Smarter Balanced Assessment Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A student wants to strengthen this weak claim: 'Social media is bad.' Which revision is strongest?

'Social media has some bad effects on society.'
'Some people think social media is bad.'
'Social media is really, really bad for people.'
'Excessive social media use among teenagers correlates with increased rates of anxiety and depression, according to multiple longitudinal studies.' (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'Excessive social media use among teenagers correlates with increased rates of anxiety and depression, according to multiple longitudinal studies.'

The strongest revision is specific, uses precise evidence-based language, cites a credible type of source, and focuses on a particular population and measurable outcome.

Question 2: What is the area of a rectangle that is 7 units long and 4 units wide?

22 square units
28 square units (Correct answer)
32 square units
11 square units

Correct answer: 28 square units

Area is length times width: 7 × 4 = 28.

Question 3: What is 1,234 rounded to the nearest hundred?

1,000
1,230
1,200 (Correct answer)
1,300

Correct answer: 1,200

The tens digit is 3, so round down, keeping the hundreds digit at 2: 1,200.

Question 4: What is 2.5 − 1.75?

1.25
0.65
0.75 (Correct answer)
0.85

Correct answer: 0.75

Rewrite 2.5 as 2.50, then subtract: 2.50 − 1.75 = 0.75. Subtract hundredths (0−5, borrow), tenths, then ones.

Question 5: What is the volume of a cylinder with radius 3 and height 5? (Use π ≈ 3.14)

141.3 (Correct answer)
47.1
282.6
94.2

Correct answer: 141.3

V = πr^2h = 3.14 × 9 × 5 = 141.3.

Question 6: Which text structure uses words like 'first,' 'next,' 'then,' and 'finally'?

Problem and Solution
Cause and Effect
Sequence/Chronological Order (Correct answer)
Compare and Contrast

Correct answer: Sequence/Chronological Order

Sequence or chronological order text structure presents events or steps in the order they happen, using signal words like 'first,' 'next,' 'then,' and 'finally.'

Question 7: What does it mean to 'develop' a body paragraph in an argumentative essay?

To present a topic sentence, provide evidence, analyze how it supports the claim, and connect back to the thesis (Correct answer)
To copy multiple sources and list them without explanation
To write a very long paragraph with many unrelated sentences
To repeat the essay's introduction in different words

Correct answer: To present a topic sentence, provide evidence, analyze how it supports the claim, and connect back to the thesis

A developed body paragraph includes a clear topic sentence, specific evidence, analysis explaining how the evidence supports the claim, and a connection to the thesis.

Question 8: What is 3/4 ÷ 1/2?

2
1 1/4
1 1/2 (Correct answer)
3/8

Correct answer: 1 1/2

Dividing by a fraction means multiplying by its reciprocal: 3/4 × 2/1 = 6/4 = 3/2 = 1 1/2.

Question 9: What is the pattern rule if the sequence is 2, 4, 6, 8, ...?

Subtract 2 each time
Add 2 each time (Correct answer)
Multiply by 2 each time
Add 4 each time

Correct answer: Add 2 each time

Each term increases by 2, so the rule is add 2.

Question 10: What number sentence is illustrated by the diagram below?

32+4=36
32×4=128
32-4=28
32÷4=8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 32÷4=8

The diagram (not provided, but implied by the answer) would illustrate 32 items being divided into 4 equal groups. If each group contains 8 items, this visually represents the division operation 32 ÷ 4 = 8, showing how a total quantity is split into equal parts.

Question 11: A student answered 18 out of 24 questions correctly on a test. What percentage of questions did the student answer correctly?

75% (Correct answer)
80%
70%
65%

Correct answer: 75%

Divide correct answers by total: 18 ÷ 24 = 0.75. Multiply by 100 to get 75%.

Question 12: Given the figure of the parallelogram below, which side is parallel to side<br><br><div style="text-decoration: overline;"> RT </div>

None of the Above
<div style="text-decoration: overline;"> RS </div>
<div style="text-decoration: overline;"> QS </div> (Correct answer)
<div style="text-decoration: overline;"> QT </div>

Correct answer: <div style="text-decoration: overline;"> QS </div>

In a parallelogram (labeled QRST, implied), opposite sides are parallel to each other. If side RT is one side, then the side directly opposite to it is QS. Therefore, side QS is parallel to side RT.

Question 13: In a story, what is the 'conflict'?

