Grade 8 English SOL Practice Test — Set 2 of 4

Set 2 of 4 — 50 more free Grade 8 English SOL practice questions from official VDOE released tests.

1. 1. Who is the narrator of this story?

   AA teenage boyBThe father of a young boyCA five-year-old boyDThe grandfather of a young boy
   Show answer

   Answer: B — The father of a young boy

2. 2. Complete this analogy. Skilled is to expert as —

   Astudied is to lessonBinformed is to elderCquestioned is to riderDrejected is to horse
   Show answer

   Answer: D — rejected is to horse

3. 3. In paragraph 1, the author suggests that before the Internet, researching a given topic was —

   Arestricted to academicsBbased on less reliable sourcesCa time-consuming taskDa classroom-based activity
   Show answer

   Answer: C — a time-consuming task

4. 4. Which meaning best fits the word daunting in paragraph 2?

   AconfusingBfascinatingCexhilaratingDoverwhelming
   Show answer

   Answer: D — overwhelming

5. 5. The implied main idea of paragraph 2 is that reference books —

   Ahave become more accessible since they were introducedBare written by historians and ordinary people alikeCare written to fulfill various research needsDhave been developing over time
   Show answer

   Answer: D — have been developing over time

6. 6. According to paragraph 2, what major change occurred in the organization of early encyclopedias?

   APublishers began to arrange works according to subject.BPublishers began to receive assistance from editors in different fields.CAuthors began to work together rather than individually.DAuthors began to condense works to make entries shorter.
   Show answer

   Answer: C — Authors began to work together rather than individually.

7. 7. The language in the sentence about hiring an “army” of fact checkers creates a sense of —

   AintelligenceBdeterminationCobedienceDresignation
   Show answer

   Answer: B — determination

8. 8. Read this part of an outline based on the article. I. The first encyclopedias A. read from beginning to end B. prepared by a single author C. ______ Which belongs on the blank line?

   Awritten nearly 2,000 years agoBtitled Myrrour of the WorldCarranged alphabetically by contentDpresented in a set of three volumes
   Show answer

   Answer: A — written nearly 2,000 years ago

9. 9. Companies are adapting to the rapidly changing encyclopedia industry by —

   Apublishing expanded sets of encyclopediasBcreating both online and print volumes of encyclopediasCnarrowing their focus by creating longer entriesDforcing one another to expand into the online market
   Show answer

   Answer: B — creating both online and print volumes of encyclopedias

10. 10. What has Encyclopaedia Britannica done to improve the quality of its entries?

    AEmployed better writers to develop materialBHired authorities to confirm informationCLooked to other companies for suggestionsDRevised older volumes on a regular basis
    Show answer

    Answer: B — Hired authorities to confirm information

11. 11. The main idea of the article is that people should —

    Acontribute often to online encyclopediasBuse print rather than online resourcesCbe aware that traditional encyclopedias lack qualityDunderstand that research tools will continue to change
    Show answer

    Answer: D — understand that research tools will continue to change

12. 12. Which is a negative connotation of the word prescribe?

    AadviseBdictateCspecifyDendorse
    Show answer

    Answer: B — dictate

13. 13. What does the phrase “on the go” mean in this advertisement?

    AHard to findBAbout to leaveCWorking properlyDVery active
    Show answer

    Answer: D — Very active

14. 14. In this advertisement, tantalizing means —

    ForiginalGfrequentHtemptingJcommon
    Show answer

    Answer: H — tempting

15. 15. From information in this advertisement, the reader can conclude that Neavest is probably a —

    Afood manufacturerBgovernment agencyCconsumer organizationDsupermarket chain
    Show answer

    Answer: A — food manufacturer

16. 16. This advertisement is designed to appeal to people who —

    Flike home-cooked mealsGwant to save moneyHwant to be like othersJdon’t have much time
    Show answer

    Answer: J — don’t have much time

17. 17. Which of these is a fact presented in this advertisement?

    AEating Quickeats is like eating homemade food.BQuickeats fit in people’s daily routine.COne Quickeats meal consists of vegetables and pasta.DQuickeats are packaged in a convenient way.
    Show answer

    Answer: C — One Quickeats meal consists of vegetables and pasta.

18. 18. Which of these questions is answered in the advertisement?

    FWhat kinds of dried fruit are included in a yogurt meal?GIs a Quickeats container small enough to fit into a backpack?HCan Red Hot Quickeats be prepared on a stove as well as in a microwave?JHow long are Quickeats available at local stores?
    Show answer

    Answer: G — Is a Quickeats container small enough to fit into a backpack?

