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Sample questions

A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.

1. Question 1

   Which claim is supported by evidence in the passage?

   Tiny Forests

   In a few cities around the world, planners have started creating “tiny forests”: dense patches of native trees and shrubs planted in spaces about the size of a tennis court. Because the plants are packed closely, they grow fast, creating shade, habitat and a spongy layer of soil that soaks up rainwater.

   Supporters point out that these forests are cheap compared with large parks and can fit on vacant lots or school grounds. Studies of early projects report cooler temperatures nearby and more birds and insects within a few years. Children who help plant them often develop a stronger sense of ownership over their neighborhoods.

   Still, the evidence is young. Most tiny forests have existed for less than a decade, and long-term results are unknown. Critics add that planting a few small patches should not replace protecting the older forests and wetlands that already store enormous amounts of carbon. The strongest approach, many experts suggest, is to treat tiny forests as one tool among many.

   • Tiny forests cost more than large parks.
   • Tiny forests have existed for centuries.
   • Nearby temperatures were cooler and more birds and insects appeared.
   • Tiny forests store more carbon than old forests.
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2. Question 2

   What does the word “Still” do at the start of the third paragraph?

   Tiny Forests

   In a few cities around the world, planners have started creating “tiny forests”: dense patches of native trees and shrubs planted in spaces about the size of a tennis court. Because the plants are packed closely, they grow fast, creating shade, habitat and a spongy layer of soil that soaks up rainwater.

   Supporters point out that these forests are cheap compared with large parks and can fit on vacant lots or school grounds. Studies of early projects report cooler temperatures nearby and more birds and insects within a few years. Children who help plant them often develop a stronger sense of ownership over their neighborhoods.

   Still, the evidence is young. Most tiny forests have existed for less than a decade, and long-term results are unknown. Critics add that planting a few small patches should not replace protecting the older forests and wetlands that already store enormous amounts of carbon. The strongest approach, many experts suggest, is to treat tiny forests as one tool among many.

   • It starts a joke.
   • It ends the discussion.
   • It introduces a limitation after the benefits.
   • It repeats the first point.
   Show answer

3. Question 3

   Which sentence best states the author's position?

   Tiny Forests

   In a few cities around the world, planners have started creating “tiny forests”: dense patches of native trees and shrubs planted in spaces about the size of a tennis court. Because the plants are packed closely, they grow fast, creating shade, habitat and a spongy layer of soil that soaks up rainwater.

   Supporters point out that these forests are cheap compared with large parks and can fit on vacant lots or school grounds. Studies of early projects report cooler temperatures nearby and more birds and insects within a few years. Children who help plant them often develop a stronger sense of ownership over their neighborhoods.

   Still, the evidence is young. Most tiny forests have existed for less than a decade, and long-term results are unknown. Critics add that planting a few small patches should not replace protecting the older forests and wetlands that already store enormous amounts of carbon. The strongest approach, many experts suggest, is to treat tiny forests as one tool among many.

   • Tiny forests should replace all parks.
   • Tiny forests are promising, but they should be one tool among many.
   • Tiny forests have been proven useless.
   • Old forests no longer matter.
   Show answer

4. Question 4

   What does the word “spongy” suggest about the soil?

   Tiny Forests

   In a few cities around the world, planners have started creating “tiny forests”: dense patches of native trees and shrubs planted in spaces about the size of a tennis court. Because the plants are packed closely, they grow fast, creating shade, habitat and a spongy layer of soil that soaks up rainwater.

   Supporters point out that these forests are cheap compared with large parks and can fit on vacant lots or school grounds. Studies of early projects report cooler temperatures nearby and more birds and insects within a few years. Children who help plant them often develop a stronger sense of ownership over their neighborhoods.

   Still, the evidence is young. Most tiny forests have existed for less than a decade, and long-term results are unknown. Critics add that planting a few small patches should not replace protecting the older forests and wetlands that already store enormous amounts of carbon. The strongest approach, many experts suggest, is to treat tiny forests as one tool among many.

   • It can absorb and hold water.
   • It is made of foam.
   • It is dry and hard.
   • It is full of rocks.
   Show answer

5. Question 5

   Why does the author mention rural districts?

   Is a Four-Day School Week Worth It?

   Some school districts in North America have tried a four-day week, usually with longer days on Monday to Thursday. Supporters claim the change saves money on transportation and heating, and gives students and teachers a day for appointments, work or rest.

   Critics point out that research is mixed. Several studies found small drops in test scores, especially in math, while others found no change at all. Parents who work on Fridays may struggle to find child care, and the longer days can leave younger students tired by the afternoon.

   The strongest case for the change may be in rural districts, where long bus rides make every school day expensive. In larger cities with many working parents, the costs may outweigh the benefits. A decision like this probably depends less on a single rule than on the needs of the community.

   • To criticize bus drivers
   • To list all school districts
   • To prove cities are better
   • To show where the benefits are strongest
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6. Question 6

   The tone of this passage is best described as…

   Is a Four-Day School Week Worth It?

   Some school districts in North America have tried a four-day week, usually with longer days on Monday to Thursday. Supporters claim the change saves money on transportation and heating, and gives students and teachers a day for appointments, work or rest.

   Critics point out that research is mixed. Several studies found small drops in test scores, especially in math, while others found no change at all. Parents who work on Fridays may struggle to find child care, and the longer days can leave younger students tired by the afternoon.

   The strongest case for the change may be in rural districts, where long bus rides make every school day expensive. In larger cities with many working parents, the costs may outweigh the benefits. A decision like this probably depends less on a single rule than on the needs of the community.

   • angry and one-sided
   • silly and sarcastic
   • bored and uninterested
   • balanced and thoughtful
   Show answer

More 9th grade

• 🔢 Math
• 🔬 Science
• 🌎 Social Studies