Grade 9 Language Arts - California Standards Tests (CSTs) Released Items

The dialogue in this story is generated from the narrator’s
1. conversations with others.
2. photographs in a family album.
3. book on the history of the churchyard.
4. memories from his childhood.
When the narrator says, “It slows the juices down . . .” he means
1. the trip makes him tired and hungry.
2. the visit makes him feel depressed.
3. the trip gives him something to do.
4. the visit changes his pace of life.
In paragraph 14, what does the narrator use to make a point?
1. a contrast between the past and present
2. an allusion to an event
3. a flashback to his youth
4. a foreshadowing of the future
This selection could effectively be adapted for presentation as a dramatic monologue because it consists of
1. several suspenseful scenes.
2. tales of misfortune.
3. vivid descriptions by a narrator.
4. exaggeration of people’s actions.
Which paragraph of the review (Document A) supports the author’s claim that Escape from Treasure Mountain II has its good points?
1. paragraph 2
2. paragraph 3
3. paragraph 4
4. paragraph 5
What part of the advertisement (Document B) challenges the negative claims made in the review (Document A)?
1. the picture of the game
2. the bulleted list
3. the quotes
4. the headline
Steps 5 and 6 of the instructions (Document C) for installing Escape from Treasure Mountain II assume that the user
1. has played Escape from Treasure Mountain I.
2. owns a computer with at least 1.2 GB hard drive space.
3. has some familiarity with basic computer terms.
4. will want to know about new games from Madcap Studios.
Which phrase from the story helps to create a mood of anticipation?
1. a whirlwind of activity
2. long, hot afternoons
3. snarling insults back and forth
4. jammed onto racks and shelves
In paragraph 5, the narrator personifies the elk in the sketch in order to
1. illustrate how disorganized the contest is.
2. emphasize how insulted she feels.
3. question the judges’ authority.
4. show the superiority of the elk sketch.
The discrepancy between what the narrator imagines the judges will say and what they actually do say represents the
1. conflict between the new and the old.
2. narrator’s self-deception.
3. brother’s apparent talent.
4. nature of sibling rivalry.
The conflict at the end of this passage can best be described as
1. internal—the narrator’s feelings about her brother winning.
2. external—interactions between the narrator and the judges.
3. external—interactions between the narrator and her brother.
4. internal—the narrator’s feelings toward people like the judge.
Based on information from A Blue Jeans Chronology in Document B, the reader could assume that
1. blue jeans serve a purely functional purpose.
2. styles changed to make blue jeans more economical.
3. children’s jeans were not manufactured until the mid-1900s.
4. the first denim jeans were manufactured for men.
Which event happened during the same time period that Forever Blue, Inc., began manufacturing blue jeans?
1. Blue jeans became fashionable for women.
2. Teens began to wear blue jeans.
3. Studs were first used on blue jeans.
4. Rivets were first used on blue jeans.
When using “Trip Planner,” locations must be typed into a numbered fill-in box as described in
1. Step 1.
2. Step 2.
3. Step 3.
4. Step 4.
When using “Trip Planner,” the same menu must be used in Steps
1. 1 and 2 only.
2. 1, 2, and 3.
3. 2 and 3 only.
4. 1, 3, and 5.
To learn how to send messages via carrier pigeon, a student should research which of the following topics?
1. capture
2. habitat
3. training
4. anatomy
Read the sentence below from the passage.

