5 Writing Standards

5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas (1) Also, a teacher may even have a few tips on how to make school work easier. (2) If you're ever feeling stressed out about school, you have several options. (3) One option is to talk to a friend. (4) A friend may not have the answers, but he/she might be able to take your mind off of your problems. (5) If that doesn't work, talk to a counselor or teacher. (6) A counselor or teacher may be able to ease your worry since they are involved with school directly. (7) Finally, talk to your parents. (8) Your parents were once students, too. 1. In the paragraph above, sentence 1 is out of order. Where would it BEST be placed? A. after sentence 2 B. before sentence 8 C. before sentence 4 D. after sentence 6

(1) Finally, they all waved goodbye to the whale as she set out for the deeper waters. (2) The marine biologists all gathered around the side of the dock. (3) They watched Luna the killer whale lowered into the dark water. (4) She snorted and hissed and squeaked through her blowhole as if to say "thanks." (5) The team had nursed Luna back to health six months earlier, and now they were sending her off again. (6) It was an emotional time. (7) The head biologist Dr. Moria McTaggart leaned over and kissed Luna's snout one last time. 2. In the paragraph above, sentence 1 is out of order. Where would it BEST be placed? A. after sentence 2 B. after sentence 7 C. before sentence 4 D. before sentence 5

Swimmer's Ear

(1) Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal. (2) If you stick your finger in your ear, you're feeling a little of the ear canal. (3) But if you have swimmer's ear, and you stick your finger in your ear, it will hurt! (4) Swimmer's ear is different from a regular ear infection. (5) A regular ear infection can be caused by a cold. (6) However, swimmer's ear happens when bacteria grow in the ear canal, which leads to the eardrum. (7) In that canal, you'll find delicate skin that's protected by a thin coating of earwax. (8) Most of the time, water can run in and out of the ear canal without causing a problem. (9) You don't usually get swimmer's ear from taking baths or showers. (10) Bacteria get a chance to grow when water stays in the ear canal, and it washes away the protective coating of earwax. (11) Bacteria can grow and hurt the ear canal.

1 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas

What Happens if I Have Swimmer's Ear?

(12) Swimmer's ear may start with some itching. (13) Ear pain is the most common sign of swimmer's ear. (14) The inside of the ear will appear red and swollen. (15) If a doctor says you have swimmer's ear, he or she will help you get rid of the infection. (16) To do that, the doctor will probably give you eardrops that contain medicine to kill the bacteria.

When Can I Go Back in the Pool?

(17) The question every kid wants to know is: "When can I swim again?" (18) You'll have to ask your doctor, but be prepared to wait a little bit. (19) It could be as long as a week to 10 days before the doctor says OK. (20) That's a bummer in the summer, but it's better than having that awful ear pain again! (21) If you have a big problem with swimmer's ear or you're a kid who's always in the water, the doctor may suggest ways for you to protect yourself. (22) For example, your mom or dad can get some special drops to put in your ears after swimming to dry up the water in there. (23) It's an extra step that just might keep your ears in super shape all summer! This information was provided by KidsHealth, one of the largest resources online for medically reviewed health information written for parents, kids, and teens. For more articles like this one, visit www.KidsHealth.org or www.TeensHealth.org. ©1995-2007. The Nemours Foundation 3. Choose the best place to add the following sentence.

Sometimes, a doctor puts medicine on a sponge that goes inside your ear.

A. after sentence 4 B. after sentence 20 C. after sentence 16 D. after sentence 10

4. Where would this sentence best fit in the passage?

The inside of the ear may swell and make it hard for the person to hear.

A. after sentence 16 B. after sentence 14 C. after sentence 21

2 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas D. after sentence 19

5. Where does this sentence best fit in the passage?

Also, a regular ear infection is found in the middle part of the ear.

Paragraph 1 Jarome Iginla is one of the best players in National Hockey League. Iginla has played for the Calgary Flames since 1996. He led the NHL in points scored from 2001 to 2002. For 10 years of his career, only one other player scored more goals than Iginla.

