VCLA Writing PracticeTest

VIRGINIA
Communication
and Literacy
Assessment
PRACTICE TEST
Writing Subtest (092)
VA-PT-FLD092-01
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

EVALUATION SYSTEMS
Table of Contents
GETTING STARTED .................................................. 1
Reviewing the Test Content ...........................................................1
Taking the Practice Test ...............................................................1
MULTIPLE-CHOICE SECTION ....................................... 2

Multiple-Choice Answer Sheet ........................................................2
Grammar and Usage Multiple-Choice Questions ...................................3
Mechanics Multiple-Choice Questions.............................................. 25
CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE SECTION ............................29

Short-Answer Items ................................................................... 29
Writing Summary Assignment ....................................................... 31
Writing Summary Response Document............................................. 33
Writing Composition Assignment ................................................... 35
Writing Composition Response Document......................................... 37
EVALUATING YOUR PERFORMANCE .............................41

Answer Key............................................................................. 42
Results Worksheet .................................................................... 43
Sample Strong Response to the Short-Answer Items ............................ 44
Criteria for Scoring Your Response to the Writing Summary Assignment .... 45
Sample Strong Response to the Writing Summary Assignment................. 47
Criteria for Scoring Your Response to the Writing Composition Assignment 48
Sample Strong Response to the Writing Composition Assignment............. 50
Readers should be advised that this practice test, including many of the excerpts used herein,
is protected by federal copyright law.
Copyright 2012 Pearson Education Inc. or its affiliate(s). All rights reserved.
Evaluation Systems, Pearson, P.O. Box 226, Amherst, MA 01004
Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment, VCLA, and the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment logo
are trademarks of the Virginia Department of Education and Pearson Education Inc. or its affiliate(s).
Pearson and its logo are trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries of Pearson Education Inc. or its affiliate(s).
GETTING STARTED
The Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) is composed of two subtests
a reading subtest and a writing subtest. This document provides a full-length sample VCLA writing
subtest consisting of 41 multiple-choice questions, 3 short-answer items, a writing summary
assignment, and a writing composition assignment.
A practice test for the reading subtest is also available; see the VCLA Web site at
www.va.nesinc.com.
Reviewing the Test Content

The content of each VCLA subtest is documented in the test blueprint, which contists of a set of test
objectives. The content of the VCLA writing subtest is defined by the objectives in the "Subtest II
Writing Knowledge and Proficiency" section of the test blueprint.
The test blueprint for the VCLA is available on the VCLA Web site at www.va.nesinc.com.
Taking the Practice Test

To take the practice test, follow these steps:
Read the directions for the multiple-choice questions, then read each multiple-choice
question carefully and choose the ONE best answer out of the four answer choices provided.
Record your answer to each question on the Multiple-Choice Answer Sheet provided.
Read the directions for the short-answer items, then read and respond to each item using
the lines provided below each item.
Read the directions for the writing summary assignment, then read the assignment carefully.
Use scrap paper to make notes, write an outline, or otherwise prepare your response. Write
your response on the Writing Summary Response Document provided.
Read the directions for the writing composition assignment, then read the assignment
carefully. Use scrap paper to make notes, write an outline, or otherwise prepare your
response. Write your response on the Writing Composition Response Document provided.
Follow the instructions in "Evaluating Your Performance" to score your test and evaluate and
interpret your results.
You may wish to monitor how long it takes you to complete the practice test. When taking the actual
VCLA, you will have a four-hour test session. Keep in mind that if you are taking both VCLA subtests
at one administration, you will be assigned to complete both subtests during one four-hour test
session. If you are taking only one subtest, you will have the full four-hour test session to complete
the subtest.
Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment Practice TestWriting Subtest

Copyright 2012 Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliate(s). All rights reserved.
MULTIPLE-CHOICE SECTION
Multiple-Choice Answer Sheet
Use the space provided below to record your responses to the multiple-choice questions that follow.
Question
Number
Your Response
Question
Number
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
10
30
11
31
12
32
13
33
14
34
15
35
16
36
17
37
18
38
19
39
20
40
Your Response
41

Multiple-Choice Section
Grammar and Usage Multiple-Choice Questions
DIRECTIONS FOR THE GRAMMAR AND USAGE SECTION OF THE WRITING SUBTEST
This section of the Writing subtest is based on several passages. In this part of the writing section, the term
error refers to language use that does not conform to the conventions of Standard English.
Each passage is followed by several multiple-choice items related to the passage. Read each passage carefully
and then read the items that refer to that passage. For each item, choose the ONE best answer based on the
information contained in the passage you have just read.

Use the passage below to answer the three questions that follow.
1According
to a recent study, people who sleep

between six and seven hours a night tend to live
longer than people who log eight hours of sleep.
2Even more surprising, the study found that people
who regularly sleep as little as four hours a night
outlive those who sleep eight hours or more.
3Although the reasons for this are still unclear,
some doctors speculate that periods of darkness
associated with sleep may trigger hormonal
changes that effect life span. 4During periods of
prolonged sleep, they suggest, the rate of these
hormonal changes speeds up. 5There is also
considerable evidence that age is a major determinant of the amount and quality of sleep people
enjoy.
6The
National Sleep Foundation, however,

which advocates eight hours of sleep per night,
criticized the data collection method used in the
study and argued that the side effects of accumulated sleep debt would outweigh any benefits
derived from sleeping less. 7The director of the
sleep study questions the relevance of this critique.
8He contends that the principal reason people feel
tired is not the number of hours they sleep, but
their worries that they are not getting enough
sleep. 9The new study encourages people to relax
in the knowledge that when it comes to sleep, less
may actually be more.
1.
2.
Information in the passage is presented

in a style that is most consistent with:
A.
a newspaper article.
B.
a science textbook.
C.
an encyclopedia entry.
D.
a scientific journal.
3.
Which change is needed to correct an

error in usage?
A.
Sentence 1: Change "than" to

"then."
B.
Sentence 3: Change "effect" to

"affect."
C.
Sentence 8: Change "principal"

to "principle."
D.
Sentence 9: Change "to" to "too."
Which sentence draws attention away

from the main idea of the first paragraph?
A.
Sentence 2
B.
Sentence 3
C.
Sentence 4
D.
Sentence 5

1Sha
Sha Higby is an artist who draws on

several Asian traditions to combine sculpture
with dance. 2After college, she spent a year in
Japan, where she worked with artists creating the
elaborate masks and costumes used in Japanese
Noh theater. 3A later trip to Indonesia enabled
Higby to expand her aesthetic vision by working
in an artistic culture that places great emphasis
on ornate detail. 4For four years, she carved and
sewed costumes made of water buffalo hide and
batik cloth.
5When
Higby returned from Indonesia, she

drew on her experiences to create huge, gigantic
costumes that had so many facets they had to be
propped up with poles or suspended from above

by strings. 6One costume might encapsulate an
entire world with multiple figures, arms, heads,
animals, and objects worked into the body of the
fabric or suspended from it. 7In performance,
she moves so slow that audience members are
sometimes barely aware of any motion. 8What
they do see is a hypnotic unfolding of the different
aspects of the costume, as Higby opens up her arm
to reveal a host of flying dragons, a dozen clay
figures, or some equally fantastic scene. 9The
whole effect is so mesmerizing that viewers are
often unsure just what they are viewing.
4.
Which change would make the sequence

of ideas in the second paragraph clearer?
5.
Which sentence should be revised to

eliminate redundancy?
A.
Delete Sentence 6.
A.
Sentence 2
B.
Delete Sentence 8.
B.
Sentence 3
C.
Reverse the order of Sentences 6

and 7.
C.
Sentence 5
D.
Sentence 6
D.

and 9.

