Grade 12 English SOL Practice Test — Set 6 of 6

Set 6 of 6 — 50 more free Grade 12 English SOL practice questions from official VDOE released tests.

1. 1. Based on information in the selection, which statement represents the author’s opinion?

   AThe most precise clock now uses an aluminum ion for accuracy.BLife in ancient times was simpler because people relied on nature to organize their days.CSundials are smaller versions of the obelisks used by an ancient civilization.DBy the end of the 16th century, mechanical clocks were used in many homes.
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   Answer: B — Life in ancient times was simpler because people relied on nature to organize their days.

2. 2. Which tone is conveyed in paragraph 1?

   FIrritationGExhaustionHDepressionJResignation
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   Answer: G — Exhaustion

3. 3. The author’s word choice in the sentence “That facade had evaporated when Jack enlisted, and, Ruth admitted, she liked herself more now than she had in the past” highlights the idea that —

   ARuth’s life underwent a significant transitionBRuth’s life was defined by her relationshipsCRuth felt unhappy before the war startedDRuth did not want her husband to join the war
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   Answer: A — Ruth’s life underwent a significant transition

4. 4. Why does the author include the flashback in paragraph 9?

   FTo describe how an event affected many livesGTo illustrate an idea about decision makingHTo develop a sense of intensifying suspenseJTo highlight the tragedies of a certain era
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   Answer: F — To describe how an event affected many lives

5. 5. The details in paragraph 13 contribute to the selection by —

   Aindicating that it is important to remain informedBnoting that the three women live in close proximity to one anotherCreinforcing the idea that close friendships are importantDhighlighting the similarities of the three women
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   Answer: D — highlighting the similarities of the three women

6. 6. In this selection, Vera’s character is best described as a —

   FrebelGtricksterHlonerJscapegoat
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   Answer: F — rebel

7. 7. The author organizes information in paragraph 1 using explanation most likely to —

   Ashow how animals and people who live in the desert are alikeBintroduce how humans adjusted to the desert environmentCdescribe harsh conditions that exist in the desertDclarify how plants and animals are able to survive in the desert
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   Answer: B — introduce how humans adjusted to the desert environment

8. 8. The reader can tell this article is expository because it —

   Fdefends a position with supporting evidenceGprovides factual information logicallyHintegrates details to describe an eventJpresents the events chronologically
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   Answer: G — provides factual information logically

9. 9. How do scientists know that the canals were dry at times?

   AWater plant remains have not been discovered near the canals.BThe Hohokam used large tanks to store water.CRocks that adjusted the flow of water were found next to reservoirs.DThe Hohokam did not grow certain crops that required constant watering.
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   Answer: A — Water plant remains have not been discovered near the canals.

10. 10. In paragraph 5, the word “effaced” most nearly means —

    Fcalled into questionGsupported with easeHreduced to nothingJbrought to mind
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    Answer: H — reduced to nothing

11. 11. The figurative language in the sentence “her entire world was the smallest finger of Boston’s broad hand” helps readers —

    Aunderstand her perspective of being in fifth gradeBrecognize the usefulness of complex mapsCimagine the size of Lydia’s neighborhood by referring to their own handsDsense how overwhelming a crowded city can be for a girl Lydia’s age
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    Answer: C — imagine the size of Lydia’s neighborhood by referring to their own hands

12. 12. Based on this story, the reader may best understand that Lydia —

    Flearned how to ride a sled from her brotherGhad lived her entire life with her family in South BostonHfrequently crossed the bridge to shop with her motherJwas determined to improve her neighborhood in South Boston
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    Answer: G — had lived her entire life with her family in South Boston

13. 13. The author’s use of a simile in paragraph 18 of “Stone Age Skating Experience” suggests that Greta —

    Ahas practiced explaining the situationBis telling her mother a partial storyChas trouble relating all the detailsDis relieved to tell her mother the truth
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    Answer: D — is relieved to tell her mother the truth

14. 14. Which sentence from “History on Ice” is least supported by details and would benefit from clarification?

    FIce-skating, however, did not begin as a sport but as an important means of travel.GTo increase speed, Finnish hunters needed smooth, hard objects to strap to their feet to reduce friction.HCraftsmen began with a section of bone roughly eight inches long, carved a hole at each end, and strung leather straps through these holes.JAt this point in history, ice-skating seems to have shifted to a mainly recreational activity.
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    Answer: J — At this point in history, ice-skating seems to have shifted to a mainly recreational activity.