Paragraph 2 He is the first black player to be chosen to lead an NHL team. He has also won the Lester Pearson Most Valuable Player Award. He has been named an NHL All-Star Player five times. Iginla was chosen to be captain of the Calgary Flames in 2003.

Paragraph 3 He helped the Canadian hockey team win its first gold medal in 50 years. Iginla broke the Flames' record for number of games played. Iginla played in the 2002 Winter Olympics. He has played in more than 800 games. Iginla has also scored the most points in the team's history.

Paragraph 4 Iginla donates $2000 to charity every time he scores a goal. He started the Jarome Iginla Hockey School. In 2004, Iginla was selected for two NHL community service awards. The King Clancy Memorial Trophy and NHL Foundation Player Award both recognized his charity work. Proceeds from the school go to the Diabetes Research Association. Iginla receives almost as much attention for his work off the ice. 6. Which paragraph is organized in the most logical order? A. paragraph 1 B. paragraph 3 C. paragraph 4 D. paragraph 2

3 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas Sandwiches Please

(1) Pleasing everyone's taste buds is a difficult task. (2) For this reason, V.L. Cockran Academy should sell sandwiches in addition to hot meals for lunch. (3) Students who do not bring a sack lunch must buy a meal from the cafeteria for $3. (4) However, not all students eat these purchased meals. (5) As a result, money is wasted on cooked food that is eventually thrown in the garbage. (6) In addition, the staff's time is wasted preparing those uneaten meals. (7) Sandwiches would please both the students and the staff. 7. Choose the best place to add the following sentence.

Giving students two choices when buying lunches would solve a few problems.

A. before sentence 6 B. before sentence 3 C. before sentence 4 D. before sentence 5

8. Choose the best place to add the following sentence.

In contrast, the staff would use less time and money to make cold sandwiches.

(1) Michael saw a flyer for the school science fair. (2) He decided that he wanted to enter the science fair and win the money. (3) He chose to build his own miniature robot. (4) First, he took apart a drill and used the motor. (5) He noticed that the flyer said the grand prize was $500. (6) Then, he took bits of wiring from his family's vacuum cleaner. (7) When he finished, he realized it wasn't nearly as good as it could have been. 9. In the paragraph above, sentence 5 is out of order. Where would it BEST be placed? A. after sentence 1 B. after sentence 3 C. after sentence 6 D. after sentence 7

4 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas (1) One reason students should get low prices is because it is an educational place. (2) It helps students learn things they will not learn in school. (3) The museum should give students a low price on tickets. (4) Another reason students should get a low price is because it will increase attendance. (5) More students will be able to visit if it costs less money. (6) This will make the museum more successful. 10. In the paragraph above, sentence 3 is out of order. Where would it BEST be placed? A. after sentence 5 B. after sentence 4 C. before sentence 1 D. before sentence 2

(1) Pour the eggs flat into the heated pan, and let them cook. (2) The first thing to do when making an omelet is to prepare the ingredients. (3) Chop some onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms. (4) Second, preheat the pan and grease it with butter or vegetable oil. (5) Next, crack two or three eggs and whip them in a bowl until they are scrambled. (6) When the eggs start to cook, add the onions, tomatoes, and mushrooms. (7) Finally, carefully fold one side of the omelet over the other side. 11. In the paragraph above, sentence 1 is out of order. Where would it BEST be placed? A. before sentence 3 B. after sentence 4 C. before sentence 6 D. after sentence 7

(1) ______. Sandy knows many of the flowers that bloom in the glades. When she found out I liked to learn about birds and flowers, Sandy invited me to her home one day. She wanted to show me some orchids, which are a special type of flower. She and her husband, Fred, grow them as a hobby. She offered to drive me to her house. (2) ______. On our drive, Sandy pointed out the Gator Hook, a rough and tumble restaurant that the alligator hunters visited. (3) ______. adapted from Everglades by Cindy Toops 12. Which sentence below best fits in blank #1? A. I was walking in the marshes of the everglades when I first met my friend Sandy. B. Finally, where tree branches formed a canopy over the dusty road, we reached the gate. C. That afternoon, we bumped along a rutted dirt road past skinny cypress trees. D. Most people don't know that there is a difference between alligators and crocodiles.

