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FSA Grade 7 study materials
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FSA Grade 7 practice questions

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Question 1English Language Arts

Which sentence contains a prepositional phrase functioning as an adjective?

  1. During the storm, the lights went out.
  2. He placed the book on the wooden table.
  3. The girl with the red backpack won the race. Correct answer.
  4. She ran quickly toward the finish line.

Explanation

A prepositional phrase acts as an adjective when it modifies a noun, answering which one. In the first sentence, 'with the red backpack' describes the noun 'girl,' so it functions adjectivally rather than adverbially.

Question 2English Language Arts

In the sentence 'The committee reached its decision after a long debate,' what is the simple subject?

  1. committee Correct answer.
  2. decision
  3. debate
  4. its

Explanation

The simple subject is the single noun or pronoun that performs the action, without modifiers. 'The committee' is the complete subject, and 'committee' alone is the simple subject that reached the decision.

Question 3English Language Arts

Which sentence uses the correct form of the verb to complete the sentence: 'Each of the players ___ a uniform before every game.'

  1. have worn
  2. wears Correct answer.
  3. wear
  4. wearing

Explanation

Indefinite pronouns such as 'each' are singular, so the verb must be singular. 'Wears' agrees with 'each,' even though the prepositional phrase 'of the players' contains a plural noun.

Question 4English Language Arts

Which word is a coordinating conjunction?

  1. although
  2. unless
  3. but Correct answer.
  4. because

Explanation

Coordinating conjunctions join words or clauses of equal grammatical rank, and the common ones are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. 'But' belongs to this group, while the other choices are subordinating conjunctions.

Question 5English Language Arts

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

  1. My cousin who lives in Ohio is visiting next week.
  2. My cousin, who lives in Ohio, is visiting next week. Correct answer.
  3. My cousin, who lives in Ohio is visiting next week.
  4. My cousin who lives in Ohio, is visiting next week.

Explanation

A nonessential clause adds extra information that could be removed without changing the core meaning, so it must be set off by commas on both sides. 'Who lives in Ohio' merely adds detail about the cousin, so it needs two commas.

Question 6English Language Arts

Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly?

  1. The dogs bowl is empty.
  2. The dog's are barking loudly.
  3. The dog's bowl is empty. Correct answer.
  4. The dogs' bowl is empty when one dog owns it.

Explanation

An apostrophe plus s shows singular possession, so 'dog's bowl' means the bowl belonging to one dog. Plural possession would place the apostrophe after the s, and a plural noun never takes an apostrophe before s.

Question 7English Language Arts

Read this sentence: 'The wind whispered secrets through the trees.' Which literary device is used?

  1. onomatopoeia
  2. personification Correct answer.
  3. hyperbole
  4. simile

Explanation

Personification gives human qualities to something nonhuman. Wind cannot literally whisper or keep secrets, so the writer is attributing human abilities to a natural force.

Question 8English Language Arts

What is the main purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

  1. To list every source used in the paper
  2. To state the central claim the essay will develop Correct answer.
  3. To provide a vivid opening hook for readers
  4. To summarize the essay's conclusion in detail

Explanation

A thesis statement expresses the main idea or argument that the rest of the essay supports. It usually appears near the end of the introduction and guides the organization of the body paragraphs.

Question 9English Language Arts

Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

  1. I wanted to go; but it rained.
  2. I wanted to go however; it rained.
  3. I wanted; to go however it rained.
  4. I wanted to go; however, it rained. Correct answer.

Explanation

A semicolon can join two independent clauses, especially when a conjunctive adverb such as 'however' follows it. The comma after 'however' correctly separates the adverb from the second clause.

Question 10English Language Arts

In the sentence 'Maria, an accomplished violinist, performed beautifully,' what is the appositive?

  1. performed beautifully
  2. Maria
  3. an accomplished violinist Correct answer.
  4. beautifully

Explanation

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase placed next to another noun to rename or describe it. 'An accomplished violinist' renames 'Maria,' so it is the appositive.

Question 11English Language Arts

Which sentence uses the correct comparative form?

