West Virginia General Summative Assessment English Language Arts — Grade 7

Read the excerpt from 'The Echoes of Blackwater Canyon': (1) The afternoon fog drifted low across the gorge, enveloping the dense hemlocks in a blanket of grey. (2) Maya strapped her leather sketchbook to her backpack and stepped carefully onto the narrow wooden footbridge. (3) Below, the Blackwater River churned over jagged sandstone boulders, its roar reverberating through the ravine like thunder. (4) Her younger brother, Mateo, lingered near the trail entrance, clutching a crumpled map. (5) 'Maya, the ranger said the storm front would move in before dusk,' Mateo called out, his voice thin against the rushing water. (6) 'We should head back to the lodge.' (7) Maya paused, looking toward the distant ridge where a solitary pine tree stood outlined against the bruised sky. (8) That pine was the subject of her grandfather’s favorite painting, the one he had spent forty years attempting to recreate. (9) 'Five more minutes, Mateo,' Maya urged, unbuckling her sketchbook. (10) 'If I can capture the light on those needles right now, Grandfather will finally see how the ridge looked before the fires of 1985.' (11) Mateo sighed, but he stepped onto the bridge to keep watch, his knuckles white on the wooden handrail. Which detail from the text best explains why Maya insists on remaining near the gorge despite the approaching storm?

• AShe wants to draw a solitary pine tree to help her grandfather recreate his favorite pain…
• BShe needs to locate a lost footbridge that her grandfather used to cross forty years ago.
• CShe is trying to find shelter under the dense hemlocks before the heavy rain begins.
• DShe wants to prove to Mateo that the ranger's storm warning was inaccurate.

Read the excerpt from 'The Echoes of Blackwater Canyon' provided in question 001. How does Mateo's behavior in paragraphs 4 through 11 reveal his internal conflict?

• AHe worries about safety but chooses to support Maya by keeping watch despite his anxiety.
• BHe angry with Maya and attempts to leave her behind on the bridge.
• CHe is indifferent to the weather and wants to explore the trail further.
• DHe lacks confidence in his map-reading skills and relies entirely on Maya for directions.

Read sentence 3 from 'The Echoes of Blackwater Canyon': 'Below, the Blackwater River churned over jagged sandstone boulders, its roar reverberating through the ravine like thunder.' How does the simile 'like thunder' contribute to the mood of the passage?

• AIt creates a powerful, ominous atmosphere that highlights the natural force and potential…
• BIt adds a lighthearted, musical quality that makes the mountain setting feel peaceful.
• CIt suggests that rain is already falling heavily directly inside the ravine.
• DIt emphasizes Maya's frustration with the noisy river.

Read sentence 1 from 'The Echoes of Blackwater Canyon': 'The afternoon fog drifted low across the gorge, enveloping the dense hemlocks in a blanket of grey.' What is the meaning of the word 'enveloping' as used in this sentence?

• ACompletely surrounding or covering
• BScattering into small pieces
• CDestroying with moisture
• DIlluminating with bright light

In 'The Echoes of Blackwater Canyon,' how does the setting of Blackwater Canyon influence the plot development?

• AThe combination of the deep gorge, rushing river, and approaching storm heightens the urg…
• BThe warm, gentle breeze encourages the siblings to set up camp near the footbridge.
• CThe dry, flat desert landscape makes it difficult for Maya to find a vantage point for he…
• DThe crowded resort town prevents Maya from finding a quiet place to paint.

Which theme is most clearly developed through Maya's actions in 'The Echoes of Blackwater Canyon'?

• ALove and devotion to family can inspire courage and determination in the face of obstacle…
• BNature should always be conquered regardless of personal safety.
• CYounger siblings should make all major decisions during travel.
• DArtistic skill is more important than understanding weather patterns.

How would the passage 'The Echoes of Blackwater Canyon' most likely change if it were narrated from Mateo's perspective?