6.

error in modification?
A.
Sentence 2: Change "elaborate"

to "elaborated."
B.
Sentence 3: Change "artistic"

to "artistical."
C.
Sentence 7: Change "slow"

to "slowly."
D.
Sentence 8: Change "equally"

to "equal."

1People
sometimes confuse comets with

meteors because both appear to have tails and to
streak across the sky. 2Apart from such surface
similarities, however, the two celestial phenomena
differ in important ways. 3__________ meteors
are random chunks of matter that glow brightly
when they enter the earth's atmosphere and are
visible for only seconds, comets are very slow
moving conglomerates of ice, dust, ions, and gases
that can be observed for weeks and have fixed
orbits. 4__________ astronomers have identified
nearly 1,000 comets, only a few can be seen.
5That is why the appearance of a comet is such
an event.
6Another
reason for popular fascination with

comets is their intriguing character as cosmic
fossils. 7Just as paleontologists study the fossils
found in rocks or layers of Earth to learn about the
geology and biology of the past. 8Astrophysicists
and astronomers study the molecular structure and
chemical constitution of comets to learn about the
birth, development, and composition of our solar
system. 9Some scientists believe comets may be
among the oldest objects in the solar system.
10_____________________________________
_________________
7.
Which of the following words or phrases,

if inserted in order into the blanks in
Sentences 3 and 4 in the first paragraph,
would best help the reader understand the
sequence of the writer's ideas?
A.
Because/Since
B.
Whereas/Although
C.
Thus/Yet
D.
Although/Even if
8.
Which statement, if added as Sentence 10,

would be most consistent with the writer's
purpose and intended audience?
A.
Their extreme age is one of the

reasons I have always found comets
so interesting.
B.
Anything that old is sure worthy of

the study it seems to get from the
scientific community.
C.
If old age means anything, then

there is certainly lots to be learned
from comets.
D.
Like their rarity, the antiquity of

comets adds to the air of mystery
surrounding them.

9.
Which of the following excerpts from the

passage contains an error in sentence
structure?
A.
Apart from such surface similarities, however, the two celestial

phenomena differ in important
ways.
B.
That is why the appearance of a

comet is such an event.
C.
Just as paleontologists study the

fossils found in rocks or layers of
Earth to learn about the geology and
biology of the past.
D.
Some scientists believe comets may

be among the oldest objects in the
solar system.

1As
an architect whose work took her to some

of the more inaccessible areas of the American
West, Mary Colter (18691958) had to overcome
numerous obstacles in the course of her long
career. 2Of the many buildings she designed,
perhaps the most problematic was Phantom
Ranch, which is located north of the Colorado
River at the very bottom of the Grand Canyon.
3The main problem was finding a way to transport
supplies and building materials to a work site that
could be reached only by mule or by boat. 4The
immense chasm presented a formidable terrain
containing a multitude of peaks, gorges, and
ravines. 5Her solution was to minimize such
needs by creating a design that called for use of
those materials most readily available: rocks and

rough-cut wood. 6Although conditions for the
construction crews were, to say the least, less
than optimal, Colter got the job done and Phantom
Ranch became a major tourist attraction.
7Colter
further demonstrated her creativity in

a design she developed for a rustic Grand Canyon
hotel called Bright Angel. 8Again she used rock
to great advantage. 9In constructing the hotel's
massive fireplace, she arranged the rocks in the
same geological order in which it appeared in the
Grand Canyon itself. 10________________
_______________________
10.
Which sentence, if added as Sentence 10,

would be most consistent with the writer's
purpose and intended audience?
A.
B.
11.
This bold touch was a perfect

example of the originality and
inventiveness that made Colter one
of the most dynamic architects of
her time.
Wherever such originality and
inventiveness might have come
from, it sure worked wonders in this
instance.
C.
I think this splendid touch is

probably the best example one is
likely to find of the originality and
inventiveness that characterized
Colter's work as an architect.
D.
Who could have anticipated such

originality and inventiveness from
an architect working on a project in
the Grand Canyon?
Which change is needed to improve the

unity and focus of the first paragraph?
A.

and 3.
B.

and 4.
C.

and 5.
D.

and 6.

12.

error in usage?
A.
Sentence 1: Change "whose" to

"who's."
B.
Sentence 2: Change "which" to

"that."
C.
Sentence 3: Change "that" to

"which."
D.
Sentence 9: Change "it" to "they."

10
Use the passage below to answer the two questions that follow.
1In
1959, playwright Lorraine Hansberry

became the first African American woman to have
a play produced on Broadway. 2Her production of
A Raisin in the Sun was a timely contribution that
addressed important issues at a moment when the
nation was poised on the edge of massive social
change. 3In the play, Hansberry examined familial
legacies and the dreams that parents pass down to
their children, as well as the special constraints
that African American families labored under in
postWorld War II U.S. society. 4A Chicago
native who attended the University of Wisconsin
for several years, Hansberry had refined her
writing skills and sharpened her analytical abilities
at New York City's New School for Social
Research.
5A
Raisin in the Sun revolves around three

generations of the Younger family and their efforts
to escape the poverty of their tenement life and
achieve some measure of financial security.
6Despite its potentially depressing subject matter,
the production earned praise from critics and
audiences alike. 7It did so, in part, because
Hansberry created recognizable characters with
universal appeal. 8She also challenged viewers to
rethink simplistic constructions of the American
dream. 9Although the Youngers ultimately
triumph in their quest for a better life, they
must overcome formidable obstacles to do so.
10Thus, while the play affirmed that the American
dream was for everyone, it vividly demonstrated
that for some in the United States it was a much
more difficult dream to attain than it was for
others.
13.
Which change is needed to improve the

unity and focus of the first paragraph?
A.
Delete Sentence 3.
B.
Delete Sentence 4.
C.
D.
14.
The writer presents the material in the

passage in a way that is most consistent
with which of the following purposes?
A.
to explain the critical success of

