West Virginia General Summative Assessment English Language Arts — Grade 6

Read the passage: "As Caleb reached the crest of Spruce Knob, the wind whipped through his coat. Below him, endless rows of West Virginia mountains stretched like frozen green waves under the October sky. He took a deep breath of crisp air and smiled, knowing the five-mile climb had been worth every step. He listened to the wind rustle through the dry autumn leaves on the summit." Which sentence from the passage best supports the inference that Caleb feels a sense of accomplishment?

• A"As Caleb reached the crest of Spruce Knob, the wind whipped through his coat."
• B"Below him, endless rows of West Virginia mountains stretched like frozen green waves und…
• C"He took a deep breath of crisp air and smiled, knowing the five-mile climb had been wort…
• D"He listened to the wind rustle through the dry autumn leaves on the summit."

Read the passage: "Maya stared at the blank canvas on her easel. Her brother had won first prize in the school art contest three years in a row, and everyone expected Maya to do the same. She picked up her brush, but her hand trembled so much she laid it back down." Based on the text, why does Maya hesitate to begin painting?

• AShe does not have the proper art supplies to complete her painting.
• BShe feels pressure from the expectation to match her brother's success.
• CShe dislikes painting and would rather participate in sports.
• DShe is angry at her brother for winning the art contest.

Read the passage: "The old barn had stood against the West Virginia winter winds for nearly a century. Its wooden beams groaned during heavy snowstorms, but its cedar posts never swayed. Generations of horses had sheltered safely beneath its roof." What character trait of the barn is emphasized through personification?

• AFragility
• BSturdiness
• CModernity
• DLoneliness

Read the passage: "When the new student, Eli, sat alone at the lunch table, Sarah remembered her own first day at Harper Middle School when no one had spoken to her. She picked up her tray, walked across the cafeteria, and asked, 'Mind if I join you?'" Which theme is best expressed in this passage?

• AWinning awards is the key to popularity.
• BEmpathy leads to small acts of kindness that make others feel welcome.
• CSchool cafeterias are noisy and crowded places.
• DOld friends are always better than new acquaintances.

Read the passage: "I clutched my flashlight tightly as Grandfather navigated our boat down the foggy Greenbrier River. I couldn't see more than three feet ahead, but Grandfather steered with steady hands, knowing every bend in the river by heart." From what point of view is this story narrated?

• AFirst-person point of view
• BSecond-person point of view
• CThird-person limited point of view
• DThird-person omniscient point of view

Read the passage: "The rain fell in relentless sheets across the valley. Inside the small cabin, the fireplace crackled softly, throwing warm golden shadows across the rug where Sam sat reading his favorite book." How does the setting contrast between the outside and inside of the cabin?

• AThe outside is harsh and stormy, while the inside is cozy and peaceful.
• BThe outside is warm and bright, while the inside is dark and cold.
• CThe outside is quiet and calm, while the inside is noisy and chaotic.
• DThe outside is crowded, while the inside is empty.

Read the poem lines: "The mountain stands in winter coat, Of white and shimmering frost, Where summer green was lost." Which poetic device is used in the phrase "mountain stands in winter coat"?

• APersonification
• BOnomatopoeia
• CHyperbole
• DAlliteration

Read the passage: "Lucas was terrified of speech class. When his teacher called his name, his heart pounded like a jackhammer against his ribs." What does the simile "pounded like a jackhammer" convey about Lucas?

• ALucas was working on a construction project.
• BLucas was experiencing intense anxiety and nervousness.
• CLucas had a loud physical cough.
• DLucas was angry at his classmates.

Read the passage: "For weeks, Nora practiced her flute every afternoon while her friends played video games. On the evening of the spring recital, her solo performed flawlessly, earning a standing ovation from the audience." What is the main conflict Nora faced prior to the recital?

