Grade 8 - English: Reading/Literature & Research (2002 VDOE Released Items)
Multiple-Choice Exercise
Content © 2002 Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education; Permission to Use Granted by VDOE; Author of Activity: Tami Maloney; All rights reserved.
No commercial, for-profit use of this material is allowed. E-mail comments and questions to Tami Maloney.
Choose the correct answer for each question.
![8rdg0201-07a.gif](8rdg0201-07a.gif)
![8rdg0201-07b.gif](8rdg0201-07b.gif)
Which question is answered in the introduction to the assembly instructions?
- Is a clear finish included in the kit?
- Are tools needed to assemble the table?
- How many pieces are included in the kit?
- What are the dimensions of the finished table?
![8rdg0201-07a.gif](8rdg0201-07a.gif)
![8rdg0201-07b.gif](8rdg0201-07b.gif)
In Step 4 of the instructions, the word Stability means --
- steadiness
- height
- durability
- attractiveness
![8rdg0201-07a.gif](8rdg0201-07a.gif)
![8rdg0201-07b.gif](8rdg0201-07b.gif)
Where should the rubber strips be glued to the table top?
- Crosswise under the center
- Lengthwise under the center
- Under both long sides
- Under both short ends
![8rdg0201-07a.gif](8rdg0201-07a.gif)
![8rdg0201-07b.gif](8rdg0201-07b.gif)
From the assembly instructions, the reader could conclude that --
- the table is not intended to be taken apart and reconstructed
- a painted finish will last longer than a clear finish
- the table can not be assembled by one person
- a warranty is provided in the package
![8rdg0201-07a.gif](8rdg0201-07a.gif)
![8rdg0201-07b.gif](8rdg0201-07b.gif)
Which statement best summarizes this passage?
- The Backyard Pride Plastic Picnic Table provides a roomy place to have an outdoor lunch on a hot summer day.
- The material used in the Backyard Pride Plastic Picnic Table has been molded and hardened to retain its shape under varying weather conditions.
- The design for the Backyard Pride Plastic Picnic Table was based on several prize-winning designs submitted as part of a drafting contest.
- The Backyard Pride Plastic Picnic Table can be built by following simple instructions that involve gluing and assembling pre-cut pieces.
![8rdg0201-07a.gif](8rdg0201-07a.gif)
![8rdg0201-07b.gif](8rdg0201-07b.gif)
What is meant by "It's as easy as 1, 2, 3" in the introduction?
- There are three major pieces: table top, legs, and benches.
- The last four steps are as simple as the first three.
- The instructions have numbered steps.
- Assembling the table is as simple as counting to three.
![8rdg0201-07a.gif](8rdg0201-07a.gif)
![8rdg0201-07b.gif](8rdg0201-07b.gif)
Which statement below expresses an opinion found in the introduction to the assembly instructions?
- The table design is very clever.
- Assembly requires no additional tools.
- Waterproof glue is provided in the kit.
- The table can be put together with a series of grooves.
![8rdg0208-15.gif](8rdg0208-15.gif)
Which words from Guest's poem show his attitude toward the phrase "it couldn't be done"?
- Chuckle, grin, sing
- Scoffed, couldn't, cannot
- Doubting, failure, dangers
- Replied, worried, started
![8rdg0208-15.gif](8rdg0208-15.gif)
The simple, straightforward style of "It Couldn't Be Done" is probably meant to reflect the --
- values of an earlier historical period
- author's natural speaking voice
- ease of a task once it is attempted
- skill needed to write a poem
![8rdg0208-15.gif](8rdg0208-15.gif)
The last two lines in each stanza of "It Couldn't Be Done" give the reader a sense of --
- failure
- happiness
- confusion
- accomplishment
![8rdg0208-15.gif](8rdg0208-15.gif)
What is one way the author of "Be the Best of Whatever You Are" emphasizes the theme in his poem?
- The use of actions words throughout the poem
- Employment of an abab rhyme scheme
- Repitition of the phrase "If you can't"
- Punctuating with dashes and semicolons
![8rdg0208-15.gif](8rdg0208-15.gif)
The rhythm in both of these poems contributes to a mood that is --
- shocking
- upbeat
- gloomy
- foolish
![8rdg0208-15.gif](8rdg0208-15.gif)
The speakers in both poems would probably disagree with which of the following statements?
- Work hard at whatever task you take on and be proud of it.
- You'll never know what you can accomplish until you give it your best effort.
- You shouldn't accept the role you are given -- keep waiting for something better.