19. 19. Which of these is the best summary of this advertisement?

    ANeavest can be contacted at P.O. Box 90210 in Lexinet, Virginia.BQuickeats are easy to prepare and come in both hot and cold varieties.COne Red Hot Quickeats meal is stew with garden vegetables.DPeople with questions or suggestions should call 1-888-293-3151.
    Show answer

    Answer: B — Quickeats are easy to prepare and come in both hot and cold varieties.

20. 20. “Alone in the Night” can best be described as a — A mystery B tall tale C biography D fantasy Ups and Downs In the dog days of August, the sun beats a slow drum On hours dry as feathers, but we don’t mind. We loll at the beach, tanned and sweaty, Cooled by crystal waters, under skies blue And perfect as childhood. But the river minds. He gives himself up, drop by drop, lower, lower, Sinks into himself, sad and sullen, And scared, I think, of dying: slower, slower. I smell the muddy reeds, see logs we’ve never seen. Rocks appear like nightmares in August noons. September brings thunder, lightning, downpour, Days of torrents, drizzles, sheets, and showers. The end of the dock sinks as the thirsty river Drinks and guzzles, sloshing, slobbering, Rushing. The crooked snake nuzzles the banks, Hugs the bends he’s whittled over long years. He’s giddy — tumbling, somersaulting, rock vaulting! We read books, tie flies, play games, bake pies As the golden leaves are pelted off their branches, And the stiff brown moss turns green and lush again. October’s Indian summer is dry. Crackling leaves, Snapping branches. No campfires allowed. The river Dwindles, shrinks. The bogs dry up to stinky stones Like white bones: where do the frogs go? The river Flattens, thins, fish huddle in its muddy rims. Forest fires in Canada! One day we wake to hazy smoke, Shudder, watch our river choke. We watch the logs And rocks poke their heads again, grinning, Cackling: Come and get us! The weather station Says drought. Drought. The beavers wait. The paper says it’s snowing in the country — what if … If the river freezes low, what will the beavers do? But November brings relief, for just as the last red leaf Drops, the skies open and cry! Autumn deluge, River refuge. We hear it on the roof — all night — All day — We hear the river praising rain! Again, it Drinks its fill, rises, rises, swells, surprises. As we pull out the docks, in our hip waders, The cold river is high and mighty, it rushes round Our thighs and screams: AAHHEEE! Let winter come! 16. The first line of “Ups and Downs” is an example of — F personification G simile H metaphor J onomatopoeia 17. Why does the speaker “see logs we’ve never seen”? A Beavers are busy cutting logs to build dams. B New trees are falling into the river. C The river is drying up and exposing the logs. D People have thrown odd things into the river. 18. What does the description in line 13 mean? F The dock is old and is sinking into the river. G The dock is lower at one end than the other. H The river is rising higher. J The river is eating the dock away. 19. Thesaurus entry: vault (v.) jerk, leap, start, rise If the author wanted to replace the word vaulting, which would be the most precise word to use? A jerking B rising C starting D leaping 20. The poet uses the term “high and mighty” to show that the river is — F very inviting G threatening to leave its banks H more powerful than people J strong again 21. Who is the speaker in this poem? A A person who lives near a river B Different people at different times of the year C The river that needs water D A beaver that lives near the river 22. Which is a simile expressed in this poem? F “We read books …” G “September brings thunder …” H “Rocks appear like nightmares …” J “As we pull out …” 23. Which description best creates a clear, visual image of the weather in September? A “Drinks and guzzles, sloshing, slobbering …” B “Days of torrents, drizzles, sheets, and showers.” C “And the stiff brown moss turns green and lush again.” D “As the golden leaves are pelted off their branches …” The Wreck of the Queen Anne’s Revenge 1. On November 23, 1996, a team of marine archaeologists worked with an air of finality. For the Maritime Research Institute, this was the last day of operations. Their quest was to find the shipwrecked hull of the Queen Anne’s Revenge, one of the most infamous vessels to sail the Atlantic during the 1700s. The ship had gained its bad reputation through the plundering deeds of its last captain, the pirate known as Blackbeard. 