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Grammar Worksheets: Parallelism, Including Correlative Conjunctions and Comparisons
http://www.grammar-worksheets.com
A sentence exhibits parallelism if similar ideas are expressed using the same syntactic and grammatical
structure. Writers use parallel structures to communicate ideas that have the same importance using the
same grammatical structure.
Parallelism is most common using gerund phrases (verb + ing) or infinitives (to + verb). Faulty parallelism
occurs when writers do not use a parallel structure to communicate a series of ideas.
Faulty Parallelism: Without good pitching, the Marlins can be expected to lose more than
eighty games, to draft early in next year’s draft, and attendance will
suffer greatly.
What are the ideas that seem to have the same importance?
1. The Marlins will lose more than eighty games
2. The Marlins will draft early in next year’s draft.
3. The Marlins’ attendance will suffer greatly.
Note that we have two infinitive phrases and one independent clause. A revision using parallel structure
can be worded as follows:
Correct Parallelism: Without good pitching, the Marlins can be expected to lose more than
eighty games, to draft early in next year’s draft, and to suffer
greatly in attendance.
The term parallelism also applies to using correlative conjunctions and comparisons properly.
Correlative Conjunctions: both, and; not, but; not only, but also; either, or; whether, or; neither, nor.
These conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses that have the same level of meaning in the same
sentence. Use the same grammatical structure with both elements of the correlative.
Faulty Parallelism: Andrew was both an industrious student, and he was also an excellent
athlete.
Correct Parallelism: Andrew was both an industrious student and an excellent athlete.
Notice that since an (adjective + noun) pair is used with both elements, no comma is needed. If you use
not only … but also with independent clauses, you must separate the clauses with a comma, and you
sometimes place the subject pronoun between the word but and the word also.
Example: Jessica not only excelled in mathematics, but she also astounded
audiences with her musical talent.
Comparisons: Use a parallel structure when you connect two words, phrases, or clauses with a
comparison word, including than or as.
Faulty Parallelism: Sharon’s grade point average is much higher than her brother.
Correct Parallelism: Sharon’s grade point average is much higher than her brother’s (grade
point average).
Correct Parallelism: Sharon has a higher grade point average than her brother (does).
Copyright © 2010, grammar-worksheets.com. Freely reproducible for non-profit educational purposes.
Grammar Worksheets: Parallelism, Including Correlative Conjunctions and Comparisons
Please rewrite each sentence below, correcting each error in parallelism.
1. We debated between two options immigration had given us: going back to Nicaragua or to stay in the
US with no hope of ever going back.
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2. My uncle Julius likes bagels, lox, and eating chicken salad.
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3. Bill not only runs five miles every day, he consumes eight thousand calories.
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4. Jose’s daughter will either attend Harvard, or she plans to go to the Standford.
____________________________________________________________________________________
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5. The principal is excited about both the swim team earning national honors, and that the debate team
won its first tournament.
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____________________________________________________________________________________
6. Fatima’s knowledge of accounting is greater than Farah.
____________________________________________________________________________________
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7. Miranda’s flowers are neither red, nor are they orange.
____________________________________________________________________________________
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8. Stephen King’s book reviews were as positive as Asimov.
____________________________________________________________________________________
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9. The house sitter lost the keys, neglected the dogs, and she also trashed the kitchen.
____________________________________________________________________________________
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Quick Assessments with Accessible Passages
Standards-based
Pre and Post Assessments aligned to a specific
standard with accessible reading passages.
Questions address 3 levels of rigor for
differentiation. Great for formative assessments,
quizzes, homework, and more.
I can analyze how a central idea is developed using specific details in an informational text.
Reading Informational RI.9-10.2
15
Assessment #1 The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
Assessments & Reading Passages
RI.9-10.2
Standard RI.9-10.2
I can analyze how a central idea is developed using specific details in an informational text.
The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs By Danny Buckland
Lexile Level: 1000 | 306 Words
Ten-year-old Tess hugs her hearing dog, Mac
Background information: This article, published April 11, 2016, describes how hearing dogs like Mac are trained and what they can do to help their human companions, like a ten-year-old girl named Tess living in the UK.
About Tess
A profoundly deaf 10-year-old girl and her cockapoo Mac are demonstrating the
transformative effects of hearing dogs. They are becoming the face of a new
campaign to raise awareness. Tess McGregor, from north London, has told how
the dog has “changed her life”.
Life with Mac
He not only performs a range of tasks, from waking her up to alerting her to
danger. Mac also provides friendship and gives her confidence. Sometimes deaf
children might feel lonely or isolated, and specially trained hearing dogs can help.
Assessment #1: The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
2
Name: ______________________________________ Date: _________________
Mac was trained by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, an organization in England.
He can distinguish up to 10 sounds, including a doorbell, telephone, iPad bleeps,
and fire alarms. In response, he reacts and moves to tell Tess what to do.
Tess’s mother, Justine, 44, a lawyer, also has Mac take messages to her
daughter in a purse.
“It says things like, ‘Dinner is ready, come down now,” said Tess. “Mac has
changed my life.”
It takes 18 months to train a hearing dog and 40,000 pounds (almost 60,000
American dollars) to train and support it during its working life. Many hearing
dogs have saved their owners’ lives by responding to fire alarms.
Confidence and Friendship
Tess’s father Rob said: “Mac being around gives her more confidence and when
she goes and lives on her own I can see her having a hearing dog for the rest of
her life.”
