Grade 8 Language Arts - California Standards Tests (CSTs) Released Items

The word “appassionato” in line 10 of “Piano” contains a Latin root that tells you that the music is played
1. softly and quietly.
2. loudly and humorously.
3. with a gentle touch.
4. with strong feeling.
What is the main purpose of “Reminiscing”?
1. to tell a story about a childhood experience
2. to capture a feeling from the past
3. to debate whether childhood or adulthood is better
4. to describe a person who was important in the life of a child
In lines 11 and 12 of “Piano,” the words “my manhood is cast down in the flood of remembrance” mean that the speaker feels
1. proud of what he has accomplished.
2. strongly connected to his father.
3. that his mother relied on him when he was a child.
4. as if he were a child.
In “Piano,” what causes the speaker to recall a memory?
1. a winter day
2. a woman singing
3. the sight of a piano
4. familiar music
The structure of “Reminiscing” is similar to that of “Piano” in that both poems
1. separate ideas into stanzas.
2. alternate the length of lines.
3. organize lines into rhyming couplets.
4. use the same number of syllables per line.
Read this sentence from Document A.

A phenomenal offer is one that is
1. not true.
2. standard.
3. temporary.
4. extraordinary.
Document A tries to do all of these except
1. interest you in reading.
2. convince you to buy something.
3. offer you extra benefits.
4. explain a warranty to you.
The purpose of Document B is to explain
1. why damaged items cannot be returned.
2. why shipping charges for returns will not be paid.
3. how a return should be processed.
4. how customer representatives will help you.
How does the club know what to do about your refund?
1. You checked a box on the mailing label.
2. You listed it ahead of time on your application.
3. You called the Customer Service Department.
4. You indicated it on the certificate you used.
Shipping charges for returns will be paid by the club when
1. you return a book within 21 days.
2. you request credit rather than a check.
3. the wrong order was shipped.
4. a book is not as interesting as advertised.
The purpose of including the list of activities in Document A is to illustrate to the consumer that Sun Veil Sunscreen 30 is
1. for both adults and children.
2. necessary almost all of the time.
3. available almost everywhere.
4. better than others on the market.
The smiling face that serves as the Sun Veil logo implies that the product makes being in the sun
1. fun.
2. easy.
3. practical.
4. adventurous.
Read this sentence from Document B.

In which sentence does the word burning have the same meaning as in the sentence above?
1. The burning candle gave off a wonderful scent.
2. What to have for lunch that day was the burning issue.
3. Lin had a burning need to know the outcome of the game.
4. Angeline ran barefoot across the burning pavement.
What information appears in Document A that does not appear in Document B?
1. directions for using the product
2. the extent of the product guarantee
3. how long the product lasts once applied
4. what to do if the product causes a rash
While the advertisement (Document A) is written to persuade the consumer, the purpose of the product label (Document B) is
1. to influence.
2. to encourage.
3. to inform.
4. to entertain.
Both documents tell the consumer
1. how to use the Sun Veil product.
2. how to contact the manufacturer.
3. where to purchase the product.
4. about the dangers of sun exposure.
Read this sentence from paragraph 1 of the essay.

The author uses a hyperbole to illustrate that the dog grew
1. surprisingly affectionate.
2. comfortable in the house.
3. too large to fit on a couch.
4. larger than expected.
Which excerpt reveals the author’s inability to train Murphy?
1. I had seen him bounding around on the other side of a pet-shop window . . .
2. . . . we were finally compelled to keep all the papers in the bottom of the icebox.
3. He never climbed up on beds or chairs . . .
4. . . . all of a sudden the large mutt of the host appears . . .
In paragraph 6, why does the author avoid contact with dogs?
1. Exposure to dogs causes her to sneeze.
2. Dogs cause mishaps to occur.
3. Hosts insist on saving her from their dogs.
4. She dislikes most types of dogs.
The first stanza in “The Blind Men and the Elephant” has which rhyming pattern?
1. abcabc
2. abbacc
3. abcbdb
4. aabbcc
In line 1 of “My Fingers,” the speaker is referring to her fingers’
1. length.
2. color.
3. sensitivity.
4. shape.
Read these lines from “My Fingers.”