2. The search for the wreck began on land about ten years earlier when Phil Masters studied historical records in the London Archives. An eyewitness account of the ship’s loss prompted him to seek a permit to explore a six-mile stretch of coast near Beaufort Inlet in North Carolina, where the ship reportedly ran aground. 3. This area is known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” because hundreds of ships are believed to have sunk there. Masters knew that finding the oldest, largest, and most heavily armed ship of its kind would be a significant achievement. 4. Diver Will Kirkman made a routine twenty-foot dive off a sandbar and suddenly found himself among barnacle-covered cannons. Knowing the ship carried forty cannons, he was certain he had found the Queen Anne’s Revenge. 5. The ship, once called the Concord, had been captured, sold, and reused by several nations before Blackbeard seized it in 1717 and renamed it. 6. Blackbeard commanded the ship for seven months, capturing at least eighteen other ships. When the ship was abandoned, he was believed to have taken all valuables. 7. The divers uncovered most of the wooden hull and many artifacts, including the ship’s bell, pewter plates, parts of scientific instruments, and eighteen cannons. 8. By studying the remains, scientists hope to learn about Blackbeard, ship construction, and the African slave trade. 9. The abandoned ship serves as a “time capsule” that may unlock 300-year-old mysteries. 10. In the first paragraph, the word infamous means — F notorious G celebrated H ornate J large 11. Masters felt confident about the ship’s location because — A many artifacts had been found nearby B he had found written evidence C many people talked about it D he was able to get a permit 12. The La Concorde made just one trip to West Africa because — F the English captured it back from the French G it became disabled H the French entered another war J Blackbeard captured it after the first trip 13. Thesaurus entry: apprehend (v.) seize, capture, arrest, understand Which word best replaces apprehended? A arrested B understood C seized D dreaded 14. Which question is answered in paragraph 7? F Where was the ship’s bell made? G What artifacts have been found? H How many pewter plates were found? J When will the search end? 15. Which word contains a root meaning “to build”? A material B activities C studying D construction 16. From the last paragraph, the reader can conclude that Blackbeard — F lost his way G was able to avoid capture H destroyed his ships J buried his treasure 17. Looking for the Queen Anne’s Revenge was significant because — A it would prove many ships were nearby B the ship and its captain played important roles in history C the cannons could be reused D it was the Institute’s project 18. Which is an opinion expressed in the passage? F What archaeologists want most is more important than material objects. G The search began about ten years earlier. H Phil Masters searched the London Archives. J Blackbeard captured at least eighteen ships. 19. Which is the best summary of this passage? A Archaeologists discovered the remains and uncovered artifacts. B Blackbeard captured and renamed the ship. C Phil Masters began the search in 1986. D Will Kirkman discovered the ship near a sandbar. Tony Beaver … Axe-Swinger of Old Virginny 34. It is clear that this selection is a tall tale because — A tall tales were popular in West Virginia B the details become less and less believable C many legends of lumberjacks have been told D the story is set in the nineteenth century 35. What can the reader conclude about Tony Beaver’s accomplishments? A They were not important. B They inspired others. C They never really happened. D They were well known. 36. What does “snap in two like a matchstick” mean? F break easily G shed light H fall apart J crash down 37. What does the author mean when he writes that the oxen could pull anything “into the middle of next month”? A The oxen could carry the load anywhere. B Time was not important to the oxen. C Lumberjacks depended on the oxen. D The work took one month. 38. What does Tony do to solve the problem? F Uses bigger oxen G Turns the river into candy H Uses a double-bladed axe J Stirs the river with a tree 39. Which phrase offers an image of Tony’s abilities? A “The Eel began to rise rapidly …” B “That’s the kind of lumberman big Tony Beaver was.” C “Then Tony blew a cloud right across the sun.” D “Oxen were used to drag the timber …” 40. The author probably meant for this story to be — F humorous G educational H historical J dangerous 41. The author uses exaggeration to make the story more — A frightening B believable C action-packed D entertaining 42. In which literary category does this story belong?

