Common Core: 7th Grade English Language Arts : Common Core: 7th Grade English Language Arts
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Common Core: 7th Grade English Language Arts
All Common Core: 7th Grade English Language Arts Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #6 : Reading To Evaluate The Argument And Specific Claims In A Text
Passage 1:
Graffiti - the public drawings and paintings that often cover surfaces of walls and other public structures - are often written off as an act of vandalism. However, the time has finally come when we begin to recognize graffiti for the art form it truly is.
Artists such as Banksy have shown us that graffiti can be a way to showcase not only one’s talent in the visual arts but also one’s political and social causes and stances. Some cities have even come to embrace graffiti to such an extent that they have commissioned works of art from these artists on the facades of public buildings.
Although graffiti began as an act of anarchy and rebellion, its contributions to society and the communities impacted by the art have seen positive responses that far outweigh the negatives. Graffiti is no longer a costly nuisance that should be immediately covered or removed, it has instead flourished to become an entirely new and unique art form with talent and renown that will eventually come to match the household names “Picasso” and “Michaelangelo” in stature.
Passage 2:
Though some might idolize graffiti as an act of admirable rebellion, this “art” causes nothing but negative impacts on its community. Those who would vandalize their streets and neighborhoods are no friend to the community. Instead, these criminals deface properties, decrease home values, and leave the community looking less pristine and cared for.
Such vandals also disregard the work put in by maintenance workers cleaning up after their messes and government officials attempting to create a better community for their citizens. While the work created by graffiti “artists” can sometimes be visually impressive, this does not outweigh the fact that what they have created is not art, but a crime against the community.
Popular graffiti “artists” auctioning work off for thousands of dollars apiece only perpetuate this trend. It is high time we put a stop to these criminal activities rather than glorifying them and allow true artists who follow city policies and stick to canvas or sculpture their due respect.
It can be concluded from Passage 1 that Banksy
is a traditional canvas painter
exclusively works with graffiti as his artistic platform
is commissioned to work on public buildings by the city
expresses political and social causes in his art
expresses political and social causes in his art
While we don’t know with certainty whether Banksy also works with other artistic platforms, or whether he specifically has been commissioned by the city, we are told in the passage that he is an example that has “shown us that graffiti can be a way to showcase not only one’s talent in the visual arts, but also one’s political and social causes and stances.” So, we can conclude that Banksy “expresses political and social causes in his art.”
Example Question #3 : Reading To Evaluate The Argument And Specific Claims In A Text
Passage 1:
Graffiti - the public drawings and paintings that often cover surfaces of walls and other public structures - are often written off as an act of vandalism. However, the time has finally come when we begin to recognize graffiti for the art form it truly is.
Artists such as Banksy have shown us that graffiti can be a way to showcase not only one’s talent in the visual arts but also one’s political and social causes and stances. Some cities have even come to embrace graffiti to such an extent that they have commissioned works of art from these artists on the facades of public buildings.
Although graffiti began as an act of anarchy and rebellion, its contributions to society and the communities impacted by the art have seen positive responses that far outweigh the negatives. Graffiti is no longer a costly nuisance that should be immediately covered or removed, it has instead flourished to become an entirely new and unique art form with talent and renown that will eventually come to match the household names “Picasso” and “Michaelangelo” in stature.
Passage 2:
Though some might idolize graffiti as an act of admirable rebellion, this “art” causes nothing but negative impacts on its community. Those who would vandalize their streets and neighborhoods are no friend to the community. Instead, these criminals deface properties, decrease home values, and leave the community looking less pristine and cared for.
Such vandals also disregard the work put in by maintenance workers cleaning up after their messes and government officials attempting to create a better community for their citizens. While the work created by graffiti “artists” can sometimes be visually impressive, this does not outweigh the fact that what they have created is not art, but a crime against the community.
Popular graffiti “artists” auctioning work off for thousands of dollars apiece only perpetuate this trend. It is high time we put a stop to these criminal activities rather than glorifying them and allow true artists who follow city policies and stick to canvas or sculpture their due respect.