  1. This puzzle is easiest than the last one.
  2. This puzzle is most easy than the last one.
  3. This puzzle is easier than the last one. Correct answer.
  4. This puzzle is more easier than the last one.

Explanation

Short adjectives form the comparative by adding -er, and 'easier' is already comparative, so it needs no 'more.' The word 'than' signals a comparison between exactly two things.

Question 12English Language Arts

Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?

  1. Having finished the race, the runner accepted the medal.
  2. The runner, after finishing the race, received a medal.
  3. After finishing the race, the runner received a medal.
  4. After finishing the race, the medal was awarded to the runner. Correct answer.

Explanation

A dangling modifier occurs when the introductory phrase does not logically describe the subject of the main clause. In the first sentence, 'the medal' cannot finish a race, so the modifier has nothing suitable to attach to.

Question 13English Language Arts

Which word best completes the sentence: 'The scientist's findings were so ___ that other researchers rushed to verify them.'

  1. ordinary
  2. vague
  3. remarkable Correct answer.
  4. tedious

Explanation

Context clues show that other researchers hurried to verify the findings, which implies the results were striking. 'Remarkable' matches this sense of something notable enough to attract immediate attention.

Question 14English Language Arts

What does the prefix 'bene-' mean in words such as 'benefit' and 'benevolent'?

  1. bad
  2. again
  3. good Correct answer.
  4. before

Explanation

The Latin prefix 'bene-' means well or good, which appears in words like 'benefit' and 'benevolent.' Recognizing this root helps a reader infer the meaning of unfamiliar words that contain it.

Question 15English Language Arts

Which sentence uses the word 'reluctant' correctly?

  1. She was reluctant to leave the party because she was having fun. Correct answer.
  2. The reluctant cake tasted delicious at the party.
  3. He reluctant walked to the store.
  4. The reluctant was strong during the storm.

Explanation

'Reluctant' is an adjective meaning unwilling or hesitant. It correctly describes a person who is hesitant to do something, as in being unwilling to leave a party.

Question 16English Language Arts

What is the point of view in a story told by a narrator who uses 'I' and describes only the narrator's own thoughts?

  1. first-person Correct answer.
  2. second-person
  3. third-person omniscient
  4. third-person limited

Explanation

First-person point of view uses pronouns such as I and we, and the narrator reports only what he or she personally experiences. This limited access to other characters' minds is a defining feature of first-person narration.

Question 17English Language Arts

Read the passage: 'The old bridge groaned under the weight of the truck. Its boards had cracked years ago, and no one had repaired them.' What can a reader infer?

  1. The truck is much lighter than it looks.
  2. The bridge was closed to all traffic.
  3. The bridge is unsafe for heavy loads. Correct answer.
  4. The bridge is newly built and sturdy.

Explanation

An inference is a conclusion drawn from details rather than stated outright. The groaning, cracked boards, and lack of repairs together suggest the bridge is dangerous for heavy vehicles.

Question 18English Language Arts

Which sentence best supports the claim that exercise improves mood?

  1. Exercise requires proper shoes and comfortable clothing.
  2. After a thirty-minute run, students in the study reported feeling calmer and happier. Correct answer.
  3. Many people exercise at gyms near their homes.
  4. Some athletes train for more than four hours each day.

Explanation

Strong supporting evidence directly addresses the claim with specific, relevant information. A report linking a run to calmer, happier feelings connects exercise to mood in a way the other choices do not.

Question 19English Language Arts

Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

  1. She likes hiking, to swim, and biking.
  2. She likes to hike, swimming, and bike rides.
  3. She likes hiking, swimming, and to ride bikes.
  4. She likes hiking, swimming, and biking. Correct answer.

Explanation

Parallel structure requires items in a list to share the same grammatical form. Three gerunds (hiking, swimming, biking) create a balanced series, while mixed forms break the pattern.

Question 20English Language Arts

What is the primary purpose of a counterargument in a persuasive essay?

  1. To acknowledge an opposing view and then refute it Correct answer.
  2. To summarize the essay's main points in the conclusion
  3. To weaken the writer's own claim by admitting it is wrong
  4. To provide additional evidence that supports the claim

Explanation

A counterargument briefly presents the opposing position so the writer can respond to it. Addressing and refuting that view makes the writer's own argument appear more thorough and credible.