In this sentence, snapping up means
1. giving away.
2. destroying.
3. throwing out.
4. buying.
Which of the following statements from the passage supports the author’s conclusion that carrier pigeons sometimes had a dangerous job?
1. In 1815 an English banker named Nathan Rothschild made his fortune by relying on messages sent to him by carrier pigeons.
2. Since they could easily be released from airplanes or ships, every branch of the armed services used the birds.
3. On his last mission, though wounded, he carried a message that saved the lives of 194 American soldiers.
4. Many people find carrier pigeons ugly because of their big wattle, a knobby buildup of skin on the beak.
The author provides specific dates throughout this passage in order to
1. show that carrier pigeons are more important in modern times than they were in the past.
2. indicate the impact of carrier pigeons at significant points in history.
3. explain the causes and effects of world events.
4. avoid confusing the reader when switching back and forth between the past and present times.
In order to understand the passage better, which topic should be researched?
1. How are modern communication devices better than carrier pigeons?
2. How did the Duke of Wellington defeat Napoleon at Waterloo?
3. How were carrier pigeons trained for use during wartime?
4. What types of medals were awarded for bravery during World War I?
In paragraph 13 of “Trapped,” a tender is
1. a piece of diving equipment.
2. a measure of air pressure.
3. a person helping the diver.
4. a kind of air compressor.
In paragraph 33 of “Trapped,” the narrator is feeling
1. scared.
2. relieved.
3. nervous.
4. confused.
What literary convention does Morey use that Noboa Polanco does not?
1. detailed descriptions
2. inner thoughts
3. informal language
4. dialogue
What element of “Trapped” makes it suitable for adaptation as a drama?
1. suspense
2. anger
3. misfortune
4. sorrow
Both of these passages convey a sense of
1. fear.
2. pride.
3. joy.
4. relief.
Which of the following questions is answered in the bibliography in Document A?
1. Are special running shoes needed for beginners?
2. Is Scanlon-Van Horn Publishers located in New York?
3. Is James Gleick related to Libby Mendez?
4. Is Runner’s Magazine published weekly or semimonthly?
If this book were to be added to the bibliography in Document A, which of the following entries would be correct?
1. Dennis Martin. Running for Your Health.
  Miami: McDevonshire Books, 1997.
2. Dennis Martin. Running for Your Health.
  1997. McDevonshire Books: Miami.
3. Martin, Dennis. McDevonshire Books.
  Running for Your Health. Miami: 1997.
4. Martin, Dennis. Running for Your Health.
  Miami: McDevonshire Books, 1997.
The author uses the runner in the advertisement (Document B) to give the impression that
1. making a good stopwatch is a tiring task.
2. winners choose ATLAS stopwatches.
3. time is more important to runners than to other people.
4. running is time consuming.
The word counts as used in the advertisement (Document B) has what double meaning?
1. importance and duration
2. consideration and computation
3. to rate and total
4. to calculate and evaluate
How are the characteristics of this scene related to its genre?
1. The telling of amusing anecdotes classifies the scene as a comedy.
2. The realistic portrayal of serious events classifies the scene as a drama.
3. An unfavorable outcome classifies the scene as a tragedy.
4. An abundance of soliloquies by a main character classifies the scene as a monologue.
Read this excerpt from the play.

What does this excerpt reveal about Washington’s character?
1. He considers himself to be the most qualified individual to single-handedly create a new Constitution.
2. His desire for a new Constitution is founded on firsthand experience of the failings of the old system.
3. He believes that the Constitution should require the government to follow a military-like structure.
4. He hopes that the new Constitution will take all control away from Congress.
In this play, Benjamin Franklin functions as
1. a character foil for George Washington.
2. a mediator between arguing parties.
3. a means of comic relief to ease tension.
4. a way to promote one side of the debate.
Read Franklin’s last statement in the play. Why does Benjamin Franklin make the statement?
1. to describe his response to the details of the painting
2. to contrast his own point of view with those of the delegates
3. to express his feelings on the achievements made at the session
4. to suggest that the painting influenced the outcome of the session
When the online screens shown in Step 1 and Step 3 are compared, what relationship is revealed?
1. Each successive step is not dependent upon the previous step.
2. Each successive step further narrows the search topic.
3. Each successive step is more important than the previous step.
4. Each successive step offers fewer specific options.
Read this excerpt from the tutorial.

