Daily Edit
Week 10
October 22-26
Monday October 22nd
Passage I
A Microscope in the Kitchen
I grew up with buckets, shovels, and nets waiting by the back door; hip-waders hanging in the closet; tide
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table charts covering the refrigerator door; and a microscope was sitting on the kitchen table. Having
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studied, my mother is a marine biologist. Our household might have been described as uncooperative. Our
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4
meals weren’t always served in the expected order of breakfast, lunch, and supper. Everything was subservient to
the disposal of the tides. When the tide was low, Mom could be found down on the
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mudflats. When the tide was high, she would be standing on the inlet bridge with her plankton net.
I have great respect for my mother. I learned early that the moon affected the tides. Mom was
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always waiting for a full moon, when low tide would be much lower than usual and high tide much higher. The
moon being closer to the earth when full, so its gravitational pull is stronger. I knew that it took about
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eight hours for the tides to change from high to low, sixteen hours for a complete cycle of tides. 9 I didn’t have to
wait to learn these things in school. In our house they were everyday knowledge.
[1] Often, my brother and I, joined our mother on her adventures into tidal lands. [2] At the very low tides
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of the full moon, when almost all the water was sucked away, we found the hideaways where crabs, snails,
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starfish, and sea urchins hid in order not to be seen. [3] Sometimes we would dig with shovels in the mud, where
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yellow and white worms lived in their leathery tunnels. 13
For plankton tows, we would stand on the bridge while Mom lowered a cone-shaped net that is often
used by marine biologists. Then we would patiently wait. After a while, she would pull up the net, and we would go
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home. Later, we would see her sitting at the kitchen table, peering at a drop of water through the lenses of her
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microscope from the bottle—watching the thousands of tiny swimming organisms.
1st
Which of the following provides the best punctuation for underlined portion number 1?
A.
B.
C.
D.
NO CHANGE
waiting, by the back door,
waiting by the back door,
waiting by the back door
2nd
Which of the following is the best verb form for underlined portion number 2?
F.
NO CHANGE
G.
would sit
H.
sitting
J.
sat
3rd
What is the clearest, most concise wording for the sentence in underlined portion number 3?
A. NO CHANGE
B. As my mother’s interest is science, she is
C. My mother’s occupation is that of
D. My mother is
4th
Which choice would most effectively introduce the rest of this paragraph, after underlined sentence
number 4?
F.
NO CHANGE
G.
There seemed to be no explanation for why Mom ran our household the way she did.
H.
Our household didn’t run according to a typical schedule.
J.
Mom ran our household in a most spectacular manner.
5th
What is the clearest, most concise wording for the sentence in underlined portion number 5?
A. NO CHANGE
B. was defenseless in the face of
C. depended on
D. trusted in
6th
Which choice most effectively signals the shift from paragraph 1 to paragraph 2?
F.
G.
H.
J.
NO CHANGE
Our lives were likewise affected by the phases of the moon.
A relationship exists between the moon and the tides.
The moon is a mysterious orb afloat in the sky.
7th
Which of the following choices create a structurally sound compound sentence in underlined
portion number 7?
A. NO CHANGE
B. Since the moon is
C. The moon is
D. The moon,
Answer Key:
1st
The best answer is A. It provides the best punctuation for the underlined portion. The phrase "waiting by
the back door" describes the noun nets and is essential because it tells which nets the narrator "grew up
with." Therefore, no comma should be placed after nets. The semicolon after the word door is appropriate
because semicolons are used between items in a series when one or more of these items include
commas.
The best answer is NOT B because the first comma after waiting is unnecessary. In addition, the
appropriate punctuation after door should be a semicolon (not a comma). Semicolons are used between
items in a series when one or more of these items include commas.
The best answer is NOT C because the appropriate punctuation after door should be a semicolon and
not a comma. Semicolons are used between items in a series when one or more of these items include
commas.