Question 21English Language Arts

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

  1. The boy chased his dog running down the street. Correct answer.
  2. Chasing his dog, the boy ran down the street.
  3. Running down the street, the boy chased his dog.
  4. The boy, running down the street, chased his dog.

Explanation

A misplaced modifier sits too far from the word it describes, creating confusion. In the second sentence, 'running down the street' appears to describe the dog rather than clearly attaching to the boy.

Question 22English Language Arts

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

  1. She brought: three items a notebook, a pen, and a ruler.
  2. She: brought three items a notebook, a pen, and a ruler.
  3. She brought three items, a notebook: a pen and a ruler.
  4. She brought three items: a notebook, a pen, and a ruler. Correct answer.

Explanation

A colon introduces a list or explanation after a complete independent clause. 'She brought three items' is a complete clause, so the colon correctly introduces the list that follows.

Question 23English Language Arts

In the word 'unhappiness,' what is the base word or root?

  1. unhappi-
  2. happy Correct answer.
  3. un-
  4. -ness

Explanation

The base word carries the core meaning before prefixes and suffixes are added. 'Happy' supplies the central meaning, while 'un-' negates it and '-ness' turns the adjective into a noun.

Question 24English Language Arts

Read the sentence: 'The crowd was a roaring ocean of sound.' What type of figurative language is used?

  1. alliteration
  2. idiom
  3. simile
  4. metaphor Correct answer.

Explanation

A metaphor directly states that one thing is another without using 'like' or 'as.' Calling the crowd 'a roaring ocean of sound' compares two unlike things by asserting they are the same.

Question 25English Language Arts

Which transition word best shows a contrast between two ideas?

  1. furthermore
  2. however Correct answer.
  3. therefore
  4. similarly

Explanation

Transition words signal the relationship between ideas. 'However' introduces a contrasting point, while the other choices signal a result, an addition, or a similarity.

Question 26English Language Arts

Which sentence uses the pronoun 'their' correctly?

  1. Their going to the museum after school today.
  2. The book lost their cover during the move.
  3. The dog wagged their tail when the owner came home.
  4. Each student must bring their own lunch to the field trip. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Their' is a possessive pronoun that shows ownership and can refer to a singular antecedent like 'each student' in modern usage. In the other sentences, the pronoun does not match the noun it refers to or is used where a contraction is needed.

Question 27English Language Arts

Which word is an adverb in the sentence 'The runner finished the race surprisingly quickly'?

  1. surprisingly Correct answer.
  2. race
  3. finished
  4. runner

Explanation

An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. 'Surprisingly' modifies the adverb 'quickly,' telling how quickly the runner finished.

Question 28English Language Arts

Which sentence is written in the passive voice?

  1. The chef carefully plated each dish.
  2. The chef prepared a delicious meal for the guests.
  3. The guests enjoyed the delicious meal.
  4. A delicious meal was prepared by the chef. Correct answer.

Explanation

In passive voice, the subject receives the action rather than performing it. 'A delicious meal was prepared by the chef' makes the meal the subject, and the doer appears in a 'by' phrase.

Question 29English Language Arts

What is the meaning of the idiom 'to let the cat out of the bag'?

  1. To start an argument on purpose
  2. To reveal a secret by accident Correct answer.
  3. To escape from a difficult situation
  4. To lose something valuable

Explanation

An idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal words. 'Let the cat out of the bag' means to reveal information that was supposed to stay hidden, usually by mistake.

Question 30English Language Arts

Which sentence uses commas correctly?

  1. My sister, who lives in Ohio, is visiting next week. Correct answer.
  2. My sister who lives, in Ohio, is visiting next week.
  3. My sister who lives in Ohio, is visiting next week.
  4. My sister, who lives in Ohio is visiting, next week.

Explanation

A nonrestrictive clause gives extra information that is not essential to identify the noun, so it is set off by commas on both sides. Here 'who lives in Ohio' is additional detail about the sister.

Question 31English Language Arts

Which word is a synonym for 'courageous'?