• AAn internal choice between practicing her instrument and spending leisure time with frien…
• BAn external fight against a broken instrument
• CA disagreement with her music teacher over song selection
• DA physical injury that prevented her from playing

Read the passage: "The trail grew steep near Blackwater Falls. Tyler offered his arm to his younger sister, guiding her over slippery rocks. 'Take your time, Lily,' he whispered gently. 'We're in this together.'" Which character trait of Tyler is best demonstrated in this scene?

• AImpatient
• BCaring and protective
• CReckless
• DCompetitive

Read the passage: "Grandma's recipe book was a treasure chest of memories. Its flour-dusted pages contained handwritten notes from decades ago, reminding us of Sunday dinners long past." What does the metaphor "treasure chest of memories" mean?

• AThe recipe book contained valuable golden coins.
• BThe recipe book held precious and meaningful past experiences.
• CThe recipe book was locked inside a wooden box.
• DThe recipe book was extremely expensive to purchase.

Read the passage: "As the sun dipped behind the ridge, the shadows stretched across the valley. Birds quieted their songs, and the forest settled into evening silence." What mood does this description create?

• ACalm and peaceful
• BFrantic and chaotic
• CHumorous and silly
• DTense and terrifying

Read the passage: "At the start of the summer, Alex hated working in his grandfather's woodworking shop in Elkins. He complained about the sawdust, the noise, and the long hours sanding pine boards. But by August, after completing a handcrafted bench with his own hands, Alex ran his fingers along the smooth wood with pride and asked if he could return next summer." How does Alex change from the beginning of the story to the end?

• AHe shifts from feeling resentful of hard labor to taking pride in craftsmanship.
• BHe decides to abandon woodworking to pursue a career in painting.
• CHe grows to dislike his grandfather even more after finishing the bench.
• DHe becomes eager to sell his bench for a high profit.

Read the passage: "Paragraph 1: The thunderstorm knocked out power across Monongalia County just as Jenna's family was sitting down to dinner. The house plunged into darkness, and cold rain rattled against the windows. Paragraph 2: Instead of panicking, Dad lit three beeswax candles while Mom pulled out a board game from the closet. For two hours, the family laughed and told stories by candlelight, forgetting all about their screens." How does Paragraph 2 develop the plot established in Paragraph 1?

• AParagraph 2 resolves the conflict by showing how the family turns an unexpected inconveni…
• BParagraph 2 introduces a brand-new threat that makes the situation worse.
• CParagraph 2 explains the scientific cause of the power outage in detail.
• DParagraph 2 shows that the family decides to leave home immediately.

Read the excerpt from a story: "Chapter 4 was told entirely through the eyes of David, who believed his teammate Marcus had deliberately hidden the soccer ball to sabotage practice. But Chapter 5 shifted to Marcus's perspective, revealing that Marcus had spent an hour searching in the mud to retrieve the ball after an accidental kick into the brush." How does the shift in point of view between chapters affect the reader's understanding?

• AIt proves that David's initial judgment of Marcus was incorrect and based on a misunderst…
• BIt shows that Marcus was secretly planning to quit the team.
• CIt leaves the reader confused about who actually lost the soccer ball.
• DIt demonstrates that neither character cared about soccer practice.

Read the passage: "For three weeks, Ethan tried to build a model of the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge out of balsa wood. Twice, the structure collapsed under its own weight. Frustrated, he threw his tools onto the desk. But after taking a walk outside, he returned, measured each strut carefully, and reinforced the center arch. On his third attempt, the bridge stood strong." Which statement best summarizes the central theme of this passage?

• ABuilding bridges requires expensive professional materials.
• BPerseverance and careful reflection can overcome initial failure.
• CTaking walks is the best sport for middle school students.
• DHistorical bridges are easier to construct than modern ones.

Read the poem: "The fog rolled down the river bed, A blanket woven gray and deep, It wrapped the sleeping town in wool, And called the mountain pines to sleep." Which line from the poem contains a metaphor?

