English II EOC Practice (NC)

What can the reader infer about Mara’s emotional state?

The wind rattled the windows as Mara pulled the quilt tighter around her shoulders. The letter sat unopened on the table, its edges curled from moisture. She had waited three days, pacing the house, watching for the mail carrier, imagining the contents. But now that it was here, she couldn’t bring herself to open it. Not yet.

• She is too busy to read the letter.

• She is fearful of what the letter might say.

• She forgot the letter had arrived.

• She already knows what the letter says.

What is the tone of this passage?

The wind rattled the windows as Mara pulled the quilt tighter around her shoulders. The letter sat unopened on the table, its edges curled from moisture...

• Cheerful and nostalgic

• Anxious and uncertain

• Objective and neutral

• Proud and triumphant

What does the unopened letter symbolize in this passage?

She had waited three days, pacing the house, watching for the mail carrier, imagining the contents. But now that it was here, she couldn’t bring herself to open it.

• Mara’s need for privacy

• A connection to her past

• A fear of confrontation

• The weight of anticipation

What is the central idea of this passage?

Studies conducted by the Urban Greening Initiative have shown that planting more trees in city neighborhoods can reduce temperatures by as much as ten degrees during summer months. Additionally, urban forests improve air quality and increase community well-being. Cities like Sacramento and Atlanta have launched tree-planting programs aimed at expanding green spaces in underserved communities.

• Trees grow faster in city neighborhoods than in rural ones.

• Urban forests are a luxury only some cities can afford.

• Tree planting can improve city environments and residents’ lives.

• Community well-being is unrelated to environmental changes.

Which evidence best supports the author’s argument?

Urban forests improve air quality and increase community well-being.

• Cities like Sacramento and Atlanta are known for hot summers.

• Urban forests help reduce heat and improve air quality.

• Residents prefer tree-lined streets for aesthetic reasons.

• The Urban Greening Initiative is well-funded.

What is the author’s purpose in this passage?

Studies... reduce temperatures... improve well-being...

• To criticize cities for ignoring climate change

• To explain the history of tree planting

• To inform readers about urban greening benefits

• To entertain readers with stories about forests

What literary device is used in this poem?

“Hope” is the thing with feathers – That perches in the soul – And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all –

• Hyperbole

• Alliteration

• Simile

• Metaphor

Based on the poem, how does the speaker view hope?

And sings the tune without the words – And never stops – at all –

• As something unreliable and fleeting

• As fragile and temporary

• As persistent and comforting

• As a distraction from reality

How does the author develop Madam C.J. Walker’s significance?

She founded a hair care empire at a time when Black women had limited access to both business and beauty resources. Walker used her success to fund scholarships, donate to civil rights causes, and speak out against discrimination.

• By comparing her to other inventors

• By focusing only on her wealth

• By highlighting both her business success and activism

• By describing the products she created in detail

Which statement best summarizes the passage?

Born in 1867, Madam C.J. Walker rose from poverty to become the first female self-made millionaire in America...

• Madam C.J. Walker was wealthy but not influential.

• Madam C.J. Walker’s story is one of business failure and recovery.

• Madam C.J. Walker helped only herself through her success.

• Madam C.J. Walker overcame barriers to become a successful entrepreneur and advocate.