Common Core: 8th Grade English Language Arts : Reading
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Common Core: 8th Grade English Language Arts
All Common Core: 8th Grade English Language Arts Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #14 : Reading To Determine Author's Point Of View
When you hear the word “pirate,” you likely think of names such as Blackbeard or Henry Morgan. However, there exists a vast and interesting history of lesser-known pirates who have also shaped the term as we know it, and this history is just as deserving of our attention.
For instance, in the fifteenth century, the pirate Pier Gerlofs Donia, better known as “Big Pier,” fought tirelessly against the Roman Empire and intimidated even the most fierce soldiers with the seven-foot long sword he wielded, known as the “Zweihander.” When his crew captured a suspected enemy ship, he was known to determine friend from foe by forcing them to say: “Butter, bread, and green cheese: if you can’t say that, you’re not a real Frisian!” in his native tongue, as this was often difficult for enemies to pronounce correctly. Enemies who were unable to do so were sentenced to their doom!
Seventeenth-century dutch pirate Laurens de Graaf is also an interesting story. While he is best known for his ship, the Tigre, and for evading capture and disappearing into mystery and myth, he was supposedly an interesting pirate to work for! Known as the “gentleman’s outlaw,” de Graff would travel the seas with an arrangement of violins and trumpets, which he would play for his crew to keep spirits high.
Samuel Bellamy’s life poses yet another interesting, though ultimately tragic, story. When treasure hunter Bellamy found it difficult to make a living, he turned to piracy. Bellamy was known as a just captain and even formed a democracy on his ship, earning the trust and respect of his men. Bellamy was also known as the wealthiest pirate ever, and in the short year or so that he roamed the seas, he acquired over $120 million in treasure. This wealth would be short-lived, however, as Bellamy and his ship sank to the bottom of the deep blue on their way back from the heist that would have allowed his entire crew to retire and live out the rest of their lives in peace.
It is true that many of the icons we see in today’s movies, novels, and costumes come from some of history’s most well-known pirates. Nevertheless, those interested in knowing the full history and culture of what we know as “piracy” today should seek out the stories behind some of the world’s lesser-known tyrants of the sea.
The author of this passage would most likely describe Samuel Bellamy as
irrelevant to the larger history of pirates
resented by the members of his crew
foolish for sinking his ship before getting to live out his life in peace
important to the history of pirates, despite his short-lived career
the most ruthless and merciless pirate in known history
important to the history of pirates, despite his short-lived career
In the passage, Samuel Bellamy is described as a just (fair) pirate, well-liked by his crew. The author also points out the irony that his ship did not make it back from their final and most profitable voyage, but does not give us any reason to believe this is because of foolishness on his part. Contextually, Bellamy is one of three pirates used as examples of lesser-known pirates and their importance to the history of piracy as a whole. So, the author would likely consider Bellamy to be “important to the history of pirates, despite his short-lived career .”
Example Question #15 : Reading To Determine Author's Point Of View
When you hear the phrase “man’s best friend,” you probably think of one animal, and one animal alone: the dog. But why is that? How did dogs come to earn the name “man’s best friend,” and why has the name stuck around since?
Many historians trace the relationship between man and dog back more than 30,000 years, to when wolves used to scavenge alongside humans. Other historians cite the point when dogs and people began living together, around 15,000 years ago, as the start to this friendship.
Literature from long ago also references the friendship between man and dog, most famously in Homer’s The Odyssey. However, it wasn’t until the 1700s when King Fredrick of Prussia coined the term that dogs were formally given the position “best friend to man.” Frederick referred to his friendship with his dogs in a way that was unusual at the time. While pet dogs were common for those of his rank and stature, they were normally used for hunting and protecting, and it would be considered strange to speak of them as “friends.” Fredrick, however, was so fond of his dogs that he had portraits of them painted, spoke often of their loyalty, and even requested that he be buried next to them when he was laid to rest.
It is this strange but enduring relationship with “man’s best friend” that has stood the test of time. Today, dogs are often thought of for their loyalty and companionship. Studies even suggest that a canine companion can increase one’s lifespan, lower cardiovascular disease, and improve mental health. Even if you don’t share Frederick’s opinion that companionship with a dog is the only way to be truly “free of cares,” there’s no arguing that dogs have earned the title “man’s best friend” over the thousands of years they have stood by man’s side.
How would the author of the passage be most likely to characterize the role of King Fredrick of Prussia in the context of the passage?