These lines suggest that the speaker
1. is a very small child.
2. cannot see very well.
3. appreciates life’s little details.
4. is a painter or photographer.
How does the speaker in “My Fingers” resemble the first man in “The Blind Men and the Elephant”?
1. They both misunderstand what an elephant is like.
2. They have both felt the skin of an elephant.
3. They both know what an elephant looks like.
4. They both have strong opinions about the nature of an elephant.
The speaker in “My Fingers” and the men in “The Blind Men and the Elephant” both touch things
1. because they don’t know what an elephant is.
2. because it is the only way they can discover anything.
3. in order to remember what things feel like.
4. in order to learn things about their world.
Which of the following words in the passage is based on a Latin root that means “break”?
1. control
2. exposure
3. landscape
4. fractions
The purpose of a camera’s shutter is
1. to scatter light.
2. to narrow a light beam.
3. to include or exclude light.
4. to separate light into wavelengths.
Generally, for indoor photography the shutter must
1. remain open longer.
2. open more quickly.
3. close quickly.
4. open only partially.
The circled settings on the shutter dial represent
1. settings for outdoor photographs.
2. exposures of one second or more.
3. settings when using a long lens.
4. shutter speeds when using a flash unit.
For which of these subjects would a shutter speed of 125 be appropriate?
1. a performer on a school stage
2. children playing on a beach
3. a girl with an umbrella on a rainy day
4. a boy shooting baskets in a gym
Which summary of paragraph 3 of Document A is the most accurate?
1. Students can do a better job of grading than teachers can.
2. Teachers should be paid higher salaries for grading.
3. Teachers can devote more time to teaching duties if students do the grading.
4. Students learn more from one another than from teachers.
Read this sentence from Document A.

In this sentence, the verb to reinforce has the same meaning as
1. to deliver.
2. to imagine.
3. to strengthen.
4. to create.
What is the main pattern of organization used in Document A?
1. identification of a problem followed by a solution
2. presentation of a main idea followed by supporting details
3. criticism of opponent’s position point by point
4. description of causes and effects of a certain issue
Consider the main support the author of Document B offers for his position. Which of these statements best contradicts his supporting points?
1. There are other methods of student grading that do not cause embarrassment.
2. Some students do not mind sharing their work with others.
3. Many teachers do not allow their students to grade each other.
4. Student grading has been performed in schools for many years.
Given the structure and content of both of these documents, they can best be described as
1. expository.
2. narrative.
3. persuasive.
4. descriptive.
The style in which the words “Rocket Ball” are written at the top of the advertisement is intended to make the reader think of
1. speed.
2. space.
3. sound.
4. time.
Which buttons directly control the movement of the Rocket Ball?
1. LAUNCH and FLIPPERS
2. STAR and FLIPPERS
3. START/PAUSE and FLIPPERS
4. LAUNCH and SELECT
Game Two would probably be preferred by someone who is
1. a new player.
2. a busy adult.
3. an experienced player.
4. a young child.
The most action-packed variation would be
1. Game One with a blue star.
2. Game Two with a black star.
3. Game One with a yellow star.
4. Game Two with a red star.
Rocket Ball could best be described as a game of
1. common sense.
2. quick response.
3. strength.
4. knowledge.
In paragraph 3, the author uses the term “tiny human insects” to emphasize
1. the habits of the farmers.
2. the emotional state of the farmers.
3. his viewpoint.
4. his superiority.
Read this sentence from paragraph 9.

