Future American School ELA Grade 8 Quarter 1 Revision Sheets PDF

Future American School ELA Year 2024/2025 Grade 8 Quarter 1 Revision Sheets Topics Segment Lesson Title Literature 1. The Medicine Bag 2. “You Are the Electri...

Future American School ELA Year 2024/2025 Grade 8 Quarter 1 Revision Sheets Topics Segment Lesson Title Literature 1. The Medicine Bag 2. “You Are the Electric Boogaloo”; “Just Be Yourself!” 3. “Hanging Fire”; “Translating Grandfather’s House” Vocabulary Unit {1} The Times of Zheng He (Narrative Nonfiction) Unit {2} In Poor Taste (Letter to the Editor) Unit {3} Lunch at Delmonico’s (Diary Entry) Grammar Grammar Booklet Reading Unseen reading comprehension Topics covered [1st Quarter] I- My Perspectives 1. The Medicine Bag {short story} -Analyze Craft and Structure p. (23) Figurative Meaning: Symbolism  - Concept Vocabulary p. (24) wearily straggled fatigue frail sheepishly Word Study Animal Words {sheepishly, doggedly, bullheaded, lionize, elephantine} - Conventions p. (25) Verbs in Active and Passive Voice Active Voice Passive Voice 2. You Are the Electric Boogaloo Just Be Yourself! {LETTERS} - Concept Vocabulary p. (50) immense majestic numerous Word Study Latin Suffix: -ous {numerous, continuous, desirous, prosperous} -Analyze Craft and Structure p. (51) Author’s Word Choice: Tone tone word choice connotations denotations - Conventions p. (52) Verbs Moods Indicative Mood Imperative Mood Interrogative Mood 3. Hanging Fire Translating Grandfather’s House {POEMS} Concept Vocabulary p. (54) horizon awakenings beaming Context Clues: Synonym Contrast of Ideas Explanation - Concept Vocabulary p. (62) horizon awakenings beaming -Analyze Craft and Structure p. (63) Forms of Poetry: - Lyric poetry - Narrative Poetry Identifying the Theme of the Poem II- Vocabulary: Unit 1 “adjacent, alight, barren, disrupt, dynasty, foretaste, germinate, humdrum, insinuate, interminable, interrogate, recompense, renovate, résumé, sullen, trickle, trivial, truce, vicious’’ Unit 2 “available, cater, customary, dissuade, entrepreneur, firebrand, hazard, homicide, indifference, indignant, indispensable, lubricate, mutual, pelt, plague, poised, regime, hinder, transparent, unscathed” Unit 3 “animated, brood, culminate, downright, drone, goad, indulge, constituent, literate, loom, luster, miscellaneous, oration, peevish, seethe, singe, unique, upright, verify, hanker” III- Grammar: Unit 1 {NOUNS & PRONOUNS} - PEOPLE, PLACES, THINGS, AND IDEAS {P.1} - CONCRETE AND ABSTRACT NOUNS {P.2} - COLLECTIVE NOUNS {P.3} - COUNT AND NON-COUNT NOUNS {P.4} - COMPOUND NOUNS {P.5} - COMMON AND PROPER NOUNS {P.6} - PRONOUNS AND ANTECEDENTS {P.7} - PERSONAL AND POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS {P.8} UNIT 2 {VERBS} - TRANSITIVE VERBS {P.14} - INTRANSITIVE VERBS {P.15} - RECOGNIZING FORMS OF BE {P.16} - USING OTHER LINKING VERBS {P.17} - ACTION VERB OR LINKING VERB? {P.18} - RECOGNIZING HELPING VERBS {P. 19} V- Reading Comprehension: Unseen Good Luck “The Medicine Bag” Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve First Read: Comprehension Identify the choice that best answers the question. _ ___ 1. In “The Medicine Bag,” how does Grandpa arrive at the narrator’s home? a. He is driving an old, dust-covered car. b. He is riding in the back of an old pickup truck. c. He is traveling to the narrator’s home in a police car. d. He is walking down the street with dogs following him. _2. In “The Medicine Bag,” why does Grandpa say he has arrived for a surprise visit with the family? a. He wants to see where his only existing descendants live, and he wants to give Martin the medicine bag. b. He feels that death is now very near, and he wants to be buried where his only existing relatives live. c. He wants to teach his grandchildren lessons that will help them respect the old ways. d. He wants to see his family in person to discuss the resentment he has felt for years. _3. In “The Medicine Bag,” why does Grandpa collapse after arriving at the house? a. He has been injured in an attack by dogs. b. He is shocked by life in the suburbs. c. He is overcome with grief. d. He has heat exhaustion. _4. As Grandpa explains in “The Medicine Bag,” how is the medicine bag to be passed down from generation to generation? a. only through chiefs b. only through males c. only through females d. only through firstborn children _ 5. In “The Medicine Bag,” why is the pouch referred to as a medicine bag? a. It holds rocks that carry magical energy. b. It holds leaves that can overcome sickness. c. It holds items that protect and guide the wearer. d. It holds powders needed in the work of a Lakota shaman. First Read: Concept Vocabulary Identify the choice that best answers the question. _ 6. Which of the following words gives the most likely meaning of wearily as it is used in this sentence? After a Tenmile hike, we ate an early dinner and then climbed wearily into our tents. a. Sadly b. Tiredly c. Playfully d. Carefully 7. If Kris asks a question sheepishly, how does she ask it? a. in a bold way b. in a clever way c. in an annoying way d. in an embarrassed way _ 8. Which person best demonstrates the meaning of frail? a. a famous athlete signing autographs b. a sickly person being helped up the stairs c. a shopper complaining about poor service in a store d. a middle-school student taking high-school math classes Close Read: Analyze the Text Identify the choice that best answers the question. 9. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. _ Part A In “The Medicine Bag,” before Grandpa comes to visit, how does the narrator feel about talking to his friends about his Lakota grandfather? a. He makes fun of how Grandpa dresses and where he lives to amuse his friends. b. He becomes angry when the other children make fun of Grandpa’s heritage. c. He likes the fact that his stories about Grandpa appeal to the other kids. d. He never reveals to his friends that Grandpa is a Lakota. __ Part B Which quotation from “The Medicine Bag” best supports the answer to Part A? a. He was my great grandfather, and he didn’t live in a tipi; he lived all by himself in a part log, part tarpaper shack on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. b. Our friends, who had always lived in the city and only knew about Indians from movies and TV, were impressed by our stories. c. He taught me a Lakota chant to sing while I beat the drum with a leather covered stick that had a feather on the end. d. We never showed our friends Grandpa’s picture. 10. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. __ Part A Which statement most clearly describes Martin in the early part of “The Medicine Bag”? a. Martin worries about his friends’ opinions. b. Martin is cruel and insensitive toward others. c. Martin appreciates and respects Grandpa’s behavior. d. He never reveals to his friends that Grandpa is a Lakota. Part B Which sentence from “The Medicine Bag” best supports the answer to Part A? a. Maybe we exaggerated and made Grandpa and the reservation sound glamorous…. b. We usually had some authentic Lakota article to show our listeners. c. I watched the group as it slowly came closer and saw that in the center of the strange procession was a man wearing a tall black hat. d. His getup wasn’t out of place on the reservation, but it sure was here, and I wanted to sink right through the pavement. 11. Which quotation from “The Medicine Bag” shows most clearly that Cheryl’s reaction to Grandpa’s visit differs from Martin’s? a. My kid sister, Cheryl, and I always bragged about our Lakota grandpa, Joe Iron Shell. b. As we supported him up the steps, the door banged open and Cheryl came bursting out of the house. c. So even after she married my dad, who’s not an Indian, and after Cheryl and I were born, Mom made sure that every summer we spent a week with Grandpa. d. Nothing bothered Cheryl about bringing her friends to see Grandpa. 12. Near the end of “The Medicine Bag,” Grandpa gives Martin the medicine bag and says, “[You] need not wear it.” What do these words show most clearly about Grandpa’s thinking? a. Grandpa knows that the medicine bag has power even if Martin does not wear it. b. Grandpa realizes that the medicine bag will be more meaningful at a later time. c. Grandpa feels sad that Martin does not want to wear the medicine bag. d. Grandpa understands that Martin is uncomfortable about his heritage. Close Read: Analyze Craft and Structure Identify the choice that best answers the question. 