Grade: 8 Subject: ELA Unit: Complex Texts Lesson: 6 of 6 SAT: Craft+Structure ACT: Reading

Unit Checkpoint

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This unit checkpoint reviews all skills from the Complex Texts unit: vocabulary in context, complex arguments, guided practice, text analysis, and writing application.

Unit Review

  • Lesson 1: Challenging Vocabulary in Context - using context clues and word parts
  • Lesson 2: Complex Arguments - identifying claims, evidence, and reasoning
  • Lesson 3: Guided Practice - applying reading strategies with support
  • Lesson 4: Text Analysis Strategies - understanding structure and author's craft
  • Lesson 5: Writing Application - crafting written responses about texts

Examples

Review key examples from throughout the unit.

Summary examples from each lesson topic will appear here.

✏️ Practice

Test your understanding with these practice questions.

Practice Questions

0/3 correct
Question 1

What is the main idea of a passage?

A A small detail
B The central message or point
C The first sentence
D The author's name
Explanation: The main idea is the central message or most important point the author wants to convey.
Question 2

An inference is:

A Something stated directly
B A guess with no support
C A conclusion based on evidence
D The author's opinion
Explanation: An inference is a conclusion you draw based on evidence and reasoning, not stated directly.
Question 3

Context clues help you:

A Find the page number
B Understand unfamiliar words
C Count sentences
D Choose books
Explanation: Context clues are hints in the surrounding text that help you figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Check Your Understanding

Test yourself with these comprehensive unit review questions.

1. What is the first strategy to use when encountering an unfamiliar word in a complex text?

Show Answer

Use context clues from the surrounding sentences to infer the word's meaning.

2. What three elements make up a complete argument?

Show Answer

A claim (the main point), evidence (facts, examples, data), and reasoning (explanation of how evidence supports the claim).

3. What does "chunking" a text mean?

Show Answer

Breaking a long passage into smaller, manageable sections to process difficult material more easily.

4. Name three types of text structures.

Show Answer

Any three of: chronological, compare/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution, description.

5. What should always follow a quote in analytical writing?

Show Answer

Analysis that explains how the quote supports your claim or thesis.

6. What is the difference between tone and mood?

Show Answer

Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject; mood is the feeling or atmosphere the text creates in the reader.

7. Why is annotation important when reading complex texts?

Show Answer

Annotation helps you actively engage with the text, mark important information, and track your understanding as you read.

8. What makes a thesis statement effective?

Show Answer

An effective thesis is specific, arguable, and makes a claim that can be supported with evidence from the text.

9. What signal words indicate a cause/effect relationship?

Show Answer

"Because," "therefore," "as a result," "consequently," "since," and "due to."

10. What is the correct order for an analytical paragraph?

Show Answer

Topic sentence, context, evidence (quote), analysis, concluding sentence connecting to thesis.

Next Steps

  • Review any lessons where you struggled with the checkpoint questions
  • Celebrate completing the Complex Texts unit!
  • Move on to the next ELA unit: Rhetorical Analysis