The word perfect is used mainly to suggest that Map Artist is
1. best.
2. exact.
3. most authentic.
4. most rational.
When a specific location is placed on a customized map, which function is required?
1. clicking on GO
2. cutting and pasting
3. inserting a box for the map
4. clicking on the map
Which sequence accurately presents the order of the steps suggested in the Map Artist tutorial?
Which excerpt from Article 1 best communicates an enthusiastic tone?
1. Cuddles is a two-foot-high miniature horse and serves as the guiding eyes of Shaw, who is visually impaired.
2. In the early 1920s, Morris Frank made history by becoming the first person in America to receive a guide dog.
3. When getting around on his own in public proved to be too difficult, [Shaw] opened a bait shop in his own home.
4. Best of all, [guide horses] live for 25–35 years, which would enable Shaw to have the same guide companion for most or all of his life.
Based on the information presented in Article 1 and Article 2, what can the reader best conclude?
1. All visually impaired individuals use guide horses.
2. It is common to be selected as a guide horse owner.
3. Guide horses require extensive training but are a valuable resource.
4. Guide horses learn the most during the verbal portion of the training process.
What principal idea connects the information in both articles?
1. The guide horse training process integrates the techniques of various experts.
2. The primary duty of an assistance animal is to protect the handler from danger.
3. Assistance animals can live for several decades.
4. Guide dogs are still more effective than guide horses.
Which source would most helpful for a student who wants to write a report on the general use of assistance animals?
1. Franco, Julia. Training Guide Dogs. Los
  Angeles: Guiding Lights Publishing, 2002.
2. Lee, Sung. “Sasha: A Canine Hero.” Kennel
  Club Newsletter Spring 2001: 2–3.
3. Quinn, Michael. Guide Dogs and Other
  Companions. San Francisco: Ice House
  Publishing, 2001.
4. Scott, Ken. “Local Police Seek Funds for K-9
  Unit.” The Daily Ledger 2 Jan. 2003: 4C.
Which question about the uses of assistance animals could best be answered through further research?
1. How are various types of animals utilized as assistance animals?
2. Which animal serves as the best assistance animal?
3. When did Dan Shaw first hear about various types of assistance animals?
4. How did Don and Janet Burleson learn to train assistance animals?
Which question, if researched, could provide the best information on which assistance animals make the best guides?
1. What is the process for applying to own an assistance animal?
2. What methods are most popular for teaching assistance animals to work with people?
3. What are the steps necessary to becoming a trainer of assistance animals?
4. What qualities are necessary in a competent assistance animal?
Which supplement, if added to Article 2, could best enhance the reader’s understanding of the guide horse training process?
1. examples of verbal commands taught to the guide horse
2. charts illustrating the career of John Lyons
3. a picture showing a guide horse walking ahead of its handler
4. a list of well-known horse trainers
After speaking of the changes Lincoln brought about for African Americans, Douglass refers to January 1, 1863, in order to
1. emphasize that Lincoln should have acted sooner.
2. praise that day as the beginning of all the changes.
3. remind African Americans of the long road ahead.
4. commemorate the day of Lincoln’s death.
Which of these phrases from Frederick Douglass’s speech is slightly critical toward Lincoln?
1. “though the Union was more to him than our freedom or our future”
2. “responding to the call of Abraham Lincoln”
3. “making slavery forever impossible in the United States”
4. “the outburst of joy and thanksgiving that rent the air”
The main purpose of the poem is
1. to critique Lincoln.
2. to capture Lincoln’s personal experience.
3. to honor Lincoln.
4. to explain Lincoln’s achievements.
In line 4 of “The Death of Lincoln,” the “sword of power” is an example of
1. irony.
2. figurative language.
3. repetition.
4. personification.
How does the poem give greater emphasis to the theme of loss than Douglass’s speech does?
1. It describes Lincoln in detail.
2. It expresses a desire for vengeance.
3. It uses brief, powerful images.
4. It promises a peaceful future.
Which of the following best describes the different attitudes expressed in “The Death of Lincoln” and Frederick Douglass’s speech?
1. The poem is a joyful celebration of Lincoln, while the tone of the speech is sad.
2. The poem idealizes Lincoln, while the speech critically appraises his actions.
3. The poem stresses the future, while the speech focuses on the present.
4. The poem is personal, while the speech is abstract.
Which word is derived from the name of the nymph in Greek mythology who pined away for Narcissus until all that was left was her voice?
1. vocal
2. echo
3. larynx
4. articulate
In which sentence does the underlined word have the most negative connotation?
1. The man’s remarks were harmful.
2. The man’s remarks were mischievous.
3. The man’s remarks were malicious.
4. The man’s remarks were unpleasant.
Which sentence demonstrates the figurative meaning of the word parasite?
1. Her dog had parasites, so she took him to a veterinarian to get some medicine.
2. A leech is a kind of freshwater parasite.
3. My friend says I’m a parasite because I always borrow money from him.
4. Certain plant parasites can cause permanent harm to trees if not removed.
In which sentence does the underlined word have the most negative connotation?
1. The runner was cocky about his ability to win the race.
2. The runner was confident about his ability to win the race.
3. The runner was certain about his ability to win the race.
4. The runner was sure about his ability to win the race.
Read the following sentence.