15. 15. Both selections express the idea that —

    Askating on bones takes time to perfectBearly bone skaters endured harsh winter conditionsCbone skating is rising in popularityDancient bone skaters followed reindeer herds
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    Answer: A — skating on bones takes time to perfect

16. 16. The imagery in lines 7–11 helps the reader —

    Fenvision the types of trees that grow in the cityGempathize with the trees’ exposure to cold weatherHappreciate the changing of the seasonsJunderstand how nature enhances the city’s landscape
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    Answer: G — empathize with the trees’ exposure to cold weather

17. 17. In line 21, the speaker uses the word “lush” to —

    Acontrast the small area of growth with the desolate settingBemphasize the effects of the heat coming from the dryerChighlight the variety of plants growing in the alleyDestablish a sad mood with an image of the plants
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    Answer: A — contrast the small area of growth with the desolate setting

18. 18. In lines 29–33, the poet’s use of the rhetorical question suggests that the speaker —

    Fadmires the trees for their ability to survive the winterGbelieves most people fail to appreciate the presence of the treesHis expressing personal feelings through a description of the treesJis looking forward to spring, when the trees will again be green
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    Answer: H — is expressing personal feelings through a description of the trees

19. 19. The purpose of the imagery in the poem is most likely to —

    Aenhance the contrast between nature and the streetBbring the reader closer to the emotions of the speakerCportray the thoughts of a lifelong city residentDshow the reader that changes in nature are important
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    Answer: B — bring the reader closer to the emotions of the speaker

20. 20. In paragraph 4, the word acclimate means to —

    Averify carefullyBbecome adjustedCidentify accuratelyDfeel comforted
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    Answer: B — become adjusted

21. 21. What does the word sporadically mean in paragraph 9?

    Fto occur periodicallyGto do intentionallyHto bring about cheerfullyJto come upon peacefully
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    Answer: F — to occur periodically

22. 22. Which is a synonym for the word candor in paragraph 15?

    AangerBanxietyCenthusiasmDhonesty
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    Answer: D — honesty

23. 23. The details in paragraph 3 are important because they —

    Fshow the conflict between Charles and NatalieGexplain where Charles is taking the city busHindicate that Charles is thinking about the futureJforeshadow the meeting between Charles and Tony
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    Answer: H — indicate that Charles is thinking about the future

24. 24. In paragraphs 8 and 9, the author creates a mood of —

    AuneasinessBcuriosityChopefulnessDconfidence
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    Answer: A — uneasiness

25. 25. In paragraph 15, Charles realizes that his basketball career —

    Fhas cost him his best friendGwill require much sacrificeHmay soon be coming to an endJis more important to him than ever
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    Answer: H — may soon be coming to an end

26. 26. Why is Charles riding the bus on his way downtown?

    AHis sister needs to use his car to go to work.BHe is planning to meet someone on the bus.CHis sister cannot give him a ride because she is late.DHe wants to stop at the community center on his way.
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    Answer: C — His sister cannot give him a ride because she is late.

27. 27. A theme of this selection is —

    Ftrue friends are hard to findGlife is usually predictableHthe best things in life are freeJpeople change as they grow up
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    Answer: J — people change as they grow up

28. 28. The reader may best conclude that Charles —

    Ahas decided to quit the school basketball teamBhas not been as successful in basketball as he expectedCno longer enjoys playing the game of basketballDis the least experienced basketball player on his team
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    Answer: B — has not been as successful in basketball as he expected

29. 29. The central conflict in this selection is between —

    FCharles and TonyGTony and himselfHNatalie and CharlesJCharles and himself
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    Answer: J — Charles and himself

30. 30. The setting of this selection is important because it —

    Abrings the main characters togetherBcreates the basis for the central conflictCprovides visual clues to Charles’s dilemmaDestablishes a timeline of the events in the story
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    Answer: A — brings the main characters together

31. 31. In this selection, the bus stops are symbolic of —

    FfriendshipGmemoriesHchoicesJfamily
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    Answer: H — choices

32. 32. The character of Charles is mainly revealed through his —

    Aconversation with NatalieBconversation with TonyCmemories of the pastDthoughts while waiting for the bus
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    Answer: B — conversation with Tony

33. 33. From which point of view is this selection mostly written?

    FFirst person, TonyGThird person limited, CharlesHFirst person, CharlesJThird person limited, Tony
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    Answer: G — Third person limited, Charles

34. 34. Which of these online sources would provide the best information about new physical therapy techniques?