A Raisin in the Sun

and 3.
B.
to analyze Hansberry's reasons for

writing A Raisin in the Sun

and 4.
C.
to summarize the plot of A Raisin in

the Sun
D.
to assess the strengths and

weaknesses of A Raisin in the Sun

11
1Long
before Spanish explorers arrived, the

artisans of Peru and Colombia had developed a
mastery of goldsmithing techniques equal or
superior to those being used in Europe. 2Gold is
unusually soft for a metal, making it particularly
suitable for fine craftwork. 3This, combined with
its great beauty, inspired early Andean goldsmiths
to explore innovative ways of working with the
prized metal. 4They were especially adept at
filigree, a technique using coiled wires to form
lacelike decorations for earrings, bracelets, and
necklaces. 5They also turned embossing, lost-wax
casting, and welding into high art forms.
6Of
particular interest were the advances made

by the artisans of Peru's Chim Empire during the
fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. 7The Chim
would ultimately become part of the Incan Empire.
8They learned to mix molten gold with other
metals to form alloys that strengthened the
naturally malleable gold by making it less
malleable. 9Even more remarkable was the
method they developed of gold plating items using
a copper alloy, which they melted and poured in a
thin layer over each item. 10Afterward, in an
extraordinary feat of early chemistry similar to
modern electroplating, they applied acids extracted
from plants that reacted with the copper in the
alloy. 11When the resulting residue was cleaned
off, a thin coating of pure gold was left on the
piece.
15.

A.
B.
C.
16.
to foster appreciation of the skills

of early Andean goldsmiths
to compare techniques used by
Andean and European goldsmiths
of the same era
A.
Sentence 7
B.
Sentence 8
C.
Sentence 10
D.
Sentence 11
to correct misconceptions about

early Andean goldsmiths
17.
D.
Which sentence is not relevant to the main

idea of the second paragraph?
to provide criteria for evaluating the

techniques used by early Andean
goldsmiths

eliminate unnecessary repetition?
A.
Sentence 1
B.
Sentence 4
C.
Sentence 8
D.
Sentence 9

12
1Plants
defend themselves against predators

in both direct and indirect ways. 2Direct defense
occurs when plants produce chemicals that insects
find revolting or harmful. 3Another form of direct
defense involves the production of tannins, substances that contain little nutritional value but
surround all of the useful parts of a plant. 4When
an animal eats this type of plant, its stomach fills
with enough empty calories to stunt its growth
permanently.
5Indirect
defenses produces less immediate

results, but sometimes prove to be even more
effective. 6One example is a plant that generates
chemicals that attract wasps to help get rid of
caterpillars. 7With their multisegmented cylindrical bodies and numerous pairs of legs, caterpillars
are surprisingly mobile. 8The wasps lay eggs
on the caterpillars. 9The eggs soon hatch, leaving
the wasp larvae to eat the caterpillars as their
first meal. 10One might think of it as nature's
affirmation of the ancient proverb, "The enemy
of my enemy is my friend."
18.
Which sentence draws attention away

from the main idea of the second
paragraph?
A.
Sentence 6
B.
Sentence 7
C.
Sentence 8
D.
Sentence 10
19.
The writer achieves effective organization

in the passage primarily by:
A.
comparing how different plants and

insects interact with one another.
B.
describing examples of different

types of defenses used by plants.
C.
discussing the advantages and

disadvantages of different plant
defenses.
D.
evaluating the harm done to plants

by different types of insects.

13
20.

error in subject-verb agreement?
A.
Sentence 3: Change "surround"

to "surrounds."
B.
Sentence 5: Change "produces"

to "produce."
C.
Sentence 6: Change "attract"

to "attracts."
D.
Sentence 9: Change "hatch"

to "hatches."

14
1Dorothea
Lange began her career as a studio

photographer. 2She probably would have
remained one had it not been for the Great
Depression. 3Appalled by the widespread human
devastation of that cataclysmic event, she felt
compelled to turn her talents to helping those less
fortunate then herself. 4In frank and unapologetic
photographs, she began documenting the plight of
migrant workers and other victims of hard times,
in effect becoming a visual messenger from those
society had forgotten.
internment of Japanese Americans. 7Later, she

made photographic tours of Asia, South America,
and the Middle East. 8Wherever she went, Lange
found an opportunity to call attention to the lives
of less fortunate people. 9Her photographs
constitute one of the most comprehensive
social documentaries of the twentieth century.
10Through her work, she helped define the field
of documentary photography in images that never
let viewers forget that poverty and hardship exist
outside the comfortable confines of the affluent
world.
5_____________________________________
_____________________ 6During World War II,

she accepted an assignment to document the
21.

would be the most effective topic sentence
for the second paragraph?
A.
B.
22.
In 1941, Lange was awarded a

Guggenheim Fellowship for one
of her photographic studies.
When officials of the federal
Resettlement Administration saw
Lange's work, they offered her a
job.
C.
Many of Lange's photographs

appeared in Life magazine and other
major publications.
D.
Lange's commitment to the dispossessed did not stop at the end of the
Depression.
The writer achieves effective organization

in the passage primarily by:
A.
describing the stages of Lange's

career in chronological order.
B.
assessing Lange's accomplishments

from most important to least
important.
C.
comparing and contrasting different

periods of Lange's life.
D.
linking Lange's evolving artistic

goals to different geographic
locations in which she worked.

15
23.
Which change is needed to correct

an error in usage?
A.
Sentence 3: Change "then"

to "than."
B.
Sentence 4: Change "effect"

to "affect."
C.
Sentence 6: Change "accepted"

to "excepted."
D.
Sentence 8: Change "lives"

to "life."

16
1Zora
Neale Hurston was a major twentiethcentury American writer. 2Born in Alabama in

1891, she grew up in Eatonville, Florida, the first
incorporated African American town in the United
States. 3Her literary career began in the 1920s,
when she arrived in New York City at the height
of the Harlem Renaissance. 4From those years
emerged her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching
God (1937), as well as poetry, short stories,
ethnographic studies, and a play. 5It was a period
of tremendous creativity in African American
culture, and Hurston helped shape this important
movement through various writings that illuminate
unexplored features of African American rural
life.
6Although
Hurston's writings achieved some

critical acclaim in the period between World Wars
I and II, her talent went unnoticed for many years
during which people paid little attention to her
work. 7At the time of her death in 1960, all of her
books were out of print, and she had been largely
forgotten by the general reading public. 8It was
not until the late twentieth century that interest in
Hurston's work revived. 9She is now considered
one of the nation's most accomplished authors, and
many of her booksnearly all of which are back
in printare taught in high schools and colleges
around the world.
24.

A.
to inform readers about Hurston's

work and her career as a writer
B.
to defend Hurston's writing from

critical attacks
C.
to persuade readers to admire

Hurston's life and work
D.
to analyze the main themes in

Hurston's writing
25.

of ideas in the first paragraph clearer?
A.

and 2.
B.

and 3.
C.

and 4.
D.

and 5.