13. At the end of “The Medicine Bag,” for which of the following is the medicine bag most clearly a symbol? Choose two options. a. Martin’s desire to please his friends b. Martin’s respect for his grandfather c. Martin’s dislike for his Lakota heritage d. Martin’s acceptance of his family heritage e. Martin’s feelings of embarrassment about Grandpa 14. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. __ Part A In “The Medicine Bag,” Grandpa describes a piece of iron his father once found. What does the piece of iron most likely symbolize? a. his father’s purpose in life b. his father’s death in a coming war c. his father’s distrust of white people d. his father’s refusal to learn from his elders __ Part B Which quotation from “The Medicine Bag” most clearly supports the answer to Part A? a. He did not understand his vision of finding something belonging to the white people, for in that time they were the enemy. b. At first Iron Shell resisted the teachers’ attempts to change him, and he did not try. c. As he walked into the place, he knew that his medicine had brought him there to learn and work with the white man’s iron. d. I kept the bag until my son, your mother’s father, was a man and had to leave us to fight in the war across the ocean. Language Development: Word Study Identify the choice that best answers the question. _ 15. Given the context clues in this sentence, and your understanding of how a bear might behave, which is the best choice for the meaning of bearish? When we interrupted Mr. Lee, he glared at us and uttered a bearish “Wait until I’m finished.” a. sudden or unexpected b. rough or grumpy c. deeply angry d. very hungry 2 Future American School ELA Year 2024/2025 Grade 8 16. The Latin word porcus means “hog or pig.” What kind of behavior would most likely be described as porcine? a. speaking in a loud voice b. eating greedily and sloppily c. acting superior to other people d. showing fear at signs of danger Language Development: Conventions Identify the choice that best answers the question. 17. Which sentence shows the use of the passive voice? a. Pablo accepted his uncle’s gift. b. The story was told by the tribal elders. c. The young man set out on a vision quest. d. It is important that we care for aging relatives. 18. Which sentence shows the use of the active voice? a. We dressed in traditional clothes for the party. b. Sara’s robe and headband were made by her aunt. c. Miranda’s outfit was purchased at an outdoor market. d. My own clothes were given to me by my mother.  19. What is the best way to rewrite this sentence using the active voice? My grandfather was given an award by a local college for his book on Lakota history. a. Lakota history was the subject of a book my grandfather wrote. b. A local college gave my grandfather an award for his book on Lakota history. c. My grandfather wanted to be given an award by a local college and so wrote a book. d. The award my grandfather was given came from a college and was about Lakota history. Comparing Text to Media Identify the choice that best answers the question. 20. Which topic do both the short story “The Medicine Bag” and the documentary video “Apache Girl’s Rite of Passage” present? a. rites of passage from the Lakota culture b. a boy’s growing respect for his heritage and traditions c. traditions from American Indian culture d. a girl’s transition from childhood to adulthood 21. Which of the following statements best explains why video may be a more effective medium for “Apache Girl’s Rite of Passage” than it would be for “The Medicine Bag”? a. Video communicates beliefs and traditions of a community, but text focuses on one person at a time. b. Video shows differences in characters’ thoughts, but text shows differences in characters’ appearances. c. “Apache Girl’s Rite of Passage” uses poetic language, but “The Medicine Bag” uses straightforward words and phrases. d. “Apache Girl’s Rite of Passage” emphasizes outward actions, but “The Medicine Bag” emphasizes inner feelings and attitudes. 2 Future American School ELA Year 2024/2025 Grade 8 “You Are the Electric Boogaloo”; “Just Be Yourself!” Geoff Herbach; Stephanie Pellegrin First Read: Comprehension Identify the choice that best answers the question. 1. In “You Are the Electric Boogaloo,” why does the author’s teen self-feel humiliated? a. His silver pants burst during a breakdancing performance. b. He and his friends participated in a breakdancing performance. c. His shirt got stuck to the floor during a breakdancing performance. d. He was escorted from the mall during a breakdancing performance.  2. In “You Are the Electric Boogaloo,” what advice does the author give his teen self? a. Keep dancing, for it is making you a creative and interesting person. b. Learn from your mistakes and then make needed changes going forward. c. Dance for another year and then switch to a more respectable career path. d. Make good friends, for in the future they may help you get discovered. 3. In “Just Be Yourself!” why does the author’s teen self-spend so much time in the library? a. Her classes are challenging. b. She feels like an outsider. c. Her friends eat lunch there. d. She admires the librarian. 4. In “Just Be Yourself!” which activity does the author’s teen self truly enjoy? a. Writing b. Dancing c. Reading d. Singing 5. In “Just Be Yourself!” what does the author encourage her teen self to do? a. get to know herself over time b. find one hobby and stick with it c. join more social groups at school d. trust others to make good choices First Read: Concept Vocabulary Identify the choice that best answers the question. 6. What is the most likely meaning of immense as it is used in the following sentence? Earning the Young Citizen’s Award gave Brianna an immense feeling of pride. a. dizzy b. fading c. private d. huge 7. If Evan finds a majestic waterfall in the woods, what must be true about the waterfall? Base your answer on the meaning of majestic. a. It is polluted. b. It is famous. c. It is hidden. d. It is grand. 8. What would a person most likely describe as numerous? a. a beloved childhood pet b. stars in the night sky c. a missing pair of eyeglasses d. a person with short hair Close Read: Analyze the Text Identify the choice that best answers the question. 9. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A As an adult, how does the author of “You Are the Electric Boogaloo” view his failures as a breakdancing teen? a. He views them as embarrassing. b. He views them as forgettable. c. He views them as humorous. d. He views them as tragic.  Part B Which quotation from the selection best supports the answer to Part A? a. Humiliation and hilarity are closely linked, my little friend. b. You spin on your backs. You windmill. In fact, you’re not even that bad! c. Because now, so many years later, you can barely remember your victories (although there were some). d. What if you hit it big at that contest? Would you be a professional breakdancer now? 10. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A In “You Are the Electric Boogaloo,” what is most likely the purpose of the author for writing the letter? a. to show compassion for his younger self b. to persuade friends to support his younger self c. to keep his younger self from making mistakes d. to entertain his younger self with stories from the past Part B Which quotation from the selection best supports the answer to Part A? a. You and your friends from the rural Wisconsin hills have that KTel how to album (including posters and diagrams). b. Maybe you’re right. Maybe a talent scout will be driving between Stitzer and Hazel Green. c. I especially love what happened at Dubuque’s Five Flags Center a few months later. d. Just go to sleep, kid, and get ready for the next dance. It’s all going to be great, okay? 11. Which detail most clearly shows that, as a teen, the author of “You Are the Electric Boogaloo” wanted to be famous? a. I love your silver butterfly pants (with forty-six zippers) … Beautiful. b. …[W]hen security comes to escort you out, you scream, “Dancing is not a crime!” c. You imagined the roaring crowd lifting you onto their shoulders. d. Would success have gone to your head? Or would you be a rich banker? Or a lawyer? 12. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A In “Just Be Yourself!” what does the author’s teen self most want to do? a. find a friend at the library b. find a place to fit in c. be a good citizen d. be attractive Part B Which quotation from the selection best supports the answer to Part A? a. …[W]e need to talk. Don’t worry about the “no talking in the library” rule. I’m sure we’ll be fine. Librarians aren’t as bad as they seem. b. Judging from your hair and braces I’d have to guess you’re in your junior year. Yes? Thought so. c. …[Y]ou joined every school club you could … not to mention the numerous afterschool activities you’re involved in. d. We don’t all have one single rockstar talent, and honestly, I think those of us who don’t are the lucky ones. 13. Which comment from the author of “Just Be Yourself!” most clearly shows that the author enjoys work as an adult? a. Don’t recognize me without that awful perm, do you? b. I’m still having nightmares about the fifth position! c. Let me ask you, how’s it all working out? Not very well, am I right? d. You’ll eventually find something you’re good at, I promise. Close Read: Analyze Craft and Structure Identify the choice that best answers the question. 14. Which words best describe the author’s tone in “You Are the Electric Boogaloo”? Choose two options. a. Dull b. Harsh c. Kindly d. formal e. amused f. regretful 15. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A Read this sentence from “You Are the Electric Boogaloo.” Don’t lie there in bed, your guts churning, as you replay the terrible scene. Which word in the sentence has the strongest connotations? a. churning b. Replay c. Terrible d. Scene Part B What feeling does the word churning in Part A most likely create in the reader? a. joy b. regret c. irritation d. discomfort 16. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A Read this passage from “Just Be Yourself!” Psst! Hey! You in the corner of the library with your nose stuck in a book. Yes, you. Don’t recognize me without that awful perm, do you? (Remind me again why you thought that was a good idea?) Anyway, I hope you don’t mind if I sit with you for a minute, but we need to talk. What is the author’s tone in this passage? a. shy and awkward b. casual and chatty c. mocking and rude d. warm and inspiring Part B Which of the following quotations from the passage most clearly conveys the tone identified in Part A? a. Psst! Hey! You in the corner b. Don’t recognize me c. that was a good idea d. sit with you for a minute Language Development: Word Study Identify the choice that best answers the question. 17. What is the meaning of the Latin suffix ous? a. able to be or do b. a quality or state of being  c. characterized by or full of d. to make or cause to become 2 Future American School ELA Year 2024/2025 Grade 8 18. The word mischief means “playful but annoying behavior.” If someone suggests a mischievous idea, which of the following must be true? Base your answer on your knowledge of the word mischief and the Latin suffix ous. a. The idea is about participating in something that seems risky but is really safe. b. The idea is about an activity that sounds like fun but is going to cause trouble. c. The idea is about an activity that will be hard to do but enjoyable at the end. d. The idea is about creating something that will surprise but please people. Language Development: Conventions Identify the choice that best answers the question. 19. Which sentence includes a verb in the indicative mood? a. Breakdancing dates back to the 1970s. b. Who is the most famous breakdancer of all time? c. If you would like your dancing to improve, practice. d. Please ask Mr. Rinaldo for a list of dance teachers in town. 20. Which sentence includes a verb in the interrogative mood? a. The Latin Club will meet at noon in the library. b. Do you know where the library is located? c. If you want to join, you should come. d. What an awesome club it is! 21. Which sentence includes a verb in the imperative mood? a. We often face difficult choices in life. b. Trust yourself to make the right decision. c. To whom can a person turn for guidance? d. If you make a bad choice, you’ll know it! 2 Future American School ELA Year 2024/2025 Grade 8 “Hanging Fire”; “Translating Grandfather’s House” Audre Lorde; E. J. Vega First Read: Comprehension Identify the choice that best answers the question. 1. In “Hanging Fire,” where is the speaker’s mother? a. at a dance party b. at a school contest c. behind a closed door d. in the baby’s nursery 2. In “Hanging Fire,” what does the speaker think about? Choose three options. a. Dying b. Vacation c. her sister d. failing a test e. wearing braces f. the boy she likes 3. In “Translating Grandfather’s House,” what has the speaker most likely been asked to do? a. draw a picture of a relative’s home b. draw a picture of a made-up house c. draw a picture of a favorite movie d. draw a picture of a city building 4. Why does the speaker in “Translating Grandfather’s House” draw a second picture? a. The first picture makes him homesick. b. He can’t think of a title for the first picture. c. The teacher thinks that he didn’t follow directions. d. He decides that the first picture has incorrect details. First Read: Concept Vocabulary Identify the choice that best answers the question. 5. If you watch the sun set on the horizon, which of the following must be true? Base your answer on the meaning of horizon. a. You are observing the sun setting over a body of water. b. The sun is setting exactly when you thought it would. c. The sunset is so bright that you cannot look at it for long. d. You are seeing the sun at the boundary between the earth and sky. 6. When are awakenings most likely to happen? a. at ends of naps b. in times of sickness c. at moments of great joy d. in times of intense stress 2 Future American School ELA Year 2024/2025 Grade 8 7. What is the most likely meaning of beaming in the following sentence? Beaming, Marcus accepted the trophy, gave the principal a high-five, and waved in triumph to the cheering crowd. a. wondering what was happening b. giving a bright smile c. feeling unworthy d. looking angry Close Read: Analyze the Text Identify the choice that best answers the question. 8. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B.  Part A What is the best way to describe the speaker in “Hanging Fire”? a. Hopeful b. Determined c. lonely and overwhelmed d. enthusiastic and outspoken Part B Which quotation from the poem best supports the answer to Part A? a. the boy I cannot live without / still sucks his thumb / in secret b. I have to learn how to dance / in time for the next party c. There is nothing I want to do / and too much / that has to be done d. I should have been on the Math Team / my marks were better than his 9. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A In “Translating Grandfather’s House,” where is the house in the speaker’s first picture? a. in a hot, dusty place b. in a crowded, noisy place c. in a beautiful place with rich soil d. in a distant place with imaginary people Part B Which quotation from the poem best supports the answer to Part A? a. Rows of lemon & mango / Trees frame the courtyard b. The shadow of a palomino / Gallops on the lip / Of the horizon. c. “She was born there— / Right there on the second floor!” d. Classmates finish drawings of New York City / Housing projects on Navy Street. 10. Which detail from “Translating Grandfather’s House” most clearly shows that the speaker’s memories are real? a. Memories once certain as rivets / Become confused…. b. The roof Oscar Jartín / Tumbled from one hot Tuesday…. c. …[W]ith wild-grass / rising from sidewalk cracks like widows d. Beaming, the teacher scrawls / an A+ in the corner…. Close Read: Analyze Craft and Structure Identify the choice that best answers the question. 11. Why is “Hanging Fire” considering a lyric poem? a. It tells a true story about the poet. b. It is a poem that can easily be set to music. c. It shares facts about the life of a modern-day teenager. d. It presents a focused, powerful impression of its speaker. 12. Why is it appropriate to refer to “Translating Grandfather’s House” as a narrative poem? a. It has a plot and other traditional story elements. b. Its main character is similar to the reader. c. Its language sounds musical at times. d. It has a realistic setting. 