An example of the typical dynamic between man and dog at the time.
Detrimental to man’s relationship with the dog.
An integral part of the history behind the term “man’s best friend”.
The first documented instance of companionship between man and dog.
The only relevant point in history contributing toward man’s relationship with the dog.
An integral part of the history behind the term “man’s best friend”.
The author of the passage uses the history of King Fredrick of Prussia to show the first recorded instance where a dog was referred to as “best friend” to man. - Be careful! That’s different from saying “the first documented instance of companionship between man and dog” We see several earlier instances of companionship between man and dog that build the foundation for the interactions we see today. However, the author would certainly consider King Fredrick of Prussia’s role as “a core element” of that history.
Example Question #16 : Reading To Determine Author's Point Of View
Passage 1:
When schools prepare elective courses for their students (courses that provide an optional list of classes to suit different students’ interests), they should not comply with pressures to make those classes more “practical” or “career-driven.” Elective courses should be a way for students to express their creativity and interests in a format they enjoy and should provide students with a break from the mundane math and English topics they’ve spent the day learning about. Whether it’s painting, photography, dodgeball, or gardening, elective courses should be a way for students to establish and embrace hobbies and interests, a break from an otherwise full day of learning all are subjected to.
Passage 2:
Elective courses provide an opportunity for students to branch out and take different courses from those of their classmates. However, too much emphasis in school has been placed on topics that most students will never use as adults! Most students will not grow up to be artists or to use the Pythagorean Theorem in their day-to-day lives. So, it’s only logical that elective courses should be focused on life skills students will find helpful as adults, such as personal finance and home economics. It’s never too early to build life skills that will make an individual more well-rounded as an adult!
Passage 3:
Core classes are fighting a losing battle against electives for middle and highschool-aged children. While schools mean well when they encourage students to express their creativity in class, emphasis on elective classes must come at the direct expense of more valuable core material. Schools should understand that their job is to prepare children and young adults for the workforce, and should place more emphasis on STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) material. There is currently more demand for STEM workers than there are interested and qualified adults. Therefore, if we place more emphasis on STEM skills for students, we will encourage interest in the jobs most needed when those children grow up and plan for their careers.
If a particular student finds baking to be a relaxing and exciting hobby, would the author of Passage 1 be likely to recommend that that student take a home economics class focused on baking?
No, because more time should be spent on mathematics and sciences.
No, because the author prefers sports and visual arts.
Yes, because the student’s reason for attending the course aligns with the author’s stated objective of elective courses.
No, because students should not participate in anything useful to their lives during elective courses.
Yes, because home economics is a useful class that should be taken by all students.
Yes, because the student’s reason for attending the course aligns with the author’s stated objective of elective courses.
The author of Passage 1 believes that elective courses should provide students with opportunities to pursue passions and hobbies that they find relaxing during an otherwise taxing school day. So, the author would likely advocate for the scenario described above, as the student is pursuing a home economics class to participate in something he or she enjoys and finds relaxing. This is completely aligned with Passage 1’s stated objective for elective courses: “elective courses should be a way for students to establish and embrace hobbies and interests, a break from an otherwise full day of learning all are subjected to.”
Example Question #1 : Reading To Understand Structure
Adapted from “Introduced Species That Have Become Pests” in Our Vanishing Wild Life, Its Extermination and Protection by William Temple Hornaday (1913)
The man who successfully introduces into a new habitat any species of living thing assumes a very grave responsibility. Every introduced species is doubtful gravel until panned out. The enormous losses that have been inflicted upon the world through the perpetuation of follies with wild animals and plants would, if added together, be enough to purchase a principality. The most aggravating feature of these follies in transplantation is that never yet have they been made severely punishable. We are just as careless and easygoing on this point as we were about the government of Yellowstone Park in the days when Howell and other poachers destroyed our first national bison herd. Even though Howell was caught red-handed, skinning seven Park bison cows, he could not be punished for it, because there was no penalty prescribed by any law. Today, there is a way in which any revengeful person could inflict enormous damage on the entire South, at no cost to himself, involve those states in enormous losses and the expenditure of vast sums of money, yet go absolutely unpunished!