5 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas 13. Which sentence below best fits in blank #3? A. Finally, where tree branches formed a canopy over the dusty road, we reached the gate. B. Most people don't know that there is a difference between alligators and crocodiles. C. I was walking in the marshes of the everglades when I first met my friend Sandy. D. That afternoon, we bumped along a rutted dirt road past skinny cypress trees.

14. Which sentence below best fits in blank #2? A. Most people don't know that there is a difference between alligators and crocodiles. B. That afternoon, we bumped along a rutted dirt road past skinny cypress trees. C. I was walking in the marshes of the everglades when I first met my friend Sandy. D. Finally, where tree branches formed a canopy over the dusty road, we reached the gate.

15. (1) He had been preparing for this day for the last month, collecting supplies and organizing groups of kids from his school. (2) Before he woke his mom, he checked the supplies again: garbage bags, snacks, and reflector vests. (3) Everything was there. (4) His mom came into the room with a plate of pancakes. (5) "You'll need to eat a good breakfast," she said. (6) "Cleaning up the river is hard work, but being in charge of the project is the hardest job." (7) Michael nodded and began eating his breakfast. (8) His mother smiled. (9) "I'm not the only mother who will thank you and the rest of your friends, you know," she said to Michael. (10) "Mother Nature appreciates your efforts, too." (11) Michael woke at dawn, ready to go.

Which sentence in this story is in the wrong place? A. sentence 11 B. sentence 4 C. sentence 7 D. sentence 2

16. Directions: Select the sentence that is in the wrong place in the passage. Early Native Americans Before Europeans settled in North America, the Native Americans lived off of the land. Native Americans relied on the natural resources of their land to get food and materials for clothing and shelter. Native Americans mostly bartered for goods. Barter is another word for trade. Different tribes

6 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas exchanged goods with each other. Some Native Americans traded jewelry, pottery, and a kind of money called wampum which was usually made of clam shells. Tribes living near rivers, lakes, and oceans set fish traps for meat. Native Americans never used gold for trade or money. The Native American trade network was quite large, and goods were traded over long distances. Almost all Native American tribes hunted and farmed. Most Plains tribes hunted buffalo for meat. Eastern Woodlands tribes hunted deer and smaller animals.Southwest tribes farmed corn, beans, and some fruit and hunted mostly small animals.

17. Directions: Select the correct answer from the drop-down menu. Which sentence fits best after the first sentence? The Lifestyle of the Native American Indian Houses were different between each Native American tribe. Different tribes used different materials to make their homes. Plains tribes used buffalo and other animal skins. Eastern Woodlands tribes used trees.Southwest tribes used mud and sticks. These natural resources were common to the areas in which these tribes lived. Native Americans' clothing was made to fit the weather the tribes lived in and the materials available to them. Tribes in the Northern Plains used buffalo skins to make clothing, robes, blankets, and shoes. Other tribes used deer skins or other animal skins to make clothing. Some tribes used cotton and other cloth to weave clothing. Stones and string were used for jewelry.

18. (1) After we saw the mountains of snow outside, we ran downstairs and gobbled up our breakfast. (2) The first thing that we did when we woke up was to run to the window to see how much snow was on the ground. (3) Next, we put on our warm clothes and played outside until lunchtime. (4) After lunch, we made a snowman. (5) Then, we came inside to warm up for awhile. (6) Finally, we got ready to go to school the next day.

7 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas

Which sentence in this passage is in the wrong place? A. sentence 3 B. sentence 2 C. sentence 4 D. sentence 5

19. Directions: Select the correct answer from the drop-down menu. Which sentence best fits in the passage? Advantages of Swimming Swimming is not only a recreational activity but is also a good form of exercise. As you swim against the force of water, you use every muscle of your body.Additionally, exercising in water is easier than exercising outdoors. Benefits of swimming are plenty. It strengthens your heart, lungs, joints, and muscles. . The constant motion of rhythmic strokes is like meditation for swimmers. Thus, swimming reduces stress and improves body flexibility. Swimming for an hour a day is sufficient for the body.

