Q2 ELA Review Benchmarks

Which word best completes the sentence?
The hikers were __________ after climbing the steep mountain.

• exhausted
• energetic

• delighted

• incoherent

Read these two short paragraphs:

Paragraph A: First, the seeds are planted. Next, they are watered daily. Finally, they sprout into plants.
Paragraph B: Plants grow because they receive sunlight and water, which help them make food.

Which paragraph uses chronological order?

• Paragraph A

• Paragraph B

Read these two short paragraphs:
Paragraph A: First, the seeds are planted. Next, they are watered daily. Finally, they sprout into plants.
Paragraph B: Plants grow because they receive sunlight and water, which help them make food.

• Which uses cause-and-effect?

• Paragraph B

• Paragraph A

In a story, the main character moves to a new city and struggles to make friends.

• How does this conflict help develop the theme?

• Conflict shows theme of jealousy and overcoming a difficult friendship

• Conflict shows theme of resilience and overcoming a difficult situation

• Conflicts shows theme of fear and overcoming a phobia

• Conflict shows theme of overcoming challenges or adapting to change.

Read this excerpt:
“The wind whispered secrets through the trees.”

• What type of figurative language is used? How does it contribute to the mood?

• Simile; creates a relax, calm mood.

• Metaphor; creates a happy, joyful mood.

• Personification; creates a mysterious, calm mood.

• Hyperbole; creates a sad, eerie mood.

How does an author show character development?

• Through characters' development

• Through dialogue, actions, thoughts, and interactions with other characters.

• Through the resolution of the story

• Through the writing and explanation of the setting

A nonfiction article states:
“Plastic pollution harms marine life, damages ecosystems, and affects human health.”

• What is the central idea? Which details support it?

• Central idea: Plastic pollution harms life and ecosystems; details = marine life, ecosystems, human health.

• Central idea: Plastic pollution is good for life and ecosystems; details = pollution, human health

• Central idea: Pollution is incredible; details = marine life

• Central idea: Human health is at risk; details = damage ecosystems

Two articles discuss renewable energy: one focuses on solar power, the other on wind power.

• What is one similarity and one difference in how they present information?

• Similarity: Focuses of Wind energy; Difference: one focuses on the benefits, the other in solar energy

• Similarity: Focuses both on solar power; Differences: One focuses in renewable energy, the other on benefits

• Similarity: Both discuss renewable energy benefits; Difference: One focuses on solar, the other on wind.

Read the passage and answer the questions:

Lena stared at the towering roller coaster. Her friends cheered, urging her forward, but her stomach churned like a stormy sea. She had promised herself she would be brave today. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into line, her heart pounding louder than the carnival music.

• What is the main conflict in this passage?

• Lena has a health issue

• Lena is excited to ride the roller coaster

• Lena is a student

• Lena’s fear of riding the roller coaster.

Read the passage and answer the questions:

Lena stared at the towering roller coaster. Her friends cheered, urging her forward, but her stomach churned like a stormy sea. She had promised herself she would be brave today. Taking a deep breath, she stepped into line, her heart pounding louder than the carnival music.

• How does the author use figurative language to show Lena’s feelings?

• “Stomach churned like a stormy sea” = simile showing nervousness.

• "Friends cheered" = hyerbole showing excitement

• "Stomach churned" = metaphor showing bravery

• "Heart pounding" = metaphor proving a point