The word concocting means
1. examining.
2. creating.
3. imagining.
4. tasting.
The word distracted is derived from a Latin root meaning
1. to wish or hope.
2. to draw or pull away.
3. to look or see.
4. to say or tell.
The word glorify most nearly means
1. imagine.
2. predict.
3. examine.
4. honor.
The word effect is derived from a Latin root meaning
1. to make.
2. to gather.
3. to urge.
4. to believe.
Read this sentence.

The word cosmopolitan comes from the
1. Latin word for lion.
2. Greek name for the universe.
3. Roman goddess of the earth.
4. Greek god Oceanus, god of the water.
Which word is derived from the name of the mountain in Greece where the mythological god Zeus resides?
1. atlantic
2. olympic
3. chaotic
4. phonetic
Which word is derived from a Latin root meaning “to choose”?
1. barrier
2. creatures
3. memories
4. collection
Read this sentence.

In this sentence, the word cheap means “inexpensive,” but the adjective also suggests that the tires were very likely
1. the wrong size.
2. made recently.
3. of poor quality.
4. easy to locate.
The word volcano is derived from which of the following names for the god of fire?
1. Odin
2. Hephaestus
3. Vulcan
4. Pele
Which paragraph would be the most appropriate place for David to explain some of the basic features of e-books, such as their interactive dictionary?
1. paragraph 1
2. paragraph 2
3. paragraph 3
4. paragraph 4
Which of the following is the best statement of David’s thesis?
1. E-books are convenient, efficient, and good for the environment.
2. E-books are expensive, but they will come down in price.
3. E-books look similar to regular books except for the fact that they have a large screen.
4. E-books are the perfect choice for people on the go.
David provides the definition of e-books in paragraph 2 for
1. himself.
2. Mr. Slocum.
3. the other editors at the newspaper.
4. other people who read the newspaper.
Which of the following does David use to help develop his ideas in paragraph 3?
1. a scenario
2. a definition
3. a hypothesis
4. a quote
Throughout David’s letter, the focus is on
1. honoring the person who invented e-books.
2. scolding publishers for wasting so much paper.
3. providing evidence that e-books are a good idea.
4. explaining how to read an e-book.
David avoids using technical language in his letter because his audience is made up of
1. people who have used e-books.
2. fellow students who use computers at school.
3. people of all ages and backgrounds.
4. editors who test out new products.
Read the following sentence.

What is the best way to improve the structure of the underlined part of the sentence?
1. absolutely we can add more beauty to its surroundings.
2. we can surely add the most beauty to its surroundings.
3. we can surely add more beauty to its surroundings.
4. we can add more beauty to its surroundings absolutely.
Read this sentence.

Which word would best replace the underlined words in the sentence and make it more precise?
1. broad
2. extensive
3. sweeping
4. spacious
Which sentence is not consistent with the overall tone of the letter?
1. We could host a plant swap this spring.
2. We will also be performing a service to our community.
3. Some members may not want to take certain shifts.
4. Please let me know when we can discuss this further.
Terri has noticed that she has used variations of the word beauty frequently in her letter and made a list of synonyms she might use instead. Which word below has she spelled incorrectly?
1. lovliness
2. attractiveness
3. fairness
4. handsomeness
As Martin begins his research, which person would be most helpful in guiding him?
1. a school counselor
2. a geography teacher
3. a school principal
4. a school librarian
What information should Martin include in paragraph 2 of his report?
1. the location of the luge championships
2. a description of the luge
3. the date Thayer reached the South Pole
4. an explanation of Thayer’s physical appearance
Read the following sentence.

