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8th Grade Non-Fiction Test

Total questions: 50

Worksheet time: 4hrs 10mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

This type of writing considers similarities and differences.

a)

description

b)

compare & contrast

c)

order & sequence

d)

cause & effect

2.

This type of writing is usually in chronological order.

a)

cause & effect

b)

problem & solution

c)

order & sequence

d)

compare & contrast

3.

Students who are frequently absent often have lower average grades than those who have good attendance. When they are out of the classroom, students do not get to see a teacher’s lessons. Even if they attend extra help, it’s usually much shorter and less detailed than the actual lesson. In addition, frequently absent students often miss tests or other assignments and don’t always make up the work.

a)

problem & solution

b)

order & sequence

c)

compare & contrast

d)

cause & effect

4.

Every morning, I wake up at about 7:00 AM. The first thing I do is make my bed and pick out the clothes I’m going to wear. Then, I brush my teeth and take a shower. After my shower, I dry my hair and get dressed.

a)

description

b)

compare & contrast

c)

order & sequence

d)

problem & solution

5.

While oranges and lemons are both citrus fruits that grow on trees, they are different colors and have very different tastes.

a)

description

b)

compare & contrast

c)

order & sequence

d)

problem & solution

6.

The school hallway carried the smell of wax, varnish, and cleaning supplies. Bright,yellow light glared into the hall through the freshly cleaned windows. This highlighted the deep scrapes in the lockers, the chips in the wall tiles, and the spider webs hanging in the corner.

a)

description

b)

compare & contrast

c)

order & sequence

d)

problem & solution

7.

The sun shone bright yellow in a cloudless blue sky. A faint haze rose from the glistening pavement, suggesting steam rising off a hot surface.

a)

description

b)

compare & contrast

c)

order & sequence

d)

problem & solution

8.

This has been the worse summer in years for acorn production in northeastern forests. While some may think this is not a big deal, in fact it is. If there are fewer acorns, it may result in a decrease in populations of squirrels and field mice. Since these animals are often hosts to insects, including ticks, the ticks will be on the move and more likely to bite humans. As a result, scientists expect to see an increase in the number of cases of Lyme Disease, an infection carried by ticks.

a)

problem & solution

b)

compare & contrast

c)

cause & effect

d)

descriptive

9.

Every year, thousands of car accidents occur because of drivers distracted by their phones. Safe drive Corporation developed a product that will disable cell phones inside a car, and many people feel this product will help save lives.

a)

description

b)

compare & contrast

c)

order & sequence

d)

problem & solution

10.

Before editing your writing, the first step should be to revise. Begin by reading each paragraph separately, and then find the topic sentence for each one. Next, make sure all the sentences relate to that topic sentence. Finally, look at how the paragraphs work together. Make sure there are transitional words between each paragraph so your writing flows together smoothly.

a)

order & sequence

b)

descriptive

c)

compare & contrast

d)

problem & solution

11.
Choose the clue words that indicate compare and contrast.
a)
therefore, cause, effect, consequently
b)
later, then, next, Monday
c)
similar, different, common, on the other hand
d)
possibility, struggle, hope, problem
12.

No one knows exactly what causes tornados, but some scientists believe that when warm air meets cold air, a tornado may form. The reason for this is that the warm air is lighter than the cold air, so it rises up fast and meets different winds moving different directions. Under the right conditions, this can cause a tornado. Though there is still much mystery surrounding tornados, many people believe that when warm moist air meets cool dry air, tornados can result.

a)

problem & solution

b)

cause & effect

c)

compare & contrast

d)

chronological

13.
This morning was crazy. My alarm clock was set for PM instead of AM, so I woke up really late. I just threw on some clothes and ran out the door. I rode my bike as fast as I could and thought that I was going to be late for sure, but when I got there everyone was outside and there were firetrucks all lined up in front of school. I guess somebody pulled the fire alarm before class started. It worked out though, because nobody really noticed or minded that I was tardy.
a)
Chronological
b)
Cause and Effect
c)
Problem and Solution
d)
Compare and Contrast
14.
Definitions are usually found here, and this is usually in the back of the book....
a)
table of contents
b)
title
c)
illustration
d)
glossary
15.
A line that has dates in chronological order is a...?
a)
chart
b)
map
c)
timeline
d)
fact box
16.
Found in the front of the book, tells what the chapters will be about, gives page numbers
a)
index
b)
Table of contents
c)
sidebar
d)
fact box
17.
What tells the reader about the section they are about to read?
a)
Glossary
b)
Timeline
c)
Headings
d)
Captions
18.
What do you call pictures made with a camera that show what something looks like in real life?
a)
Photograph
b)
Timeline
c)
Illustrations
d)
Maps
19.

