national assessment program year

7
literacy and numeracy

LANGUAGE
CONVENTIONS 2011

SESSION 1
Use 2B or HB

0:45 Time available for students to

complete test: 45 minutes
pencil only

© Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2011

 YEAR 7 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS
PRACTICE QUESTIONS

The spelling mistake in this sentence has been circled.

P1
Write the correct spelling of the circled word in the box.

P1
Our class realy enjoyed the concert.

This sentence has one word that is incorrect.

P2
Write the correct spelling of the word in the box.

The crowd was astounded by the skill P2

of the artest.

Which word correctly completes this sentence? Shade one

P3 bubble.
The captain is the best player the team.

in by over under

A comma ( , ) has been left out of this sentence. Where does the missing
P4
comma go?

We went hiking canoeing and climbing during the holidays.

Read Tina and then answer practice question 5.

P5
Tina

(1) Tina was walking through the park when she noticed something on the
grass. (2) She decided to have a look.

In sentence (2) the word She starts with a capital letter because it is

a name.
a person.
easier to read.
the beginning of a sentence.

© ACARA 2011

2
 YEAR 7 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS
The spelling mistakes in these sentences have been circled.
Write the correct spelling of each circled word in the box.

1
1 Amy had groan taller over the past year.

2
2 A craft activety was organised for the children.

Many tertles crossed the beach to lay eggs 3

3
in their nests.

4
4 The snowboarders were delayed by a blizzerd .

Allan liked working with Karen because of her 5

5
positive atitude .

The reporter admited that his facts 6

6
were wrong.

7
7 A fingerprint identifys a person.

8
8 Car fumes polloot the air.

Many solgers marched proudly in the 9

9
ANZAC Day parade.

The reporter asked the actor for an opinuin 10

10
on the movie.

The family lived in tempory accommodation 11

11
while their house was being built.

© ACARA 2011

3
 YEAR 7 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

The spelling mistakes in these sentences have been circled.

Write the correct spelling of each circled word in the box.

The good news was cerculated to 12

12
the whole school.

13
13 The tiger snarled angrerly at its keeper.

Only small children could ride on the 14

14
miniture pony.

Each sentence has one word that is incorrect.

Write the correct spelling of the word in the box.

The anonymous messadge was erased from the 15

15
voicemail.

The teenager seriously injured his right rist when 16

16
he fell awkwardly.

The students were drarfting an article about their 17

17
excursion to go in the newsletter.

The parents eagerly decorated the nursry 18

18
for the baby.

The tourist guide was ment to provide 19

19
clear directions.

The player bruised his right nuckle as he 20

20
attempted to catch the spinning ball.

© ACARA 2011

4
 YEAR 7 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Each sentence has one word that is incorrect.

Write the correct spelling of the word in the box.

The new furniture was delivered but it had 21

21
numerous scratchs on it.

Diseases introduced to control the rabbit 22

22
population were ineffectave in the long term.

Humidity is a measure of moysture in 23

23
the atmosphere.

Frequent storms and heavy rain are forecarst 24

24
for the next fortnight.

High temperatures tipically occur during the 25

25
summer months.

The bushwalkers appreciated the magnificent 26

26
senery.

The concrete pillar surports the roof of the 27

27
museum.

The emptyness of the stadium was disappointing 28

28
for the athletes.

A number of echos sounded eerily throughout 29

29
the gorge.

30
30 The paddocks were severly damaged by erosion.

© ACARA 2011

5
 YEAR 7 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Shade one
Brackets ( ) are needed in this sentence. Which part of the sentence bubble.
31
needs brackets?

Sir Donald George Bradman 1908–2001 was a famous Australian cricketer.

Sir
George
1908–2001
Australian

Which word is not needed in this sentence?

32
The space shuttle descended down to Earth on schedule.

descended down Earth schedule

Which words correctly complete this sentence?

33
Belinda likes gold bangles, are expensive, she has to
save for them.

which so
what why
which because
what whether

Which words correctly complete the second sentence?

34
The children went to the pool yesterday. Some of them again
today but it was closed.

was planning to go
were planning to go
is planning on going
are planning on going

© ACARA 2011

6
 YEAR 7 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Shade one
Which of these has correct use of capital letters? bubble.
35
“I live in the suburb of kensington,” the boy said. “where do you live?”
“I live in the suburb of Kensington,” the boy said. “Where do you live?”
“I live in the suburb of kensington,” the boy said. “Where do you live?”
“I live in the suburb of Kensington,” the boy said. “where do you live?”

Which word or words correctly complete this sentence?

36
If I the final, it would have been my best performance.

win
won
had won
would win

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

37
Lee’s mother told her to tidy her room.
Lee’s mother “told her to” tidy her room.
Lee’s mother told “her to tidy her room.”
Lee’s “mother told her to tidy” her room.