According to Passage 2, we can conclude that the work of cleaning up after graffiti falls on
the mayor of the town
maintenance workers
the artist
prior graffiti artists charged with community service work
maintenance workers
Passage 2 states that “such vandals also disregard the work put in by maintenance workers cleaning up after their messes and government officials attempting to create a better community for their citizens.” So, while government officials (we don’t know which ones!) are also responsible for creating a better community in some respect, we can determine from this excerpt that maintenance workers are generally directly responsible for cleaning up after the work of graffiti artists.
Example Question #8 : Reading To Evaluate The Argument And Specific Claims In A Text
The animal kingdom is made up of creatures of all shapes, sizes, and colors. While we may see color as little more than decoration, animals use their colors in three key ways: to hide, to deceive, and to attract.
The first purpose of color in the animal kingdom, to hide, is perhaps the most commonly known. Animals use a variety of colorations to camouflage themselves or to obscure their shapes from predators. For instance, the owl is often colored and patterned to match the bark of its tree of choice to better blend into its surroundings when perched. The leafy seadragon, an aquatic example of a species employing color to hide, uses its blue-green coloration and leaf-like protrusions to blend into the aquatic foliage of its ecosystem. But perhaps no species is better known for its ability to use color to hide than the chameleon, which can change color to blend into its surroundings. In fact, the chameleon is so well-known for this trait that its name has become a term that is now generally used to refer to one who “changes to fit/blend in.”
Deception is the second function of color in animals. Animals have been known to use their colors and patterns to deceive potential predators and prey. The hemeroplanes triptolemus, otherwise known as the aptly named “snake mimic caterpillar,” uses large, eye-like colorations on its underbelly to flip over and appear snake-like and thus more intimidating to predators. The orchid mantis is another fascinating example of deception in the animal kingdom. Brightly colored in hues of pink and purple, the mantis contorts itself to appear flower-like as it awaits its prey. When pollinators come around expecting a flower to feed on, they are in for a surprise, as the mantis sits ready to strike.
Animals don’t always use their colors to become less pronounced or to hide their true forms from predators or prey. They can also use colors to attract. Bright colorations in animals are used to both attract mates, and to attract attention from and send a warning to potential predators. Many species of birds are known to use bright colorations to attract potential female mates. Additionally, poisonous creatures might be seen with bright colorations and patterns to warn potential predators to leave them be! In fact, many non-poisonous animals have taken this “attract attention” purpose and melded it with “deception” to use their bright coloration to appear poisonous and thus dangerous to predators - even though they are completely harmless!
When it comes to animal colorations, there’s more than meets the eye. With bright colors to attract a mate or ward off a foe, patterns to obscure one’s form and markings that can make even the most harmless bug look like a terrifying creature, animals use color in many ways to better their chances of survival in the wild.
Based on the passage, which of the following cannot be concluded?
Animals can use their colors to become poisonous
Animals can use their colors to become less visible
Animals can use their colors to attract more attention
Animals can use their colors to obscure their shape
Animals can use their colors to become poisonous
While color can be used to warn of their poisonous nature, the color itself cannot be used to make an animal poisonous. An animal can, however, use their colors to appear poisonous to potential predators, as well as to attract attention, to become less visible, and to obscure its shape.
Example Question #4 : Reading To Evaluate The Argument And Specific Claims In A Text
The animal kingdom is made up of creatures of all shapes, sizes, and colors. While we may see color as little more than decoration, animals use their colors in three key ways: to hide, to deceive, and to attract.
The first purpose of color in the animal kingdom, to hide, is perhaps the most commonly known. Animals use a variety of colorations to camouflage themselves or to obscure their shapes from predators. For instance, the owl is often colored and patterned to match the bark of its tree of choice to better blend into its surroundings when perched. The leafy seadragon, an aquatic example of a species employing color to hide, uses its blue-green coloration and leaf-like protrusions to blend into the aquatic foliage of its ecosystem. But perhaps no species is better known for its ability to use color to hide than the chameleon, which can change color to blend into its surroundings. In fact, the chameleon is so well-known for this trait that its name has become a term that is now generally used to refer to one who “changes to fit/blend in.”
