Say it clearly in fewer words

Grade 7 Reading Worksheet

Circle the best answer.

1. Read this first

   Letter to a Museum

   Letter from Zee to the education director of a museum. It is formal, and its purpose is to ask about a class visit.

   [1] I am writing to you with regard to the possibility of a class visit to your museum. [2] Our class has been studying the history of the printing press for a period of three weeks. [3] We would very much appreciate the opportunity to see the working press that you mentioned on your website. [4] It would be helpful if you could tell us what dates are available in the month of March. [5] Twenty-six students and three chaperones plan to attend. [6] Due to the fact that our bus leaves at 2:00, we would need to arrive no later than 10:30. [7] Thank you for considering our request.

2. 1.

   Esme trims [6] for a formal letter. Which version is shorter, keeps the reason and keeps a formal tone?

   • Because our bus leaves at 10:30, we would need to arrive no later than 2:00.
   • Because our bus leaves at 2:00, we would need to arrive no later than 10:30.
   • 'Cause our bus leaves at 2:00, we have to be there by 10:30.
   • We would need to arrive no later than 10:30.
3. 2.

   Jun edits the museum letter. Which sentence needs no trimming, and why?

   • [6], because the bus time explains the arrival time
   • [4], because it is long and polite, and politeness cannot be shortened
   • [5], because every word names a fact the museum needs
   • [2], because the three weeks show how long the class has studied
4. 3.

   Bo trims [4] for the museum director. Which version is shorter, keeps every fact and stays polite?

   • Could you tell us which dates are available in March?
   • Tell us which March dates are open.
   • Could you tell us which dates are booked in March?
   • Could you tell us which dates are available?

5. Hike Blog

   Blog post by Ari for classmates. It is friendly and casual, and its purpose is to tell what the hike was like.

   [1] So last weekend we went on a hike, and honestly it was kind of amazing. [2] We left at 7 a.m. in the morning and walked for a period of about four hours. [3] The trail was very, very steep, and the rocks were wet and slippery after the rain. [4] Around noon, we made our way to the top, where we ate lunch and took in the view. [5] Everyone was exhausted, but nobody complained because the view was worth it. [6] On the way down, we saw a deer that was standing absolutely still beside the path. [7] Next time, we are planning on bringing more water.

6. 4.

   Luz trims [2] for a casual blog. Which version is shorter, keeps every fact and keeps the casual tone?

   • We left at 7 a.m. and walked for about four hours.
   • We departed at 7 a.m. and walked for approximately four hours.
   • We left at 7 a.m. and walked for hours.
   • We left at 7 a.m. in the morning and walked about four hours.
7. 5.

   Tala edits the hike blog. Which sentence needs no trimming, and why?

   • [2], because the time and the length of the hike are facts worth keeping
   • [3], because “very, very” shows how hard the trail was
   • [4], because it describes the climb and the meal in rich detail
   • [5], because each word adds a fact or a feeling and nothing is repeated
8. 6.

   Ren trims [7] for a casual blog. Which version is shorter, keeps the plan and keeps the casual tone?

   • Next time, we will bring more water.
   • Subsequently, we intend to bring additional water.
   • Next time, we are thinking about bringing more water.
   • Next time, we will bring water.

9. Storm Report

   Storm report written by Pia for a local radio station. It is plain and calm, and its purpose is to tell listeners what happened.

   [1] The storm moved slowly across the valley on Tuesday afternoon. [2] Strong winds went through the town, and rain came down in heavy sheets. [3] Many trees fell over, and some of them landed on cars and fences. [4] By evening, the clouds were getting thinner and the wind was getting weaker. [5] Crews started to clean up the streets and fix the power lines. [6] Officials said the cleanup might take a few days, and they asked residents to stay calm and be patient. [7] The valley had not seen a storm this strong in many years.

10. 7.

    Zee replaces “went through” in [2] with the most precise phrase for strong winds crossing a town. Which choice fits best?

    • swept through
    • stopped in
    • tore apart
    • drifted through
11. 8.

    Milo replaces “fell over” in [3] with one verb. Which word is most precise for tall trees knocked down by wind?

    • toppled
    • collapsed
    • dropped
    • tumbled
12. 9.

    Ren trims [4]. Which version is shorter, keeps both changes and keeps a plain tone?

    • By evening, the clouds thinned.
    • By evening, the clouds thinned and the wind weakened.
    • By evening, the clouds thickened and the wind weakened.
    • By evening, the clouds were getting thinner and the wind was weakening.
13. 10.

    Pia trims [5]. Which version is shorter, keeps both jobs and keeps a plain tone?

    • Crews began clearing the streets and repairing the power lines.
    • Crews finished clearing the streets and repairing the power lines.
    • Crews began clearing the streets.
    • Crews commenced the clearance of the streets and the repair of the power lines.