The main challenge or problem the character must face (Correct answer)
The first sentence of the story
The title that tells what the story is about
The happy ending where the problem is solved

Correct answer: The main challenge or problem the character must face

The conflict is the main problem or challenge a character must deal with — it is what drives the story forward and keeps readers interested.

Question 14: Which fraction is equivalent to 1/2?

3/6 (Correct answer)
2/3
3/4
2/6

Correct answer: 3/6

3/6 is equivalent to 1/2 because both the numerator and denominator of 1/2 are multiplied by 3: 1×3=3 and 2×3=6.

Question 15: What is 2/3 × 3/4?

1/2 (Correct answer)
6/7
5/7
5/12

Correct answer: 1/2

Multiply numerators and denominators: (2 × 3)/(3 × 4) = 6/12 = 1/2.

Question 16: An author writes: 'Many experts believe reducing plastic waste is the most important step we can take to protect ocean wildlife.' What should a careful reader do to evaluate this claim?

Skip the claim and focus only on facts with numbers.
Accept the claim because the author included it in the article.
Assume the claim is false because it uses the word 'believe.'
Look for specific evidence, data, or expert quotes that support the claim. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Look for specific evidence, data, or expert quotes that support the claim.

Strong informational readers evaluate claims by looking for supporting evidence such as data, research, or expert testimony. A claim without evidence should be questioned, not automatically accepted or rejected.

Question 17: While reading a science article, a fifth grader encounters the word 'arid' in this sentence: 'The desert is an arid environment where very little rain falls each year.' What is the most likely meaning of 'arid'?

Very dry (Correct answer)
Extremely cold
Densely populated
Highly polluted

Correct answer: Very dry

Context clues in the sentence — 'desert' and 'very little rain falls' — point directly to the meaning of 'arid' as very dry. Readers can use surrounding words to figure out unfamiliar vocabulary.

Question 18: What is 7/10 + 2/10?

9/20
14/10
9/10 (Correct answer)
5/10

Correct answer: 9/10

Add the numerators over the common denominator: 7 + 2 = 9, giving 9/10.

Question 19: Which decimal is equal to 6/10?

0.16
6.0
0.6 (Correct answer)
0.06

Correct answer: 0.6

6/10 written as a decimal is 0.6.

Question 20: Tamara solved 4 + 6 = 10 and then said that means 6 + 4 = 10 too. What property is she using?

Distributive Property
Commutative Property (Correct answer)
Zero Property
Associative Property

Correct answer: Commutative Property

The Commutative Property of Addition states that the order of addends can be switched without changing the sum: 4 + 6 = 6 + 4 = 10.

Question 21: A baker uses 1 1/3 cups of flour and 2/3 cup of sugar. How much more flour than sugar does the recipe require?

1/3 cup
1 2/3 cups
1 cup
2/3 cup (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2/3 cup

Convert 1 1/3 to an improper fraction: 4/3. Then subtract: 4/3 − 2/3 = 2/3. The recipe needs 2/3 cup more flour than sugar.

Question 22: How many solutions does 3x + 6 = 3x + 6 have?

One
Two
None
Infinitely many (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Infinitely many

Both sides are identical, so every value of x is a solution.

Question 23: Which word best describes a character who helps others, even at great personal cost?

Selfish
Heroic (Correct answer)
Timid
Greedy

Correct answer: Heroic

A character who helps others even at personal cost demonstrates heroic qualities — courage and selflessness in service of others.

Question 24: What is 3/5 ÷ 2?

6/5
3/10 (Correct answer)
1/5
1 1/5

Correct answer: 3/10

Dividing a fraction by a whole number: 3/5 ÷ 2 = 3/5 × 1/2 = 3/10.

Question 25: A store offers a 20% discount on a $50 jacket. What is the sale price?

$30
$40 (Correct answer)
$10
$45

Correct answer: $40

20% of $50 is $10, so $50 - $10 = $40.

Question 26: Which decimal is equivalent to 3/8?

0.375 (Correct answer)
0.35
0.38
0.3

Correct answer: 0.375

3/8 = 0.375. Divide 3 ÷ 8: 8 goes into 30 three times (0.3), remainder 6; 8 goes into 60 seven times (0.07), remainder 4; 8 goes into 40 five times (0.005). So 3/8 = 0.375.

Question 27: What is 30% of 90?

27 (Correct answer)
33
18
60

Correct answer: 27

30% equals 0.30, and 0.30 × 90 = 27.

Question 28: Which of the following is an example of a PRIMARY source?

