Each year, millions of people come visit the U.S. national parks. In 2014, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park had more visitors than any other. Over 10 million people came to witness its beautiful mountains. Not even the Grand Canyon was as popular as Great Smoky. Less than half as many came to see the giant canyon. Great Smoky has 800 miles of hiking trails that stretch across two states, North Carolina and Tennessee. The park also has over 10,000 species of plants and animals. It has 31 kinds of salamander alone! Bears are also plentiful in the park. Visitors must take care not to disturb them.

One reason the Great Smokies area is so popular is that it is very close to cities. The town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is just a five-minute drive from one of the park's three main entrances. This means visitors can easily take a hike in the park and drive back to the city in one day. However, the downside is that air pollution from the city can be a problem in the park. Even so, it has not stopped millions of people from enjoying the many wonders the park has to offer.

Which key detail in the article supports the centrql idea?

(1)Humans have been growing apples for thousands of years. In that time, they have bred many different kinds besides just red and green apples. The different kinds of apples serve different purposes. Some are good for eating, some for cooking, and some for making cider.

(2)Red Delicious apples are probably the most popular apples for eating in the U.S. They are dark red and have a mild, sweet flavor. Honeycrisp is another popular eating apple. This red and yellow apple is crisp and tart but has a honey-like sweetness.

(3)Cooking apples are often sour and firmer than eating apples. Antonovka is a popular Russian cooking apple. It is a large, yellow-green apple that is very sour when eaten raw, but that sweetens when it is cooked. Rome Beauties are rounded, red and glossy. They don’t have much flavor when they are raw, but they become flavorful when cooked.

(4)Cider apples are good for making cider, but because of their bittersweet taste, they are not good for eating. The small, green, rough-skinned Brown Snout is a popular cider apple. The slightly larger crimson and yellow-striped Foxwhelp is a popular cider apple, too.

(5)These are just a few of 7,500 different kinds of apples. Next time you're at the grocery store, look around and you may discover more.

What is the central idea of the article?

(1)Humans have been growing apples for thousands of years. In that time, they have bred many different kinds besides just red and green apples. The different kinds of apples serve different purposes. Some are good for eating, some for cooking, and some for making cider.

(2)Red Delicious apples are probably the most popular apples for eating in the U.S. They are dark red and have a mild, sweet flavor. Honeycrisp is another popular eating apple. This red and yellow apple is crisp and tart but has a honey-like sweetness.

(3)Cooking apples are often sour and firmer than eating apples. Antonovka is a popular Russian cooking apple. It is a large, yellow-green apple that is very sour when eaten raw, but that sweetens when it is cooked. Rome Beauties are rounded, red and glossy. They don’t have much flavor when they are raw, but they become flavorful when cooked.

(4)Cider apples are good for making cider, but because of their bittersweet taste, they are not good for eating. The small, green, rough-skinned Brown Snout is a popular cider apple. The slightly larger crimson and yellow-striped Foxwhelp is a popular cider apple, too.

(5)These are just a few of 7,500 different kinds of apples. Next time you're at the grocery store, look around and you may discover more.

How do the key details in paragraph 2 support the main idea?

(1)Humans have been growing apples for thousands of years. In that time, they have bred many different kinds besides just red and green apples. The different kinds of apples serve different purposes. Some are good for eating, some for cooking, and some for making cider.

(2)Red Delicious apples are probably the most popular apples for eating in the U.S. They are dark red and have a mild, sweet flavor. Honeycrisp is another popular eating apple. This red and yellow apple is crisp and tart but has a honey-like sweetness.

(3)Cooking apples are often sour and firmer than eating apples. Antonovka is a popular Russian cooking apple. It is a large, yellow-green apple that is very sour when eaten raw, but that sweetens when it is cooked. Rome Beauties are rounded, red and glossy. They don’t have much flavor when they are raw, but they become flavorful when cooked.

(4)Cider apples are good for making cider, but because of their bittersweet taste, they are not good for eating. The small, green, rough-skinned Brown Snout is a popular cider apple. The slightly larger crimson and yellow-striped Foxwhelp is a popular cider apple, too.

(5)These are just a few of 7,500 different kinds of apples. Next time you're at the grocery store, look around and you may discover more.

What is the main idea of paragraph 4?

Which of the following best explains what it means to analyze a key event, individual, or idea in an informational text?

