Common Core: 7th Grade English Language Arts : Craft and Structure
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 Understand Structure
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.
Which of the following expresses why the author of Passage two puts “art” and “artists” in quotation marks throughout the passage?
To claim that art can only be painted on canvas, and nothing else should be given the term “art.”
To argue that these artists will be the most well-known of their time
To reinforce the author’s claim that “what they have created is not art, but a crime against the community.”
To argue that such artists are not as well known as famous canvas painters
To reinforce the author’s claim that “what they have created is not art, but a crime against the community.”
The author of Passage 2 continually puts “art” and “artists” in parenthesis when referring to graffiti artists to show that the author would not designate this work as art, and instead considers it to be vandalism/crime. The author does not attempt to argue that these individuals are not well known, nor does the author argue that they are the most well-known artists of their time. The author also does not claim that canvas is the “only” type of true art, and even cites sculptures as an additional example of “real art” that deserves our respect.
Example Question #1 : Reading To Understand Structure
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.
Which of the following would be the most appropriate alternative to the word “although” in paragraph three of Passage 1?
Because
Even though
For example
Since
Even though
The term “although” in paragraph three of Passage 1 indicates that a contrast will soon follow. The phrase “even though” fits this context and maintains the desired meaning. “Because” and “since” both cite that a reason or support will follow, and for example indicates that the sentence will include a supporting example for what came before. All three of these terms use similar applications to one another, but not the one we need in this context!
Example Question #8 : Reading To Understand Structure
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.
Which of the following best expresses the function of Passage 1 paragraph two?
Contrast the claims made in the previous paragraph
Support the main idea of the passage
Cite a concession that contrasts the main idea of the passage
State the conclusion of the passage
Support the main idea of the passage
Paragraph two of Passage 1 uses examples such as popular graffiti artist Banksy, the political and social motivations involved, and cory support and commissions to support the main idea of the passage: that graffiti is a popular art form worthy of respect in the realm of art. So, “support the main idea of the passage” addresses the function of this paragraph.
Example Question #9 : Reading To Understand Structure
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.
Which of the following would be the least appropriate alternative for the word “additionally” in Passage 1 paragraph two?
However
Moreover
Moreover
Further
However
Here, the word “additionally” serves as a continuation transition word, indicating that what follows in paragraph two will continue in the same direction as the support in the paragraph before. “Moreover,” “furthermore,” and “further” all also indicate continuation. “However” on the other hand, cites a contrast to the paragraph before. This is not the transition we’re looking for and is thus the least appropriate alternative.
Example Question #10 : Reading To Understand Structure
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 on a daily basis were developed completely 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 the most well-known accidental inventions of today, 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 around the world!
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!
Which of the following set of paragraphs have the most similar function?
Paragraphs 1 & 2
Paragraphs 4 & 5
Paragraphs 2 & 3
Paragraphs 1 & 5
Paragraphs 2 & 3
The passage carries the following structure:
Paragraph 1: introduction
Paragraph 2: supporting example 1 - the microwave
Paragraph 3: supporting example 2 - the potato chip
Paragraph 4: supporting example 3 - the match
Paragraph 5: conclusion
Since paragraphs 2 & 3 both represent supporting examples, they are the most similar in structure.
Example Question #61 : Reading
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 animals are used as supporting examples for the same function of color?
The orchid mantis and the chameleon
The leafy seadragon and the orchid mantis
The snake mimic caterpillar and the orchid mantis
The chameleon and the snake mimic caterpillar
The snake mimic caterpillar and the orchid mantis
In the passage, both the snake mimic caterpillar and the orchid mantis are used as examples of animals using color to “deceive.” All other pairings represent two different functions, as the chameleon and the leafy seadragon are examples of color used to hide.
Example Question #71 : Reading
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 best describes the function of the text in quotations: “changes to fit/blend in” in paragraph two of the passage?
To show that the chameleon is able to change to blend into its surroundings
To describe attributes of the animal, the chameleon
To argue against the claim that chameleons are able to blend in
To provide a definition of chameleon that extends beyond its reference to the animal
To provide a definition of chameleon that extends beyond its reference to the animal
In end of paragraph two, the author tells us that the term chameleon has extended beyond the animal to refer to anyone who “changes to fit/blend in.” So, the function of the text in quotations is “to provide a definition of chameleon that extends beyond its reference to the animal.”
Example Question #72 : Reading
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 best expresses the function of the following excerpt from paragraph two of the passage?
When pollinators come around expecting a flower to feed on, they are in for a surprise, as the mantis sits ready to strike.
To illustrate how prey uses “hide” to avoid predators
To provide an example of the “deception” function of color
To explain the risks of using “hide” as a function of color
To show how the mantis uses “attract” to find a mate
To provide an example of the “deception” function of color
The context of this excerpt shows us that the orchid mantis uses deception as a predator to deceive prey. This aligns with “To provide an example of the “deception” function of color.” The excerpt is not expressing risks (for the predator, at least!) nor showing how attract is used to find a mate. In this case, the mantis is the predator using deception to fool unsuspecting prey.
Example Question #11 : Reading To Understand Structure
Samantha has highlighted keywords and phrases in a story to help identify the text structure. She has highlighted the following words/phrases:
- because
- so that
- due to
- led to
- since
What text structure often uses these keywords and phrases?
Sequential
Compare & Contrast
Cause & Effect
Problem & Solution
Cause & Effect
Samantha has highlights phrases and words from a text that is structured using a cause-and-effect method. In a cause-and-effect text, structured events and actions give readers the reasons or consequences of the story. An example could be, "Gregory was riding his bike quickly around that corner. He was not paying attention, and this led to him crashing into a parked car." We know the consequence is crashing, and the cause of this was not paying attention while riding the bike quickly. Many text structures can be identified based on their keywords.
Example Question #74 : Reading
What text structure does the author use to organize this set of passages?
Compare & Contrast
Sequential
Cause & Effect
Problem & Solution
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.
Compare & Contrast
This author uses a compare and contrast text structure to organize the passage set. Another way to describe this passage set's structure is as a point/counterpoint structure. The author provides two different viewpoints of the use of coal - positive and negative - and uses evidence or details to support the opinion.
Certified Tutor
All Common Core: 7th Grade English Language Arts Resources
