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Georgia Milestones Grade 4 ELA study materials
Georgia Milestones Grade 4 ELA study resources

Georgia Milestones Grade 4 ELA practice questions

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Question 1English Language Arts

A student is reading a story and comes to the word 'enormous.' The sentence reads: 'The enormous elephant filled the entire doorway.' Which context clue best helps the reader figure out the meaning of 'enormous'?

  1. The word 'the' appears before 'enormous.'
  2. The word 'elephant' shows the animal being described.
  3. The phrase 'filled the entire doorway' shows that the elephant is very large. Correct answer.
  4. The word 'doorway' tells where the elephant is standing.

Explanation

A context clue is nearby text that hints at a word's meaning. The phrase 'filled the entire doorway' suggests great size, which matches 'enormous.' The other details name or locate the animal but do not explain how big it is.

Question 2English Language Arts

Read this sentence from a fourth-grade report: 'Maria grabbed her umbrella, dashed outside, and splashed through the puddles.' Which sentence structure does the writer use?

  1. A compound sentence joined by a conjunction
  2. A complex sentence with a dependent clause
  3. A simple sentence with a compound predicate Correct answer.
  4. A sentence fragment missing a subject

Explanation

The sentence has one subject ('Maria') and three verbs that share it: 'grabbed,' 'dashed,' and 'splashed.' Two or more verbs sharing one subject form a compound predicate. There is no second independent clause and no dependent clause, so it is not compound or complex.

Question 3English Language Arts

Which word in this sentence is a preposition? 'The puppy hid beneath the porch during the storm.'

  1. porch
  2. beneath Correct answer.
  3. storm
  4. hid

Explanation

A preposition shows the relationship between a noun and another word in the sentence. 'Beneath' shows where the puppy hid in relation to the porch. 'Hid' is a verb, and 'porch' and 'storm' are nouns.

Question 4English Language Arts

A student is writing a story and wants to replace the weak verb in this sentence: 'The leaves went down to the ground slowly.' Which replacement is the most precise verb for a story about falling leaves?

  1. drifted Correct answer.
  2. traveled
  3. went
  4. moved

Explanation

A precise verb creates a clear picture for the reader. 'Drifted' suggests a slow, floating motion that fits falling leaves. 'Moved' and 'traveled' are general, and 'went' is the weak verb being replaced.

Question 5English Language Arts

Read this passage: 'The science fair was on Friday. Sam forgot his poster at home. He felt his face grow hot as he walked into the gym.' Which sentence best describes how Sam feels?

  1. Proud of his work
  2. Embarrassed about forgetting his poster Correct answer.
  3. Angry at the judges
  4. Excited about showing his project

Explanation

Readers infer feelings from details in the text. Sam's face growing hot as he enters the gym suggests embarrassment about the missing poster. Nothing in the passage shows excitement, anger, or pride.

Question 6English Language Arts

Which sentence uses the correct form of the word to show that something happened in the past?

  1. Yesterday the team run five laps around the track.
  2. Yesterday the team runs five laps around the track.
  3. Yesterday the team ran five laps around the track. Correct answer.
  4. Yesterday the team running five laps around the track.

Explanation

Regular and irregular verbs change form to show past tense. The irregular past tense of 'run' is 'ran,' so it matches the word 'Yesterday.' The other choices use present-tense or incomplete verb forms.

Question 7English Language Arts

A student is writing a paragraph and wants to add a sentence that connects two ideas. Which transition word best completes this sentence? 'The trail was steep and rocky; ___, the hikers reached the top before noon.'

  1. meanwhile
  2. therefore
  3. for example
  4. however Correct answer.

Explanation

A transition word shows how two ideas relate. The second idea contrasts a difficulty with a surprising success, so 'however' signals that contrast. 'Therefore' shows cause, 'for example' introduces an illustration, and 'meanwhile' shows time.

Question 8English Language Arts

Which sentence correctly uses commas to set off words that address a person directly?

  1. Please bring, your notebook Maya to class tomorrow.
  2. Please bring your notebook Maya to class tomorrow.
  3. Please bring your notebook Maya, to class tomorrow.
  4. Please bring your notebook, Maya, to class tomorrow. Correct answer.

Explanation

When a speaker names the person being spoken to, that name is set off with commas. 'Maya' is being addressed, so it needs a comma before and after. The other choices place commas incorrectly or omit one.

Question 9English Language Arts

A student is planning an opinion essay about why schools should have longer recess. Which sentence would work best as a thesis statement?