• AThe narrative would focus more on his feelings of apprehension and responsibility for the…
• BThe story would focus primarily on technical painting techniques and color blending.
• CThe passage would reveal the grandfather's inner thoughts while sitting at home.
• DThe focus would shift to the park ranger's history of managing wilderness trails.

In sentence 7, the author describes the sky as 'bruised.' What connotation does this word carry, and why did the author choose it?

• AIt carries a dark, stormy connotation, suggesting purplish-grey storm clouds and atmosphe…
• BIt carries a joyful connotation, suggesting bright sunlight breaking through clouds.
• CIt carries a peaceful connotation, describing a clear dusk free of rain.
• DIt carries a humorous connotation, making fun of Mateo's fear.

Read the excerpt from 'The Clockmaker's Apprentice': (1) In the soot-dusted workshop on Cobblestone Lane, Master Thomas peered through his magnifying lens at the intricate escapement gear of the brass mantel clock. (2) Eli, his fourteen-year-old apprentice, stood nearby, carefully polishing balance wheels with a piece of felt. (3) 'Precision, Eli, is not merely about measuring seconds,' Master Thomas remarked, his voice steady despite the incessant ticking surrounding them. (4) 'It is about honoring the rhythm of human life. A clock that loses two minutes a day makes a man late for his train, and a missed train can alter the course of a career.' (5) Eli looked at the mechanical clock tower visible through the workshop window. (6) Its massive iron hands were frozen at 11:42, motionless ever since lightning struck the bell tower three weeks ago. (7) 'Master,' Eli blurted out, 'the town council says they will tear down the tower clock if we cannot fix it by Friday. Why won't you let me attempt the repair on the escapement wheel?' (8) Master Thomas set down his tweezers and looked at Eli. (9) 'Because enthusiasm without discipline breaks delicate teeth, Eli. You know the theory, but your fingers still rush when the spring tension increases.' (10) Eli lowered his eyes, realizing Master Thomas was right, yet determination smoldered beneath his silence. What major problem does the town face in the passage?

• AThe historic tower clock was struck by lightning and will be demolished if not repaired b…
• BMaster Thomas lost his magnifying lens and cannot repair the mantel clock.
• CEli ruined the balance wheels by polishing them with rough felt.
• DThe town train station closed because all the clocks were running two minutes slow.

Read the excerpt from 'The Clockmaker's Apprentice' provided in question 009. How does Master Thomas's statement in sentence 9 affect Eli?

• AIt makes Eli acknowledge his weakness while secretly reinforcing his resolve to master th…
• BIt causes Eli to quit his apprenticeship and seek employment at the train station.
• CIt convinces Eli that the town council is right to demolish the clock tower.
• DIt leads Eli to argue fiercely with Master Thomas about his finger coordination.

What central lesson does Master Thomas teach Eli about true craftsmanship?

• ATrue skill requires combining enthusiasm with patience, discipline, and exact precision.
• BSpeed is the most valuable trait when repairing mechanical devices under tight deadlines.
• COld clocks should be replaced with modern electrical devices whenever possible.
• DApprentices should work independently without seeking advice from master craftsmen.

Read sentence 3 from 'The Clockmaker's Apprentice': 'Master Thomas remarked, his voice steady despite the incessant ticking surrounding them.' What does the word 'incessant' mean in this context?

• AContinuing without pause or interruption
• BExtremely quiet and barely audible
• COccurring at unpredictable intervals
• DHarmonious and soothing

How do sentences 5 and 6 ('Eli looked at the mechanical clock tower... frozen at 11:42') contribute to the structure of the narrative?

• AThey introduce an urgent deadline and external obstacle that drives the plot forward.
• BThey provide a historical flashback to Master Thomas's youth.
• CThey resolve the conflict between Eli and the town council.
• DThey describe the scenic beauty of Cobblestone Lane.

Read sentence 10 from 'The Clockmaker's Apprentice': 'Eli lowered his eyes, realizing Master Thomas was right, yet determination smoldered beneath his silence.' What does the metaphor 'determination smoldered' suggest about Eli?

• AHis ambition remains intensely active inside him like a hidden fire, ready to burst into…
• BHe feels extreme anger toward Master Thomas and wants to destroy the clock.
• CHis interest in clockmaking is slowly dying out like fading embers.
• DHe is confused about how gear teeth function.

How do Master Thomas and Eli differ in their perspective on attempting the clock tower repair?

• AEli focuses on the immediate urgency of the deadline, whereas Master Thomas prioritizes t…
• BEli believes the clock tower is beyond repair, whereas Master Thomas believes it can be f…
• CMaster Thomas wants to demolish the clock tower, whereas Eli wants to turn it into a muse…
• DEli relies on luck, whereas Master Thomas relies entirely on theoretical books without pr…

What does the frozen clock tower at 11:42 primarily symbolize in the context of the story's themes?

• AA community standing still and vulnerable to loss until skilled dedication restores its r…
• BThe technological superiority of modern steam engines over old mechanical gears.
• CThe passage of time moving too quickly for young workers.
• DThe financial prosperity of Cobblestone Lane.

Read the poem 'Song of the Mountain Ridge': (1) The granite peaks stand silent guard, (2) Against the northern tempest's blow; (3) Through frosty nights and winters hard, (4) They hold the secrets of the snow. (5) A lone pine clings to shattered stone, (6) Where lesser trees would bow and break; (7) It roots in soil it called its own, (8) For ancient sky and river's sake. (9) The climber pauses on the steep, (10) To hear the mountain whisper low: (11) 'The promises you make, you keep, (12) No matter how the cold winds blow.' What is the main focus of the second stanza (lines 5–8)?

• AA resilient lone pine tree that thrives in harsh conditions where weaker trees fail.
• BA severe winter blizzard that knocks down all the trees on the ridge.
• CA group of hikers building a shelter out of shattered stones.
• DA river overflowing its banks during a spring thaw.

Read lines 9–12 of 'Song of the Mountain Ridge'. How does the poet use personification in these lines?

• ABy giving the mountain a voice that speaks words of wisdom to the climber.
• BBy describing the granite peaks as wearing heavy winter coats.
• CBy comparing the pine tree's needles to human hands.
• DBy showing the river running away like a frightened child.

Which statement best expresses the primary theme of the poem 'Song of the Mountain Ridge'?

• ASteadfast perseverance and honoring one's commitments enable one to endure life's hardshi…
• BHigh mountain peaks are far too hazardous for humans to explore.
• CNature will eventually destroy all signs of human existence.
• DTraveling alone is always preferable to traveling with companions.

What is the rhyme scheme of the first stanza of 'Song of the Mountain Ridge'?

• AABAB
• BAABB
• CABCB
• DAAAA

In line 6 of 'Song of the Mountain Ridge,' what does the phrase 'lesser trees would bow and break' signify?

• ATrees lacking deep roots and endurance collapse when confronted by severe trials.
• BYoung trees grow faster than pine trees in sandy soil.
• CSmall trees are easily harvested by lumber workers.
• DThe forest is overpopulated with deciduous trees.

Which set of adjectives best describes the overall tone of 'Song of the Mountain Ridge'?

• ASolemn, respectful, and inspirational
• BSarcastic, humorous, and lighthearted
• CFearful, hopeless, and panicked
• DScholarly, cold, and detached

How does the poem's focus shift between stanzas 1–2 and stanza 3?

• AIt shifts from describing physical elements of the mountain landscape to reflecting on a…
• BIt shifts from a human climber's inner thoughts to a historical scientific description of…
• CIt shifts from a warm summer afternoon to a freezing winter midnight.
• DIt shifts from animal behavior in the forest to weather forecasting.

Which lines from 'Song of the Mountain Ridge' best support the idea that standing firm through difficulty requires internal fortitude rather than ideal circumstances?