Tess, who was fitted with cochlear implants when she was four, has been
selected for the Great Britain developmental squad for deaf tennis. Mac
accompanies her to tennis practice.
Michele Jennings, chief executive of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, which trains
140 dogs a year, said: “The impact of a hearing dog is life changing. They help
with development, confidence and wellbeing, and will often alleviate feelings of
stress and anxiety.”
____________________________________________________________
profoundly deaf: (pruh-found-ly, def) adj. when a person cannot hear anything at all; they are unable to sense sound, even at the highest volume possible
Assessment #1: The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
3
transformative: (trans-fawrm-a-tive) adj. when something causes lasting, important change for someone or something
cochlear implant: (kok-lee-uh, im-plahnt ) n. an electronic device surgically placed in a profoundly deaf person’s ear that provides a sense of sound
alleviate: (uh-lee-vee-eyt) v. to makes something less severe, such as suffering, pain, or a problem
Assessment #1: The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
4
1
DOK 1
Read the article The Transformative Effects of Hearing Dogs. Choose the
detail that shows how Mac directly supports Tess’s everyday life.
A. “It takes 18 months to train a hearing dog and 40,000 pounds (almost
60,000 American dollars) to train and support it during its working life.”
B. “...Mac takes messages to her daughter in a purse. ‘It says things like,
‘Dinner is ready, come down now,” said Tess. “Mac has changed my
life.’”
C. “Michele Jennings, chief executive of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People,
which trains 140 dogs a year, said: ‘The impact of a hearing dog is life
changing.’”
D. “Mac was trained by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, an organization in
England. He can distinguish up to 10 sounds, including a doorbell,
telephone, iPad bleeps, and fire alarms.”
Choose the statement below that summarizes the central idea of the article.
A. Hearing dogs can transform the daily life of their owners by helping
with tasks, but they rarely provide emotional support.
B. Hearing dogs can transform the lives of their owners by helping them
navigate physical spaces in the world.
C. Hearing dogs can transform the safety of their owners because they can
physically push them to safety.
D. Hearing dogs can transform the lives of their owners by helping with
safety, daily tasks, and emotional support.
2
DOK 1
Assessment #1: The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
5
Name: ______________________________________ Date: _________________
Standard RI.9-10.2
I can analyze how a central idea is developed using specific details in an informational text.
Part 1
Choose the specific detail that best supports the following idea:
A hearing dog can provide emotional support and help with everyday
functions.
A. Michele Jennings, chief executive of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People,
which trains 140 dogs a year, said: “The impact of a hearing dog is life
changing…”
B. A profoundly deaf 10-year-old girl and her cockapoo Mac are
demonstrating the transformative effects of hearing dogs. They are
becoming the face of a new campaign to raise awareness.
C. He not only performs a range of tasks, from waking her up to alerting
her to danger. Mac also provides friendship and gives her confidence.
D. Tess, who was fitted with cochlear implants when she was four, has
been selected for the Great Britain developmental squad for deaf tennis.
Part 2
Using the following sentence starter, explain how the detail you selected in
Part 1 supports the central idea.
My answer to Part 1 supports the central idea of the article because…
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________.
3
DOK 2
Assessment #1: The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
6
The author of the text uses direct quotes from Tess McGregor, her family, and
Michele Jennings, chief executive of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, in order to
develop the central idea.
In the graphic organizer below, read the direct quotes in Column A. Explain
how they develop the central idea in Column B. The first row is completed as
an example to guide you.
Column A
Direct quotes
Column B
Explain how the quote develops
the central idea
Example ‘It says things like, ‘Dinner is ready,
come down now,” said Tess. “Mac has
changed my life.”
This direct quote from Tess explains the
central idea that hearing dogs like Mac
can help with everyday life.
1
“Mac being around gives her more
confidence and when she goes and
lives on her own I can see her having a
hearing dog for the rest of her life.”
This quote develops the idea that...
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
2
“The impact of a hearing dog is life
changing. They help with
development, confidence and
wellbeing, and will often alleviate
feelings of stress and anxiety.”
This quote develops the idea that...
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
4
DOK 2
Assessment #1: The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
7
5
DOK 3
Clearly state the central idea about the impact of hearing dogs that is
developed by the author. Choose at least two pieces of evidence, like
examples or direct quotes, that support the central idea. Explain how the
evidence develops the central idea. Write at least one paragraph.
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Assessment #1: The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
8
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* Extension
Think Beyond the Text: According to the article, hearing dogs like Mac are
trained to “distinguish up to 10 sounds, including a doorbell, telephone, iPad
beeps, and fire alarms.” Using the text to support your answer, explain why
these skills could help people in everyday life.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Assessment #1: The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
9
Scoring Rubric RI.9-10.2 Assessment #1:
The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
Question / Level
Key / Rubric Points
#1 DOK 1
B. “...Mac takes messages to her daughter in a purse. ‘It says things like, ‘Dinner is ready, come down now,” said Tess. “Mac has changed my life.’”
0 1
#2 DOK 1
D. Hearing dogs can transform the lives of their owners by helping with safety, daily tasks, and emotional support.
0 1
#3 DOK 2
Part 1 C. He not only performs a range of tasks, from waking her up to alerting her to danger. Mac also provides friendship and gives her confidence.
