GA-CCGPS English Language Arts 9

Read the passage from "The Beginnings of the Maasai." These cattle are sacred, because they are actually a divine gift from the sky god, Enkai. Our tribe makes a living by caring for the cattle, feeding them, and protecting them. What is the purpose of this passage?

Read the passage from "The Beginnings of the Maasai." Neighboring hunters from the Kamba were jealous of Neiterkob's special relationship with Enkai and the gift of our cattle. Out of vengeance, they hewed the fig tree into little pieces. It was heartbreaking to lose this strong bond with the sky god, but as long as we still have our cattle, we can still feel the joy of being connected to Enkai. Now Enkai lives at the top of Mount Kenya, and we Maasai still live below, herding cattle down in the plains. It's not a bad life, especially when Enkai is the Black God, providing for us. And when the cattle or other children cause problems, I just warn them that they never know when I might suddenly develop my godly powers. Which sentence contains the most elements of a final summary?

A traditional story that explains a belief system, a natural phenomenon, or a world view of a group of people is called a .

Read the passage from "The Beginnings of the Maasai." Now Enkai lives at the top of Mount Kenya, and we Maasai still live below, herding cattle down in the plains. It's not a bad life, especially when Enkai is the Black God, providing for us. And when the cattle or other children cause problems, I just warn them that they never know when I might suddenly develop my godly powers. The main purpose of the passage is to illustrate the relationship between the Maasai and

Read the summary of the section of "The Beginnings of the Maasai," where the volcanic eruption and its results are described. As a result of a volcanic eruption, Enkai and the cattle were thrown into the sky. Enkai wanted to save his cattle. He grew a tree that bridged the sky and the earth. The cattle walked down the tree to Neiterkob. Neiterkob and the Maasai tribe took over caring for the cattle. Why does the summary need to be revised?

Read the passage from "The Beginnings of the Maasai." Our relationship with Enkai is essential to the tribe. Enkai is neither male nor female. The sky god is powerful, but can change from nurturing to vengeful depending on our behavior. Sometimes Enkai is Enkai Narok, the Black God, happy with us and blanketing the sky with dark clouds that pour out rain to nourish the plains. When angry, though, Enkai becomes Enkai Nonyokie—the Red God. In these times, the sun grows incredibly hot until the earth dries up and becomes barren. Because of this, we work to keep Enkai happy. Which information from this passage about Enkai is most important to include in a summary of the overall story?

Read the passage from "The Beginnings of the Maasai." Neiterkob was confused at first. It was one thing for an eruption to send cows flying up into the sky, but it was another problem entirely to get them down to earth again. The wise god knew how to solve the problem. Enkai grew a giant fig tree out on the plains. The tree grew rapidly, and its branches grew so high that they reached up into the heavens. One by one, Enkai sent the cattle walking down branches of the fig tree, all the way down to the roots at the ground. My father and our people accepted the cattle and began to herd them with the sticks that Enkai had given us. Now, the rest of the tribe calls my father the "Beginner of the Earth" because he mediates between Enkai and our tribe, just as he did when the cattle returned from the sky. What does the passage explain?

Myths often function as a connection to , ..............or the customs and beliefs of a group of people.

Which best summarizes the resolution of the conflict at the end of "The Beginnings of the Maasai"?

Read the conclusion about "The Beginnings of the Maasai," and then answer the question. One purpose of "The Beginnings of the Maasai" is to explain the weather. Which excerpt best justifies this conclusion?

ead the passage from "The Beginnings of the Maasai." I am the daughter of the great Neiterkob, the Father of the Maasai tribe in Africa. You might think that this makes me special, but my father believes that I should live just like the rest of the tribe. Thus, he sends me to look after our tribe's cattle with the other daughters and sons. These cattle are sacred, because they are actually a divine gift from the sky god, Enkai. Our tribe makes a living by caring for the cattle, feeding them, and protecting them. Which phrase from the passage refers to a key element found in myths?

When summarizing the of a plot, one should notice the key ideas about how the conflict builds.

Compare and Contrast: Myths and Cultures222222222 Peace, discipline, freedom, and equality are all examples of .