Deception is the second function of color in animals. Animals have been known to use their colors and patterns to deceive potential predators and prey. The hemeroplanes triptolemus, otherwise known as the aptly named “snake mimic caterpillar,” uses large, eye-like colorations on its underbelly to flip over and appear snake-like and thus more intimidating to predators. The orchid mantis is another fascinating example of deception in the animal kingdom. Brightly colored in hues of pink and purple, the mantis contorts itself to appear flower-like as it awaits its prey. When pollinators come around expecting a flower to feed on, they are in for a surprise, as the mantis sits ready to strike.
Animals don’t always use their colors to become less pronounced or to hide their true forms from predators or prey. They can also use colors to attract. Bright colorations in animals are used to both attract mates, and to attract attention from and send a warning to potential predators. Many species of birds are known to use bright colorations to attract potential female mates. Additionally, poisonous creatures might be seen with bright colorations and patterns to warn potential predators to leave them be! In fact, many non-poisonous animals have taken this “attract attention” purpose and melded it with “deception” to use their bright coloration to appear poisonous and thus dangerous to predators - even though they are completely harmless!
When it comes to animal colorations, there’s more than meets the eye. With bright colors to attract a mate or ward off a foe, patterns to obscure one’s form and markings that can make even the most harmless bug look like a terrifying creature, animals use color in many ways to better their chances of survival in the wild.
Which of the following is true of prey animals based on the passage?
Prey animals tend to use their colors exclusively to elude capture by predators
It is always advantageous for prey to be dull in color so that it can blend into its surroundings
Prey that is more visible might be an easier target for predators
Bright colors tend to indicate that a species of prey is safe to eat
Prey that is more visible might be an easier target for predators
The passage strongly implies that prey that is more visible to predators might make an easier target, as the passage uses this knowledge to indicate the advantage of using color to hide. However, this does not mean that it is always advantageous for prey to be dull in color, as we are told later in the passage that prey animals can use bright colors to warn of their poisonous nature (or, to fake a poisonous nature!) We are also told other reasons prey animals might use their colors, including the function of finding a mate.
Example Question #10 : Reading To Evaluate The Argument And Specific Claims In A Text
Passage 1:
The penny has long outlived its usefulness in the monetary system and should be removed from use. Pennies cost more to produce than the value they represent. In fact, it costs taxpayers nearly two cents to produce and distribute every one cent penny.
Additionally, the penny does not represent the real level of purchasing power. Go to the corner store today and ask for the “penny candy,” and you might be routed to a row of treats, but you’re unlikely to find anything for purchase for under a quarter.
On top of the cost and lack of benefit, pennies are also heavy for their value, so much so that many don’t even care to keep the pennies they receive in change. 11% of people report that they would rather throw a penny away than carry it around with them, and over $62 million dollars in coins are thrown out annually - most of them pennies.
Whether it’s at the grocery register or at the bank, everyone who handles pennies agrees that they are excessively time-consuming to process. Even most charities would rather do without the pennies they receive! It’s time we let go of this costly antiquity and get rid of the penny once and for all!
Passage 2:
The penny is a sacred historic symbol in America and should be respected for its historical value. Over half of Americans are in favor of keeping the penny, and many fear the trend that eliminating low-value currency sets. “Rounding tax,” or the inclination for businesses to round prices up to the nearest unit of change available, could have an impact on consumers, and as inflation continues, the nickel, the dime, and even the quarter could follow!
Not only does the penny help keep costs low, but it would also be costly to take out of commission effectively. The penny is also a powerful historical tribute to Abraham Lincoln, who has appeared on the penny’s face since 1909.
The penny represents far more than its one-cent value and eliminating it would take a toll on the history it represents and the majority of citizens who seek to keep it in commission.
Passage 1 indicates that
banks value the penny for its time-saving advantages
you cannot purchase anything using exclusively change anymore
some change is considered so worthless to consumers that it is simply thrown out
everyone who receives change carries that change around indefinitely
some change is considered so worthless to consumers that it is simply thrown out
According to the passage, “over $62 million dollars in coins are thrown out annually - most of them pennies.” So, some change is considered so worthless to consumers that it is simply thrown out. This does not, however, mean that nothing can be purchased using change exclusively. In fact, in the passage, we are told some candy can be purchased with a quarter. We are also told that the penny is time-consuming at banks and grocery stores, so we cannot conclude that “Banks value the penny for its time-saving advantages.” We can also eliminate the answer option “everyone who receives change carries that change around indefinitely” for the same reason we can choose the correct answer - not everyone holds on to their change. In fact, some of this change is thrown out!
