ELA overview 2012

1. 7th Grade ELA Testing Schedule
Day 1 - April 17 Day 2 - April 18 Day 3 - April 19
● 70 minutes ● 60 minutes ● 50 minutes
● 1 listening section ● 2 paired
● 7 passages ● 5 multiple choice passages
(literary and questions ● 1 single passage
informational) ● 3 short response (literary)
listening ● 4 short response
● 39 multiple questions questions
● 1 extended
choice questions ● 1 extended
response listening response
question question
● 2 reading
passages (literary
and informational)
● 13 multiple choice
reading questions

2. Overview of 7th Grade ELA
Book 1: Reading and Multiple Choice
● Read different types of text passages:
fiction, non-fiction, and poetry (7 in total).
● You CAN read the questions BEFORE
reading the passages

3. Overview of 7th Grade ELA
Book 2: Listening, Reading, Writing &
Multiple Choice
● Listen to a literary passage that is read twice.
You CANNOT read the questions BEFORE hearing the
passages. You will only have your notes.
● 5 multiple choice, 3 short answer, and 1 extended
response based on the listening passage.

4. Overview of 7th Grade ELA
Book 2: Listening, Reading, Writing &
Multiple Choice
● Read two more passage (one literary and
one informational), and answer 13 multiple
choice questions.

5. Overview of 7th Grade ELA
Book 3: Reading & Writing
● Read two paired passages.
● You CAN read ALL of the questions before
you read!
● 4 short answer and 1 extended response.

6. Using Charts
What are they?
A chart is a graphic organizer that presents
information arranged into columns and rows in
a box.
Dogs Cats

7. Using Charts
Look at the following chart, and then answer
the question that follows
COUNTRY CAPITAL OFFICIAL
LANGUAGE
A. Greece Athens Greek
B. Algeria Algiers Arabic
C. Sweden Stockholm Swedish
D. Tunisia Tunis Arabic
In which two countries is Arabic the official
language?

8. Using Charts
Look at the following chart, and then answer
the question that follows
COUNTRY CAPITAL OFFICIAL
LANGUAGE
A. Greece Athens Greek
B. Algeria Algiers Arabic
C. Sweden Stockholm Swedish
D. Tunisia Tunis Arabic
In which two countries is Arabic the official
language?

9. Using Charts
Sometimes you have to fill in charts with details
from a passage.
Your answers in charts do not have to be
written in complete sentences.
Write phrases using relevant information.

10. 5 kids, Tom, Bill, Jess, Amy, and Steve, have four pets, a
dog, a lizard, a fish and a cat. Use the following clues to
determine who has each pet, and who doesn't have a pet.
● Tom's pet has fur.
● Amy's pet needs a heat lamp and eats crickets.
● Steve's pet says, "Meow."
● Bill is allergic to pet dandruff.
● Jess refuses to be near creatures with scales (like fish
and lizards).
KID PET
Tom
Bill
Jess
Amy
Steve

11. ● Tom's pet has fur.
● Amy's pet needs a heat lamp and eats crickets.
● Steve's pet says, "Meow."
● Bill is allergic to pet dandruff.
● Jess refuses to be near creatures with scales (like fish
and lizards).
KID PET
Tom dog
Bill fish
Jess No pet : (
Amy lizard
Steve cat

12. Which of These Things Is Not Like the Other?
Directions: Circle the item that doesn't belong in each of the
following lists in column A. Then use column B to explain
what the items have in common, and why the item you
selected is different.
Column A Column B
List 1: lamp, bookcase, desk,
cabinet
List 2: sweater, jacket,
shorts, mittens
List 3: oak, rose, maple, pine
List 4: hammer, screwdriver,
nail, wrench
List 5: bicycle, subway, bus,
airplane

13. Which of These Things Is Not Like the Other?
Directions: Circle the item that doesn't belong in each of the
following lists in column A. Then use column B to explain
what the items have in common, and why the item you
selected is different.
Column A Column B
List 1: lamp, bookcase, desk, All are found in homes, but the lamp
isn't used for storage.
cabinet
List 2: sweater, jacket,
shorts, mittens
List 3: oak, rose, maple, pine
List 4: hammer, screwdriver,
nail, wrench
List 5: bicycle, subway, bus,
airplane

14. Which of These Things Is Not Like the Other?
Directions: Circle the item that doesn't belong in each of the
following lists in column A. Then use column B to explain
what the items have in common, and why the item you
selected is different.
Column A Column B
List 1: lamp, bookcase, desk, All are found in homes, but the lamp is
not used for storage.
cabinet
List 2: sweater, jacket, All are pieces of clothing, but shorts
are the only piece worn when it's warm.
shorts, mittens
List 3: oak, rose, maple, pine
List 4: hammer, screwdriver,
nail, wrench
List 5: bicycle, subway, bus,
airplane