Earth is home to an impressive array of life forms. From single-celled organisms to creatures made of many trillions of cells, life has taken on many wonderful shapes and evolved countless strategies for survival. Recall that cell theory says that all living things are made of one or more cells. Some organisms are made of just a single cell and are referred to as unicellular. Organisms containing more than one cell are said to be multicellular. Despite the wide range of organisms, there exists only two basic cell plans: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The main difference is that eukaryotic cells have internal, membrane-bound structures called organelles (little organs).

What makes eukaryotic cells different?

Emily and Jason spend every day together. Although both of them would have rather gone home with friends after school, they had no choice but to walk together. Emily could not stand the fact that Jason acted like such a know it all. He was only one year older than she was but he acted like he knew everything. Of course, he never hesitated to tell on her every night at dinner either. Yesterday he complained because she did not clean the sink in the bathroom; last week, he ratted her out for not putting away the laundry. Emily could not wait for next year when she would be able to have the house to herself.

What type of relationship do Jason and Emily have?

Why does the author use questions to introduce Paragraphs 7, 8, and 9?

Archaeology is the study of past human life and culture through systematically examining and interpreting the material remains left behind. These material remains include archaeological sites (e.g settlements, building features, graves), as well as cultural material or artifacts such as tools and pottery. Through the interpretation and classification of archaeological materials, archaeologists work to understand past human behavior. In some countries, archaeology is often historical or art historical, with a strong emphasis on Culture history, archaeological sites, and artifacts such as art objects. In the New World, archaeology can be wither a part of history and classical studies or anthropology.

The exact origins of archaeology as a discipline are uncertain. Excavations of ancient monuments and the collection of antiquities have been taking place for thousands of years. It was only in the 19th century, however, that the systematic study of the past through its physical remains underwent professionalization, which meant it began to be carried our in a manner recognizable to modern students of archaeology.

"Archaeology is the study of past human life and culture through systematically examining and interpreting the material remains left behind."

The author uses this as the opening line to his article in order to:

Select the 2 correct choices

Archaeology is the study of past human life and culture through systematically examining and interpreting the material remains left behind. These material remains include archaeological sites (e.g settlements, building features, graves), as well as cultural material or artifacts such as tools and pottery. Through the interpretation and classification of archaeological materials, archaeologists work to understand past human behavior. In some countries, archaeology is often historical or art historical, with a strong emphasis on Culture history, archaeological sites, and artifacts such as art objects. In the New World, archaeology can be wither a part of history and classical studies or anthropology.

The exact origins of archaeology as a discipline are uncertain. Excavations of ancient monuments and the collection of antiquities have been taking place for thousands of years. It was only in the 19th century, however, that the systematic study of the past through its physical remains underwent professionalization, which meant it began to be carried our in a manner recognizable to modern students of archaeology.

"Through the interpretation and classification of archaeological materials, archaeologists work to understand past human behavior."

Why is the sentence included?

Archaeology is the study of past human life and culture through systematically examining and interpreting the material remains left behind. These material remains include archaeological sites (e.g settlements, building features, graves), as well as cultural material or artifacts such as tools and pottery. Through the interpretation and classification of archaeological materials, archaeologists work to understand past human behavior. In some countries, archaeology is often historical or art historical, with a strong emphasis on Culture history, archaeological sites, and artifacts such as art objects. In the New World, archaeology can be wither a part of history and classical studies or anthropology.

The exact origins of archaeology as a discipline are uncertain. Excavations of ancient monuments and the collection of antiquities have been taking place for thousands of years. It was only in the 19th century, however, that the systematic study of the past through its physical remains underwent professionalization, which meant it began to be carried our in a manner recognizable to modern students of archaeology.

"Excavations of ancient monuments and the collections of antiquities have been taking place for thousand of years."

Why is the sentence included?

Marathon

Training for a marathon takes hard work and perseverance. It is not something you can do on the spur of the moment. Preparing for a marathon takes months, particularly if you have never run a marathon before. The official distance of a full marathon is 26.2 miles. In 2005, the average time to complete a marathon in the United States was 4 hours 32 minutes 8 seconds for men and 5 hours 6 minutes 8 seconds for women.

Most people who run marathons are not trying to win. Many runners try to beat their own best time. Some

compare their time to other runners in the same gender and age group. Some people set time-oriented goals,

such as finishing under four hours, while others try to complete the race without slowing to a walk. Many

beginners simply hope to finish the marathon.