Example Question #111 : Reading
Passage 1:
The penny has long outlived its usefulness in the monetary system and should be removed from use. Pennies cost more to produce than the value they represent. In fact, it costs taxpayers nearly two cents to produce and distribute every one cent penny.
Additionally, the penny does not represent the real level of purchasing power. Go to the corner store today and ask for the “penny candy,” and you might be routed to a row of treats, but you’re unlikely to find anything for purchase for under a quarter.
On top of the cost and lack of benefit, pennies are also heavy for their value, so much so that many don’t even care to keep the pennies they receive in change. 11% of people report that they would rather throw a penny away than carry it around with them, and over $62 million dollars in coins are thrown out annually - most of them pennies.
Whether it’s at the grocery register or at the bank, everyone who handles pennies agrees that they are excessively time-consuming to process. Even most charities would rather do without the pennies they receive! It’s time we let go of this costly antiquity and get rid of the penny once and for all!
Passage 2:
The penny is a sacred historic symbol in America and should be respected for its historical value. Over half of Americans are in favor of keeping the penny, and many fear the trend that eliminating low-value currency sets. “Rounding tax,” or the inclination for businesses to round prices up to the nearest unit of change available, could have an impact on consumers, and as inflation continues, the nickel, the dime, and even the quarter could follow!
Not only does the penny help keep costs low, but it would also be costly to take out of commission effectively. The penny is also a powerful historical tribute to Abraham Lincoln, who has appeared on the penny’s face since 1909.
The penny represents far more than its one-cent value and eliminating it would take a toll on the history it represents and the majority of citizens who seek to keep it in commission.
Passage 2 indicates all of the following except
The majority of people are in favor of keeping the penny
Changes to the use of the penny could indicate later changes to higher-value change
Without the penny, all businesses would round their prices up
Rounding tax could be responsible for increased prices to consumers
Without the penny, all businesses would round their prices up
We are told that rounding tax could be responsible for increased prices to consumers in the excerpt: “rounding tax,” or the inclination for businesses to round prices up to the nearest unit of change available, could have an impact on consumers, and as inflation continues, the nickel, the dime, and even the quarter, could follow!” This excerpt also shows us that changes to the penny could indicate later changes to other currencies. This does not, however, mean that every business will automatically raise prices because of this change. The rounding tax simply cites an inclination or tendency. Some businesses could choose to round down or keep applicable prices consistent despite this change.
Example Question #21 : Integration Of Knowledge And Ideas
“Stone Trees”
Have you ever seen a stone tree? While the idea of a stone tree may sound fantastic, fallen trees can turn to stone in very specific circumstances, producing what scientists call “petrified wood.” “Petra” means stone in ancient Greek, so something “petrified” has been turned to stone. You may have heard the word “petrified” used to describe someone so scared that they have frozen as if turned to stone, but scientists use the word literally to refer to actual stone. Petrified trees are stone trees, not scared trees!
A Type of Fossil
Like ancient skeletons of dinosaurs and other organisms preserved in the earth, petrified wood is a type of fossil; however, there is a big difference between petrified wood and most fossils. Most fossils are imprints of creatures or partial remains of them, such as their skeletons. In contrast, the process of petrification recreates an entire preserved tree in stone. It’s very cool to see a petrified tree close-up, because it is still precisely life-size; you can get an idea of how big the tree was when it was alive, and even see individual tree cells that have been preserved. You can even count the tree rings in some petrified trees and estimate how old the tree grew to be before it was petrified.
From Tree to Stone
In order for a tree to become petrified wood, it must have died and been buried a very long time ago. This has to have happened in a specific environment, though, or petrified wood would not be so rare. The tree has to be buried in such a way that oxygen cannot get to its bark and wood. If oxygen can get to the tree, it will rot instead of turn to stone.
