Common Core: 4th Grade English Language Arts : Common Core: 4th Grade English Language Arts

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Common Core: 4th Grade English Language Arts

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

All Common Core: 4th Grade English Language Arts Resources

1 Diagnostic Test 73 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Example Questions

Example Question #81 : Reading

Prose writing is writing that is: 

Possible Answers:

Writing that uses verse

Writing in meter form

Writing with a rhyming structure

“Ordinary” writing- sentences and paragraphs, no rhyme or poem structure

Correct answer:

“Ordinary” writing- sentences and paragraphs, no rhyme or poem structure

Explanation:

Prose writing is “ordinary” writing, writing that doesn't have a set rhyme or meter, where sentences and paragraphs are used to tell a story or make a point. 

 

Example Question #6 : Determine Structure

 

 

Poems are often written in:

Possible Answers:

Narrative

Prose

Nonfiction

Meter

Correct answer:

Meter

Explanation:

Meter in poetry is a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables, giving poetry a rhythmic sound. 

Example Question #2 : Determine Structure

When reading a play, the stage directions are:

Possible Answers:

The costumes actors will wear

The setting of the play

The written words that describe what actors should do that are not read aloud

The words the actors say

Correct answer:

The written words that describe what actors should do that are not read aloud

Explanation:

In a play, the written stage directions tell what actors should do, but they are not read aloud. For example, “Romeo walks over to the wall” might be a stage direction in Romeo and Juliet, but it is not something this character would say aloud. 

 

Example Question #8 : Determine Structure

The setting of a story is:

Possible Answers:

Where a story takes place

The central conflict in a story

Who the characters are in a story

The main idea of a story

Correct answer:

Where a story takes place

Explanation:

Setting of a story is where and when a story takes place.

 

Example Question #11 : Determine Structure

Which of the following is not a story element of setting?

Possible Answers:

Time

Problem

Day

Place

Correct answer:

Problem

Explanation:

The setting is where and when a story takes place, the problem is separate from that. 

 

Example Question #12 : Determine Structure

 If a story happened a long time ago, it takes place in the:

Possible Answers:

Present

Future

Past

Correct answer:

Past

Explanation:

Stories that happened a long time ago took place in the past.

 

Example Question #13 : Determine Structure

What part of a story has conflict, obstacles, and a resolution?

Possible Answers:

The theme

The setting

The characters

The plot

Correct answer:

The plot

Explanation:

The plot of a story has conflict, obstacles, and a resolution. 

 

 

Example Question #14 : Determine Structure

The tone shows the author’s feelings about their subject. 

Possible Answers:

False

True

Correct answer:

True

Explanation:

In writing, the tone shows the author's feelings towards what they are writing about. 

 

Example Question #261 : Common Core: 4th Grade English Language Arts

Use the following poem to answer related questions.

 

Mother to Son By Langston Hughes (1922)

 

Well, son, I’ll tell you:

Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

It’s had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor—

Bare.

But all the time

I’se been a-climbin’ on,

And reachin’ landin’s,

And turnin’ corners,

And sometimes goin’ in the dark

Where there ain’t been no light.

So boy, don’t you turn back.

Don’t you set down on the steps

’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.

Don’t you fall now—

For I’se still goin’, honey,

I’se still climbin’,

And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.

 

What is the structure used to organize this piece of poetry?

Possible Answers:

Haiku

Free verse

Limerick

Lyrical

Correct answer:

Free verse

Explanation:

This poem does not make use of rhyming, line counts, word counts, or any pattern. The poem is freeform and does not follow a specific “rule.”

Example Question #16 : Determine Structure

Paying Attention Pays Off

Jackson and his family were excited to be camping for the first time. They had never been to Yellowstone National Park, and they had been anticipating this trip all year. His father packed up the car, his mother made sure they had their maps, and he and his little sister Aly hopped in the back seat of their minivan ready to go. It only took about 15 minutes until Aly got on his nerves, so he put his earbuds in so he could watch videos on his phone. He must have fallen asleep because he woke up a few hours later and saw the large brown sign with white writing across the front, reading “Yellowstone National Park.” They had arrived.

They got all checked in and found their home for the next three days, campsite number 35. Dad set up the tents, and Mom consulted her itinerary for all of the upcoming activities and excursions. After they got settled in, it was time for a safety training class with the park ranger. The ranger went through what visitors should do if they encountered a dangerous wild animal, got lost, ran out of supplies, or fell into the fast-moving river. Jackson looked from side to side at his family and realized he was the only one paying attention! His mom was looking at her list, Aly was dozing off, and his father’s eyes were glazed over as he stared into the woods. He hoped they wouldn’t need to use any of these skills!

That night, after his mother and father were all tucked into their sleeping bags, Jackson and Aly snuck out of their tent to look at the stars. It was a quaint evening until Jackson heard grunting and banging coming from the campsite. He peeked around a tree with his flashlight and saw a juvenile bear pawing at the coolers and trash cans. Aly started to shout and tried to take off running. Jackson covered her mouth and reminded her that the ranger said not to scream or run away if confronted by bears. She nodded, and they stood still behind the tree and out of sight. The bear grew frustrated with the coolers and trash cans because Jackson had secured them with bungee cords, just as the ranger recommended. The bear padded off into the woods, and they snuck back to their tents exhausted. As Jackson laid in his sleeping bag, he smiled to himself, thinking about how lucky they were that he had paid attention in the ranger’s safety class.

Why would the author choose to organize the text as it is structured above?

Possible Answers:

Using a rhyme scheme keeps readers interested and entertained by the text.

To help readers learn about Yellowstone National Park.

To give readers a chronological look at the activities and excursions that Jackson and his family participated in.

To allow readers a glimpse at each family member’s personality and how they respond to problems.

Correct answer:

To allow readers a glimpse at each family member’s personality and how they respond to problems.

Explanation:

During the training class, readers could see how each family member was listening (or not listening) to the important information being shared about staying safe and what their priorities were. When faced with a dangerous situation, Aly and Jackson's responses gave readers insight into how each of them handles a problem.

All Common Core: 4th Grade English Language Arts Resources

1 Diagnostic Test 73 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept
Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors