ELA Mock State Exam: Multiple Choice

Which phrase best shows Mary's developing relationship with nature?

• She ran against it

• She made herself stronger

• She was beginning to like the wind

• She took a long breath

Answer explanation

Keywords: “best shows”, “developing”, “relationship with nature”

Explanation: This line tells us Mary is starting to enjoy the wind. That means she is beginning to enjoy nature. The word “beginning” shows change is happening.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What can the wind symbolize in this passage?

• Destruction

• The struggle of growing up

• A connection to the past

• Inner peace

Answer explanation

Keywords: “symbolize” (look for figurative meaning), “wind”

Explanation: Mary is physically struggling against the wind, which reflects her internal journey. The wind becomes a metaphor for her challenges as she grows and changes, showing early signs of personal development.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

Which sentence best supports the theme of transformation?

• She took a long breath and held it

• She made herself stronger

• She ran against it

• She was beginning to like the world

Answer explanation

Keywords: “theme”, “transformation”

Explanation: “Transformation” means change. This shows Mary is not just changing how she feels about the wind—she’s changing how she feels about life.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

What is the best summary of this excerpt?

• Mary is playing in the wind.

• Mary is adjusting to her new environment through a personal shift in perspective.

• Mary dislikes the outdoors.

• Mary wants to return indoors.

Answer explanation

Keywords: “best summary” (best grasps the main idea), “this excerpt”

Explanation: Mary is changing how she sees things. This helps her feel better about the place she’s in. “Adjusting” means she is getting used to her new life.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

What is the central idea of this passage?

• The Wright brothers failed many times.

• The Wright brothers worked hard and changed the world with their invention.

• The Wright brothers built kites before airplanes.

• Modern planes are very different from the Wright brothers' design.

Answer explanation

Keywords: “central idea” (main point)

Explanation: The passage highlights the brothers’ effort and the impact of their achievement, which supports this central idea.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

How does the author show that perseverance was key to the Wright brothers’ success?

• By including their ages

• By mentioning their failures

• By noting the years of research

• By listing famous quotes

Answer explanation

Keywords: “show”, “perseverance”

Explanation: "Perseverance” means not giving up. The author says they worked for years. That shows they didn’t quit.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

Which detail from the text best supports the idea that their achievement was important?

• "December 17, 1903"

• "First powered, sustained, and controlled flight"

• "The brothers were from Ohio"

• "They tested many prototypes"

Answer explanation

Keywords: “best supports”, “achievement”, “important”

Explanation: This detail explains how big their achievement was. They were the first to do something no one else had done.

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

What is the tone of this passage?

• Critical

• Humorous

• Admiring

• Sad

Answer explanation

Keywords: “tone” (author’s attitude)

Explanation: The author uses words like “monumental,” “success,” and “foundation for modern aviation” which show that the author has respect and admiration for the Wright Brothers.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What internal conflict does the narrator face?

• Whether to eat lunch or skip it

• Whether to follow their father's advice despite fear

• Whether to talk to a friend

• Whether to go outside

Answer explanation

Keywords: “internal conflict” (struggle in thoughts/feelings), “the narrator”

Explanation: The narrator is thinking hard about doing the right thing, even though it’s not easy. “Internal conflict” means a problem in the character’s mind or heart. The narrator recalls the father’s advice about doing what’s right, and the description of “fists clenched” and “weight of choice” shows they’re struggling internally with making the right choice.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What theme is most evident in this excerpt?

• Revenge

• Courage and morality

• Curiosity

• Humor

Answer explanation

Keywords: “theme” (lesson/message), “most evident”

Explanation: The father says to do what’s right even if it’s hard. That’s about being brave (courage) and doing what’s right (morality).

Tags

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RL.5.2