Trainers recommend that beginners maintain a consistent running schedule for six weeks prior to even starting a marathon training program. The purpose of this is to allow the body to adapt to the various physical demands of long distance running. First-time marathon runners should train by running four days a week for at least four months, increasing distance by no more than ten percent weekly. As race day approaches, runners should taper their runs, reducing the strain on their bodies and resting before the marathon. It is important not to over exert yourself during training because that can lead to lot of injuries. Most common injuries are spraining of the knees and ankles. These sprains can hinder the training.

Before the race, it is important to stretch in order to keep muscles limber. Staying hydrated is also important, but there is a danger in drinking too much water. If a runner drinks too much water, they may experience a dangerous condition called hyponatremia, a drop of sodium levels in the blood. So only drink water when you are thirsty. During the race, trainers recommend maintaining a steady pace. It is normal to feel sore after a marathon. Light exercise will help sore muscles heal faster.

Some people run marathons in pairs or groups. Training for and running a marathon with another person or group of people can make the experience more enjoyable and more rewarding. A running partner might be just the motivation you need to show up for an early morning run instead of rolling over to hit the snooze button. And, when you cross the finish line together, you can share the satisfaction of reaching your common goal.

Usually, thousands of people sign up and run a Marathon. Most people finish the race. The thrill of running a

marathon for the first time is unbelievable. The training sessions are harder if you have never run before. But

it is unbelievable what ones’ body can do when one puts their mind to it. Having a good coach to support you

makes all the difference in training for a marathon.

The daily runs are very important. Strength training and core training are also very important.

The health benefits you gain from training are tremendous. Your core muscles grow stronger, and you will have tighter thighs and gluts. Your heart will be much stronger, and you can maintain lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Over all, you will look better and become healthier.

Nothing can explain how people feel when they reach that finish line at the end of the race. All the hard work and months of training feel worthwhile. The feeling of complishing something great overtakes you. It is great to run a marathon, but it is even greater to finish it.

"Nothing can explain how people feel when they reach that finish line at the end of the race. All the hard work and months of training feel worthwhile."

These two sentences are included in the conclusion to:

The Mississippian Culture

Today, our society has many things that make our lives easier. Agriculture lets us grow food, ceramic pots hold food and liquids, and trade allows us to obtain goods from all over the world. What might surprise some people is that none of these comforts are new to the area now known as the United States. In A.D. 800, in the area that is known today as Georgia, a flourishing Native American society called the Mississippian culture had trade, farming, ceramics, and more. When you buy a buttery bag of popcorn at the movies, you can thank cultures, like this one, for planting maize in their fields so long ago. This civilization was complex.

The Mississippians didn’t just appear out of nowhere. Before A.D. 800, people lived in the area for thousands of years. However, they tended to build small clusters of shelters, and only stay in them for brief periods at a time every year. These peoples may have had a loose organization where small groups of people made decisions by consensus and were equal in making these choices. By the time the Mississippian culture arose, there was evidence of hierarchical societies, mostly in the form of chiefdoms.

Chiefdoms were led by a chief, who came from a high-ranking family. Status was likely determined by the family each person came from. This organization helped the Mississippian people to build orderly settlements protected by defensive structures. These structures protected farms that supported the permanent settlements. The chief would be responsible for the careful planning of the layout of each village. Each villager would be assigned a role in the construction of the neat, rectangular shelters found in the village.

Farming was important to the support of such a complex society. But the Mississippian people were not merely focused on farming. They also continued to hunt and gather to provide food for their village. The Mississippian diet included squash, maize, beans, sunflowers, goosefoot, nuts, fruit, deer, turkey, fish, turtles, and many other foods. This diversified diet provided the essential nutrients they needed to survive and thrive.

Mississippians spent most of their time outside, using their shelters mostly when it was cold or rainy. In addition to hunting, farming, and gathering, they spent their days making elaborate art. Beautiful stamped pottery has been found from the Mississippian period. Archaeologists have also found sculpted figurines made with great skill and care. The Mississippians also crafted pendant and decorative collar pieces. They made lovely jewelry using seashells and wood as beads. One of the most impressive kinds of craftwork involved copper. Cold copper nuggets seem to have been hammered flat by Mississippian smiths, who then covered the sheets with beautiful designs.

Not all the items made were primarily for show. Many tools made of stone have been found at Mississippian sites, such as grinding stones for farming. Weapons such as axes, arrowheads, and knives made of stones have also been discovered. The Mississippians even created copper axes and copper fishhooks. Since many of these goods were found at gravesites, archaeologists believe that the Mississippians had rich spiritual and ceremonial lives. Many of these items could have been part of elaborate rituals. Large earthen mounds, some of which can still be seen today, likely played a role in their religious rituals and ceremonies. Some Mississippians have been found buried within the mound structures. The mounds could have also hosted temples honoring Mississippian ancestors. Archaeologists think that chiefs played an important part in these beliefs and rituals since their apparent living spaces were often found near the mysterious mound structures.

