings of meteors, asteroids, and disappearing stars. They include sightings by local citizens. Many people might be surprised by the amount of activity visible through the unaided eye. Even more cosmic activity can be viewed from backyards with the use of binoculars or a telescope. What does cosmic mean as it is used in the paragraph?

• being of great interest
• existing in outer space
• worthy of being written down
• appearing in an enormous location

Question Vocabulary: refraction Many optical illusions, such as what can be created when light passes through water, are caused by refraction. is also known as serial law. It was named after Willebrand sillies. a Dutch mathematician and astronomer whose discoveries led to our modern understanding of the relationship between angles and refraction. reaction - the creation of a new substance refraction - the bending of a beam of light replication - the process by which an original element is copied revolution - the orbit of one object around another Based on the information, which most likely happens to a beam of light when it passes through water?

• It copies, or duplicates, itself.
• It bends, or changes direction.
• It creates a new light source.
• It is absorbed and disappears.

Question Vocabulary: divisive The job of a diplomat is to help keep good relations with another country. A diplomat gives her country advice on how to act without causing offense. Sometimes a diplomat has to offer a handshake and a smile-even when relations between nations are troubled. when divisive issues come up, she must help keep the conflict from spinning out of control. Beyond just striving for peace, though, a diplomat must be able to assert the needs of her country. What are divisive issues?

• ideas that are similar
• plans that are popular
• policies that relate to peacekeeping
• problems that cause disagreements

Question Vocabulary: culture Hawaii is made up of about 132 islands. It was settled in the first century by the Polynesians. Much of the rich culture and musical influence of the Polynesians remains there today. Hawaii is a popular place for tourists and is known for its beautiful beaches and pleasant weather. Millions of people visit the Aloha state each year. Glossary culture (kuhl • chur) the traditional way of life of the people of a particular region Which word means the same as "culture" as it is used in the passage?

• customs
• education
• growth
• land

Question Vocabulary: Synonyms The ancient code was obscured, and nearly impossible to, decipher. The scratches, nicks, and caked-on mud made the markings nearly illegible. I was determined to figure out the mysterious meaning behind the foreign code. I decided to take it to a professor of Egyptian history in hopes that she could interpret it. Which two words from the passage have the same meaning?

• illegible and foreign
• decipher and interpret
• mysterious and ancient
• Impossible and obscured

Question Vocabulary: sequence The papers were stacked in ____ order. Which word, derived from the base word sequence, should go in the blank?

• sequency
• sequential
• sequencing
• sequentially

Question Vocabulary: austere As Leon entered the massive house, he immediately felt tiny and unimportant. The exterior was rich, and the building style was highly decorative. The interior of the foyer, by contrast. seemed cavernous and empty. Perhaps it was because the mansion was just so huge. The man who answered the door led him silently into a room off the main entry, which appeared to be a library or study. The dim lighting and dark furnishings contributed to the room's austere atmosphere. It seemed like the kind of place where laughing was absolutely forbidden. Dictionary austere (aws • tihr) adj. serious: sober simple and lacking in luxury Which word has the same meaning as austere as it is used in the passage?

• ancient
• empty
• plain
• solemn

Question Vocabulary: serene Madison and her mother sat down on its rugged, rocky ledge and looked out over the calm lake below. This was the perfect vista. The serene view was Just what Madison needed-well, that and a little bit of lunch... otherwise there was complete, welcome silence... What does the word serene mean?

• entertaining
• familiar
• lonely
• peaceful

Question Vocabulary: exasperated I sat with my mom while she tried to explain how to play the game. It was not going well. ""Mom, do you move the peg before or after you roll the dice?"" I said, very confused. Jillian. remember I told you that the peg is moved after rolling the dice,"" Mom said. I could tell she was becoming exasperated, even though she was trying to hide her annoyance. I didn't blame her; she had been trying to explain the game to me for 20 minutes! Based on the passage, which does exasperated mean?

• apologetic
• bothered
• confused
• hidden

Question Vocabulary: pollen The cause could be dust smoke, or pollen. Pollen grains are tiny particles produced by many types of plants. Pollen looks like powder and is so lightweight that wind can blow it into the air... What is pollen?

• wind
• smoke
• a signal sent to the brain
• a substance made by plants