A textbook chapter summarizing the Civil War
A documentary film about World War II
An encyclopedia entry about ancient Rome
A diary written by a soldier during World War I (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A diary written by a soldier during World War I

A primary source is an original, first-hand account from the time period being studied, such as a diary written by someone who lived through the event.

Question 29: In SBAC assessments, what does it mean to 'cite textual evidence'?

To use specific quotes or details from the text to support your answer (Correct answer)
To identify the genre of the text
To write a personal opinion about the text
To summarize the text in your own words

Correct answer: To use specific quotes or details from the text to support your answer

Citing textual evidence means using specific quotes or details directly from the text to support your claims.

Question 30: How many sides does a hexagon have?

8
7
5
6 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 6

A hexagon has 6 sides.

Question 31: What does it mean when two sources on the same topic give different information?

One source is always wrong and should be ignored
Both sources are wrong and you should find different ones
The sources may have different perspectives, or one may be outdated or inaccurate — further research is needed (Correct answer)
You should always trust the longer source

Correct answer: The sources may have different perspectives, or one may be outdated or inaccurate — further research is needed

When sources differ, it may reflect different perspectives, different dates (one may have newer information), errors in one source, or genuine uncertainty on the topic. Critical thinkers investigate further.

Question 32: When a story is told using the words 'I,' 'me,' and 'my,' which point of view is being used?

Narrator's outside point of view
Third-person point of view
First-person point of view (Correct answer)
Second-person point of view

Correct answer: First-person point of view

First-person point of view uses words like 'I,' 'me,' and 'my' because the narrator is a character inside the story telling it from their own perspective.

Question 33: An argumentative essay ends: 'Therefore, school districts should invest in social-emotional learning programs because they improve student mental health, reduce disciplinary problems, and create more positive school communities.' What is the function of this sentence?

It restates the claim and summarizes the main supporting reasons, serving as a conclusion (Correct answer)
It provides a quote from an expert
It introduces the first piece of evidence
It presents a counterclaim that will be refuted

Correct answer: It restates the claim and summarizes the main supporting reasons, serving as a conclusion

This sentence restates the essay's main claim and summarizes the three main reasons (mental health, discipline, community), making it a concluding thesis restatement.

Question 34: What does it mean to 'cite evidence from the text'?

To use specific quotes or details from the reading to support your claims (Correct answer)
To make up examples that support your opinion
To summarize the entire text in your own words
To find information from outside the text to support your ideas

Correct answer: To use specific quotes or details from the reading to support your claims

Citing evidence means using specific quotes, paraphrases, or details directly from the text to support your claims or answers about the text.

Question 35: A pattern starts at 3 and adds 5 each time. What is the fourth number?

15
18 (Correct answer)
13
20

Correct answer: 18

The terms are 3, 8, 13, 18, so the fourth is 18.

Question 36: How many times larger is 6 × 10^8 than 3 × 10^5?

20,000
2
200
2,000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2,000

Divide: (6/3) × 10^(8-5) = 2 × 10^3 = 2,000.

Question 37: Which word is a synonym for 'analyze'?

Memorize
Shorten
Ignore
Examine (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Examine

To analyze means to examine something carefully in detail.

Question 38: What is a 'counterclaim' and why do strong argumentative essays include one?

A counterclaim repeats the main claim in different words for emphasis
A counterclaim is evidence that directly supports the writer's position
A counterclaim is a second, unrelated argument that the writer wants to make
A counterclaim presents an opposing argument, which the writer then addresses to strengthen their own argument (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A counterclaim presents an opposing argument, which the writer then addresses to strengthen their own argument

A counterclaim presents an opposing viewpoint that the writer then refutes, demonstrating awareness of multiple perspectives and strengthening the argument by showing the opposing view is less valid.

Question 39: What is the perimeter of a rectangle that is 5 cm long and 3 cm wide?

8 cm
30 cm
15 cm
16 cm (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 16 cm

Perimeter is 5 + 3 + 5 + 3 = 16 cm.

Question 40: Round 348 to the nearest hundred.

400
340
300 (Correct answer)
350

Correct answer: 300

348 is closer to 300 than to 400.

Question 41: When a writer uses the phrase 'According to the American Medical Association...' what is the purpose?

To attribute evidence to a credible source, increasing the argument's persuasiveness (Correct answer)
To signal that the information is controversial
To introduce a personal opinion
To show that the writer is not sure of the information

Correct answer: To attribute evidence to a credible source, increasing the argument's persuasiveness

Attributing evidence to a credible source (like a professional medical organization) strengthens an argument by showing that the claim is supported by expert authority.

