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9 Weeks Test – 8th Grade ELA

Total questions: 33

Worksheet time: 17mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

In 'Hanging Fire,' what does the poet imply by including the refrain and momma’s in the bedroom / with the door closed at the end of each stanza?

a)

The speaker thinks her mother is lonely.

b)

The speaker wants to open the door and surprise her mother.

c)

The speaker feels cut off from her mother and is lonely.

d)

The speaker is proud that she can take care of herself without her mother.

2.

In 'Hanging Fire,' the poet uses language that makes the speaker sound like a teenager who is —

a)

giving a formal speech at school

b)

discussing problems with a friend

c)

singing a song to prepare for a talent show

d)

describing personal experiences to a parent

3.

In 'Hanging Fire,' why does the poet rarely use punctuation when the narrator shifts thoughts?

a)

To emphasize how overwhelmed the narrator feels

b)

To suggest that each stanza is one complete thought

c)

To prove that the narrator has difficulty focusing while talking

d)

To show that conventional punctuation does not belong in poetry

4.

In “Hanging Fire,” the poet describes the speaker’s fears and worries to give the reader insight into —

a)

common experiences many teens face on a daily basis

b)

unique experiences only the mother can understand

c)

moments the speaker would only discuss with a true friend

d)

struggles that frustrate every parent of a teen

5.

Which sentence best describes the effect of the short lines in “Hanging Fire”?

a)

They highlight how young and immature the speaker is.

b)

They illustrate the speaker’s lack of ability to express herself fully.

c)

They show that the speaker prefers to keep the details of her life private.

d)

They indicate the fleeting thoughts going through the speaker’s head each moment.

6.

What does the poet imply about the speaker’s relationship with her son in “Summer of His Fourteenth Year”?

a)

The speaker feels more distant from her son.

b)

The speaker helps her son pursue his interests.

c)

The speaker listens to her son as he describes his problems.

d)

The speaker appreciates that her son demonstrates responsibility.

7.

In “Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” the poet most likely uses varied line lengths in the poem to —

a)

provide variety to interest a teen audience

b)

create a predictable rhythmical pattern

c)

portray the changing moods of a teen

d)

emphasize the bond between mother and son

8.

Which statement best expresses the theme developed by lines 20-24 of "Summer of His Fourteenth Year"?

a)

Teens still rely on their mothers in times of need.

b)

Teens feel constantly embarrassed by their mothers.

c)

Teens sometimes want a closer connection to their mothers.

d)

Teens try to grow up by pulling away from their mothers.

9.

The two points of view in the poems emphasize the challenges of adolescence by —

a)

showing teens’ desire to gain more responsibility and independence

b)

illustrating teens’ thought processes and emotional responses

c)

showing how teens and parents struggle with the transition to adulthood

d)

illustrating how parents feel frustrated by the behavior of their teens

10.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. Part A Which theme is explored in both poems?

a)

Innocence is lost during adolescence.

b)

Adolescence comes with many challenges.

c)

Mothers experience high frustration with teens.

d)

There is a stark contrast between childhood and adulthood.

11.

This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. Part B Which two excerpts from the selections best support the answer to Part A?

a)

suppose I die before graduation / they will sing sad melodies (“Hanging Fire,” lines 15–16)

b)

There is nothing I want to do / and too much / that has to be done (“Hanging Fire,” lines 19–21)

c)

A deep, resonant voice answers when I call home. / My child is gone— (“Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” lines 1–2)

d)

Intermittent impulses, quickly sated, I rarely fill his emptiness, / never end his searching. (“Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” lines 12–14)

e)

Wailing guitars weave a cocoon / as he sits cross legged in a recess of his room, (“Summer of His Fourteenth Year,” lines 15–16)

12.

What is the author’s main claim in It’s Complicated?

a)

Technology provides an outlet for teens to express their emotions and gain more dependence on their parents.

b)

Teens use technology such as texting and social media to discover ways to participate in public debates.

c)

Technology provides an outlet for teens to express their creativity and share their creative ventures.

d)

Teens use technology such as texting and social media to build friendships and transition into adulthood.

13.

What are the two most likely reasons that the author of It's Complicated discusses opposing claims in paragraph 2?

a)

To state her central argument

b)

To build the foundation for her argument

c)

To argue that technology is harmful

d)

To prove that social media is useful

e)

To address possible objections to her claim

14.

In paragraphs 3-5 of It's Complicated, the author challenges the opposing views she mentions in paragraph 2. This supports her counterclaim by —

a)

describing how using technology gives teens the privacy they need to grow up

b)

sharing examples of how using technology allows teens to imitate adults

c)

developing the importance of social motivations for teens using technology

d)

questioning the evidence that teens are addicted to using technology

15.

Which sentence from paragraph 5 of It's Complicated gives an example as evidence to support the author's claim?

a)

They want to inhabit public spaces, but they also look to adults, including public figures, to understand what it means to be grown-up.

b)

They watch their parents and other adults in their communities for models of adulthood.

c)

For better or worse, media narratives also help construct broader narratives for how public life works.

d)

"Reality" TV shows like Jersey Shore signal the potential fun that can be had by young adults who don't need to appease parents and teachers.

16.