In which sentence does the word sharp have the same meaning as in the sentence above?
1. Eva’s sharp words hurt Molly’s feelings.
2. Lindsey felt a sharp pain in her forehead as she gobbled her ice cream.
3. Keep a sharp eye out for errors as you proofread your paper.
4. Be careful with that knife; it is very sharp.
The author uses the phrase “his life there had become but a background on which to paint the dreams of his manhood” to show that
1. George will completely forget his life in Winesburg.
2. George wishes he could cover up his past life.
3. George will never return to Winesburg to visit his old friends and family.
4. George’s childhood has prepared him for his future.
The content of “Departure” reveals that the author probably believes that
1. young people should not leave their hometowns.
2. moving away from home can be an exciting adventure.
3. people from small towns will probably not adapt well to life in a city.
4. living your whole life in one place is both boring and cowardly.
Why is line 7 (“It is the woolies.”) in “Sheepdog” italicized?
1. to show this is the dog’s appearance
2. to give the text of the poem variety
3. to indicate that is the dog’s thought
4. to indicate a change in the tone
What literary device is used in lines 10–12 of “Sheepdog” (“When the Shepherd’s whistle / releases her, / she’s off, like an arrow, running east. . .”)?
1. metaphor
2. simile
3. symbol
4. pun
Which conflict is present in both selections?
1. good versus evil
2. order versus chaos
3. man versus nature
4. simple versus complex
Although the sheepdog and Jackson are portrayed differently, what do they have in common?
1. They are both difficult for their owners to manage.
2. They are costly for their owners to maintain.
3. They contribute to the quality of their owners’ lives.
4. They spend long hours working beside their owners.
Although Momaday and Stafford are both modern writers, which of these references in Momaday’s story is reminiscent of an earlier historical period?
1. “She told me stories, and she taught me how to listen.”
2. “. . . language in turn is crucial to human society.”
3. “When that old Kiowa woman told me stories, I listened. . . .”
4. “I began to think about it, and then I knew.”
Aunt Charlotte tells the story of her father in order to
1. show that her father was obedient.
2. show that she listened to her father.
3. keep the story from being forgotten.
4. make the cave’s location known.
In “Aunt Charlotte Said,” the description of the child squeezing into the cave is intended
1. to frighten.
2. to delight.
3. to encourage.
4. to tease.
Both Aunt Charlotte in “Aunt Charlotte Said” and the speaker’s grandmother in House Made of Dawn
1. are unable to read or write.
2. recite a story in the text of the poem.
3. pass on stories to younger family members.
4. tell stories about the adventures of relatives.
How does Aunt Charlotte’s father react to seeing his father’s name in the cave?
1. He keeps it a secret.
2. He adds his own name.
3. He searches for other caves.
4. He leaves the cave immediately.
What characteristic of the ballad form does “Aunt Charlotte Said” lack?
1. a compelling narrative
2. rhythmical patterns
3. a summarizing stanza
4. detailed characterization
Document A fails to explain
1. the potential effects of PABA on the skin.
2. the kind of damage done by each type of UV ray.
3. the meaning of the SPF number on sunscreen products.
4. the source of UV rays.
Read this excerpt from the introductory paragraph of Document B.

Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in the excerpt?
1. temporary
2. unusual
3. fatiguing
4. unfavorable
Which would best protect a 3-month-old baby from the sun?
1. using a product with a high SPF
2. limiting exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
3. reapplying sunscreen to the baby every 2 to 3 hours
4. applying a PABA-free sunscreen
Suppose a person who normally spends two hours in direct sunlight does not usually suffer from sunburn. What is the best reason for this person to use a sunscreen?
1. The amount of time spent in direct sunlight is usually underestimated.
2. The person may want to get a suntan.
3. The person can still suffer long-term damage from UVA rays.
4. The normal SPF for a person is only 10 minutes.
Which idea from Document A is more thoroughly explained in Document B?
1. . . . the sun provides light and warmth.
2. . . . life as we know it would not exist.
3. Two types of UV rays exist. . . .
4. If we take the necessary precautions . . .
How is the purpose of Document B different from the purpose of Document A?
1. Document B gives specific instructions on avoiding damage from the sun.
2. Document B includes more information about the types of UV rays.
3. Document B discusses the technical theory behind the SPF system.
4. Document B suggests ideas for living a generally healthy lifestyle.
Which word is derived from the Latin root word meaning to cut?
1. contract
2. partial
3. section
4. junction
Read this sentence.

Which word can best be used to replace the word run without changing the meaning of the sentence?
1. stretch
2. operate
3. take
4. flee
In which of the following sentences is Edward’s personal style most apparent?
1. Since then, no one has occupied it.
2. I live at 212 Parker Street in the Northridge Park subdivision.
3. I am a pretty resourceful guy, so before writing to you, I tried to solve the problem myself.
4. I used the Internet to access public records about the house, but the owner of that house is not listed.
Read this sentence from paragraph 2.