The environment has to have two more specific characteristics to produce petrified wood: there has to be water in the ground around the tree, and that water has to contain minerals. If mineral-containing water is present, water will go into and out of the tree’s cells and, over time, the minerals in the water will accumulate in the tree’s cells. When the tree’s cells eventually decay, the minerals are left. Petrified wood can be a rainbow of different colors, with each color corresponding to different elements in the tree’s preserving environment that affect the color of the minerals that form its stone.
Petrified wood is found all over the world, and there are even entire forests of petrified trees that you can travel to go see today. One national park in the United States, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, is famous for its many petrified trees. The next time you see a tree, remember, after a few million years in the right environment, it could turn to stone!
In which of the following sentences does the author of the passage provide evidence supporting the claim that petrified wood is rare and only forms in specific environments?
"Like ancient skeletons of dinosaurs and other organisms preserved in the earth, petrified wood is a type of fossil; however, there is a big difference between petrified wood and most fossils."
“It’s very cool to see a petrified tree close-up, because it is still precisely life-size; you can get an idea of how big the tree was when it was alive, and even see individual tree cells that have been preserved.”
“In order for a tree to become petrified wood, it must have died and been buried a very long time ago."
“Petrified wood can be a rainbow of different colors, with each color corresponding to different elements in the tree’s preserving environment that affect the color of the minerals that form its stone.”
“If oxygen can get to the tree, it will rot instead of turn to stone.”
“If oxygen can get to the tree, it will rot instead of turn to stone.”
One way to approach this question is to imagine that you're trying to convince a friend that petrified wood is rare and only forms in specific environments. Which of the answer choices could you point to in the passage to help convince your friend that you are correct?
"Like ancient skeletons of dinosaurs and other organisms preserved in the earth, petrified wood is a type of fossil; however, there is a big difference between petrified wood and most fossils." - This answer choice talks about fossils and petrified wood; it says nothing about the specific environment petrified wood needs in order to form.
"It’s very cool to see a petrified tree close-up, because it is still precisely life-size; you can get an idea of how big the tree was when it was alive, and even see individual tree cells that have been preserved.” - This answer choice describes some characteristics of petrified wood, but doesn't mention the environment it needs to form at all.
“Petrified wood can be a rainbow of different colors, with each color corresponding to different elements in the tree’s preserving environment that affect the color of the minerals that form its stone.” - This answer choice also describes petrified wood. It mentions "the tree's preserving environment," but doesn't tell us anything about it other than that different elements in it produce different colors of minerals in petrified wood.
"In order for a tree to become petrified wood, it must have died and been buried a very long time ago." - This answer choice talks about the time that it takes for petrified wood to form, but it doesn't talk about the specific environment.
"If oxygen can get to the tree, it will rot instead of turn to stone.” - This is the correct answer. Petrified wood forms when trees are preserved in environments where oxygen cannot get to them to make them rot. Instead, over time, they become petrified wood.
Example Question #22 : Integration Of Knowledge And Ideas
We can conclude from this text that
The potato chip and match were two of the most important discoveries of modern time.
Experiments don't always go as planned, but they can lead to discoveries.
Discoveries should always be made with the intention of a specific product or outcome.
Percy Spencer melted the candy bar using the Magnetron as a test for the early microwave.
Inventions
Every day it seems, new inventions surface that promise to add value to our day-to-day lives. But did you know, many of the inventions we interact with daily were developed entirely by accident?
Take the microwave, for instance. This accidental invention was developed by engineer Percy Spencer who, upon experimenting with a microwave-emitting magnetron, found that the candy bar in his pocket had begun to melt. Spencer was then able to harness this radiation into the microwave we use today to make snack time a speedy process!
Perhaps one of today’s most well-known accidental inventions, the potato chip, was born when a customer kept requesting that his french fries be sliced thinner and made crispier. Though chef George Crum responded with the chips as a joke, they quickly became a favorite snack worldwide!
Even the match is a result of accidental invention. When pharmacist John Walker was stirring chemicals, he noticed that the end of his stirring stick had dried into a hardened lump. When attempting to scrape the dried residue off, a flame sparked, and so did Walker’s idea to turn this accident into a helpful tool!
So, the next time your science experiment doesn’t go as planned, or you burn what you have cooked on the stove, keep in mind that some of today’s most valued inventions were discovered when the inventor least expected it!
