High School Reading Passages & ELA Practice Tests | Informational Text Edition

HIGH-INTEREST 1-page reading comprehension passages high school students enjoy paired with practice tests aligned to EVERY 9th Grade Reading Informational Text Standard, EVERY 10th Grade Reading Informational Text Standard, EVERY 11th Grade Reading Informational Text Standard, EVERY 12th Grade Reading Informational Text Standard, and even more writing, language, and viewing standards.

EASILY INTERCHANGEABLE BETWEEN IN-PERSON AND DISTANCE LEARNING FORMATS

Includes easy-print version (one page front-to-back) for easy in-person learning as well as SELF-GRADING online tests perfect for distance learning and MAJOR TIME SAVER!

ALIGNS TO SO MANY ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS STANDARDS

Perfect for year-round skill practice, or for crunch-time before spring testing, these tests are short (about 20-30 minutes) and give students the chance to practice ELA skills ALIGNED TO SPECIFIC GRADE LEVEL LITERACY EXPECTATIONS FOR READING, WRITING, LANGUAGE, AND VIEWING.

A VARIETY OF QUESTION TYPES

Questions Similar to SBAC, PARCC, MAP, STAAR, CAASP, etc. - aligned to the College and Career Ready Standards. (ALL TEST ITEMS ARE TEXT-EVIDENCE BASED ) Multiple choice, multiple select, fill-in-the-blank, short answer, extended writing response, evidence-based multi-part questions, and more.

NO PREP! READY TO GO!
Each test is centered around 1 standard, so by the time they do all 10 of them, they will have practiced ALL 10 informational text skills!

EVEN NON-COMMON CORE CURRICULUM TEACHERS NEED THIS RESOURCE!!! THESE ARE DESIGNED TO MAKE STUDENTS EVERYWHERE "COLLEGE AND CAREER READY."

AUTHENTIC TEXT TYPES: faux blog posts, literary nonfiction, editorials, historical memoir, scientific, graphic, etc.

STANDARDIZED TESTS FOCUS HEAVILY ON ASSESSING READING INFORMATIONAL TEXT

Did you know that at least, often much more than, 50% of ELA tests focus on informational text passages? And the writing portions usually ask students to read several texts on the same topic and then have them cite textual evidence from the sources. This is EXACTLY what I have them practice doing in this resource!

Check out what you'll get (& be sure to check out the preview):

9TH GRADE CONTENTS:

*Note: The CCSS Standards that the tasks are aligned to are the widely accepted College and Career Ready Standards, adopted by over 40 states, numerous territories, and practiced worldwide. Even if your state or region has not adopted these standards, just take a look at each task below to see which essential skills students will be practicing, and then you can use the workbook to meet any ELA standards accordingly. Thank you.

Text #1: "Backstage Pass: What Life on Tour is REALLY Like" (faux rockstar memoir)

Target #1: Cite Strong and Thorough Text Evidence

Aligned to: RI.9-10.1

Text #2: The "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Speech (Excerpt)

Target #2A: Analyze Development of a Central Idea

Aligned to: RI.9-10.2

Text #3: “Adélie Penguins Cope With Climate Change”

Target #2B: Trace an Explanation of a Scientific or Technical Process

Aligned to: RST.9-10.2 and SL.9-10.2 (video included)

Text #4: “My Autobiography" by Mark Twain (Excerpt)

Target #3: Analyze How an Author Unfolds a Series of Events or Ideas

Aligned to: RI.9-10.3

Text 5: “Narrative of William W. Brown, a Fugitive Slave" (Excerpt)

Target #3: Analyze How an Author Unfolds a Series of Events (and Determine Causation) in a Primary Source

Aligned to: RH.9-10.2, RH.9-10.3

Text #6: "Working Dogs" and "My Dog" paired passage and poem

Target #4: Determine Meanings and Impacts of Words and Phrases

Aligned to: RI.9-10.4

Text #7: “FTC Fact Sheet: Identify Yourself"

Target #5: Analyze How Ideas or Claims are Developed and Refined by Specific Portions of Text

Aligned to: RI.9-10.5

Text #8: "President George W. Bush’s Address to the Nation on 9/11"

Target #6A: Analyze Author’s Use of Rhetoric to Advance Point of View and Purpose

Aligned to: RI.9-10.6

Text #9: "3...2...1...Puff!" (Excerpt of a NASA STEM Activity)

Target #6B: Analyze Author’s Purpose in Providing an Explanation or Procedure

Aligned to: RST.9-10.6

Text #10: Child Labor in American History (in Primary and Secondary Sources)