• ALines 5–7: 'A lone pine clings to shattered stone, / Where lesser trees would bow and bre…
• BLines 1–2: 'The granite peaks stand silent guard, / Against the northern tempest's blow'
• CLines 3–4: 'Through frosty nights and winters hard, / They hold the secrets of the snow.'
• DLines 9–10: 'The climber pauses on the steep, / To hear the mountain whisper low'

Read the excerpt from 'The Lost Signal of Observatory Peak': (1) Dr. Aris Thorne leaned forward in her swivel chair, the faint blue glow of four monitor screens illuminating her weathered face. (2) For three years, the Deep Sky Array at Observatory Peak had recorded nothing but atmospheric background noise. (3) But tonight at 02:14 AM, the signal analyzer spiked—a repeating sequence of prime numbers originating from the shadow of Saturn's rings. (4) 'That can't be orbital debris,' whispered Sam, her junior researcher, adjusting the frequency filters. (5) 'Debris doesn't broadcast in Fibonacci sequences.' (6) Dr. Thorne reached for the landline telephone to alert the regional astronomy headquarters, but hesitated. (7) If she published the raw data immediately, international teams would verify it within hours, claiming joint discovery. (8) However, if she delayed transmission to run a secondary diagnostic, interference from approaching solar storms might scramble the signal forever. (9) Her finger hovered above the keypad as the red warning light on the receiver began to flash rhythmically. What unusual discovery triggers the events in the story?

• AA repeating mathematical signal originating near Saturn's rings.
• BA sudden power outage across Observatory Peak.
• CThe discovery of a new planet beyond Saturn.
• DA satellite collision in Earth's lower orbit.

Read the excerpt from 'The Lost Signal of Observatory Peak' in question 025. What is Dr. Thorne's primary internal dilemma?

• AChoosing whether to publish immediately and risk joint credit or delay for verification a…
• BDeciding whether to fire Sam for misinterpreting the atmospheric noise data.
• CChoosing whether to leave Observatory Peak before the winter blizzard blocks the mountain…
• DDeciding whether to replace the four blue monitor screens with upgraded equipment.

Read sentence 1 from 'The Lost Signal of Observatory Peak': 'Dr. Aris Thorne leaned forward in her swivel chair, the faint blue glow of four monitor screens illuminating her weathered face.' What is the meaning of the word 'illuminating' as used in this sentence?

• ALighting up or casting light upon
• BWarming up with heat
• CConfusing or obscuring
• DCleaning or washing

What role does Sam play in the passage 'The Lost Signal of Observatory Peak'?

• AHe acts as an observant assistant who confirms the artificial nature of the signal.
• BHe acts as a rival scientist trying to erase the recorded data.
• CHe acts as a government official ordering the observatory to shut down.
• DHe acts as a maintenance technician repairing the landline phone.

How does sentence 9 ('Her finger hovered above the keypad as the red warning light on the receiver began to flash rhythmically') create suspense at the climax of the passage?

• AIt leaves the narrative at a moment of high tension, forcing the reader to wonder what ch…
• BIt reveals that Dr. Thorne has already completed the secondary diagnostic.
• CIt resolves the dilemma by showing headquarters calling her first.
• DIt indicates that the solar storm has already passed without causing damage.

Which literary technique does the author primarily use to build tension in paragraphs 6 through 8?

• APresenting a time-sensitive choice with severe consequences for either decision.
• BIncluding humorous dialogue between the two main characters.
• CDescribing a tranquil scene of night stargazing.
• DUsing a lengthy historical backstory about Saturn's rings.

Why does the author include specific mathematical and scientific terms like 'prime numbers,' 'Fibonacci sequences,' and 'secondary diagnostic' in 'The Lost Signal of Observatory Peak'?

• ATo establish realistic scientific authenticity and emphasize the non-random nature of the…
• BTo confuse middle school readers with complicated terminology.
• CTo show that Dr. Thorne is an expert mathematician rather than an astronomer.
• DTo explain how satellite communications are priced.

