Name: ______________________________________
Reading and Writing 5. Unit 6 Test A
Date: _____________
Unit 6 Test Purposes
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Comprehend the main ideas and details in a reading passage
Understand and use target vocabulary from the unit
Anticipate content through questions (Reading Skill)
Understand noun suffix meanings (Vocabulary Skill)
Identify effective paraphrases (Writing Skill)
Recognize and use modals of possibility for predictions (Grammar)
Write a paraphrase
I. Reading Comprehension
Read the article about sustainability efforts in a U.S. city. Then choose A, B, C, or D.
1 Santa Monica, California, is well known as a tourist destination in the Los Angeles area. It features
a famous pier, an amusement park, abundant restaurants and shops, and a three‐mile stretch of
beach. Any day of the week, you will find residents and visitors enjoying the sun. They might be
running along the waterfront, playing volleyball, or simply enjoying the views of the Pacific Ocean.
But Santa Monica is more than a place for an afternoon of fun in the sun; it is also home to about
90,000 residents. It is a leader in efforts to create an environmentally sustainable city.
2 Santa Monica borders the city of Los Angeles and is part of the greater Southern California region.
This is a region known for its access to the ocean and mountains but also for some of the worst
traffic congestion and air contamination in the nation. Although pollution levels have decreased
since the 1980s, the region still has the dubious honor of leading the country in air pollution.
Specifically, it has the highest levels of ozone, the harmful gas that affects people with asthma and
other health conditions. Since the 1990s, Santa Monica officials have worked to create initiatives
that not only control air pollution but also protect water and land resources as well.
3 Public transportation is at the heart of Santa Monica’s efforts to reduce air pollution. If residents
give up single‐occupancy vehicles and ride with others on buses or trains, the amount of emissions
logically decreases. To this end, city leaders backed the expansion of the Los Angeles Metro Rail to
include Santa Monica. In 2016, the Expo Rail train line opened in the city, transporting residents to
downtown Los Angeles as well as other points in the Los Angeles area. The city also operates a bus
system and promotes the use of bike‐ and scooter‐sharing programs. One constraint on public
transportation use is the problem of the “last mile.” Studies show that people are open to using
public transportation but worry about how to get from the train station or bus stop to their office or
home. When they can hop on a rental bike or scooter for the last segment of their trip, they are
more likely to use public transportation.
4 In addition to these efforts to clean the air, city leaders have also initiated an exciting plan to
generate 100 percent of the city’s electricity from renewable1 sources. Starting in 2019, the
automatic option for all city residents and businesses is to receive all of their electricity from solar
energy. Residents can decline this plan and choose to pay less for a mix of nonrenewable power and
solar and wind power. But when they created this plan, city leaders expected that the majority of
residents would choose to remain with the 100 percent renewable plan.
5 Protection of water resources is also a top priority in this city next to the ocean. Each week, Santa
Monica’s facilities capture 3.5 million gallons of runoff water originally destined for the Santa
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Reading and Writing 5. Unit 6 Test A
Monica Bay. It is then cleaned for reuse. While the water is not suitable for consumption, it provides
businesses with water for landscaping and plumbing. The city also promotes water conservation.
This includes restrictions on the use of water and rewards for participation in conservation efforts.
This concept of offering financial incentives2 is not new, but Santa Monica is using it in some creative
ways. For example, residents are paid to replace the traditional grass in their yards with plants that
don’t require much water. They can also earn money for using large containers to catch rainwater
and for installing non‐concrete driveways for their cars, which allow rain to permeate to the earth
below.
6 Another area of sustainability for Santa Monica is in waste disposal. The city has the goal of
diverting 95 percent of its garbage away from landfills. It has a residential recycling pick‐up program
and also provides each household with a special bin for yard waste (grass, plant and tree trimmings)
and food waste. Since about 20 percent of a family’s trash comes from uneaten food and scraps
from fruits and vegetables, this bin makes a significant contribution in reducing landfill use. The city
collects the organic waste from residences and restaurants weekly and delivers it to a commercial
center that transforms it into compost. Additionally, the city is working to make single‐use plastic
items obsolete. A city law bans the use of disposable bags, straws, utensils, dishes, and takeout
containers. Restaurants and stores must use reusable or biodegradable products in place of plastic
ones that are thrown away after one use. Although this may be more costly at first, it creates far less
garbage for the city to dispose of.
7 Certainly city residents are having to adapt to these changes. They are paying a little more for their
electricity and waiting for public transportation. They are separating their trash and following rules
about the use of water and plastics. But leaders claim that their city is such a desirable place to live,
it is worth some minor inconveniences and the breaking of old habits. In order to keep Santa Monica
beautiful, green, and liveable, the natural environment must be protected and preserved. Future
generations will thank the city’s residents for their efforts.
1
renewable: something that is replaced naturally or controlled carefully and can therefore be used without
the risk of finishing it all
2
incentive: a payment that encourages somebody to do something
1. The article mainly focuses on ____________________.
A. the benefits of living in Santa Monica
B. the problems with Santa Monica’s efforts
C. reasons Santa Monica needs to be sustainable
D. ways Santa Monica is helping the environment
2. Why does the author begin with a list of activities in the Santa Monica area?
A. to promote it as a place for tourists to visit
B. to explain why 90,000 residents choose to live there
C. to describe the setting for the various environmental programs
D. to show how these activities damage the environment
3. Southern California ____________________.
A. has the worst air pollution in the United States
B. is seeing rising levels of air pollution
C. was honored for its air pollution controls
D. all of the above
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Reading and Writing 5. Unit 6 Test A
4. Which of these is an example of a single‐occupancy vehicle?
A. a public taxi
B. the Metro Rail
C. an electric car
D. a gas‐powered bus
5. In paragraph 3, the “last mile” is ____________________.
A. one way to reduce air pollution
B. the final part of a commuter’s trip
C. a bike and scooter sharing program
D. a reason people use public transportation
6. According to the article, Santa Monica residents ____________________.
A. can choose to use electricity from wind only
B. are mostly using the 100 percent renewable plan
C. pay more for electricity that is 100 percent solar
D. are required to get their electricity from renewable sources
7. Which of the following is not a water conservation method in Santa Monica?
A. paying residents to remove grass
B. limiting how much water can be used
C. making drinking water from used water
D. encouraging residents to collect rainwater
8. In the future, Santa Monica hopes to put __________ percent of its trash in landfills.
A. 5
B. 20
C. 95
D. 100
9. Why does the author include information about single‐use plastic items in paragraph 6?
A. They should be removed from the organic waste bins.
B. Eliminating them will reduce waste in the landfill.
C. They are harming ocean life like turtles and whales.
D. Using them is less expensive for restaurants and stores.
10. Which statement is the author most likely to disagree with?
A. Sustainable practices make people want to live in Santa Monica.
B. It is reasonable to ask residents to pay more for renewable energy.
C. Santa Monica’s success is dependent on the cooperation of its residents.
D. Santa Monica should eliminate financial incentives for water conservation.
1 point for each correct answer
10
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Reading and Writing 5. Unit 6 Test A
II. Vocabulary
A. What is the correct definition for the underlined word? Choose A, B, or C.
11. The city incinerates half of its garbage on average.
A. burns
B. buries
C. recycles
12. The child failed to thrive in the new school.
A. create art
B. learn basic skills
C. grow and develop well
13 My dad likes to tinker with cars.
A. build something for fun
B. spend a lot of money on something
C. make small changes to improve something
14. Have they considered the possible consequences?
A. results
B. changes
C. methods
15. There are several constraints on the project.
A. taxes
B. limits
C. consultants
1 point for each correct answer
5
B. Complete the sentences with the correct words from the word bank.
adjust anticipate
appliances
aptitude
convene
devices
elimination
16. The language school did not allow __________ like smartphones or translators in the testing
center.
17. Sasha didn’t __________ that the dinner would be so expensive, so she had to borrow money
from a friend.
18. After enrolling in the culinary course, Samuel discovered he had an __________ for cooking that
he didn’t previously realize he had.
19. The goal of the health organization is the __________ of the deadly disease malaria from the
world.
20. The university leaders __________ once a year to review their goals and progress they have
made on them.
1 point for each correct answer
5
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Reading and Writing 5. Unit 6 Test A
III. Reading Skill
Read each title and the section subtitles for a text. Then match each section with the
question that the section should answer.
A.
Title:
City Leaders Debate Ending Recycling Program
Section 1 Subtitle:
Low Participation from Residents
Section 2 Subtitle:
Rising Costs of Collection
Section 3 Subtitle:
Fewer Buyers for Recycled Materials
21. _____ Section 1
22. _____ Section 2
23. _____ Section 3
A. How much is the city spending on the program?
B. When did the program begin?
C. Who buys the recycled materials?
D. What kinds of items are being recycled?
E. Why are many people not recycling?
B.
Title:
The Sustainable Shop: Everything Old Is New Again!
Section 1 Subtitle:
A Store with a Purpose
Section 2 Subtitle:
Inspired by a Trip Abroad
Section 3 Subtitle:
Recycled Fashion: From Trash to Treasure
24. _____ Section 1
25. _____ Section 2
26. _____ Section 3
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Reading and Writing 5. Unit 6 Test A
A. How old is the store owner?
B. What are the products made from?
C. Where did the store owner travel to?
D. What is the goal of the shop?
E. Where is the nearest recycling center?
1 point for each correct answer
6
IV. Vocabulary Skill
Which word completes the sentence? Choose A, B, or C.