  1. Many students enjoy playing games during recess.
  2. Some schools have recess in the morning and some in the afternoon.
  3. Schools should lengthen recess because it improves students' focus and health. Correct answer.
  4. Recess is a time when students go outside.

Explanation

A thesis statement for an opinion essay states a clear position and gives reasons. Only this sentence says what should happen ('lengthen recess') and why. The other choices are factual statements that do not take a side.

Question 10English Language Arts

Read this paragraph: 'First, gather your materials. Next, mix the flour and water. Then, knead the dough for five minutes. Finally, bake it in a hot oven.' Which text structure does the paragraph use?

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

Explanation

The signal words 'First,' 'Next,' 'Then,' and 'Finally' show steps in a sequence. A paragraph organized by steps follows chronological order. Compare-contrast, problem-solution, and cause-effect structures would use different signal words and relationships.

Question 11English Language Arts

A student is reading a story and comes across the word 'reluctant' in this sentence: 'Although he was reluctant at first, Jamal finally agreed to sing in the talent show.' What does 'reluctant' most likely mean?

  1. Excited and eager
  2. Angry and upset
  3. Confused and lost
  4. Unwilling or hesitant Correct answer.

Explanation

The word 'Although' and the phrase 'finally agreed' signal that Jamal hesitated before saying yes. That contrast shows 'reluctant' means unwilling or hesitant. The other feelings do not fit the idea of slowly agreeing.

Question 12English Language Arts

Which sentence correctly uses quotation marks and punctuation to show a character speaking?

  1. "I can't wait for the field trip," she said excitedly. Correct answer.
  2. I can't wait for the field trip, "she said excitedly."
  3. "I can't wait for the field trip", she said excitedly.
  4. "I can't wait for the field trip" she said excitedly.

Explanation

A comma separates the quoted words from the speaker's tag, and it goes inside the closing quotation mark. The other choices put the comma outside, leave it out, or place quotation marks around the wrong words.

Question 13English Language Arts

Read this sentence: 'The wind whispered through the trees.' What kind of figurative language is used?

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

Explanation

Personification gives human qualities to something that is not human. Wind cannot actually whisper, so the writer is giving it a human ability. A simile would use 'like' or 'as,' a hyperbole would exaggerate, and an idiom would be a fixed expression.

Question 14English Language Arts

A student is writing a report about pandas and wants to use the best source. Which source would give the most reliable information about pandas?

  1. A comment on a video about pandas
  2. A wildlife encyclopedia written by animal scientists Correct answer.
  3. A fictional story about a panda who plays soccer
  4. A blog post by a fan who has never seen a panda

Explanation

A reliable source is written by experts and can be checked. An encyclopedia by animal scientists gives accurate, researched facts. A fan blog, a fictional story, and a video comment are not expert or factual sources.

Question 15English Language Arts

Which sentence uses the correct homophone for the meaning shown in parentheses?

  1. The dog buried its' bone in the yard. (belonging to it)
  2. The dog buried its bone in the yard. (it is)
  3. The dog buried its bone in the yard. (belonging to it) Correct answer.
  4. The dog buried it's bone in the yard. (belonging to it)

Explanation

'Its' is a possessive pronoun that shows something belongs to it. 'It's' is a contraction meaning 'it is,' and 'its'' is not a correct form. Only the first choice uses the right form for possession.

Question 16English Language Arts

Read this sentence: 'The tiny kitten, which was only a few weeks old, slept in a basket.' Which part of the sentence is the dependent clause?

  1. slept in a basket
  2. The tiny kitten
  3. The tiny kitten slept
  4. which was only a few weeks old Correct answer.

Explanation

A dependent clause has a subject and verb but cannot stand alone as a sentence. 'Which was only a few weeks old' has a subject ('which') and verb ('was') but begins with a relative word that makes it dependent. The other choices are phrases or the main clause.

Question 17English Language Arts

A student is comparing two articles about recycling. Article A says, 'Recycling saves energy and reduces waste.' Article B says, 'Some recycling programs cost cities money and confuse residents.' Which statement best describes how the two articles differ?

  1. Article A focuses on problems, while Article B focuses on benefits.
  2. Both articles present only positive effects of recycling.
  3. Article A focuses on benefits, while Article B focuses on problems. Correct answer.
  4. Both articles focus on the cost of recycling programs.