13. The following question has two parts. Answer Part A first, and then Part B. Part A In “Hanging Fire,” the lines “and momma’s in the bedroom / with the door closed” are repeated. How does the repetition serve the purpose of a lyric poem? a. It furthers the plot of the poem. b. It hides the poet’s powerful feelings. c. It creates a vivid and constant impression. d. It emphasizes the mother as a strong character. Part B What does this repetition reveal about the poem’s speaker? a. It reveals her true talent. b. It emphasizes her loneliness. c. It shows how young she really is. d. It shows how shallow her worries are. 14. Read this passage from “Translating Grandfather’s House.” The teacher says The house is from Some Zorro Movie I’ve seen. “Ask my mom,” I protest. “She was born there— Right there on the second floor!” Crossing her arms she moves on. How does this passage help tell a story? a. It wraps up the plot. b. It solves the problem. c. It reveals the conflict. d. It establishes the setting. 15. Which statement presents a main way in which “Hanging Fire” and “Translating Grandfather’s House” are similar in theme? a. Both poems focus on the absence of a caring mother. b. Both poems focus on the frustrations of a teenager’s life. c. Both poems focus on the fears that people have about the future. d. Both poems focus on the difference between imagination and reality. 2 Future American School ELA Year 2024/2025 Grade 8 Language Development: Word Study Identify the choice that best answers the question. 16. The etymology, or word origin, of graduation can be traced back to the Latin word gradus, meaning “step” or “grade.” Based on that information, choose the most likely meaning of this comment in “Hanging Fire.” suppose I die before graduation a. The speaker wonders whether anyone will remember her after she dies. b. The speaker wants to get good grades in her classes at school. c. The speaker fears that she may never progress in her life. d. The speaker feels sure that she will die soon. 17. The etymology of scrawl may come from the Middle English word scrawlen, meaning “spread out one’s arms and legs.” Based on that information, choose the most likely meaning of this comment in “Translating Grandfather’s House.” Beaming, the teacher scrawls / An A+ in the corner…. a. The teacher is happy to give the speaker the highest grade. b. The teacher is careless and sloppy in writing the grade. c. The teacher thinks carefully before writing the grade. d. The teacher stands stiffly as she writes the grade. Language Development: Author’s Style Identify the choice that best answers the question. 18. Which of the following quotations from “Translating Grandfather’s House” contains the clearest example of figurative language? a. Rows of lemon & mango / Trees frame the courtyard…. b. Crossing her arms she moves on. c. I draw one too, with wild grass / Rising from the sidewalk cracks like widows. d. Beaming, the teacher scrawls / An A+ in the corner…. 19. The speaker of “Hanging Fire” begins by saying, “I am fourteen / and my skin has betrayed me.” What does the choice of the word betrayed most likely indicate about the personality of the speaker? a. She does not trust people. b. She feels that life wants to trouble her. c. She cannot understand why she has problems. d. She wishes that she were something other than human. 20. In “Translating Grandfather’s House,” the speaker says that his teacher takes his second drawing “and tapes it / To the green blackboard. / To the green blackboard.” Notice that the author makes the choice to describe the blackboard as green. What does choosing and repeating the word green most likely indicate about the speaker’s situation? a. Like a green blackboard, the art assignment requires the creative use of color. b. Like a green blackboard, his teacher wants her students to use their imagination. c. Like a green blackboard, the creation of the drawing is part of his school activity. d. Like a green blackboard, his teacher’s reaction does not make sense to the speaker. 2 Future American School ELA Year 2024/2025 Grade 8 II Vocabulary Unit {1} 1. Choose the Correct answer: 2. Choose the correct answer from a, b, c or d: 1. After the storm, there was only a small ___ of water left in the reservoir. a) dynasty b) trickle c) truce d) recompense 2. The field looked ___, with no vegetation or signs of life. a) sullen b) barren c) humdrum d) interminable 3. The two countries finally agreed to a ___ after years of conflict. a) dynasty b) truce c) foretaste d) trickle 4. The construction noise outside continued in an ___ manner, never seeming to end. a) alight b) vicious c) interminable d) humdrum 5. The farmer hoped the seeds would quickly ___ in the spring rain. a) germinate b) renovate c) hurtle d) disrupt 6. The highspeed train seemed to ___ past us at an incredible pace. a) insinuate b) hurtle c) recompense d) interrogate 7. The workers were given ___ for the extra hours they had worked. a) recompense b) foretaste c) truce d) dynasty 8. He tried to ___ that his colleague was responsible for the mistake without directly blaming him. a) renovate b) interrogate c) insinuate d) disrupt 9. The movie was rather ___, offering no surprises or excitement. a) trivial b) humdrum c) adjacent d) interminable 10. After the fire, the family had to ___ their home completely. a) renovate b) hurtle c) insinuate d) trickle 11. They decided to ___ the suspect to get more information about the crime. a) recompense b) interrogate c) germinate d) disrupt 12. The neighbors' children played in the yard ___ to ours. a) vicious b) adjacent c) barren d) humdrum 13. She handed over her updated ___ at the job interview. a) résumé b) dynasty c) truce d) foretaste 14. The family has maintained a strong ___ of leadership for generations. a) dynasty b) trickle c) recompense d) foretaste 15. The argument between friends was over a rather ___ issue that hardly mattered. a) trivial b) interminable c) sullen d) recompense 16. The stormy skies made him appear ___ and withdrawn all day. a) adjacent b) sullen c) humdrum d) alight 17. Her enthusiastic reaction was a ___ of the excitement to come. a) recompense b) foretaste c) renovate d) trickle 18. The animal's ___ attack was both shocking and frightening. a) barren b) adjacent c) vicious d) interminable 19. The sudden loud noise seemed to ___ the entire classroom. a) disrupt b) trickle c) interrogate d) insinuate 20. The plane was able to ___ safely on the runway despite the rain. a) trickle b) alight c) germinate d) recompense Unit {2} 1. Choose the Correct answer: 2. Choose the correct answer from a, b, c or d: 1. The new teacher tried to ……………………. to the different needs of all her students. a) dissuade b) cater c) lubricate d) retard 2. His quick thinking during the storm kept everyone ……………………. and calm. a) unscathed b) indignant c) poised d) transparent 3. The reckless driver put everyone on the road in ……………………. with his dangerous maneuvers. a) plague b) hazard c) regime d) indifference 4. The law strictly defines …………………….as the unlawful killing of another person. a) homicide b) regime c) lubricant d) plague 5. The medicine was…………………….to the recovery process and could not be skipped. a) poised b) indignant c) indispensable d) mutual 6. The new …………………. brought significant changes in policies and economic strategies. a) hazard b) regime c) lubricant d) retard 7. She remained ……………………. after the minor car accident, not even a scratch on her. a) unscathed b) poised c) indignant d) dissuaded 8. The activist was a known ……………………., passionately advocating for change. a) firebrand b) regime c) lubricant d) hazard 9. He showed complete ……………………. when his team lost the game. a) transparency b) indifference c) mutuality d) indignance 10. She tried to ……………………. him from making a risky investment. a) retard b) pelt c) cater d) dissuade 11. They ……………………. him with questions as soon as he walked into the room. a) pelted b) lubricated c) dissuaded d) poised 12. Their friendship was based on ……………………. respect and support for each other. a) poised b) transparent c) mutual d) indignant 13. The car engine needed to be ……………………. to prevent overheating. a) retarded b) plagued c) lubricated d) poised 14. It is ……………………. for children to believe in fairy tales at a young age. a) transparent b) poised c) mutual d) customary 15. The science fair attracted many