I85PREP
⌘ K
EQAO study materials
EQAO study resources

EQAO practice questions

One question at a time. Build your EQAO understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "The dog chased the ball across the yard." What is the simple subject of the sentence?

  1. dog Correct answer.
  2. yard
  3. ball
  4. chased

Explanation

The simple subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action. Here the dog performs the action of chasing, so 'dog' is the subject. The ball receives the action and the yard is a place.

Question 2Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

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

Explanation

A non-essential (non-restrictive) clause adds extra information and must be set off by commas on both sides. The clause 'who lives in Calgary' is extra detail, so commas belong before and after it.

Question 3Literacy (Reading and Writing)

In the word "unhappy," what does the prefix "un-" mean?

  1. again
  2. very
  3. not Correct answer.
  4. before

Explanation

The prefix 'un-' means 'not' or 'the opposite of.' Adding it to 'happy' creates a word meaning 'not happy.'

Question 4Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which word is a synonym for "cautious"?

  1. careful Correct answer.
  2. reckless
  3. noisy
  4. rapid

Explanation

Synonyms are words with similar meanings. 'Cautious' means taking care to avoid danger, which matches 'careful.'

Question 5Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "After the long hike, the hikers were ravenous and ate everything in sight." What does "ravenous" most likely mean?

  1. extremely hungry Correct answer.
  2. extremely tired
  3. extremely quiet
  4. extremely lost

Explanation

Context clues show the hikers 'ate everything in sight,' which signals intense hunger. 'Ravenous' means extremely hungry.

Question 6Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence uses the correct form of the verb?

  1. Each of the students has a notebook. Correct answer.
  2. Each of the students are having a notebook.
  3. Each of the students having a notebook.
  4. Each of the students have a notebook.

Explanation

The subject 'each' is singular, so it takes the singular verb 'has.' The phrase 'of the students' does not change the number of the subject.

Question 7Literacy (Reading and Writing)

What is the main purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?

  1. to introduce the writer's name
  2. to state the paragraph's main idea Correct answer.
  3. to list every supporting detail
  4. to provide a source citation

Explanation

A topic sentence announces the central idea that the rest of the paragraph develops. Supporting sentences then provide details and evidence.

Question 8Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence contains a simile?

  1. The classroom was a zoo.
  2. Her smile was as bright as the sun. Correct answer.
  3. The rain fell steadily all night.
  4. The wind whispered through the trees.

Explanation

A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as.' 'As bright as the sun' uses 'as' to make a comparison.

Question 9Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "The chef tasted the soup, and then he added more salt." Which word is a conjunction joining two clauses?

  1. tasted
  2. and Correct answer.
  3. then
  4. more

Explanation

A coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses. 'And' connects 'The chef tasted the soup' with 'he added more salt.'

Question 10Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which of these is the best source to use for a school report about the life cycle of a frog?

  1. a personal blog about pets
  2. a fictional story about a frog
  3. a science textbook chapter on amphibians Correct answer.
  4. an advertisement for a pet store

Explanation

A reliable, fact-based source such as a science textbook is appropriate for a research report. Textbooks are reviewed and grounded in established knowledge.

Question 11Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "The museum was so crowded that you could barely move." Which word best describes the tone?

  1. sorrowful
  2. tense Correct answer.
  3. humorous
  4. informative

Explanation

The phrase 'barely move' conveys discomfort and pressure, creating a tense tone. Tone reflects the writer's attitude toward the subject.

Question 12Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which word is an antonym for "generous"?

  1. wealthy
  2. helpful
  3. kind
  4. selfish Correct answer.

Explanation

An antonym has the opposite meaning. 'Generous' means willing to give, so 'selfish' is its opposite.

Question 13Literacy (Reading and Writing)

In the sentence "The children ran quickly to the playground," what part of speech is "quickly"?

  1. adverb Correct answer.
  2. adjective
  3. noun
  4. preposition

Explanation

Adverbs modify verbs and often end in '-ly.' 'Quickly' describes how the children ran, modifying the verb 'ran.'

Question 14Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence is written in the passive voice?

  1. The championship was won by the team. Correct answer.
  2. The team celebrated the victory.
  3. The team won the championship.
  4. The team will win next year.

Explanation

In passive voice, the subject receives the action and the doer often appears after 'by.' Here 'the championship' receives the action of being won.

Question 15Literacy (Reading and Writing)

What is the purpose of an index at the back of a book?

  1. to show the author's biography
  2. to list page numbers where topics can be found Correct answer.
  3. to provide a glossary of definitions
  4. to summarize the plot

Explanation

An index is an alphabetical list of topics with page numbers so readers can locate information. It helps readers navigate a book efficiently.

