Match your writing to your reader

Grade 7 Reading Worksheet

Circle the best answer.

1. Read this first

   Science Fair Abstract

   Abstract by Esme for the judges of the district science fair, who are adult scientists and teachers. Its purpose is to summarize the question, method, results and conclusion.

   [1] This project tested whether the color of a roof affects the temperature of the room beneath it. [2] Two identical cardboard boxes were built, and each was covered with a lid of white or black paper. [3] A lamp was placed thirty centimeters above each box, and a thermometer inside each box was read every five minutes for half an hour. [4] After thirty minutes, the box with the black lid measured 38 degrees Celsius, while the box with the white lid measured 31 degrees. [5] So the black lid totally proves that dark roofs make houses way hotter. [6] However, the test used only one lamp and one trial, so the evidence is limited. [7] I think the results are super cool and I can't wait to test more colors. [8] A larger study should repeat each trial at least five times and should add a gray lid as a middle case. [9] These results suggest that lighter roofs may reduce indoor heat, which could lower cooling costs in warm regions.

2. 1.

   Esme revises [5] for the judges. Which revision uses formal words and claims only what the data show?

   • These data suggest that a black lid raises the temperature inside a box more than a white lid does.
   • It is hereby asserted that the aforementioned black lid exhibits superior thermal retention.
   • The black lid clearly proved that dark roofs make houses much hotter.
   • So the black lid totally made the box way hotter than the white one.
3. 2.

   Esme revises [7] for the judges. Which revision fits an abstract and keeps the plan to test more colors?

   • The results are encouraging, and testing additional colors is the next step.
   • The undersigned researcher expresses profound enthusiasm for subsequent chromatic experimentation.
   • The results are conclusive, so no further colors need to be tested.
   • The results are pretty cool, and I want to test more colors.
4. 3.

   Esme chose “These results suggest” in [9] instead of “This proves.” Why is that better in a formal science abstract?

   • “Suggest” is longer, and longer words sound more scientific
   • “Suggest” is more casual, so younger readers can follow the abstract
   • A formal science style states a conclusion no stronger than the evidence supports
   • “Suggest” is more polite to the judges, who may dislike strong words in a report

5. Email to the Garden Manager

   Email from Zee to Mr. Brandt, the manager of the Eastside Community Garden. Its purpose is to ask permission to use a plot for a class project.

   [1] My seventh-grade science class is testing how different soils affect the growth of bean plants, and we need a small garden plot for six weeks. [2] The empty plot beside the tool shed would suit our project because it receives direct sun until noon. [3] Give us the shed key on Monday so we can get started. [4] We plan to fill three sections with sand, clay, and compost, and then measure every plant once a week. [5] Our teacher, Ms. Alvarez, will supervise each visit, and the class will clean the plot afterward. [6] We will return the plot to its original condition, and we will pull all weeds before we leave. [7] If the plot is already promised to someone else, we would gladly work around another schedule. [8] Please let me know by Friday, since the beans should be planted before the weather turns cold. [9] Thanks a bunch, and sorry for bugging you!

6. 4.

   Zee checks the email to Mr. Brandt. Which pair of sentences needs a change in tone or wording?

   • [6] and [8] sound too stiff for an email
   • [2] and [4] give details Mr. Brandt does not need
   • [3] sounds like an order, and [7] sounds too casual
   • [3] sounds like an order, and [9] uses casual slang
7. 5.

   Zee revises [3], “Give us the shed key on Monday so we can get started.” Which revision is polite and keeps the request?

   • We need the shed key on Monday so we can get started.
   • May we use the shed sometime soon so we can begin?
   • May we borrow the shed key on Monday so we can begin?
   • It would be most gratefully appreciated were the shed key to be furnished on Monday.
8. 6.

   Zee keeps [7], “If the plot is already promised to someone else, we would gladly work around another schedule.” Why is it worth keeping?

   • It explains why the class chose this garden plot
   • It repeats the request a second time so that Mr. Brandt cannot forget what is needed
   • It is casual in tone, so it balances the stiff parts of the rest of the email
   • It offers a flexible choice, which shows respect for the manager's other plans

9. Campaign Speech

   Speech by Bo for the whole school assembly. Its purpose is to persuade classmates to vote for Bo for student council.

   [1] Good morning, students, and thank you for listening. [2] Have you ever stood in a lunch line so long that you had only ten minutes left to eat? [3] I have, and I believe our school can fix that problem. [4] If I am elected, I will ask the cafeteria to open a second serving window and to post the menu a week early. [5] My friend Pia has already collected eighty signatures from students who want the same change. [6] Some candidates say the schedule cannot be changed, but that idea is dumb and anyone can see that. [7] In fact, two nearby schools have added a second window and cut their waiting time almost in half. [8] You deserve a council that listens, and I promise to bring your ideas to every meeting. [9] So vote for me on Friday, and it will be totally epic. [10] Thank you.

10. 7.

    A classmate says Bo should cut “you” and the question in [2] because a speech must be formal. Which response is best?

    • They can stay, because speaking to listeners fits a speech and keeps a respectful tone
    • They can stay, because informal words are fine anywhere in a persuasive speech like this
    • They should go, because formal style avoids speaking directly to the audience in a speech
    • They should go, because questions belong in tests, not in a persuasive speech
11. 8.

    Bo revises [6], which calls an idea “dumb.” Which revision stays respectful and keeps Bo's position?

    • Some candidates say the schedule cannot be changed, but two nearby schools have shown that it can.
    • Some candidates say the schedule can be changed, and I agree with them.
    • Some candidates say the schedule cannot be changed, but such an assertion is wholly without merit.
    • Some candidates say the schedule cannot be changed, but that view is silly and anyone can see that.
12. 9.

    Bo revises [9], “So vote for me on Friday, and it will be totally epic.” Which revision keeps the request to vote?

    • So please remember to vote on Friday.
    • Accordingly, the electorate is encouraged to cast a ballot in my favor on Friday.
    • So vote for me on Friday, and it will be awesome, I promise.
    • So please vote for me on Friday, and together we can shorten the lunch line.
13. 10.

    Bo also prints the speech in the school newsletter. Which opening replaces [1] best for readers who are not at the assembly?

    • Good morning, students, and thank you for listening to me today.
    • To the student body: I hereby announce my candidacy for the position of council representative.
    • Hey, newsletter readers, check out why I should win!
    • Fellow students, I am running for student council, and I would like your vote on Friday.