Which word correctly completes this sentence?

38
Australia is drought affected; , we must conserve water.

besides
however
therefore
otherwise

© ACARA 2011

7
 YEAR 7 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Shade one
Which word or words correctly complete this sentence? bubble.
39
On Friday Vanessa been travelling for a month.
has
would
had have
will have

Ron was shocked when he was asked to wear a rabbit costume in the
40
school play.

Which of these is punctuated correctly?

“What. Are you asking me to dress as a rabbit for the play. Never!”
“What! Are you asking me to dress as a rabbit for the play! Never?”
“What? Are you asking me to dress as a rabbit for the play? Never?”
“What? Are you asking me to dress as a rabbit for the play? Never!”

Which word in this sentence is not correct?

41
In primary school we stayed in one room all day, but in high school they moved to
different rooms for different classes.

one but they for

Which sentence tells the reader that something was found?

42
Penny came around to the idea.
Penny came forward with the information.
Penny came down with the flu last weekend.
Penny came across the old photos on the desk.

© ACARA 2011

8
 YEAR 7 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Shade one
Which sentence is punctuated correctly? bubble.
43
The final destination on our holiday is Queenstown New Zealand.
The final destination on our holiday, is Queenstown New Zealand.
The final destination on our holiday is Queenstown, New Zealand.
The final destination, on our holiday is Queenstown, New Zealand.

Which word correctly completes this sentence?

44
Mr Chan, car was parked beside ours, had arrived early.

his who who’s whose

Which word correctly completes this sentence?

45
Far helping, their advice made our task harder.

less
more
from
beyond

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

46
The Great Victoria Desert, the largest in Australia spans over 700 kilometres.
The Great Victoria Desert the largest in Australia, spans over 700 kilometres.
The Great Victoria Desert, the largest in Australia spans over, 700 kilometres.
The Great Victoria Desert, the largest in Australia, spans over 700 kilometres.

© ACARA 2011

9
 YEAR 7 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Shade one
Which words correctly complete this sentence? bubble.
47

Despite heavy rains that fell across enormous area of the

countryside, it is too early to say if drought has been broken.

the an a
the an the
an the an
a an the

Which word or words correctly complete this sentence?

48
That is the bike I bought if I’d kept saving.

would have would of having have

Which word correctly completes this sentence?

49
The students must be on the bus ten minutes prior departure.

of to before towards

Which word correctly completes this sentence?

50
The three holiday together at the beach every summer.

families
family’s
familys
families’

© ACARA 2011

10
 YEAR 7 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Read Apollo 13 and then answer questions 51 to 53.

Apollo 13

(1) On 11 April 1970, the Apollo 13 spacecraft began its mission to the moon.
(2) Two days into the journey, there was an explosion that caused a loss of
electrical power and failure of the oxygen tanks. (3) The mission was aborted
and the focus became getting the three astronauts safely back to Earth alive.
(4) There were many dangers for the men. (5) Some of these were the limited
amount of oxygen and drinking water, the loss of heating and the build-up of
carbon dioxide. (6) On 17 April, four days after the explosion, the trio splashed
down in the Pacific Ocean unharmed.
Shade one
bubble.

Sentences (1) and (2) each begin with a phrase that provides information about
51
when something happened.
where something happened.
what happened.
who was involved.

In sentence (6) the words four days after the explosion are included to
52
remind the reader of the date.
indicate that the date is accurate.
add extra details about the mission.
emphasise how long the men had been in danger.

In the text the people on the spacecraft are referred to as the three astronauts, the
53
men and the trio. A reason for this is to

create confusion.
help readers to understand.
avoid unnecessary repetition.
distinguish between different people.

© ACARA 2011

11
 YEAR 7 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Shade one
Each of these sentences has the final punctuation missing. bubble.
54
In which sentence is a question mark ( ? ) needed?

I wonder which books Min-Lee likes to read

Min-Lee likes to read fiction best, doesn’t she
I asked Min-Lee which books she likes to read
Min-Lee, who reads lots of books, likes fiction best

Which word or words are not needed in this sentence?

55
The school captain presented the representative from the charity organisation
with a cheque for the amount of $2500.

school
representative from the
charity
the amount of

An apostrophe ( ’ ) has been left out of this sentence. Where does

56
the missing apostrophe go?

The songs on the last two albums reflected the groups interest in unusual instruments.

Which punctuation correctly completes this sentence?

57
Shana has started playing the drums she has given up the trumpet.

colon ( : )
comma ( , )
semi-colon ( ; )
question mark ( ? )

STOP – END OF TEST

© ACARA 2011

12
national assessment program year

9
literacy and numeracy

LANGUAGE
CONVENTIONS 2011

SESSION 1
Use 2B or HB

0:45 Time available for students to

complete test: 45 minutes
pencil only

© Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2011

 YEAR 9 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS
PRACTICE QUESTIONS

The spelling mistake in this sentence has been circled.