    FNonfictionGBiographyHHistoryJFiction
    Show answer

    Answer: J — Fiction

21. 21. Obviously defined; unquestionable. In paragraph 1 of the article, distinct comes from a word that means — A. separate B. clear C. unquestionable D. distinguish 2. Based on the article, the reader can determine that hummingbirds — F. compete with bees for nectar G. live primarily in warm climates H. become confused when flying backwards J. rely on bird feeders in order to survive 3. In the poem, the hummingbird’s nest is a symbol of — A. lost opportunities B. former relationships C. distant childhood D. past adventures 4. Both the poem and the article address the theme of —

    Fenjoying natureGstudying the weatherHdeveloping a hobbyJholding on to memories
    Show answer

    Answer: F — enjoying nature

22. 22. In paragraph 7, Mrs. Ellis wishes Keisha good luck most likely because she thinks Keisha —

    Awill need help finding Mrs. Watson’s roomBis unprepared for visiting Mrs. WatsonCwill be challenged by Mrs. Watson’s attitudeDis worried about reading to Mrs. Watson
    Show answer

    Answer: C — will be challenged by Mrs. Watson’s attitude

23. 23. The purpose of the figurative language in paragraph 8 is to foreshadow —

    FMrs. Watson’s response to Keisha’s essayGKeisha’s feelings toward Mrs. WatsonHKeisha’s attitude about volunteeringJMrs. Watson’s first reaction to Keisha
    Show answer

    Answer: J — Mrs. Watson’s first reaction to Keisha

24. 24. Read this sentence from paragraph 9. “Keisha started to stumble over her words as Mrs. Watson continued to stare at her with an almost belligerent gaze.” What is the meaning of the word belligerent?

    Astrangely familiarBhostile or argumentativeCweak or exhaustedDoverly exaggerated
    Show answer

    Answer: B — hostile or argumentative

25. 25. In paragraphs 8 and 9, the author’s tone can best be described as —

    AconfusedBregretfulCtenseDdisappointed
    Show answer

    Answer: C — tense

26. 26. Which event is part of the resolution of the story?

    AMrs. Watson agrees that Keisha should return the following Thursday.BMrs. Ellis tells Keisha to visit Mrs. Watson in her room.CKeisha reads her English essay about Rosa Parks to Mrs. Watson.DMrs. Watson tells Keisha she would rather be alone.
    Show answer

    Answer: A — Mrs. Watson agrees that Keisha should return the following Thursday.

27. 27. Read this thesaurus entry. evolve v. — adapt, develop, increase, mature. Which word best replaces evolve as it is used in paragraph 1?

    FadaptGdevelopHincreaseJmature
    Show answer

    Answer: G — develop

28. 28. Based on paragraph 4, what can the reader determine?

    AAfrican Americans were attracted to Harlem for a variety of reasons after World War I.BAfrican Americans encountered less social injustice in Harlem than in other places.CAfrican Americans became a majority of the population in Harlem in the 1920s.DAfrican Americans in Harlem were more successful than those who lived elsewhere.
    Show answer

    Answer: A — African Americans were attracted to Harlem for a variety of reasons after World War I.

29. 29. The organization of the ideas in “Literature and Art Abound” supports the author’s purpose by —

    Flisting examples of writers and artists who shared their talentsGcomparing and contrasting the popularity of writers and artistsHexplaining the effects of the writers’ and artists’ works on societyJpresenting the writers’ and artists’ works in order of importance
    Show answer

    Answer: F — listing examples of writers and artists who shared their talents

30. 30. Which sentence from “A Beginning, Not an End” best represents the main idea of the section?

    AThese gifted artists arrived in Harlem looking for hope, and what resulted was the blossoming of a new African American identity.BThe Harlem Renaissance began to decline in the late 1930s when the Great Depression crushed the nation’s economy.CThis sent most Americans into crisis, and time spent creating turned into time spent surviving.DTheir music, words, and art seem as fresh and powerful today in the 21st century as they were then.
    Show answer

    Answer: A — These gifted artists arrived in Harlem looking for hope, and what resulted was the blossoming of a new African American identity.

31. 31. Which detail best supports the idea that Harlem was a center of growth for jazz music in America?

    FHarlem had nightclubs where musicians played jazz.GJazz musicians in Harlem were known for improvising.HFamous jazz musicians pursued their careers in Harlem.JJazz helped musicians in Harlem express themselves.
    Show answer

    Answer: H — Famous jazz musicians pursued their careers in Harlem.

32. 32. The details in paragraph 2 are mostly about —

    Awhat polyp skeletons look likeBwhat polyps use to catch their foodChow large coral structures can growDhow coral structures are formed
    Show answer

    Answer: D — how coral structures are formed

33. 33. Read this sentence from paragraph 4. “In fact, more than 4,000 species of fish and marine life may populate a typical coral community.” In this sentence, populate means —

    FconstructGdisturbHoccupyJrecognize
    Show answer

    Answer: H — occupy

34. 34. The organization of ideas in paragraph 6 supports the author’s message by —

    Acomparing several recent observations made by scientists who study the oceansBemphasizing the most important differences among inhabitants of a reefCoutlining ways in which changes in water temperature affect a coral reefDdescribing in chronological order the events that occur in the ocean
    Show answer

    Answer: C — outlining ways in which changes in water temperature affect a coral reef

35. 35. The use of the word however indicates that paragraph 7 is organized by —

    FgeneralizationGcomparison/contrastHproblem/solutionJlisting
    Show answer

    Answer: H — problem/solution

36. 36. The word coexist in paragraph 7 has the prefix co-, which means —

    AtogetherBin abundanceCnearDin the past
    Show answer

    Answer: A — together

37. 37. Which information best demonstrates that coral reefs are important to marine life?