Explanation

To compare two texts, readers look at the main point of each. Article A lists advantages, and Article B lists drawbacks. The other choices reverse the focus or claim both articles agree.

Question 18English Language Arts

Which sentence correctly uses a colon?

  1. The recipe: needs these ingredients flour, sugar, and eggs.
  2. The recipe needs these ingredients: flour, sugar, and eggs. Correct answer.
  3. The recipe needs these ingredients flour: sugar, and eggs.
  4. The recipe needs: these ingredients flour, sugar, and eggs.

Explanation

A colon introduces a list after a complete sentence. In the first choice, 'The recipe needs these ingredients' is complete, and the colon correctly introduces the list. The other choices place the colon in the wrong spot.

Question 19English Language Arts

A student is writing a narrative and wants to show a character's worry instead of telling it directly. Which sentence best shows worry through actions?

  1. Elena was very worried about the test.
  2. Elena chewed her pencil and reread the same question three times. Correct answer.
  3. Elena was worried, and she knew it.
  4. Elena felt a lot of worry in her mind.

Explanation

Showing instead of telling uses actions and details that let readers infer a feeling. Chewing a pencil and rereading a question show worry without naming it. The other choices simply state the emotion.

Question 20English Language Arts

Read this sentence: 'After the long hike, the hikers were ravenous and ate three plates each.' What does 'ravenous' mean?

  1. Very tired
  2. Slightly bored
  3. Quite thirsty
  4. Extremely hungry Correct answer.

Explanation

The detail that the hikers ate three plates each hints at how hungry they were. Combined with 'After the long hike,' this shows 'ravenous' means extremely hungry. The other meanings do not explain the large amount of food.

Question 21English Language Arts

Which sentence uses a pronoun correctly so that its antecedent is clear?

  1. Maya gave Priya the book, and Priya thanked her. Correct answer.
  2. They gave her the book and she thanked them.
  3. She gave her the book when the girls met.
  4. When Maya met Priya, she gave her the book.

Explanation

A pronoun should clearly refer to one noun, called its antecedent. In the second choice, 'her' clearly refers to Maya because Priya is the subject of the second clause. The other choices use pronouns that could refer to more than one person.

Question 22English Language Arts

A student is writing a summary of a story. Which detail should be left out of the summary?

  1. The main character loses a special necklace.
  2. The main character finds the necklace under a bench.
  3. The main character searches the park for the necklace.
  4. The main character's friend wears a blue jacket on Tuesday. Correct answer.

Explanation

A summary includes only important events that move the story forward. The color of a friend's jacket on a certain day is a minor detail. Losing, searching for, and finding the necklace are key plot events.

Question 23English Language Arts

Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe to show that more than one student owns something?

  1. The students' projects were displayed in the hall. Correct answer.
  2. The students projects' were displayed in the hall.
  3. The students's projects were displayed in the hall.
  4. The student's projects were displayed in the hall.

Explanation

For a plural noun ending in -s, add only an apostrophe to show possession. 'Students'' correctly shows that several students own the projects. The other choices use a singular form or place the apostrophe incorrectly.

Question 24English Language Arts

Read this sentence: 'The thunder grumbled like an old man waking from a nap.' Which two kinds of figurative language appear in this sentence?

  1. Personification and simile Correct answer.
  2. Hyperbole and idiom
  3. Metaphor and personification
  4. Simile and alliteration

Explanation

The thunder is given the human action of grumbling, which is personification. The word 'like' compares thunder to an old man, which is a simile. There is no exaggeration, idiom, alliteration, or direct metaphor.

Question 25English Language Arts

A student is writing an informational paragraph about how bees make honey. Which sentence would make the best topic sentence?

  1. Honey is sweet and comes in many colors.
  2. Many people enjoy honey on toast.
  3. Bees follow several steps to turn nectar into honey. Correct answer.
  4. Bees are insects that live in colonies.

Explanation

A topic sentence tells what the whole paragraph will be about. The paragraph is about how bees make honey, so the sentence naming the steps fits best. The other choices give related facts but do not focus on the process.

Question 26English Language Arts

A student is writing a story and needs a word that means the opposite of 'generous.' Which word best completes this sentence: 'The selfish king was known as a _____ ruler who never shared his wealth.'?

  1. wealthy
  2. powerful
  3. ancient
  4. stingy Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence sets up a contrast with 'generous' and is supported by the clue 'never shared his wealth.' A word meaning unwilling to give or spend is needed, and 'stingy' carries exactly that meaning. The other words describe the king but do not express the opposite of generous.

