Question 1

Nancy has not used the most effective word in sentence 4. Which word should replace have
to create a more effective sentence?

Accepted Answer

manage

Answer

carry

Answer

enroll

Answer

accept

Question 2

Which of these sentences should Nancy add at the beginning of the second paragraph(sentences 7–15) to serve as the most effective position statement for her essay?

Accepted Answer

The four-day school week provides benefits that would help the students, teachers, and schools in our district.

Answer

We spend way too much time during the week in school, and it would be nice to have a three-day weekend for a part-time job or to just relax.

Answer

I think I would like the four-day school week because I would enjoy the extra time to rest on the weekend.

Answer

The four-day school week is a great idea for all students and parents, and even the school district would likely benefit.

Question 3

Which sentence in the fourth paragraph (sentences 22–30) is extraneous and should be
deleted?

Accepted Answer

Sentence 28

Answer

Sentence 27

Answer

Sentence 29

Answer

Sentence 30

Question 4

Nancy is concerned that she has included a redundant sentence in the fifth paragraph(sentences 31–35). Which sentence should be deleted from the paragraph?

Accepted Answer

Sentence 33

Answer

Sentence 35

Answer

Sentence 34

Answer

Sentence 32

Question 5

Reese needs to improve the introduction of his essay. Which sentence should be added before sentence 1 to create a more effective introduction for his essay?

Accepted Answer

Over the past centuries, many of the mysteries of the human body have been explained by science.

Answer

There are so many mysteries about the human body that you would never believe it.

Answer

Scientists are determined to find out all the facts that can help them understand our world.

Answer

The brain is like the body’s big jigsaw puzzle.

Question 6

Reese is considering adding this idea to his second paragraph (sentences 4–8).

Where should Reese insert this idea?

Accepted Answer

After sentence 4

Answer

After sentence 6

Answer

After sentence 5

Answer

Reese should not insert this idea.

Question 7

Reese needs a better transition between the second paragraph (sentences 4–8) and the third paragraph (sentences 9–14). Which sentence should replace sentence 9 to create a more effective transition?

Accepted Answer

Until recently, scientists could not determine how the brain is able to rid itself of waste because the lymphatic system does not include the brain.

Answer

Scientists researched the brain for years before finally making a breakthrough.

Answer

No one knew how the brain was able to perform some functions.

Answer

The lymphatic system does not include the brain, so everyone always wondered about that.

Question 8

Reese wants to improve the clarity of sentence 12. How should sentence 12 be revised?

Accepted Answer

The team determined that fluid running along the brain’s blood vessels carries waste away from the brain.

Answer

Along the side of the brain’s blood vessels is a fluid, the team determined, and this carries away from the brain waste.

Answer

Waste by a fluid that is running along the brain’s blood vessels is carried away from the brain, the team determined.

Answer

Running along the brain’s blood vessels&#44; the team determined is a fluid that carries waste
away from the brain.

Question 9

Which sentence should Reese add after sentence 18 to provide additional support for the inference in sentence 19?

Accepted Answer

Some of these same proteins appear in the waste products of brain cells.

Answer

Alzheimer’s is a disease that is heavily researched.

Answer

Another type of protein is important to building strong muscles.

Answer

It would be a good idea to get rid of these bad proteins.

Question 10

What change is needed in sentence 1?

Accepted Answer

Change incomprehensable to incomprehensible

Answer

Insert a comma after NASA

Answer

Change idea to ideas

Answer

Change becoming to to become

Question 11

What change is needed in sentence 12?

Accepted Answer

Change campaigns to campaign’s

Answer

Delete the comma after qualifications

Answer

Change realized to realizing

Answer

Change advertisements to advertizements

Question 12

What is the correct way to write sentences 13 and 14?

Accepted Answer

Ride was accepted into the astronaut program and began preparing for a space mission by training both physically and mentally.

Answer

Ride was accepted into the astronaut program and began preparing for a space mission and she training both physically and mentally.

Answer

Ride was accepted into the astronaut program and began preparing for a space mission: trained both physically and mentally.

Answer

Ride was accepted into the astronaut program and began preparing for a space mission; trained both physically and mentally.

Question 13

What change is needed in sentence 17?

Accepted Answer

Insert a comma after atmosphere

Answer

Insert a comma after ceiling

Answer

Change country’s to countries

Answer

Change broke free to breaks free

Question 14

What change, if any, is needed in sentence 24?

