Informational Text - Test Prep

The term “Emerald Isle” is synonymous with Ireland and its rolling hills and valleys of green. But how did Ireland come to be known as the Emerald Isle? Ireland’s greenery certainly had a lot to do with it, but there's more to the story and it began with a poet. Ireland was first called the “Emerald Isle” in William Drennan’s poem, "When Erin First Rose". Which key idea is being developed with this excerpt?

• Ireland is known as the “Emerald Isle”.
• William Drennan wrote a poem about Ireland.
• William Drennan’s poem about Ireland was called, “When Erin First Rose.”
• Ireland became known as the “Emerald Isle” through its greenery, and an Irish poem.

Hands Across America was a public event on Sunday, May 25, 1986, in which approximately 6.5 million people held hands for fifteen minutes in an attempt to form a continuous human chain across the United States. Many participants donated ten dollars to reserve their place in line. What is the central idea of this excerpt?

• Hands Across America was fun.
• Hands Across America was very inexpensive.
• Hands Across America was an attempted show of unity.
• Hands Across America occurred on May 25, 1986.

Educational volunteers work without pay in elementary, middle and high school classrooms. Their work is difficult, but very rewarding. Teachers are very grateful for their volunteers. Most schools have openings for this type of work. Which is the BEST summary of this excerpt?

• Volunteering for schools is fun.
• Volunteers are needed at every school.
• Educational volunteers work in elementary school classrooms.
• Educational volunteers work hard and are greatly appreciated.

In three studies, we provided a test of how rudeness affects performance at the workplace. The results were all the same. They showed that rudeness reduced performance on routine tasks, as well as creative tasks. What does this excerpt infer?

• Rudeness should be against the law.
• Rudeness can result in profit loss at the workplace.
• Rudeness happens at every workplace.
• Rudeness doesn’t really decrease routine performance tasks.

“It is a matter of shame that in the morning the birds should be awake earlier than you.” Which idea is being introduced with this quotation?

• Birds wake up too early.
• Don’t waste the day.
• Birds wake people up in the morning.
• Don’t criticize others.

(1) Pet ownership may not be for everyone. (2) Yes, owning a pet can bring you great joy. (3) Also, it teaches owners to be more responsible. (4) However, owners sometimes find that they simply do not have enough time to take care of a pet. Which sentence contains a negative detail of pet ownership?

• Sentence 1
• Sentence 2
• Sentence 3
• Sentence 4

Touching a snail holds no danger because they aren't poisonous. (2) If you like to eat them, however, you can't just pick up a garden snail and cook it. (3) Snails ingest dangerous chemicals, such as pesticides and snail bait, as they move through flower beds looking for food. (4) This is why they aren’t always good to eat. Which sentence contains details about why you should be careful about eating snails?

• Sentence 1
• Sentence 2
• Sentence 3
• Sentence 4

(1) Loraine has been a good friend to Michelle for two years. (2) They sat next to each other in lunch and walked to all of their classes together. (3) Michelle, however, has been very rude to Loraine lately. (4) She doesn’t sit or walk with her anymore. (5) In fact, she completely ignores her. During which sentence does the focus of the excerpt begin to change?

• Sentence 2
• Sentence 3
• Sentence 4
• Sentence 5

(1) Jello is easy to make. (2) Simply whisk together 1 cup of hot water with 1 packet of jello in a large bowl. (3) Then add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture and whisk it in. (4) Most people prefer cherry jello over blueberry. (5) Pour the mixture into a jello mold. (6) Let the jello set in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours, and then serve. Which sentence from the excerpt is unnecessary, and should be omitted?

• Sentence 1
• Sentence 2
• Sentence 3
• Sentence 4

(1) So you just purchased a new computer? (2) Remember to follow all of the directions for setting it up. (3) Most computers come with step by step directions. (4) It is also important to install antivirus software. (5) Without it, your computer can slow down, crash, or become exposed to spammers. (6) Various antivirus software is available online. Which sentence explains the reason why people use antivirus software?

• Sentence 2
• Sentence 3
• Sentence 4
• Sentence 5