In this sentence, the word instead does not correctly link ideas. Which of these should be used instead?
1. obviously
2. however
3. still
4. likewise
Which of these would make the best concluding sentence to Edward’s letter?
1. My neighbors and I want our neighborhood to return to the beautiful place it once was.
2. The city council doesn’t have much else to do, so why not help our neighborhood?
3. This person is obviously ignoring his or her property and should not be allowed to get away with it any longer.
4. The Internet may be a valuable tool to some, but I don’t agree.
How should the underlined part of sentence 2 be rewritten to create a parallel structure?
1. easily, quickly, and as often as
2. in an easy way, quicker, and as many times
3. easy, quick, and as frequently as
4. easily, quick, and as many if
How should sentence 6 be written to reflect the correct use of punctuation and capitalization?
1. Most people would probably reply, “no, it was a waste of paper anyway, this is a much better system.”
2. Most people would probably reply, “No, it was a waste of paper anyway. This is a much better system.”
3. Most people would probably reply, “no, it was a waste of paper anyway; and this is a much better system.”
4. Most people would probably reply “No it was a waste of paper anyway; this is a much better system.”
How should the underlined word in sentence 17 be written?
1. youre
2. your
3. youre’
4. Leave as is.
How should sentence 20 be changed to maintain a consistent point of view?
1. Eliminate it so that images already presented are not repeated.
2. Divide it into four short sentences, one for each action described.
3. Rewrite it in the first person to match the previous two sentences.
4. Omit the pronouns to transform descriptions into simple commands.
Which sentence would be the best thesis statement for the report?
1. Thanks to the convenience of email, we can keep in touch with family and friends who live far away.
2. Long ago, people had no choice but to write letters and mail them, not knowing if or when their messages would be received.
3. Creating handwritten letters and sending them to people we miss is an art that should be revived.
4. Scribbling brief notes is just not the same as writing long letters in which you pour out deep thoughts and feelings.
How should sentence 2 be rewritten to reflect the use of correct grammar?
1. Even if thieves managed to enter a pyramid, they would probably never find their way out.
2. Even if a thief managed to enter a pyramid, they would probably never find their way out.
3. Even if a thief managed to enter a pyramid, he or she would probably never find their way out.
4. Even if thieves managed to enter a pyramid, he or she would probably never find their way out.
How could the phrase “all of whom are strong and talented” best be placed in sentence 8 to describe Donnie Fulks and his four sons?
1. All of whom are strong and talented, Donnie Fulks and his four sons cut some paths here and there through the tall corn.
2. Donnie Fulks and his four sons cut some paths here and there through the tall corn, all of whom are strong and talented.
3. Donnie Fulks and his four sons, all of whom are strong and talented, cut some paths here and there through the tall corn.
4. Donnie Fulks cut some paths here and there through the tall corn, with his four sons, all of whom are strong and talented.
What is the correct way to write the underlined word in sentence 16?
1. familys
2. families
3. familys’
4. Leave as is.
How could sentence 18 best be rewritten?
1. Visitors are given flags to mark their progress; and waving for help if becoming lost.
2. Visitors are given flags to mark their progress and to wave for help if they become lost.
3. Visitors are given flags to mark their progress: wave them for help if they become lost.
4. Visitors are given flags for marking their progress and to wave for help if they become lost.
Which phrase from the report contains an underlined word that is spelled incorrectly?
1. ancient mazes
2. friends and nieghbors
3. previous ones
4. several surprises
Read these sentences from paragraph 1 of Michael’s report.

What is the best way to combine these sentences without changing the meaning?
1. It is a relatively small island because it has a total area of only 63 square miles.
2. It is a relatively small island with a total area of only 63 square miles.
3. It has a total area of only 63 relatively small square miles on the island.
4. It is only 63 square miles of total area on the relatively small island.
Read these sentences from paragraph 1 of Michael’s report.

What is the best way to combine these sentences without changing the meaning?
1. It is probably volcanic because it has no trees.
2. It is volcanic and this is probably why it has no trees.
3. It is volcanic and has no trees and this is probably why.
4. It is volcanic, which is probably why it has no trees.
Read this sentence from paragraph 2 of Michael’s report.