Part 2 My answer to Part 1 supports the central idea of the article because it shows how hearing dogs, like Mac, can transform someone’s life by helping with daily tasks and a person’s confidence. SCORING Students should answer Part 1 correctly to receive credit for Part 2. +1 point: Correct answer for Part 1 +1 point: Explains how Part 1 answer supports central idea
0 1 2
Student Name: ____________________________ Date of Administration: ___________ Teacher Name: ____________________________________________________________
Assessment #1: The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
10
#4 DOK 2
Column A Direct quotes
Column B Explain how the quote develops
the central idea
Example ‘It says things like, ‘Dinner is ready,
come down now,” said Tess. “Mac has changed my
life.”
This direct quote from Tess explains the central idea that hearing dogs like Mac can help with day to day living.
1
“Mac being around gives her more confidence and when she goes and lives on her
own I can see her having a hearing dog for the rest of
her life.”
This direct quote from Tess’ father further develops the initial central idea from above by showing that Mac doesn’t just help with day to day life, he also helps with Tess’ emotional well-being by helping her confidence and belief that she can live independently one day.
2
“The impact of a hearing dog is life changing. They
help with development,
confidence and wellbeing, and will
often alleviate feelings of stress
and anxiety.”
This final direct quote from Michele Jennings further develops the second central idea from above by explaining how hearing dogs help with the complete development of a person, not just their day-to-day function and independence. Hearing dogs help their owners cope with stress too.
SCORING +1 point: Explains how quote 1 develops the central idea +1 point: Explains how quote 2 develops the central idea
0 1 2
#5 DOK 3
Model Student Response In this article, the author develops the central idea that hearing dogs help children with everyday tasks and keep them safe; they can be a source of happiness and comfort as well. The author begins to develop the central idea by introducing how hearing dogs are trained and what they can do. For example, Mac, Tess’ hearing dog, was trained “...distinguish up to 10 sounds, including a doorbell, telephone, iPad bleeps, and fire alarms. In response, he reacts and
0 1 2 3 4
Assessment #1: The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
11
moves to tell Tess what to do.” This detail shows readers that Mac helps Tess with daily tasks. The author also discusses the safety benefits of a hearing dog. The author writes, “Many hearing dogs have saved their owners’ lives by responding to fire alarms.” One of Mac’s purposes is to keep Tess safe. By the end of the article, the author adds more detail to the central idea by quoting Tess’ dad: “‘Mac being around gives her more confidence and when she goes and lives on her own I can see her having a hearing dog for the rest of her life.’” Hearing dogs allow their partnered people, like Tess, to be independent and confidently work through life. In conclusion, the author develops the central idea by referring to how hearing dogs are trained and using direct quotes from Tess and her family who experience the benefits of a hearing dog regularly. He unites these ideas by showing how the dog’s purpose moves beyond helping with daily tasks to helping the person gain independence and happiness with a new companion. SCORING +1 point: Shows clear understanding of central idea +2 points: Cites evidence that develops the central idea (1 point per piece of evidence) +1 point: Explains how evidence develops the central idea
Extension
This item is not scored and is an option for early finishers and/or future class assignments.
TOTAL
___ / 10
Assessment #1: The Transformative Effect of Hearing Dogs
12
15
Assessment #2 Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her
Inventions
Assessments & Reading Passages
RI.9-10.2
Standard RI.9-10.2
I can analyze how a central idea is developed using specific details in an informational text.
Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with
Her Inventions By Sarah Fox
Lexile Level: 900 | 337 Words
Ann works with circuits in her college dorm room
Helping Others Through Invention
Ann Makosinski invented the Hollow Flashlight for a friend without electricity who
needed to read at night and won a science fair at age 15. Now 20 years old and
a college student, she is continuing to use alternative energy to create new
inventions, like the eDrink mug.
This passage is Ann Makosinski gets the humanitarian benefits of innovation.
The creative mind behind Hollow Flashlight—a flashlight powered by heat that is
given off from the human hand— is one of the country’s most influential
entrepreneurs. And notably, one of its youngest.
Early Years and Experiments
Ann’s knack for invention began as a child. Even back then she moved towards
problem solving and experimentation. Young Ann liked to create gadgets with
Assessment #2: Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
2
Name: ______________________________________ Date: _________________
any material available—a pastime she says taught her the value of using the
resources she had.
How Ann Creates
Ann considers many factors when creating new inventions. Alternative energy
sources are a central focus. “Energy is always around us,” notes Ann. “I care
about us taking advantage of it.”
After inventing the Hollow Flashlight, Ann unveiled another invention: a mug that
doubles as a phone charger. How? It converts heat from a hot beverage into an
electric current.
She was awarded Shell Canada’s 2015 Quest Climate Grant for her eDrink mug,
winning $50,000. Ann’s latest invention has also earned her pop culture status.
For example, she was interviewed by Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show.
Alternative Energy as Inspiration
Finding imaginative ways to reuse energy is how Ann plans to protect the planet
and help others. She hopes the Hollow Flashlight will be distributed around the
world in emergency kits and also used to help brighten education for kids—
literally.
“I hope to have my flashlights distributed to youth in developing countries that do
not have access to electricity or light to read their schoolwork at night.”