Based on the conclusion of "The Raven and the First Men: The Beginnings of the Haida," the reader can infer that the Haida

Evidence in the myths "The Maori: Genealogies and Origins in New Zealand" and "The Raven and the First Men: The Beginnings of the Haida" shows that the Maori and Haida cultures are more

Conclusions made on the basis of unstated or stated evidence are called .................

Both "The Maori: Genealogies and Origins in New Zealand" and "The Raven and the First Men: The Beginnings of the Haida" feature

Read the passage from "The Raven and the First Men: The Beginnings of the Haida." The men were hungry and thirsty, but there was no food on the large sandy beach, and the salt water just made them thirstier. Determined to take care of the men he had found, Raven flew to find them provisions. When he returned, he gave them almost everything they would ever need. Still, Raven could tell the men were not truly happy. They did not have companions to join them in caring for the earth. So Raven, wise and determined, searched the earth and sea until he found a group of women trapped inside a chiton. He brought them to the men. The two groups of humans fit well together, and Raven became very protective of his people. Based on the passage, the Haida had values that

In "The Maori: Genealogies and Origins in New Zealand," which evidence best helps the reader infer that the Maori people live in a difficult climate?

For a reader to two or more things, the reader must consider how the things are different.

Read the passage from "The Maori: Genealogies and Origins in New Zealand." In his anger, Tû chopped down the forests to find Tâne and threw him into a basket. Next, Tû searched out Haumia and Rongo by digging into the soft earth, putting them into the basket as well. At last, Tû made nets to capture Tangora's fish, and lured Tangora into the basket. In a rage, Tû opened his mouth and ate his brothers to punish them for their cowardice. Tû's descendants became the Mâori, the humans who are able to master anything that they decide to conquer: the forest, the sea, the food, and the earth. What can be inferred about how the Maori feel about the land they live on?

In "The Raven and the First Men: The Beginnings of the Haida," which evidence best helps the reader infer that the Haida might find it acceptable behavior to play tricks on one another?

Suspense in "The Cruel Tribute"3333333 Read the passage from "Cruel Tribute." Years passed by. Every spring when the roses began to bloom seven youths and seven maidens were put on board of a black-sailed ship and sent to Crete to pay the tribute which King Minos required. In every house in Athens there was sorrow and dread, and the people lifted up their hands to Athena on the hilltop and cried out, "How long, O Queen of the Air, how long shall this thing be?" In the meanwhile the little child at Troezen on the other side of the sea had grown to be a man. His name, Theseus, was in everybody's mouth, for he had done great deeds of daring; and at last he had come to Athens to find his father, King Aegeus, who had never heard whether he was alive or dead; and when the youth had made himself known, the king had welcomed him to his home and all the people were glad because so noble a prince had come to dwell among them and, in time, to rule over their city. In this excerpt, the sequence of events creates suspense by

Read the excerpt from a summary of the contemporary novel Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. To help save the day, Harry must get past a scary three-headed guard dog. In order to do this, he gets help from his friends Hermione and Ron. They all have become close friends during the course of the school year. After they solve this challenge, they move on to the next part of their plan. Which line from the summary best justifies the conclusion that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was influenced by Ancient Greek mythological literature?

In the plot of "Cruel Tribute," which events are a result of King Minos's actions? Check all that apply.

Which line from "Cruel Tribute" best supports the idea that the elders help to advance the plot?

In "Cruel Tribute," which character's actions most advance the development of the plot?

To explore the , ........or effect of mythical literature on contemporary literature, a reader should identify key characters, settings, and plots.

Which elements of Ancient Greek mythical literature are often reflected in contemporary literature? Check all that apply.

Which line from "Cruel Tribute" best supports the idea that Ariadne's actions help advance the plot?

In part one of "Cruel Tribute," how do King Aegeus's actions affect the advancement of the plot?

Read the passage from "Cruel Tribute." On the third day all the youths and maidens of the city were brought together in the market place, so that lots might be cast for those who were to be taken. Then two vessels of brass were brought and set before King Aegeus and the herald who had come from Crete. Into one vessel they placed as many balls as there were noble youths in the city, and into the other as many as there were maidens; and all the balls were white save only seven in each vessel, and those were black as ebony. Then every maiden, without looking, reached her hand into one of the vessels and drew forth a ball, and those who took the black balls were borne away to the black ship, which lay in waiting by the shore. The young men also drew lots in like manner, but when six black balls had been drawn Theseus came quickly forward and said: "Hold! Let no more balls be drawn. I will be the seventh youth to pay this tribute. Now let us go aboard the black ship and be off." What effect does the author create with the sequence of events in this passage?