15. Which of These Things Is Not Like the Other?
Directions: Circle the item that doesn't belong in each of the
following lists in column A. Then use column B to explain
what the items have in common, and why the item you
selected is different.
Column A Column B
List 1: lamp, bookcase, desk, All are found homes, but the lamp isn't
used for storage.
cabinet
List 2: sweater, jacket, All are pieces of clothing, but shorts
are the only piece worn when it's warm.
shorts, mittens
List 3: oak, rose, maple, pine All are plants, but the rose is a flower
while the others are trees.
List 4: hammer, screwdriver,
nail, wrench
List 5: bicycle, subway, bus,
airplane

16. Which of These Things Is Not Like the Other?
Directions: Circle the item that doesn't belong in each of the
following lists in column A. Then use column B to explain
what the items have in common, and why the item you
selected is different.
Column A Column B
List 1: lamp, bookcase, desk, All are found in homes, but the lamp
isn't used for storage.
cabinet
List 2: sweater, jacket, All are pieces of clothing, but shorts
are the only piece worn when it's warm.
shorts, mittens
List 3: oak, rose, maple, pine All are plants, but the rose is a flower
while the others are trees.
List 4: hammer, screwdriver, All of these are used for building, but
nails are left in the object being built.
nail, wrench
List 5: bicycle, subway, bus,
airplane

17. Which of These Things Is Not Like the Other?
Directions: Circle the item that doesn't belong in each of the
following lists in column A. Then use column B to explain
what the items have in common, and why the item you
selected is different.
Column A Column B
List 1: lamp, bookcase, desk, All are found in homes, but the lamp
isn't used for storage.
cabinet
List 2: sweater, jacket, All are pieces of clothing, but shorts
are the only piece worn when it's warm.
shorts, mittens
List 3: oak, rose, maple, pine All are plants, but the rose is a flower
while the others are trees.
List 4: hammer, screwdriver, All of these are used for building, but
nails are left in the object being built.
nail, wrench
List 5: bicycle, subway, bus, All of these are types of transportation,
but only bikes are foot-powered.
airplane

18. On which page of the book Exploring the Pyramids of
Ancient Egypt would you find information about how
the pyramids were built?
A Page 41
B Page 49
C Page 66
D Page 89

19. On which page of the book Exploring the Pyramids of
Ancient Egypt would you find information about how
the pyramids were built?
A Page 41
B Page 49
C Page 66
D Page 89

20. "Which?"
Whenever I'm walking in the wood
I'm never certain whether I should
Shuffle along where the dead leaves fall
Or walk as if I'm not there at all.
It's nice to rustle as hard as you can,
But I can't decide if it's nicer than
Creeping along, while the woodbirds call,
Pretending you are not there at all!
Why is "Which" a good title for this poem?
A. It's a short title for a short poem.
B. It tells the reader to expect a mystery.
C. It hints at a choice the narrator has to make.
D. It establishes a fall scene.

21. "Which?"
Whenever I'm walking in the wood
I'm never certain whether I should
Shuffle along where the dead leaves fall
Or walk as if I'm not there at all.
It's nice to rustle as hard as you can,
But I can't decide if it's nicer than
Creeping along, while the woodbirds call,
Pretending you are not there at all!
Why is "Which" a good title for this poem?
A. It's a short title for a short poem.
B. It tells the reader to expect a mystery.
C. It hints at a choice the narrator has to make.
D. It establishes a fall scene.

22. "Which?"
Whenever I'm walking in the wood
I'm never certain whether I should
Shuffle along where the dead leaves fall
Or walk as if I'm not there at all.
It's nice to rustle as hard as you can,
But I can't decide if it's nicer than
Creeping along, while the woodbirds call,
Pretending you are not there at all!
What decision does the poet have trouble making?
A. Whether to take one path or another through the woods.
B. Whether to walk through the wood or stay home.
C. Whether to shuffle noisily through the leaves or move
slowly and silently,
D. Whether to rake up the leaves or leave them lying on the
ground.

23. "Which?"
Whenever I'm walking in the wood
I'm never certain whether I should
Shuffle along where the dead leaves fall
Or walk as if I'm not there at all.
It's nice to rustle as hard as you can,
But I can't decide if it's nicer than
Creeping along, while the woodbirds call,
Pretending you are not there at all!
What decision does the poet have trouble making?
A. Whether to take one path or another through the woods.
B. Whether to walk through the wood or stay home.
C. Whether to shuffle noisily through the leaves or
move slowly and silently,
D. Whether to rake up the leaves or leave them lying on the
ground.