Question 16Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "Although it was raining, the soccer game continued." What relationship does "although" show between the two ideas?

  1. cause and effect
  2. contrast Correct answer.
  3. sequence
  4. addition

Explanation

'Although' signals that the second idea happens despite the first, showing contrast. Contrast words include 'although,' 'but,' and 'however.'

Question 17Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe to show possession?

  1. The dogs bone was buried.
  2. The dog's bone was buried. Correct answer.
  3. The dog bone's was buried.
  4. The dogs' bone was buried in the yard by it's owner.

Explanation

A singular noun takes an apostrophe plus 's' to show possession. 'Dog's' correctly shows that the bone belongs to one dog.

Question 18Literacy (Reading and Writing)

A student is writing a story and wants to show that a character is nervous. Which sentence best shows this through actions rather than stating it directly?

  1. Nervousness was something the character experienced.
  2. The character was very nervous.
  3. The character's hands shook as she reached for the door. Correct answer.
  4. The character felt a lot of anxiety.

Explanation

Showing through actions lets readers infer emotion from concrete details. Shaking hands demonstrates nervousness without naming it.

Question 19Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence uses commas correctly in a list?

  1. We bought apples oranges and, bananas.
  2. We bought apples oranges, and bananas.
  3. We bought, apples oranges and bananas.
  4. We bought apples, oranges, and bananas. Correct answer.

Explanation

Items in a series are separated by commas, with a comma before the conjunction. Each item should be clearly separated.

Question 20Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "The scientist examined the sample carefully; she repeated the test three times." Why is a semicolon used here?

  1. to join two closely related independent clauses Correct answer.
  2. to show that a word is being defined
  3. to introduce a list of items
  4. to replace a question mark

Explanation

A semicolon can join two independent clauses that are closely related in meaning. Both parts here could stand alone as sentences.

Question 21Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence contains a metaphor?

  1. The wind howled all night.
  2. The moon was a silver coin in the sky. Correct answer.
  3. The stars twinkled like diamonds.
  4. The leaves rustled softly.

Explanation

A metaphor states that one thing is another without using 'like' or 'as.' Calling the moon 'a silver coin' makes a direct comparison.

Question 22Literacy (Reading and Writing)

What is the best way to combine these two sentences? "The book was long. I finished it in one day."

  1. The book was long but. I finished it in one day.
  2. The book was long, but I finished it in one day. Correct answer.
  3. The book was long I finished it in one day.
  4. The book was long, I finished it in one day.

Explanation

A comma plus a coordinating conjunction correctly joins two independent clauses. 'But' also shows the contrast between length and quick completion.

Question 23Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this passage: "Many cities are adding bike lanes. Supporters say the lanes reduce traffic and pollution. Critics worry about lost parking and cost." What is the main idea?

  1. Traffic and pollution no longer matter.
  2. Parking is the most important issue in cities.
  3. Bike lanes are always a mistake.
  4. Bike lanes are a debated change in cities. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage presents both support and criticism, showing that bike lanes are a topic of debate. A main idea should capture the overall point, not one side.

Question 24Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence uses the word "their" correctly?

  1. The students put there books away.
  2. The students put they're books away.
  3. The students put their books away. Correct answer.
  4. The students put theirs books away.

Explanation

'Their' is the possessive form meaning 'belonging to them.' The books belong to the students, so 'their' is correct.

Question 25Literacy (Reading and Writing)

A writer wants to persuade readers to recycle more. Which sentence uses the strongest persuasive appeal?

  1. Recycling has been around for many years.
  2. Recycling is something that can be done.
  3. Recycling is a topic that some people discuss.
  4. By recycling one aluminum can, you save enough energy to power a television for three hours. Correct answer.

Explanation

A specific, concrete fact gives readers a compelling reason to act, which strengthens persuasion. Vague statements do not motivate an audience.

Question 26Literacy (Reading and Writing)

A student is writing a story and wants to show that a character is nervous. Which sentence best shows this through action?

  1. She was a nervous person.
  2. Nervousness overwhelmed her.
  3. She felt very nervous.
  4. She tapped her foot and bit her lip. Correct answer.

Explanation

Showing nervousness through actions like tapping a foot and biting a lip allows readers to infer the emotion without being told directly. This is an example of 'show, don't tell'.

Question 27Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "The scientist examined the sample carefully; she repeated the test three times." Why is a semicolon used?

  1. To join two independent clauses Correct answer.
  2. To introduce a list
  3. To indicate a direct quotation
  4. To separate items in a series

Explanation

A semicolon can be used to connect two closely related independent clauses without a conjunction. Here, 'The scientist examined the sample carefully' and 'she repeated the test three times' are both independent clauses.

