ELA Testlet 007 - Writing Transitions and Word Choice - Elissa Belmont | Library

Required

1

Read the sentences from a student’s essay:

He wanted to be the top scorer on the basketball team. He spent hours perfecting his shot
and learning plays. On top of learning these skills, he lifted weights and ran for improved
endurance. He scored 22 points in his first game.

Which transition best replaces the underlined phrase without changing the meaning of the sentences?

8.W.3.A.d

Required

2

Read the draft of the student’s argumentative essay: 

Backpacks have become so heavy that students are having a difficult time carrying them.
Students do not have time to stop at their lockers between classes, so they are
( allowed / asked / forced / made ) to carry textbooks for all classes in their backpacks.__________
Students are also asked to bring supplies to class including binders, notebooks, and pencils.
This adds to the weight they are already carrying. To help solve this problem, schools should
require fewer supplies and provide class sets of textbooks. Doing these two things would
( be a very good solution / make things so much better / improve the situation greatly /
help reduce the weight of backpacks ).__________

Choose the options that use the most precise language.

8.W.3.A.b

Required

1

Read the draft of a student’s narrative essay:

Since I started middle school, my goal was to perform the lead role in the school’s spring
musical. To prepare for the audition, I rehearsed lines and practiced my song until it was
nearly perfect. The night before my audition, I got plenty of sleep so that my voice would
be rested. __________, the day of the audition arrived, and I was confident that I would do
well. However, I was also a bit nervous. Thankfully, all my hard work paid off. Once I
started to sing, the notes came out beautifully.

Write a transition word or phrase to go in the blank that connects the ideas in the essay.

8.W.3.A.d

Required

1

Read the paragraph from a student’s essay:

Kettle corn is a popcorn treat with a sweet and salty twist! Traditionally, kettle corn is made
in giant copper kettles. Corn kernels, oil, salt, and sugar are heated and then stirred with
large wooden paddles. The sugar coats the popping corn kernels, giving them a caramelly
glaze. ___________________________________________

Which concluding sentence best maintains the style of the paragraph?

8.W.3.A.b

Required

1

A student is writing a report about blacksmithing. Read the draft of the report:

Blacksmithing can be traced back to roughly 1500 BC, when the Hittites of Anatolia
(modern Turkey) began melting bronze over a very hot fire. They then forged tools out of
the melted bronze. Prior to the industrial revolution, blacksmiths melted iron and steel to
create tools. After the industrial revolution, blacksmiths mostly shoed horses and worked
on repairing and building wagons and carriages.
_____________________________________________________ Today, blacksmiths mostly use furnaces to melt metals, which are then forged into tools. Some modern blacksmiths focus on creating custom art and accessories for customers. Although professional blacksmiths still exist, the majority of blacksmiths are hobbyists; that is, they practice the craft for their own personal enjoyment.

Write an appropriate transitional sentence to connect the two paragraphs.

8.W.3.A.d

Required

1

A student is writing an argumentative essay. Read an excerpt from the student’s draft: Need a break from the craziness of life? Want to participate in some 'farm therapy'? Do you love nature and animals? Then it is time to give goat yoga a try! This might sound like a strange activity at first, but people of all ages are enjoying themselves and relaxing by practicing yoga in the presence of cute baby goats. Invite a friend and come join us for a:
(calming experience/ really great time/ weird ordeal/ great event).

Choose the underlined phrase that uses the most precise language to best complete the paragraph.

8.W.3.A.b

Required

2

Read the draft of a student’s argumentative essay. Choose the underlined words that provide the best transitions for the information.

Technology has become a major component of many aspects of life. (Therefore / Finally / However / Regardless), technology impacts student learning on a regular basis.__________ Many schools have started using electronic textbooks that students can access online rather than using traditional textbooks. In some cases, students prefer electronic textbooks. Some students, (also / however / similarly / therefore), find that comprehension increases when using a traditional textbook.__________

8.W.3.A.d