How should Michael change the underlined words to make the sentence the most dramatic?
1. Much to their surprise,
2. To their great surprise,
3. To their utter amazement,
4. Suddenly,
Read this sentence from paragraph 3 of Michael’s report.

What is the correct way to spell the underlined word?
1. feet
2. fete
3. feite
4. Leave as is.
The best way for Michael to improve this report would be to
1. make the report shorter and add something funny.
2. use fewer facts and details and more personal feelings.
3. tell about Admiral Roggeveen’s naval career.
4. include an ending that summarizes his main points.
Read this sentence from paragraph 2 of Brad’s letter.

Given the content of paragraph 2, what is the most precise way to rewrite this sentence?
1. Laura is an okay leader.
2. Laura is a typical leader.
3. Laura is an experienced leader.
4. Laura is a cautious leader.
Read this sentence from paragraph 2.

Which of the following sentences should be added to support Brad’s claim and link ideas in the paragraph?
1. For example, schools that have pep rallies win more games.
2. For example, Laura thought the school was fine as it was.
3. For example, pep rallies are a great idea for school spirit.
4. For example, it was Laura’s idea to have more pep rallies.
Read this sentence from paragraph 2.

In this sentence, ; for example, does not correctly link the ideas. Which of these should be used?
1. , and
2. , or
3. ; since
4. ; instead
Which of these sentences could best be added at the end of paragraph 3?
1. Laura’s mother is president of the athletic booster club and teaches social studies at a nearby high school.
2. Laura’s long-term goals include majoring in political science and becoming a politician in our local government.
3. Laura has already begun attending city council meetings in order to establish a relationship with community leaders.
4. None of these could be added.
Which of these would make the best concluding sentence to this letter?
1. Laura has a family history of being a leader: her brother was the president of the student council five years ago.
2. We can have the best year in Glenview Junior High history if you cast your vote for Laura García on October 14.
3. Glenview Junior High has a strong history of achievement; in fact, we were number one in football last year.
4. Laura García will go down in history as one of Glenview’s best student council vice presidents.
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In which of the following sentences is Brad’s personal style most apparent?
1. Don’t let the sun set on election day without voting for Laura García.
2. It was Laura who organized the other rallies our students enjoyed last year.
3. Laura wants Glenview to become more involved in our community.
4. Laura believes that there is no limit to what our campus can accomplish.
How is the organization of Brad’s letter best described?
1. comparison/contrast
2. main idea and supporting details
3. sequence of events
4. step-by-step process
Read this sentence.

What is the most accurate replacement for the underlined word in this sentence?
1. done
2. centered on
3. looked at
4. accomplished
How are sentences 8 and 9 best combined?
1. The money she earned through her hard work was the money continually used to improve the lives of others.
2. She earned money through her hard work, and she continually used the money to improve the lives of others.
3. She continually used the money she earned through her hard work to improve the lives of others.
4. Continually improving the lives of others was the purpose of the money she earned through her hard work.
Read these sentences from paragraph 1 of the report.

What is the correct way to write the underlined part of the second sentence to maintain consistency of verb tense?
1. have been assigned
2. were assigned
3. are being assigned
4. are assigned
Which sentence could best be added at the beginning of the report to attract the attention of the reader?
1. As amazing as it may seem, sometimes one decision alters the course of history.
2. A governor changed a law that altered history.
3. One famous battle that made history started with a simple decision.
4. During the Civil War, John Andrew was governor of one of the Union states.
Read these sentences from paragraph 1 of the report.

Which sentence demonstrates the best way to combine these two sentences?
1. Members of the 54th were not the first African Americans to fight, but their brave acts made the group one of the most famous.
2. Members of the 54th were not the first African Americans to fight, and their brave acts made the group one of the most famous.
3. Members of the 54th were not the first African Americans to fight, because their brave acts made the group one of the most famous.
4. Members of the 54th were not the first African Americans to fight, so their brave acts made the group one of the most famous.
Read this sentence from paragraph 2 of the report.

