10th Grade English II EOC review

Passage 1: Literary Text (Fiction Excerpt)

Elena watched as the train pulled away, carrying her brother toward the coast and leaving a cloud of steam in its wake. She clutched the letter he had written her—full of excitement, dreams, and plans she wasn’t sure would come true. The platform was quiet now, except for the hum of distant voices and the flutter of pigeons. She knew this moment would change everything.

What is the author’s tone in this passage?

• Joyful

• Tense

• Melancholy

• Indifferent

Answer explanation

The author's tone is melancholy, as Elena feels a sense of loss and uncertainty watching her brother leave. The imagery of the train departing and her clutching the letter conveys a bittersweet emotion, highlighting her mixed feelings.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Passage 1: Literary Text (Fiction Excerpt)

Elena watched as the train pulled away, carrying her brother toward the coast and leaving a cloud of steam in its wake. She clutched the letter he had written her—full of excitement, dreams, and plans she wasn’t sure would come true. The platform was quiet now, except for the hum of distant voices and the flutter of pigeons. She knew this moment would change everything.

What does the train symbolize in the passage?

• Technology

• Loss

• Change and opportunity

• Time

Answer explanation

The train symbolizes change and opportunity as it carries Elena's brother away, representing new beginnings and the potential for dreams to be realized, which is emphasized by Elena's mixed feelings about the moment.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Passage 1: Literary Text (Fiction Excerpt)

Elena watched as the train pulled away, carrying her brother toward the coast and leaving a cloud of steam in its wake. She clutched the letter he had written her—full of excitement, dreams, and plans she wasn’t sure would come true. The platform was quiet now, except for the hum of distant voices and the flutter of pigeons. She knew this moment would change everything.

The author uses imagery such as the quiet platform, the hum of distant voices, and the flutter of pigeons to convey which of Elena’s emotions?

• Joy and excitement

• Isolation and uncertainty

• Anger and frustration

• Confidence and pride

Answer explanation

The imagery of a quiet platform and distant sounds reflects Elena's feelings of isolation and uncertainty as she watches her brother leave, highlighting her apprehension about the changes ahead.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Passage 1: Literary Text (Fiction Excerpt)

Elena watched as the train pulled away, carrying her brother toward the coast and leaving a cloud of steam in its wake. She clutched the letter he had written her—full of excitement, dreams, and plans she wasn’t sure would come true. The platform was quiet now, except for the hum of distant voices and the flutter of pigeons. She knew this moment would change everything.

Which line best supports the theme of uncertainty?

• “She knew this moment would change everything.”

• “Elena watched as the train pulled away…”

• “The platform was quiet now.”

• “She clutched the letter…”

Answer explanation

The line "She knew this moment would change everything" directly conveys Elena's awareness of the uncertainty ahead, highlighting her mixed feelings about her brother's departure and the impact it will have on her life.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

Passage 1: Literary Text (Fiction Excerpt)

Elena watched as the train pulled away, carrying her brother toward the coast and leaving a cloud of steam in its wake. She clutched the letter he had written her—full of excitement, dreams, and plans she wasn’t sure would come true. The platform was quiet now, except for the hum of distant voices and the flutter of pigeons. She knew this moment would change everything.

The setting contributes to the mood by emphasizing __________.

• isolation, transition, emotional distance, or change

• joy, celebration, and unity

• wealth, luxury, and abundance

• chaos, confusion, and disorder

Answer explanation

The setting of the train station, with Elena's brother leaving, emphasizes feelings of isolation and transition. The quietness and her uncertainty about the future highlight emotional distance and the significant change in their relationship.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

 Passage 2: Informational Text (Editorial Excerpt)

The debate over whether schools should eliminate letter grades continues to divide educators. Proponents argue that mastery-based assessment allows students to focus on learning instead of chasing grades. Opponents, however, claim letter grades create accountability and standardization. As schools experiment with alternatives, the need for clarity and fairness remains a top priority.

What is the author’s purpose in this passage?

• To entertain

• To argue a side

• To present both viewpoints on an issue

• To describe a school policy

Answer explanation

The author presents both sides of the debate on letter grades, highlighting the arguments of proponents and opponents. This balanced view indicates the purpose is to present both viewpoints on the issue rather than to argue a side.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

 Passage 2: Informational Text (Editorial Excerpt)

The debate over whether schools should eliminate letter grades continues to divide educators. Proponents argue that mastery-based assessment allows students to focus on learning instead of chasing grades. Opponents, however, claim letter grades create accountability and standardization. As schools experiment with alternatives, the need for clarity and fairness remains a top priority.

The central idea of the passage is:

• The importance of extracurricular activities in schools.

• The debate over eliminating letter grades in schools and the arguments for and against it.

• The benefits of standardized testing in education.

• The history of grading systems in schools.

Answer explanation

The passage discusses the ongoing debate about eliminating letter grades in schools, presenting arguments from both supporters and opponents, making the correct choice about the debate and its implications.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

 Passage 2: Informational Text (Editorial Excerpt)

The debate over whether schools should eliminate letter grades continues to divide educators. Proponents argue that mastery-based assessment allows students to focus on learning instead of chasing grades. Opponents, however, claim letter grades create accountability and standardization. As schools experiment with alternatives, the need for clarity and fairness remains a top priority.

Identify one rhetorical strategy used in this editorial and explain its effect.

• Use of statistics to support the argument, which makes the editorial more persuasive.

• Use of humor to entertain the reader.

• Use of personal anecdotes to create empathy.

• Use of repetition to emphasize a point.

Answer explanation

The editorial uses statistics to support the argument, enhancing its persuasiveness by providing concrete evidence for the claims made about the benefits and drawbacks of letter grades.

 Passage 2: Informational Text (Editorial Excerpt)

The debate over whether schools should eliminate letter grades continues to divide educators. Proponents argue that mastery-based assessment allows students to focus on learning instead of chasing grades. Opponents, however, claim letter grades create accountability and standardization. As schools experiment with alternatives, the need for clarity and fairness remains a top priority.

What tone does the author maintain throughout the passage?

• Sarcastic

• Balanced and informative

• Urgent

• Angry

Answer explanation

The author maintains a balanced and informative tone by presenting both sides of the debate on letter grades without bias, focusing on the importance of clarity and fairness in educational assessment.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Fill in the blank: The phrase “the need for clarity and fairness” appeals to the audience’s sense of ________.

• justice

• wealth

• popularity

• adventure

Answer explanation

The phrase "the need for clarity and fairness" directly relates to the concept of justice, as it emphasizes the importance of equitable treatment and understanding in decision-making.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5