Which word should Martin substitute for happy in order to be more precise?
1. pleased
2. fortunate
3. triumphant
4. glad
Based on the Works Cited section, which author writes for a magazine?
1. Berryman
2. Creighton
3. Martles
4. Thayer
When Martin types his final report, which line spacing should he use for the body of his paper?
1. single
2. 1.5 lines
3. double
4. triple
Cara writes,

How should this be written?
1. Dear mayor Lewis
2. Dear Mayor Lewis—
3. My Dear Mayor Lewis,
4. Leave as is.
Read this sentence from paragraph 2.

How should the underlined part of the sentence be written?
1. for-sports,
2. for; sports,
3. for sports,
4. for: sports
In paragraph 2, sentence 5 begins with the word Kids. How should this be written?
1. Small children, because it is more formal
2. Tikes, because it’s friendlier
3. Kids, because that’s how people talk
4. Little kids, because it’s more descriptive
Read this sentence from paragraph 2.

Which is the best way to write this sentence?
1. Every day I see the park going to school.
2. I see the park on the way to school every day.
3. Every day I see the park on my way to school.
4. I see the park every day going to school.
How should the first sentence of paragraph 4 be written?
1. The club challenges other groups that use the park to do its part of organizing other fund-raising events.
2. The club challenges other groups are using the park to do their part by organizing other fund-raising events.
3. The club challenges other groups using the park in doing their share of organizing other fund-raising events.
4. The club challenges other groups that use the park to do their part by organizing other fund-raising events.
Which word below could be used in paragraph 3 in place of unsafe to provide the most precise word choice?
1. perilous
2. daunting
3. tumultuous
4. formidable
Which of these would provide the most effective support if added to paragraph 3?
1. statistics documenting the decline in population of sea otters
2. opinions of people concerned with the sea otter’s welfare
3. descriptions of the daily activities of the sea otter
4. definitions of key terms used throughout the report
Read this sentence.

What underlined word in this sentence is spelled incorrectly?
1. treety
2. rescue
3. protection
4. restored
After completing her research, Anabela noticed a discrepancy among her sources. Which piece of information below is most likely the cause of such a discrepancy?
1. the methods sea otters use to keep insulated
2. the sea otter’s favorite food
3. the ways in which sea otters display intelligence
4. the total number of sea otters in existence
Read this sentence.

What form of the verb should replace the underlined words to maintain consistency of verb tense?
1. enjoyed
2. is enjoying
3. were enjoying
4. will have enjoyed
Read these sentences.

How is the underlined sentence best written?
1. If one wants to understand this procedure, you must understand the kernel.
2. The kernel itself must be understood if comprehension of this process is to occur.
3. First, you need to familiarize yourself with the kernel to understand the popping method.
4. In order to comprehend this process, one must first understand the kernel itself.
Which of the works in the Works Cited is most likely the source of information for the temperature at which popcorn kernels pop?
1. “Healthy Snacks”
2. Popcorn: A Healthy Alternative
3. “How Popcorn Evolved”
4. Science of Food
How should the underlined words in sentence 4 be written to reflect correct punctuation?
1. Shackleton’s men left on foot searching: for food, shelter, and water.
2. Shackleton’s men left on foot searching—for food shelter, and water.
3. Shackleton’s men left on foot searching, for food, shelter, and water.
4. Shackleton’s men left on foot searching for food, shelter, and water.
How is sentence 5 best written?
1. Although supplies were saved and rationed, the men knew more food would have to be found.
2. Even though they realized they had to find more food, they rationed all of the supplies carefully.
3. Scared by thoughts of starvation, the small amount of supplies they had left was rationed by the crew.
4. Supplies were carefully rationed by the men as the need for additional food became more surely apparent.
How is sentence 6 best written?
1. Elephant Island would be their frozen home for just under two years, after Shackleton led his men there.
2. Shackleton led his men to Elephant Island, which would be their frozen home for just under two years.
3. Shackleton’s men were led by him to Elephant Island, which would be their frozen home for just under two years.
4. Leading his men to Elephant Island, Shackleton reached their frozen home for just under two years.
How is sentence 10 best written?
1. Shackleton successfully reached South Georgia and immediately began the effort to rescue his stranded crew.
2. Upon his arrival at South Georgia, which is an unrivaled maritime feat, Shackleton commenced the rescue effort.
3. The journey to South Georgia ended in success, and plans to rescue the remaining crew members were initiated.
4. The perilous journey having ended with their arrival at South Georgia, rescue plans for the crew began to take place.
The author needed additional sources for the essay. He found two more biographies of Ernest Shackleton. Which of the following is the difference most likely to be found between these sources?
1. Shackleton’s age at the time of the expedition
2. the amount of time the men were stranded on Elephant Island
3. the manner in which food and supplies were rationed
4. Shackleton’s primary source of motivation during the ordeal
The author is thinking about adding a final sentence to the end of paragraph 3. Which sentence below best demonstrates proper English usage and control of grammar?
1. Shackleton’s crew members owed their ultimate survival entirely to him.
2. Shackleton’s crew members owed they’re ultimate survival entirely to him.
3. Shackleton’s crew members entirely owed him for their ultimate survival.
4. Shackleton’s crew members owed to him entirely they’re ultimate survival.
Which sentence below best states the intended thesis of the author’s essay?
1. Antarctic travel is full of pitfalls and dangers.
2. Shackleton’s leadership saved the lives of his stranded crew.
3. Lack of food and constant despair were two problems the men faced.
4. Shackleton sailed 800 miles in a small sailboat.
How should the following phrase from sentence 9 be written to reflect correct conventions of capitalization?
1. incredible feats of maritime History
2. incredible feats of maritime history
3. incredible feats of Maritime history
4. incredible feats of Maritime History
Read this sentence from paragraph 2 of the report.