• A"The fog rolled down the river bed,"
• B"A blanket woven gray and deep,"
• C"And called the mountain pines to sleep."
• D"The fog moved quietly through the air."

Read the passage: "'If we don't cross the ridge before sunset,' warned Uncle Tom, checking his compass, 'we'll be caught in the dark without shelter.' Chloe looked up at the darkening storm clouds gathering over the mountain peak and adjusted her backpack straps." How does Uncle Tom's dialogue advance the plot?

• AIt creates urgency and establishes a time constraint for the characters' journey.
• BIt resolves the conflict between Chloe and her uncle.
• CIt explains the history of mountain compasses.
• DIt shows that the characters have reached their final destination.

Read the passage: "In the quiet library, Liam discovered a forgotten diary from 1863 belonging to a young messenger during the Civil War in West Virginia. As he read the faded ink, the distant historical events transformed into real human struggles of fear, hope, and courage." Which detail best supports the inference that reading the diary changed Liam's perspective on history?

• AHe found the diary on a shelf in the library.
• BThe diary was written in faded ink in 1863.
• CThe historical events transformed into real human struggles of fear, hope, and courage.
• DThe diary belonged to a young messenger.

Read the drama excerpt: "SCENE 1 BEN: (Pacing across the stage) We can't climb Seneca Rocks in this thick fog! It's too dangerous. LEO: (Checking his ropes) If we wait for the sun, we'll lose our chance to catch the morning survey team. BEN: (Stopping, looking at Leo) Losing time is better than losing our footing." What does this dialogue reveal about the contrast between Ben and Leo?

• ABen is cautious and prioritizes safety, while Leo is ambitious and risk-tolerant.
• BBen is experienced at climbing, while Leo has never climbed before.
• CBen wants to quit the team, while Leo wants to guide the survey group.
• DBen is angry at Leo for forgetting the ropes.

Read the poem: "The old oak tree is a sentinel bold, Standing guard over meadow and fold. Through autumn winds and winter snow, It watches the quiet river flow." What is the tone of this poem?

• ARespectful and admiring
• BSarcastic and humorous
• CFrightened and anxious
• DSorrowful and hopeless

Read the passage: "When Mr. Henderson announced that the annual science fair would require oral presentations, Ava felt a knot form in her stomach. She had always preferred writing reports in silence. However, after practicing five times in front of her mirror and twice for her grandmother, Ava stepped up to the podium, spoke clearly, and answered every question from the judges with confidence." Which event acts as the turning point (climax) of Ava's story?

• AMr. Henderson announcing the oral presentation requirement.
• BAva practicing her presentation in front of the mirror and her grandmother.
• CAva stepping up to the podium and delivering her presentation with confidence.
• DAva feeling a knot form in her stomach.

Read the passage: "The antique grandfather clock in the hallway tick-tocked with rhythmic precision, a stern guardian counting down the minutes until midnight." Which literary device is used in describing the clock as a "stern guardian counting down the minutes"?

• APersonification
• BHyperbole
• COnomatopoeia
• DSimile

Read the story passage: "Samantha looked at the two trail forks in Coopers Rock State Forest. The right path was wide, flat, and paved. The left path was narrow, steep, and covered in fallen pine needles. She turned to her cousin and said, 'Anyone can take the easy road. Let's see where the challenging climb takes us.'" How does Samantha's choice develop the theme of personal growth?

• ABy choosing the difficult path, Samantha shows a willingness to embrace challenges rather…
• BBy choosing the left path, Samantha proves she is lost in the woods.
• CSamantha's choice shows that flat paths are always dangerous.
• DSamantha's decision demonstrates that she dislikes outdoor activities.

Read the passage: "As the heavy wooden door of the old cabin creaked open, a blast of arctic wind blew out our lantern. Darkness swallowed the room instantly, leaving only the sound of howling wind outside." Which word in the passage creates a sensory detail of sound?