Science for All Students
Ultimately, Ann’s love for innovation is driven by a passion for learning. Since
elementary school, she has participated in science fairs. Ann cheers on other
young people to always strive to learn more, work harder and do better…
Assessment #2: Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
3
“Moving forward into the next 150 years, our country [Canada] needs more
innovative youth and STEM students who want to affect the future of our world,”
Ann says. “In Canada, this means more funding for science fairs and
encouraging youth to work on their own passion projects outside of school.
Learning about science is invaluable.”
____________________________________________________________ humanitarian: (hyoo-man-i-tair-ee-uh n) n. a person who dedicates themselves to helping others innovation: (in-uh-vey-shuh n) n. a new method, idea, product, or way of doing something entrepreneur: (ahn-truh-pruh-nur) n. a person who takes a product or idea and makes it into a business by taking large risks
Assessment #2: Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
4
1
DOK 1
Read the article Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
by Sarah Fox. Choose the detail that shows why Ann Makosinski became an
inventor.
A. “She was awarded Shell Canada’s 2015 Quest Climate Grant for her
eDrink mug, winning $50,000. Ann’s latest invention has also earned
her pop culture status.”
B. “‘Moving forward into the next 150 years, our country [Canada] needs
more innovative youth and STEM students who want to affect the future
of our world.’”
C. “‘I hope to have my flashlights distributed to youth in developing
countries that do not have access to electricity or light to read their
schoolwork at night.’”
D. “‘In Canada, this means more funding for science fairs and encouraging
youth to work on their own passion projects outside of school. Learning
about science is invaluable.’”
Choose the statement below that summarizes the central idea of the article.
A. Giving youth more access to STEM programs will help future
generations and conserve resources.
B. Young inventors are the best type of inventors because they have the
most creative and useful ideas.
C. If students can participate in science fairs, they are more likely to
become innovative inventors.
D. Young inventors can help other students with their inventions, like kids
who don’t have light to study.
2
DOK 1
Assessment #2: Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
5
Name: ______________________________________ Date: _________________
Standard RI.9-10.2
I can analyze how a central idea is developed using specific details in an informational text.
Part 1
Choose the detail that best supports the central idea of the article.
A. Ann’s latest invention has also earned her pop culture status. For
example, she was interviewed by Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show.
B. Finding imaginative ways to reuse energy is how Ann plans to protect
the planet and help others. She hopes the Hollow Flashlight will be
distributed around the world in emergency kits...
C. After inventing the Hollow Flashlight, Ann unveiled another invention:
a mug that doubles as a phone charger.
D. Ann Makosinski gets the humanitarian benefits of innovation. The
creative mind behind Hollow Flashlight—a flashlight powered by heat
given off from the human hand...
Part 2
Using the following sentence starter, explain how the details you selected in
Part 1 support the central idea.
My answer to Part 1 supports the central idea of the article because…
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3
DOK 2
Assessment #2: Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
6
The author of the article uses direct quotes from Ann Makosinski to develop the
central idea.
In the graphic organizer below, read the direct quotes in Column A. Explain
how they develop the central idea in Column B. The first row is completed as
an example to guide you.
Column A
Direct quote from Ann Makosinski
Column B
Explain how the quote develops
the central idea
Example
“Energy is always around us,” notes
Ann. “I care about us taking
advantage of it.”
This quote from Ann reveals the central
idea that we should use alternative energy
sources more often because they are all
around us.
1
“I hope to have my flashlights
distributed to youth in developing
countries that do not have access to
electricity or light to read their
schoolwork at night.”
This quote develops the idea that...
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
2
“Moving forward into the next 150
years, our country [Canada] needs
more innovative youth and STEM
students who want to affect the
future of our world.”
This quote develops the idea that...
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
4
DOK 2
Assessment #2: Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
7
5
DOK 3
Clearly state the central idea about inventor Ann Makosinski that is developed
by the author. Select at least two pieces of evidence from the text. Explain how
they develop the central idea. Write one or two paragraphs.
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Assessment #2: Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
8
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* Extension
Think Beyond the Text: In the final line of the article the Ann says, “In
Canada, this means more funding for science fairs and encouraging youth to
work on their own passion projects outside of school. Learning about science
is invaluable.” Do you think your school should invest more money into
STEM programs and science fair? Support your answer with details from the
text.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
________
Assessment #2: Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
9
Scoring Rubric RI.9-10.2 Assessment #1:
Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
Question / Level
Key / Rubric Points
#1 DOK 1
C. “‘I hope to have my flashlights distributed to youth in developing countries that do not have access to electricity or light to read their schoolwork at night.’”
0 1
#2 DOK 1
A. Giving youth more access to STEM programs will help future generations as well as our earth.
0 1
#3 DOK 2
Part 1 B. Finding imaginative ways to reuse energy is how Ann plans to protect the planet and help others. She hopes the Hollow Flashlight will be distributed around the world in emergency kits…
Part 2
My answer to Part 1 support the central idea of the article because it outlines how Ann wants to use her inventions to help other people around the world as well as our planet using alternative energy sources.
SCORING Must answer Part 1 correctly to receive credit for Part 2. +1 point: Correct answer for Part 1 +1 point: Cites relevant evidence and relates to Part 1 answer
0 1 2
#4
Model Student Response
0 1 2
Student Name: ____________________________ Date of Administration: ___________ Teacher Name: ____________________________________________________________
Assessment #2: Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
10
DOK 2 Column A
Direct quotes Column B
Explain how the quote develops the central idea
Example “Energy is always around us,” notes Ann. “I care
about us taking advantage of it.”