Which sentence from "Outsmart Your Smartphone" states the most important claim made in the text?

a)

Adolescence has always been a hero's journey of growing independence, exploration, and self-discovery. (paragraph 1)

b)

I can say without hesitation that though social media is a useful and enticing tool, it poses unique risks to adolescent well-being. (paragraph 1)

c)

You can use smartphones and social media to build healthy relationships and a sense of belonging. (paragraph 2)

d)

Texting and social networking sites make it easier to connect with kids right where you are, too. (paragraph 2)

17.

How is paragraph 4 of "Outsmart Your Smartphone" structured?

a)

It is presented as a narrative.

b)

It presents a cause and its effect.

c)

It is presented in chronological order.

d)

It presents a point and its counterpoint.

18.

Which sentence from paragraph 4 best supports the answer to Part A?

a)

How and how often you use social media matters.

b)

More than half (fifty-six percent) of teens, ages thirteen to seventeen, go online several times a day.

c)

The more time you spend texting or online, the greater the risks of harm.

d)

This is especially concerning in adolescence.

19.

How does the author of “Outsmart Your Smartphone” present the information in paragraph 6?

a)

By comparing the different ways teens interact on social media

b)

By making an analogy between teens’ use of social media and the effect of stimulants

c)

Through a detailed description of what happens in every teen’s brain in face-to-face conversations

d)

Through a juxtaposition of the physical reactions of those on the sending and receiving ends of social media posts

20.

In “Outsmart Your Smartphone,” the author most likely mentions a 2017 study at the end of paragraph 16 in order to —

a)

persuade readers that teens should avoid smartphones and social media

b)

persuade readers that personal communication is critical for teens

c)

prove that multitasking reduces the ability of teens to learn and think

d)

prove that smartphones cause social anxiety in teens

21.

Which rhetorical device is used by both authors to emphasize their ideas?

a)

Analogy

b)

Juxtaposition

c)

Direct address

d)

Rhetorical question

22.

Based on how the authors present ideas in It's Complicated and “Outsmart Your Smartphone,” which is the intended audience for both selections?

a)

Parents and social media experts

b)

Teens and parents of teens

c)

Parents of teens and researchers

d)

Teens and teachers of teens

23.

Mark the box to indicate whether each claim is presented in It's Complicated, “Outsmart Your Smartphone,” or both. Teens can become addicted to and distracted by technology.

a)

It's Complicated

b)

“Outsmart Your Smartphone”

c)

Both

24.

Teens use technology primarily to build friendships and stay connected.

a)

It's Complicated

b)

“Outsmart Your Smartphone”

c)

Both

25.

Using technology can be dangerous for teens and hinder their development.

a)

It's Complicated

b)

“Outsmart Your Smartphone”

c)

Both

26.

Mark the box to indicate whether each claim is presented in It's Complicated, “Outsmart Your Smartphone,” or both. MAKE SURE TO MARK YOUR ANSWERS ON YOUR BUBBLE SHEET. 32) Using technology is a healthy way for teens to nurture relationships and transition into adulthood.

a)

It's Complicated

b)

“Outsmart Your Smartphone”

c)

Both

27.

Which of the following is an example of a counterclaim?

a)

Although there are clearly many benefits of social media, some parents are worried about the harms that social media may present to their children.

b)

Although social media is a great way to connect with friends from school, it is also a great way to make new friends.

c)

Although social media has been around for many years, it is constantly changing.

d)

Whenever a person uses social media, a chemical reaction in the brain occurs, releasing dopamine.

28.

It is important to bring up a counterclaim in an essay because:

a)

it shows you have considered other viewpoints and strengthens your argument.

b)

it makes your essay longer without adding value.

c)

it confuses the reader and weakens your position.

d)

it is required in every type of writing, regardless of purpose.

29.

Which of the following is an example of giving the author credit?

a)

If parents are connected about their children's social media use, then they should enforce screen time limits.

b)

Social media is fulfilling human needs in ways that real life is not.

c)

Although social media is a great way to connect with friends from school, it is also a great way to make new friends.

d)

In the third paragraph of her article, Jane McGonigal states...

30.

How can you make it clear that you are discussing a counterclaim and not changing your opinion in your essay?

a)

Make sure to support the counterclaim with evidence from the text

b)

Make sure to mention that other people believe the idea you're stating

c)

Make sure to use quotation marks when using direct quotes

d)

Make sure that the idea stated is exactly the opposite of your claim

31.

38. An example of a Character versus Society conflict is:

a)

A student challenges a school rule that they believe is unfair.

b)

A boy argues with his best friend over a misunderstanding.

c)

A girl struggles to climb a mountain during a storm.

d)

A detective tries to solve a mystery before time runs out.

32.

Which would be an example of a Character versus Nature conflict?

a)

The main character suffering from guilt, sadness, or anxiety.

b)

The main character gets into a fight with another character.

c)

The main character gets attacked by a bear.

d)

The main character is from the future.

33.

Which would be an example of a Character versus Self conflict?

a)

The main character suffering from guilt, sadness, or anxiety.

b)

The main character gets into a fight with another character.

c)

The main character gets attacked by a bear.

d)

The main character is from the future.