• A"creaked"
• B"wooden"
• C"heavy"
• D"lantern"

Read the passage: "For years, the townsfolk believed Old Man Miller was cold and unkind because he rarely spoke and lived alone on the hill. But when the winter flood struck, Miller worked through the night with his tractor, pulling stuck cars from the rising waters and offering warm soup to stranded families." What central idea about human nature is revealed in this story?

• AOuter appearances and quiet behavior can mask deep compassion and heroism.
• BFloods occur frequently in mountain towns.
• CTractors are essential for farm work.
• DPeople should avoid living alone on hills.

Read the stanza: "The snow fell silent through the night, And wrapped the hills in brilliant white. Each branch became a frosted hand, Reaching across the quiet land." What does the imagery in lines 3-4 suggest about the tree branches?

• AThey are covered in heavy snow, resembling icy fingers extending outward.
• BThey have broken off in a storm.
• CThey are waving at passing travelers.
• DThey are burning in a forest fire.

Read the passage: "When Jackson moved to the small town of Shepherdstown, he felt like an outsider. The local kids had known each other since kindergarten. But during the community garden project, Jackson shared his knowledge of heirloom tomatoes. Soon, classmates were asking his advice, and by harvest time, Jackson felt like a valued part of the group." How does the community garden setting contribute to Jackson's character development?

• AIt provides a collaborative environment where Jackson can share his expertise and build c…
• BIt causes Jackson to decide he prefers gardening alone.
• CIt shows that living in a small town is boring.
• DIt creates a conflict between Jackson and the town mayor.

Read the passage: "The old guitar had sat in the attic for twenty years, its strings rusted and its wood dull. But after hours of polishing, restringing, and tuning, Gabriel plucked a single chord. The clear, resonant tone echoed through the room like a bell." What does the phrase "echoed through the room like a bell" describe?

• AThe clarity and purity of the sound produced by the restored guitar.
• BThe noise of church bells ringing outside.
• CThe loud crashing of an attic shelf.
• DThe sound of Gabriel dropping his guitar tools.

Read the passage: "Although Henry was small for a sixth grader, his determination on the basketball court was legendary. Whenever a larger opponent tried to intimidate him, Henry would lower his stance, eyes sharp, and steal the ball before they could even react." Which phrase from the passage best supports the idea that Henry compensates for his size with focus and agility?

• A"Although Henry was small for a sixth grader"
• B"Henry would lower his stance, eyes sharp, and steal the ball before they could even reac…
• C"his determination on the basketball court was legendary"
• D"Whenever a larger opponent tried to intimidate him"

Read the excerpt: "The river was a wild stallion in spring, surging over granite boulders and carving deep channels through the sandstone canyon." What type of figurative language is used in "The river was a wild stallion in spring"?

• AMetaphor
• BSimile
• CHyperbole
• DOnomatopoeia

Read the passage: "Paragraph 1: Young Clara spent hours listening to her grandmother tell stories of Appalachian folklore by the fireside. Paragraph 2: Decades later, Dr. Clara Vance published a groundbreaking book documenting oral histories across West Virginia, preserving those traditional stories for future generations." What is the structural relationship between Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2?

• AParagraph 1 presents a childhood origin event, and Paragraph 2 shows its long-term fulfil…
• BParagraph 1 describes a problem, and Paragraph 2 proves the problem was impossible to sol…
• CParagraph 1 lists scientific facts, and Paragraph 2 refutes them.
• DParagraph 1 and Paragraph 2 compare two completely unrelated people.

Read the passage: "The sun had barely risen over the Ridge when Mr. Gable unlocked the blacksmith shop. For forty years, his anvil had sung the same metallic song each morning. Young Thomas watched from the doorway, his hands nervous inside his pockets. Today was his first day as an apprentice. Gable didn't speak; he simply handed Thomas a heavy leather apron and pointed to the bellows. Thomas tied the apron, took a deep breath, and stepped up to the hearth." How does the author's choice to emphasize Gable's silence and routine contribute to the atmosphere of the story?