Question 42: A student finds a website with no author listed and no publication date. Which criteria for evaluating sources are being violated?

Currency only
Credibility only
Both credibility and currency (Correct answer)
Relevance only

Correct answer: Both credibility and currency

A source with no author lacks credibility (we can't verify expertise), and no publication date means we can't assess currency (how recent the information is).

Question 43: Which is greater: 0.7 or 0.65?

0.7 (Correct answer)
They are equal
Cannot be determined
0.65

Correct answer: 0.7

0.70 is greater than 0.65 when comparing the tenths place.

Question 44: When a character in a story faces a problem, solves it, and learns a lesson, this structure is called:

Setting
Dialogue
Genre
Plot (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Plot

Plot is the sequence of events in a story, including the problem a character faces, the actions taken to address it, and the resolution where it is solved.

Question 45: Which statement best describes 'ethos' as a persuasive technique?

Establishing the writer's credibility and trustworthiness to persuade readers (Correct answer)
Appealing to the reader's emotions with vivid stories and descriptions
Using logical reasoning to connect evidence to a conclusion
Using statistics and data to prove a factual claim

Correct answer: Establishing the writer's credibility and trustworthiness to persuade readers

Ethos is a rhetorical appeal based on the writer's or speaker's credibility, character, and trustworthiness — persuading through established authority.

Question 46: What is the purpose of a 'claim' in an argumentative essay?

To state the writer's central position or argument on the topic (Correct answer)
To summarize what others have said about the topic
To present evidence that the writer will analyze
To describe the history of the topic

Correct answer: To state the writer's central position or argument on the topic

A claim is the central argument or position the writer is asserting and intends to support with evidence throughout the essay.

Question 47: Solve for x: 2(x + 3) = 14.

7
4 (Correct answer)
5
8

Correct answer: 4

Divide by 2 to get x + 3 = 7, so x = 4.

Question 48: What is 0.6 × 0.4?

0.024
24
2.4
0.24 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 0.24

0.6 × 0.4: multiply 6 × 4 = 24, then place the decimal point 2 places from the right (one decimal place in each factor = two total), giving 0.24.

Question 49: Which inequality represents 'x is at most 7'?

x < 7
x > 7
x ≤ 7 (Correct answer)
x ≥ 7

Correct answer: x ≤ 7

'At most' means less than or equal to, written as x ≤ 7.

Question 50: What is 5/6 − 1/4?

11/12
4/12
4/2
7/12 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 7/12

LCD of 6 and 4 is 12. Convert: 10/12 − 3/12 = 7/12.

Question 51: Which number sentence is in the same fact family as 6 × 4 = 24?

24 + 6 = 30
6 + 4 = 10
24 ÷ 6 = 4 (Correct answer)
4 × 6 = 10

Correct answer: 24 ÷ 6 = 4

24 ÷ 6 = 4 is in the same fact family as 6 × 4 = 24 because multiplication and division are inverse operations using the same three numbers: 6, 4, and 24.

Question 52: What is the purpose of a counterclaim in an argument?

To summarize the introduction
To add descriptive detail
To address opposing views (Correct answer)
To list sources

Correct answer: To address opposing views

A counterclaim acknowledges opposing views, making the writer's argument more credible.

Question 53: What is 56 ÷ 7?

7
9
6
8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 8

56 ÷ 7 = 8 because 7 × 8 = 56. Division and multiplication are inverse operations.

Question 54: Which number is even?

27
58 (Correct answer)
41
63

Correct answer: 58

58 ends in 8, so it is even.

Question 55: What is the primary purpose of using transitions in an argumentative essay?

To repeat important evidence multiple times for emphasis
To introduce new topics that are unrelated to the main argument
To make the essay longer by adding extra words
To connect ideas smoothly and show the logical relationships between paragraphs and sentences (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To connect ideas smoothly and show the logical relationships between paragraphs and sentences

Transitions connect ideas and show how they relate (contrast, sequence, addition, cause-effect), making the essay flow logically and helping readers follow the argument.

Question 56: Cindy earned $100 one week at the ice cream stand. She put of the money in her savings account and kept the rest as cash. After this, she received a cash bonus of $20 from the owner of the ice cream stand and didn't put any of it in the savings account. Which expression represents the amount of cash Cindy currently has?