  1. careless
  2. timid
  3. cheerful
  4. brave Correct answer.

Explanation

Synonyms are words with similar meanings. 'Courageous' means showing bravery in the face of danger or difficulty, so 'brave' is the closest match.

Question 32English Language Arts

Which sentence correctly uses quotation marks?

  1. She asked "Are we leaving now?"
  2. She asked, "Are we leaving now?" Correct answer.
  3. She asked, "Are we leaving now"?
  4. She asked "Are we leaving now"?

Explanation

When a quotation is introduced by a comma, the spoken words are enclosed in quotation marks, and the question mark stays inside the closing quotation mark because it belongs to the quoted question.

Question 33English Language Arts

Which sentence uses the word 'fragile' correctly?

  1. The fragile athlete lifted the heavy weights with ease.
  2. The fragile glass vase shattered when it fell. Correct answer.
  3. The fragile runner broke the school record.
  4. The fragile storm destroyed several buildings.

Explanation

'Fragile' means easily broken or damaged. A glass vase is a fragile object, so the word fits its meaning.

Question 34English Language Arts

Which sentence contains a compound subject?

  1. After lunch, the class read quietly.
  2. The model was built by the students.
  3. The teacher graded the essays.
  4. Maya and Leo built the model together. Correct answer.

Explanation

A compound subject contains two or more subjects joined by a conjunction and sharing the same verb. 'Maya and Leo' are both subjects of the verb 'built.'

Question 35English Language Arts

Which sentence uses the word 'effect' correctly?

  1. The loud music had a calming effect on the baby. Correct answer.
  2. The new policy will effect how students choose courses.
  3. The medicine effected the patient's recovery quickly.
  4. The effect of the storm were visible everywhere.

Explanation

'Effect' is usually a noun meaning a result or outcome, as in 'a calming effect.' The verb form is less common and means to bring about.

Question 36English Language Arts

What is the main idea of a paragraph that explains how bees help plants reproduce by carrying pollen?

  1. Bees live in large colonies.
  2. Plants need sunlight to grow.
  3. Pollen is a fine powder.
  4. Bees play a key role in plant reproduction. Correct answer.

Explanation

The main idea states the central point that the supporting details explain. The paragraph's details about pollen and reproduction all support the idea that bees are important to plant reproduction.

Question 37English Language Arts

Read this sentence: 'After the storm, the streets were rivers of mud.' Which type of figurative language is used?

  1. Metaphor Correct answer.
  2. Simile
  3. Hyperbole
  4. Personification

Explanation

A metaphor directly states that one thing is another without using 'like' or 'as.' Calling the streets 'rivers of mud' compares them to rivers to emphasize how flooded they were.

Question 38English Language Arts

Which sentence uses the correct form of the verb 'to lie' (meaning to recline)?

  1. Yesterday, I lay on the couch for an hour. Correct answer.
  2. Yesterday, I laid on the couch for an hour.
  3. Yesterday, I lied on the couch for an hour.
  4. Yesterday, I lain on the couch for an hour.

Explanation

The verb 'lie' meaning to recline has the forms lie, lay, lain. The past tense is 'lay,' so 'Yesterday, I lay on the couch' is correct.

Question 39English Language Arts

Which sentence best shows that a character is nervous without directly stating it?

  1. Nervousness filled her whole body.
  2. Her hands trembled as she checked the clock for the fifth time. Correct answer.
  3. She felt nervous as she waited.
  4. She was very nervous about the test.

Explanation

Indirect characterization reveals a trait through actions, thoughts, or details rather than a direct label. Trembling hands and repeated clock-checking imply nervousness without naming it.

Question 40English Language Arts

Which sentence uses an apostrophe to form a contraction correctly?

  1. The childrens' toys were scattered.
  2. The dog's barking kept me awake.
  3. Its raining outside right now.
  4. They're going to the park after lunch. Correct answer.

Explanation

A contraction combines two words and replaces missing letters with an apostrophe. 'They're' stands for 'they are,' so the apostrophe correctly replaces the missing 'a.'

Question 41English Language Arts

What is the function of the underlined word in the sentence 'The students voted for the class president'?