• AIt creates a solemn, disciplined atmosphere that underscores the serious tradition of the…
• BIt shows that Gable is angry and unwelcoming toward Thomas.
• CIt creates a humorous, lighthearted atmosphere about learning a trade.
• DIt implies that Gable does not know how to teach a student.

Read the excerpt from two versions of a folk tale: Version A: "The clever fox tricked the bear into dropping his fish by pretending the ice on the river was thin, laughing as he ran off with the catch." Version B: "The hungry fox watched the bear catch fish after fish. Knowing his own small size made fishing impossible, the fox used his quick wits to outsmart the bear so his cubs wouldn't go hungry." How do the authors of Version A and Version B differ in their development of the fox's motivation?

• AVersion A portrays the fox as selfish and mischievous, while Version B portrays the fox a…
• BVersion A shows the fox as lazy, while Version B shows the fox as cruel.
• CVersion A emphasizes the bear's anger, while Version B focuses on the river's depth.
• DBoth versions portray the fox as an identical heroic figure.

Read the passage: "As the storm raged outside the mountain cabin, Elena sat by the window. She watched the oak tree bend until its branches swept the roof. Across the room, her brother Marco built a fort of couch cushions, humming a cheerful tune. 'Look, Elena!' Marco shouted. 'We're safe in our castle!' Elena managed a small smile, but her eyes remained fixed on the creaking oak." How does the contrast between Elena's and Marco's reactions enhance the tension of the scene?

• AIt highlights the gap between childish innocence and realistic awareness of danger.
• BIt proves that Marco is more intelligent than Elena.
• CIt demonstrates that the cabin is going to collapse immediately.
• DIt shows that neither child understands what a thunderstorm is.

Read the passage: "In the third-person omniscient narrative, the author writes: 'Julian smiled politely as Mr. Aris handed back the test, saying nothing about the three sleepless nights he had spent studying. Meanwhile, Mr. Aris inwardly felt a surge of pride, remembering how much Julian had struggled earlier that semester.'" How does the omniscient point of view contribute to the theme of mutual respect?

• ABy revealing both Julian's quiet effort and Mr. Aris's hidden pride, the narrator shows a…
• BBy showing that Julian lied to his teacher about studying.
• CBy explaining why Mr. Aris refused to give Julian an A grade.
• DBy demonstrating that third-person narration is superior to first-person narration.

Read the stanza from a poem: "The silver river weaves its thread, Through velvet hills where secrets sleep, And down the rocky canyon bed, It guards the vows it swore to keep." How does the poet's choice of words like "weaves", "velvet", and "swore to keep" shape the tone of the poem?

• AIt creates an elegant, mysterious, and reverent tone toward nature.
• BIt creates an aggressive, violent tone describing environmental destruction.
• CIt creates a playful, silly tone meant for young children.
• DIt creates a clinical, scientific tone analyzing river hydrology.

Read the passage: "For months, Leo blamed his loss in the regional debate tournament on bad luck and biased judges. It was only when he watched the video recording of his closing argument six months later—noticing his rushed pacing and missed evidence—that he finally acknowledged his own shortcomings. He pulled out his notebook and began rewriting his argument for the upcoming state trials." Which statement best describes how the resolution of the plot reflects Leo's internal transformation?

• ALeo moves from externalizing blame to developing self-awareness and taking constructive a…
• BLeo gives up debate entirely after realizing he lacks talent.
• CLeo decides to file an official complaint against the judges.
• DLeo proves that his original argument was flawless.

Read the passage: "The wind was a howling wolf at the window, clawing at the wooden shutters and baying into the night." What dual figurative devices are combined in this sentence?

• AMetaphor and personification
• BSimile and onomatopoeia
• CHyperbole and idiom
• DAlliteration and oxymoron

Read the passage: "Paragraph 1: In the opening scene, Princess Anya refuses to leave her castle during the drought, insisting that her guards protect only the royal granary. Paragraph 2: By the story's conclusion, after traveling disguised among the starving villagers, Anya opens the granary doors herself and distributes grain to every family in the valley." Which theme is developed through Anya's transformation across the narrative?

