ACAP-Style ELA Bellringers (Grades 6–8)
Monday – Inference & Text Evidence
Read: Jamal stared at the test paper in front of him. His pencil hovered over the first question, and his
leg bounced under the desk. He whispered, “I studied for this. I can do it.”
1. What can you infer about Jamal’s feelings at the start of the passage?
A. He’s overconfident.
B. He’s nervous but trying to calm himself.
C. He doesn’t care about the test.
D. He’s angry at the teacher.
2. Which phrase best supports your answer?
Tuesday – Vocabulary in Context
Read: When the storm finally subsided, the sun peeked through the clouds, and the streets shimmered
with puddles.
1. What does the word *subsided* most likely mean as used in the sentence?
A. Began suddenly
B. Grew stronger
C. Calmed or weakened
D. Disappeared instantly
2. Which phrase helps you determine the meaning?
Wednesday – Figurative Language
Read: The classroom was a zoo by the time the substitute arrived.
1. What type of figurative language is used in this sentence?
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Personification
D. Hyperbole
2. What does this comparison tell you about the classroom?
Thursday – Author’s Purpose & Point of View
Read: Many students believe recess should last longer. Exercise helps them stay focused and
energized for learning. If schools want to improve student performance, they should give students more
time outside.
1. What is the author’s purpose in this passage?
A. To entertain with a story
B. To inform about playgrounds
C. To persuade readers to support longer recess
D. To describe outdoor games
2. What sentence best supports your answer?
Friday – Grammar & Conventions
Read: The girls run quickly to the bus stop every morning, but they always arrive late.
1. What is the complete subject of the sentence?
A. girls
B. The girls
C. quickly to the bus stop
D. every morning
2. What is the complete predicate?
A. run quickly
B. run quickly to the bus stop every morning, but they always arrive late
C. arrive late
D. to the bus stop every morning
Answer Key – ACAP-Style ELA Bellringers (Grades
6–8)
Monday
1. B — He’s nervous but trying to calm himself.
2. 'His leg bounced under the desk' and 'I can do it.'
Tuesday
1. C — Calmed or weakened
2. 'The sun peeked through the clouds.'
Wednesday
1. B — Metaphor
2. It shows the classroom was loud or chaotic.
Thursday
1. C — To persuade readers to support longer recess
2. 'If schools want to improve student performance, they should give students more time outside.'
Friday
1. B — The girls
2. B — run quickly to the bus stop every morning, but they always arrive late.