Target #7: Analyze Various Accounts of a Subject Told in Different Mediums AND Compare/Contrast Treatment of Same Topic in Primary and Secondary Sources

Aligned to: RI.9-10.7, RH.9-10.9

PLUS INFORMATIONAL/EXPLANATORY WRITING PROMPT - INTEGRATING SOURCES

Aligned to: W.9-10.2, WHST.9-10.2

Text #11: “How to Fix School Lunch...AGAIN"

Target #8: Delineate and Evaluate the Argument, Claims, and Reasoning

Aligned to: RI.9-10.8

Text #12: “The Gettysburg Address"

Target #9: Analyze Seminal U.S. Documents of Historical and Literary Significance

Aligned to: RI.9-10.9

Text #13: “True Stories About Camping in the Rain"

Target #10: Comprehend Literary Nonfiction

Aligned to: RI.9-10.10

Text #14: “Adventures and Reminiscences of a Drummer Boy From Maine" (Excerpt)

Target #11: Demonstrate Understanding of Figurative Language & Nuances in Meaning

Aligned to: L.9-10.5

Listening to and Writing about the Concept of Freedom: (Integration of 5 Texts)

Target #12: Integrate Multiple Sources of Information in Diverse Media and Synthesize Ideas in WRITING

Aligned to: W.9-10.7, SL.9-10.2

10TH GRADE CONTENTS:

Text #1: "Benjamin Franklin: A Picture of the Struggles of Our Infant Nation” (Excerpt)

Target: Cite Strong and Thorough Text Evidence

Aligned to: RI.9-10.1

Text #2: "The Story of My Life" (Excerpt #1)

Target: Analyze Development of a Central Idea

Aligned to: RI.9-10.2

Text #3: “The Story of My Life" (Excerpt #2)

Target: Analyze How an Author Unfolds a Series of Events or Ideas

Aligned to: RI.9-10.3

Text #4: “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass" (Excerpt)

Target: Analyze How an Author Unfolds a Series of Events (and Determine Causation) in a Primary Source

Aligned to: RH.9-10.2, RH.9-10.3

PLUS INFORMATIONAL/EXPLANATORY WRITING PROMPT - INTEGRATING SOURCES - COMPARING THEMES IN 2 PRIMARY SOURCES

Aligned to: W.9-10.2, WHST.9-10.2, W.9-10.9

Includes writing guide for students, text sources, and rubric!!

Text #5: "A Guide to Your Two Circulatory Systems"

Target: Determine Meanings and Impacts of Words and Phrases

Aligned to: RI.9-10.4, RST.9-10.4

Text #6: “A Warning From the FBI"

Target: Analyze How Ideas or Claims are Developed and Refined by Specific Portions of Text

Aligned to: RI.9-10.5

Text #7: "You Are Brilliant and the Earth is Hiring" (Excerpts)

Target: Demonstrate Understanding of Figurative Language & Nuances in Meaning

Aligned to: L.9-10.5

Text #8: "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience" by Thoreau (Excerpt)

Target: Analyze Author’s Use of Rhetoric to Advance Point of View and Purpose

Aligned to: RI.9-10.6

Text #9: Foam Rocket Activity (Excerpt of a NASA STEM Activity)

Target: Analyze Author’s Purpose in Providing an Explanation or Procedure

Aligned to: RST.9-10.6

Text #10: Marine Debris Causing Havoc in the Seas (Videos, Op-Eds, Pictures, Map, etc.)

Target: Analyze Various Accounts of a Subject Told in Different Mediums AND Compare/Contrast Treatment of Same Topic in Primary and Secondary Sources

Aligned to: RI.9-10.7, RH.9-10.9, SL.9-10.2

Text #11: “A Call to Action to Protect Our Oceans"

Target: Delineate and Evaluate the Argument, Claims, and Reasoning

Aligned to: RI.9-10.8

PLUS: WRITING PROMPTS ABOUT PROTECTING OCEANS (Letters, Op-Ed Pieces, Argument, Integrating Primary & Secondary Sources, Videos) INTEGRATING MULTIPLE SOURCES IN MULTIPLE FORMATS

Aligned to: W.9-10.1, W.9-10.2, WHST.9-10.9

Includes writing guide, ideas, text sources, samples, letter formats, argument formats, rubric, etc.