• ATrue leadership requires stepping outside of privilege to understand and serve the needs…
• BDroughts are unavoidable natural disasters.
• CRoyal granaries should always remain locked during emergencies.
• DTraveling in disguise is dangerous for royalty.

Read the informational passage: "Completed in 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayette County, West Virginia, stands 876 feet above the river, making it one of the highest vehicular bridges in the United States. Spanning 3,030 feet, the steel arch structure dramatically reduced travel time across the gorge from forty minutes on winding mountain roads to less than one minute." What is the central idea of this passage?

• AThe New River Gorge Bridge is an impressive engineering structure that greatly improved t…
• BFayette County is the largest county in West Virginia.
• CWinding mountain roads are scenic places to drive.
• DSteel arch bridges are difficult to repair.

Read the informational passage: "Monarch butterflies perform one of the most astonishing migrations in the animal kingdom. Every autumn, millions of monarchs fly up to 3,000 miles from Canada and the northeastern United States to reach the warm fir forests of central Mexico." According to the passage, why do monarch butterflies migrate south each autumn?

• ATo reach warm fir forests in central Mexico for the winter
• BTo find cooler weather in northern Canada
• CTo lay eggs on desert cactus plants
• DTo escape predators in ocean waters

Read the passage: "Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells. When photons from sunlight strike these cells, they knock electrons free from silicon atoms, creating an electrical current that can power homes and schools." Which text structure is used in this passage?

• ACause and effect
• BChronological biography
• CCompare and contrast
• DProblem and solution

Read the passage: "Proper hydration is essential for student athletes. Water regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, and transports nutrients to working muscles. Without adequate fluid intake, athletes may experience fatigue, muscle cramps, and decreased concentration." What is the author's primary purpose in writing this passage?

• ATo inform readers about the importance of drinking water for athletic performance and hea…
• BTo persuade readers to buy a specific brand of sports drink
• CTo entertain readers with a story about a basketball game
• DTo explain how to construct a water filtration system

Read the passage: "Seneca Rocks, located in Pendleton County, West Virginia, is a prominent rock outcrop rising nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River. Formed from Tuscarora quartzite laid down over 440 million years ago, these towering cliffs draw rock climbers from across the globe." Which detail from the passage explains why Seneca Rocks is popular among athletes?

• AIts towering 900-foot quartzite cliffs attract rock climbers worldwide.
• BIt is located in Pendleton County.
• CIt was formed 440 million years ago.
• DIt sits above the North Fork River.

Read the passage: "Electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions, which helps reduce air pollution in urban areas. However, because EV batteries rely on minerals like lithium and cobalt, expanding battery recycling programs is essential to minimize environmental mining impacts." Which word in the passage means "emissions"?

• ASubstances or gases released into the air
• BBatteries used in cars
• CMining tools used underground
• DMinerals found in rocks

Read the excerpt: "Step 1: Gather your seed tray and fill each cell with organic potting soil. Step 2: Press a single tomato seed 1/4 inch deep into the center of each soil cell. Step 3: Water gently with a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the seed. Step 4: Place the tray near a sunny window and keep soil moist." Which text structure is used in this excerpt?

• ASequence / Procedural order
• BCompare and contrast
• CProblem and solution
• DCause and effect

Read the passage: "Honeybees play a vital role in agriculture by pollinating crops such as apples, blueberries, and almonds. In fact, one out of every three bites of food eaten by humans depends on insect pollinators. Protecting bee habitats is therefore critical for securing our global food supply." What is the central idea of this passage?

• AHoneybees are essential for crop pollination, making habitat protection vital for human f…
• BAlmonds are the most nutritious nut grown in America.
• CBlueberries require more water than apple trees.
• DInsects are harmful pests that destroy farm crops.