27. The __________ was working to stop the factory from contaminating the local water supply.
A. activist
B. activity
C. activation
28. China is the largest __________ of solar panels in the world.
A. producer
B. production
C. productivity
29. Architects don’t just need technical skills; they must also show __________ in their designs.
A. creator
B. creation
C. creativity
30. It was a difficult __________ for the children when they moved to a new city.
A. adjust
B. adjustor
C. adjustment
31. Since Abby was already exercising extensively, her trainer advised her to focus on her
__________.
A. nutrition
B. nutritious
C. nutritionist
32. Public land __________ was the responsibility of three government agencies.
A. manager
B. management
C. manageability
1 point for each correct answer
6
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Reading and Writing 5. Unit 6 Test A
V. Writing Skill
Which is the best paraphrase of the original sentence? Choose A, B, or C.
33. Original sentence: Santa Monica, California, is well known as a tourist destination in the Los
Angeles area. (paragraph 1)
A. Santa Monica, California, is a famous tourist destination in the Los Angeles area.
B. When tourists visit Los Angeles, they often visit Santa Monica, California, as well.
C. Many tourists visit Santa Monica, California, which is a popular city near Los Angeles.
34. Original sentence: Public transportation is at the heart of Santa Monica’s efforts to reduce air
pollution. (paragraph 3)
A. Public transportation is at the center of Santa Monica’s efforts to decrease air
contamination.
B. The main part of the city’s plan to improve air quality is the use of public transportation.
C. The residents of Santa Monica love to use public transportation in order to decrease air
contamination.
35. Original sentence: This concept of offering financial incentives is not new, but Santa Monica is
using it in some creative ways. (paragraph 5)
A. Cities have previously paid residents to encourage certain behavior, but Santa Monica is
doing it creatively.
B. The idea of offering monetary incentives is not new; however, Santa Monica is doing it in
some original ways.
C. Santa Monica is being creative by offering monetary incentives, something that hasn’t really
been done before.
36. Original sentence: Although this may be more costly at first, it creates far less garbage for the
city to dispose of. (paragraph 6)
A. This law means Santa Monica has less trash to throw away even if it is initially more
expensive.
B. It generates less trash for the city to dispose of even though it may be more expensive at
first.
C. It will be more expensive for Santa Monica to have less trash to get rid of because of the law.
2 points for each correct answer
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VI. Grammar
A. How certain is the writer? Choose A, B, C, or D.
37. Residents cannot continue throwing used electronics into city landfills but have to recycle them.
A. absolutely certain
B. very certain
C. somewhat certain
D. less certain
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Reading and Writing 5. Unit 6 Test A
38. The recycling center may remove the batteries from the used electronics.
A. absolutely certain
B. very certain
C. somewhat certain
D. less certain
39. Participants should be willing to donate their used electronics to the recycling center.
A. absolutely certain
B. very certain
C. somewhat certain
D. less certain
40. Some electronics might not qualify to be recycled.
A. absolutely certain
B. very certain
C. somewhat certain
D. less certain
41. There ought to be enough participation to generate significant income for the city.
A. absolutely certain
B. very certain
C. somewhat certain
D. less certain
1 point for each correct answer
5
B. Rewrite the sentences as predictions for the future. Use a modal of possibility to
express the degree of certainty indicated by the words in parentheses.
42. The new repair café is used by hundreds of people each week. (absolutely certain)
_______________________________________________________________________________
43. People who like to fix things find the space very useful. (somewhat certain)
_______________________________________________________________________________
44. Visitors enjoy using the available tools. (very certain)
_______________________________________________________________________________
45. Some participants learn new skills. (less certain)
_______________________________________________________________________________
46. The repair café doesn’t have any safety issues. (very certain)
_______________________________________________________________________________
1 point for each correct answer
5
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Reading and Writing 5. Unit 6 Test A
Total points Sections I–VI
50
V. Writing
Write a paraphrase (approximately 90–110 words) of paragraph 4 from Section I.
4 In addition to these efforts to clean the air, city leaders have also initiated an exciting plan to
generate 100 percent of the city’s electricity from renewable sources. Starting in 2019, the
automatic option for all city residents and businesses is to receive all of their electricity from solar
energy. Residents can decline this plan and choose to pay less for a mix of nonrenewable power and
solar and wind power. But when they created this plan, city leaders expected that the majority of
residents would choose to remain with the 100 percent renewable plan.
Points Section VII
20
Total points Sections I–VII
70
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Reading and Writing 5. Unit 6 Test A
Unit 6 Test
Writing Rubric
Student name: _______________________________________ Date: _________________________
Assignment: Write a paraphrase (approximately 90–110 words) of paragraph 4 from Section I.
Paraphrase a paragraph
Discourse competence
Linguistic competence
Points
(0–5)
The paraphrase includes all of the ideas from the
original text and does not add additional information.
/5
The paraphrase is well organized and cohesive.
/5
The paraphrase uses an appropriate range and accurate
use of vocabulary, including synonyms for words in the
original text.
The paraphrase uses correct grammatical forms and
sentence structures that vary from the original text.
/5
/5
Total points: _______________
Comments:
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