Text #12: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Letter From The Birmingham Jail (Excerpts)

Target: Analyze Seminal U.S. Documents of Historical and Literary Significance

Aligned to: RI.9-10.9

Text #13: Franklin D. Roosevelt's Inaugural Address (Excerpt)

Target: Comprehend Literary Nonfiction

Aligned to: RI.9-10.10

11TH GRADE CONTENTS:

Text #1A: "You are Brilliant and the Earth is Hiring" by Paul Hawken (Excerpts)

Target 1A: Cite Strong and Thorough Text Evidence

Aligned to: RI.11-12.1

Text #2: FDR's Inaugural Address (Excerpt)

Target 2: Analyze Development of Two or More Central Ideas

Aligned to: RI.11-12.2

Text #3: President George W. Bush's Address to the Nation on 9/11

Target 3: Analyze a Complex Sequence of Ideas or Events & Explain Interactions

Aligned to: RI.9-10.3

Text #4A: Wise Old Sayings About Horses

Target 4A: Determine Word Meanings and Impact

Aligned to: RI.11-12.4

Text #4B: Bacteria vs. Viruses

Target 4B: Determine Word Meanings in Scientific/Technical Text

Aligned to: RST.11-12.4

Text #5: "As a Man Thinketh" by James Allen (Excerpt)

Target 5: Compare and Contrast Text Structures

Aligned to: RI.11-12.5

Text #6: JFK's Inaugural Address (Excerpt)

Target 6: Analyze How Rhetoric, Content, & Style Contribute to Persuasive Power

Aligned to: RI.11-12.6

Text #7A: Perspectives on Honest Abe

Target 7A: Integrate Multiple Sources of Information in Multiple Formats & Media

Aligned to: RI.11-12.7

Text #7B: Abraham Lincoln's Rhetoric and Legacy

Target 7B: Integrate Multiple Sources of Information in Multiple Formats & Media

Aligned to: SL.11-12.2

Text #8: From Brown V. Board Supreme Court Opinion

Target 8: Evaluate Argument, Claims, and Reasoning in Seminal U.S. Texts

Aligned to: RI.11-12.8

Text #9: President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

Target 9: Analyze Seminal U.S. Documents of Historic & Literary Significance

Aligned to: RI.11-12.9

Text #10: President Obama's Dedication at the Lincoln Library

Target 10: Comprehend Literary Nonfiction

Aligned to: RI.11-12.10

Text #11: The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie and Bert Esenwein (Excerpts)

Target 11: Demonstrate Understanding of Figurative Language & Nuances in Meaning

Aligned to: L.11-12.5

Target 12: Synthesize information by writing on the topic of Rhetoric & Persuasive Public Speaking. Four writing prompts get students to write: an argument, an explanatory text, a narrative, and a persuasive speech.

Aligned to: W.11-12.1, W.11-12.2, W.11-12.3, W.11-12.8, W.11-12.9

12th GRADE CONTENTS:

Text #1A: "Groomer Assistant Job Description"

Target 1A: Cite Strong and Thorough Text Evidence

Aligned to: RI.11-12.1

Text #1B: Write a Groomer Assistant Cover Letter

Target 1B: Write an Explanatory Text

Aligned to: W.11-12.2

Text #2: "The House Beautiful" by Jack London

Target 2: Analyze Development of Two or More Central Ideas

Aligned to: RI.11-12.2

Text #3: “Pavlov's Dogs"

Target 3: Analyze a Complex Sequence of Ideas or Events & Explain Interactions

Aligned to: RI.9-10.3

Text #4: “The Sayings of Tao Te Ching" by Laozi

Target 4: Determine Word Meanings and Impact

Aligned to: RI.11-12.4

Text #5: "Fake It 'til You Make It"

Target 5: Compare and Contrast Text Structures

Aligned to: RI.11-12.5

Text #6: “How to Win Friends and Influence People” (Excerpts)

Target 6: Analyze How Rhetoric, Content, & Style Contribute to Persuasive Power

Aligned to: RI.11-12.6

Text #7A: "Become an Energy Star" (Part 1)

Target 7A: Integrate Multiple Sources of Information in Multiple Formats & Media

Aligned to: RI.11-12.7

Text #7B: "Become an Energy Star" (Part 2) Multiple Sources

Target 7B: Integrate Multiple Sources of Information in Multiple Formats & Media

Aligned to: RH.11-12.9

Text #7C: "Become an Energy Star" (Part 3)

Target 7C: Integrate Multiple Sources of Information in Multiple Formats & Media by Writing an Argument or Writing an Informative/Explanatory Text

Aligned to: WHST.11-12.8, W.11-12.1, W.11-12.2

Text #8: "The Four Freedoms" (Excerpts) by FDR

Target 8: Evaluate Argument, Claims, and Reasoning in Seminal U.S. Texts

Aligned to: RI.11-12.8

Text #9: The Bill of Rights

Target 9: Analyze Seminal U.S. Documents of Historic & Literary Significance

Aligned to: RI.11-12.9

Text #10: “Wild Apples” by Thoreau & “I Hear America Singing” by Whitman (Paired)