Question 27English Language Arts

In a Grade 4 reading passage, a character says, 'I've been waiting for this day since I was knee-high to a grasshopper.' What does the underlined expression most likely mean?

  1. The speaker has been waiting for only a short time.
  2. The speaker has been waiting near a field of insects.
  3. The speaker has been waiting while sitting on the ground.
  4. The speaker has been waiting since he was very young. Correct answer.

Explanation

An idiom's meaning cannot be figured out from the literal words alone; readers use the surrounding sentence to infer it. 'Since I was knee-high to a grasshopper' is a playful way of saying 'since I was very small or young.' The phrase signals a long period of waiting that began in childhood.

Question 28English Language Arts

A student is writing a friendly letter and wants to close it properly. Which line shows the correct punctuation for the closing of a friendly letter?

  1. Your friend: Maya
  2. Your friend Maya,
  3. Your friend; Maya
  4. Your friend, Maya Correct answer.

Explanation

In a friendly letter, the closing phrase is followed by a comma, and then the writer's name goes on the next line. 'Your friend,' with a comma after it, follows this convention. A comma is the standard mark after a letter closing, not a semicolon or colon.

Question 29English Language Arts

A student is writing a paragraph about a class field trip and wants to show the order of events. Which sentence best uses a time-order word to begin the second event?

  1. We packed our lunches because the bus arrived.
  2. Packing our lunches, the bus arrived.
  3. Before the bus arrived, we packed our lunches. Correct answer.
  4. The bus arrived, and we packed our lunches.

Explanation

Time-order words such as 'before,' 'after,' 'first,' and 'then' help readers follow the sequence of events. 'Before the bus arrived' clearly signals that packing lunches happened earlier than the bus's arrival. The other sentences either lack a clear time relationship or confuse the order.

Question 30English Language Arts

Which sentence about a science experiment uses the correct past-tense form of the verb 'freeze'?

  1. The water freezed in the freezer overnight.
  2. The water freezes in the freezer overnight.
  3. The water has froze in the freezer overnight.
  4. The water froze in the freezer overnight. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Freeze' is an irregular verb, so its simple past tense is 'froze,' not 'freezed.' The sentence describes a completed action, which calls for the simple past form. The other options use an incorrect form, an incomplete helping-verb construction, or the present tense.

Question 31English Language Arts

A student is writing a report and wants to combine these two sentences: 'The library opens at nine. The library closes at five.' Which combined sentence uses a coordinating conjunction correctly?

  1. The library opens at nine, but it closes at five.
  2. The library opens at nine, so it closes at five.
  3. The library opens at nine, or it closes at five.
  4. The library opens at nine, and it closes at five. Correct answer.

Explanation

A coordinating conjunction joins two related ideas of equal importance. Because both facts simply add information about the library's hours, 'and' is the accurate connector. The other conjunctions suggest contrast, choice, or cause and effect that the sentences do not contain.

Question 32English Language Arts

Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly to show that the playground belongs to the whole class?

  1. The class' playground was repainted.
  2. The classs playground was repainted.
  3. The class's playground was repainted. Correct answer.
  4. The class's' playground was repainted.

Explanation

For a singular noun like 'class' that ends in s, adding an apostrophe and an s ('class's') is the standard way to show possession. The possessive form comes before the noun it owns, which is 'playground.' The other options either omit the needed s or add punctuation incorrectly.

Question 33English Language Arts

A student is reading a story and wants to know the meaning of the word 'fragile' in this sentence: 'The fragile vase cracked when it was bumped.' Which context clue best helps the reader figure out the meaning?

  1. The word 'vase' shows that the object is valuable.
  2. The word 'bumped' shows that someone was careless.
  3. The word 'cracked' shows that the vase breaks easily. Correct answer.
  4. The word 'when' shows that two events happened together.

Explanation

A context clue is a word or phrase near an unknown word that helps readers infer its meaning. The fact that the vase 'cracked when it was bumped' shows that it breaks easily, which is what 'fragile' means. Readers can use this clue to confirm the definition.

Question 34English Language Arts

A student is writing an informational paragraph about how a bill becomes a law. Which sentence would make the best concluding sentence for the paragraph?

  1. A bill is a written idea for a new law.
  2. First, a lawmaker writes a bill and introduces it.
  3. In conclusion, making a law requires many careful steps. Correct answer.
  4. Have you ever wondered about the word 'bill'?

