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R&E "What happened to the Mammoths in Texas"

Last updated 10 months ago
18 questions
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question. Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

Zendaya has written this essay for a class assignment. Read Zendaya’s essay and look for any revisions she needs to make. When you finish reading, answer the questions that follow.

What Happened to the Mammoths of Texas?

(1) Imagine taking a walk in the woods to search for arrowheads when, all of a sudden, you stumble across an enormous bone jutting out of the ground.(2) That’s exactly what happened one day in 1978 when two 19-year-olds discovered a fossilized mammoth bone in a dusty riverbed.

(3) At first the teens did not realize they had found the remains of one of North America’s largest mammoth herds. (4) Baylor University paleontologists eventually confirmed their discovery of 16 mammoths—10 females and 6 juveniles. (5) The scientists then began researching how the 16 mammoths in the herd ended up in this particular location. (6) For many years paleontologists believed the mammoths were killed by a sudden catastrophe; however, new discoveries helped researchers determine that the mammoths died more slowly.

(7) Over the years as scientists studied the mammoths, they uncovered more information that altered their initial theories. (8) This happens often due to new discoveries or additional data that lead to new theories. (9) One initial theory was that the mammoth herd was trapped in a ravine and drowned in a flash flood. (10) Because they are so large, the mammoths likely would have struggled to climb out of the ravine in time. (11) That would have made it hard to survive the sudden flooding. (12) However, as the scientists studied the fossils over several years, researchers discovered that the growth patterns on the bones appeared stunted, as though the animals did not have sufficient nutrition.

(13) A 2017 study by Baylor geology professor Steven Driese, along with doctoral students Don Esker and Logan Wiest, supported the “lack of nutrition” theory. (14) The researchers suggested that the mammoths died during a long drought. (15) Therefore, in addition to water, the mammoths struggled to find sufficient vegetation, such as grasses. (16) According to the study the mammoths died due to a lack of water, not from a flood. (17) “There was no scientific evidence that they drowned, [that’s] just an idea perpetuated through the decades,” Wiest says. (18) “Anatomically, they’re much like elephants, and elephants swim very well.” (19) Instead, Driese and his students hypothesized that the animals were likely huddled around a water hole until it finally dried up.

(20) Wiest’s team developed their theory after they carefully studied the mammoth bones and saw tooth marks made from rodents and holes created by scavenger beetles. (21) Researchers believed that the holes and tooth marks on the bones provided evidence that the bones were not immediately buried by sediment or by water; rather, they had been exposed to the elements for a long time. (22) The malnourished condition of the mammoths seems to support Wiest’s drought theory. (23) Further testing also suggested the mammoths had died when central Texas was in a cool period—about seven degrees cooler on average than today. (24) This leading theory about the fate of the Waco mammoth herd is not supported by all researchers, but it is one of the most highly regarded suggestions about what happened to the animals.

(25) Although there are still disagreements about the exact reason why the mammoths died, many people visit the Waco excavation site and develop their own theories about what happened. (26) In the 1990s a climate-controlled shelter was erected over the paleontology site, and in 2015 the site was named “Woolly Mammoth National Monument.” (27) Research is still ongoing, and lucky visitors can see them actively excavating bones and conducting soil tests.
6

Which sentence in the third paragraph (sentences 7–12) is extraneous and should be deleted from the essay?

6

What is the most effective way to combine sentences 10 and 11?

5.5

Zendaya would like to add another detail in the fifth paragraph (sentences 20–24).
"Although the temperatures were only slightly different, the changes may have greatly affected rainfall, soil, and plant and animal growth, ultimately leading to the mammoths’ death."

Where is the best place to insert this sentence?

5.5

The pronoun in sentence 27 is unclear. Which word or phrase should replace them to create a more effective sentence?

5.5

Zendaya would like to add a concluding sentence to her essay that restates her thesis. Which sentence should she add at the end of her essay to accomplish this goal?

Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question. Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

Luka has written this essay about Abraham Lincoln for his history class. Read Luka’s essay and look for any revisions that he needs to make. When you finish reading, answer the questions that follow.