- If you don't succeed at something, keep trying until you do.
![8rdg0208-15.gif](8rdg0208-15.gif)
How does the author's style in "It Couldn't Be Done" compare to the author's style in "Be the Best of Whatever You Are"?
- Both authors enthusiastically offer advice to the reader.
- The atuhor of "Be the Best of Whatever You Are" speaks directly to the reader.
- Both authors use a four-line stanza.
- The author of "It Couldn't Be Done" is more optimistic.
![8rdg0208-15.gif](8rdg0208-15.gif)
In which collection might these poems be found?
- Rousing Poems for Every Day
- Poetry for Quiet Moments
- Travel Poems from Many Lands
- Fishing Poems for the Angler
![8rdg0216-24a.gif](8rdg0216-24a.gif)
![8rdg0216-24b.gif](8rdg0216-24b.gif)
![8rdg0216-24c.gif](8rdg0216-24c.gif)
Which is a primary theme in this selection?
- Know your place and keep it.
- Don't believe everything you hear.
- Think twice before you decide.
- You can't please everybody.
![8rdg0216-24a.gif](8rdg0216-24a.gif)
![8rdg0216-24b.gif](8rdg0216-24b.gif)
![8rdg0216-24c.gif](8rdg0216-24c.gif)
Which organizational pattern is used in the passage?
- Compare/contrast
- Cause/effect
- Time order
- Order of importance
![8rdg0216-24a.gif](8rdg0216-24a.gif)
![8rdg0216-24b.gif](8rdg0216-24b.gif)
![8rdg0216-24c.gif](8rdg0216-24c.gif)
Which question is not answered in the selection?
- Why doesn't Vasco want to be a lighthouse keeper?
- How old is Vasco?
- What was the former use of the lighthouse?
- What is the name of the country where Vasco lives?
![8rdg0216-24a.gif](8rdg0216-24a.gif)
![8rdg0216-24b.gif](8rdg0216-24b.gif)
![8rdg0216-24c.gif](8rdg0216-24c.gif)
Whose point of view does the author use in this selection?
- Carlos's
- Alfonso's
- Vasco's
- Paulo's
![8rdg0216-24a.gif](8rdg0216-24a.gif)
![8rdg0216-24b.gif](8rdg0216-24b.gif)
![8rdg0216-24c.gif](8rdg0216-24c.gif)
Vasco's father tells him that he was named after Vasco de Gama in order to --
- teach him a lesson in the history of Portugal
- help him feel more important than Alfonso
- persuade him to explore his own future
- tease him about his first name
![8rdg0216-24a.gif](8rdg0216-24a.gif)
![8rdg0216-24b.gif](8rdg0216-24b.gif)
![8rdg0216-24c.gif](8rdg0216-24c.gif)
Which sentence from the selection expresses an idea that helped Vasco make his decision?
- "They'd been at sea for a week because of rough weather."
- "Many people who live here make their living from fishing."
- "He spends much of his time alone."
- " 'You can always return to fishing.' "
![8rdg0216-24a.gif](8rdg0216-24a.gif)
![8rdg0216-24b.gif](8rdg0216-24b.gif)
![8rdg0216-24c.gif](8rdg0216-24c.gif)
Which of these is the main conflict in this story?
- Good versus evil
- Old versus young
- Man versus nature
- Familiar versus unfamiliar
![8rdg0216-24a.gif](8rdg0216-24a.gif)
![8rdg0216-24b.gif](8rdg0216-24b.gif)
![8rdg0216-24c.gif](8rdg0216-24c.gif)
After Vasco finds the compass, he decides --
- that being a fisherman is what he really wants
- to learn more about the world before making a final choice
- that he will seek a teaching career
- to forget about fishing and be an explorer instead
![8rdg0216-24a.gif](8rdg0216-24a.gif)
![8rdg0216-24b.gif](8rdg0216-24b.gif)
![8rdg0216-24c.gif](8rdg0216-24c.gif)
Which is most likely to happen in the future?
- Carlos will warn Vasco about the dangers of the sea.
- Alfonso will quit fishing and become a lighthouse keeper.
- Vasco's family will leave Portugal.
- Vasco will go to the university.
![8rdg0225-33a.gif](8rdg0225-33a.gif)
![8rdg0225-33b.gif](8rdg0225-33b.gif)
Which is the best summary of this article?
- Popeye, Olive Oyl, and other characters were based on real people.
- Rocky Feigle was a tough fighter and a funny guy.
- Segar started drawing Thimble Theater in 1920.