P1
Write the correct spelling of the circled word in the box.

P1
Our class realy enjoyed the concert.

This sentence has one word that is incorrect.

P2
Write the correct spelling of the word in the box.

The crowd was astounded by the skill P2

of the artest.

Which word correctly completes this sentence? Shade one

P3 bubble.
The captain is the best player the team.

in by over under

A comma ( , ) has been left out of this sentence. Where does the missing
P4
comma go?

We went hiking canoeing and climbing during the holidays.

Read Tina and then answer practice question 5.

P5
Tina

(1) Tina was walking through the park when she noticed something on the
grass. (2) She decided to have a look.

In sentence (2) the word She starts with a capital letter because it is

a name.
a person.
easier to read.
the beginning of a sentence.

© ACARA 2011

2
 YEAR 9 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

The spelling mistakes in these sentences have been circled.

Write the correct spelling of each circled word in the box.

Only one new reckord was set at the athletics 1

1
carnival.

2
2 The holidays are severall weeks away.

The store manager reduced prices to attract 3

3
more customors .

The reporter asked the actor for an opinuin 4

4
on the movie.

The family lived in tempory accommodation 5

5
while their house was being built.

The good news was cerculated to 6

6
the whole school.

7
7 The tiger snarled angrerly at its keeper.

The cane toads were spotted as they 8

8
approched the state border.

9
9 Bella chose a carear in the mining industry.

The captain relied on the navigation device for 10

10
gidance through the reef.

© ACARA 2011

3
 YEAR 9 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

The spelling mistakes in these sentences have been circled.

Write the correct spelling of each circled word in the box.

In a democrisy all adults should have 11

11
the right to vote.

Being able to speak a forein language 12

12
is very useful.

13
13 Julia listened to a news bulliten .

The defendant declared her innosense 14

14
when the trial began.

The fisherman exagerrated the number 15

15
of fish he had caught.

Each sentence has one word that is incorrect.

Write the correct spelling of the word in the box.

Humidity is a measure of moysture in 16

16
the atmosphere.

Frequent storms and heavy rain are forecarst 17

17
for the next fortnight.

High temperatures tipically occur during the 18

18
summer months.

The students were randomly alocated to 19

19 discussion groups to consider some topical
issues.

© ACARA 2011

4
 YEAR 9 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Each sentence has one word that is incorrect.

Write the correct spelling of the word in the box.

The raucous diners and loud music made the 20

20
seafood restaurant the noisyest one in the area.

Some people passionately believe that herbs 21

21
have medisinal properties.

Apprentises are required to regularly attend 22

22
training sessions.

The new enterprise was profitible despite 23

23
fluctuations in the economy.

The benifet of exercise is acknowledged by most 24

24
health professionals.

The journalist submitted his article to a 25

25
prestigious magizine for publication.

Funding for a new laboratry at the university 26

26
was donated by a benevolent citizen.

Participation in all scheduled rehersals is 27

27
compulsory.

The entrepreneur worked ambituosly to further 28

28
his business.

Teachers recommend working consistantly 29

29 on assignments rather than leaving them
until the last minute.

Too many advertisements can interuppt a 30

30
televised sports broadcast.

© ACARA 2011

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 YEAR 9 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Shade one
Which sentence is correct? bubble.
31
It took a long time for the speaker to go to the point.
It took a long time for the speaker to reach to the point.
It took a long time for the speaker to get to the point.
It took a long time for the speaker to complete to the point.

Which word is not needed in this sentence?

32
The water has penetrated through the outer layer.

penetrated
through
outer
layer

Which of these has correct use of capital letters?

33
“I live in the suburb of kensington,” the boy said. “where do you live?”
“I live in the suburb of Kensington,” the boy said. “Where do you live?”
“I live in the suburb of kensington,” the boy said. “Where do you live?”
“I live in the suburb of Kensington,” the boy said. “where do you live?”

Which word or words correctly complete this sentence?

34
If I the final, it would have been my best performance.

win
won
had won
would win

© ACARA 2011

6
 YEAR 9 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Shade one
Which sentence is punctuated correctly? bubble.
35
Lee’s mother told her to tidy her room.
Lee’s mother “told her to” tidy her room.
Lee’s mother told “her to tidy her room.”
Lee’s “mother told her to tidy” her room.

Which word correctly completes this sentence?

36
Australia is drought affected; , we must conserve water.

besides
however
therefore
otherwise

Which word or words correctly complete this sentence?

37
On Friday Vanessa been travelling for a month.

has
would
had have
will have

Which sentence has correct use of italics?

38
The film 10 Things I Hate About You is based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
The film 10 Things I Hate About You is based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
The film 10 Things I Hate About You is based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.
The film 10 Things I Hate About You is based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew.

© ACARA 2011

7
 YEAR 9 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Shade one
Which words correctly complete this sentence? bubble.
39

Despite heavy rains that fell across enormous area of the

countryside, it is too early to say if drought has been broken.

the an a
the an the
an the an
a an the

Which word or words correctly complete this sentence?

40
That is the bike I bought if I’d kept saving.

would have would of having have

Which word correctly completes this sentence?

41
The students must be on the bus ten minutes prior departure.

of to before towards

What does the prefix il in the word illegible mean?

42
not
out
with
against

© ACARA 2011

8
 YEAR 9 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Shade one
An apostrophe ( ’ ) has been left out of this sentence. Where does bubble.
43
the missing apostrophe go?

Both my parents passports show that they have been to many overseas countries.

Which words correctly complete this sentence?

44
Sandra was the of the three sisters.

less friendly
least friendly
more friendly
most friendliest

Brackets ( ) are needed in this sentence. Which part of the sentence needs brackets?
45
An estimated 37% of children one million did not participate in any organised
sport outside school hours in 2009.

37%
of children
one million
school hours

Which sentence tells the reader who performed the action?

46
The State Governor officially opened the building.
The new hall was built at the front of the school property.
The building was designed to be environmentally friendly.
The construction site was fenced off to ensure student safety.

© ACARA 2011

9
 YEAR 9 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Read Coffee houses of London and then answer questions 47 to 49.

Coffee houses of London

(1) One of the most interesting features of eighteenth-century London was the
coffee house. (2) These coffee houses were really clubs for men only, where they
could drink coffee and talk. (3) They could also read, write and paint to amuse
themselves. (4) The alehouse keepers (hotel owners in today’s terms) disliked
them because they found they were losing money to them. (5) It is said that
because of these places of amusement, English novelists and poets flourished.
(6) Consequently, the role of the coffee houses in English literary history cannot
be ignored.

In sentence (3) the word themselves refers to Shade one

47 bubble.

the coffee houses.

the men who visited.
the alehouse keepers.
the activities available.

The information presented in brackets ( ) in sentence (4)

48
is provided to

contrast the alehouses with the coffee houses.

explain the unfamiliar term alehouse keepers.
highlight that the alehouse keepers were men.
describe the type of people who worked in alehouses.

In sentence (5) the writer uses the words places of amusement to

49
introduce a new idea.
refer back to the alehouses.
conclude the passage with humour.
emphasise the activities of the coffee houses.

© ACARA 2011 Adapted extract on coffee houses from Handbook of English, McGraw-Hill, 1968, reproduced with permission of McGraw-Hill Australia.

10
 YEAR 9 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Shade one
Which sentence is correct? bubble.
50
The teacher drew our attention to the diagram.
The teacher fetched our attention to the diagram.
The teacher focused our attention to the diagram.
The teacher gathered our attention to the diagram.

How does the suffix er change the word paint in this sentence?
51
Rachel loves to paint and wants to become a famous painter.

It changes

a verb into a noun.

a verb into an adverb.
an adverb into a noun.
an adjective into an adverb.

Which sentence is correct?

52
The club, Felipe was the president of it, voted to train on Wednesdays.
The club, of whom Felipe was the president, voted to train on Wednesdays.
The club, of which Felipe was the president, voted to train on Wednesdays.
The club, voted to train on Wednesdays, of which Felipe was the president.

Which sentence has correct use of capital letters?

53
Barack obama won the nobel peace prize for strengthening
international diplomacy.
Barack Obama won the nobel peace prize for strengthening
International Diplomacy.
Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for strengthening
international diplomacy.
Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for strengthening
International Diplomacy.

© ACARA 2011

11
 YEAR 9 LANGUAGE CONVENTIONS

Shade one
Which type of word is concerned in this sentence? bubble.
54
The woman had a concerned expression on her face.

verb noun adverb adjective

Which sentence is correct?

55
The organisers said that an archery is the most popular event at the camp.
The teacher asked the student to submit a assignment at the end of the term.
The delegation from a Chinese company visited the mine in a remote locality.
The monument is in a park in the Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory.

Which sentence is punctuated correctly ?

56
Mrs Brown is eighty years old and still wears high heeled-shoes.
Mrs Brown is eighty years old and still wears high heeled shoes.
Mrs Brown is eighty-years-old and still wears high-heeled shoes.
Mrs Brown is eighty years old and still wears high-heeled shoes.

Which word correctly completes this sentence?

57
profits are affected by many factors.

Companys
Companies
Companie’s
Companies’

STOP – END OF TEST

© ACARA 2011

12