young ……………………. with innovative project ideas. a) entrepreneurs b) plagues c) firebrands  d) regimes 16. He was ……………………. at the unfair decision, feeling that he deserved better. a) indifferent b) poised c) indignant d) customary 17. She tried to ……………………. her performance by practicing daily. a) cater b) retard c) pelt d) plague 18. The flu epidemic became a ……………………., affecting the entire city. a) hazard b) plague c) lubricant d) firebrand 19. The new teacher’s lessons were clear and ……………………., helping students understand quickly. a) mutual b) poised c) transparent d) indignant 20. Information on the topic was readily ……………………. to all the students. a) mutual b) available c) indignant d) poised {Unit 3} 1. Choose the Correct answer: 2. Choose the correct answer from a, b, c or d: 1. The CEO’s lengthy and inspiring ………………………. captivated the entire audience. a) luster b) brood c) oration d) ingredient 2. The chef mixed several ……………………….to create the new dish. a) upright b) ingredients c) broods d) indulgences 3. The looming deadline made her feel………………………. as the hours ticked by. a) seething b) unique c) indulgent d) downright 4. His enthusiasm was so strong that he seemed almost ……………………….. a) upright b) animated c) drone d) luster 5. She was so ………………………. that her friends had to be careful not to say anything upsetting. a) upright b) literate c) downright d) peevish 6. A person needs to be ………………………. to understand the many layers of this complex novel. a) literate  b) unique c) animated d) miscellaneous 7. They took a few ………………………. items from the storage room to use in the art project. a) animated b) miscellaneous c) culminate d) upright 8. It took only one match to ………………………. the edge of the paper. a) brood b) verify c) singe d) indulge 9. She wanted to ………………………. in her favorite hobbies over the weekend. a) indulge b) culminate c) loom d) seethe 10. The argument continued to ………………………. as both sides refused to compromise. a) indulge b) loom c) seethe d) verify 11. The upcoming final exams seemed to ………………………. over the students, making them anxious. a) culminate b) loom c) indulge d) seethe 12. He is always honest and ………………………., never straying from what he believes is right. a) upright b) indulgent c) animated d) peevish 13. The athlete’s success at the championships will likely ………………………. in a new world record. a) culminate b) brood c) verify d) goad 14. She became ………………………. angry when she found out her proposal was rejected. a) upright b) downright c) miscellaneous d) literate 15. He continued to ………………………. on about his favorite subject, even though no one was listening. a) seethe b) loom  c) drone d) culminate 16. The teacher tried to ………………………. the students into studying for the test. a) goad b) seethe c) loom d) culminate 17. She has a ………………………. way of looking at problems, always finding solutions that others miss. a) unique b) upright c) peevish d) animated 18. He wanted to ………………………. the facts before sharing the information with others. a) indulge b) verify c) culminate d) brood 19. The gem had a beautiful ………………………., shining even in dim light. a) goad b) ingredient c) luster d) oration 20. The mother bird returned to………………………. over her chicks, watching them carefully. a) seethe b) drone c) brood d) culminate 3. Complete the sentences using the words from the box: constituents, literate, hankered, animated, downright, goad, culminated, drone, brood, indulge. 1 The dull conversation became much more ……………………. when it turned to a subject in which we were all interested. 2 Indian elephant keepers usually use a short wooden ……………………. to control and direct the movement of their huge charges. 3 I do not know which is worse parents who are too strict with their children or parents who ……………………. them too much. 4 When I saw how handsome my father looked in his brandnew jacket, I ……………………. for one exactly like it. 5 How pleasant it is for us city dwellers to smell the new mown hay and listen to the ……………………. of bees in the clover patch! 6 The resentment of the American colonists against the harsh polices of the British government ……………………. in armed rebellion. 7 In every election, the candidates try to persuade their ……………………. that they know how to solve the problems and issues that most concern them. 8 Like the traffic guard at a school crossing, the mother hen directed her large ……………………. across the yard towards a torn sack of feed. 9 I believe in being careful, but Dan is ……………………. miserly when it comes to spending money. 10 Because of limited resources, only one half of the population of that underdeveloped nation is ……………………. III Grammar: Unit 1: Nouns & Pronouns 1. People, Places, Things, and Ideas: - Nouns are words that name people, places, things, or ideas. For example, “teacher,” “city,” “car,” and “freedom” are all nouns. Sample Question: 1. Which of the following is a noun? A) Quickly [Adverb] B) Friendship [Noun] C) Happy [Adjective] D) Blue [Adjective] 2. Concrete and Abstract Nouns: - Concrete nouns can be experienced with the senses (e.g., “flower,” “music”), while abstract nouns represent ideas or qualities that cannot be sensed directly (e.g., “love,” “justice”). Sample Question: 1. Which word is an abstract noun? A) Apple B) Honesty C) Bird D) Mountain 3. Collective Nouns - Collective nouns represent a group as a single entity, such as “team,” “flock,” or “committee.” Sample Question: 1. Identify the collective noun in the sentence: “The jury reached a verdict.” A) Verdict B) Reached C) Jury D) Sentence 4. Count and Non-Count Nouns - Count nouns can be counted individually (e.g., “apples”), while noncount nouns cannot be counted and usually represent substances or abstract concepts (e.g., “milk,” “information”). Sample Question: 1. Which of the following is a noncount noun? A) Books{Count noun (s)} B) Chairs {Count noun (s)}  C) Air {Non-Count noun} D) Apples {Count noun (s)} 5. Compound Nouns - Compound nouns are nouns made up of two or more words, like “toothpaste,” “mother-in-law,” or “basketball.” Sample Question: 1. Which of these is a compound noun? A) Happiness B) Running C) High school D) Thoughtful 6. Common and Proper Nouns - Common nouns refer to general people, places, or things (e.g., “city”), while proper nouns name specific ones and are capitalized (e.g., “New York”). Sample Question: 1. Which of these is a proper noun? A) Dog B) School C) London D) River 7. Pronouns and Antecedents - Pronouns replace nouns, and the noun it replaces is called the antecedent. Example: “Mary (antecedent) loves her (pronoun) cat.” Sample Question: 1. Identify the antecedent in the sentence: “Paul found his book on the table.” A) Book B) Table C) Paul D) His 8. Personal and Possessive Pronouns: - Personal pronouns refer to specific people or things (e.g., “he,” “they”), while possessive pronouns show ownership (e.g., “his,” “their”). Sample Questions: 1. Which of the following is a possessive pronoun? A) He [Personal pronouns] B) Their [Possessive pronouns] C) She [Personal pronouns] D) We [Personal pronouns] Unit 2: Verbs 1. Transitive Verbs - Transitive verbs take a direct object (e.g., “She reads books”). Sample Questions: 1. Which sentence has a transitive verb? A) The dog sleeps.  B) She reads novels. {What ?} C) They arrived late. D) He lies down. 2. Intransitive Verbs - Intransitive verbs do not take a direct object (e.g., “He runs fast”). Sample Question: 1. Which sentence has an intransitive verb? A) She writes letters. B) They sing beautifully. {How?} C) I eat breakfast. D) He buys books. 3. Recognizing Forms of “Be” - Forms of "be" include “am,” “is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “being,” and “been.” Sample Question: 1. Which of the following is a form of "be"? A) Had B) Is C) Run D) Saw 4. Using Other Linking Verbs - Linking verbs connect the subject with a subject complement (e.g., “The soup tastes delicious”). Sample Question: 1. In which sentence is the verb a linking verb? A) She tasted the soup. She was the soup × B) The soup tastes delicious. The soup is delicious. C) He reads the book. He is the book. × D) They found the keys. They were the keys. × 5. Action Verb or Linking Verb? - Action verbs show what the subject does (e.g., “run”), while linking verbs connect the subject to a description. Sample Question: 1. Identify the action verb in the sentence: “The cat jumps onto the table.” A) Cat B) Jumps C) Table D) Onto 6. Recognizing Helping Verbs - Helping verbs accompany main verbs to show tense or mood (e.g., “has eaten,” “will go”). Sample Questions: 1. Which of the following is a helping verb? A) Jump B) Running C) Will D) Eat Unit 1: Nouns & Pronouns 1. People, Places, Things, and Ideas 1. Which word is a person? A) happiness B) teacher C) honesty D) park 2. Which word is a place? A) justice B) courage C) garden D) strength 3. Select the noun that represents an idea. A) bravery B) musician C) school D) kitten 4. Identify the thing in the sentence: [The cat chased the mouse.] ________ 5. Complete the sentence with an Abstract Noun: {Idea} His bravery is what made him a hero. 6. Complete the sentence with a Concrete Noun: {Person} The teacher taught the class about history. 