The best answer is NOT D because the punctuation, in this case a semicolon, is missing after the word
door. It is needed to set off the first of this sentence's three items in a series.
2nd
The best answer is H. The verb form sitting is best here because it creates a parallel structure for all
three items in the series: "nets waiting," "hip-waders hanging," "a microscope sitting."
The best answer is NOT F because the phrase was sitting makes the third item in the series not parallel
with the first two items.
The best answer is NOT G because the phrase would sit makes the third item in the series not parallel
with the first two items.
The best answer is NOT J because the verb sat makes the third item in the series not parallel with the
first two items.
3rd
The best answer is D. It offers the clearest, most concise wording for this sentence. "My mother is a
marine biologist," is a clear statement that avoids unnecessary or confusing words.
The best answer is NOT A because the phrase "Having studied" at the beginning of the sentence is
wordy and unnecessary. It is obvious to the reader that a marine biologist would have studied in the past.
The best answer is NOT B because the phrase "As my mother's interest is science" adds meaningless
words to the sentence. It is obvious to the reader that a marine biologist would have an interest in
science.
The best answer is NOT C because the phrase "occupation is that of" adds unnecessary words to the
sentence. It is obvious to the reader that marine biology is the mother's occupation.
4th
The best answer is H. This is a good introductory sentence because the rest of the paragraph explains
how the narrator's household "didn't run according to a typical schedule." The paragraph goes on to say
that "meals weren't always served in the expected order" and that the mother operated according to the
tides, which were not on a typical household schedule.
The best answer is NOT F. This is a poor introductory sentence because the paragraph provides no
evidence that indicates the narrator's household was uncooperative.
The best answer is NOT G. This is a poor introductory sentence because the paragraph does explain
why the mother ran the household in an untypical manner: Everything depended on the tides.
The best answer is NOT J. This is a poor introductory sentence because there is no evidence that
suggests the narrator's household was run in a "most spectacular manner." The household schedule may
have been atypical, but atypical does not indicate spectacular.
5th
The best answer is C. It offers the clearest, most concise wording for this sentence. "Everything
depended on the tides," is a precise, clear statement that avoids unnecessary or confusing words.
The best answer is NOT A because the meaning of the statement "Everything was subservient to the
disposal of the tides" is not clear. In particular, the use of the phrase "the disposal of the tides" makes no
sense in the context of the sentence.
The best answer is NOT B because the statement "Everything was defenseless in the face of the tides"
is convoluted and wordy. In addition, the meaning is unclear.
The best answer is NOT D because it creates an unclear statement: "Everything trusted in the tides."
The word Everything refers back to the household schedule. It makes no sense to say that the household
schedule has the ability to trust.
6th
The best answer is G. This is the best introductory sentence because the rest of this new paragraph
explains how "the phases of the moon" affected a "complete cycle of tides." The other choices do not
logically lead into this explanation of what causes high and low tides.
The best answer is NOT F because this new paragraph is about the relationship between the moon and
the tides. The rest of the paragraph does not further develop the point that the narrator had respect for
her mother, as this choice suggests.
The best answer is NOT H. Although this choice does mention the relationship between the moon and
the tides (the main topic of the new paragraph), it is a poor transition from the preceding paragraph, which
concludes with a description of the mother on the bridge at high tide.
The best answer is NOT J because a description of the moon as "a mysterious orb" is an inadequate
introduction to this new paragraph, which explains how "the moon affected the tides."
7th
The best answer is C. This choice creates a structurally sound compound sentence with two complete
independent clauses connected by the coordinating conjunction so.
The best answer is NOT A. The coordinating conjunction so indicates that there should be two
independent clauses in this sentence, but the first part of the sentence ("The moon being closer to the
earth when full") is not an independent clause; it has no predicate.
The best answer is NOT B. The coordinating conjunction so indicates that there should be two
independent clauses in this sentence, but the first part of the sentence ("Since the moon is closer to the
earth when full") is not an independent clause; it has no predicate.