24. "Which?"
Whenever I'm walking in the wood
I'm never certain whether I should
Shuffle along where the dead leaves fall
Or walk as if I'm not there at all.
It's nice to rustle as hard as you can,
But I can't decide if it's nicer than
Creeping along, while the woodbirds call,
Pretending you are not there at all!
What does the narrator especially enjoy doing while
walking through the woods quietly?
A. Listening to the leaves as they fall.
B. Hearing the birds call when they are not aware that
people are around.
C. Looking at the beautiful woodland scenery.
D.Pretending to be someone else.

25. "Which?"
Whenever I'm walking in the wood
I'm never certain whether I should
Shuffle along where the dead leaves fall
Or walk as if I'm not there at all.
It's nice to rustle as hard as you can,
But I can't decide if it's nicer than
Creeping along, while the woodbirds call,
Pretending you are not there at all!
What does the narrator especially enjoy doing while
walking through the woods quietly?
A. Listening to the leaves as they fall.
B. Hearing the birds call when they are not aware that
people are around.
C. Looking at the beautiful woodland scenery.
D.Pretending to be someone else.

26. "Which?"
Whenever I'm walking in the wood
I'm never certain whether I should
Shuffle along where the dead leaves fall
Or walk as if I'm not there at all.
It's nice to rustle as hard as you can,
But I can't decide if it's nicer than
Creeping along, while the woodbirds call,
Pretending you are not there at all!
To walk as if you are "not there at all" a person would
A. Creep
B. Rustle
C. Shuffle
D. Pretend

27. "Which?"
Whenever I'm walking in the wood
I'm never certain whether I should
Shuffle along where the dead leaves fall
Or walk as if I'm not there at all.
It's nice to rustle as hard as you can,
But I can't decide if it's nicer than
Creeping along, while the woodbirds call,
Pretending you are not there at all!
To walk as if you are "not there at all" a person would
A. Creep
B. Rustle
C. Shuffle
D. Pretend

28. "Which?"
Whenever I'm walking in the wood
I'm never certain whether I should
Shuffle along where the dead leaves fall
Or walk as if I'm not there at all.
It's nice to rustle as hard as you can,
But I can't decide if it's nicer than
Creeping along, while the woodbirds call,
Pretending you are not there at all!
What is the poem's rhyme scheme?
A. ABAC
B. BAAB
C. AABB
D.ABAB

29. "Which?"
Whenever I'm walking in the wood
I'm never certain whether I should
Shuffle along where the dead leaves fall
Or walk as if I'm not there at all.
It's nice to rustle as hard as you can,
But I can't decide if it's nicer than
Creeping along, while the woodbirds call,
Pretending you are not there at all!
What is the poem's rhyme scheme?
A. ABAC
B. BAAB
C. AABB
D.ABAB

30. "Winter Dark" by Lilian Moore
Winter dark comes early
mixing afternoon
and night.
Soon
there’s a comma of a moon,
and each streetlight
along the
way
puts its period
to the end of day.
Now
a neon sign
punctuates the dark
with a bright
blinking
breathless
exclamation mark!

31. "Winter Dark" by Lilian Moore
Winter dark comes early
mixing afternoon
and night. Question 1: The poet
Soon probably compares
there’s a comma of a moon, the moon to a comma
and each streetlight because of its
along the
way A. shape
puts its period
to the end of day. B. location
Now
a neon sign C. purpose
punctuates the dark
D. importance
with a bright
blinking
breathless

32. "Winter Dark" by Lilian Moore
Winter dark comes early Question 2: The poet
mixing afternoon probably associates
and night. streetlights with periods to
Soon suggest that streetlights
there’s a comma of a moon,
and each streetlight A. are too dim to be
along the exclamation points
way
puts its period B. signal that something has
to the end of day. ended
Now
a neon sign C. are smaller than the moon
punctuates the dark
with a bright D. represent a change in
blinking
activity
breathless

33. "Winter Dark" by Lilian Moore
Winter dark comes early Question 2: The poet
mixing afternoon probably associates
and night. streetlights with periods to
Soon suggest that streetlights
there’s a comma of a moon,
and each streetlight A. are too dim to be
along the exclamation points
way
puts its period B. signal that something
to the end of day. has ended
Now
a neon sign C. are smaller than the moon
punctuates the dark
with a bright D. represent a change in
blinking
activity
breathless