Communicating like Lincoln
(1) Abraham Lincoln is one of America’s best-known and most-loved presidents. (2) He was an amazing leader who led our country through the American Civil War. (3) His most famous speech, the Gettysburg Address, was a call to end slavery and inspired a divided country. (4) Generations of students have studied Lincoln’s famous words. (5) Lincoln’s success as a speaker and politician can be attributed to his incredible ability to communicate his point of view.

(6) Long before he became president, young Lincoln listened to adults tell stories. (7) He was fascinated by the entertaining and humorous tales. (8) He would retell the stories he had heard to his young friends. (9) He simplified the language and expressions so they could understand. (10) These early storytelling experiences showed Lincoln how to engage an audience. (11) As an adult Lincoln was inspired by the works of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin but never forgot his storytelling roots.

(12) To help shape his platform for president, Lincoln utilized his knowledge of the writings of prominent figures and his developed storytelling skills as well as. (13) When Lincoln visited new places and small towns during the presidential campaign of 1860, some people walked long distances to hear him speak. (14) People would come for miles to have a chance to see and hear him. (15) Lincoln regularly presented debates, arguments, and public speeches in the form of stories. (16) His strategies may have even convinced his political opponents to end up supporting him or working for him. (17) What was Abraham Lincoln’s secret? (18) According to historian and author Doris Kearns Goodwin, “No one could equal” Lincoln’s “never-ending stream of stories.” (19) Goodwin said that Lincoln was a “master storyteller” who “won devoted followers” wherever he went.

(20) In addition to his storytelling gift, Lincoln relied on a few other effective communication strategies. (21) He believed in listening first and speaking second to demonstrate respect for others and a desire to understand their needs. (22) For Lincoln being a good listener also involved asking questions. (23) Furthermore, Lincoln used plain, clear language that was easy to understand. (24) He combined this straightforward style with stories and jokes to make his major points and talks memorable. (25) People may forget facts or statistics, but they rarely forget a good story or a joke.

(26) Lincoln put the same effort he used during casual interactions into preparing for his speeches. (27) He dedicated hours of study and research to his subject matter and practiced his speeches aloud frequently. (28) When Lincoln wrote a speech, he would keep perfecting it until it was exactly how he wanted. (29) He also thought a great deal about the best way to reach his audience. (30) Which story would best convey his message? (31) Lincoln genuinely cared about the people who listened to him speak and believed in inspiring others with hope and good ideas.

(32) Great speakers do not hide their passion. (33) If a speaker cares deeply about a topic, the audience is more likely to care too. (34) Lincoln used his communication skills to convince people to care about what was important to him, helping him become one of the nation’s greatest leaders.
5.5

What is the most effective way to combine sentences 8 and 9?

5.5

What is the most effective revision to make in sentence 12?

5.5

Luka has included a redundant idea in the third paragraph (sentences 12–19). Which sentence should be deleted from the paragraph?

5.5

The word good is not the most effective word to use in sentence 31. Which word should replace good in the sentence?

Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question. Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

Jazmin has written this essay for her science class. Read Jazmin’s essay and look for any corrections that she needs to make. When you finish reading, answer the questions that follow.

Cave of Crystals

(1) Humans are naturally curious beings. (2) We are driven to search for new places to explore. (3) Given how many natural wonders have been discovered around the world, isn’t it amazing that there are still natural wonders to find? (4) In the year 2000, two miners in Mexico stumbled upon one such surprise—a cave of crystals unlike any other.

(5) Nine hundred and eighty feet below the surface of Naica, Mexico, miners were excavating a new tunnel and found a cave filled with giant crystals. (6) The cave is a geological wonder because it contains some of the largest natural crystals ever discovered in the world. (7) Scientists and explorers studying the cave named it Cave of Crystals—for the surprises inside. (8) These crystals are Classified as selenite crystals, meaning they are translucent. (9) Most are between 20 and 36 feet long and weigh around 55 tons.