7. Complete the sentence with a Concrete Noun: {Place} They went to the __________, hill, beach to enjoy the scenery. 8. Choose the correct Abstract Noun: {Idea} ________ can improve relationships. A) Peace B) Friend C) Library D) Puppy 9. Complete with Concrete Noun: {Thing} - She has a collection of books on her shelf. 10. Underline all nouns in the sentence: The artist painted a beautiful landscape. 11. Identify the concrete noun: The sky was clear and blue. ………………….. 12. Which of these is an abstract noun? A) beauty B) chair C) cup  D) table 13. Identify the abstract noun in this sentence: - She felt immense joy after her success. ________ 14. Choose the concrete noun in the sentence: - The cat purred as she petted it. ________ 15. Underline the abstract noun: Honesty is valued in friendships. ________ 16. Complete the sentence with a concrete noun: The shelf was very sturdy and held many books. 17. Complete the sentence with an abstract noun: He showed great __________in facing his fears. 18. Which is an abstract noun? A) stone B) desk C) freedom D) mountain 19. Complete with a concrete noun: The Lamp glowed softly in the dark room. 20. Identify the abstract noun in: She was filled with happiness when she arrived. ________ 21. Choose the correct collective noun: The _________ of musicians played a beautiful symphony. A) choir B) group C) band D) committee 22. Complete the sentence with a collective noun: The __________of puppies was adorable. 24. Underline the collective noun: The team practiced for hours. ________ 25. Which of these is a collective noun? A) book B) class C) pen D) field 26. Fill in the blank with a collective noun:  The__________ of students walked in line. 27. Identify the collective noun: A swarm of bees gathered around the flowers. 28. Which is the correct collective noun? The ________ of birds migrated south. A) school B) flock C) team D) pack 29. Complete with a collective noun: The team of players trained hard for the tournament. 30. Choose the collective noun: The ________ of lions roamed the savanna. A) pride B) pack C) crowd D) herd 31. Underline the collective noun: The audience clapped enthusiastically. 32. Identify the direct object: - She packed her bag carefully. 33. Choose the transitive verb: The chef cooked a delicious meal. A) chef B) cooked C) meal D) delicious 24. Complete the sentence with a direct object: - The gardener watered the __________. 25. Underline the transitive verb and circle the direct object: - She washed her car. 26. Which sentence has a transitive verb? A) The cat sleeps. B) He finished his homework. C) They run fast. D) She smiles. 27. Complete with a direct object: - The artist painted a beautiful __________. 28. Identify the transitive verb: - He closed the door softly. ________ 29. Underline the direct object in: - The teacher explained the lesson clearly. 30. Which is a transitive verb? A) laugh B) give C) seem D) be 31. Complete with a direct object: She read the __________in before class. 32. Identify the intransitive verb: The baby laughed joyfully. 33. Which sentence contains an intransitive verb? A) She eats dinner. B) They jog every morning. C) He opened the window. D) I painted a picture. 34. Complete with an intransitive verb: - The sun rises early in the morning. 35. Underline the intransitive verb in each sentence: - The dog barked loudly. 36. Identify the intransitive verb: - They arrived late to the party. 37. Complete with an intransitive verb: The baby __________in all night. 38. Which sentence uses an intransitive verb? A) She calls her friend. B) The crowd cheers. C) I write letters. D) He found the keys. 39. Complete the sentence with an intransitive verb: The children __________in the pool. 40. Underline the intransitive verb: The snow melted by noon. Reading Comprehension: 1. DNA Testing Genetics is one of the most exciting scientific fields of our day. Researchers in many areas of science are finding ways of applying the tools of genetics, and in medicine it has opened doors to dramatic new possibilities for the prevention and treatment of many kinds of disease— from depression to diabetes and Alzheimer's. With the invention of DNA testing, genetics has also had a real impact in a very different field criminal law. DNA testing reveals the genes of each individual person. Since the early twentieth century, scientists have known that all human characteristics—from eye color to body height to certain diseases—are contained in a person's genes and are passed from parents to children. Genes work as a chemical instruction manual for each part and each function of the body. Their basic chemical element is called DNA, a copy of which can be found in every cell. The existence of genes and the chemical structure of DNA were understood by the mid1900s, but scientists have only recently been able to identify a person from just a drop of blood or saliva or a single hair. One of the most important uses of DNA testing is in criminal investigation, where it provides evidence that helps to prove that some crime suspects are guilty or others are innocent. The very first use of DNA testing in a criminal case was in 1985 in Great Britain, when a man confessed to killing a young woman in the English countryside. Because police had found samples of the killer's DNA at the scene of the crime, a biologist suggested that it might be possible to compare that DNA to some from the confessor's blood. To everyone's surprise, the tests showed that he was not the killer. Nor was he guilty of a similar murder that had happened some time earlier. At that point he admitted that he had confessed to the crimes out of fear and police pressure. The police then asked 5,000 local men for samples of their blood, and DNA testing revealed that one of them was the real murderer, so the first man was set free. The successful conclusion of this case in England made a big impression on lawyers and police around the globe, especially in the United States. Studies at that time showed that perhaps 5 percent of U.S. prison inmates were in fact innocent of the crimes they had been accused of. That added up to almost 10,000 people. Some, like the man in England, had been pushed to confess to crimes they had not committed. Others had never had a chance to defend themselves in court because of incompetent lawyers. Still others had been convicted on false evidence given by dishonest police officers who wanted to have someone to put in jail. In 1992, two law professors, Peter Neufeld, and Barry Scheck, decided to use DNA evidence to help set free such mistakenly convicted prisoners. With the help of their students, they created a not-for-profit organization called the Innocence Project, which is still operating. Most of their clients are poor men, many from racial and ethnic minorities. In fact, studies have shown that U.S. judges and juries are often influenced by racial and ethnic background, and that people from minority groups are more likely to be convicted. Some of these men had been sentenced to death, a form of punishment used in thirty-eight states out of fifty (as of 2006). For most of these prisoners, their only hope was another trial in which DNA testing could be used to prove their innocence. Between 1992 and 2006, the Innocence Project helped free 100 men. Some of these prisoners had been in jail for ten, twenty years or more for crimes they did not commit. However, the goal of the Innocence Project is not simply to set free those who are wrongfully in jail. They also hope to bring about real changes in the criminal justice system. In