The NYST is a Computer-Based Longitudinal Assessment System for College and Career Readiness. The students will face a variety of new technology-enhanced questions as a part of the computer-based tests.
Some of them are Multiple choice-single correct responses, Multiple choice-multiple correct responses, Matching Tables, Drag and Drop, Hot text, Table Fill in, Graphing, Equation/numeric, Extended constructed response, Short answer, and many more.
Today, we will share several sample questions along with practice test links for grade 8 English Language Arts that gives you an idea of questions that your students are likely to see on the test. After each sample question, an explanation follows that includes any important aspects of the task that you may need to consider with respect to the skills, processes, and information your students need to know.
Domain: Grade 8 >> Reading Standards for Literature
Sample Question: When Melody’s mom came home and discovered the vase in pieces on the counter, she said nothing, instead she pursed her lips, put her hand on her left hip and glared at Melody.
What can the reader infer about Melody’s mom?
- Melody’s mom is mad at Melody for breaking the vase. She is waiting for an explanation.
- Melody’s mom had a long day at work and just needs a moment to think.
- Melody’s mom cannot talk due to some dental work she had done earlier in the day.
- Melody’s mom is surprised that her kitchen is so clean.
Answer Explanation: Answer choice A is correct. Melody’s mom’s body language leads the reader to believe she is angry, and her silence and body language indicate she is angry. Answer choice B is incorrect because her body language indicates she is angry, not tired. Answer choice C is incorrect because there is nothing in the passage to lead the reader to believe any dental work was done. Answer choice D is incorrect because there is nothing in the passage to indicate that the kitchen was clean.
Standards: RL.8.1
Click here to practice: Reading Standards for Literature Questions on 8th Grade
Domain: Grade 8 >> Reading Standards for Informational Text
Sample Question: The Emperor Penguin is the only penguin species that breeds during the Antarctic winter. It treks 31–75 miles over the ice to breeding colonies, which may include thousands of penguins. The female lays a single egg, which is then incubated by the male while the female returns to the sea to feed; parents subsequently take turns foraging at sea and caring for their chick in the colony. The average lifespan of the Empire Penguin is 20 years, although observations suggest that some Emperor Penguins may live to 50 years of age.
What evidence in the text could lead you to infer both the male and female penguin share equally in the responsibility of raising the chick?
- “The average lifespan of the Empire Penguin is 20 years,”
- “The Emperor Penguin is the only penguin species that breeds during the Antarctic winter.”
- “…parents subsequently take turns foraging at sea and caring for their chick in the colon.”
- none of the above
Answer Explanation: Answer choice C is correct because it says the parents take turns, which leads readers to believe they are sharing responsibility.
Standards: RI.8.1
Click here to practice: Grade 8 Reading Standards for Informational Text Questions
Domain: Grade 8 >> Writing Standards
Sample Question: Television should be viewed minimally by children.
Which of the following least supports the topic sentence above?
- There is too much violence on television that is not suitable for kids to see.
- Children need to spend more time being physcially active because more and more kids are at unhealthy weights.
- Children like TV too much.
- Children need to socialize with other children to support the development of healthy relationships.
Answer Explanation: Answer choice C is correct. The topic is about minimizing the amount of television children watch. The supporting details should be specific reasons why children should watch less television.
Standards: W.8.1
Click here to practice: 8th Grade Writing Standards Questions
Domain: Grade 8 >> Language Standards
Sample Question: Which of the following is a superlative adjective?
- older
- old
- oldest
Answer Explanation: Answer choice C is correct. Superlative adjectives take the description of three nouns to the highest degree. For example, there is no higher degree of description for the word “old” than “oldest.” Another example of a superlative adjective is “best.” My mom’s cooking is good vs My mom’s cooking is better than your mom’s cooking vs My mom’s cooking is the best. Best is a superlative adjective – there’s nothing better.
Standards: L.8.1
Click here to practice: Language Standards Questions for 8th Grade