What is the best way to write the underlined part of the sentence without changing the meaning?
1. she knew that they, the colonies, could easily sell abroad crops that were needed.
2. she knew that crops were needed to easily sell abroad by the colonies.
3. she knew that the colonies needed crops that they could easily sell abroad.
4. Leave as is.
Which information, if added to paragraph 3, would best support the main idea of the paragraph?
1. how the works of Wheatley and Warren affected society
2. where Wheatley and Warren were able to publish their works
3. what the titles of some of Wheatley’s and Warren’s works were
4. how old Wheatley and Warren were when they began publishing their works
Read this sentence from paragraph 5 of the report.

Which word or words should replace the underlined words in the sentence to maintain consistent verb tense?
1. will confirm
2. are confirming
3. confirmed
4. confirms
When the final draft of the report is typed, what line spacing should be used?
1. single-line spacing
2. double-line spacing
3. 1.5-line spacing
4. 2.5-line spacing
Which research question most likely contributed to the development of paragraph 4?
1. What did Abigail Adams do to support her family during her husband’s presidency?
2. What major contribution did Abigail Adams make during the American Revolution?
3. How often did Abigail Adams write to her husband during the American Revolution?
4. How were the relationships between husbands and wives defined in the time of Abigail Adams?
Read this sentence.

How is the underlined part of this sentence best written?
1. reading a good book, going to a movie, or visiting with friends
2. to read a good book, to go to a movie, or visiting with friends
3. reading a good book, to go to a movie, or to visit with friends
4. Leave as is.
Read this sentence.

What is the correct way to write the underlined words?
1. At the circus in Hogan’s Alley,
2. At The Circus In Hogan’s Alley,
3. At The Circus in Hogan’s Alley,
4. Leave as is.
Read this sentence.

What is the correct way to write the underlined words?
1. in a death defying joust.
2. in a death-defying joust?
3. in a death-defying joust.
4. Leave as is.
Read this sentence.

What is the correct way to write this sentence?
1. Comics are usually not considered an art form, so they serve a valuable function.
2. Although comics are usually not considered an art form, they serve a valuable function.
3. Comics are usually not considered an art form or they serve a valuable function.
4. Leave as is.
Read this sentence.

What is the correct way to write the underlined words?
1. knights joust and fight
2. knights jousted and fight
3. knights jousted and fought
4. Leave as is.
Read this sentence.

What is the correct way to write the underlined words?
1. fair and honest at all times. They knew they would lose favor
2. fair and honest at all times, so they knew they would lose favor
3. fair and honest at all times, but they knew favor would be lost
4. fair and honest at all times-and knew they would lose favor
In which sentence does the underlined word have the most positive connotation?
1. The grandmother was kind, although occasionally she was disgruntled.
2. The grandmother was kind, although occasionally she was grouchy.
3. The grandmother was kind, although occasionally she was cranky.
4. The grandmother was kind, although occasionally she was temperamental.
Read this sentence.