The gypsy moth is a case in point. This winged calamity was imported near Boston by a French entomologist, Mr. Leopold Trouvelot, in 1868 or 69. The scientist did not purposely set the pest free. He was endeavoring with live specimens to find a moth that would produce a cocoon of commercial value to America, and a sudden gust of wind blew his living and breeding specimens of the gypsy moth out of his study through an open window. The moth itself is not bad to look at, but its larvae is a great, overgrown brute with an appetite like a hog. Immediately Mr. Trouvelot sought to recover his specimens. When he failed to find them all, he notified the State authorities of the accident. Every effort was made to recover all the specimens, but enough escaped to produce progeny that soon became a scourge to the trees of Massachusetts. The method of the big, nasty-looking mottled-brown caterpillar was very simple. It devoured the entire foliage of every tree that grew in its sphere of influence.
The gypsy moth spread with alarming rapidity and persistence. In time, the state of Massachusetts was forced to begin a relentless war upon it, by poisonous sprays and by fire. It was awful! Up to this date (1912) the New England states and the United States Government service have expended in fighting this pest about $7,680,000!
The spread of this pest has been slowed, but the gypsy moth never will be wholly stamped out. Today it exists in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, and it is due to reach New York at an early date. It is steadily spreading in three directions from Boston, its original point of departure, and when it strikes the State of New York, we, too, will begin to pay dearly for the Trouvelot experiment.
The main reason the author mentions Howell’s story at the end of the first paragraph is __________.
to suggest that the loss of bison is a more important problem than those caused by the gypsy moth
to lament the loss of the United States’ first national bison herd
to argue for putting a fence up around Yellowstone National Park to keep out poachers
to provide an account that shows how bad it is that environmental offenders cannot be legally punished
to attack Howell’s actions as reprehensible
to provide an account that shows how bad it is that environmental offenders cannot be legally punished
This question may initially seem tricky because Howell’s story accomplishes many of the answer choices’ statements: the author does attack Howell’s actions as reprehensible, and he does lament the loss of the United States’ first national bison herd; however, this are consequences of the story, not reasons why the author brought it up in the first place. The only answer choice that explains why the author mentions the story is “to provide an account that shows how bad it is that environmental offenders cannot be legally punished,” so this is the correct answer.
Example Question #62 : Reading
Adapted from “Feathers of Sea Birds and Wild Fowl for Bedding” from The Utility of Birds by Edward Forbush (ed. 1922)
In the colder countries of the world, the feathers and down of waterfowl have been in great demand for centuries. These materials have been used as filling for beds and pillows. Such feathers are perfect insulators of heat, and beds, pillows, or coverlets filled with them represent the acme of comfort and durability.
The early settlers of New England saved for such purposes the feathers and down from the thousands of wild-fowl which they killed, but as the population of people increased, the quantity of feathers furnished in this manner became insufficient, and the people sought a larger supply in the vast colonies of ducks and geese along the Labrador coast.
The manner in which the feathers and down were obtained, unlike the method practiced in Iceland, did not tend to conserve and protect the source of supply. In Iceland, the people have continued to receive for many years a considerable income by collecting eider down (the small, fluffy feathers of eider ducks), but there they do not “kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.” Ducks line their nests with down plucked from their own breasts and that of the eider is particularly valuable for bedding. In Iceland, these birds are so carefully protected that they have become as tame and unsuspicious as domestic fowls In North America. Where they are constantly hunted they often conceal their nests in the midst of weeds or bushes, but in Iceland, they make their nests and deposit their eggs in holes dug for them in the sod. A supply of the ducks is maintained so that the people derive from them an annual income.
In North America, quite a different policy was pursued. The demand for feathers became so great in the New England colonies during the middle of the eighteenth century that vessels were sent to Labrador for the express purpose of securing the feathers and down of wild fowl. Eider down having become valuable and these ducks being in the habit of congregating by thousands on barren islands of the Labrador coast, the birds became the victims of the ships’ crews. As the ducks molt all their primary feathers at once in July or August and are then quite incapable of flight and the young birds are unable to fly until well grown, the hunters were able to surround the helpless birds, drive them together, and kill them with clubs. Otis says that millions of wildfowl were thus destroyed and that in a few years their haunts were so broken up by this wholesale slaughter and their numbers were so diminished that feather voyages became unprofitable and were given up.
This practice, followed by the almost continual egging, clubbing, shooting, etc. by Labrador fishermen, may have been a chief factor in the extinction of the Labrador duck. No doubt had the eider duck been restricted in its breeding range to the islands of Labrador, it also would have been exterminated long ago.
Which of the following most accurately describes the role of the underlined sentence, also shown below?
