assessment 1 - goodtogreatschools.org.au · adam will ride his bi cycle down the hill. 7 ......

Term

4

ASSESSMENT 1

6Year

1

Year 6 English Assessment 1

Australian Curriculum EnglishYear 6, Assessment 1

Read Why You Need to Write Well and answer questions 1-5.

Why You Need to Write WellWhen was the last time you wrote a letter to someone

using pen and paper? Probably a long time, if ever. Everything has gone digital, so why do we need to learn to write well? The answer is that writing well is more important than ever.

First, you have to realise that writing well means thinking well. You see, the ability to connect the dots in writing means you are able to think clearly. By connecting the dots, you are able to build a strong argument. You are able to discuss the pros and cons of any topic. You are able to link a variety of facts into a coherent whole. You can provide support for your opinions. You express patterns you see in different events, and this is key to creativity.

Second, it’s a myth that the digital world minimises writing. As blogger Dustin Wax says, “Today’s world is a world of text; it is the lifeblood of the information economy.” Personally, you may write emails, texts, tweets, blogs and comments on websites or Facebook. At work, you may write letters, proposals, reports, press releases, forms, signs, purchase orders, recommendations and more. There is constant writing in our lives because we are always communicating with others – and more often these days we have to write it and send it digitally.

Third, your success depends on developing good communication skills. In fact, that’s the number one skill that business owners look for when hiring. Every job requires that you “sell” yourself. That means, you are able to explain what you’re doing and why, or what others should do and why. It also means that you will be less likely to be misunderstood thus reducing future problems. And, when you get those great ideas that we all do, you’ll be able to express them and make a difference in the world.

Writing well is the critical ingredient for your success, for your everyday work and for your ability to think and make sense of your world. Writing well leads to doing well!

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What is the position of the writer in this persuasive text? Everything is digital so you don’t need to learn writing

as much. Writing is more important than ever. You must be good at explaining what you are doing

and why. You must be able to connect the dots in writing.

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Which are examples of the kinds of writing you might do in a job? Writing a report. Texting and tweeting. Commenting on a friend’s Facebook post. Writing a letter of recommendation.

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Which are examples of thinking well? Link a variety of facts into a whole. Write a report. Build an argument. Write an email.

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Which is a reason for learning to write well? It will help you be a better thinker. It will help you connect the dots. You will have to send messages digitally. You will be able to write reports.

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Which are examples of how writing helps you succeed? It helps you avoid misunderstandings. It helps you explain yourself better. It helps you send better tweets. It helps you “sell” yourself.

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3



Select the group of precise verbs where each could replace the underlined word and keep the meaning.

Anna and Olivia walked through the park. marched, jogged, raced trudged, ran, sprinted strolled, sauntered, hiked dashed, hurried, strode

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Quiz continues on the next page ►

Write a sentence using the correct past tense of the irregular verb in this sentence.

Adam will ride his bicycle down the hill.

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Rewrite the sentence to add words or move the incorrect underlined modifier.While sitting on the train, the novel was written by the famous author.

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Which sentences correctly use a comma? Kangaroos have a pouch, and wombats do too. Victoria, Claudia and Sara will take the course this

weekend. Tim broke his left arm and then he broke his right arm

while skateboarding. Mary wanted a big cake for her wedding, so she

had three tiers on it.

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The Trip to MarsHumans are explorers. They want to know about their

world. From using dugout canoes to explore nearby islands to big sailing ships going across oceans, mankind has pushed the frontier of his knowledge. Going to Mars is another step in that direction. Mankind must go to Mars! Our very survival depends on it!

The first reason is adventure. Mankind has dreamed of exploring space, and this is the next big adventure. We go to Mars because we can. It pushes the envelope of what’s possible. It extends our capabilities as a species. Also, it’s a dream that will be shared by all mankind via satellite images from the “Red Planet.”

The second reason is knowledge. What will we learn about Mars? Will there be signs of life? What does that tell us about Earth? Scientists have hundreds of questions that need answering, and one expert says that humans on the ground can answer the questions 10 000 times faster than a robot.

The third reason is progress. This project will lead to many advances in our technology. By figuring out new ways to do things for the Martian astronauts, we will discover how to improve the quality of life on Earth. For example, immediate uses will be seen in recycling, solar energy, food production and medical monitoring. A few of the many discoveries that came from past space research include: light-emitting diodes (LEDs), infrared ear thermometers, artificial limbs, anti-icing systems for airplanes, improved radial tyres, better firefighter gear, memory foam, enriched baby food, freeze-dried food and much more.

The trip to Mars is better for our spirits (the adventure), for our minds (knowledge) and for our bodies (progress). We have to make the trip! It’s the right thing to do! It’s who we are as human beings!

Read The Trip to Mars and answer questions 10-13.

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Which words indicate an appeal to emotion? Mankind must go to Mars! There are many discoveries that come from space

research. What will we learn about Mars? Our very survival depends on it!

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Which words indicate an appeal to ethics or what’s right? It’s a dream that will be shared by all mankind. This project will lead to many advances in our

technology. It’s the right thing to do! Scientists have hundreds of questions that need

answering.

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Which words indicate an appeal to logic or reason? Scientists have hundreds of questions that need

answering. It’s who we are as human beings! It’s the right thing to do! Our very survival depends on it!

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What could the author add to increase the appeal to emotion? Our technology will suffer from a deadly curse of no

advancement! Children will lose their dreams of ‘boldly going where

no one has gone before.’ We have to know if there has ever been life on Mars. If we don’t go, we’ll regret it forever!

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What is a logical appeal to support this position statement?

Noise pollution is bad for our health. Noise of 85 dB (like a heavy truck) is linked to

aggressive behaviour. We are damaging the hearing of our children if they

live near loud noise. Everyone has a right to a quiet place to live and

work. I can’t stand aggravating noises like lawn mowers.

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Which are emotional appeals to support this position statement?

Climate change is the number one problem facing mankind. The goal is to limit the increase in temperature to

2°C. This is a tragedy that will affect our children and

grandchildren. If we don’t do something, our planet will suffer

gradual but irreversible consequences. It’s our responsibility to leave a better world for our

children.

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What is an ethical appeal to support this position statement?Computer-driven cars should be allowed on the roads.

These cars will save gas. These cars will reduce accidents. Driverless cars are the ticket to freedom for anyone

anywhere. The government has the right to make the roads

safer.

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Select the group of precise verbs where each could replace the underlined word and keep the meaning. Ethan ate the whole pizza in 10 minutes. toasted, tasted, gulped scarfed, dispatched, sipped devoured, ingested, wolfed down bolted, consumed, slurped

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Which sentences use the correct past tense of the irregular verb? Enrique led his friends across the stepping stones in

the creek. Margaret have to have quiet in order to study. William read to his sister for an hour. Mr Smith forgetted to close the door after he went

out.

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Which sentence does NOT have a misplaced or dangling modifier? Rewrite the other sentences correctly, rearranging or adding words as needed. The hero screamed spilling my popcorn. I gasped for air jumping in my seat. The movie in the theatre was very scary. Listening intently, the music clued me in to the

scary scenes.

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Which sentence correctly uses commas?o The politician made a speech, because he was

invited by the people.o William the tallest boy played centre on the

basketball team.o The most dangerous water creatures are the

crocodile, the snake and the shark.o Water when it evaporates, becomes a gas.

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Select which sentence correctly conveys the positive or negative feeling based on clues within the sentence. The tired hikers had to march through the snow. The tired hikers had to stroll through the snow. The tired hikers had to walk through the snow. The tired hikers had to trudge through the snow.

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Identify which reasons contain fallacies. If you go to bed earlier, then you will be able to get

up earlier. If we ban fizzy drinks, then the next step will be

banning coffee and tea. Swimmer Ian Thorpe likes Speedo goggles, so they

might help you be a good swimmer. Tennis star Serena Williams uses a banking app on

her phone, so if you do too you might be a tennis star.