- Thimble Theater was a cartoon about the Oyl family.
![8rdg0225-33a.gif](8rdg0225-33a.gif)
![8rdg0225-33b.gif](8rdg0225-33b.gif)
The author of this article wants readers to know about --
- what happened in Popeye cartoons
- how cartoons are drawn
- how a cartoonist created his characters
- the members of the Oyl family
![8rdg0225-33a.gif](8rdg0225-33a.gif)
![8rdg0225-33b.gif](8rdg0225-33b.gif)
Which question is answered in the first three paragraphs?
- Was there a real Popeye?
- What happened in Popeye's first comic appearance?
- Who was Rocky Feigle?
- Who was the model for J. Wellington Wimpy?
![8rdg0225-33a.gif](8rdg0225-33a.gif)
![8rdg0225-33b.gif](8rdg0225-33b.gif)
The word "Ja" at the beginning of paragraph 3 means --
- Yes
- Ha
- Do you
- Did he
![8rdg0225-33a.gif](8rdg0225-33a.gif)
![8rdg0225-33b.gif](8rdg0225-33b.gif)
Which of these is not a fact stated in the article?
- Rocky worked at Gozney's Saloon.
- Bill Schuchert was fond of hamburgers.
- Segar's hometown was Chester, Illinois.
- Rocky was modest and shy.
![8rdg0225-33a.gif](8rdg0225-33a.gif)
![8rdg0225-33b.gif](8rdg0225-33b.gif)
The reader can conclude that Rocky Feigle --
- was well educated
- had sailed all over the world
- enjoyed the attention he got
- was a memorable character
- Sweetpea
- Castor Oil
- Ham Gravy
- Mrs. Pascal
![8rdg0225-33a.gif](8rdg0225-33a.gif)
![8rdg0225-33b.gif](8rdg0225-33b.gif)
In paragraph 10, flailing means --
- covering
- swinging
- crossing
- hanging
![8rdg0225-33a.gif](8rdg0225-33a.gif)
![8rdg0225-33b.gif](8rdg0225-33b.gif)
You would probably find the most information about Segar in a book about --
- town histories
- cartoonists
- sailors
- cartoon techniques
![8rdg0234-42a.gif](8rdg0234-42a.gif)
![8rdg0234-42b.gif](8rdg0234-42b.gif)
In paragraph 5, the word entranced means --
- proud
- bored
- frightened
- fascinated
![8rdg0234-42a.gif](8rdg0234-42a.gif)
![8rdg0234-42b.gif](8rdg0234-42b.gif)
When Mr. Banvard says, "Come along with me, my friends, on a voyage down the Missouri and the Mississippi," what kind of language is he using?
- Formal
- Technical
- Literal
- Figurative
![8rdg0234-42a.gif](8rdg0234-42a.gif)
![8rdg0234-42b.gif](8rdg0234-42b.gif)
In paragraph 10, Julianna says, "During the tale, a little girl next to me actually gripped my arm anxiously." The purpose of this detail is to --
- show how realistic Mr. Banvard's panarama was
- create sympathy for the little girl
- illustrate the theme of Mr. Banvard's story
- set the tone for the conclusion of her letter
![8rdg0234-42a.gif](8rdg0234-42a.gif)
![8rdg0234-42b.gif](8rdg0234-42b.gif)
To find out more about Mr. Banvard's panorama, which source would be most helpful?
- Sightseeing: A Space Panorama
- American Landscape Artists of the 1800s
- Sights and Sounds of teh Present-Day Missouri River
- Entertainment in the American Colonies
![8rdg0234-42a.gif](8rdg0234-42a.gif)
![8rdg0234-42b.gif](8rdg0234-42b.gif)
The main idea of Julianna's letter is to express that --
- her cousin, Owen, should save his money
- Mr. Banvard's panorama depicts a once-in-a-lifetime experience
- her father is very knowledgeable about New Orleans
- Boston is a cultural and entertainment center
![8rdg0234-42a.gif](8rdg0234-42a.gif)
![8rdg0234-42b.gif](8rdg0234-42b.gif)
Julianna's father is in the story to provide --
- a less serious tone
- an opposing point of view
- detailed technical information
- the clever commentary
![8rdg0234-42a.gif](8rdg0234-42a.gif)
![8rdg0234-42b.gif](8rdg0234-42b.gif)
The author relates Julianna's sense of awe toward what she sees through --
- dialogue
- description
- character
- setting
- attack
- time
- fascination
- signify
- 1
- 2
- 4
- 5