C=1/4 (100)+20
C=3/4 (120)
C=3/4 (100)+20 (Correct answer)
C=1/4 (100)-20

Correct answer: C=3/4 (100)+20

Cindy initially kept 3/4 of her $100 earnings as cash (since 1/4 went to savings). This amount is (3/4) * 100. She then received an additional $20 cash bonus. Therefore, the total amount of cash she currently has is represented by the expression C = (3/4)(100) + 20.

Question 57: 4. Which of the following best explains why the author referred to one of the soldiers as “the poor lad”?

She wanted to show that the man had little or no material belongings.
She wanted to show that the soldier had only been a young boy, not a man.
She wanted to build sympathy for the young man who died. (Correct answer)
She wanted to create an image in the mind of the reader about the soldier.

Correct answer: She wanted to build sympathy for the young man who died.

The phrase 'poor lad' is an expression of pity and sorrow. By using it immediately after describing how a bullet 'ended the life of the poor lad,' the author aims to evoke a strong emotional response from the reader, fostering sympathy and compassion for the young soldier who tragically lost his life.

Question 58: When an author writes, 'Jake's heart sank when he heard the news,' what does this expression most likely mean?

Jake did not hear the news clearly
Jake had a medical problem
Jake felt very disappointed or sad (Correct answer)
Jake's heart stopped beating

Correct answer: Jake felt very disappointed or sad

'Heart sank' is a common expression (idiom) meaning to suddenly feel very disappointed, sad, or discouraged.

Question 59: What does a character's 'trait' describe?

The place where the character lives
The problem the character needs to solve
The words a character says out loud
A quality that describes what a character is like on the inside (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A quality that describes what a character is like on the inside

A character trait is an inside quality — like being kind, brave, or stubborn — that tells us what a character is really like.

Question 60: Why do authors often include dialogue in stories?

To make the story longer
To reveal character traits and advance the plot (Correct answer)
To confuse readers about who is speaking
To avoid using descriptive language

Correct answer: To reveal character traits and advance the plot

Dialogue reveals what characters think and feel, shows their personality, and moves the story forward by showing interactions and conflict between characters.

Question 61: In a story, the 'narrator' is:

The villain of the story
The main problem in the story
The person or voice telling the story (Correct answer)
The author who wrote the book

Correct answer: The person or voice telling the story

The narrator is the voice or character that tells the story to the reader. The narrator may be a character in the story (first person) or an outside observer (third person).

Question 62: What is 1.25 + 0.75?

1.90
1.75
2.10
2.00 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 2.00

Line up the decimal points and add: 1.25 + 0.75 = 2.00. The tenths digits (2+7=9→carry) and hundredths digits (5+5=10) combine to give exactly 2.

Question 63: If 5 workers can complete a job in 8 days, how many days would 10 workers take to complete the same job, assuming they all work at the same rate?

6 days
4 days (Correct answer)
16 days
2 days

Correct answer: 4 days

Total work = 5 × 8 = 40 worker-days. With 10 workers: 40 ÷ 10 = 4 days.

Question 64: Daniella wrote a decimal and a fraction which were equivalent to each other. Which pair of numbers could be the pair Daniella wrote?

0.625,78
0.75,75
0.45,45
0.375,38 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 0.375,38

To check for equivalence, convert the fraction 3/8 to a decimal by dividing the numerator by the denominator. 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375. This decimal matches 0.375, confirming that 0.375 and 3/8 are an equivalent pair.

Question 65: A student reads an article about the water cycle. The article states that evaporation, condensation, and precipitation all work together to move water around Earth. Which of the following best describes the main idea of this article?

Evaporation happens faster on hot, sunny days.
Water is found in oceans, lakes, and rivers.
Rain falls from clouds when water droplets become heavy enough.
The water cycle is a continuous process that moves water through Earth's systems. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The water cycle is a continuous process that moves water through Earth's systems.

The main idea is the central point the entire article supports. The other options are supporting details, not the overarching idea that ties all the information together.

Question 66: What is 5/8 written as a decimal?

0.58
0.625 (Correct answer)
0.85
0.375

Correct answer: 0.625

Dividing 5 by 8 gives 0.625.

Question 67: What fraction of the shape is shaded if 2 out of 6 equal parts are shaded?

4/6
2/8
2/3
1/3 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1/3

2 out of 6 equal parts are shaded, giving the fraction 2/6. Simplified, 2/6 = 1/3 because both 2 and 6 can be divided by 2.

Question 68: What is 0.75 written as a fraction in simplest form?