The best answer is NOT D. The coordinating conjunction so indicates that there should be two
independent clauses in this sentence, but the first part of the sentence ("The moon, closer to the earth
when full") is not an independent clause; it has no predicate.
Tuesday October 23rd
1st
Academic vocabulary—for the following word, use the provided definition to answer the questions below.
Analyze: to examine something in great detail in order to understand it better or discover more about it
1. Write the definition in your own words/how you would explain it.
2. Where do you see this word used in school (on a math test, writing a science lab report, etc.)?
2nd
Who/Whom—look at usage (Subject or Object) to determine the correct word.
Examples:
Who is that masked man?
(“Who” / subject)
The men, four of whom are ill, were indicted for fraud.
(“whom” / object)
In the following sentence, circle the correct word choice.
Who/Whom wrote the letter?
3rd
Colons: Use a colon between two independent clauses when you want to emphasize the
second clause.
Example: I don’t understand why everyone shops at that store: everything there is so
expensive.
Correctly place a colon in the following sentence:
The library is very quiet tonight I’ll get a lot of work done.
4th
Who/Whom
In the following sentence, circle the correct word choice.
For who/whom should I vote?
5th
Who/Whom
Write a sentence using who or whom correctly.
6th
End punctuation review
Write the following with the correct end punctuation.
Oh my I didn’t realize that we were supposed to meet today
7th
Colons
Write a sentence using a colon between two independent clauses that emphasizes the second clause.
Answer Key:
1st : Answers will vary.
2nd: Who wrote the letter?
3rd: The library is very quiet tonight: I’ll get a lot of work done. The colon is used here to emphasize that I
will get a lot of work done.
4th: For whom should I vote?
5th: Answers will vary.
6th: Oh my! I didn’t realize that we were supposed to meet today.
7th: Answers will vary.
Wednesday October 24th
1st
Academic vocabulary—for the following word, use the provided definition to answer the questions below.
Distinguish: to be aware of a difference between two or more people, groups, or things, or show that they are
different from each other
1. Write the definition in your own words/how you would explain it.
2. Where do you see this word used in school (on a math test, writing a science lab report, etc.)?
2nd
Who/Whom
In the following sentence, circle the correct word choice.
Who
Whom is going to do the dishes?
3rd
Colons: Use a colon after an independent clause when introducing a list or
introducing a quotation.
Example (list): The café offers the following entrees: fried catfish, grilled chicken, pan-seared
salmon, and sirloin steak.
Example (quotation): My teacher’s remark on my final essay was very complimentary: “This essay
clearly analyzes musical trends of the late 20th century.”
Which of the following sentences uses a colon INCORRECTLY?
a) I went to Office Depot to buy the following supplies: lined paper, sticky notes, and black pens.
b) Haloti’s comment during back to school night was not surprising: “I am so proud of how many
students helped out with the festivities tonight.”
c) When Sione returned home, his mother looked at him and said: “I looked at PowerSchool today
and your grades look amazing!”
d) At the end of the day, David crossed the following off his “to do” list: grocery shopping, clean
house, pick up flowers, and make dinner.
4th
Who/Whom
In the following sentence, circle the correct word choice.
Who
Whom did he blame for the accident?
5th
Colons
Write a sentence correctly using a colon to introduce a list or a quotation.
6th
Who/Whom
In the following sentence, circle the correct word choice.
Who
Whom made the birthday cake?
7th
Colons
Correctly place a colon in the following sentence:
You will need to bring three things to the party some food, something to drink, and a
small gift for the hostess.
Answer Key:
1st : Answers will vary.
2nd: Who is going to do the dishes?
3rd: C. When Sione returned home, his mother looked at him and said, “I looked at PowerSchool today
and your grades look amazing!” There should be a comma after “said” since it is not an independent
clause.
4th: Whom did he blame for the accident?
5th: Answers will vary.
6th: Who made the birthday cake?