What is the correct way to punctuate the underlined words in the sentence?
1. involved, in city life, they began painting the people, places, objects, and buildings
2. involved in city life; they began painting the people, places, objects, and buildings
3. involved in city life, they began painting the people places, objects, and buildings
4. involved in city life, they began painting: the people, places, objects, and buildings
Read this paragraph.

Which sentence would best conclude the paragraph?
1. Mr. Guevara encourages us to memorize and recite poetry.
2. Suddenly the idea of keeping a journal seemed exciting.
3. I think I will decorate my journal with some drawings.
4. We like to write about topics that interest us.
In which of these sentences is the underlined word not spelled correctly?
1. Chivalry was the code by which knights lived.
2. Many duels were fought over the disrespect shown to a woman.
3. If a man had been knighted, he had shown the proper honor in battle.
4. Knights must show a respectful demeaner toward ladies of the court.
Read this sentence.

What is the correct way to write the underlined words?
1. disturbance such as the sound from a persons voice,
2. disturbance, like the sound from a person’s voice
3. disturbance, such as the sound of a person’s voice,
4. Leave as is.

Grade 9 Language Arts - California Standards Tests (CSTs) Released Items

Choose the correct answer for each question.

The dialogue in this story is generated from the narrator’s

When the narrator says, “It slows the juices down . . .” he means

In paragraph 14, what does the narrator use to make a point?

This selection could effectively be adapted for presentation as a dramatic monologue because it consists of

Which paragraph of the review (Document A) supports the author’s claim that Escape from Treasure Mountain II has its good points?

What part of the advertisement (Document B) challenges the negative claims made in the review (Document A)?

Steps 5 and 6 of the instructions (Document C) for installing Escape from Treasure Mountain II assume that the user

Which phrase from the story helps to create a mood of anticipation?

In paragraph 5, the narrator personifies the elk in the sketch in order to

The discrepancy between what the narrator imagines the judges will say and what they actually do say represents the

The conflict at the end of this passage can best be described as

Based on information from A Blue Jeans Chronology in Document B, the reader could assume that

Which event happened during the same time period that Forever Blue, Inc., began manufacturing blue jeans?

When using “Trip Planner,” locations must be typed into a numbered fill-in box as described in

When using “Trip Planner,” the same menu must be used in Steps

To learn how to send messages via carrier pigeon, a student should research which of the following topics?

Read the sentence below from the passage.

In this sentence, snapping up means

Which of the following statements from the passage supports the author’s conclusion that carrier pigeons sometimes had a dangerous job?

The author provides specific dates throughout this passage in order to

In order to understand the passage better, which topic should be researched?

In paragraph 13 of “Trapped,” a tender is

In paragraph 33 of “Trapped,” the narrator is feeling

What literary convention does Morey use that Noboa Polanco does not?

What element of “Trapped” makes it suitable for adaptation as a drama?

Both of these passages convey a sense of

Which of the following questions is answered in the bibliography in Document A?

If this book were to be added to the bibliography in Document A, which of the following entries would be correct?

The author uses the runner in the advertisement (Document B) to give the impression that

The word counts as used in the advertisement (Document B) has what double meaning?

How are the characteristics of this scene related to its genre?

Read this excerpt from the play.

What does this excerpt reveal about Washington’s character?

In this play, Benjamin Franklin functions as

Read Franklin’s last statement in the play. Why does Benjamin Franklin make the statement?

When the online screens shown in Step 1 and Step 3 are compared, what relationship is revealed?

Read this excerpt from the tutorial.

The word perfect is used mainly to suggest that Map Artist is

When a specific location is placed on a customized map, which function is required?

Which sequence accurately presents the order of the steps suggested in the Map Artist tutorial?

Which excerpt from Article 1 best communicates an enthusiastic tone?

Based on the information presented in Article 1 and Article 2, what can the reader best conclude?

What principal idea connects the information in both articles?

Which source would most helpful for a student who wants to write a report on the general use of assistance animals?

Which question about the uses of assistance animals could best be answered through further research?

Which question, if researched, could provide the best information on which assistance animals make the best guides?