17
26.

eliminate redundancy?
A.
Sentence 4
B.
Sentence 5
C.
Sentence 6
D.
Sentence 9

18
1Separating
opinion from fact, identifying

evidence, engaging in careful reasoning, and
assessing an author's credibility are all essential to
critical thinking. 2_________________________
______________________ 3Experienced writers
use a range of rhetorical strategies to persuade
readers. 4Strategies that may not be readily apparent during an uncritical first reading of a text.
5Artfully
used language can blur the line

between fact and opinion. 6A strong worded
statement may mask a lack of evidence, and one-
sided evidence may support inaccurate conclusions. 7The use of sarcasm, indignation, and
personal attack may sway a reader's emotions
without adding to the credibility of an argument.
8False premises and logical fallacies can mar an
essentially weak argument that at first glance
appears persuasive. 9Thoughtful readers need to
be aware of such tactics. 10They need to understand that it is just as important to consider the
language used in a serious piece of writing as it is
to assess the points an author is trying to make.
27.

would best fit the writer's pattern of
development in the first paragraph?
28.
Which of the following excerpts from the

passage contains an error in sentence
structure?
A.
It is particularly important that

readers know something about the
author of a book or article.
A.
Strategies that may not be readily

apparent during an uncritical first
reading of a text.
B.
Some arguments make no logical

sense whatsoever.
B.
C.
To employ these skills effectively, a

reader must pay careful attention to
language.
The use of sarcasm, indignation, and

personal attack may sway a reader's
emotions without adding to the
credibility of an argument.
C.
Thoughtful readers need to be aware

of such tactics.
D.
They need to understand that it is

just as important to consider the
language used in a serious piece of
writing as it is to assess the points
an author is trying to make.
D.
Not everyone provides adequate

supporting evidence for an
argument.

19
29.

error in modification?
A.
Sentence 1: Change "critical"

to "critically."
B.
Sentence 6: Change "strong"

to "strongly."
C.
Sentence 8: Change "essentially"

to "essential."
D.
Sentence 9: Change "Thoughtful"

to "Thoughtfully."

20
1Almost
every successful invention is made

possible by one or more great failures. 2In the
case of bicycles, cyclists everywhere should give
thanks to Karl de Drais de Sauerbrun, the inventor
of the draisienne. 3Predating the bicycle by almost
fifty years, his invention provided its basic design.
4There was a cushioned seat, a wooden frame, two
iron wheels, and even a rudimentary steering bar.
5Riders propelled the machine by straddling the
seat and moving their feet across the ground in a
walking or running motion. 6The only crucial
elements missing were the pedals, driving
sprocket, and chain.
7Although
the draisienne allowed people

to progress twice as fast as on foot, it quickly
acquired a negative reputation. 8One problem was
its high cost, which limited ownership to the rich.
9Indeed, as initial curiosity passed, many people
were coming to view riders with open hostility.
10_______________________________________
_______ 11At a weight of over fifty pounds and
with no brakes, it was a burden to ride uphill and
dangerous to ride down.
30.

would best fit the writer's pattern of
development in the second paragraph?
A.
Sauerbrun apparently gave little

thought to cost considerations.
B.
An even greater problem was the

machine's impracticality.
C.
This doubtless had a negative effect

on sales.
D.
That the machine increased mobility

did not seem to matter.
31.

of ideas in the first paragraph clearer?
A.

and 2.
B.

and 3.
C.

and 5.
D.

and 6.

21
32.

correct an error in verb tense?
A.
Sentence 2: Change "give" to "be

giving."
B.
Sentence 5: Change "propelled" to

"would propel."
C.
Sentence 7: Change "allowed" to

"had allowed."
D.
Sentence 9: Change "were coming"

to "came."

22
1Across
the United States, individuals and

groups trying to conserve open space from
residential development are encountering stiff
opposition. 2Whether builders, real-estate agents,
or property owners, those in favor of more
development point to a growing burden of state
environmental regulations and local permitting
requirements. 3One of the most frequently
repeated arguments raised by opponents of land
conservation is that since land that remains as
fields or woodlands is taxed at a much lower rate
than residential property, preserving a town's
farmlands, forests, and meadows increases the
property taxes of every homeowner in the
community.
4____________________________________
______________________ 5Community studies

have repeatedly demonstrated that the taxes
collected from new residential properties do not
equal the cost of the additional services a town
must provide in the way of police protection,
road maintenance, and, most important, public
education. 6________, each new family drives up
everyone's property taxes, while each acre of land
preserved from development saves the town
money. 7Land conservation is not only good for
the land, it's good for the communities with the
foresight to pursue appropriate preservation of
open spaces.
33.
Which sentence, if added as Sentence 4,

would be the most effective topic sentence
for the second paragraph?
A.
34.
But how can we be sure they are

telling the truth?
Which word or phrase, if inserted into the

blank in Sentence 6, would best help the
reader understand the sequence of the
writer's ideas?
A.
As a result
In fact, preserving land from

development has exactly the
opposite effect.
B.
At the same time
C.
Moreover
C.
Unfortunately, this is a highly

complex issue almost impossible
to sort out.
D.
On the other hand
D.
Land preservation groups, on the

other hand, try to convince people
of the recreational and aesthetic
value of open space.
B.

23
35.
Which of the following details from the

body of the passage best supports the
main idea of the second paragraph?
A.
Land that has been preserved from

residential development is taxed
at a lower rate than land that is
developed.
B.
Developers must satisfy a growing

number of environmental regulations before they can build.
C.
Community studies have demonstrated that new families cost the

town more than they provide in
taxes.
D.
Town services include police

protection, road maintenance,
and public education.

24
Mechanics Multiple-Choice Questions
DIRECTIONS FOR THE MECHANICS SECTION OF THE WRITING SUBTEST

This section of the Writing subtest consists of one passage. The passage contains errors in spelling,
punctuation, and capitalization. The passage is followed by six multiple-choice items, one for each sentence
in the passage. For each item, you will be directed to determine if the sentence contains an error in spelling,
punctuation, or capitalization or if the sentence is correct as written. Each sentence should be considered as a
single sentence. For each item, choose the ONE best answer.
Use the passage below to answer the six questions that follow. This passage contains errors in
spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
Long considered the foundation of western literature, the Iliad and the Odyssey have offered
insights into the human condition for over two thousand years. Little is known about Homer the
author of the two epics, but many of the historical events that he wrote about can be confirmed.
This is particularly true of the Iliad, which describes the Greeks' ten-year seige of the city of
Troy. Available historical evidence supports the notion that a Greek raiding party attacked the
walled fortress of Troy and succeeded in burning the city sometime around 1200 BCE. Much of
that evidence can be found in the work of Heinrich Schliemann, a Nineteenth-century scholar
who used Homer's poems to locate the city of Troy in present-day Turkey. Later archaeological
expiditions showing that Troy was destroyed by fire around the traditional date of the war
provided further confirmation of the historical accuracy of the Homerian account.
36.
If one of the underlined segments of the sentence below contains an error in spelling, capitalization, or
punctuation, select the type of error. If there is no error, select D, "sentence correct."
Long considered the foundation of western literature, the Iliad and the Odyssey have offered
insights into the human condition for over two thousand years.
A.
spelling error
B.
punctuation error
C.
capitalization error
D.
sentence correct

25
37.
Little is known about Homer the author of the two epics, but many of the historical events
that he wrote about can be confirmed.
38.
A.
spelling error
B.
punctuation error
C.
D.
sentence correct
This is particularly true of the Iliad, which describes the Greeks' ten-year seige of the city of
Troy.
A.
spelling error
B.
punctuation error
C.
D.
sentence correct

26
39.
Available historical evidence supports the notion that a Greek raiding party attacked the
walled fortress of Troy and succeeded in burning the city sometime around 1200 BCE.
40.
A.
spelling error
B.
punctuation error
C.
D.
sentence correct
Much of that evidence can be found in the work of Heinrich Schliemann, a Nineteenthcentury scholar who used Homer's poems to locate the city of Troy in present-day Turkey.
A.
spelling error
B.
punctuation error
C.
D.
sentence correct

27
41.
Later archaeological expiditions showing that Troy was destroyed by fire around the
traditional date of the war provided further confirmation of the historical accuracy of the
Homerian account.
A.
spelling error
B.
punctuation error
C.
D.
sentence correct

28
Constructed-Response Section
CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE SECTION
Short-Answer Items
DIRECTIONS FOR THE SHORT-ANSWER SECTION OF THE WRITING SUBTEST

This section of the Writing subtest consists of three items. For each item you are asked to revise text that
contains two errors (e.g., in grammar, usage, construction, spelling, capitalization, punctuation). For each
item, rewrite the text so that the errors are addressed and the original meaning is maintained. In addressing
the errors, you may restructure the syntax of the original text, but the essential elements (e.g., names, places,
actions) and relationship among those elements (e.g., cause/effect, before/after) must be maintained.
Your rewrite should be a single sentence and should not introduce any new errors in grammar, usage,
construction, spelling, punctuation, or capitalization. Note that proper names of people are correctly spelled
within the text.
Write your response to each item on the lines provided below the item. Be sure to write or print legibly. The
space provided reflects the amount of space available on an actual test.

29
42.
The following text contains two errors (e.g., in grammar, usage, construction, spelling, capitalization, punctuation). Rewrite the text so that the errors are addressed and the original meaning is
maintained. Your rewrite should be a single sentence.
Having promised to be back at our apartment by early afternoon Mike was concerned when I didn't
arrive until just before dinner.
43.
As we ran toward it, the bus drove away. Leaving Nan and I standing helplessly on the corner.
44.
Joanne, who earned her degree at the state's largest College spoke at the conference.

30
Writing Summary Assignment
DIRECTIONS FOR THE WRITING SUMMARY SECTION OF THE WRITING SUBTEST

This section of the Writing subtest presents a passage for you to summarize in your own words. The passage
can be found on the next page. Prepare a summary of approximately 150 to 200 words.
Your summary should effectively communicate the main idea and essential points of the passage. You are
expected to identify the relevant information and communicate it clearly and concisely in your own words.
On the actual VCLA writing subtest, your summary will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
FIDELITY: Fidelity is the extent to which the response accurately and clearly represents in your own
words the essential meaning, content, and point of view of the original passage.
CONCISENESS: Conciseness is the extent to which the response is of appropriate length, depth, and
specificity to convey the essential meaning, content, and point of view of the original passage.
ORGANIZATION: Organization is the extent to which your sequencing and paragraphing of ideas
convey the essential meaning, logical structure, and point of view of the original passage.
MECHANICS, GRAMMAR, AND WORD CHOICE: Mechanics, grammar, and word choice are the
extent to which words are spelled correctly and your writing follows the conventions of punctuation and
capitalization; the effectiveness of the sentence structure and the extent to which the sentences are free of
structural errors; and the extent to which your writing shows care and precision in word choice and is free
of usage errors.
The final version of your summary should conform to the conventions of Standard English, should be written
legibly, and should be in your own words.

31
Use the passage below to prepare a summary of 150 to 200 words.
Antibacterial Soaps
One of the biggest medical breakthroughs
of the past two hundred years occurred in a
Vienna maternity hospital in the midnineteenth century. A young doctor named
Ignaz Semmelweis reduced obstetric mortality
rates by almost 30 percent when he began
requiring medical staff to wash their hands
between procedures. Although Semmelweis's
innovation initially encountered antagonism
from the medical establishment, he is now
considered a pioneer of medicine. For many
years, routine hand washing in home, school,
work, and health-care environments has been
seen as one of the most effective ways to
reduce the risk of illness. The recent proliferation of antibacterial soaps, however, has
introduced new health concerns.
Although it is becoming increasingly
uncommon to go through a day without using
antibacterial products, few people understand
the ways in which antibacterial soap differs
from regular soap. On a chemical level, a
regular soap molecule is one-part water
binding and one-part water repellent. The
fatty acids in the soap attract the dirt and
grime, which become trapped in droplets of
water that can be washed off the body through
simple scrubbing. Antibacterial soap changes
this activity through the addition of an agent
that attacks bacteria on the skin. One concern
about antibacterial soap is that daily use
encourages the development of resistant
bacteria, making people more rather than less
susceptible to illness.
Dermatologists voice a different set of
concerns about antibacterials. The same
chemicals used to kill bacteria strip away
moisture and amino acids from the skin and
disrupt the growth process. This, in turn,

can lead in some cases to eczema, a severe
inflammation of the skin. The latter outcome
is particularly ironic because eczema on
people's hands is known to be a common
means of transmitting bacteria from one
person to another. In these situations, the
antibacterial "cure" has actually contributed
to the problem.
As part of an effort to determine whether
the benefits of antibacterial soaps outweigh
the risks, several scientific studies compared
the health of families who use antibacterial
cleaning products with those who use regular
soap. After a year of monitoring a diverse
sample of families, the studies found that both
groups experienced about the same number of
colds, flus, and other common illnesses. Yet
these findings are by no means conclusive, as
it is possible that antibacterial soaps require a
much longer period to demonstrate the side
effects that some medical practitioners fear.
To find that out, we will need to wait for
further studies.
Given the potentially negative consequences of using antibacterial soap, it may
be safest to return to the time-honored practice
of washing hands with regular soap and warm
water. Unfortunately, even this may not be
possible for much longer. Recent estimates
indicate that up to 75 percent of liquid soaps
and 30 percent of bar soaps now contain
antibacterial agents. Consumer demand for
these products is so high that the already
$16-billion-a-year industry anticipates continued growth. Thus, despite the potential
risks, it appears that antibacterial soaps are
here to stay.

32
Writing Summary Response Document

Use the lined space below, which reflects the amount of space available on an actual test, to record
your response to the summary assignment.
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Writing Composition Assignment
DIRECTIONS FOR THE COMPOSITION SECTION OF THE WRITING SUBTEST

This section of the Writing subtest consists of one writing assignment. The assignment can be found on the
next page. You are asked to prepare a multiple-paragraph composition of approximately 300 to 600 words on
an assigned topic.
Your composition should effectively communicate a whole message to the specified audience for the stated
purpose. You will be assessed on your ability to express, organize, and support opinions and ideas. You will
not be assessed on the position you express.
On the actual VCLA writing subtest, your composition will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
APPROPRIATENESS: Appropriateness is the extent to which your response addresses the topic and
uses language and style appropriate to the given audience, purpose, and occasion.
ORGANIZATION: Organization is the clarity of the writing and the logical sequence of your ideas.
FOCUS AND UNITY: Focus and unity are the clarity with which you state and maintain focus on the
main idea or point of view.
DEVELOPMENT: Development is the extent to which your response provides statements of

appropriate depth, specificity, and/or accuracy.
USAGE: Usage is the extent to which your writing shows care and precision in word choice and is free
of usage errors.
SENTENCE STRUCTURE: Sentence structure is the effectiveness of the sentence structure and the
extent to which the sentences are free of structural errors.
MECHANICAL CONVENTIONS: Mechanical conventions are the extent to which words are spelled
correctly and your response follows the conventions of punctuation and capitalization.
The final version of your composition should conform to the conventions of Standard English, should be
written legibly, and should be your own original work.

35
COMPOSITION EXERCISE
Read the passages below about banning vending machines containing soft drinks and
snack foods from public schools; then follow the instructions for writing your composition.
Ban Soft Drinks and Snack Foods
from Public Schools
Keep Soft Drinks and Snack Foods

in Public Schools
Obesity among young people is a serious

public health problem that has been linked to
the growing incidence of diabetes, high blood
pressure, and heart disease in U.S. society.
Educators can help address this problem by
removing vending machines that sell soft drinks
and snack foods from public schools. Doing so
will not only improve student health and combat
the soaring costs of public health care, it will
also send an important message to students
about making responsible choices about what
they consume.
The availability of soft drinks and snack foods

in schools is not the main reason for the
growing problem of obesity among young
people. Rather, it is the failure of students
to make responsible choices for themselves.
Schools should provide courses that will enable
students to identify foods that contribute to a
well-balanced diet and to make wise decisions
about their personal health and nutrition. But
neither teachers nor school administrators have
the right to dictate to students what they should
eat and drink.
Your purpose is to write a persuasive composition, to be read by a classroom instructor, in which

you take a position on whether or not soft drinks and snack food vending machines should be
banned from public schools. Be sure to defend your position with logical arguments and appropriate examples.

36
Writing Composition Response Document

Use the lined space below, which reflects the amount of space available on an actual test, to record
your response to the composition assignment.
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EVALUATING YOUR PERFORMANCE
This section describes how to evaluate your performance on this practice test for the VCLA writing
subtest. Your practice test results may provide helpful information regarding your preparedness in
the content tested on the actual VCLA writing subtest.
In this section you will find:
an Answer Key providing the correct response for each multiple-choice question and a
column for tracking your results
a Results Worksheet organized by objective that will help you interpret your multiple-choice
section results
sample strong responses to the short-answer items
scoring criteria, including performance characteristics and a scoring scale, that will help you
evaluate your response to the writing summary assignment
a sample strong response to the writing summary assignment
scoring criteria, including performance characteristics and a scoring scale, that will help you
evaluate your response to the writing composition assignment
a sample strong response to the writing composition assignment
Use the resources provided in this section and the VCLA test blueprint (available free of charge at
www.va.nesinc.com) to help determine your preparedness for the actual VCLA writing subtest.
Although your results on this practice test cannot be used to determine your score on the actual
subtest, your results may help you gauge your readiness to test and help identify any areas for
further study.

41
Evaluating Your Performance
Answer Key
Determine which multiple-choice questions you answered correctly and incorrectly by comparing the
answers you recorded on your Multiple-Choice Answer Sheet to the correct responses listed on the
Answer Key below. Circle "Y" or "N" in the "Correct?" column to keep track of your results. For the
questions you answered incorrectly, review these questions and their correct responses.
Question
Number
Correct
Response
Question
Number
Correct
Response
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
10
30
11
31
12
32
13
33
14
34
15
35
16
36
17
37
18
38
19
39
20
40
41
Correct?

Correct?
42
Results Worksheet
Use the Results Worksheet below and the VCLA test blueprint to determine whether there are
objectives for which you should further prepare before taking the actual VCLA writing subtest.
Transfer your results from the Answer Key to the Results Worksheet by totaling the number of
questions you answered correctly for each objective.
Refer to the VCLA test blueprint to assist you in evaluating your performance. The test blueprint
contains the objectives and descriptive statements that describe the content assessed by the VCLA.
Objective
Questions
Number Correct
by Objective
6.
Understand the influence of purpose and

audience in written communication.
1, 8, 10, 14, 15, 24
of 6
7.
Apply principles of unity, focus, and

development in writing.
2, 11, 13, 16, 18, 27, 30, 35
of 8
8.
Apply principles of organization in writing.
4, 7, 19, 22, 25, 31, 34
of 7
9.
Apply principles of sentence and

paragraph construction in writing.
5, 9, 17, 21, 26, 28, 33
of 7
10.
Apply correct usage in Standard English.
3, 6, 12, 20, 23, 29, 32
of 7
11.
Apply knowledge of mechanical

conventions in Standard English.
36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41
of 6
Performance on Writing Subtest Multiple-Choice Section: Total

of 41
43
Sample Strong Responses to the Short-Answer Items

The following are examples of strong responses to the sample short-answer items. Review the
sample strong responses and compare them to your responses. You may also want to ask a mentor,
advisor, or teacher to evaluate your responses to the short-answer items.
The content assessed by the short-answer items is described in objective 12 of the VCLA test
blueprint.
42.
Having promised to be back at our apartment by early afternoon Mike was concerned when I didn't
arrive until just before dinner.
Since I promised to be back at our apartment by early afternoon, Mike was
concerned when I didn't arrive until just before dinner.
43.
As we ran toward it, the bus drove away. Leaving Nan and I standing helplessly on the corner.
As we ran toward it, the bus drove away, leaving Nan and me standing
helplessly on the corner.
44.
Joanne, who earned her degree at the state's largest College spoke at the conference.
Joanne, who earned her degree at the state's largest college, spoke at
the conference.

44
Criteria for Scoring Your Response to the Writing Summary Assignment

Review your response to the writing summary assignment using the scoring criteria below. You may
find it useful to review the sample strong response that follows. You may also want to ask a mentor,
advisor, or teacher to evaluate your response to the assignment.
The content assessed by the summary assignment is described in objective 13 of the VCLA test
blueprint.
Performance Characteristics
Each response will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
Fidelity
The extent to which the candidate accurately and clearly represents

in his or her own words the essential meaning, content, and point of
view of the original passage.
Conciseness
The extent to which the candidate's response is of appropriate

length, depth, and specificity to convey the essential meaning,
content, and point of view of the original passage.
Organization
The extent to which the candidate's sequencing and paragraphing of

ideas convey the essential meaning, logical structure, and point of
view of the original passage.
The extent to which words are spelled correctly and the
candidate's writing follows the conventions of punctuation and
capitalization.
Mechanics, Grammar,
and Word Choice
The effectiveness of the sentence structure and the extent to

which the sentences are free of structural errors.
The extent to which the candidate's writing shows care and
precision in word choice and is free of usage errors.
Scoring Scale
Each response is rated on a four-point scale. The four points of the scale correspond to varying
degrees of performance that are related to the performance characteristics. The scoring scale for the
writing summary assignment is shown on the next page.

45
Score
Point
Score Point Description
A well-formed written response

Using his or her own words, the candidate accurately and clearly represents the essential meaning,
content, and point of view of the original passage. The candidate does not distort or misrepresent the
original meaning or substitute his/her own ideas or opinions for those expressed in the original text.
The candidate's response is concise, but provides enough statements of appropriate depth and
specificity to represent the essential meaning, content, and point of view of the original passage.
The response exhibits control and organization; the sequencing and paragraphing of ideas clearly
represent the essential meaning, logical structure, and point of view of the original passage.
The candidate shows mastery of mechanical conventions (i.e., spelling, punctuation, and capitalization).
The candidate uses correct and effective paragraph and sentence structure. The candidate's usage and
choice of words are careful and precise.
A generally well-formed written response

Using his or her own words, the candidate generally represents most of the meaning, content, and point
of view of the original passage without distortion or misrepresentation.
The candidate's response may be too long or too short, but generally provides enough statements of
appropriate depth and specificity to convey most of the meaning, content, and point of view of the
original passage.
The candidate's organization of ideas may be somewhat unclear, incomplete, or partially ineffective, but
sequencing and paragraphing of ideas generally represent the essential meaning, logical structure, and
point of view of the original passage.
The candidate may make some errors in the use of mechanical conventions (i.e., spelling, punctuation,
and capitalization). The candidate uses adequate paragraph and sentence structure, but minor errors
may be present. The candidate's usage and choice of words may display minor errors.
A partially formed written response

The candidate represents only some of the meaning, content, and point of view of the original passage.
The candidate may substitute his or her own ideas and opinions for those expressed in the original
passage. The candidate may distort or misrepresent some of the original meaning. The candidate may
rely heavily on the language of the original passage to express the essential ideas and meaning of the
original passage.
The candidate's response may be too long or too short, or lack appropriate depth or specificity, to
convey the essential meaning, content, and point of view of the original passage.
The candidate's organization, paragraphing, and sequencing of ideas may compromise or distort the
meaning, logical structure, and/or point of view of the original passage.
The candidate makes frequent errors in the use of mechanical conventions (i.e., spelling, punctuation,
and capitalization). Sentence and paragraph structure are poor, with noticeable and distracting errors.
Imprecision in usage and word choice is distracting.
An inadequately formed written response

The candidate fails to represent the meaning, content, and point of view of the original passage in his or
her own words. The original meaning is distorted, misrepresented, or merely copied.
The candidate's response fails to convey the depth or specificity of meaning conveyed by the original
passage.
The candidate's organization, paragraphing and sequencing of ideas fail to convey the meaning, logical
structure, and point of view of the original passage.
The candidate makes serious and numerous errors in the use of mechanical conventions (i.e., spelling,
punctuation, and capitalization). Sentence and paragraph structure are ineffective, and few sentences
are free of errors. Imprecision in usage and word choice interferes with meaning.
The response is unrelated to the assigned topic, illegible, primarily in a language other than
English, not of sufficient length of original work to score, or merely a repetition of the passage.
There is no response to the assignment.

46
Sample Strong Response to the Writing Summary Assignment

Since the mid-nineteenth century when a Viennese doctor proved that
simple hand washing could reduce the spread of germs, using soap and warm
water has become a standard of medical and public hygiene. Ironically, a
supposed improvement to this long-held practicethe introduction of
antibacterial soaps to further reduce germ transmissionmay be contributing to
an increase rather than a decrease in bacteria-induced infections and is
triggering scientific study and concern.
Scientists now suspect that regular use of antibacterial soap creates
bacteria-resistant germs that make users more rather than less vulnerable to
infection. Dermatologists report that the chemicals in antibacterial soap can
cause eczema, a condition that makes passing on germs to another person even
easier. Although one year-long study found no differences between regular soap
and antibacterial soap users in number of illnesses, it may be that the predicted
antibacterial side effects take longer to develop. More studies are needed to be
certain about the dangers.
While washing with regular soap may be safer, old-fashioned soaps are
harder to come by. Consumers favor antibacterial soap and sales continue to
skyrocket despite warnings of potential long-term health hazards.

47
Criteria for Scoring Your Response to the Writing Composition Assignment

Review your response to the writing composition assignment using the scoring criteria below. You
may find it useful to review the sample strong response that follows. You may also want to ask a
mentor, advisor, or teacher to evaluate your response to the assignment.
The content assessed by the composition assignment is described in objective 14 of the VCLA test
blueprint.
Performance Characteristics
Each response will be evaluated based on the following criteria.
Appropriateness
The extent to which the candidate addresses the topic and uses language
and style appropriate to the given audience, purpose, and occasion.
Organization
The clarity of writing and the logical sequence of the candidate's ideas.
Focus and Unity
The clarity with which the candidate states and maintains focus on the
main idea or point of view.
Development
The extent to which the candidate provides statements of appropriate

depth, specificity, and/or accuracy.
Usage
The extent to which the candidate's writing shows care and precision in
word choice and is free of usage errors.
Sentence
Structure
The effectiveness of the sentence structure and the extent to which the
sentences are free of structural errors.
Mechanical
Conventions
The extent to which words are spelled correctly and the candidate follows
the conventions of punctuation and capitalization.
Scoring Scale
Each response is rated on a four-point scale. The four points of the scale correspond to varying
degrees of performance that are related to the performance characteristics. The scoring scale for the
writing composition assignment is shown on the next page.

48
Score
Point
Score Point Description
A well-formed written response

The candidate addresses the assignment fully and uses appropriate language and style.
The candidate exhibits control in the organization of ideas.
The candidate clearly states a main idea and/or point of view, and maintains focus and unity throughout
the response.
The candidate develops the response fully by providing ample statements of appropriate depth,
specificity, and accuracy.
Usage and choice of words are careful and precise.
Sentence structure is effective and free of errors.
The candidate shows mastery of mechanical conventions (e.g., spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization).
A generally well-formed written response

The candidate generally addresses the assignment and for the most part uses appropriate language
and/or style.
The organization of ideas is generally clear and logical, but there may be occasional ambiguity or partial
ineffectiveness.
The main idea and/or point of view of the response is generally clear, and focus and unity are generally
maintained.
The response is generally developed through the use of statements of appropriate depth, specificity,
and accuracy.
Minor errors in usage and word choice may be evident.
Sentence structure is generally correct, although minor errors may be present.
There may be some errors in the use of mechanical conventions (e.g., spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization).
A partially formed written response

The candidate partially addresses the assignment and may use inappropriate language and/or style.
The candidate may make an effort to organize and sequence ideas, but organization is largely unclear.
The main idea and/or point of view is inconsistent and/or the focus and unity of the discussion are not
sustained.
The response includes very few statements that contribute effectively to the development of the
response.
Imprecision in usage and word choice is distracting.
Sentence structure is poor, with noticeable and distracting errors.
The candidate makes frequent errors in the use of mechanical conventions (e.g., spelling, punctuation,
and capitalization).
An inadequately formed written response

The candidate attempts to address the assignment, but language and style are generally inappropriate
for the given audience, purpose, and/or occasion.
Any organization that is present fails to present an effective sequence of ideas.
The main idea and/or point of view of the response is not identified.
The candidate fails to include statements that contribute effectively to the development of the response.
Imprecision in usage and word choice interferes with meaning.
Sentence structure is ineffective, and few sentences are free of errors.
The candidate makes serious and numerous errors in the use of mechanical conventions (e.g., spelling,
punctuation, and capitalization).
The response is unrelated to the assigned topic, illegible, primarily in a language other than
English, not of sufficient length of original work to score, or merely a repetition of the assignment.
There is no response to the assignment.

49
Sample Strong Response to the Writing Composition Assignment

When I was in high school, I found it very strange to walk out of my class
on health and nutrition, full of information about the benefits of fruits and
vegetables, fiber, and protein, to find myself facing a row of vending machines
selling soft drinks, chips, and candy.
I would look around at my classmates, many
of whom were struggling with weight problems, like so many Americans overall.
Of course we bought things from those machinesbecause we were hungry and

rushed, and because they were there. But those foods are associated with a rising
incidence of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Their presence in the public
schools contradicts the schools educational mission, which increasingly is to
prepare students with life skills as well as academic knowledge. Public schools
should not allow the sale of these unhealthy foods on their premises.
The contradictions are obvious. For one thing, if the health class guidelines
on food can be so casually ignored, what about the guidelines on drug use or sexual
activity? Those messages are being undermined, too. For another, the school is
an institution with authority, almost parental in nature. If a mother served her
children a lunch of potato chips and root beer, she would be seen as a bad
mother, particularly if her children became obese. The school with the junk-food
vending machines is being similarly negligent.
Even though unhealthy foods are widely available outside of school, and may
well be present in people's homes, that is no reason to have them at school, too.
In fact, it's a reason to make sure they are not available at school. Eating habits
are very socially based. It is hard to eat differently from people around you (ask
any vegetarian or someone allergic to peanuts). If everywhere else there are
people drinking cola and eating fried pork rinds, at least the school could be one
place where the expectations and the norms are different, and people are
drinking milk and eating apples. It could offer students a better diet, which they
might actually like and eventually choose on their own when not in school.
(continued)

50
Defenders of the vending machines say that they offer students a choice,
one that the students should be free to make. But what is that choice, if all the
foods are bad for you? Even the popcorn has too much salt, and the crackers are
full of saturated fats. The soft drinks contain either high-calorie, tooth-rotting
sugar or artificial sweeteners that carry health hazards of their own. Also, if
the vending machine is lit up with the product's name in huge neon lights, and
every beverage before you is made by that same manufacturer, that isn't really a
choice either, in terms of the marketplace. Students are a captive consumer
audience for just one or two companies. Furthermore, at this stage of their lives,
students cannot be expected to exercise adult judgment; you can't put candy in
front of them and expect them wisely to ignore it. These vending machines are
less like a choice and more like a trap.
Public schools, clearly, should not be in the business of entrapping their
students, and burdening both them and society with bad habits and costly longterm health problems. The vending machines should go.

51

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VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

MULTIPLE-CHOICE SECTION ....................................... 2

CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE SECTION ............................29

EVALUATING YOUR PERFORMANCE .............................41

Reviewing the Test Content

Taking the Practice Test

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment Practice TestWriting Subtest

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment Practice TestWriting Subtest

Grammar and Usage Multiple-Choice Questions

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment Practice TestWriting Subtest

to a recent study, people who sleep

National Sleep Foundation, however,

Information in the passage is presented

Which change is needed to correct an

Sentence 1: Change "than" to

Sentence 3: Change "effect" to

Sentence 8: Change "principal"

Sentence 9: Change "to" to "too."

Which sentence draws attention away

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment Practice TestWriting Subtest

Sha Higby is an artist who draws on

Higby returned from Indonesia, she

propped up with poles or suspended from above

Which change would make the sequence

Which sentence should be revised to

Reverse the order of Sentences 6

Reverse the order of Sentences 8

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment Practice TestWriting Subtest

Which change is needed to correct an

Sentence 2: Change "elaborate"

Sentence 3: Change "artistic"

Sentence 7: Change "slow"

Sentence 8: Change "equally"

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment Practice TestWriting Subtest

sometimes confuse comets with

reason for popular fascination with

Which of the following words or phrases,

Which statement, if added as Sentence 10,

Their extreme age is one of the

Anything that old is sure worthy of

If old age means anything, then

Like their rarity, the antiquity of

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment Practice TestWriting Subtest

Which of the following excerpts from the

Apart from such surface similarities, however, the two celestial

That is why the appearance of a

Just as paleontologists study the

Some scientists believe comets may

Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment Practice TestWriting Subtest

an architect whose work took her to some

those materials most readily available: rocks and

further demonstrated her creativity in

Which sentence, if added as Sentence 10,

This bold touch was a perfect

I think this splendid touch is

Who could have anticipated such

Which change is needed to improve the

Reverse the order of Sentences 2

Reverse the order of Sentences 3