SOL Big Ideas Review 11-20

Research shows that students who read daily improve their vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. A study by the National Reading Association found that students who read for at least 20 minutes a day scored 15% higher on standardized reading tests than those who read less frequently. In addition, reading regularly helps improve focus and memory by stimulating brain activity. These benefits demonstrate why reading every day is so important for academic success.

What is the purpose of the evidence the author includes in the passage?

• To provide examples of books that are good for reading

• To explain the positive effects of daily reading on academic performance

• To list types of reading materials for students

• To describe how reading tests are administered

Sarah’s new dog, a border collie, was very energetic, always running and playing outside. Which of the following word-reference materials would be the most helpful in clarifying the meaning of this phrase?

• A. A dictionary

• B. A thesaurus

• C. An encyclopedia

• D. A storybook

Bees are essential to our environment because they help pollinate plants. Pollination is the process by which bees transfer pollen from one flower to another, allowing plants to produce fruits and seeds. Without bees, many plants, including fruits and vegetables, would not be able to reproduce, and our food supply would be greatly affected. Additionally, bees contribute to the biodiversity of ecosystems, supporting the growth of a wide variety of plants and animals.

What is the main idea of the passage?

• A. Bees help produce fruits and vegetables.

• B. Bees are essential for pollination and biodiversity.

• C. Pollination is the process by which bees make honey.

• D. Without bees, animals would struggle to survive.

Paragraph 1:
Exercising regularly can help improve your overall health. Physical activity strengthens your heart, improves circulation, and helps regulate blood pressure. It can also boost your mood and energy levels by releasing endorphins, chemicals in the brain that reduce stress and make you feel happy.

Paragraph 2:
A balanced diet is also key to maintaining good health. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods provides your body with the necessary vitamins and minerals to function properly. Foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains are especially beneficial for your body’s long-term well-being.

How do the ideas in both paragraphs connect to one another?

• Both paragraphs describe the benefits of a healthy diet.

• Both paragraphs emphasize the importance of physical activity for mental health.

• Both paragraphs explain how lifestyle choices, such as exercise and diet, contribute to overall health.

• Both paragraphs focus on how vitamins and minerals impact your mood.

As the storm clouds gathered, the sailors knew they had to act quickly. The turbulent waters were already making it difficult to keep the ship steady. Waves crashed against the hull, and the wind howled, threatening to capsize the vessel. If they didn't find shelter soon, they feared they would be lost at sea. Based on the context of the passage, what does the word "turbulent" most likely mean?

• A. Calm and peaceful

• B. Chaotic and rough

• C. Clear and still

• D. Warm and gentle

Mia searched frantically through the pile of papers on the kitchen counter. She was late for her meeting and couldn't find her car keys anywhere. Her heart raced as she overturned the stack of mail. Suddenly, she heard a soft jingle from under the couch. There they were—her keys, safe and sound, just as she had left them earlier in the morning.

What is the main conflict in the passage, and how is it resolved?

• Mia is late for her meeting because she forgot her keys. The conflict is resolved when Mia finds the keys under the couch.

• Mia is locked out of her house and can't find her keys. The conflict is resolved when her friend helps her look.

• Mia is searching for something she lost. The conflict is resolved when she remembers where she put it.

• Mia is upset about being late to her meeting. The conflict is resolved when her co-worker calls to reschedule.

The wind whispered secrets in the trees,
      Dancing through the branches with ease.
      It sang a song, soft and sweet,
      And made the flowers tap their feet.

Which poetic element does the author use in this stanza to create a sense of movement and sound?

• Rhyme

• Imagery

• Personification

• Simile

Every spring, Lily would visit her grandmother’s house in the countryside. The garden behind the house was a place of wonder for her. Overgrown with vines and filled with flowers of every color, it seemed like a magical place that changed with the seasons. One day, while exploring near the old oak tree, Lily discovered a small, hidden door at the base of the trunk. It was covered in moss and almost impossible to see. Curious, she pushed open the door and found a narrow path leading into the woods. As she walked along the path, the air grew cooler, and strange sounds filled the forest. After walking for what felt like hours, Lily turned around and returned to her grandmother’s house, but she knew she would return to the path again one day.

Which of the following best summarizes the passage?

• A. Lily finds a hidden door in her grandmother’s garden and follows a path into the woods, but gets scared and goes back home.

• B. Every spring, Lily visits her grandmother’s house, where she enjoys exploring a magical garden and finds a mysterious path leading into the woods.

• C. Lily plays in her grandmother's garden and decides not to go into the woods because it's too dark.

• D. Lily’s grandmother tells her stories about a hidden path in the woods that Lily is too afraid to find.

Read the passage below: Sophie had never seen the forest like this before. The trees towered above her, their leaves glowing with an otherworldly light. She felt a mix of excitement and fear as she took each step, wondering what lay ahead. "It's so beautiful, yet so strange," Sophie whispered to herself, barely able to believe her eyes. As she walked deeper into the woods, every rustling leaf and distant sound seemed to hold a secret. The forest was alive in a way that made her feel both welcome and cautious, as if it were guiding her toward something important.

Which of the following explains how the author develops point of view in the passage?

• The author uses the third-person point of view to show Sophie's excitement and fear as she explores the forest.

• The author uses first-person point of view to explain the forest’s magical qualities through Sophie’s thoughts and actions.

• The author uses second-person point of view to speak directly to the reader about Sophie’s feelings.

• The author uses third-person limited point of view to describe Sophie’s adventure and how the forest seems alive.

Read the passages below: The Brave Hero Lily had always been kind and caring to everyone around her. She loved helping others and would do anything to make her friends happy. Her personality never changed, and she always made the same choices, no matter what. The Changed Hero One day, Lily faced a tough decision. She had to choose between helping a friend or standing up for what she knew was right. After thinking hard, Lily decided to stand up for what was right, even though it was difficult. This choice made her realize that sometimes doing the right thing is more important than just making everyone happy.

Which of the following statements best explains the difference between a static and dynamic character based on the passage?

• A. A static character, like Lily in "The Brave Hero," does not change, while a dynamic character, like Lily in "The Changed Hero," changes because of an experience.

• B. A static character always changes, while a dynamic character never changes.

• C. A static character learns from their mistakes, while a dynamic character does not.

• D. A static character has different personalities in different situations, while a dynamic character has one personality.