Which supplement, if added to Article 2, could best enhance the reader’s understanding of the guide horse training process?

After speaking of the changes Lincoln brought about for African Americans, Douglass refers to January 1, 1863, in order to

Which of these phrases from Frederick Douglass’s speech is slightly critical toward Lincoln?

The main purpose of the poem is

In line 4 of “The Death of Lincoln,” the “sword of power” is an example of

How does the poem give greater emphasis to the theme of loss than Douglass’s speech does?

Which of the following best describes the different attitudes expressed in “The Death of Lincoln” and Frederick Douglass’s speech?

Which word is derived from the name of the nymph in Greek mythology who pined away for Narcissus until all that was left was her voice?

In which sentence does the underlined word have the most negative connotation?

Which sentence demonstrates the figurative meaning of the word parasite?

In which sentence does the underlined word have the most negative connotation?

Read the following sentence.

The word concocting means

The word distracted is derived from a Latin root meaning

The word glorify most nearly means

The word effect is derived from a Latin root meaning

Read this sentence.

The word cosmopolitan comes from the

Which word is derived from the name of the mountain in Greece where the mythological god Zeus resides?

Which word is derived from a Latin root meaning “to choose”?

Read this sentence.

In this sentence, the word cheap means “inexpensive,” but the adjective also suggests that the tires were very likely

The word volcano is derived from which of the following names for the god of fire?

Which paragraph would be the most appropriate place for David to explain some of the basic features of e-books, such as their interactive dictionary?

Which of the following is the best statement of David’s thesis?

David provides the definition of e-books in paragraph 2 for

Which of the following does David use to help develop his ideas in paragraph 3?

Throughout David’s letter, the focus is on

David avoids using technical language in his letter because his audience is made up of

Read the following sentence.

What is the best way to improve the structure of the underlined part of the sentence?

Read this sentence.

**In paragraph 13 of “Trapped,” a tender is**

**The word counts as used in the advertisement (Document B) has what double meaning?**

**Which excerpt from Article 1 best communicates an enthusiastic tone?**

**Based on the information presented in Article 1 and Article 2, what can the reader best conclude?**

**What principal idea connects the information in both articles?**

**Which source would most helpful for a student who wants to write a report on the general use of assistance animals?**

**Which question about the uses of assistance animals could best be answered through further research?**

**Which question, if researched, could provide the best information on which assistance animals make the best guides?**

**Which supplement, if added to Article 2, could best enhance the reader’s understanding of the guide horse training process?**

**The main purpose of the poem is**

**Which of the following best describes the different attitudes expressed in “The Death of Lincoln” and Frederick Douglass’s speech?**

**In which sentence does the underlined word have the most negative connotation?**

**In which sentence does the underlined word have the most negative connotation?**

**The word distracted is derived from a Latin root meaning**

**The word glorify most nearly means**

**The word effect is derived from a Latin root meaning**

**The word volcano is derived from which of the following names for the god of fire?**

**Which paragraph would be the most appropriate place for David to explain some of the basic features of e-books, such as their interactive dictionary?**

**Which of the following is the best statement of David’s thesis?**

**What is the best way to improve the structure of the underlined part of the sentence?**

**Which word would best replace the underlined words in the sentence and make it more precise?**

**Which sentence is not consistent with the overall tone of the letter?**

**As Martin begins his research, which person would be most helpful in guiding him?**

**Which is the best way to write this sentence?**

**Which word below could be used in paragraph 3 in place of unsafe to provide the most precise word choice?**

**Which of these would provide the most effective support if added to paragraph 3?**

**How is the underlined sentence best written?**

**How is sentence 5 best written?**

**How is sentence 6 best written?**

**How is sentence 10 best written?**

**The author is thinking about adding a final sentence to the end of paragraph 3. Which sentence below best demonstrates proper English usage and control of grammar?**

**Which sentence below best states the intended thesis of the author’s essay?**

**What is the best way to write the underlined part of the sentence without changing the meaning?**

**Which information, if added to paragraph 3, would best support the main idea of the paragraph?**

**How is the underlined part of this sentence best written?**

**In which sentence does the underlined word have the most positive connotation?**

**Which sentence would best conclude the paragraph?**

**In which of these sentences is the underlined word not spelled correctly?**