7th Grade RLA 2nd Semester Exam Review (2024-25)

Ben, Grace, and Alison are discussing what makes an author's writing stand out. What does "Author's Craft" mean?

• intentional and deliberate use of organizational patterns, text and graphic features, syntax, devices, and diction to create an effective written work; author’s craft may vary by genre

• any written or digital communication exchanged between two or more people in the form of a letter, e-mail, fax, etc.

• a list of sources referred to at the end of a piece of written research work

• none of the above

Answer explanation

'Author's Craft' refers to the intentional use of various writing techniques, such as organization, syntax, and diction, to enhance a written work's effectiveness, which can differ across genres.

Emmalee, Alison, and Aiden are working together on a science project. Their teacher asks them to synthesize their ideas into one amazing presentation. What does it mean to synthesize in this context?

• any written or digital communication exchanged between two or more people in the form of a letter, e-mail, fax, etc.

• a person, place, or things from which something comes or can be obtained

• to combine elements and parts to form a coherent whole

• all of the above

Answer explanation

In this context, to synthesize means to combine elements and parts from Emmalee, Alison, and Aiden's ideas to create a coherent whole for their presentation. This aligns with the correct choice.

Let's go on a time travel adventure! Which sentence tells us about something that already happened in the past?

• A) Michael walks to school every day.

• B) Grace is walking to school right now.

• C) Ben walked to school yesterday.

• none of the above

Answer explanation

C) Ben walked to school yesterday. This sentence uses the past tense 'walked', indicating that the action occurred in the past, unlike the other options which describe present or habitual actions.

Grace is preparing a presentation and wants to make sure her message reaches the right people. What does the term "audience" mean in this context?

• to combine elements and parts to form a coherent whole

• a list of sources referred to at the end of a piece of written research work

• a source that is a step removed from the original accounts of an event or experience

• the intended target group for a message, regardless of the medium

Answer explanation

In this context, 'audience' refers to the intended target group for Grace's message, ensuring it reaches the right people effectively, regardless of the medium used.

Emmalee, Sebastian, and Collin are on a treasure hunt! They need to find the source of a mysterious river. What does the word source mean in this context?

• the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is valid or true

• a person, place, or things from which something comes or can be obtained

• to combine elements and parts to form a coherent whole

• none of the above

Answer explanation

In this context, 'source' refers to a person, place, or thing from which the river originates. This aligns with the correct choice, as it indicates where the river begins or is obtained.

Ben and Grace are curious about why authors write stories. Can you help them figure out: What is the author's purpose?

• to combine elements and parts to form a coherent whole

• the reason an author writes about a particular topic (e.g., to persuade, to entertain, to inform, to explain to analyze, etc.); the reason an author includes particular details, features, or devices in a work

• a person, place, or things from which something comes or can be obtained

• the intended target group for a message, regardless of the medium

Answer explanation

The author's purpose refers to the reason an author writes about a topic, such as to persuade, entertain, inform, or explain. This choice captures the essence of why specific details and devices are included in a work.

Pepe and Emmalee are working on a history project. They come across a source that is a step removed from the original accounts of an event. What type of source have they found?

• a person, place, or things from which something comes or can be obtained

• a particular inclination, feeling, or opinion about a subject that is often preconceived or unreasoned

• a list of sources referred to at the end of a piece of written research work

• a source that is a step removed from the original accounts of an event or experience

Answer explanation

Pepe and Emmalee found a source that is a step removed from the original accounts, which is defined as a secondary source. This type of source interprets or analyzes primary sources, making it the correct choice.

Michael and Emmalee are having a debate in class. Emmalee claims she spotted a logical fallacy in Michael's argument. What is a logical fallacy?

• A) A strong piece of evidence that supports your argument

• B) A statement that clearly explains your opinion

• C) A mistake in reasoning that weakens an argument

• D) A conclusion based on facts and research

Answer explanation

A logical fallacy is C) a mistake in reasoning that weakens an argument. It undermines the validity of the argument, making it less persuasive or credible.

Lincoln, Emmalee, and Litzy are curious about the world around them. What does it mean when they decide to do some research?

• the investigation of sources and materials to find facts about a topic

• any written or digital communication exchanged between two or more people in the form of a letter, e-mail, fax, etc.

• a list of sources referred to at the end of a piece of written research work

• none of the above

Answer explanation

When Lincoln, Emmalee, and Litzy decide to do research, it means they are investigating sources and materials to find facts about a topic, which aligns with the correct answer choice.

Grace and Sebastian are having a debate in class. Grace says bias is just a list of sources, but Sebastian disagrees. Who is correct about what bias really means?

• a list of sources referred to at the end of a piece of written research work

• a particular inclination, feeling, or opinion about a subject that is often preconceived or unreasoned

• the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is valid or true

• a movement of a part of the body, especially the head or hands, to express an idea or meaning

Answer explanation

Sebastian is correct. Bias refers to a particular inclination or opinion about a subject that is often preconceived or unreasoned, not merely a list of sources.