Final Exam Practice Test 1

Read this paragraph from a student essay about the dangers of screen time and answer the question that follows.

[1] Many students use phones and tablets late into the night. [2] This habit has been linked to sleep problems and difficulty concentrating the next day. [3] Research shows that screen exposure before bed delays melatonin release. [4] Many students stay up later without realizing it. [5] They also report feeling more tired and less focused in school.

Which transition phrase should the student add to the beginning of sentence 3 to best clarify the paragraph’s meaning?

• A) As a result

• B) On the other hand

• C) In other words

• D) For instance

Answer explanation

Explanation:

• Sentence 3 presents a consequence (screen exposure delays melatonin release), which logically follows from the habit mentioned in sentence 2. "As a result" signals cause and effect, making the paragraph flow logically.

Why others are incorrect:

• B) On the other hand implies contrast, which doesn’t match the supportive evidence in sentence 3.

• C) In other words restates information rather than adding a consequence.

• D) For instance introduces an example, but sentence 3 is not an example—it explains why the habit is harmful.

Read this paragraph from an essay about sea otters and answer the question that follows.

Sea otters are among the smallest marine mammals, but they play a huge role in their ecosystems. They help control sea urchin populations, which allows kelp forests to thrive. Kelp forests absorb carbon dioxide and provide habitats for many ocean creatures. Scientists say protecting sea otters can help fight climate change.

Which two conclusions are best supported by the information in the paragraph?

• A) Sea otters help keep kelp forests healthy.

• B) Kelp forests can be destroyed by sea otters.

• C) Protecting sea otters may benefit the environment.

• D) Sea otters eat kelp for survival.

• E) Sea otters should be kept away from marine life.

Answer explanation

Correct Answers: A) Sea otters help keep kelp forests healthy.
C) Protecting sea otters may benefit the environment.

Explanation:

• The passage states that sea otters eat sea urchins, which allows kelp forests to thrive. Thriving kelp forests help absorb CO₂ and support marine life, so protecting otters supports the environment.

Why others are incorrect:

• B) Kelp forests can be destroyed by sea otters contradicts the passage.

• D) Sea otters eat kelp is false; they eat sea urchins.

• E) Sea otters should be kept away misrepresents their positive ecological impact.

A student is writing a story and wants to improve the description. Read the draft and answer the question that follows.

[1] The sun dipped below the horizon, casting orange and pink hues across the sky. [2] Leah sat on the porch swing, listening to the chirp of crickets and the rustling of leaves. [3] She took a deep breath and smiled. [4] It was a peaceful evening.

Which revision of sentence 4 best adds vivid detail to the setting?

• A) It was nice outside

• B) The calm of the evening wrapped around her like a soft blanket.

• C) Leah liked the view.

• D) There were colors in the sky.

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: B) The calm of the evening wrapped around her like a soft blanket.

Explanation:

• This option uses vivid imagery and figurative language, enhancing the description and mood of the scene.

Why others are incorrect:

• A) It was nice outside. is vague and lacks sensory detail.

• C) Leah liked the view. tells instead of shows.

• D) There were colors in the sky. is a weak repetition of earlier imagery.

. A student synthesized notes from multiple sources for a report on arctic foxes. Read the notes and answer the question that follows.

Notes:
- Arctic foxes have thick fur and compact bodies that conserve heat.
- In the winter, their fur turns white for camouflage in the snow.
- In summer, their fur turns brown or gray to blend with the rocks and plants.

Which sentence best combines this information?

• A) Arctic foxes live in the snow and have brown fur.

• B) Arctic foxes grow thicker fur in the summer.

• C) Arctic foxes adapt to seasonal changes with their fur color and body structure.

• D) Arctic foxes only live where it is cold.

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: C) Arctic foxes adapt to seasonal changes with their fur color and body structure.

Explanation:

• This choice accurately combines all three notes: physical adaptation, camouflage, and seasonal change.

Why others are incorrect:

• A) Arctic foxes live in the snow and have brown fur. is inaccurate and incomplete.

• B) Arctic foxes grow thicker fur in summer. contradicts the notes.

• D) Arctic foxes only live where it is cold. is an oversimplification and doesn't address adaptation.

A student is researching plastic pollution and writes this paragraph. Read it and answer the question that follows.

Plastic waste harms wildlife and pollutes oceans. It takes hundreds of years to break down, which means it stays in the environment for generations. Scientists have found plastic in the stomachs of fish, birds, and even whales. Some groups are trying to reduce plastic waste by promoting recycling and banning single-use plastics.

Which three sources would best support the information in the paragraph?