This quote from Ann reveals the central idea
that we should use alternative energy sources
because they are all around us.
1
“I hope to have my flashlights distributed to
youth in developing countries that do not have
access to electricity or light to read their
schoolwork at night.”
This quote develops the idea that harnessing
simple sources of energy could be applied to helping
people.
2
“Moving forward into the next 150 years, our
country [Canada] needs more innovative youth
and STEM students who want to affect the future of
our world.”
This quote develops the idea that kids need to be
exposed to science to become inventors and
create things.
SCORING +1 point: Explains how quote 1 develops the central idea +1 point: Explains how quote 2 develops the central idea
#5 DOK 3
Model Student Response In this article, the author develops the central idea that Ann Makosinski is an innovative inventor who cares about how her inventions help people and wants to push young inventors to do the same.The author begins to develop the central idea by outlining Ann’s passion for using alternative energy sources that are all around us. The author quotes Ann: “Energy is always around us...I care about us taking advantage of it.” In addition, the author develops the central idea even further when she uses a direct quote from Ann about her invention, the Hollow Flashlight. Ann says she wants to have her “‘...flashlights distributed to youth in developing countries that do not have access to electricity or light to read their schoolwork at night.’” Ann wants to harness the power of alternative energy to help others.
0 1 2 3 4
Assessment #2: Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
11
At the end of the article, the author develops the central idea one last time by citing Ann’s call to action when she says we “‘...need[s] more innovative youth and STEM students who want to affect the future of our world...this means more funding for science fairs and encouraging youth to work on their own passion projects outside of school. Learning about science is invaluable.’” In conclusion, the author develops the central idea by referring to specific details about Ann’s passions, how her inventions help others and the planets, and her call to action for more STEM programs. SCORING +1 point: Clearly states the central idea of the text +2 points: Cites evidence that develops the central idea (1 point per piece of evidence) +1 point: Explains how evidence develops the central idea
Extension
This item is not scored and is an option for early finishers and/or future class assignments.
TOTAL
___ / 10
Assessment #2: Inventor Ann Makosinski Shines a Light with Her Inventions
12
Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
I can analyze how a central idea is developed using specific details in an informational text.
RI.9-10.2
Reflect and relate:
Explain how you demonstrated improvement or mastery of this standard’s key skills in this assessment, and how you might use these skills again. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: _____________________________________
Quick Assessments & Reading Passages
Standards-based
Pre and Post Assessments aligned to a specific
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I can cite evidence to support an explicit analysis of
an informational text.
Reading Informational RI.9-10.1
15
Assessment #1 Excerpt from “We’re Older Than We Thought:
New Find Pushes Human Origin Back 10,000 Years”
Assessments & Reading Passages RI.9-10.1
Standard RI.9-10.1
I can cite evidence to support an explicit analysis of an informational text.
Excerpt from “We’re Older Than We Thought: New Find Pushes Human Origin Back 100,000 Years”
By Maggie Fox
Lexile Level: 1100 | Word Count 513
1 Modern humans evolved much earlier than previously thought, researchers reported Wednesday. New discoveries at a rich site in Morocco show modern humans were hunting and probably cooking game animals 300,000 years ago. This is 100,000 years earlier than scientists have believed until now. The site, near Morocco’s coast and the city of Marrakech, has always produced interesting human remains, but they’d been dated to around 40,000 years ago.
2 New discoveries and new dating methods show that in fact many of the bones belong to modern Homo sapiens. They lived as far back as 300,000 or 350,000 years. The earliest previous Homo sapiens bones date back 195,000 years ago. They’re from clear across the continent, in modern-day Ethiopia. Taken together, the findings show modern humans were dispersed across Africa long before anyone ever thought. 3 “There was no Garden of Eden,” Jean-Jacques Hublin, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, told reporters. He has been working at the site for decades, told reporters. Instead, he said, modern humans arose across Africa. 4 Back then, the Sahara desert wasn’t such a barrier and people could have crossed north Africa much more easily, Hublin and colleagues argued. The site has been under excavation since the 1960s, but a team recently found a new layer, along
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Assessment #1: Excerpt from “We’re Older Than We Thought…”
2
with flint tools that had been heated by fire. Pieces of bone and skull from five different people are among the new finds. 5 Writing in the journal Nature, Hublin and colleagues argue the skulls belong to clearly modern humans, even if the head shape is a little longer and narrower than those of modern people. As with all scientific discoveries, they are throwing out the evidence for debate and discussion. No single story is ever the last word on any issue. 6 The team dated tools and bones to between 300,000 and 350,000 years ago. “Thanks to improvements in dating techniques, particularly in luminescence dating, this layer, from which all the specimens had been excavated, is now revealed to be approximately twice as old as previously thought,” Chris Stringer and Julia Galway-Witham of Britain’s Natural History Museum, who were not involved in the research, wrote in a commentary. 7 “We agree with Hublin and colleagues that the Jebel Irhoud fossils now represent the best-dated evidence of an early ‘pre-modern’ phase in H. sapiens evolution.” 8 It's not so easy finding ancient human remains. Unless they are preserved somewhere dry — like the deserts of north and east Africa — not much is left of anything after tens of thousands of years. Finds are rare and each one must be studied intensively to provide evidence about the many species of pre-humans and early modern humans that populated the world. 9 Stringer and Galway-Witham also agree that Homo sapiens probably continued to evolve a bit while remaining the same species. Brains grew and changed and intelligence probably did, too, they said. It's the latest astonishing find that rewrites the history of early humans. Earlier this year a team argued they had found evidence that either modern humans or pre-humans were in North America 150,000 years ago.
