CMAS ELA practice BVIS

Which statement best expresses the central idea of the text?

• Scientists are curious to discover what allows some supernovas to be seen from Earth over others.

• The sudden change in a star’s core that results in a supernova is a visible occurrence that can help inform scientists on the universe.

• By observing the collapse of stars, scientists can develop a better understanding of the life cycle of our own planet.

• Supernovas are rare and difficult to identify, which is why scientists have enlisted the help of anyone willing to look for them.

What detail from the text best supports the Main Idea from question 1?

• "Supernovas are often seen in other galaxies. But supernovas are difficult to see in our own Milky Way galaxy because dust blocks our view.” (Paragraph 2)

• “Scientists also have determined that supernovas play a key role in distributing elements throughout the universe. When the star explodes, it shoots elements and debris into space.” (Paragraph 8)

• “NASA scientists use different types of telescopes to look for and study supernovas. Some telescopes are used to observe the visible light from the explosion.” (Paragraph 9)

• “Then in January 2011, a 10-year-old girl from Canada discovered a supernova while looking at night sky images on her computer.” (Paragraph 11)

Which of the following identifies the main difference between the two causes of a supernova?

• While white dwarfs take on too much mass from another star and explode, other stars collapse inward and then explode.

• Both binary starts become supernovas, as one takes on too much matter and the other has too much removed from its core.

• While white dwarfs explode from taking on too much heat, other stars collapse inward from having too much matter sucked away.

• All stars die and explode the same way, except for the sun, which isn’t big enough to become a supernova.

Which quote from the text best supports the answer to Question 3?

• “A supernova happens where there is a change in the core, or center, of a star.” (Paragraph 3)

• “The first type of supernova happens in binary star systems. Binary stars are two stars that orbit the same point.” (Paragraph 4)

• “the white dwarf accumulates too much matter. Having too much matter causes the star to explode, resulting in a supernova.” (Paragraph 4)

• “The second type of supernova occurs at the end of a single star’s lifetime.” (Paragraph 5)

Which of the following describes the cause of a supernova?

• one star gets too close to another

• a star produces too much nuclear fuel

• the center of a star undergoes a dramatic change

• a star changes temperatures abruptly

Which of the following is NOT an example of how scientists can learn from supernovas?

• Supernovas help scientists understand how elements are spread.

• Supernovas help scientists understand the growth rate of the universe.

• Supernovas help scientists understand how new planets are formed.

• Supernovas help scientists understand where other planets are located.

Which of the following describes how supernovas can be observed?

• Supernovas can be seen using basic telescopes.

• Supernovas can only be observed using telescopes in space.

• Supernovas cannot be seen, only detected by their rays.

• Supernovas can only be observed by scientists who know what to look for.

Re-read this section of the article.

"Then in January 2011, a 10-year-old girl from Canada discovered a supernova while looking at night sky images on her computer. The images, taken by an amateur astronomer, just happened to include a supernova."

What does the word "amateur" mean in this sentence?

• nonprofessional, novice

• non-human

• very experienced

• college-level