Question 28Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this passage: "Many cities are adding bike lanes. Supporters say the lanes reduce traffic and pollution. Critics worry that bike lanes take away parking spaces and slow down cars." What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. Bike lanes always reduce pollution.
  2. Critics of bike lanes are wrong.
  3. Bike lanes are popular everywhere.
  4. There are both benefits and drawbacks to adding bike lanes. Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage presents both supporters' views (reduced traffic and pollution) and critics' concerns (loss of parking and slower cars). Thus, the main idea is that bike lanes have both advantages and disadvantages.

Question 29Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "Before the bell rang, the students stacked their chairs on the desks." Which word is a subordinating conjunction?

  1. on
  2. their
  3. Before Correct answer.
  4. stacked

Explanation

A subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause and shows its relationship to the main clause. "Before" begins the dependent clause "Before the bell rang," so it is the subordinating conjunction.

Question 30Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence uses a colon correctly?

  1. She packed three: things, a map, a compass, and water.
  2. She packed: three things a map, a compass, and water.
  3. She packed three things: a map, a compass, and water. Correct answer.
  4. She packed three things a map: a compass, and water.

Explanation

A colon follows a complete independent clause and introduces a list or explanation. Only the first sentence places the colon after the full clause "She packed three things" and before the list.

Question 31Literacy (Reading and Writing)

A student is writing a report on the water cycle and wants to find a reliable fact about evaporation. Which source is most trustworthy?

  1. A science textbook published by a national geographic society Correct answer.
  2. A comment posted under a weather video
  3. A personal blog about gardening tips
  4. An advertisement for a home humidifier

Explanation

Reliable sources are written by qualified experts and reviewed for accuracy, such as a published science textbook. The other options lack editorial review or have a commercial or personal purpose.

Question 32Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "The wind whispered through the trees all night." Which figure of speech is used?

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

Explanation

Personification gives human qualities to non-human things. The wind is described as "whispering," a human action, so the sentence uses personification.

Question 33Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence is a fragment rather than a complete sentence?

  1. Down the hill, the dog ran.
  2. She ran toward the lake quickly.
  3. Running down the hill toward the lake. Correct answer.
  4. The dog ran down the hill.

Explanation

A complete sentence needs a subject and a verb that express a full thought. "Running down the hill toward the lake" has no subject performing the action, so it is a fragment.

Question 34Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which word best completes the sentence? "The team played well, ___ they still lost the final game."

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

Explanation

The sentence contrasts playing well with losing, so a contrast conjunction is needed. "But" signals that contrast correctly.

Question 35Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence uses "its" correctly?

  1. The dog lost it's collar.
  2. The cat licked it's paw.
  3. The cat licked its paw. Correct answer.
  4. Its going to rain later.

Explanation

"Its" is the possessive form showing ownership, while "it's" is a contraction of "it is." Only the first sentence uses the possessive form correctly.

Question 36Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "The old bridge groaned under the weight of the trucks." What does the word "groaned" most likely mean here?

  1. Made a low creaking sound Correct answer.
  2. Spoke in a loud voice
  3. Broke apart suddenly
  4. Moved very quickly

Explanation

Context clues ("old bridge," "weight of the trucks") show that "groaned" describes the sound of strain. The word suggests a low creaking noise rather than speaking or breaking.

Question 37Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this short passage: "The rain had stopped by morning, but the field was still muddy. Coach Patel walked the length of the pitch, testing the ground with his boot. Then he waved the players over." What can you infer about Coach Patel's decision?

  1. He is deciding whether the field is safe enough to play on. Correct answer.
  2. He is measuring the field for new goalposts.
  3. He is checking the field for lost equipment.
  4. He is planning to cancel the season permanently.

Explanation

Testing the ground with his boot and then calling the players over suggests he is judging the field's condition before play. The muddy field is the key clue.

Question 38Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence correctly uses a hyphen?

  1. She is a well known author-in our town.
  2. She is a wellknown author in our town.
  3. She is a well-known author in our town. Correct answer.
  4. She is a well known-author in our town.

Explanation

A hyphen links words that together form a compound modifier before a noun. "Well-known" modifies "author," so the hyphen belongs between "well" and "known."

Question 39Literacy (Reading and Writing)

What is the main purpose of a table of contents in a book?

  1. To provide extra facts that did not fit in the chapters
  2. To list chapters and their page numbers so readers can locate sections Correct answer.
  3. To define difficult words used in the text
  4. To give credit to the people who helped produce the book

Explanation

A table of contents appears at the front of a book and lists its sections with page numbers so readers can navigate. It organizes the book's structure.