Explanation

A concluding sentence restates the main idea and signals the end of the paragraph. 'In conclusion, making a law requires many careful steps' summarizes the process described and uses a clear closing signal. The other choices either introduce details, define a term, or ask a question that belongs elsewhere.

Question 35English Language Arts

Read this sentence: 'The students were as busy as bees preparing for the science fair.' Which statement best explains the effect of the comparison?

  1. It shows that the students were working hard and moving quickly. Correct answer.
  2. It shows that the science fair was about bees.
  3. It shows that the students were tired and wanted to rest.
  4. It shows that the students were actually insects.

Explanation

A simile compares two unlike things using 'like' or 'as.' Comparing busy students to bees suggests energy, teamwork, and constant activity. Readers use the comparison to picture how hard the students were working.

Question 36English Language Arts

A student is writing a narrative and wants to show that a character is nervous about a spelling bee. Which sentence best shows this through the character's actions?

  1. The spelling bee was held in the school gymnasium.
  2. Maya is a student who likes to read books.
  3. Maya felt nervous about the spelling bee.
  4. Maya wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans and reread the word list for the fifth time. Correct answer.

Explanation

Showing rather than telling lets readers infer a character's feelings from actions and details. Sweaty hands and rereading the list repeatedly suggest nervousness without naming the emotion. The other sentences either tell the feeling directly or give unrelated information.

Question 37English Language Arts

A student is writing a report about the life cycle of a butterfly. Which sentence would make the best topic sentence for the report?

  1. Butterflies are beautiful insects that fly in gardens.
  2. Many people enjoy watching butterflies in the summer.
  3. A butterfly's life cycle has four stages, each with its own changes. Correct answer.
  4. I once saw a butterfly land on a flower.

Explanation

A topic sentence names the main idea that the rest of the report will explain. Because the report is about the life cycle, the sentence should introduce the stages of that cycle. The other choices are details, personal observations, or unrelated facts.

Question 38English Language Arts

Which sentence uses the correct form of the word 'their,' 'there,' or 'they're' to complete the sentence: 'The students put _____ backpacks in the cubbies.'?

  1. their Correct answer.
  2. there
  3. theirs'
  4. they're

Explanation

'Their' is the possessive form that shows the backpacks belong to the students. 'There' refers to a place, and 'they're' is a contraction of 'they are.' Only the possessive form fits before the noun 'backpacks.'

Question 39English Language Arts

A student is comparing two sources about the same event. Source A was written by an eyewitness on the day of the event. Source B was written by a reporter one year later. Which statement best explains why Source A may be more useful for details of what happened?

  1. Source A was written close to the event by someone who saw it. Correct answer.
  2. Source A must be correct because it is older.
  3. Source B is longer and therefore more accurate.
  4. Source B was written by a reporter, so it cannot be trusted.

Explanation

A firsthand account written soon after an event is often useful for specific details because the writer observed what happened. Source B may still be valuable, but a year's delay and secondhand information can affect its detail. Readers should evaluate sources by asking who wrote them and when.

Question 40English Language Arts

Read this paragraph: 'The puppy scratched at the door. He whined softly. He looked up with big eyes. Finally, his owner opened the door.' Which sentence best describes the puppy's behavior?

  1. The puppy was afraid of the door.
  2. The puppy was trying to get his owner's attention. Correct answer.
  3. The puppy was angry at his owner.
  4. The puppy wanted to take a nap.

Explanation

Readers can draw a conclusion by connecting several details in a paragraph. Scratching, whining, and looking up are all actions that signal the puppy wants something from his owner. The owner's response of opening the door supports this inference.

Question 41English Language Arts

A student is writing a persuasive paragraph about why the class should start a garden. Which sentence best supports the claim with a reason?

  1. Our class has twenty-four students this year.
  2. Gardens are my favorite place to spend time.
  3. Some gardens have flowers, and some have vegetables.
  4. A class garden would give students a chance to learn about plants and teamwork. Correct answer.

Explanation

A persuasive paragraph needs reasons that support the claim, not just opinions or unrelated facts. The sentence about learning plants and teamwork gives a clear benefit of starting a garden. The other options are personal preferences or details that do not support the claim.

Question 42English Language Arts

Which sentence correctly uses a comma to separate an introductory phrase from the rest of the sentence?

  1. After the rain, stopped the students went outside.
  2. After the rain stopped, the students went outside. Correct answer.
  3. After, the rain stopped the students went outside.
  4. After the rain stopped the students, went outside.