“No doubt had the eider duck been restricted in its breeding range to the islands of Labrador, it also would have been exterminated long ago.”
It suggests that Labrador ducks are hardier and healthier than eider ducks.
It suggests that the effect a method of feather-collecting has on a duck species is unique to that particular species.
It tells readers for the first time in the passage that collecting duck feathers can be dangerous to the ducks depending on the method used to collect the feathers.
It subtly revisits the comparison between the Icelandic and North American methods of collecting feathers and down.
It suggests that the down of eider ducks is more valuable than the feathers of Labrador ducks.
It subtly revisits the comparison between the Icelandic and North American methods of collecting feathers and down.
The underlined sentence compares the eider duck with the Labrador duck, as we can tell from the sentence that precedes it:
This practice, followed by the almost continual egging, clubbing, shooting, etc. by Labrador fishermen, may have been a chief factor in the extinction of the Labrador duck. No doubt had the eider duck been restricted in its breeding range to the islands of Labrador, it also would have been exterminated long ago.
We can immediately determine that this sentence does not "suggest that the effect a method of feather-collecting has on a duck species is unique to that particular species." It is comparing, not contrasting, the two types of duck and suggesting that if the eider duck had the same breeding range as the Labrador duck, that it would also have gone extinct. Similarly, we can ignore "It suggests that Labrador ducks are hardier and healthier than eider ducks" and "It suggests that the down of eider ducks is more valuable than the feathers of Labrador ducks." Both of these answers again suggest that the passage is emphasizing some sort of distinction when it is actually emphasizing a similarity. "It tells readers for the first time in the passage that collecting duck feathers can be dangerous to the ducks depending on the method used to collect the feathers" is not correct either, because this is certainly not the first time this idea has been presented to readers in the passage. The entire third paragraph details how millions of ducks were killed for their feathers on the Labrador feather voyages. The only remaining answer is the correct one: this sentence "subtly revisits the comparison between the Icelandic and North American methods of collecting feathers and down." Eider ducks are discussed when the author describes the Icelandic feather-collecting method, and Labrador ducks are described when he describes the Labrador feather voyages that were undertaken in North America. By suggesting that the eider duck could have met with the same fate as the Labrador duck did, the author highlights how the eider duck was not driven to extinction due to the feather-collecting method used. By comparing the type of ducks mentioned as part of each method's description, the author revisits the comparison that forms such a major part of the passage.
Example Question #2 : Reading To Understand Structure
Adapted from “The Fog” by Carl Sandberg in Modern American Poetry (1919; ed. Untermeyer)
The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
Adapted from “The Eagle” by Alfred Lord Tennyson (1851)
He crasps the crag with crooked hands;
Close to the sun in lonely lands,
Ringed with the azure world, he stands.
The wrinkled sea beneath him crawls;
He watches from his mountain walls,
And like a thunderbolt he falls.
Which of the following describes a major difference between how these two short descriptive poems each distinguish their two stanzas?
“The Fog” discusses an animal in both of its stanzas; “The Eagle” discusses a person in its first stanza and an animal in its second stanza.
The first stanza of “The Fog” establishes a metaphor crucial to the poem, and the second stanza elaborates on it. “The Eagle” uses a simile in its second stanza that is not as crucial to the poem.
“The Fog” discusses weather in the first stanza but switches to discussing an animal in the second; “The Eagle” discusses an animal in both of its stanzas.
“The Fog” uses personification in its first stanza, whereas “The Eagle” uses personification in its second stanza.
“The Fog” uses a simile in its first stanza, and elaborates on it in the second stanza. “The Eagle” uses vivid imagery throughout, including a metaphor in its second stanza.
The first stanza of “The Fog” establishes a metaphor crucial to the poem, and the second stanza elaborates on it. “The Eagle” uses a simile in its second stanza that is not as crucial to the poem.
To compare these two poems' stanzas accurately, let's consider what's going on in each of them. In the first stanza of "The Fog," the poet writes, "The fog comes / on little cat feet." What kind of language is this? it's not a simile because no word like "like" or "as" is used, so saying that the fog has "little cat feet" is a metaphor. This is the core of the poem, which its second stanza develops, continuing the metaphor by using description like "sits looking" "on silent haunches." This makes the fog sound like some sort of animal—specifically, a little cat. "The Eagle" is quite different. In its first stanza, the poem doesn't use a simile or metaphor for the eagle, but describes the bird directly. It uses a simile in the last line of its second stanza, "And like a thunderbolt he falls."