Accepted Answer

Change becomes to became

Answer

Change advocate to advocates

Answer

No change is needed in sentence 24.

Answer

Change fierce to feirce

Question 15

What change should be made in sentence 2?

Accepted Answer

Change weights and measures to Weights and Measures

Answer

Change signed to signs

Answer

Change which to this

Answer

Change Metre to metre

Question 16

What change, if any, should be made in sentence 10?

Accepted Answer

Delete the semicolon

Answer

Change use to using

Answer

Insert a comma after standard

Answer

No change is needed.

Question 17

What change, if any, should be made in sentence 21?

Accepted Answer

Change the comma after units to a colon

Answer

Delete the comma after ounces

Answer

Make no change

Answer

Change uses to used

Question 18

What is the correct way to write sentence 28?

Accepted Answer

Best of all, they will be using the same system as 95 percent of the rest of the world, which in turn will contribute to safety, facilitate trade, and improve international communication.

Answer

Best of all, they will be using the same system as 95 percent of the rest of the world. In turn will contribute to safety, facilitate trade, and improve international communication.

Answer

Best of all, they will be using the same system as 95 percent of the rest of the world; in turn contributes to safety, facilitate trade, and improve international communication.

Answer

Best of all, they will be using the same system as 95 percent of the rest of the world, in turn this will contribute to safety, facilitate trade, and improve international communication.

Question 19

Read this quotation from paragraph 17 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank.

Why does the narrator use a metaphor to describe his response to playing the piano?

Accepted Answer

To reveal the depth of his feelings towards the piano

Answer

To suggest that owning a piano can spark enthusiasm

Answer

To explain how he is able to remember a piece of music

Answer

To show how sharing music increases enjoyment

Question 20

In paragraph 8 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, Luc suggests that the narrator —

Accepted Answer

reflect on the commitment of buying a piano

Answer

trust his ability to make decisions

Answer

be willing to consider other pianos

Answer

think about playing different instruments

Question 21

In paragraph 1 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, which idea is introduced?

Accepted Answer

The power of intuition

Answer

An unachieved goal

Answer

The wisdom of experience

Answer

Impractical choices

Question 22

Read this quotation from paragraph 16 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank.

What can the reader infer about the narrator’s wife based on her words?

Accepted Answer

The wife sees music as a necessary outlet for her husband’s creativity.

Answer

The wife believes it is more important to invest in the arts than in other things.

Answer

The wife does not believe people should deny themselves things that they want.

Answer

The wife views the piano as an attractive addition to their living room.

Question 23

In paragraph 17 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank, how does the narrator feel about playing the Stingl piano in the piano shop?

Accepted Answer

He feels oddly comfortable playing in front of Luc.

Answer

He enjoys showing Luc that he can play different types of music.

Answer

He hopes Luc will believe that he is worthy of the Stingl.

Answer

He needs Luc to help him build confidence in his musical ability.

Question 24

In paragraph 1 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank&#44; why does the narrator
describe the piano as “a strange and wonderful combination of the robust and the delicate”?

Accepted Answer

To explain why he feels this particular piano is special

Answer

To suggest that he prefers a piano that won’t require much upkeep

Answer

To reveal that he needs a piano that is not too fragile or ornate

Answer

To state why he is physically able to play this particular piano

Question 25

Read this quotation from paragraph 1 of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank.

What is the narrator’s purpose for including this description?

Accepted Answer

To show how he exaggerates when describing events

Answer

To highlight his doubts about wanting a piano

Answer

To explain where he is shopping for a piano

Question 26

In the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues,” how does the author mainly organize his ideas?

Accepted Answer

He discusses trends in piano ownership by describing his experience trying to get rid of an old piano.

Answer

He lists the benefits of owning a piano by referencing a magazine article about musical instruments.

Answer

He supports people learning to play the piano with stories from students who enjoy the instrument.

Answer

He argues against getting rid of old pianos by explaining how important they once were.

Question 27

Read this quotation from paragraph 2 of the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues.”

What does the author’s use of musical terminology convey in the quotation?

Accepted Answer

How the popularity of the piano has shifted like notes in a song

Answer

How piano dealers use musical language when they speak

Answer

How piano tones affect the price of the instruments

Answer

How piano music will persist despite its decrease in popularity

Question 28

Which quotation best shows that the author of the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” is relieved someone wants his old piano?