Which theme regarding scientific exploration is best illustrated in 'The Lost Signal of Observatory Peak'?

• AGreat scientific breakthroughs often force researchers to balance personal recognition ag…
• BScientific research should always be kept secret from international teams.
• CAutomated equipment is more reliable than human judgment during emergencies.
• DAtmospheric noise is the most important element of astronomical research.

Read the excerpt from 'Under the Whispering Oaks': (1) The summer harvest festival was in full swing at Oakridge Crossing, but Clara remained behind the wooden stalls near the old grain silo. (2) In her apron pocket rested her aunt’s silver compass, an heirloom passed down through four generations of river pilots. (3) Her family expected her to take over the family dry-goods store in town, a quiet life of counting flour bags and measuring linen bolts. (4) Yet every time Clara looked down the Shenandoah River, she felt an unsettling pull toward the unknown towns beyond the blue horizon. (5) Her uncle Toby walked over, carrying a wooden crate of red apples. (6) 'You've been staring at that river since noon, Clara,' he said gently, setting the crate down. (7) 'A compass is useless if you never leave the dock.' (8) Clara looked up, startled by his perceptiveness. (9) 'What if I fail, Uncle Toby? What if the river currents are too strong?' (10) Toby smiled warmly and tapped the brass edge of the compass. (11) 'The river will always have currents, child. The compass doesn't guarantee smooth waters—it just ensures you remember which way is home.' Where does the passage take place?

• AAt a summer harvest festival near the Shenandoah River at Oakridge Crossing.
• BOn board a river steamboat heading toward the ocean.
• CInside a busy dry-goods store in a large metropolitan city.
• DAt a mountain timber camp during an autumn logging session.

Read the excerpt from 'Under the Whispering Oaks' in question 033. What does the silver compass symbolize in Clara's life?

• AHer desire for personal adventure guided by her heritage and values.
• BHer commitment to staying in Oakridge Crossing forever.
• CHer interest in selling fine metal goods at the store.
• DHer fear of getting lost during nighttime walks.

How does Uncle Toby's statement in sentence 11 ('The compass doesn't guarantee smooth waters—it just ensures you remember which way is home') help Clara resolve her fear of failure?

• AIt reassures her that facing challenges is natural and that taking risks is safe when you…
• BIt advises her to avoid traveling whenever the river currents are strong.
• CIt tells her that she should sell the compass to buy a new boat.
• DIt convinces her that running the dry-goods store is the safest career choice.

Which sentence from 'Under the Whispering Oaks' explicitly states Clara's primary fear about leaving her predictable life?

• ASentence 9: 'What if I fail, Uncle Toby? What if the river currents are too strong?'
• BSentence 1: 'The summer harvest festival was in full swing at Oakridge Crossing...'
• CSentence 5: 'Her uncle Toby walked over, carrying a wooden crate of red apples.'
• DSentence 2: 'In her apron pocket rested her aunt’s silver compass...'

Read sentence 2 from 'Under the Whispering Oaks': 'In her apron pocket rested her aunt’s silver compass, an heirloom passed down through four generations of river pilots.' What is the meaning of the word 'heirloom' as used in this sentence?

• AA valuable object passed down within a family for generations
• BA newly manufactured navigation tool bought at a market
• CA heavy weight used to keep small boats stationary
• DA decorative flower planted during spring festivals

Which statement best captures the central theme of 'Under the Whispering Oaks'?

• APursuing your dreams requires accepting uncertainty, trusting your internal guidance, and…
• BFamily obligations should always prevent young adults from traveling beyond their hometow…
• CWorking in retail store management is more rewarding than maritime navigation.
• DHeirlooms should be locked away in safe boxes rather than carried in pockets.

From what narrative point of view is 'Under the Whispering Oaks' told?