What is the best way to revise this sentence to make the meaning more clear?
1. A part of the beach was the only land entrance to the opposition’s well-guarded place on Morris Island.
2. A narrow strip of beach created a land bridge to the Confederacy’s well-guarded fortress on Morris Island.
3. A bit of the beach made up the only bridge to the well-guarded site of the enemy’s on Morris Island.
4. A slice of beach led to the fort on Morris Island where the well-guarded enemy was waiting.
Which sentence could best be added to the beginning of paragraph 3 to improve the transition between paragraphs 2 and 3?
1. African Americans fought a mighty battle that day.
2. The soldiers fiercely attacked Fort Wagner.
3. The Medal of Honor is a prestigious award.
4. Carney was one of many soldiers injured that day.
Read these sentences from paragraph 4 of the report.

Which underlined word from the sentences should not be capitalized?
1. August
2. Army
3. Monument
4. Boston
Which sentence could best be added at the end of the first paragraph to generate reader interest?
1. There is something I want to discuss.
2. I have a simple solution to a schoolwide problem.
3. We start school very early.
4. It is difficult to wake up in the morning.
Which statement best represents the controlling idea of the letter?
1. The school day should commence an hour later.
2. Many student activities should be rescheduled.
3. Many teens stay up too late.
4. Students prefer sleep to outside activities.
Which sentence would serve as the best transition between paragraphs 2 and 3?
1. I hope my letter serves its purpose of explaining my problem.
2. Lack of sleep can prevent students from doing their best in school.
3. When teens stay up late, they might find it challenging to participate in sports.
4. The time for a vote is now—before a new semester of school begins.
Read this sentence from paragraph 4 of the letter.

What is the best word to replace the underlined word in the sentence and still convey the same meaning?
1. normally
2. occasionally
3. always
4. randomly
Which quotation would best support the thesis of the letter?
1. As our gym teacher states, “No one disputes the importance of outside activities.”
2. “Formal study times are essential for long-term student success,” suggests one report.
3. According to one researcher, “Students learn best in those schools with late start times.”
4. The health teacher asserts, “Eating well provides the body with important nutrients.”
Read this sentence from paragraph 2.

Which is the best way to rewrite the sentence?
1. Carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas, is poisonous and sometimes deadly.
2. A colorless and odorless gas, carbon monoxide is a poisonous and is sometimes a deadly gas.
3. Poisonous, sometimes deadly, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas.
4. Colorless and odorless, carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas, and it can sometimes be a deadly one.
Read this sentence from paragraph 2.

What is the correct way to punctuate the underlined part of the sentence?
1. other sources of electrical power, sources that are safer cleaner and renewable.
2. other sources of electrical power; sources that are safer; cleaner; and renewable.
3. other sources of electrical power, sources that are safer, cleaner, and renewable.
4. other sources of electrical power sources, that are safer, cleaner and renewable.
Read this sentence from paragraph 2.

What is the correct way to rewrite the underlined word in the sentence?
1. these
2. its
3. their
4. them
Read this sentence from paragraph 3.

What is the correct spelling of the underlined word in the sentence?
1. monitorred
2. monatored
3. monoterred
4. monitored
Read this sentence from paragraph 4.

Where should a comma be added in the sentence above?
1. after Hydropower
2. after water
3. after expensive
4. after power
Read this sentence from paragraph 5.

What is the best way to rewrite the underlined part of the sentence using parallel structure?
1. reliable
2. relied upon
3. relying on them
4. are reliable
Read this sentence from paragraph 2 of Carla’s report.

What is the correct way to spell the underlined word?
1. rigarous
2. rigerus
3. rigorous
4. Leave as is.
Read this sentence from paragraph 5 of Carla’s report.

Which phrase should Carla add to this sentence for emphasis?
1. By the way,
2. Once and for all,
3. To be specific,
4. In fact,
Read this sentence from paragraph 4 of Carla’s report.

Which is the best way to write this sentence without changing the meaning?
1. The hospital she found was dirty when she arrived.
2. When she arrived, she found the hospital dirty.
3. The hospital she found when she arrived was dirty.
4. She was dirty when she arrived and found the hospital.
Read this sentence from paragraph 5 of Carla’s report.

