1. Grade 8 Stand-Alone Items 2010-2012

2. 7 Based on the information in the sign below, predict what will most likely happen at Tasty Burgers on June 17. Ο A. Customers will find a table easily. Ο B. Tasty Burgers will stay open late. Ο C. Taco Burgers will be the most popular. Ο D. Parking will be reserved for The Big Three. Comprehension 3: Make or confirm inferences or predictions based on the text (Reading GLE 2.1.5)

3. 8 Which sentence contains personification? Ο A. The excited team raced off the field. Ο B. The winter yard was a blanket of snow. Ο C. The building shook like an erupting volcano. Ο D.The screaming alarm clock rudely interrupted my dream. 8 Which sentence contains personification? Ο A. The excited team raced off the field. Ο B. The winter yard was a blanket of snow. Ο C. The building shook like an erupting volcano. Ο D.The screaming alarm clock rudely interrupted my dream. Literary Analysis 5: Demonstrate understanding of authors’ use of literary elements (character, setting, plot, genre, etc.) and literary devices (simile, metaphor, alliteration, personification, etc.) (Reading GLEs 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.3.3)

4. 11 Beth has chosen formation and current status of volcanoes for her research paper. Which of these books would be the best source of information for her paper? Ο A. Alaska’s Giants—An in-depth look at Alaska’s active volcanoes Ο B. Outdoor Survival Skills—How to survive and thrive in a wilderness environment Ο C. Volcano Project—A step-by-step guide to creating the perfect science fair volcano project Ο D. The Cascade Mountain Range—A guide to touring the beautiful mountain range that extends from Oregon into Canada 11 Beth has chosen formation and current status of volcanoes for her research paper. Which of these books would be the best source of information for her paper? Ο A. Alaska’s Giants—An in-depth look at Alaska’s active volcanoes Ο B. Outdoor Survival Skills—How to survive and thrive in a wilderness environment Ο C. Volcano Project—A step-by-step guide to creating the perfect science fair volcano project Ο D. The Cascade Mountain Range—A guide to touring the beautiful mountain range that extends from Oregon into Canada Critical Thinking 8: Analyze usefulness of resources (Reading GLEs 2.3.2, 3.1.1) 2011

5. 12 Read the sentence below. By providing a four-minute passing period between classes, Southworth Middle School students have plenty of time to get a drink, go to the restroom, stop by lockers and say “hello” to friends. What is the author’s purpose for writing the sentence? Ο A. To encourage a shorter passing time between classes Ο B. To show there is enough time to transition between classes Ο C. To show students are allowed to get a drink between classes Ο D. To encourage students to stop by their lockers between classes 12 Read the sentence below. By providing a four-minute passing period between classes, Southworth Middle School students have plenty of time to get a drink, go to the restroom, stop by lockers and say “hello” to friends. What is the author’s purpose for writing the sentence? Ο A. To encourage a shorter passing time between classes Ο B. To show there is enough time to transition between classes Ο C. To show students are allowed to get a drink between classes Ο D. To encourage students to stop by their lockers between classes Critical Thinking 9: Analyze author’s purpose and evaluate effectiveness for different audiences (includes fact/opinion; author’s point of view, tone, and use of persuasive devices) (Reading GLEs 2.4.2, 2.4.3, 2.4.4) 2011

6. 13 Look at the poster below. What stylistic device is used in the poster? Ο A. Metaphor Ο B. Repetition Ο C. Alliteration Ο D. Personification Literary Analysis 05: Demonstrate understanding of authors’ use of literary elements (character, setting, plot, genre, etc.) and literary devices (simile, metaphor, alliteration, personification, etc.) (Reading GLEs 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.3.3) 2010

7. 12 Read the dictionary definition below. A photo display of the staff is a fixture in the middle school yearbook. Which definition of fixture is used in the sentence? Ο A. Definition 1 Ο B. Definition 2 Ο C. Definition 3 Ο D. Definition 4 fixture (‘fiks-ch ә r) n. 1. A person or thing long established in the same place 2. An event that takes place regularly 3. The act of fixing 4. Any of various devices for holding parts in certain positions during assembly Comprehension 04: Understand and apply content vocabulary critical to the meaning of the text (Reading GLE 1.3.2) 2010