Experiments don't always go as planned, but they can lead to discoveries.
This passage highlights examples of three different inventions that were discovered accidentally. The microwave, the match, and the potato chip were all created accidentally by scientists/inventors without an end product in mind. It can be concluded that experiments are not always planned or go the way the scientist intended, but they can lead to an important discovery.
Example Question #23 : Integration Of Knowledge And Ideas
Which piece of text evidence from the passage best supports the following claim:
Incidental discoveries can lead to an important invention.
"Take the microwave, for instance."
"...new inventions surface that promise to add value to our day-to-day lives."
"Though chef George Crum responded with the chips as a joke, they quickly became a favorite snack worldwide!"
"...keep in mind that some of today’s most valued inventions were discovered when the inventor least expected it!"
Inventions
Every day it seems, new inventions surface that promise to add value to our day-to-day lives. But did you know, many of the inventions we interact with daily were developed entirely by accident?
Take the microwave, for instance. This accidental invention was developed by engineer Percy Spencer who, upon experimenting with a microwave-emitting magnetron, found that the candy bar in his pocket had begun to melt. Spencer was then able to harness this radiation into the microwave we use today to make snack time a speedy process!
Perhaps one of today’s most well-known accidental inventions, the potato chip, was born when a customer kept requesting that his french fries be sliced thinner and made crispier. Though chef George Crum responded with the chips as a joke, they quickly became a favorite snack worldwide!
Even the match is a result of accidental invention. When pharmacist John Walker was stirring chemicals, he noticed that the end of his stirring stick had dried into a hardened lump. When attempting to scrape the dried residue off, a flame sparked, and so did Walker’s idea to turn this accident into a helpful tool!
So, the next time your science experiment doesn’t go as planned, or you burn what you have cooked on the stove, keep in mind that some of today’s most valued inventions were discovered when the inventor least expected it!
"...keep in mind that some of today’s most valued inventions were discovered when the inventor least expected it!"
This passage provides many examples of discoveries that were incidental, but very useful to everyday life. The piece of text evidence that best supports this is, "...keep in mind that some of today’s most valued inventions were discovered when the inventor least expected it!". This evidence includes information that valuable inventions were discovered when something unexpected happened. This supports the claim that incidental discoveries can lead to an important invention.
Example Question #24 : Integration Of Knowledge And Ideas
According to Passage 2, it can be concluded that coal is potentially beneficial in all of the following respects except
it is a vital source of employment for many Americans.
it is necessary for the US economy.
it leads to water pollution.
it is used for electricity production in a majority of the US.
Coal Passage 1
The typical coal plant in the United States creates more than 125,000 tons of ash and 193,000 tons of sludge each year. On average, 42% of coal combustion waste ponds and landfills are unlined. This means that the substances in the waste can seep into the ground and nearby lakes. Some of the substances include arsenic, mercury, chromium, and cadmium. These can contaminate drinking water supplies and directly contact the consumers who drink water from these areas. The disposal of coal plant waste has damaged many ecosystems. Once the coal plants have cycled through billions of gallons of water to cool the system, it is dumped back into the river, ocean, or lake it is pulling water from. When this hot water is released back into the body of water, it creates “thermal pollution,” which can harm the plants and animals living in this area. Many plants add chemicals to their cooling water, which is released back into the lake, ocean, or river with the hot water.
Coal Passage 2
Coal is a concentrated form of prehistoric biomass, plant life, and is the most plentiful fossil fuel produced in the United States. More than 90 percent of the coal consumed in the US is used to generate electricity. Coal power is also an essential industry source for making steel, cement, and paper, and is used in numerous other industries. Coal was a valuable resource that powered trains, steamships, and other forms of transportation for centuries. Coal is essential to the US economy and provides consumers with affordable electricity. The mining of coal and the use of coal power plants provide vital jobs to many American citizens. In 2018 15% of U.S. coal production was exported to other countries. Exporting coal has a positive effect on the United State’s economy.
it leads to water pollution.
The author of Passage 2 focuses on the benefits of coal rather than the downsides. It would not be concluded that coal leads to water pollution based on the information provided in Passage 2.
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