What is the correct way to write the underlined words?
1. they are taking care of
2. they took care of
3. they have taken care of
4. Leave as is.
What is the organizational pattern of Carla’s report?
1. order of importance
2. comparison and contrast
3. problem and solution
4. chronological order
Read this sentence.

What is the correct way to write the underlined words?
1. left I believe
2. left I believe,
3. left, I, believe
4. Leave as is.
Read this sentence.

What is the correct way to write this sentence?
1. Most of the world’s glowing creatures are found deep underwater.
2. Deep underwater found are most of the world’s glowing creatures.
3. Deep underwater are found most of the world’s creatures, glowing.
4. Leave as is.
Read this sentence.

How is this sentence best written?
1. Violetta cooked the spaghetti, Gino the salad, and I preparing the soup.
2. Violetta cooked the spaghetti, Gino makes the salad, and I the soup.
3. Violetta cooked the spaghetti, Gino making the salad, and I prepare the soup.
4. Leave as is.
Read this sentence.

How is the underlined part of this sentence best written?
1. I work
2. I’ll be working
3. I’ve worked
4. Leave as is.

Grade 8 Language Arts - California Standards Tests (CSTs) Released Items

Choose the correct answer for each question.

The word “appassionato” in line 10 of “Piano” contains a Latin root that tells you that the music is played

What is the main purpose of “Reminiscing”?

In lines 11 and 12 of “Piano,” the words “my manhood is cast down in the flood of remembrance” mean that the speaker feels

In “Piano,” what causes the speaker to recall a memory?

The structure of “Reminiscing” is similar to that of “Piano” in that both poems

Read this sentence from Document A.

A phenomenal offer is one that is

Document A tries to do all of these except

The purpose of Document B is to explain

How does the club know what to do about your refund?

Shipping charges for returns will be paid by the club when

The purpose of including the list of activities in Document A is to illustrate to the consumer that Sun Veil Sunscreen 30 is

The smiling face that serves as the Sun Veil logo implies that the product makes being in the sun

Read this sentence from Document B.

In which sentence does the word burning have the same meaning as in the sentence above?

What information appears in Document A that does not appear in Document B?

While the advertisement (Document A) is written to persuade the consumer, the purpose of the product label (Document B) is

Both documents tell the consumer

Read this sentence from paragraph 1 of the essay.

The author uses a hyperbole to illustrate that the dog grew

Which excerpt reveals the author’s inability to train Murphy?

In paragraph 6, why does the author avoid contact with dogs?

The first stanza in “The Blind Men and the Elephant” has which rhyming pattern?

In line 1 of “My Fingers,” the speaker is referring to her fingers’

Read these lines from “My Fingers.”

These lines suggest that the speaker

How does the speaker in “My Fingers” resemble the first man in “The Blind Men and the Elephant”?

The speaker in “My Fingers” and the men in “The Blind Men and the Elephant” both touch things

Which of the following words in the passage is based on a Latin root that means “break”?

The purpose of a camera’s shutter is

Generally, for indoor photography the shutter must

The circled settings on the shutter dial represent

For which of these subjects would a shutter speed of 125 be appropriate?

Which summary of paragraph 3 of Document A is the most accurate?

Read this sentence from Document A.

In this sentence, the verb to reinforce has the same meaning as

What is the main pattern of organization used in Document A?

Consider the main support the author of Document B offers for his position. Which of these statements best contradicts his supporting points?

Given the structure and content of both of these documents, they can best be described as

The style in which the words “Rocket Ball” are written at the top of the advertisement is intended to make the reader think of

Which buttons directly control the movement of the Rocket Ball?

Game Two would probably be preferred by someone who is

The most action-packed variation would be

Rocket Ball could best be described as a game of

In paragraph 3, the author uses the term “tiny human insects” to emphasize

Read this sentence from paragraph 9.

In which sentence does the word sharp have the same meaning as in the sentence above?

The author uses the phrase “his life there had become but a background on which to paint the dreams of his manhood” to show that

The content of “Departure” reveals that the author probably believes that

Why is line 7 (“It is the woolies.”) in “Sheepdog” italicized?