Assessment #1: Excerpt from “We’re Older Than We Thought…” 3
Name: ______________________________________ Date: _____________________
1
DOK 1
2
DOK 1
Standard RI.9-10.1
I can cite evidence to support an explicit analysis of an
informational text.
Reread paragraph 1 from the text, excerpted below.
Modern humans evolved much earlier than previously thought, researchers reported Wednesday. New discoveries at a rich site in Morocco show modern humans were hunting and probably cooking game animals 300,000 years ago. This is 100,000 years earlier than scientists have believed until now. The site, near Morocco’s coast and the city of Marrakech, has always produced interesting human remains, but they’d been dated to around 40,000 years ago.
The central idea of this paragraph is that—
a. the Homo sapiens species only evolved over a short period of time.
b. new scientific findings raise questions about the origin date of Homo sapiens.
c. newly discovered human fossils were uncovered in Morocco, dating to 40,000 years
ago.
d. animals roamed the environment where the remains were found and fossils were
damaged.
Choose the direct quote that supports the following conclusion:
The fossils found in Morocco document the early stages of Homo sapiens, early modern humans.
a. “Pieces of bone and skull from five different people are among the new finds.”
b. “Writing in the journal Nature, Hublin and colleagues argue the skulls belong to
clearly modern humans, even if the head shape is a little longer and narrower than those
of modern people.”
c. “The team dated tools and bones to between 300,000 and 350,000 years ago.”
d. “Finds are rare and each one must be studied intensively to provide evidence about
the many species of pre-humans and early modern humans that populated the world.”
Assessment #1: Excerpt from “We’re Older Than We Thought…” 4
3
DOK 2
4
DOK 2
Read the two direct quotes from the text below. Analyze the meaning of each quote
and how it relates to the idea that evidence, like fossils, are subject to interpretation;
experts create one theory, but other theories are possible. Write 1-2 sentences about
each quote.
Quote from the Text Analysis of Quote
“As with all scientific
discoveries, they
are throwing out the
evidence for debate
and discussion. No single
story is ever the last word
on any issue.”
“Finds are rare and each
one must be studied
intensively to provide
evidence about the many
species of pre-humans and
early modern humans that
populated the world.”
Assessment #1: Excerpt from “We’re Older Than We Thought…”
5
Part 1
Which of the following central claims is an important idea in the article?
a. The oldest fossils show humans emerged in a “Garden of Eden” in east Africa.
b. The oldest fossil evidence of the species Homo sapiens is dated at 195,000
years old.
c. Scientists believe newly discovered fossils reveal the difficulty of crossing the
Sahara desert thousands of years ago.
d. Scientists discovered Homo sapiens fossils in Morocco that are likely much
older than the previously discovered fossils in Ethiopia.
5
DOK 3
The article asserts that recently discovered Homo sapiens fossils push back human
origins by 100,000 years than we had previously thought. In 2-3 paragraphs, summarize
the central and supporting claims and analyze the evidence presented by scientific
researchers. Cite at least two or three pieces of textual evidence to support your analysis
of the article.
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Part 2
Which quote from the text below best supports the answer to Part 1?
a. “The site, near Morocco’s coast and the city of Marrakech, has always yielded
interesting human remains, but they’d been dated to around 40,000 years ago.”
b. “...the findings show modern humans were dispersed across Africa long before
anyone ever thought.”
c. “Back then, the Sahara desert wasn’t such a barrier and people could have crossed
north Africa much more easily, Hublin and colleagues argued.”
d. “Finds are rare and each one must be studied intensively to provide evidence
about the many species of pre-humans…”
Assessment #1: Excerpt from “We’re Older Than We Thought…”
6
* Bonus
Assessment #1: Excerpt from “We’re Older Than We Thought…”
7
Did this article reveal new information to you about the history of humans and how
that history is studied? Which information was new to you?
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Scoring Rubric RI.9-10.1 Assessment #1:
Excerpt from “We’re Older Than We Thought: New Find Pushes Human Origin Back 100,00 Years”
Question / Level
Key / Rubric Points
#1
DOK 1
b. new scientific findings raise questions about the origin date of Homo sapiens.
0 1
#2
DOK 1
b. “Writing in the journal Nature, Hublin and colleagues argue the skulls belong to clearly modern humans, even if the head shape is a little longer and narrower than those of modern people.
0 1
#3
DOK 2
Model Student Response
Quote from Text Analysis of Quote
“As with all scientific discoveries, they are throwing out the evidence for debate and discussion. No single story is ever the last word on any issue.”
The scientists who published an article in Nature analyzed the fossils they found using sophisticated scientific techniques. However, the researchers are still not completely sure how to interpret the evidence and they invite other experts to analyze the evidence or critique their findings.
“Finds are rare and each one must be studied intensively to provide evidence about the many species of pre-humans and early modern humans that populated the world.”
In this statement, the author predicts that others could challenge Hublin’s conclusions from his team’s discovery at Jebel Irhoud. Here, the author zeroes in on the conclusion regarding the fossils as a link to modern humans. She notes that because each find is rare, we must study each fossil closely to understand as much as we can about early modern humans and related earlier species.