Accepted Answer

But like many a blues song, this piano riff ends with hope. (paragraph 6)

Answer

The song had gone from major to minor, but we pressed on. (paragraph 4)

Answer

And to be sure, many older pianos have reached their coda. (paragraph 7)

Answer

Then the song shifted to the saddest of blues. (paragraph 4)

Question 29

What is the purpose of the information in the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano
Blues”?

Accepted Answer

To explain why traditional pianos have greatly declined in value

Answer

To describe the differences between old pianos and new ones

Answer

To inform people about new American trends with musical instruments

Answer

To prove that pianos made in the last century are irreplaceable

Question 30

Read this dictionary entry.

Which definition most closely matches the meaning of boom as it is used in paragraph 4 of the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues”?

Accepted Answer

Definition 2

Answer

Definition 1

Answer

Definition 4

Answer

Definition 3

Question 31

In the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues,” what is the primary purpose of paragraph 7?

Accepted Answer

To explain why letting go of pianos is acceptable at times

Answer

To state the reasons why pianos are still important

Answer

To detail the life cycle of pianos

Answer

To describe pianos in a historical context

Question 32

Which word from the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” means “an approximate amount”?

Accepted Answer

roughly (paragraph 4)

Answer

treacherous (paragraph 5)

Answer

substantial (paragraph 3)

Answer

peak (paragraph 1)

Question 33

Which is the best summary of the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues”?

Accepted Answer

Although acoustic pianos were once a popular item in American life, many are now being disposed of or recycled for parts. Changes in American entertainment, as well as the space and upkeep required to own an acoustic piano, have led people to pursue other interests or purchase less expensive digital pianos. However, the number of Americans learning to play the piano has not changed, which shows that the instrument is still appreciated.

Answer

Many families in America still own pianos but many of them are now digital pianos. People who own old acoustic pianos still feel sentimental about them and believe they are worth a lot of money. However, the people who make money from pianos are the ones that knowhow to remove or recycle them.

Answer

Today, Americans are learning to play piano as adults, and they often go to piano studios in cities like Los Angeles and New York. Piano playing was popular in the 20th century and still is. Pianos used to be an important part of family entertainment, but other instruments have taken their place. Today, old acoustic pianos are stored in warehouses because they take up too much room in houses.

Answer

Many families in America once owned acoustic pianos, but there are now fewer families who want them. In fact, if you have an old piano, it can be very hard to sell it or find someone who wants it. That’s why there are companies now offering to pick up old pianos. It is sad these instruments were once prized but have little value today, unless someone is willing to restore them to their original working condition.

Question 34

In the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank and the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues,” with which statement would both authors most likely agree?

Accepted Answer

Old pianos offer a great deal of emotional value to their owners.

Answer

People can learn a lot about the history of pianos from musicians.

Answer

Old pianos are constructed from better materials than new pianos.

Answer

People can learn a lot about the history of pianos from musicians.

Question 35

While the narrator of the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank finds an old Stingl valuable enough for him to spend a lot of money on it, the author of the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” —

Accepted Answer

gives an old Steinway to someone who wants it

Answer

expects to sell an old Steinway for a high price

Answer

insists on donating his old piano to a school

Answer

thinks old pianos should be destroyed

Question 36

What is one notable difference between the two excerpts?

Accepted Answer

The selection from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank describes evaluating and buying an old piano, while the selection from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” describes an abundance of unwanted old pianos.

Answer

The selection from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank explains why someone wants to play piano, while the selection from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” explains why piano lessons are less popular.

Answer

The selection from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank shows how rare it is for someone to appreciate an old piano, while the selection from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” shows how people overvalue all musical instruments.

Answer

The selection from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank emphasizes the craftsmanship of anew acoustic piano, while the selection from the article “Those Old Piano Blues” emphasizes today’s preference for digital pianos.

Question 37

What feeling is conveyed by both the excerpt from The Piano Shop on the Left Bank and the excerpt from the article “Those Old Piano Blues”?

Accepted Answer

Attachment

Answer

Awe

Answer

Ambition

Answer

Amusement

Question 38

Which sentence from the selection best expresses the author’s opinion about the culture of high school?