(10) At first, scientists wondered how the crystals grew so large inside the cave. (11) Naica is on top of an ancient underground fault, which is a break in the ground where the tektonic plates of Earth have shifted. (12) Below the cave is a magma chamber filled with lava. (13) Over time, the cave was flooded with groundwater that trickled in from the surface. (14) With the water inside the cave and the heat from the magma chamber, the cave remained a consistent temperature for 500,000 years, and this created the perfect environment to grow crystals.

(15) Scientists don’t know much about the crystals yet; the extreme conditions inside the Cave of Crystals make it dangerous to stay inside the cave for more than a few minutes at a time. (16) Because the magma chamber is right below the cave, the temperature is between 100°F and 150°F. (17) The relative humidity inside the cave is between 90% and 100%. (18) The average humidity in Mexico City is about 50%, making the cave’s humidity almost double the average of the nation’s capital. (19) In order to learn more about this impressive minerallogical discovery, scientists exploring the caves are working to develop strategies and tools that will help them stay underground longer.

(20) Amazing discoveries like the Cave of Crystals in Mexico help us learn more about our world and its natural wonders. (21) If there is a shocking cave like this 980 feet below the surface of Mexico. (22) Then there could be more discoveries just like it in other parts of the world. (23) There are still corners of the world that have not been seen by human eyes, perhaps with surprises just as dazzeling as the Cave of Crystals.
5.5

What change, if any, is needed in sentence 8?

5.5

What change should Jazmin make in sentence 11?

5.5

What change should be made in sentence 19?

5.5

What is the correct way to write sentences 21 and 22?

5.5

What change should Jazmin make in sentence 23?

Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question. Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

Shannon has written this essay to share an experience with her classmates. Read Shannon’s essay and look for any corrections that she needs to make. When you finish reading, answer the questions that follow.

A Pet like No Other
(1) Adopting a pet can be a great experience. (2) A pet can teach children responsability and encourage families to spend time together. (3) Household pets hold a special place in the hearts of their owners, but there are other types of animals that also need care and attention from humans—endangered and threatened animals. (4) Although they may be a continent away, it is possible to “adopt” these animals.

(5) Adopting a tiger, polar bear, or sea turtle is very different than visiting an animal shelter to physically adopt and bring home a pet. (6) When someone adopts an endangered or threatened animal through the World Animal Foundation (WAF), it is a symbolic adoption. (7) The WAF is a volunteer organization whose mission is to provide protection and support for animals all over the world. (8) Adopting one of their endangered or threatened animals is just one of the ways that people can show their love and concern.

(9) When I learned about the existence of WAF I asked my mother and father if I could support my favorite animal—the elephant. (10) My parents agreed that it was an incredible idea for an important cause, so we began the formal adoption process. (11) The volunteers who work at WAF make the process of adopting animals easy and pleasant. (12) Prospective adoptive parents can learn about mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, bugs, and even farm animals as they select which species they want to adopt online. (13) As he watched me go through the process, my little brother also became interested in WAF, and he selected a crab—his favorite animal. (14) We were incredibly proud of our symbolic adoptions. (15) When people donate to the WAF and adopt an animal, they help the organization build sanctuaries for injured animals, protect the habitats of endangered animals, and create educational programs. (16) We hope that by adopting through the organization, we can help animals live longer, healthier lives and also preserve endangered species.

(17) Although our new pets will remain in the wild, we received packets of information about these amazing creatures. (18) WAF sends photographs, an Adoption Certificate, cards containing fun facts, and maps depicting the animals’ habitats. (19) The best part was that after my brother and I received the package, we showed our photographs and information cards to our friends and family. (20) Some of my nieces, nephews, and cousins now plan to adopt animals of their own.

(21) While any pet can positively affect the life of its owner, adopting endangered or threatened animals is a unique experience. (22) Dogs, cats, and other animals that live in shelters certainly make great pets, but symbolic adoption provides direct help to rare animals such as an emperor penguin or a rhinoceros. (23) The mission of the World Animal Foundation is to educate others about animals around the globe while directly contributing to rescue and protection programs, I support their efforts.
5.5

What change should be made in sentence 2?

5.5

What change, if any, should be made in sentence 9?

5.5

How does sentence 18 need to be changed?

5.5

What change is needed in sentence 23?