    FCoral reefs are massive structures in the seas.GSea anemones attach themselves to the coral reefs.HCoral reefs are made of skeletal calcium.JMany ocean creatures survive because of coral reefs.
    Show answer

    Answer: J — Many ocean creatures survive because of coral reefs.

38. 38. Which information from the article explains the cooperative relationship between algae and reef-dwelling coral?

    ACoral and algae share the coral reef with other marine animals.BThe algae plants grow on the coral reef, and the coral polyps live on the reef.CThe algae share food with the coral, and the coral shelters the algae.DChanges that affect the coral also affect how the coral appears to the algae.
    Show answer

    Answer: C — The algae share food with the coral, and the coral shelters the algae.

39. 39. Why are coral reefs ideal for the growth of algae?

    FReefs are home to marine sponges and sea turtles.GReefs are found in shallow waters and receive plenty of sunlight.HCoral polyps gather together and grow into large colonies.JCoral reefs form a large and complex ocean system.
    Show answer

    Answer: G — Reefs are found in shallow waters and receive plenty of sunlight.

40. 40. How do warming ocean temperatures affect coral?

    ACoral no longer accepts algae as a food source.BCoral begins to form on structures made by humans.CCoral structures no longer offer protection to polyps.DCoral begins building a strong skeleton.
    Show answer

    Answer: A — Coral no longer accepts algae as a food source.

41. 41. Based on the article, the reader can determine that —

    Fartificial reefs are more attractive to fishGcoral reefs are not found in deeper waterHscientists cannot save the coral reefsJconcrete is the only material used in artificial reefs
    Show answer

    Answer: G — coral reefs are not found in deeper water

42. 42. Based on the article, the author most likely wants the reader to agree that —

    Ahumans should leave coral reefs untouchedBcatching fish in coral reefs is harmfulCcoral is the most beautiful creature in the oceanDpreserving coral reefs is important
    Show answer

    Answer: D — preserving coral reefs is important

43. 43. By describing the ocean’s habitat as “delicate,” the author intends to —

    Fexplain why the habitat is likely to survive for only a few more yearsGemphasize how some types of corals form thin structuresHemphasize that an altered habitat can be dangerous for creatures living thereJexplain that sea creatures are more fragile than creatures living on land
    Show answer

    Answer: H — emphasize that an altered habitat can be dangerous for creatures living there

44. 44. Which information should be included in a summary of this article?

    ASea slugs hide among coral reefs for protection.BReefs have been created by sinking old ships.CWhip corals provide a habitat for black sea bass.DRecent ocean changes have been affecting coral reefs.
    Show answer

    Answer: D — Recent ocean changes have been affecting coral reefs.

45. 45. Which type of literary device does the author use in paragraphs 6–12?

    FSymbolismGFlashbackHForeshadowingJIronic tone
    Show answer

    Answer: G — Flashback

46. 46. In paragraph 8, the word preliminary means —

    AinitialBessentialCadditionalDsubstantial
    Show answer

    Answer: A — initial

47. 47. Read this sentence from paragraph 15. “The bird had a gray head the color of soot, and its eyes, two onyx stones, were surrounded with black, as if rimmed in eye makeup.” The purpose of the figurative language in this sentence is to —

    Fconvey the bird’s actionsGexplain a defense strategy of the birdHillustrate the bird’s surroundingsJdescribe physical characteristics of the bird
    Show answer

    Answer: J — describe physical characteristics of the bird

48. 48. Which word is the best antonym for arduous in paragraph 18?

    AmoderateBsatisfyingCeffortlessDdirect
    Show answer

    Answer: C — effortless

49. 49. Paragraph 18 suggests that Joanna —

    Fis determined to rescue the birdGhas hiked to the ranger station beforeHis nervous about the hiking trailJknows the park ranger studies birds
    Show answer

    Answer: F — is determined to rescue the bird

50. 50. In paragraph 25, what is Dan’s most logical reason for moving away from the waterfall?

    AHe realizes they are going in the wrong direction.BHe wants to have a better view of the bird.CHe realizes the sound they hear could be imitated.DHe wants to avoid startling the bird.
    Show answer

    Answer: D — He wants to avoid startling the bird.

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.