Target 10: Comprehend Literary Nonfiction

Aligned to: RI.11-12.10

Text Collection #11: "Schoolhouse Rock!" Videos

Target 10: Demonstrate Understanding of Figurative Language & Nuances in Meaning AND Evaluate Rhetoric Presented in Diverse Media and Formats

Aligned to: SL.11-12.3 AND L.11-12.5

PLUS ANSWER KEYS

AND WRITING CONNECTIONS

QUICK & TO THE POINT: Reading one passage and doing one task will take the average student approximately 20-30 minutes depending on which one it is.

SCAFFOLDED: Tested on students at all skill levels and adjustments made accordingly!

NO PREP! COULD BE USED AS HOMEWORK! A GREAT FILLER ACTIVITY!

USE PASSAGES FOR MULTIPLE PURPOSES IF YOU WANT!! (Such as: write a summary, base research/argument on one, vocabulary study, etc.)

AND CHECK OUT LOVINGLANGUAGEARTS.COM FOR FREE, SELF-GRADING, INTERACTIVE TEST PREP, SEASONAL LESSONS, FREEBIES, AND MORE

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YOU'LL ALSO LIKE THESE GRADE-SPECIFIC RESOURCES:

High-Interest Informational Text Passages paired with COMPREHENSION TASKS or PRACTICE TESTS. Aligned to EVERY SINGLE GRADE-SPECIFIC READING INFORMATIONAL TEXT STANDARD (AND MORE). You won't find these anywhere else! Save yourself hours of internet searches trying to find the right texts for the right goals of the right lengths in the right formats at the right levels. Students keep reporting how much THEY LOVE the passages because they are interesting and relevant to them! GET YOURS NOW!

4th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and PRACTICE TESTS
4th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and TASKS
5th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and PRACTICE TESTS
5th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and TASKS

Upper Elementary Bundle High-Interest Texts and PRACTICE TESTS

Upper Elementary Bundle High-Interest Texts and TASKS
6th-8th Grade High-Interest Informational Text Passages and TASKS - Volume I
6th-8th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts Passages and TASKS - Volume II
6th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and PRACTICE TESTS
7th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and PRACTICE TESTS
8th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and PRACTICE TESTS

Middle School Bundle High-Interest Texts and PRACTICE TESTS

Middle School Bundle High-Interest Texts and TASKS

9th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and PRACTICE TESTS

9th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and TASKS

10th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and TASKS

10th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and PRACTICE TESTS

11th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and TASKS

11th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and PRACTICE TESTS

12th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and TASKS

12th Grade High-Interest Informational Texts and PRACTICE TESTS

High School Bundle High-Interest Texts and TASKS

High School Bundle High-Interest Texts and TESTS

Note About the Practice Tests: The test items contain a variety of question types similar to SBAC, PARCC, STAAR, and all of the state standardized ELA assessment programs. The tests align to even more standards: Writing, Language, Speaking & Listening, Literacy in Science and History, etc. Items align specifically to the grade level, not just generally.

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Test Prep Workbooks Prepare Students For:

Alabama ARMT, Alaska SBA, Arizona NAEP, AzM2, AASA Arkansas AABE, California CAASP, STAR & SBAC, Colorado CMAS & CSAP, Connecticut CMT & CAPT, Delaware DCAS & DSTP, Washington, DC PARCC, Florida FSA & FCAT, Georgia CRCT, Hawaii HSA, Idaho ISAT, Illinois ISAT, Indiana ISTEP+, Iowa ITBS & ITED, Kansas KRA, Kentucky CATS & KCCT, Louisiana LEAP & ILEAP, Maine NECAP & MEA, Maryland MSA, Massachusetts MCAS, Michigan MEAP, Minnesota MCA II, Mississippi MCT & MFLE, Missouri MAP, Montana MontCAS, Nebraska NeSA, Nevada NPEP, New Hampshire NECAP, New Jersey PARCC, New Mexico NMSBA, New York Regents NYSE & NYSTP, North Carolina EOG, North Dakota CAT & NDSA, Ohio OAT & OST, Oklahoma OCCT, Oregon OAKS, Pennsylvania PSSA, Rhode Island RICAS & NECAP, South Carolina PASS, South Dakota DSTEP, Tennessee TCAP, Texas STAAR & TAKS, UTAH SAGE & UPASS, Vermont SBAC & NECAP, Virginia SOL, Washington WCAP & WASL, West Virginia WESTEST, Wisconsin WKCE, Wyoming PAWS