  1. It is a prepositional object. Correct answer.
  2. It is the direct object of the verb.
  3. It is a predicate adjective.
  4. It is the subject of the sentence.

Explanation

The phrase 'for the class president' begins with the preposition 'for,' so 'the class president' is the object of that preposition. It answers the question 'for whom?'

Question 42English Language Arts

Which sentence correctly uses 'who' or 'whom'?

  1. To who should I send the report?
  2. Who did the teacher call on first? Correct answer.
  3. Whom is going to lead the meeting?
  4. Whom wrote this poem?

Explanation

Use 'who' for the subject of a verb and 'whom' for an object. In 'Who did the teacher call on first?' the pronoun is the subject of 'called,' so 'who' is correct.

Question 43English Language Arts

Which sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement?

  1. The bouquet of flowers smell wonderful. Correct answer.
  2. Neither of the answers seems correct.
  3. Each of the players has a uniform.
  4. The list of items is on the desk.

Explanation

The subject of a sentence must agree with its verb in number. In 'The bouquet of flowers smell wonderful,' the true subject is the singular 'bouquet,' so the verb should be 'smells.'

Question 44English Language Arts

Read this sentence: 'The teacher's explanation was as clear as crystal.' What does the simile suggest?

  1. The explanation was very short.
  2. The explanation was extremely easy to understand. Correct answer.
  3. The explanation was confusing and vague.
  4. The explanation was colorful and decorative.

Explanation

A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as' to create a vivid image. Saying something is 'as clear as crystal' means it is very easy to understand.

Question 45English Language Arts

Which sentence uses a dash correctly?

  1. The final-decision after hours of debate was to postpone the vote.
  2. The final decision-after hours of debate-was to postpone the vote. Correct answer.
  3. The final decision after hours-of debate was to postpone the vote.
  4. The final decision after hours of debate was-to postpone the vote.

Explanation

A pair of dashes can set off an interrupting phrase that adds emphasis or extra information. Here 'after hours of debate' is enclosed by dashes on both sides.

Question 46English Language Arts

Which sentence uses 'fewer' and 'less' correctly?

  1. She has fewer patience than her brother.
  2. We need fewer sugar in this recipe.
  3. There were fewer visitors this year than last year. Correct answer.
  4. There are less students in class today than yesterday.

Explanation

Use 'fewer' with countable nouns and 'less' with uncountable nouns. 'Visitors' can be counted, so 'fewer visitors' is correct.

Question 47English Language Arts

Which sentence best states a claim rather than a fact?

  1. The building has three floors.
  2. The school year begins in September.
  3. Students should have more time for recess. Correct answer.
  4. The library closes at six o'clock.

Explanation

A claim expresses an opinion or position that can be argued, while a fact can be verified. 'Students should have more time for recess' expresses a judgment about what ought to happen.

Question 48English Language Arts

Read this sentence: 'The scientist's hypothesis, though unproven, was elegant and bold.' Which phrase is an appositive-like interrupting phrase modifying the hypothesis?

  1. though unproven Correct answer.
  2. was elegant and bold
  3. and bold
  4. The scientist's hypothesis

Explanation

An interrupting phrase set off by commas adds information about the noun before it. 'Though unproven' describes the hypothesis and is enclosed by commas.

Question 49English Language Arts

Which revision best corrects the run-on sentence 'The concert started late the audience did not mind'?

  1. The concert started late, the audience did not mind.
  2. The concert started, late the audience did not mind.
  3. The concert started late; the audience did not mind. Correct answer.
  4. The concert started late the audience, did not mind.

Explanation

A run-on sentence joins two independent clauses without proper punctuation. A semicolon correctly separates two closely related independent clauses.

Question 50English Language Arts

Which sentence uses a gerund phrase as the subject?

  1. They swam across the lake yesterday.
  2. She enjoys swimming in the lake.
  3. The swimmers crossed the lake quickly.
  4. Swimming in the lake is her favorite activity. Correct answer.

Explanation

A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. In 'Swimming in the lake is her favorite activity,' the gerund phrase 'Swimming in the lake' is the subject of the verb 'is.'