7th: You will need to bring three things to the party: some food, something to drink,
and a small gift for the hostess. Place the colon after “party” preceding the list.
Thursday October 25th
1st
Academic vocabulary—for the following word, use the provided definition to answer the questions below.
Evaluate: to consider or examine something in order to judge its value, quality, importance, extent, or condition.
1. Write the definition in your own words/how you would explain it.
2. Where do you see this word used in school (on a math test, writing a science lab report, etc.)?
2nd
Who/Whom
In the following sentence, circle the correct word choice.
We all know who/whom pulled that prank.
3rd
Punctuation review
Place the correct punctuation in the following sentence:
Yesterday after school Reyna and Cassidy went out to eat shopping and to the park
4th
Who/Whom
Which of the following uses who/whom correctly?
a) To whom should I give my updated resume?
b) Who is going to the movie?
c) I don’t know who my new neighbor is, but he is very noisy at night.
d) Whom did he blame for the accident?
e) all of the above
5th
Punctuation review
Place the correct punctuation in the following sentence:
Nate is playing drums in the band and Jen is playing the guitar
6th
Colons
Place a colon correctly in the following sentence:
Davis and Miguel went to the store and bought four items Mountain Dew, Taki’s chips, a candy bar, and some beef
jerky.
7th
Punctuation review
Of the following sentences, which one needs punctuation correction?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
The following are the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow.
Leslie used the phrase "you know" so often that Sharon finally said, "No, I don't know."
Several countries participated in the airlift: Italy, Belgium, France, and Luxembourg.
"Yes," Leslie said, "I'll be home by ten."
No change
Answer Key:
1st : Answers will vary.
2nd: We all know who pulled that prank.
3rd: Yesterday after school, Reyna and Cassidy went out to eat, shopping, and to the park.
4th: C. All of the above.
5th: Nate is playing drums in the band, and Jen is playing the guitar. The comma after “band” is used to
join the two independent clauses.
6th: Davis and Miguel went to the store and bought four items: Mountain Dew, Taki’s chips, a candy bar, and some
beef jerky.
7th: E. No change
Friday October 26th
1st
Academic vocabulary—for the following word, use the provided definition to answer the questions below.
Defend: to offer support for something or somebody, especially by arguing against the objections or criticism of
others.
1. Write the definition in your own words/how you would explain it.
2. Where do you see this word used in school (on a math test, writing a science lab report, etc.)?
2nd
Academic vocabulary review
Match the vocabulary words with the correct definition.
_______1. analyze
a) to be aware of a difference between two or more people, groups, or things, or
show that they are different from each other
_______ 2. defend
b) to consider or examine something in order to judge its value, quality,
importance, extent, or condition.
_______ 3. distinguish
c) to examine something in great detail in order to understand it better or
discover more about it
_______ 4. evaluate
d) to offer support for something or somebody, especially by arguing against the
objections or criticism of others
3rd
Fill in the blank using the word bank below.
defend
evaluate
analyze
distinguish
In Erin’s language arts class we have to____________ several themes in the play, Hamlet.
4th
Choose the correct answer for the definition below.

to be aware of a difference between two or more people, groups, or things, or show that they are different
from each other
a) evaluate
c) distinguish
b) analyze
d) defend
5th
Fill in the blank using the word bank below.
defend
evaluate
analyze
distinguish
I’m nervous for the debate in my history class because I don’t think I can_________ my position on the topic.
6th
Write a sentence about one of your classes using at least one of the academic vocabulary words we have focused on
this week.
7th
Choose the correct answer for the definition below.

to consider or examine something in order to judge its value, quality, importance, extent, or condition.
a) evaluate
c) distinguish
b) analyze
d) defend
Answer Key:
1st : Answers will vary
2nd:
1. c
2. d
3. a
4. b
3rd: analyze
4th: C, distinguish
5th: defend
6th: Answers will vary
7th: A, evaluate