Read the passage from "Cruel Tribute." "Now then," said Minos, "you shall hear my decree. Athens has robbed me of my dearest treasure, a treasure that can never be restored to me; so, in return, I require from Athens, as tribute, that possession which is the dearest and most precious to her people; and it shall be destroyed cruelly as my son was destroyed." "The condition is hard," said the elders, "but it is just. What is the tribute which you require?" "Has the king a son?" asked Minos. The face of King Aegeus lost all its color and he trembled as he thought of a little child then with its mother at Troezen, on the other side of the Saronic Sea. But the elders knew nothing about that child, and they answered: "Alas, no! he has no son; but he has fifty nephews who are eating up his substance and longing for the time to come when one of them shall be king; and, as we have said, it was they who slew the young prince, Androgeos." By placing this passage at the beginning of the story, the author builds suspense for the arrival of

Improving Vocabulary with Word Parts and Context Clues Quiz Which affixes mean "without"? Check all that apply.

Read the sentence. The look on the villain's face seemed to be bursting with evil, and gave the moviegoers the chills. Based on its structure, which word most likely has the closest meaning to the underlined phrase?

The best way to locate a suffix is to look for a word part that

Based on the word root, which word means "an official announcement"?

Which words contain a root that means "rule"? Check all that apply.

By studying the suffix, the reader can determine that "impetuous" most likely means

What does the structure of the word "altruistic" tell the reader about its meaning?

Read the sentence. The office's boisterous celebration, full of cheering, shouting, and laughter, caused other businesses on the same floor to shut their doors. The word "boisterous" most likely means

A reader can tell that the meaning of "obnoxious" will include "having the quality of something" because of the

Which word contains a word root that means "believe"?

Based on its prefix, which is the correct definition of "impersonal"?

Which sentence uses an antonym clue to help the reader determine the meaning of the underlined word?

Which sentence contains an example clue that helps the reader understand the meaning of "frugal"?

To find a word's meaning, the reader can study the surrounding words, which are called the

What part of the word "geology" is the word root?

Capitalization, Punctuation, and Spelling Quiz444444 Read the sentence. Kari and Misha, who have known each other since first grade are both yearbook editors and photographers. Where should a comma be placed in this sentence?slow down

Read the sentence. Marlena, who enjoys many different subjects, likes history and geography the best. Which part of the sentence is the nonrestrictive modifier?

Read the excerpt from "Votes for Women," a speech by Mark Twain from 1901. I should like to see the time come when women shall help to make the laws. I should like to see that whiplash, the ballot, in the hands of women. Which quotation correctly uses an ellipsis to shorten Twain's words without changing their meaning?

Read the sentence. Noah who draws comic books in his free time wants to write a graphic novel. Which version of the sentence has correctly placed commas?

Fill in the blanks in order. Janelle and Marcus and _______ group went to the library to prepare for the presentation, but the specific book they needed wasn't _______.

Read the sentence. Trayvon, Julie, and Caleb who are members of the drama club, are auditioning for the school musical on Wednesday. Where should a comma be placed in this sentence?

Which sentence is written correctly?

Which sentence contains a correctly punctuated nonrestrictive modifier?

Read the excerpt from "Votes for Women," a speech by Mark Twain from 1901. As for this city's government, I don't want to say much, except that it is a shame - a shame; but if I should live twenty-five years longer - and there is no reason why I shouldn't - I think I'll see women handle the ballot. Which quotation correctly uses ellipsis to shorten Twain's words?

Read the sentence. Noah who draws comic books in his free time wants to write a graphic novel. Which version of the sentence has correctly placed commas?

ead the sentence. Kari and Misha, who have known each other since first grade are both yearbook editors and photographers. Where should a comma be placed in this sentence?

ead the excerpt from "On Women's Right to Vote," an 1873 speech by Susan B. Anthony. Our democratic-republican government is based on the idea of the natural right of every individual member thereof to a voice and a vote in making and executing the laws. Which quotation correctly uses ellipsis to shorten Anthony's words?