The main point the author is making or what the article is mostly about

a)

central idea

b)

topic sentence

c)

theme

d)

informational text

20.

How the information within a written text is organized.

a)

text structure

b)

central idea

c)

key or supporting details

d)

author's purpose

21.

Today, Lego bricks are some of the world's most popular toys. But they're so much more. Businesses use LEGO bricks to help their employees think more creatively. Artists like Nathan Sawaya use LEGO bricks to make amazing sculptures shown all over the world. Educators and teachers use LEGO bricks to challenge students in math and science. In 2015, a team of girl scouts wondered how they could make reading easier for people who can't move their arms. They designed a battery-powered page-turning machine built from LEGO bricks and LEGO tires. They won the White House Science Fair and got to meet the President of the United States.

The reader can infer that LEGO bricks----

a)

will not always be popular

b)

have many other uses

c)

are only used by kids

d)

can become more popular

22.

Daylight Savings time refers to the practice of setting our clocks an hour forward in the spring and back in the fall to maximize the amount of sunshine during our waking hours. Ben Franklin came up with the plan to "save" daylight by turning the clocks an hour ahead, thus bring our waking hours into closer harmony with daylight.
What may the reader conclude about Ben Franklin?

a)

He liked to make people sleepy.

b)

He is hated for his daylight savings idea.

c)

He wanted people to increase their productivity.

d)

He owned many clocks.

23.

A Caption can help you

a)

Find a page

b)

give you a definition

c)

summarize the article

d)

explain what the photo or illustration is about

24.

Context clues help you figure out

a)

the meaning of unknown words

b)

where to write your name

c)

how to write a summary

25.

What is this type of text feature?

a)

index

b)

glossary

c)

table of contents

d)

caption

26.

What is Non Fiction?

a)

Based on facts, describes real events, people, and ideas

b)

Based on made up characters

c)

Having a plot

d)

Coming from the author's imagination

27.

Making text connections deepens our understanding of the text and helps us become better readers.

a)

True

b)

False

28.

An opinion is

a)

a statement that can be proved as true

b)

a person's thoughts or feelings on a topic

29.

Which text structure would an author use when writing about an endangered species and how we can save it from extinction?

a)

Cause and Effect

b)

Compare and Contrast

c)

Chronological / Sequence

d)

Problem and Solution

30.

Which text structure would an author use when telling the steps to make an apple pie?

a)

Compare and Contrast

b)

Chronological Sequence

c)

Cause and Effect

d)

Problem and Solution

31.

Which text structure would an author use when explaining the similarities and differences between several types of plants?

a)

Cause and Effect

b)

Compare and Contrast

c)

Chronological / Sequence

d)

Problem and Solution

32.

Which word or phrase is an author most likely to use when writing a Chronological / Sequence passage?

a)

simple

b)

first

c)

for example

d)

amen

33.

Which word or phrase is an author most likely to use when writing a compare and contrast passage?

a)

similarly

b)

bummer

c)

introduction

d)

next

34.

Many state and local government have set up sanctuaries to protect different kinds of local wildlife. They realized that it is not enough to guard the animals themselves, though. It was also important to preserve their habitats, or natural homes.

a)

protect

b)

exact

c)

dangerous

d)

detailed

35.

Many state and local governments have set up sanctuaries to protect different kinds of local wildlife. They realized that it is not enough to guard the animals themselves, though. It was also important to preserve their habitats, or natural homes.

a)

phrases or sayings

b)

protect

c)

places of refuge or safety

d)

church

36.

Damage to roadways is usually cumulative. It's after months and months of constant wear and tear that cracks and potholes start to form. These kinds of damages can create hazardous driving situations. They leave roads unsafe until repairs can be made.

a)

increasing through additions over time

b)

dangerous

c)

safety

d)

detailed

37.