• A) A study on plastic found in marine animals

• B) A guide on how to recycle at home

• C) A novel set in the future with ocean pollution

• D) An article about policies banning single-use plastic items

• E) A blog about reusable grocery bags

Answer explanation

Correct Answers:

• A) A study on plastic found in marine animals – supports the point about wildlife harm.

• D) An article about policies banning single-use plastic items – supports the paragraph’s final sentence.

• E) A blog about reusable grocery bags – supports the idea of promoting alternatives.

Why others are incorrect:

• B) A guide on how to recycle at home is too narrow and unrelated to ocean pollution.

• C) A novel set in the future is fiction and not reliable evidence for a research-based paragraph.

Read this line from the poem:
"A lighthouse stands where hope and calm have spread." (line 6)

Which line from the poem provides the best clue for the speaker’s emotional state in this line?

• A) “Its sails all torn, no compass left to try” (line 2)

• B) “Yet in this tempest, somewhere far ahead” (line 5)

• C) “Each wave a whisper only I can hear” (line 4)

• D) “Though waves may turn my rudder off its trail” (line 9)

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: B) “Yet in this tempest, somewhere far ahead” (line 5)

Explanation:
This line directly reflects the speaker’s mindset—despite being lost in a storm (emotional turmoil), they maintain hope for something better (“somewhere far ahead”). It sets up the emotional significance of the lighthouse in line 6.

Why the others are incorrect:

• A) “Its sails all torn...” emphasizes hopelessness, not the renewed calm in line 6.

• C) “Each wave a whisper...” focuses on internal struggle, not calm.

• D) “Though waves may turn...” is about staying on course, not emotional relief.

Which of the following best expresses a universal theme in the poem?

• A) Some storms are too powerful to escape.

• B) Love is never enough to survive hardship.
  
  

• C) Inner strength can guide us through hardship.

• D) Trusting others often leads to disappointment.

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: C) Inner strength can guide us through hardship.
Explanation:

The poem is an extended metaphor for emotional or mental struggle. Despite turmoil, the speaker presses on, “steering by faith,” which symbolizes resilience and inner strength.

Why the others are incorrect:

• A) Implies defeat, but the speaker remains hopeful.

• B) Love isn’t a subject of the poem.

• D) Trust isn’t explored; the poem focuses on internal guidance.

Read the lines from the poem:
"My mind’s a vessel, lost in storm’s fierce cry,
Its sails all torn, no compass left to try." (lines 1–2)

How does the poet use metaphor in these lines?

• A) To suggest that the speaker is on a literal voyage
  
  

• B) To describe the speaker’s confusion and emotional turmoil

• C) To illustrate the strength of the ship

• D) To show that storms are beautiful and powerful

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: B) To describe the speaker’s confusion and emotional turmoil

Explanation:
The speaker compares their mind to a ship without direction—“no compass left to try.” This metaphor highlights their mental state, not a literal sea journey.

Why the others are incorrect:

• A) The voyage is metaphorical, not literal.

• C) The ship is weak, not strong.

• D) The storm is frightening, not beautiful.

The phrase “Each wave a whisper only I can hear” contributes to the poem’s tone by:

• A) Creating a sense of loneliness and internal struggle

• B) Suggesting peaceful reflection in the middle of chaos

• C) Showing the speaker’s ability to tune out negativity

• D) Evoking the speaker’s joy at reconnecting with nature

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: A) Creating a sense of loneliness and internal struggle

Explanation:
The phrase “Each wave a whisper only I can hear” suggests a deeply personal, isolating experience. The storm symbolizes emotional distress that only the speaker feels.

Why the others are incorrect:

• B) The imagery is not peaceful; it's tense and isolating.

• C) The speaker isn’t ignoring negativity; they are overwhelmed by it.

• D) Joy isn’t present in this line—it’s introspective and somber.

The poet’s choice to describe the lighthouse as “a silent promise” helps emphasize:
A) That the speaker doubts their path forward
B) That symbols of hope are often loud and obvious
C) That reassurance can be quiet and distant but powerful
D) That guidance is only available in fair weather

• A) That the speaker doubts their path forward

• B) That symbols of hope are often loud and obvious

• C) That reassurance can be quiet and distant but powerful

• D) That guidance is only available in fair weather

Answer explanation

Correct Answer: C) That reassurance can be quiet and distant but powerful

Explanation:
The “silent promise” of the lighthouse represents subtle hope or guidance. Though distant and not spoken, it still strongly motivates the speaker to continue.

Why the others are incorrect:

• A) The speaker does not doubt the path—they follow it by faith.

• B) Contradicts the use of “silent”; it’s not loud.

• D) Guidance is present despite the storm, so this is inaccurate.