We can answer this question correctly based on these observations. We can't say that "The Fog" uses personification in its first stanza or that "The Eagle" uses personification in its second, so that answer choice is incorrect. "The Fog" discusses fog, a type of weather, in both of its stanzas; it doesn't discuss an animal in either of its stanza, though it can be easy to get confused about the metaphor the poet is using. So, the answer choices that claim that "The Fog" discusses an animal are incorrect as well. "The Fog" uses a metaphor, not a simile, in its first stanza, and "The Eagle" uses a simile, not a metaphor, in its second stanza, so that answer isn't correct either.
The correct answer is "The first stanza of “The Fog” establishes a metaphor crucial to the poem, and the second stanza elaborates on it. “The Eagle” uses a simile in its second stanza that is not as crucial to the poem." These statements accurately reflect the literary devices used in each of the poems and their relative importance to each poem as a whole.
Example Question #211 : Common Core: 8th Grade English Language Arts
When you hear the word “pirate,” you likely think of names such as Blackbeard or Henry Morgan. However, there exists a vast and interesting history of lesser-known pirates who have also shaped the term as we know it, and this history is just as deserving of our attention.
For instance, in the fifteenth century, the pirate Pier Gerlofs Donia, better known as “Big Pier,” fought tirelessly against the Roman Empire and intimidated even the most fierce soldiers with the seven-foot long sword he wielded, known as the “Zweihander.” When his crew captured a suspected enemy ship, he was known to determine friend from foe by forcing them to say: “Butter, bread, and green cheese: if you can’t say that, you’re not a real Frisian!” in his native tongue, as this was often difficult for enemies to pronounce correctly. Enemies who were unable to do so were sentenced to their doom!
Seventeenth-century dutch pirate Laurens de Graaf is also an interesting story. While he is best known for his ship, the Tigre, and for evading capture and disappearing into mystery and myth, he was supposedly an interesting pirate to work for! Known as the “gentleman’s outlaw,” de Graaf would travel the seas with an arrangement of violins and trumpets, which he would play for his crew to keep spirits high.
Samuel Bellamy’s life poses yet another interesting, though ultimately tragic, story. When treasure hunter Bellamy found it difficult to make a living, he turned to piracy. Bellamy was known as a just captain and even formed a democracy on his ship, earning the trust and respect of his men. Bellamy was also known as the wealthiest pirate ever, and in the short year or so that he roamed the seas, he acquired over $120 million in treasure. This wealth would be short-lived, however, as Bellamy and his ship sank to the bottom of the deep blue on their way back from the heist that would have allowed his entire crew to retire and live out the rest of their lives in peace.
It is true that many of the icons we see in today’s movies, novels, and costumes come from some of history’s most well-known pirates. Nevertheless, those interested in knowing the full history and culture of what we know as “piracy” today should seek out the stories behind some of the world’s lesser-known tyrants of the sea.
In the context of the passage, paragraph two primarily serves the purpose of
emphasizing the importance of pronunciation in everyday life
contrasting the claim made in paragraph one
providing an example supporting the claim made in the first paragraph
giving an example of a pirate readers are likely to know by name
clarifying the meaning of the term “pirate”
providing an example supporting the claim made in the first paragraph
In the passage, the second paragraph (along with the third and fourth!) provides an example of a pirate who, though he may not be well known to many, is an important figure in the history of pirates. So, it provides an example of the claim made in paragraph one that “there exists a vast and interesting history of lesser-known pirates who have also shaped the term as we know it, and this history is just as deserving of our attention.” Since it is in support of the claim made in paragraph one, not against it, ("contrasting the claim made in paragraph one") can be eliminated (and so can "giving an example of a pirate readers are likely to know by name"). Additionally, there is no explanation of what the term pirate means - the author assumes you know this at the start of the passage! ("clarifying the meaning of the term “pirate” can be eliminated.) Finally, while pronunciation was certainly important for the victims of Laurens de Graaf, the author wasn’t using this example to emphasize the importance to us, the readers! (We can eliminate "emphasizing the importance of pronunciation in everyday life".)
Example Question #212 : Common Core: 8th Grade English Language Arts
When you hear the word “pirate,” you likely think of names such as Blackbeard or Henry Morgan. However, there exists a vast and interesting history of lesser-known pirates who have also shaped the term as we know it, and this history is just as deserving of our attention.