0 1 2
Student Name: ____________________________ Date of Administration: _____________
Teacher Name: ______________________________________________________________
Assessment #1: Excerpt from “We’re Older Than We Thought…” 8
SCORING +1 point: analyzes each quote reasonably (up to 2 points total)
#4
DOK 2
Student must answer Part 1 correctly in order to receive points for Part 2. Part 1 D. Scientists discovered Homo sapiens fossils in Morocco that are likely much older than the previously discovered fossils in Ethiopia. Part 2 B. “...the findings show modern humans were dispersed across Africa long before anyone ever thought.” SCORING +1 point: correctly answers each part (up to 2 points total)
0 1 2
#5
DOK 3
Model Student Response The author asserts in the title of the article and throughout the article that human remains from Morocco dated to 315,000 years ago push back the origin date of Homo sapiens by 100,000 years earlier than we’d previously thought. This is big news because previously the oldest human remains were found in Ethiopia, another part of Africa, and were dated around 195,000 years old. Therefore, the author makes this supporting claim: “Taken together, the findings show modern humans were dispersed across Africa long before anyone ever thought.” The new fossils illustrate two things: Homo sapiens are older than we once thought and they lived in a wider region than researchers believed earlier. The author cites evidence that the scientific researchers used to draw these conclusions and quotes experts to reveal how they drew those conclusions. The author describes how the age of the Homo sapiens bones was determined: “...new dating methods show that in fact many of the bones belong to modern Homo sapiens, and they lived as far back as 300,000 or 350,000 years.” She states that a new layer was uncovered and that is where the fossils were found.
Two experts who were not involved directly in the research wrote a commentary of the discovery; Chris Stringer and Julia Galway-Witham of Britain’s Natural History Museum stated: “‘Thanks to improvements in dating techniques, particularly in luminescence dating, this layer, from which all the specimens had been excavated, is now revealed to be approximately twice as old as previously thought.” The scientists used more than one dating technique to determine the approximate age of the Homo sapiens bones and nearby tools.
0 1 2 3 4
Assessment #1: Excerpt from “We’re Older Than We Thought…” 9
While the scientists have drawn conclusions based on the dating techniques, some interpretation is involved in order to try to understand the raw data of bones: “Writing in the journal Nature, Hublin and colleagues argue the skulls belong to clearly modern humans, even if the head shape is a little longer and narrower than those of modern people.” Due to the slightly different skull shape, scientists are discussing the idea that the remains found at Jebel Irhoud in Morocco are part of a pre-modern phase of the species evolution of homo sapiens. However, the subject is still up for some debate, and they hope that other experts will examine the evidence and share their interpretations too. SCORING 2 points: cites at least two pieces of relevant evidence to support analysis 1 point: summarizes central and supporting claims to construct an explicit analysis
1 point: writing is clear and coherent
#BONUS This item is not scored and is an option for early finishers.
TOTAL ___ / 10
Assessment #1: Excerpt from “We’re Older Than We Thought…” 10
15
Assessment #2 Excerpt from “Dinosaur Surprise: Scientists find collagen inside a 195-million-year-old-bone”
Assessments & Reading Passages RI.9-10.1
Standard RI.9-10.1
I can cite evidence to support an explicit analysis of an
informational text.
Excerpt from “Dinosaur Surprise: Scientists find collagen inside a 195-million-year-old bone”
By Amina Khan
modified by Goalbook
Lexile Level: 1100 | Word Count 591
1 Dinosaur paleontology has long been the domain of bones and teeth. Now soft tissues could be changing the game. Scientists say they have discovered collagen preserved in a 195-million-year-old rib from a long-necked Lufengosaurus. 2 The protein fragments, described in the journal Nature Communications, are more than 100 million years older than the previous record-holder. This shattered the idea that such soft tissues cannot be preserved. These kinds of samples could offer paleontologists a whole new window through which to study these long-gone creatures. 3 “This finding extends the record of preserved organic remains more than 100 million years and highlights the importance of using in situ [in its original place] approaches to these types of investigations,” the study authors wrote. 4 For a long time, scientists believed that protein molecules, which make up soft tissues, could only last about 4 million years or so. They thought only hard tissues like bone and teeth could be preserved over longer geologic time scales. Soft tissues like cartilage and muscle typically decay long before they can be preserved. 5 Recent studies have begun to challenge that notion. A study in 2015 found evidence of collagen fibers and red blood cells within a 75-million-year-old claw from a
Name: ______________________________________ Date: _________________
Assessment #2: Excerpt from “Dinosaur Surprise…” 2
carnivorous dinosaur. That finding met with no small amount of skepticism, said Susannah Maidment, a vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Brighton. She was not involved in the current study but co-authored that 2015 paper. 6 “Now, the weight of evidence has really shifted,” she said. “There are instances in the fossil record where protein can be preserved over really quite long geologic timescales. We haven’t hit the boundary yet of what those geologic timescales are.” 7 The new fossil evidence comes from a Lufengosaurus, a genus of early sauropodomorph dinosaurs that probably walked on two legs instead of four (unlike their fellow long-necked cousins, the sauropods). Scientists did not remove the sample from the bone, which would risk damaging or contaminating it. Instead, the scientists used confocal Raman spectroscopy and a type of infrared spectroscopy to study the insides of the bones in detail. 8 Within a rib, the scientists found fragments of proteins, likely from the collagen in the bone.