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Quiz continues on the next page ►

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Food Cravings“Chips! Gimme the pink bag with the salt and vinegar chips!

Gotta have it!” said Olivia, as she reached for the snack. Maybe you reach for chocolate cake? Or you have a strong urge for fairy floss? Food cravings, like these, have more to do with your emotions than with your taste buds. And they can be licked! (Pun intended).

If your desire for comfort food arises due to stress, then you can do one of three things – find something to do that makes you happy, like listening to music, wait it out or find a good distraction.

On the other hand, your craving may come because you are some kind of special diet which limits the amount and variety of food you get each day. The way to beat this urge is to eat your favourite food but just in small portions. Also, don’t try to replace your craving with the diet version. Experts say it doesn’t work. Drinking hot water will also reduce the craving as it makes you feel full.

Sometimes, cravings will arise because you don’t get enough sleep. Scientists say lack of sleep reduces your “full” signals in the body and turns on your “eat” triggers. Again, just giving yourself a small portion helps. You get the taste, and your craving lessens.

Finally cravings can be due to habit. Maybe every time you sit in front of the TV, you want popcorn or chocolate. Your body remembers the routine, and drives you to do it again –and again. The solution is to watch TV somewhere else, away from the refrigerator. Another idea is, when the craving comes up, to picture your body looking healthy. After a little bit, the craving will not be as strong and may even disappear. Or do something else while watching TV, such as playing a game on your phone, typing an email or writing a list.

Cravings can take over your body and mind, if you let them. But they are really a sign of imbalance from stress, diets, sleeplessness or habit. Restore your balance by choosing music, waiting, distractions, small portions, hot water or visualising a healthy you. The key is to act rather than react. You can do it!

Read Food Cravings and answer questions 23-26.

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What are some causes of food cravings? Too much stress or not enough sleep. Too much popcorn and chocolate. Watching TV or playing a game on your phone. Reduced food intake or regular routines.

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Which is an example of cravings due to habit? Every time you sit in front of the TV, you want popcorn

and chocolate. You have too much stress. You don’t get enough sleep and your signals are out

of balance. You only eat the diet version of foods, such as

desserts or drinks.

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Which causes of cravings can be solved with distractions? Too much stress and not enough sleep. Too much stress and strong habits. Lack of sleep and special diets. Too much stress and special diets.

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Which sentence correctly changes this slang expression to Standard English that is still personal? “Chips! Gimmethe pink bag with the salt and vinegar chips! Gottahave it!” said Olivia. “Chips! Ya wanna slip me the pinkie with the salt and

vinegar yums! Awesome to have!” said Olivia. “Mum, can I have the pink bag with salty, vinegary

chips? I just love’em!” said Olivia. “Salt and vinegar chips in the pink bag are on sale in

aisle two,” said the market loudspeaker. “Chips! Please give me the pink bag with salt and

vinegar chips! I really like them!” said Olivia.

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What would be a good position for this topic?Should we ban large fizzy drinks from all shops?o Fizzy drinks are great for cooling off on hot days.o Fizzy drinks are not healthy for you.o Fizzy drinks should not be allowed in shops.o Shops have the right to sell what they want.

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What reasons could you give to support your position? (tick all that apply) Fizzy drinks contain too much sugar. People have a right to drink what they want. Too much sugar will lead to diabetes and obesity. Banning fizzy drinks will lead to an underground

market where people make their own drinks. Students who drink fizzy drinks get headaches and

have shorter attention spans. The fizzy drink manufacturers are not honest in their

commercials. We have more important issues to worry about than

banning fizzy drinks. This is a public health issue, and we owe it to our

people to help them be healthy.

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END of Assessment

Using the planning done in the previous two questions, write a persuasive paragraph on this topic. Should we ban large fizzy drinks from all shops?

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Term

4

6Year

assessment 1 - goodtogreatschools.org.au · adam will ride his bi cycle down the hill. 7 ......

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