34. "Winter Dark" by Lilian Moore
Winter dark comes early Question 3: The poet
mixing afternoon compares various sources
and night. of light to
Soon
there’s a comma of a moon, A. punctuation marks
and each streetlight
along the B. neon signs
way
puts its period C. the end of the day
to the end of day.
Now D. the darkness of winter
a neon sign
punctuates the dark
with a bright
blinking
breathless

35. "Winter Dark" by Lilian Moore
Winter dark comes early Question 3: The poet
mixing afternoon compares various sources
and night. of light to
Soon
there’s a comma of a moon, A. punctuation marks
and each streetlight
along the B. neon signs
way
puts its period C. the end of the day
to the end of day.
Now D. the darkness of winter
a neon sign
punctuates the dark
with a bright
blinking
breathless

36. "Winter Dark" by Lilian Moore
Winter dark comes early Question 4: The poet's
mixing afternoon MAIN purpose for writing
and night. this poem is probably to
Soon make the reader?
there’s a comma of a moon,
and each streetlight A. feel the cold of winter
along the
way B. imagine the fading of the
puts its period light
to the end of day.
Now C. visualize how lights appear
a neon sign on winter nights
punctuates the dark
with a bright D. understand the difference
blinking
between natural and artificial
light
breathless

37. "Winter Dark" by Lilian Moore
Winter dark comes early Question 4: The poet's
mixing afternoon MAIN purpose for writing
and night. this poem is probably to
Soon make the reader?
there’s a comma of a moon,
and each streetlight A. feel the cold of winter
along the
way B. imagine the fading of the
puts its period light
to the end of day.
Now C. visualize how lights
a neon sign appear on winter nights
punctuates the dark
with a bright D. understand the difference
blinking
between natural and artificial
light
breathless

38. Written Response Strategies
● Your written responses should be focused and clear.
● Restate the question to form a proper introduction.
● Each paragraph you write addresses the question you
were asked.

39. Written Response Strategies
● Each paragraph you write has a topic sentence.
● All of the details you include support the topic sentence.
● Eliminate unrelated details.
● Write neatly so that the scorer can read your answer.
● Write in complete sentences that flow together logically.

40. Written Response Strategies
● As you plan your response, ask yourself the following
questions:
• Does my topic sentence support the main idea?
• Do my details and examples support my topic sentence?
• Is my response free of irrelevant details?
● As you write your response, remember:
• to include relevant details
• to leave out details that do not directly relate to the topic
• to keep the response focused on the question you were
asked

41. Keeping Your Writing Focused
Read the paragraph below, paying close attention to how
the writer keeps it focused.
Of all the animals in the world, rats make the
best pets. Rats are intelligent animals that can
learn how to run through mazes. Unlike dogs,
which need to be walked every day, rats are
easy to care for. All they need is a cage, water,
food, and some love and attention. Rats are
clean and, unlike cats, they don't shed their
hair. Rats are smart, easy to keep, and neat;
they are perfect pets.

42. Keeping Your Writing Focused
Read the paragraph below, paying close attention to how
the writer keeps it focused.
Of all the animals in the world, rats make the best pets.
Rats are intelligent animals that can learn how to run
through mazes. Unlike dogs, which need to be walked
every day, rats are easy to care for. All they need is a cage,
water, food, and some love and attention. Rats are clean
and, unlike cats, they don't shed their hair. Rats are smart,
easy to keep, and neat; they are perfect pets.
The paragraph above is a written response to the
question, “What animals make the best pets?” The first
sentence in the paragraph, the topic sentence, directly
answers the question.

43. Keeping Your Writing Focused
"What Animals Make the Best Pets?"
Of all the animals in the world, rats make the best pets.
Rats are intelligent animals that can learn how to run
through mazes. Unlike dogs, which need to be walked
every day, rats are easy to care for. All they need is a cage,
water, food, and some love and attention. Rats are clean
and, unlike cats, they don't shed their hair. Rats are smart,
easy to keep, and neat; they are perfect pets.
● What are the supporting details in the paragraph
above?
● How does each sentence support the topic sentence?

44. Finding the Main Idea Activity
Think of the storyline of a movie or TV show
you recently saw, or of a book you've read.
Sum up what you saw or read in three
sentences.

45. Finding the Main Idea Activity
Think of the storyline of a movie or TV show
you recently saw, or of a book you've read.
Now sum it up in one sentence.

46. Finding the Main Idea Activity
Think of the storyline of a movie or TV show
you recently saw, or of a book you've read.
Now make a list of details from the story that
support the main idea and theme.