Explanation

An introductory phrase comes before the main clause and is followed by a comma. In this sentence, 'After the rain stopped' sets the time, and the comma correctly separates it from the main clause. The other options place the comma in positions that break the sentence apart incorrectly.

Question 43English Language Arts

A student is writing a story and wants to replace the word 'said' with a more precise word. Read this sentence: 'I can't believe we won!' she _____. Which word best shows excitement?

  1. whispered
  2. exclaimed Correct answer.
  3. replied
  4. mumbled

Explanation

Precise word choice helps readers hear how a character speaks. The exclamation and the words 'I can't believe we won!' show strong excitement, so 'exclaimed' fits best. The other words suggest quietness or a neutral response.

Question 44English Language Arts

Read this sentence: 'The bright, colorful mural on the wall cheered up the whole neighborhood.' Which word best describes the tone of the sentence?

  1. Angry
  2. Suspenseful
  3. Cheerful Correct answer.
  4. Gloomy

Explanation

Tone is the feeling a writer creates through word choice. Words like 'bright,' 'colorful,' and 'cheered up' create a positive, cheerful feeling. The other choices name moods that the words in the sentence do not support.

Question 45English Language Arts

A student is writing a narrative and wants to add a sentence that shows the setting. Which sentence best shows the setting of a story that takes place at a beach?

  1. The character had an argument with a friend.
  2. The character was very tired after a long day.
  3. The salty breeze ruffled the towels spread across the warm sand. Correct answer.
  4. The character wanted to find a lost bracelet.

Explanation

Setting includes the time and place of a story, and details about the surroundings help readers picture it. The salty breeze, towels, and warm sand all create a clear beach scene. The other sentences describe feelings or events rather than the setting.

Question 46English Language Arts

Which sentence uses the correct form of the comparative adjective to compare the two mountains?

  1. Mount A is tallest than Mount B.
  2. Mount A is taller than Mount B. Correct answer.
  3. Mount A is more tall than Mount B.
  4. Mount A is tall than Mount B.

Explanation

When comparing two things, the comparative form of a one-syllable adjective is made by adding -er, so 'taller' is correct. The superlative 'tallest' is used for three or more things. 'More tall' and 'tall' do not correctly show a comparison.

Question 47English Language Arts

Read this sentence: 'The wind whispered through the trees.' Which two elements of figurative language are present?

  1. Simile and hyperbole
  2. Alliteration and metaphor
  3. Personification and imagery Correct answer.
  4. Onomatopoeia and idiom

Explanation

Giving the wind the human action of whispering is personification. The phrase also creates imagery by helping readers picture and hear the movement through the trees. The sentence uses no 'like' or 'as,' so it is not a simile.

Question 48English Language Arts

A student is writing a research report and needs to take notes. Which note best records a fact about honeybees without copying the source word for word?

  1. Honeybees visit many flowers each day to collect nectar. Correct answer.
  2. Honeybees are the most amazing insects in the world.
  3. Honeybees, according to my teacher, are important.
  4. I think honeybees are fun to watch in the garden.

Explanation

Good research notes record facts in the writer's own words and avoid opinions. The sentence about visiting flowers to collect nectar states a factual behavior clearly. The other notes give opinions or personal comments that do not belong in a factual report.

Question 49English Language Arts

Read these two sentences: 'The old bridge creaked under the weight of the truck. The driver slowed down and listened.' Which statement best explains why the author includes the detail about the creaking bridge?

  1. It proves that the bridge was built many years ago.
  2. It explains why the driver is traveling to another town.
  3. It shows that the truck is carrying a heavy load of animals.
  4. It creates a feeling of suspense about whether the bridge is safe. Correct answer.

Explanation

Authors choose details to shape how readers feel and what they expect. The creaking bridge suggests danger or strain, which builds suspense about what will happen next. The driver slowing down to listen supports this tense mood.

Question 50English Language Arts

A student is writing an opinion piece about whether homework should be given on weekends. Which sentence best states a clear opinion that the rest of the piece can support?

  1. Many students have homework on weekends.
  2. Some teachers give homework, and some do not.
  3. Homework can be math, reading, or science.
  4. Weekend homework should be limited because families need time to rest together. Correct answer.

Explanation

A strong opinion statement takes a clear position and hints at the reasons that will follow. The sentence about limiting weekend homework gives a position and a reason about family rest time. The other sentences are neutral facts that do not state an opinion.