Exam Practice Passage Booklet
ELL Exam Prep
Reading & Evidence Practice
Target: 80% (16/20 pts) • Timed: 30 Minutes
Name:
Date:
Score:
/ 20
Passage 1 • Informational Science Read carefully • Pay attention to line numbers
The Underground Network: How Trees Communicate
1For centuries, scientists believed that trees in a forest competed fiercely for sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. However, recent discoveries reveal that trees are connected through an intricate underground web of fungal threads known as mycorrhizal networks.
5Older, mature trees—frequently called "mother trees"—use this subterranean network to detect struggling younger saplings shadowed by thick canopies. Instead of hoarding resources, these mature trees channel surplus carbon, phosphorus, and moisture directly to the young trees through fungal filaments.
10Even more remarkably, when insect pests attack a Douglas fir, the besieged tree releases chemical distress signals into the underground fungus. Within hours, neighboring trees that receive these signals produce protective chemical defenses before insects even arrive. Far from living in isolated competition, a forest acts like a cooperative community.
Key Vocabulary
subterranean (line 5): underground.
hoarding (line 6): keeping everything for oneself.
besieged (line 10): attacked or surrounded.
Inference Tip: An inference is a conclusion you draw by combining text clues with your prior knowledge.
1 According to lines 5–8, why do "mother trees" transfer resources to younger saplings? (2 pts)
A To replace old fungal roots with fresh soil nutrients
B To support young saplings that cannot get enough light
C To attract predatory insects that attack Douglas firs
D To encourage fierce competition among forest species
2 Inference Task: What can the reader infer about the survival of a forest when a mother tree is removed or cut down?
5 pts
State your inference, then cite three distinct pieces of textual evidence (quote or specific details with line numbers) to support your claim.
My Inference:
Evidence #1 Line #: ____
Evidence #2 Line #: ____
Evidence #3 Line #: ____
Sentence Frames: "Based on lines __, the author states..." • "This suggests that without the mother tree..." • "The text explicitly proves..."
ELL Exam Prep
Reading & Evidence Practice
Part 2: Literary Text • Suggested Time: 10 Min
Passage 2 • Narrative / Cultural Heritage Read carefully • Pay attention to characters' unspoken actions
The Silver Shuttle
1The morning sun barely cut through the mountain mist when Mateo stepped into his grandmother’s weaving workshop. For weeks, tourists at the valley market had bought cheap factory blankets, while Abuela’s wooden loom remained burdened with half-finished wool rugs.
5Mateo reached for the modern synthetic dyes he had brought from the city store, urging her to weave faster patterns. Without speaking, Abuela gently set down his plastic bottles. Her calloused fingers smoothed the indigo skeins dyed with wild shrubs she had gathered at dawn.
10She picked up her polished silver shuttle—a heirloom engraved with eagle feathers passed down through three generations. She did not raise her voice; instead, she pressed the wooden treadle rhythmically, guiding the silver shuttle across the loom. The wood sang with a steady, quiet heartbeat.
15Mateo watched her weathered hands create intricate diamond motifs that told the story of their village's river. Slowly, he placed the plastic bottles back inside his backpack and sat quietly on the cedar stool beside her, reaching out his hand to learn the rhythm of the warp.
Key Vocabulary
loom (line 3): frame used for weaving cloth.
calloused (line 7): hardened from hard work.
heirloom (line 10): precious object passed down in a family.
Inference Strategy: Look at characters' body language, physical choices, and silence to figure out their true feelings.
3 Why does Abuela set down Mateo’s plastic bottles without speaking? (2 pts)
A She does not notice what Mateo placed on her work table
B She refuses to sacrifice cultural heritage and quality for speed
C She intends to sell the synthetic dyes at the valley market later
D She prefers factory-made blankets over hand-woven wool rugs
4 Inference Task: What can you infer about how Mateo's perspective toward traditional weaving shifts by the end of the passage?
5 pts
State your claim about Mateo's change in perspective, then cite three distinct pieces of textual evidence (actions or details with line numbers).
My Inference:
Evidence #1 Line #: ____
Evidence #2 Line #: ____
Evidence #3 Line #: ____
Evidence Check: Did you cite 3 different lines? [ ] Yes [ ] Not yet • Did you explain what the clue proves? [ ] Yes [ ] Not yet
ELL Exam Prep
Part 3: Timed Inference Challenge
6 Pts Section • Total Test: 20 Pts
Goal Benchmark: To achieve the 80% passing standard, you must earn at least 16 out of 20 total points across this booklet. Complete questions 5 and 6 using both passages.
5 Compare Passage 1 and Passage 2. What common theme or message can the reader infer from both texts? (2 pts)
A Individual strength is more important than connecting with community traditions
B Survival and deep meaning rely on cooperative networks and shared heritage over quick gain
C Technological and synthetic innovations are always superior to older natural systems
D Quiet actions are ineffective when attempting to warn or instruct others
6 Final Exam Prompt: How do silent signals or unspoken communication influence the actions of others? (4 pts)
4 pts
Choose either Passage 1 (trees) OR Passage 2 (weaving). Write a 2-sentence inference, then supply three separate pieces of evidence with line numbers.
My Chosen Passage: [ ] Passage 1 [ ] Passage 2 Inference Claim:
Evidence A Line: ___
Evidence B Line: ___
Evidence C Line: ___
Exam Scoring Breakdown & 80% Mastery Benchmark
Student & Teacher Conference
| Task Item | Standard | Max Pts | Earned |
|---|
| Q1 (Passage 1 Literal Comprehension) | Key Ideas | 2 | ____ / 2 |
| Q2 (Passage 1 Inference + 3 Evidence Pieces) | Inference & Evidence | 5 | ____ / 5 |
| Q3 (Passage 2 Narrative Inference) | Character Motivation | 2 | ____ / 2 |
| Q4 (Passage 2 Inference + 3 Evidence Pieces) | Inference & Evidence | 5 | ____ / 5 |
| Q5 & Q6 (Synthesis & 3 Evidence Citations) | Cross-Text Evidence | 6 | ____ / 6 |
Benchmark Status:
Total: ____ / 20 pts
Percentage: ____ %
[ ] Met 80% (16+ pts)
[ ] Revising with Teacher
Inference Mastery Answer Guide
Teacher & Evaluator Key
Inference & Evidence Scoring Guide
Passages 1 & 2 Solutions
Benchmark Target: 80% (16 / 20 pts)
Passage 1: "The Underground Network" Solutions Total: 7 Points
Question 1 (Literal Comprehension - 2 pts) Correct Choice: B
Explanation: Lines 5–8 explicitly state that mature trees channel surplus carbon, phosphorus, and moisture to "struggling younger saplings shadowed by thick canopies." Distractors A, C, and D misrepresent the cooperative mycorrhizal network.
Question 2 (Inference & 3-Piece Evidence Standard - 5 pts) 1 pt inference + 3 pts evidence + 1 pt explanation
Target Inference Claim: If a mother tree is removed or cut down, young saplings in the forest are much more likely to starve and die, and the surrounding trees will lose their early defense warning system against insect pests.
Acceptable Evidence #1
Lines 5–7: Mother trees use subterranean fungal networks to detect struggling saplings shadowed by thick canopies.
Acceptable Evidence #2
Lines 7–8: Mother trees "channel surplus carbon, phosphorus, and moisture directly to the young trees."
Acceptable Evidence #3
Lines 10–12: Attacked trees send chemical distress signals, allowing neighbors to build chemical defenses in advance.
Passage 2: "The Silver Shuttle" Solutions Total: 7 Points
Question 3 (Narrative Inference - 2 pts) Correct Choice: B
Explanation: Abuela's deliberate action of setting down the modern chemical dyes and caressing her natural indigo wool reveals her commitment to preserving authentic family craft over quick, commercial convenience.
Question 4 (Inference & 3-Piece Evidence Standard - 5 pts) 1 pt inference + 3 pts evidence + 1 pt explanation
Target Inference Claim: Mateo begins by prioritizing speed and modern shortcuts, but shifts to deep respect and curiosity for his family's artisanal heritage after witnessing Abuela's dedication.
Acceptable Evidence #1
Lines 5–6: Initial impatience: Mateo brought synthetic dyes and urged Abuela to "weave faster patterns."
Acceptable Evidence #2
Lines 15–16: Shift begins: Mateo watches her weathered hands create motifs telling "the story of their village's river."
Acceptable Evidence #3
Lines 16–18: Complete shift: Mateo puts the plastic bottles away, sits beside her, and reaches out to learn the warp.
Inference Strategy Quick Sheet
ELL Exam Anchor Guide
The 3-Piece Evidence Detective Strategy
Standard: 80% Mastery
The Golden Rule of Making Inferences
Text Clues Facts & Line Numbers
My Knowledge What I Know About Life
=
Valid Inference Reading Between the Lines
How to Collect Your 3 Pieces of Evidence (Step-by-Step)
1
Evidence Piece #1
Find the first strong action or fact. Record the exact line number where the author introduces the situation.
Example: "In line 5, the author explains that..."
2
Evidence Piece #2
Locate a second distinct detail that shows how a character behaves or how a natural process develops.
Example: "Furthermore, lines 7–8 demonstrate..."
3
Evidence Piece #3
Identify the concluding result or shift. This seals your argument and proves your inference cannot be doubted.
Example: "Finally, line 16 reveals that..."
Academic Sentence Frames for ELL Exam Writing
Stating Your Inference:
- • "From this passage, the reader can infer that..."
- • "Although the text does not say it directly, it suggests..."
- • "This interaction reveals that the character feels..."
Connecting Text Clues (Transitions):
- • "The author supports this on line __ by stating..."
- • "A second key piece of evidence appears in lines __..."
- • "This specific detail illustrates that..."
30-Minute ELL Exam Pacing Guide
Minutes 00–10: Passage 1 (Read & Complete Q1–Q2) 10 min
Minutes 10–20: Passage 2 (Read & Complete Q3–Q4) 10 min
Minutes 20–27: Part 3 Timed Challenge (Q5–Q6) 7 min
Minutes 27–30: Evidence Audit & 80% Check 3 min
Pre-Submission Checklist
- [✓] Did I provide at least 3 distinct evidence pieces?
- [✓] Did I write down the line numbers?
- [✓] Did I answer in complete academic sentences?
80% Benchmark: 16 out of 20 points!
ELL Reading Comprehension Strategy • Citing Text-Based Evidence Anchor Guide