Read the excerpt from "Votes for Women," a speech by Mark Twain from 1901. I should like to see the time come when women shall help to make the laws. I should like to see that whiplash, the ballot, in the hands of women. Which quotation correctly uses an ellipsis to shorten Twain's words without changing their meaning?

Writing a Narrative about Overcoming a Challenge Quiz444444 Read the passage from the end of a narrative essay. When I talk about the experience now, I have mixed emotions. On the one hand, I'm envious of how simple life was before the accident. But on the other, I've grown so much as a result of everything that happened that, in an odd way, I'm grateful. The most likely reason this passage was included at the end of the narrative is because the narrator is

Read the paragraph from Viktoria's narrative essay. As I read the rules, I became even more nervous. Fifty artists had been accepted to the competition. Each artist would have just three hours to create a painting. The topic of the painting would be revealed right before the artists would be allowed to start, so there was no chance I could brainstorm ideas ahead of time. Why would Viktoria most likely include this paragraph in the middle of her essay?

When planning a narrative essay, the writer should order events so that the ....... is developed in the middle of the essay.

Read the paragraph from Sora's narrative essay. That day after practice, I was frustrated and stomped home. In fact, I'm embarrassed to say I sulked for the rest of the day. Then my stubborn streak kicked in, and I decided that failure wasn't an option. I practiced regularly until the day came when I was able to consistently hit the ball. Which sentence from the paragraph best supports the conclusion that this paragraph belongs in the middle of Sora's essay?

Read the paragraph that Lukas is planning to include in his narrative essay. Running is my life. Beginning last summer I practiced every day from the early break of dawn until the heat of the midday sun forced me to take a break. Sipping from my bottle of icy water to keep myself hydrated, I dreamed about running a mile in under ten minutes to compete in the statewide race. What should Lukas do with this paragraph?

Read the summary of the story Henrique wrote. The soldiers walked through the rain as they approached the canyon. They'd been traveling for days to reach the dragon's lair. Finally they arrived. Then the dragon approached, and it roared. Yet, the soldiers faced off with the dragon, despite the noise. Which is the best critique explaining why Henrique should revise the summary?

Read the sentence. Returning home from the trip, we peeled off our sodden coats, dropped all of our suitcases on the floor, and headed for the kitchen in the back. Which part of the sentence uses description to hold the reader's interest?

Read the passage that Gabriel wrote for his narrative essay. Once we arrived at the local pool, I looked around to see who else was there. Normally, I would have found the kids frolicking and splashing in the water hilarious, but not today. They were cute, but the fact that they were half my age and swimming around like so many ducks just made me feel worse. "You nervous?" my mom asked. I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Not really," I mumbled, trying to hide my shaking hands in my pockets. I don't think I fooled my mom, but she didn't comment on the fact that I looked a little green. Instead, she tried to encourage me, saying, "Well, I think it's really impressive that you're going to confront your fear of water and learn to swim." What is the most likely reason Gabriel chose to write his essay with this point of view?

Which sentences feature a first-person point of view? Check all that apply.

Read the paragraph from Viktoria's narrative essay. As I read the rules, I became even more nervous. Fifty artists had been accepted to the competition. Each artist would have just three hours to create a painting. The topic of the painting would be revealed right before the artists would be allowed to start, so there was no chance I could brainstorm ideas ahead of time. Why would Viktoria most likely include this paragraph in the middle of her essay?

One advantage of using dialogue in a narrative essay is to

During the revision process, which type of wording should a writer delete in a narrative essay?

Read Fatima's paragraph. Having moved up north just last year, I experienced my first snowstorm this past winter. At first, the snow twirled gently, lightly dusting the street, cars, and trees with snowy frosting. Then, the snow became a curtain, blinding my view so that I felt cocooned from the outside world. When the snow stopped, ice coated the trees and branches clacked like chattering teeth. Which sentence will Fatima's teacher most likely ask her to revise?

Read the passage. Maya stared in dismay at the table strewn with textbooks and notes, and sighed. "Well, what's the verdict? Do you know what you want to do?" "I think I know what I want, and I'm pretty sure I know what your preference is," Rin said to Maya. She turned to look at me. "Bianca, what topic do you want to cover?" I looked over at Nina, who just shrugged. "At this point, our group just needs to pick something or we're never going to finish the project on time," I pleaded. Whose point of view does the passage reflect?