This advanced, incredible civilization thrived for hundreds of years. Then, by the late 1600s, European explorers and settlers found that the once-thriving towns of the Mississippians had disappeared. Severe drought may have played a role, driving villagers to new areas that could better support farmland and wildlife. But another possible cause was the European settlers themselves, who brought and spread many diseases that the Mississippians had no immunity to.

Whatever the reason, the Mississippian culture as it once was is now gone forever.

Which statement BEST describes the author's point of view of the Mississippian culture?

American Savings Programs

Selection One: Pay Yourself First

After the financial problems of the last decade, the citizens of the United States have refocused their interest on personal finance. We want a strong savings plan. Experts suggest that we save ten to twenty percent of our earnings to prepare for unexpected emergencies in the future. This “pay yourself first” plan ensures that there will be the necessary money in an account should an unexpected event occur. How can teenagers find a way not only to save but also to grow their money? There are many options for saving and investing, such as bank accounts, stocks, and bonds, but the best choice for a student is a savings account.

Savings accounts offer a safe place to deposit your money while you earn interest on it. Financial institutions, such as a credit union or a bank, accept deposits of money. They use this money while it is in their possession but pay you interest, which is a fee paid for the use of the money. You cannot lose your funds while they are deposited in the bank or credit union. As a result, each and every day, your money works for you by adding interest to your deposit. Before you know it, your funds have grown. There is more in your account than you have deposited.

If you place $14.00 each and every week into an account that offers five percent interest, at the end of ten years, you would have about $9,460.00. In addition, if your money is deposited in a savings account, you have the ability to withdraw it for any reason. It could be used for college expenses, car expenses, or even a deposit on an apartment once you become an adult. By taking your coins out of a piggy bank or the coin jar in the corner of your room and depositing them into an account, you will be preparing for your future needs.

Have a babysitting job this weekend? Are you going to mow your neighbor’s yard? Is it your birthday and you have just received a gift of money from your grandmother, aunt, or parent? Instead of rushing out to the mall to spend that cash, think about your future needs. Take ten to twenty percent of your money and deposit it so that you pay yourself first. The next time you have a problem and need some quick cash, you’ll be glad that you did!

Selection Two: The History of the Savings Account

During the 18^thcentury, European investors created and supported the idea that all members of society should have access to a plan to save money and use banking services. This was the birth of the savings bank, an institution that accepts deposits of money and pays interest on that money for the bank’s use of it while it is deposited. The United States began the same practice in 1816.

Both Boston and Philadelphia opened savings societies in 1816. Provident Institution for Savings and the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society claim that they were the first public savings program opened in the United States, but their incorporation dates are different, making Provident the first true savings society. Both focused on offering a savings program for low income households so that these households had a means to save while making interest on their deposits, thus growing their funds. By 1819, the cities of Baltimore, Salem, New York, Hartford, Newport, and Providence also offered programs to their citizens.

By the 1910s, Philadelphia Savings Fund Society had become the largest program with the most depositors. To increase its funds, the PSFS introduced a program that went into the schools and allowed students to deposit funds into savings accounts. The Society presented pageants, or stage programs, that taught the students through songs and plays about the benefits of saving money. Students were trained at neighboring schools to receive money from fellow students, record the amounts, and write receipts. The Society then collected the funds, opened accounts, and paid interest on the deposits. The Society became very successful as members continued to invest their money in savings accounts throughout their entire lifetimes.

Unfortunately, a downturn in the economy during the 1990s saw many independent banks struggling to exist. In December of 1992, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation took over the accounts of the PSFS and invested the money in other institutions. Although the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society could not survive a changing economic climate, it did pave the way for thousands of savers to find a safe way in which to prepare for the future. Its clients learned the importance of saving for a rainy day while supporting the financial health of Philadelphia.

Which of the following BEST explains the author’s purpose for writing “Pay Yourself First”?

Which of the following is NOT a step in synthesizing two texts?

Which of the following is NOT a step in analyzing an individual text?

You are reading two books about early colonist settlements and you are comparing the reasons and evidence listed in each book. Which process are you doing while reading?

To synthesize means:

To analyze a text means: