Grade 9 English Language Arts practice sheet

Alberta Curriculum · from Gradelings · Name: ______________________

Question 1
What does the word “spongy” suggest about the soil?
Tiny Forests
In a few cities around the world, planners have started creating “tiny forests”: dense patches of native trees and shrubs planted in spaces about the size of a tennis court. Because the plants are packed closely, they grow fast, creating shade, habitat and a spongy layer of soil that soaks up rainwater.
Supporters point out that these forests are cheap compared with large parks and can fit on vacant lots or school grounds. Studies of early projects report cooler temperatures nearby and more birds and insects within a few years. Children who help plant them often develop a stronger sense of ownership over their neighbourhoods.
Still, the evidence is young. Most tiny forests have existed for less than a decade, and long-term results are unknown. Critics add that planting a few small patches should not replace protecting the older forests and wetlands that already store enormous amounts of carbon. The strongest approach, many experts suggest, is to treat tiny forests as one tool among many.
- It is full of rocks.
- It is dry and hard.
- It is made of foam.
- It can absorb and hold water.
Show answer
It can absorb and hold water.
Hint: Sponges soak up liquid. The passage says the soil “soaks up rainwater.”
Question 2
Which literary device does this excerpt use?
The fire station burned to the ground on the night of the town's biggest fire-safety fair.
- Metaphor
- Situational irony
- Verbal irony
- Alliteration
Show answer
Situational irony
Hint: The opposite of what is expected happens: a fire station burns during a fire-safety event.
Question 3
A poem is printed in its original language beside an English translation. How can this honour the speaker's voice?
- It replaces the author's name.
- It keeps the original words visible so meaning is not lost.
- It makes the poem shorter.
- It hides the original language.
Show answer
It keeps the original words visible so meaning is not lost.
Hint: Translation can lose meaning, so keeping the original respects the speaker.
Question 4
“If we let students use phones in class, next they'll want to sleep in class!” This is…
- ethos
- a rebuttal
- a slippery slope
- a statistic
Show answer
a slippery slope
Hint: It claims one small step will lead to an extreme result.
Question 5
A chatbot gives you a statistic for your report. What is the best next step?
- Check it against a reliable source before using it
- Delete the rest of your research
- Assume it is correct if it has a number
- Use it because it sounds confident
Show answer
Check it against a reliable source before using it
Hint: Tools can sound sure while being wrong. Verify facts before you use them.
Question 6
“Selfie” and “emoji” are examples of…
- new words that entered English recently
- words from Old English
- words with no meaning
- words that no longer exist
Show answer
new words that entered English recently
Hint: New technology and culture create new words.
Question 7
Which sentence uses a dash correctly for emphasis?
- She — had only one goal to win.
- She had only one goal — to win.
- She had — only one goal to win.
- She had only — one goal to win.
Show answer
She had only one goal — to win.
Hint: A dash can set off a strong, emphasized addition.
Question 8
Choose the best transition. “The trail was steep. ____, we reached the summit before noon.”
- Even so
- In addition
- Similarly
- For example
Show answer
Even so
Hint: The second sentence is a surprise given the first, so the transition shows contrast.
Question 9
What does the word “Still” do at the start of the third paragraph?
Tiny Forests
In a few cities around the world, planners have started creating “tiny forests”: dense patches of native trees and shrubs planted in spaces about the size of a tennis court. Because the plants are packed closely, they grow fast, creating shade, habitat and a spongy layer of soil that soaks up rainwater.
Supporters point out that these forests are cheap compared with large parks and can fit on vacant lots or school grounds. Studies of early projects report cooler temperatures nearby and more birds and insects within a few years. Children who help plant them often develop a stronger sense of ownership over their neighbourhoods.
Still, the evidence is young. Most tiny forests have existed for less than a decade, and long-term results are unknown. Critics add that planting a few small patches should not replace protecting the older forests and wetlands that already store enormous amounts of carbon. The strongest approach, many experts suggest, is to treat tiny forests as one tool among many.
- It introduces a limitation after the benefits.
- It ends the discussion.
- It starts a joke.
- It repeats the first point.
Show answer
It introduces a limitation after the benefits.
Hint: “Still” signals a turn from the advantages to the concerns.
Question 10
Which literary device does this excerpt use?
Whispering winds wove wildly through the willow trees.
- Alliteration
- Simile
- Onomatopoeia
- Irony
Show answer
Alliteration
Hint: Repeating the same starting sound (here “w”) is alliteration.

Answer key

1. It can absorb and hold water. (Close Reading)
2. Situational irony (Literary Elements)
3. It keeps the original words visible so meaning is not lost. (Voices & Perspectives)
4. a slippery slope (Argument & Rhetoric)
5. Check it against a reliable source before using it (Digital Smarts)
6. new words that entered English recently (Language & Style)
7. She had only one goal — to win. (Grammar & Style)
8. Even so (Revise & Edit)
9. It introduces a limitation after the benefits. (Close Reading)
10. Alliteration (Literary Elements)

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Tiny Forests

Tiny Forests

Answer key