20. Bicycle Friendly

(1) It's obvious that our town needs more bicycle paths and racks for bicycle riders to use. (2) Traffic has gotten very bad in our town, so more people riding bicycles would help fix that problem. (3) Just the other day, I sat in traffic for over an hour. (4) If the town had more bicycle paths, it would allow more people to cycle to work or school. (5) We also need more bicycle racks, so people can lock their bikes safely around town.

Choose the best place to add the following sentence.

I watched numerous bicycle riders pass by the traffic.

8 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas A. after sentence 4 B. after sentence 3 C. after sentence 5 D. after sentence 1

21. Holly got dressed in a new outfit that she bought that summer. She combed her hair and fixed it in some pretty clips and barrettes. When she went downstairs, she found her mom had cooked a healthy breakfast. Holly woke up in the morning excited about her first day of school. After breakfast, Holly grabbed her new backpack and walked out the door. She couldn’t wait to get to school and see her friends.

The sentences in the paragraph above are out of order. Which sentence should be the first sentence in the paragraph? A. After breakfast, Holly grabbed her new backpack and walked out the door. B. When she went downstairs, she found her mom had cooked a healthy breakfast. C. She combed her hair and fixed it in some pretty clips and barrettes. D. Holly woke up in the morning excited about her first day of school.

22. Every Thursday, Brenden volunteers at the animal shelter. First, he needs to take the dogs for walks so they can get some exercise. Brenden knows the dogs like to get out of the cages and play with him. When he leaves, he misses all the dogs that he met that week. After walking the dogs, he gives them fresh food and clean water.

Which sentence from the paragraph above is in the wrong order? A. Every Thursday, Brenden volunteers at the animal shelter. B. Brenden knows the dogs like to get out of the cages and play with him. C. First, he needs to take the dogs for walks so they can get some exercise. D. When he leaves, he misses all the dogs that he met that week.

23. Directions: Type your response in the box. Technology is always changing. New items are being created every year. Many of the electronics that are used today did not exist several years ago. Think about the items you or members of your family use everyday. Does your teacher use a computer at school? Do your parents have a cellphone? In your opinion, what piece of technology is the most important?

9 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas Write an essay that states your opinion on what piece of technology is most important. Be sure to use details and reasons to support your opinion. Place your ideas in an order that makes sense.

24. Directions: Type your response in the box. People enjoy their summers in very different ways. Some people go on trips with family or friends. Other people find fun things to do around their houses or in their hometowns. Write a story about one way you enjoyed the summer months. Use details to tell about the way things may have smelled, tasted, sounded, or looked. Use transition words to help tell your story and make sure it has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Place the events in an order that makes sense.

25. (1) In 2005, heavy rains led to a mudslide. (2) Guatemala City is the capital of the Republic of Guatemala. (3) It is the largest city in Central America. (4) More than 2 million people live there. (5) Guatemala City has had several natural disasters. (6) It has been affected by earthquakes.

Which sentence in this passage is in the wrong place? A. sentence 1 B. sentence 4 C. sentence 3 D. sentence 5

Mammoths

(1) Mammoths were large land animals that lived about 1.8 million years ago. (2) Some of them were over 14 feet tall at the shoulders. (3) Mammoths were similar to

10 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas elephants. (4) They had four legs, a large body, and a head with big ears, a long trunk, and huge tusks. (5) The longest tusks measured over 17 feet in length. (6) The mammoths used these tusks to protect themselves and to dig for food in the snow. (7) One type of mammoth, the woolly mammoth, lived in very cold climates. (8) It was covered in thick, long hair to protect it from the cold. (9) Mammoth remains have been found in many parts of the world. (10) The oldest remains were found in Africa and date back 4 million years. (11) Other places where remains have been found include Europe, Asia, and North America. (12) Scientists have learned a lot about mammoths by studying these remains. (13) For example, they know that mammoths mostly ate grasses and plants that grew on the ground. 26. Choose the best place to add the following sentence.

Some of the tusks were straight, and some were curved.

27. Where does this sentence best fit in the passage?

Mammoth bodies that were complete with bones, organs, skin, fur, and teeth have been uncovered in the frozen ground of Siberia.

11 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas Mars Rovers

(1) The United States space agency known as NASA launched two robot rovers to study Mars. (2) The goal was to see if Mars ever had water. (3) It has turned out to be a successful mission! (4) The rovers launched in the summer of 2003. (5) It took them about six months to reach Mars. (6) The rovers landed on Mars with big airbags to bounce along the surface. (7) Then, the rovers drove around Mars and tested the soil. (8) These tests have shown that Mars probably once had water. (9) NASA named the two rovers Spirit and Opportunity. (10) The rovers also sent back many pictures. (11) These rovers were meant to work for 90 days on Mars. (12) Amazingly, Spirit lasted for six years, but stopped working in 2010. (13) Opportunity continued to work more than eight years after arriving! (14) Another robot rover named Curiosity landed on Mars in the summer of 2012. (15) This rover is bigger than Spirit or Opportunity, weighs about one ton, and is the size of a car! (16) Curiosity's mission is to see if life could have existed on Mars. (17) This rover will use lasers and other gear to test the soil. 28.

Due to their endurance, these two small rovers have been worth their big price tag.

The above sentence is the author's opinion. Where could this sentence be placed in the passage to support this opinion best? A. after sentence 4 B. after sentence 13 C. after sentence 16 D. after sentence 2

29. In the passage above, sentence 9 is out of order. Where would it best be placed?

12 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas A. after sentence 6 B. after sentence 5 C. after sentence 1 D. after sentence 14

Paragraph 1 The Anasazi people left many ruins in the Southwest. Chaco Canyon in New Mexico is one place that you can visit to learn about these people. Mesa Verde in Colorado is another. The two parks are alike in some ways, and different in others. Both parks have ruins that help you understand how the Ancient Ones lived. Both parks have walking paths to the ruins. It is easier to get to Mesa Verde. The road to the park is better, and there are buses and trams inside the park.

Paragraph 2 Mesa Verde in Colorado is another. The Anasazi people left many ruins in the Southwest. Chaco Canyon in New Mexico is one place that you can visit to learn about these people. The two parks are alike in some ways, and different in others. Both parks have ruins that help you understand how the Ancient Ones lived. Both parks have walking paths to the ruins. It is easier to get to Mesa Verde. The road to the park is better, and there are buses and trams inside the park.

Paragraph 3 Chaco Canyon in New Mexico is one place that you can visit to learn about these people. The road to the park is better, and there are buses and trams inside the park. The Anasazi people left many ruins in the Southwest. Mesa Verde in Colorado is another. The two parks are alike in some ways, and different in others. Both parks have ruins that help you understand how the Ancient Ones lived. Both parks have walking paths to the ruins. It is easier to get to Mesa Verde.

Paragraph 4 Both parks have walking paths to the ruins. It is easier to get to Mesa Verde. The road to the park is better, and there are buses and trams inside the park. The Anasazi people left many ruins in the Southwest. Chaco Canyon in New Mexico is one place that you can visit to learn about these people. Mesa Verde in Colorado is another. The two parks are alike in some ways, and different in others. Both parks have ruins that help you understand how the Ancient Ones lived. 30. Which paragraph is organized in the most logical order? A. paragraph 3 B. paragraph 2 C. paragraph 4

13 5 Writing Standards Organizing Ideas D. paragraph 1

Answers 1. D 2. B 3. C 4. B 5. A 6. A 7. B 8. D 9. A 10. C 11. C 12. A 13. A 14. B 15. A 16. -- 17. -- 18. B 19. -- 20. B 21. D 22. D 23. -- 24. -- 25. A 26. C 27. C 28. B 29. C 30. D