Accepted Answer

It was toxic water to my spirit: I drank it in thinking it was life, but later came to find it was slowly killing me. (paragraph 9)

Answer

It takes time to excavate a past, but it is well worth it. (paragraph 5)

Answer

You may not be able to change the voices you have believed any more than I can go back and rewrite my journal entries from high school. (paragraph 6)

Answer

Something happened to my exuberance as I approached high school. (paragraph 1)

Question 39

In paragraph 2, what is the author’s main reason for including the anecdote about Mattie Stepanek?

Accepted Answer

Stepanek wrote poetry for high-school students.

Answer

Stepanek helped others deal with physical challenges.

Question 40

In paragraph 4, what does grandeur most nearly mean?

Accepted Answer

Magnificence

Answer

Shapeliness

Answer

Elegance

Answer

Sophistication

Question 41

What evidence does the author primarily use to support her message?

Accepted Answer

Reflections on personal experiences

Answer

Quotations from well-known individuals

Answer

Causes that led her to move to a new location

Answer

Comparisons to other high-school students

Question 42

Read this quotation from paragraph 10.

Based on the quotation, the author views her high-school years as a source of —

Accepted Answer

confinement

Answer

discipline

Answer

transition

Answer

order

Question 43

Based on paragraphs 4 and 5 of the selection, what can be inferred about the author?

Accepted Answer

She finds deep meaning in the beauty of nature.

Answer

She grew up in an urban area where there was little natural landscape.

Answer

She wishes she had spent more time in nature in her youth.

Answer

She wishes she had spent more time in nature in her youth.

Question 44

According to the selection, the author urges high-school students to be —

Accepted Answer

unafraid of being themselves

Answer

willing to accept consequences for their actions

Answer

concerned about their effects on others

Answer

opinionated and outspoken

Question 45

Which sentence from paragraph 5 best illustrates the author’s feeling that her life experiences have made her more confident?

Accepted Answer

I have faith that in the end that process will reveal magnificent layers that inspire rather than repress and remain buried.

Answer

During our visit we commented to each other how the colors, unlike the desert’s browns and dull greens, were an elegant mix of reds, pinks, and yellows.

Answer

In high school, I was standing on top of the rocks, but no incisions had been made—no canyon had been formed.

Answer

There was a river and it was flowing, but I did not see the layers beneath.

Question 46

What do the repeated italicized words “bang-bang-bang-bang-bang” in both paragraphs 1 and 5 emphasize?

Accepted Answer

Kevin’s constant desire to improve

Answer

Kevin’s irritation regarding his perceived weakness

Answer

Kevin’s need to draw the attention of his neighbors

Answer

Kevin’s growing frustration with his teammates

Question 47

In paragraph 2, what does exhume mean?

Accepted Answer

Dig up

Answer

Establish

Answer

Blend in

Answer

Conceal

Question 48

Which quotation best suggests that Kevin probably feels increasing pressure from external expectations?

Accepted Answer

Kevin knows what it takes; everyone’s been telling him ever since he first stood on a pair of skates. (paragraph 5)

Answer

When he was four he was better than the five-year-olds, and when he was five he was better than the seven-year-olds. (paragraph 1)

Answer

“Kevin? He’s the real deal,” Peter Andersson, general manager of the club, always says, and he ought to know. . . . (paragraph 4)

Answer

Year after year they have heard the boy’s body grow—the banging becoming harder and harder, faster and faster. (paragraph 3)

Question 49

How are paragraphs 8 through 10 important to the development of the plot?

Accepted Answer

They explain how Kevin’s abilities may help the entire community.

Answer

They introduce the idea of Kevin leaving the community to play elsewhere.

Answer

They show Kevin overcoming an emotional experience of his youth.

Answer

They reveal that Kevin wants something different than what the town wants.

Question 50

Why does the author include the extended flashback in paragraph 1?

Accepted Answer

To give an early example of Kevin’s determination

Answer

To clarify the setting of the story

Answer

To highlight the conflict that occurs within the town

Answer

To introduce characters who are important to the selection

Question 51

What does the narrator suggest about Kevin in paragraph 3?

Accepted Answer

Kevin would have an advantage as a hockey player even if he didn’t practice so much.

Answer

The townspeople’s expectations of Kevin are unrealistic.

Answer

Kevin has an unhealthy obsession with hockey.

Answer

Many teammates resent Kevin’s superior skills.

Question 52

Read this quotation from paragraph 7.

Based on the quotation, the reader can infer that Kevin feels —

Accepted Answer

loyal

Answer

appreciated

Answer

trapped

Answer

embarrassed

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