Question 40Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "The puppy chased its tail until it grew dizzy." Which word does the pronoun "it" refer to?

  1. The tail
  2. The dizziness
  3. The chasing
  4. The puppy Correct answer.

Explanation

A pronoun refers back to the nearest suitable noun that makes sense in context. Here the puppy is what grew dizzy from chasing, so "it" refers to the puppy.

Question 41Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence best expresses the idea in a formal tone for a school newsletter?

  1. Hey everyone, get your art in by Friday or you'll miss out!
  2. You guys should totally bring your art for the spring thing.
  3. Students are invited to submit artwork for the spring showcase by Friday. Correct answer.
  4. Art? Friday? Bring it if you want, I guess.

Explanation

A formal school newsletter uses complete sentences, polite wording, and precise details. The first option states the audience, the task, and the deadline in a respectful tone.

Question 42Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this paragraph: "First, gather your materials. Next, mix the flour and water. Then knead the dough for five minutes. Finally, let it rest." Which text structure is used?

  1. Compare and contrast
  2. Sequence Correct answer.
  3. Problem and solution
  4. Cause and effect

Explanation

Signal words such as "First," "Next," "Then," and "Finally" show steps in order. This makes the structure a sequence.

Question 43Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence contains an error in subject-verb agreement?

  1. The list of supplies was posted on the board.
  2. The students were posting the supplies.
  3. The teacher was posting the list.
  4. The list of supplies were posted on the board. Correct answer.

Explanation

The subject "list" is singular, so it takes the singular verb "was," even though a plural noun follows in a prepositional phrase. The first sentence wrongly uses "were."

Question 44Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "The documentary was informative; however, it was far too long." What does the word "however" do?

  1. It signals a contrast with the first part of the sentence. Correct answer.
  2. It shows that the second part caused the first.
  3. It introduces a list of reasons.
  4. It adds another supporting example.

Explanation

"However" is a transition that signals contrast or qualification. Here it contrasts being informative with being too long.

Question 45Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which word is a synonym for "reluctant"?

  1. Cheerful
  2. Eager
  3. Certain
  4. Hesitant Correct answer.

Explanation

Synonyms are words with similar meanings. "Reluctant" means unwilling or unsure, so "hesitant" is the closest match.

Question 46Literacy (Reading and Writing)

A student wants to combine these sentences smoothly: "The trail was steep. We reached the summit by noon." Which version is best?

  1. Although the trail was steep, we reached the summit by noon. Correct answer.
  2. The trail was steep; we reached the summit by noon, it was steep.
  3. The trail was steep and we reached the summit by noon and it was steep.
  4. The trail was steep, we reached the summit by noon.

Explanation

A subordinating conjunction can join the ideas while showing their relationship. "Although" correctly signals that reaching the summit by noon happened despite the steep trail.

Question 47Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this passage: "Coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, yet they support about a quarter of all marine species. Warming water causes corals to expel the algae that give them colour and food, a process called bleaching." What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. Bleaching makes corals more colourful.
  2. Coral reefs cover most of the ocean floor.
  3. Coral reefs are ecologically vital but threatened by warming water. Correct answer.
  4. Marine species avoid coral reefs.

Explanation

The main idea combines the key points: reefs support a large share of marine life and are harmed by warming water. The details about coverage and bleaching support that idea.

Question 48Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Which sentence uses the correct form of the word to complete it? "The medicine had a strong ___ on the patient."

  1. affects
  2. effective
  3. affect
  4. effect Correct answer.

Explanation

"Effect" is a noun meaning a result, while "affect" is usually a verb meaning to influence. The sentence needs a noun after "strong," so "effect" is correct.

Question 49Literacy (Reading and Writing)

Read this sentence: "The volunteers, who had arrived at dawn, were still working at dusk." What does the clause "who had arrived at dawn" do?

  1. It adds descriptive information about the volunteers. Correct answer.
  2. It shows the result of the volunteers' work.
  3. It asks a question about the volunteers.
  4. It states the main action of the sentence.

Explanation

A relative clause beginning with "who" describes the noun before it. Set off by commas, it adds extra, non-essential detail about the volunteers.

Question 50Literacy (Reading and Writing)

A writer wants to persuade readers that their town should build a community garden. Which sentence uses the strongest evidence?

  1. Gardens are green and green is a good colour.
  2. Community gardens are nice places that everyone loves.
  3. I think a garden would be a fun idea for our town.
  4. A survey of 300 residents found that 82 percent would use a community garden. Correct answer.

Explanation

Strong persuasive writing supports claims with specific, verifiable evidence such as survey data. The first option gives a sample size and a precise result.