What literary device is used in lines 10–12 of “Sheepdog” (“When the Shepherd’s whistle / releases her, / she’s off, like an arrow, running east. . .”)?

Which conflict is present in both selections?

Although the sheepdog and Jackson are portrayed differently, what do they have in common?

Although Momaday and Stafford are both modern writers, which of these references in Momaday’s story is reminiscent of an earlier historical period?

Aunt Charlotte tells the story of her father in order to

In “Aunt Charlotte Said,” the description of the child squeezing into the cave is intended

Both Aunt Charlotte in “Aunt Charlotte Said” and the speaker’s grandmother in House Made of Dawn

How does Aunt Charlotte’s father react to seeing his father’s name in the cave?

What characteristic of the ballad form does “Aunt Charlotte Said” lack?

Document A fails to explain

Read this excerpt from the introductory paragraph of Document B.

Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word in the excerpt?

Which would best protect a 3-month-old baby from the sun?

Suppose a person who normally spends two hours in direct sunlight does not usually suffer from sunburn. What is the best reason for this person to use a sunscreen?

Which idea from Document A is more thoroughly explained in Document B?

How is the purpose of Document B different from the purpose of Document A?

Which word is derived from the Latin root word meaning to cut?

Read this sentence.

Which word can best be used to replace the word run without changing the meaning of the sentence?

In which of the following sentences is Edward’s personal style most apparent?

Read this sentence from paragraph 2.

In this sentence, the word instead does not correctly link ideas. Which of these should be used instead?

Which of these would make the best concluding sentence to Edward’s letter?

How should the underlined part of sentence 2 be rewritten to create a parallel structure?

How should sentence 6 be written to reflect the correct use of punctuation and capitalization?

How should the underlined word in sentence 17 be written?

How should sentence 20 be changed to maintain a consistent point of view?

Which sentence would be the best thesis statement for the report?

**The structure of “Reminiscing” is similar to that of “Piano” in that both poems**

**What information appears in Document A that does not appear in Document B?**

**Which summary of paragraph 3 of Document A is the most accurate?**

**Consider the main support the author of Document B offers for his position. Which of these statements best contradicts his supporting points?**

**Given the structure and content of both of these documents, they can best be described as**

**The most action-packed variation would be**

**Rocket Ball could best be described as a game of**

**Why is line 7 (“It is the woolies.”) in “Sheepdog” italicized?**

**Which would best protect a 3-month-old baby from the sun?**

**Suppose a person who normally spends two hours in direct sunlight does not usually suffer from sunburn. What is the best reason for this person to use a sunscreen?**

**Which word can best be used to replace the word run without changing the meaning of the sentence?**

**In which of the following sentences is Edward’s personal style most apparent?**

**Which sentence would be the best thesis statement for the report?**

**How could the phrase “all of whom are strong and talented” best be placed in sentence 8 to describe Donnie Fulks and his four sons?**

**How could sentence 18 best be rewritten?**

**What is the best way to combine these sentences without changing the meaning?**

**What is the best way to combine these sentences without changing the meaning?**

**How should Michael change the underlined words to make the sentence the most dramatic?**

**The best way for Michael to improve this report would be to**

**Given the content of paragraph 2, what is the most precise way to rewrite this sentence?**

**In this sentence, ; for example, does not correctly link the ideas. Which of these should be used?**

**Which of these would make the best concluding sentence to this letter?**

**What is the most accurate replacement for the underlined word in this sentence?**

**How are sentences 8 and 9 best combined?**

**Which sentence could best be added at the beginning of the report to attract the attention of the reader?**

**Which sentence demonstrates the best way to combine these two sentences?**

**What is the best way to revise this sentence to make the meaning more clear?**

**Which sentence could best be added to the beginning of paragraph 3 to improve the transition between paragraphs 2 and 3?**

**Which underlined word from the sentences should not be capitalized?**

**Which sentence could best be added at the end of the first paragraph to generate reader interest?**

**Which statement best represents the controlling idea of the letter?**

**Which sentence would serve as the best transition between paragraphs 2 and 3?**

**Which is the best way to rewrite the sentence?**

**What is the best way to rewrite the underlined part of the sentence using parallel structure?**

**Which is the best way to write this sentence without changing the meaning?**