Some think that the first moon landing was a hoax, or a complicated practical joke. It would be nearly impossible to fake something so elaborate. It would have to include expensive vehicles, a really detailed set and a national broadcast. A fake moon landing would be just as complicated as the real thing.

a)

mistreated

b)

fully in agreement

c)

program or show

d)

detailed

38.

Some think that the first moon landing was a hoax, or a complicated practical joke. It would be nearly impossible to fake something so elaborate. It would have to include expensive vehicles, a really detailed set and a fake national broadcast. A fake moon landing would be just a complicated as the real thing.

a)

collective laws

b)

program or show

c)

mistreated

d)

fully in agreement

39.

In the 1960's the US government passed a number of important pieces of legislation. These included the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. These put new laws in place to protect American citizens who had been persecuted.

a)

mistreated

b)

fully in agreement

c)

charged with a crime

d)

collective laws

40.

In the sport of boxing, there are usually three judges who score a match. They don't usually see eye to eye, though. Therefore, the winner isn't always unanimous. Sometimes you will have a majority decision, meaning only two of the three judges picked the same boxer as the winner.

a)

separate

b)

simple

c)

incorrectly

d)

fully in agreement

41.

In the sport of boxing, there are usually three judges who score a match. They don't always see eye to eye, though. Therefore, the winner isn't always unanimous. Sometimes you will have a majority decision, meaning only two of the three judges picked the same boxer as the winner.

a)

simple

b)

the greater number

c)

incorrectly

d)

qualified

42.
Crocodiles and Alligators are covered with scales and have backbones. They have short legs and long, powerful tails. Also, baby crocodiles and alligators both hatch from eggs.
According to the paragraph, how are alligators and crocodiles alike?
a)
They both have short legs and powerful tails.
b)
They both eat eggs.
c)
They are both green.
d)
They both have hairy skin.
43.
Main Idea:
Frogs are amazing jumpers.

What supporting detail would go with this main idea?
a)
Frogs use their tongue to catch flies.
b)
A tadpole is the name of a young frog.
c)
Frogs have long, powerful legs which help them leaplong distances.
d)
The Fire-belly Toad has slightly warty skin.
44.

To make your own play dough at home, combine 2 cups of flour, one cup of salt, and two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Cook it on the stove until it is like mashed potatoes. Let it cool. Divide the dough into balls and work some food coloring in. Violá! You've just made your own play dough!

a)

Play dough uses many different ingredients.

b)

You can make your own play dough at home.

c)

Cook play dough until it's like mashed potatoes.

d)

Play dough can be made into many different colors.

45.

Tony Hawk was once a hyperactive boy who could be challenging at times. When he was ten, his brother gave him a skateboard. This changed Tony's life. He became the world's best skateboarder, winning fame and over 70 contests.

a)

Tony became the best skateboarder in the world.

b)

Tony Hawk was a challenging, hyperactive boy.

c)

Tony's brother gave him his first skateboard.

d)

Tony on over 70 skateboarding contests.

46.

In the 1800s in the American West, frontier men gathered to tell stories about their adventures. Storytellers exaggerated stories so they would be more exciting than the next. Stories were told of Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, and Davy Crockett. These stories became known as "tall tales".

a)

Frontier men gathered to tell stories.

b)

Storytellers exaggerated their stories.

c)

Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, and Davy Crockett are "tall tales".

d)

Frontier men exaggerated their stories, which became known as "tall tales".

47.

When the television was first invented, there were only three channels to watch. All shows were in black and white. Shows were not shown all night. When TV "went off the air" at midnight, it played the national anthem, and showed the flag waving in the breeze. Television was much different then!

a)

Television was invented so we could watch three channels each night.

b)

The first TV shows were in black and white.

c)

Television was much different when it was first invented.

d)

TV went off the air at midnight each night.

48.

Pet ducklings that have just hatched from their shells and need food at all times because thy are growing so fast. They also need plenty of water. Keep your baby ducklings in a roomy box with wood shavings or an old towel. Keep a brooder light nearby to keep them warm.

a)

Ducklings need to be kept warm and dry.

b)

Ducklings need food, water, and warmth.

c)

Make sure you feed and water pet ducklings.

d)

Pet ducklings grow faster if you give them lots of food.

49.

What is the central, or main, idea?

a)

the details

b)

text features

c)

what the text is mostly about

d)

photographs

50.

The main point the author is making or what the article is mostly about

a)

central idea

b)

topic sentence

c)

theme

d)

informational text