3/4 (Correct answer)
75/10
1/4
7/5

Correct answer: 3/4

0.75 equals 75/100, which simplifies to 3/4.

Question 69: Which fraction is equivalent to 0.45?

9/20 (Correct answer)
45/10
4/5
1/4

Correct answer: 9/20

0.45 means 45 hundredths, or 45/100. Simplify by dividing numerator and denominator by 5: 45÷5 = 9, 100÷5 = 20, giving 9/20.

Question 70: Which type of evidence is most appropriate to support the argument that regular exercise reduces depression?

Results from multiple peer-reviewed studies showing reduced depression rates in people who exercise regularly (Correct answer)
An emotional appeal describing how depression makes people feel
A personal story about someone who felt better after exercising
A famous person's quote saying they feel better when they exercise

Correct answer: Results from multiple peer-reviewed studies showing reduced depression rates in people who exercise regularly

Peer-reviewed scientific studies provide the strongest evidence for claims about health and medicine because they are conducted using rigorous methods and reviewed by other experts.

Question 71: Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of an informational text?

To entertain readers with a fictional story
To express the author's personal feelings about a topic
To persuade readers to take a specific action
To explain or inform readers about a topic using facts (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To explain or inform readers about a topic using facts

The primary purpose of an informational text is to explain or inform readers about a topic using facts, definitions, and details.

Question 72: What is the absolute value of -9?

18
-9
9 (Correct answer)
0

Correct answer: 9

Absolute value is the distance from zero, so |-9| equals 9.

Question 73: A student finds an article online with no author listed, no date, and a website address ending in '.com'. How should the student evaluate this source?

It is automatically unreliable and should never be used
It is perfectly reliable because it is available online
Only sources from books are reliable, so this should be ignored
It should be used with caution, since the missing author and date make it hard to verify the credibility and currency of the information (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It should be used with caution, since the missing author and date make it hard to verify the credibility and currency of the information

Missing author and date are red flags that make it harder to verify who created the content and whether it is current — the student should be cautious and seek additional sources.

Question 74: Which symbol makes this true: 4,512 ___ 4,521?

=
>
+
< (Correct answer)

Correct answer: <

4,512 is less than 4,521 because the tens digit is smaller.

Question 75: Which sentence uses the most formal academic language appropriate for an argumentative essay?

Scientific consensus indicates that anthropogenic climate change poses significant risks to global ecosystems. (Correct answer)
Climate change is bad and scientists have been talking about it for a while now.
Climate change is totally messing up the environment.
Everyone knows that climate change is a huge deal.

Correct answer: Scientific consensus indicates that anthropogenic climate change poses significant risks to global ecosystems.

Academic argumentative writing uses precise, formal language. 'Scientific consensus indicates that anthropogenic climate change poses significant risks to global ecosystems' uses technical vocabulary and formal phrasing appropriate for academic essays.

Question 76: What is the 'theme' of a story?

The central message or lesson the story teaches (Correct answer)
The title of the story
The main character's name
A description of what happens at the end

Correct answer: The central message or lesson the story teaches

Theme is the central message, lesson, or moral of a story — the deeper meaning that the author wants readers to understand through the characters and events.

Question 77: A student wants to strengthen the following sentence: 'Social media is bad for teenagers.' Which revision best turns it into a focused, arguable claim?

Social media platforms were created by companies that want to make money.
Excessive social media use among teenagers correlates with increased rates of anxiety and decreased academic performance. (Correct answer)
Social media is really, really bad and everyone knows it.
Some people like social media, but others do not, so it is complicated.

Correct answer: Excessive social media use among teenagers correlates with increased rates of anxiety and decreased academic performance.

A strong claim is specific, focused, and debatable. The revised sentence identifies who is affected (teenagers), what the effect is (anxiety, lower academic performance), and uses precise language that can be supported with evidence.

Question 78: What does an author mean when they write 'In conclusion' at the beginning of a paragraph?

The author is beginning the most important section of the text
The author is giving an example to support their argument
The author is about to summarize the main points and provide a final thought on the topic (Correct answer)
The author is about to introduce a new topic

Correct answer: The author is about to summarize the main points and provide a final thought on the topic

'In conclusion' is a signal phrase that tells readers the author is about to wrap up by summarizing main points and providing final thoughts.

Smarter Balanced Assessment Exam

The Smarter Balanced Assessment is a computer-adaptive standardized test administered to students in grades 3–8 and 11, measuring proficiency in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics aligned to Common Core State Standards.

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240 min

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50%

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