MAAP Practice 3/25- 3/26, 2026

(RI.7.2 – Central Idea)

What is the central idea of the passage?

• Peer pressure can influence decisions, but students can choose how to respond

• Peer pressure only has negative effects on students

• Middle school students should avoid friendships

• Brain development is the only reason students make poor choices

(RI.7.1 – Text Evidence)

Which sentence BEST supports the idea that peer pressure can lead to risky behavior?

• “Jalen had always been known as someone who made his own choices.”

• “Peer pressure is the influence that people of similar age…”

• “Research shows that students are more likely to take risks when they are around their peers.”

• “Experts suggest strategies for handling peer pressure.”

What does the word subtly most nearly mean in paragraph 4?

• loudly
  

• clearly

• indirectly

• quickly

How does paragraph 3 contribute to the development of the passage?

• It introduces a new character
  

• It explains why peer pressure can affect decision-making

• It provides a conclusion to the story

• It gives examples of positive peer pressure only

What decision does Jalen make at the end of the passage?

• He decides to follow his friends
  

• He ignores the situation

• He chooses to stay true to himself

• He stops talking to everyone

Which statement BEST describes how the central idea is developed?

• By only telling a story about Jalen
  B. By combining a narrative with facts and explanations about peer pressure
  C. By listing random facts about middle school
  D. By focusing only on brain development

• By combining a narrative with facts and explanations about peer pressure

• By listing random facts about middle school

• By focusing only on brain development

Why does the author include phrases like “Everyone is doing it”?

• To entertain the reader

• To show examples of how peer pressure sounds in real life

• To explain brain development

• To describe Jalen’s personality

How do paragraphs 4 and 5 work together?

• Paragraph 4 gives examples of peer pressure, and paragraph 5 explains how to respond

• Paragraph 4 explains the conclusion, and paragraph 5 introduces the problem

• Paragraph 4 tells a story, and paragraph 5 gives unrelated facts

• Paragraph 4 focuses on adults, and paragraph 5 focuses on children

Which detail shows that peer pressure is not always negative?

• “Jalen didn’t feel comfortable…”

• “Peer pressure is the influence…”

• “Positive peer pressure might encourage someone to study harder…”

• “Students are more likely to take risks…”

(RI.7.2 – Theme/Central Idea Application)

What message does the passage MOST clearly teach?

A. Friends are not important
B. It is always easy to say no
C. Making independent choices can influence others positively
D. Peer pressure should always be avoided completely

• Friends are not important

• It is always easy to say no

• Making independent choices can influence others positively

• Peer pressure should always be avoided completely