For instance, in the fifteenth century, the pirate Pier Gerlofs Donia, better known as “Big Pier,” fought tirelessly against the Roman Empire and intimidated even the most fierce soldiers with the seven-foot long sword he wielded, known as the “Zweihander.” When his crew captured a suspected enemy ship, he was known to determine friend from foe by forcing them to say: “Butter, bread, and green cheese: if you can’t say that, you’re not a real Frisian!” in his native tongue, as this was often difficult for enemies to pronounce correctly. Enemies who were unable to do so were sentenced to their doom!
Seventeenth-century dutch pirate Laurens de Graaf is also an interesting story. While he is best known for his ship, the Tigre, and for evading capture and disappearing into mystery and myth, he was supposedly an interesting pirate to work for! Known as the “gentleman’s outlaw,” de Graaf would travel the seas with an arrangement of violins and trumpets, which he would play for his crew to keep spirits high.
Samuel Bellamy’s life poses yet another interesting, though ultimately tragic, story. When treasure hunter Bellamy found it difficult to make a living, he turned to piracy. Bellamy was known as a just captain and even formed a democracy on his ship, earning the trust and respect of his men. Bellamy was also known as the wealthiest pirate ever, and in the short year or so that he roamed the seas, he acquired over $120 million in treasure. This wealth would be short-lived, however, as Bellamy and his ship sank to the bottom of the deep blue on their way back from the heist that would have allowed his entire crew to retire and live out the rest of their lives in peace.
It is true that many of the icons we see in today’s movies, novels, and costumes come from some of history’s most well-known pirates. Nevertheless, those interested in knowing the full history and culture of what we know as “piracy” today should seek out the stories behind some of the world’s lesser-known tyrants of the sea.
Of the following options, which two paragraphs play the most similar role to each other?
Paragraphs 1 and 3
Paragraphs 1 and 2
Paragraphs 2 and 3
Paragraphs 3 and 5
Paragraphs 4 and 5
Paragraphs 2 and 3
Each of paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 feature one lesser-known pirate as examples of the author’s point that there are pirates who are not particularly famous but who are deserving of attention as major pieces of the history of piracy. Only one answer choice features two paragraphs of that 2, 3, 4 set of pirates: paragraphs 2 and 3.
Example Question #213 : Common Core: 8th Grade English Language Arts
When you hear the word “pirate,” you likely think of names such as Blackbeard or Henry Morgan. However, there exists a vast and interesting history of lesser-known pirates who have also shaped the term as we know it, and this history is just as deserving of our attention.
For instance, in the fifteenth century, the pirate Pier Gerlofs Donia, better known as “Big Pier,” fought tirelessly against the Roman Empire and intimidated even the most fierce soldiers with the seven-foot long sword he wielded, known as the “Zweihander.” When his crew captured a suspected enemy ship, he was known to determine friend from foe by forcing them to say: “Butter, bread, and green cheese: if you can’t say that, you’re not a real Frisian!” in his native tongue, as this was often difficult for enemies to pronounce correctly. Enemies who were unable to do so were sentenced to their doom!
Seventeenth-century dutch pirate Laurens de Graaf is also an interesting story. While he is best known for his ship, the Tigre, and for evading capture and disappearing into mystery and myth, he was supposedly an interesting pirate to work for! Known as the “gentleman’s outlaw,” de Graaf would travel the seas with an arrangement of violins and trumpets, which he would play for his crew to keep spirits high.
Samuel Bellamy’s life poses yet another interesting, though ultimately tragic, story. When treasure hunter Bellamy found it difficult to make a living, he turned to piracy. Bellamy was known as a just captain and even formed a democracy on his ship, earning the trust and respect of his men. Bellamy was also known as the wealthiest pirate ever, and in the short year or so that he roamed the seas, he acquired over $120 million in treasure. This wealth would be short-lived, however, as Bellamy and his ship sank to the bottom of the deep blue on their way back from the heist that would have allowed his entire crew to retire and live out the rest of their lives in peace.
It is true that many of the icons we see in today’s movies, novels, and costumes come from some of history’s most well-known pirates. Nevertheless, those interested in knowing the full history and culture of what we know as “piracy” today should seek out the stories behind some of the world’s lesser-known tyrants of the sea.
