Unit 8 Formative Language Practice
1. What is the meaning of “jolted” as used in the sentence “a janitor jolted out from
behind a curtain”?
A. worked quietly
B. moved quickly in surprise
C. walked slowly and carefully
D. tripped awkwardly
2. Read the sentence:
After the coach praised the team for their effort, Jenna felt ready to _____ onto the field.
A. tiptoe
B. march
C. sprint
D. amble
3. Select the word from the menu that best fits the sentence.
The sculptor was proud to display her completed _____ at the gallery.
A. statue
B. sketch
C. blueprint
D. prototype
4. A student interpreted the word decline to mean “to become lower.” Which
sentence best verifies the student's initial interpretation of decline?
A. The mayor announced a decline in crime rates last year.
B. She declined the invitation to the dance.
C. His spirits declined after hearing the bad news.
D. The mountain path declines toward the valley.
5. What is the meaning of reduced as it is used in the sentence below?
The local bakery reduced its opening hours during the holiday week.
A. to make smaller in size
B. to make less expensive
C. to shorten or make smaller in amount
D. to remove entirely
6. Read the sentence:
After reading the action-packed preview, Marcus felt excited and ready to _____ into the
novel.
A. drift
B. plunge
C. pause
D. shuffle
7. Select the word from the menu that best fits the sentence.
The designer added a small _____ to the dress to make it stand out on stage.
A. seam
B. flourish
C. notation
D. fixture
8. A student interpreted the word contract to mean “an agreement.” Which sentence
best verifies the student's initial interpretation of contract?
A. The athlete suffered a muscle contract during the game.
B. The athlete suffered a muscle contract during the game.
C. The athlete suffered a muscle contract during the game.
D. The crowd will contract toward the stage as the band plays.
9. What is the meaning of declined as it is used in the sentence below?
When ticket sales declined, the organizers postponed the event.
A. to refuse politely
B. to fall or decrease in number
C. to accept with conditions
D. to schedule again
10. Read the sentence:
After finishing her chores, Naomi felt free to _____ through the market and enjoy the
colors.
A. saunter
B. scramble
C. bolt
D. trudge
11. Select the word from the menu that best fits the sentence.
The author handed the editor a complete _____ of her new chapter for feedback.
A. edition
B. summary
C. manuscript
D. excerpt
12. Read the sentence: “Vines curled over a brick wall, and a spray of wildflowers
grew from cracks in the pavement.” The word “spray” most nearly means:
A. a sudden shower of water
B. a small bunch or cluster of flowers
C. a tool for watering plants
D. a loud noise
13. Select the word that best completes the sentence.
After months of work, the courtyard looked __________ and welcoming.
A. neglected
B. abandoned
C. restored
D. hidden
14. A student interpreted the word scale to mean “a tool for weighing.” Which
sentence best verifies the student's initial interpretation of scale?
A. The climber checked the mountain’s steep scale before continuing.
B. The chef used a scale to measure the flour for the recipe.
C. The fish’s shiny scale glimmered in the sun.
D. The budget will scale up next quarter.
15. What is the meaning of renovated as it is used in the sentence below?
Because the museum renovated several galleries, they reduced the number of exhibits
on display.
A. to shrink physically
B. to lower the price
C. to lessen the quantity available
D. to move to another location