    AA scholarly paper written by a physical therapy professorBA resumé of a graduate of a physical therapy programCA student research paper about the requirements of physical therapy assistantsDA medical negligence claim brought by a patient against a physical therapist
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    Answer: A — A scholarly paper written by a physical therapy professor

35. 35. Which of Philip Talbert’s work experiences is shown as a requirement on the notice?

    FSupervising exercise programsGAnswering hospital phonesHTesting Red Cross candidatesJExplaining aquatic therapy
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    Answer: F — Supervising exercise programs

36. 36. Based on the resumé, during which period was Philip Talbert unemployed?

    ASeptember 2001 — January 2003BJanuary 2003 — March 2003CMarch 2003 — September 2003DSeptember 2003 — present
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    Answer: B — January 2003 — March 2003

37. 37. Based on the notice, which of these is an option rather than a requirement for the job?

    FExperience administering sports-related physical therapyGCertification in first aidHExperience with physical therapy in different settingsJCertification in CPR
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    Answer: F — Experience administering sports-related physical therapy

38. 38. Based on the notice, which of these is required to perform the duties of a physical therapy assistant?

    APhysical strength in the armsBAbility to do accurate calculationsCExperience using x-ray equipmentDGood sight without corrective lenses
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    Answer: A — Physical strength in the arms

39. 39. Physical therapy assistants are qualified to fill the position described in the notice only if they are able to —

    Fdo presentations at conferencesGreview a patient’s insurance policyHassist a patient with a sports-related injuryJparticipate in continuing education classes
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    Answer: H — assist a patient with a sports-related injury

40. 40. Which skill in the Job Description section of the notice is not listed in the resumé?

    AAdministering tractionBProviding outpatient servicesCSupervising exercise programsDMaintaining records
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    Answer: A — Administering traction

41. 41. The Required Experience and Training section of the notice includes information about —

    Feducational backgroundGopportunities for advancementHearnings and benefitsJword processing skills
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    Answer: F — educational background

42. 42. Read this excerpt from Philip Talbert’s presentation on aquatic therapy to the State Physical Therapy Conference. “Aquatic therapy is especially useful because it allows for unloading weight from joints thus eliminating pain and allowing muscles to relax.” Which of the following most accurately summarizes the meaning of Talbert’s statement?

    AAquatic therapy lessens discomfort by removing weight from a joint.BLifting weights under water is painless and relaxing.CThe effort required to exercise in water results in quicker weight loss.DA physical therapist is more useful to a patient who chooses aquatic therapy.
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    Answer: A — Aquatic therapy lessens discomfort by removing weight from a joint.

43. 43. Look at the resumé. Under what general heading did Philip Talbert list his guest appearance on a television program?

    FProfessional ExperienceGProfessional ActivitiesHConference PresentationsJLeadership Activities
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    Answer: H — Conference Presentations

44. 44. Which feature of Philip Talbert’s experience and training is expressly stated in the notice as a requirement for the job?

    AAssociate’s degreeBExperience as a conference presenterCState Physical Therapy Assistant licenseDMembership in Virginia Physical Therapy Association
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    Answer: A — Associate’s degree

45. 45. Which of these sources would most likely contain articles similar to those cited in this report?

    FHunting MagazineGAmerican History JournalHConservation MonthlyJForestry Journal
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    Answer: H — Conservation Monthly

46. 46. Which of these resources would be most useful for a student researching other birds that face extinction?

    AA government report focusing on threatened wildlifeBA scholarly journal related to birds and bird watchingCA book detailing the decline of the passenger pigeonDA magazine article focused on human impact on the environment
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    Answer: A — A government report focusing on threatened wildlife

47. 47. What does the word prolific mean in paragraph 1?

    FintelligentGabundantHattractiveJrespected
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    Answer: G — abundant

48. 48. According to the report, what primarily caused the extinction of the passenger pigeon?

    ALoss of habitatBInability to adaptCExcessive huntingDNatural predators
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    Answer: C — Excessive hunting

49. 49. The quotations from Forbush in paragraph 2 clarify that —

    Fdeforestation was only a minor contributor to the decline of the pigeon populationGthe large pigeon population could not be fed by the remaining uncleared landHthe pigeon population was so large that no amount of deforestation could have affected itJsuch small amounts of land were cleared that pigeon populations were unaffected
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    Answer: F — deforestation was only a minor contributor to the decline of the pigeon population

50. 50. Which organizational pattern is used in paragraph 4?

    AComparison/contrastBProblem/solutionCCause-and-effectDSpatial layout
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    Answer: C — Cause-and-effect

Practice items adapted from Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests. Practice items are provided for study purposes and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Virginia Department of Education.