Which of the following options would best combine the final paragraph into one sentence that reflects the same meaning as the original? (Each answer choice is underlined in the area where changes to the original sentence passage have been made)
It is true that many of the icons we see in today’s movies, novels, and costumes come from some of history’s most well-known pirates. Nevertheless, those interested in knowing the full history and culture of what we know as “piracy” today should seek out the stories behind some of the world’s lesser-known tyrants of the sea.
It is true that many of the icons we see in today’s movies, novels, and costumes come from some of history’s most well-known pirates and also those interested in knowing the full history and culture of what we know as “piracy” today should seek out the stories behind some of the world’s lesser-known tyrants of the sea.
While it is true that many of the icons we see in today’s movies, novels, and costumes come from some of history’s most well-known pirates, those interested in knowing the full history and culture of what we know as “piracy” today should seek out the stories behind some of the world’s lesser-known tyrants of the sea.
However, it is true that many of the icons we see in today’s movies, novels, and costumes come from some of history’s most well-known pirates but those interested in knowing the full history and culture of what we know as “piracy” today should seek out the stories behind some of the world’s lesser-known tyrants of the sea.
In conclusion, it is true that many of the icons we see in today’s movies, novels, and costumes come from some of history’s well-known pirates, and those interested in knowing the full history and culture of what we know as “piracy” today should seek out the stories behind some of the world’s lesser-known tyrants of the sea.
Because it is true that many of the icons we see in today’s movies, novels, and costumes come from some of history’s most well-known pirates, those interested in knowing the full history and culture of what we know as “piracy” today should seek out the stories behind some of the world’s lesser-known tyrants of the sea.
While it is true that many of the icons we see in today’s movies, novels, and costumes come from some of history’s most well-known pirates, those interested in knowing the full history and culture of what we know as “piracy” today should seek out the stories behind some of the world’s lesser-known tyrants of the sea.
The correct answer choice revises the final paragraph using similar language. “While it” and “nevertheless” give readers the same understanding that popular commercial images of pirates come from well-known pirates but to fully understand the history of pirates we should look to lesser-known pirates.
Example Question #1 : Reading To Understand Structure
When you hear the word “pirate,” you likely think of names such as Blackbeard or Henry Morgan. However, there exists a vast and interesting history of lesser-known pirates who have also shaped the term as we know it, and this history is just as deserving of our attention.
For instance, in the fifteenth century, the pirate Pier Gerlofs Donia, better known as “Big Pier,” fought tirelessly against the Roman Empire and intimidated even the most fierce soldiers with the seven-foot long sword he wielded, known as the “Zweihander.” When his crew captured a suspected enemy ship, he was known to determine friend from foe by forcing them to say: “Butter, bread, and green cheese: if you can’t say that, you’re not a real Frisian!” in his native tongue, as this was often difficult for enemies to pronounce correctly. Enemies who were unable to do so were sentenced to their doom!
Seventeenth-century dutch pirate Laurens de Graaf is also an interesting story. While he is best known for his ship, the Tigre, and for evading capture and disappearing into mystery and myth, he was supposedly an interesting pirate to work for! Known as the “gentleman’s outlaw,” de Graaf would travel the seas with an arrangement of violins and trumpets, which he would play for his crew to keep spirits high.
Samuel Bellamy’s life poses yet another interesting, though ultimately tragic, story. When treasure hunter Bellamy found it difficult to make a living, he turned to piracy. Bellamy was known as a just captain and even formed a democracy on his ship, earning the trust and respect of his men. Bellamy was also known as the wealthiest pirate ever, and in the short year or so that he roamed the seas, he acquired over $120 million in treasure. This wealth would be short-lived, however, as Bellamy and his ship sank to the bottom of the deep blue on their way back from the heist that would have allowed his entire crew to retire and live out the rest of their lives in peace.
It is true that many of the icons we see in today’s movies, novels, and costumes come from some of history’s most well-known pirates. Nevertheless, those interested in knowing the full history and culture of what we know as “piracy” today should seek out the stories behind some of the world’s lesser-known tyrants of the sea.
Which of the following would be the most appropriate term to replace “for instance” at the beginning of paragraph two?
However
Additionally
Moreover
Nonetheless
As an example
As an example
In this passage, paragraph two cites the first of several supporting examples. So, we need language that introduces a first example. The transition term “as an example” does exactly this, and is used in the same contexts as “for instance.” Our wrong answers on the other hand either cite a contrast that doesn’t belong (however/nonetheless) or provide continuation for a second example (moreover/additionally).
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