• AThird-person limited, focusing on Clara's thoughts and experiences
• BFirst-person, narrated directly by Clara using 'I' and 'my'
• CFirst-person, narrated by Uncle Toby from his perspective
• DThird-person omniscient, revealing the secret thoughts of all festival attendees

How does the author use dialogue between Clara and Uncle Toby to move the plot forward?

• ABy allowing Clara to voice her doubts so Uncle Toby can provide the encouragement she nee…
• BBy having them argue over the price of red apples at the market stall.
• CBy explaining the exact history of how Oakridge Crossing was founded.
• DBy introducing a new conflict regarding missing inventory at the dry-goods store.

Read the article 'The Hidden Engineering of West Virginia's New River Gorge Bridge': (1) Completed in 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge near Fayetteville, West Virginia, stands as a triumph of modern civil engineering. (2) Spanning 3,030 feet across a deep canyon, it was for decades the world's longest single-arch steel span bridge. (3) Designing a bridge capable of supporting heavy highway traffic while withstanding Appalachian mountain winds presented immense challenges. (4) Engineers selected COR-TEN steel, a specialized unpainted steel alloy that forms a protective rust-like patina when exposed to outdoor weather. (5) This oxide layer prevents deeper corrosion, eliminating the need for periodic repainting and saving millions of dollars in maintenance over the bridge's lifespan. (6) Furthermore, the arch design transfers the massive downward weight of vehicular traffic outward into the solid sandstone cliffs of the gorge, utilizing natural geology to reinforce structural stability. (7) Today, the bridge is celebrated not only as a critical transportation link for U.S. Route 19 but also as an architectural landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. What is the main idea of this article?

• AThe New River Gorge Bridge is an engineering masterpiece that uses innovative steel and a…
• BCOR-TEN steel is the only material used to construct highway bridges across the United St…
• CU.S. Route 19 is the most heavily traveled highway in West Virginia.
• DSandstone cliffs in West Virginia are prone to erosion from highway traffic.

According to 'The Hidden Engineering of West Virginia's New River Gorge Bridge,' why did engineers select COR-TEN steel for the structure?

• AIt forms a protective oxide layer that prevents deep corrosion and eliminates the need fo…
• BIt is significantly lighter than wood, allowing workers to carry beams by hand.
• CIt reflects sunlight to prevent the bridge deck from freezing in winter.
• DIt is cheap to replace every five years when rust appears.

Which organizational text structure is primarily used in sentences 4 and 5 of the article?

• ACause and Effect
• BChronological Order
• CCompare and Contrast
• DProblem and Solution

Read sentence 4 from the article: 'Engineers selected COR-TEN steel, a specialized unpainted steel alloy that forms a protective rust-like patina when exposed to outdoor weather.' What is the meaning of the word 'patina' in this sentence?

• AA thin protective surface layer produced by atmospheric exposure
• BA deep crack caused by structural stress
• CA bright paint coating applied by workers
• DA flexible rubber barrier used in foundations

Which detail from the text best supports the claim that the bridge's arch design effectively utilizes the surrounding geology?

• AThe arch design transfers the massive downward weight of traffic outward into the solid s…
• BThe bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• CThe bridge spans 3,030 feet across U.S. Route 19.
• DThe gorge is frequently covered in dense Appalachian fog.

What is the author's primary purpose in writing 'The Hidden Engineering of West Virginia's New River Gorge Bridge'?

• ATo inform readers about the engineering innovations and structural features that make the…
• BTo persuade readers to vote against future bridge construction funding.
• CTo entertain readers with tales of workers who built U.S. Route 19.
• DTo compare West Virginia bridges with bridges in European countries.

How does the author support the assertion that the New River Gorge Bridge is both functionally critical and culturally valuable?

• ABy explaining its role as a key transport link for U.S. Route 19 and noting its placement…
• BBy calculating the exact number of cars that cross the bridge each hour.
• CBy describing annual festivals held underneath the arch.
• DBy providing interviews with local business owners in Fayetteville.