Illinois in the late 1990s, a group of journalism students at Northwestern University were able to bring about such a change in that state. They began investigating some Illinois prisoners who claimed to be innocent. Through DNA testing, the students were able to prove that in fact 260 Reading Faster the prisoners were not guilty of the crimes they had been accused of. Thirteen of these men were set free, and in 2000, Governor Ryan of Illinois decided to stop carrying out death sentences until further study could be made of the prisoners' cases. In a study by the Northwestern students and government officials, many serious problems were revealed in the legal system. Police officers had been violent and forced suspects to confess, or they had lied about evidence in court. The reliability of witnesses had not been properly checked, and physical evidence that might have helped the innocent men had been thrown out or not stored properly. As a result of this study, Governor Ryan decided, in 2003, to set free four more prisoners and changed the sentences of 167 others from death to life imprisonment. The use of DNA in criminal cases is still being debated around the world. Some fear that governments will one day keep records of everyone's DNA, which could put limits on the privacy and freedom of citizens. Other people mistrust the science of DNA testing and think that lawyers use it to get their clients free whether or not they are guilty. But for those whose innocence has been proven and who are now free men, DNA testing has meant nothing less than a return to life. And with the careful use of DNA testing, no innocent person should ever be convicted again. Choose the correct answer from a, b, c or d: 1. Choose the statement that best expresses the overall thesis of this passage. a. DNA testing has had important effects on the legal system. b. DNA testing has helped innocent men go free in Illinois. c. DNA testing has shown who was guilty of a crime. d. DNA testing uses genetics to identify a person. 2. DNA testing was first used by a. a lawyer in New York. b. students in Illinois. c. doctors in the United States. d. police in Great Britain. 3. Before the DNA testing, the suspect in Great Britain said he was innocent. a. True b. False 4. In the 1980s in the United States a. DNA testing was often used in criminal cases. b. many people were unfairly sentenced. c. some judges refused to give the death sentence. d. most prison inmates were innocent of crimes. 5. The Innocence Project uses DNA testing to a. help the police put people in prison. b. find out which lawyers are incompetent. c. prove that suspects are guilty. d. set free innocent prisoners. 6. Juries in America are never influenced by the racial or ethnic background of the suspect. a. True b. False 7. Students in Illinois a. proved that some prisoners were not guilty of crimes. b. believed that some suspects were from minority backgrounds. c. told the governor of Illinois not to set prisoners free. d. showed that DNA testing did not always help prisoners. 8. You can infer from this passage that some students in the United States. a. prefer to study economics or business. b. care about social and legal justice. c. have been unfairly convicted of crimes. d. wish to become famous lawyers. 2. Eating Disorders  Millions of people in the United States are affected by eating disorders. More than 90% of those afflicted are adolescents or young adult women. Although all eating disorders share some common manifestations, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating each have distinctive symptoms and risks. People who intentionally starve themselves (even while experiencing severe hunger pains) suffer from anorexia nervosa. The disorder, which usually begins around the time of puberty, involves extreme weight loss to at least 15% below the individual’s normal body weight. Many people with the disorder look emaciated but are convinced they are overweight. In patients with anorexia nervosa, starvation can damage vital organs such as the heart and brain. To protect itself, the body shifts into slow gear: Menstrual periods stop, blood pressure rates drop, and thyroid function slows. Excessive thirst and frequent urination may occur. Dehydration contributes to constipation, and reduced body fat leads to lowered body temperature and the inability to withstand cold. Mild anemia, swollen joints, reduced muscle mass, and lightheadedness also commonly occur in anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa sufferers can exhibit sudden angry outbursts or become socially withdrawn. One in ten cases of anorexia nervosa leads to death from starvation, cardiac arrest, other medical complications, or suicide. Clinical depression and anxiety place many individuals with eating disorders at risk for suicidal behavior. People with bulimia nervosa consume large amounts of food and then rid their bodies of the excess calories by vomiting, abusing laxatives or diuretics, taking enemas, or exercising obsessively. Some use a combination of all these forms of purging. Individuals with bulimia who use drugs to stimulate vomiting, bowel movements, or urination may be in considerable danger, as this practice increases the risk of heart failure. Dieting heavily between episodes of binging and purging is common. Because many individuals with bulimia binge and purge in secret and maintain normal or above normal body weight, they can often successfully hide their problem for years. But bulimia nervosa patients—even those of normal weight— can severely damage their bodies by frequent binge eating and purging. In rare instances, binge eating causes the stomach to rupture; purging may result in heart failure due to loss of vital minerals such as potassium. Vomiting can cause the esophagus to become inflamed and glands near the cheeks to become swollen. As in anorexia nervosa, bulimia may lead to irregular menstrual periods. Psychological effects include compulsive stealing as well as possible indications of obsessive- compulsive disorder, an illness characterized by repetitive thoughts and behaviors. Obsessive compulsive disorder can also accompany anorexia nervosa. As with anorexia nervosa, bulimia typically begins during adolescence. Eventually, half of those with anorexia nervosa will develop bulimia. The condition occurs most often in women but is also found in men. Binge eating disorder is found in about 2% of the general population. As many as one-third of this group are men. It also affects older women, though with less frequency. Recent research shows that binge eating disorder occurs in about 30% of people participating in medically supervised weight control programs. This disorder differs from bulimia because its sufferers do not purge. Individuals with binge eating disorder feel that they lose control of themselves when eating. They eat large quantities of food and do not stop until they are uncomfortably full. Most sufferers are overweight or obese and have a history of weight fluctuations. As a result, they are prone to the serious medical problems associated with obesity, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Obese individuals also have a higher risk for gallbladder disease, heart disease, and some types of cancer. Usually, they have more difficulty losing weight and keeping it off than do people with other serious weight problems. Like anorexic and bulimic sufferers who exhibit psychological problems, individuals with binge-eating disorder have high rates of simultaneously occurring psychiatric illnesses, especially depression. Choose the correct answer: 1. Fatalities occur in what percent of people with anorexia nervosa? a. 2% b. 10% c. 15% d. 30% 2. Which of the following consequences do all the eating disorders mentioned in the passage have in common? a. heart ailments. b. stomach rupture. c. swollen joints. d. diabetes. 3. According to the passage, people with binge eating disorder are prone to all of the following except a. loss of control. b. depression. c. low blood pressure. d. high cholesterol. 4. Which of the following is not a statement about people with eating disorders? a. People with anorexia nervosa commonly have a blood-related deficiency. b. People with anorexia nervosa perceive themselves as overweight. c. The female population is the primary group affected by eating disorders. d. Fifty percent of people with bulimia have had anorexia nervosa. 5. People who have an eating disorder but nevertheless appear to be of normal weight are most likely to have a. obsessive compulsive disorder. b. bulimia nervosa. c. binge eating disorder. d. anorexia nervosa. 6. Glandular functions of eating disorder patients slow down as a result of a. lowering body temperatures. b. excessive thirst and urination. c. protective measures taken by the body. d. the loss of essential minerals. 7. The inability to eliminate body waste is related to a. dehydration. b. an inflamed esophagus. c. the abuse of laxatives. d. weight control programs. 8. According to the passage, which of the following is true of bulimia patients? a. They may demonstrate unpredictable social behavior. b. They often engage in compulsive exercise. c. They are less susceptible to dehydration than are anorexia patients. d. They frequently experience stomach ruptures. 9. Which of the following represent up to two thirds of the binge eating disorder population? a. older males b. older females c. younger males d. younger females 10. ‘Anorexia is a mental illness. Treat it properly.’ This quote was said by Barbara Ellen. Do you agree with this quote? Why/Whynot? -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- 3. The Three Gorges Dam After more than fourteen years of work, the world's largest hydroelectric darn will be operating in 2008 or 2009. Built across the Yangtze River in central China, this darn is one of the largest engineering projects in history. The wall of the Three Gorges Darn, which was completed in 2006, is more than a mile and a half wide (2 km) and rises more than 600 feet (183 m) above the river bottom. The Yangtze, sometimes known in China as "The Dragon," is the world's third longest river. People have lived, fished, and worked along its banks for thousands of years. The area where the darn is being built is among the most beautiful places in China. Towering green mountains sit on both sides of the river, creating narrow passages known as gorges. But danger lies in the midst of all this beauty. Formerly, the Yangtze rose over its banks once every ten years on average, and this flooding often caused enormous damage and the loss of lives. In the twentieth century, more than 300,000 people died in floods along the river. Since the early 1900s, China's leaders have wanted to build a dam that would control the Yangtze's waters. Reducing the risk of floods is, in fact, the main reason given by the Chinese government for their decision to build the dam. Another important function of the darn will be to produce electricity. Water from the reservoir will pass through enormous turbines (motors) in the dam before it flows back into the river bed. According to Chinese engineers, this new dam will fill almost one-ninth of China's electricity needs. At present, China depends on burning coal for 75 percent of its power, and this causes severe air pollution in many parts of the country. Hydroelectric power from dams is much cleaner than that produced by coal and less dangerous than that produced by nuclear power. In fact, with its economy expanding rapidly and prices of oil rising, the Chinese government is desperately looking for new sources of energy. The economic advantages of the new dam, however, do not come without a cost. The lake or reservoir that is formed behind the dam will destroy 395 square miles (632 sq km) of land that for generations has been home to about 1.2 million people and the farms, factories, and towns where they lived. By 2005, over 1 million had already been displaced by the spreading waters; by 2009, whether they want to or not, all of them will have moved. Many inhabitants of the area have adapted to the new situation with a will to succeed. Huang, a farmer whose house and land vanished under many feet of water, used money he received from the government to buy a small boat. He earns his living now by leading river tours and transporting goods on his boat. While his new land does not grow crops as easily as his old, he likes his new life. He has said that he probably floats right over his old home, but he tries not to think about it. However, other families have not found it so easy to move their whole lives elsewhere. Many people were not as lucky as Huang to find a new way to make a living. Farmers who were given land often found that the farms were smaller, and the land was less productive than their old farms near the river. In fact, the farmland along that part of the Yangtze was some of the most fertile in all of China. Some families also found that the money provided by the government was barely enough to build a very simple house with a concrete floor. For all these reasons, many have found that their economic situation and living conditions are worse than before. So far, the government has not been open to complaints and protests by the citizens who have been badly affected by this situation. Aside from the social costs of displacing more than a million people, the dam is also causing environmental damage. One problem has already been noticed by environmentalists. Experts say that the reservoir behind the dam is seriously polluted because the area was not cleaned up before it was flooded. The water now contains a combination of human waste, chemicals from now flooded factories, and very dangerous heavy metals. A second environmental problem could soon arise, according to environmentalists, as the dam slows the river waters. The Yangtze River has always carried a large amount of silt, or mud, picked up by the strong flow of the water. This silt contains untreated human waste from the towns and cities along the Yangtze. In former times, the flow was powerful enough to wash that waste out to sea. But with the dam blocking the river and slowing the flow of water, some scientists fear that diseases contained in the polluted mud could become a health danger for those who live nearby. Progress is a complicated thing. The Three Gorges Dam will help satisfy the energy needs of China's 1.2 billion people and it will prevent floods along the Yangtze, bringing a better life to many. But to make such a project happen, more than 1 million people have lost their homes and jobs. Some have already made the change to a new life with ease; others have not, and their lives are worse than before. The Chinese have a saying: Water spilled can never be retrieved. This means that once something has started, there is no going back. In the years ahead, the debate will continue about the Three Gorges Dam and whether or not building it was the right choice for China. Choose the correct answer from a, b, c, or d: 1. Choose the statement that best expresses the overall thesis of this passage a. The Three Gorges Dam will provide more energy for the Chinese economy. b. The Three Gorges Dam will have a negative effect on the environment. c. The Three Gorges Dam will have both positive and negative effects. d. The Three Gorges Dam will benefit everyone in China. 2. The Yangtze River………………………… a. flooded often during the past century. b. will flood more often in the future. c. hasn't flooded since the early 1900s. d. may rise over the dam every ten years. 3. The main reason for building the dam, according to the Chinese government, is to a. improve the environment. b. improve transportation. c. create a freshwater supply. d. reduce the risk of floods. 4. The second important reason for building the dam is to………………………… a. make money for the government. b. produce hydroelectric power. c. give people in the area more jobs. d. improve the local water supply. 5. Some local inhabitants are making a living on the lake formed behind the dam. a. True b. False 6. Local in habitants ………………………… a. are not all satisfied with their new lives. b. all think the dam is a wonderful opportunity. c. are all very unhappy with their situation. d. have not noticed any difference in their lives. 7. The lake behind the dam is a good source of drinking water. a. True b. False 8. You can infer from this passage that the Chinese government is a. not at all concerned about the lives of the people displaced by the dam. b. very interested in the environmental problems along the Yangtze. c. more concerned about the economy than the environment. d. unable to successfully carry out large engineering projects. Good Luck 2