9 Those canals were also polka-dotted with collections of hematite – an iron oxide that may have come in part from hemoglobin and other iron-rich proteins in the dinosaur’s red blood cells. It’s possible that this iron may have acted as an antioxidant, the authors wrote, preventing the proteins from decaying further. 10 Comparing the collagen locked in the bones of different species could lead researchers to redraw parts of the dinosaur family tree, Maidment said. That’s because the proteins in collagen are closely tied to their particular animal group. This could allow scientists to use the samples almost like soft-tissue “fingerprints.” 11 “As paleontologists, the only thing we have to build a family tree of the dinosaurs is their bones,” she explained. “Now biologists of course have DNA, but we don’t have DNA so we only look at the bones. Our family tree is very much restricted to looking at the hard parts — and that might be swaying our calculations a little bit. If we were able to extract collagen and carry out collagen fingerprinting on these bones, then we would have a whole independent line of evidence.” 12 For now, scientists are still trying to figure out how these protein fragments really managed to last so long in the first place. And the next challenge, Maidment said, will likely be figuring out how to safely extract these collagen remnants so they can be studied in even greater detail.
Assessment #2: Excerpt from “Dinosaur Surprise…” 3
Name: ______________________________________ Date: _____________________
1
DOK 1
2
DOK 1
Standard RI.9-10.1
I can cite evidence to support an explicit analysis of an
informational text.
Which statement below is a central idea of the article?
a. Scientists can learn more about dinosaurs using soft tissue, not just
bones.
b. Paleontology has become the domain of soft tissue instead of bones.
c. It is more important than ever to study dinosaur bones in position, in
the ground.
d. Soft tissues deteriorate with time so that they are impossible to study.
Choose the direct quote that supports the following conclusion:
Preserved collagen provides new evidence that can be used to study dinosaurs.
a. “Within a rib, the scientists found fragments of proteins, likely from the collagen
in the bone.”
b. “The scientists used confocal Raman spectroscopy and a type of infrared
spectroscopy to study the insides of the bones in detail.”
c. “If we were able to extract collagen and carry out collagen fingerprinting on
these bones, then we would have a whole independent line of evidence.”
d. “That’s because the proteins in collagen are closely tied to their particular
animal group.”
Assessment #2: Excerpt from “Dinosaur Surprise…” 4
Assessment ##2: Excerpt from “Dinosaur Surprise…”
5
Part 2
Which detail supports the claim identified in Part 1?
a. “The protein fragments, described in the journal Nature Communications,
are more than 100 million years older than the previous record-holder,
shattering the notion that such soft tissues are short-lived and cannot be
preserved.”
b. “Instead, the scientists used confocal Raman spectroscopy and a type of
infrared spectroscopy to study the insides of the bones in detail.”
c. “Within a rib, the scientists found fragments of proteins, likely from the
collagen in the bone’s vascular canals.”
d. “Comparing the collagen locked in the bones of different species could
compel researchers to redraw parts of the dinosaur family tree, Maidment
said.”
D. “...the findings show modern humans were dispersed across Africa
long before anyone ever thought.”
Part 1
Which of the following statements is an important central claim from the text?
a. A new discovery illustrates that soft tissue from dinosaurs can be
preserved longer than researchers previously believed
b. Collagen was found together with hematite particles believed to be part of
the dinosaur’s original blood.
c. Soft tissue and proteins decompose during the fossilization process.
d. State-of-the-art methods are used to scan the contents of fossils.
3
DOK 2
5
DOK 3
Using the chart below, choose two pieces of evidence that clarify the author’s idea
that the finding of dinosaur soft tissue can develop our understanding of dinosaur
evolution. Write 1-2 sentences about each quote.
Quote from the Text Analysis of Quote
“That’s because the
proteins in collagen are
closely tied to their
particular animal group.
This could allow scientists
to use the samples almost
like soft-tissue
‘fingerprints.’”
“...Our family tree is very
much restricted to looking
at the hard parts — and
that might be swaying our
calculations a little bit. If
we were able to extract
collagen and carry out
collagen fingerprinting on
these bones, then we
would have a whole
independent line of
evidence.”
In 2-3 paragraphs, summarize the central and supporting claims in the article
and analyze the evidence given by researchers. Cite at least three or four
pieces of textual evidence to support your analysis of the article. _________________________________________________________________________
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Assessment #2: Excerpt from “Dinosaur Surprise…” 6
4
DOK 2
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* Bonus
Assessment #2: Excerpt from “Dinosaur Surprise…”
7
If you could interview the scientists who are studying the soft tissue of the
Lufengosaurus, what information would you want to know more about? Use a
quote from the article to help you structure 1-2 questions for the research team.
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Scoring Rubric RI.9-10.1 Assessment #2:
Excerpt from “Dinosaur Surprise: Scientists find collagen
inside a 195-million-year-old bone”
Question / Level
Key / Rubric Points
#1
DOK 1
a. Scientists can learn more about dinosaurs using soft tissue, not just bones.
0 1
#2
DOK 1
c. “If we were able to extract collagen and carry out collagen fingerprinting on these bones, then we would have a whole independent line of evidence.”
0 1
#3
DOK 2
Student must answer Part 1 correctly in order to receive points for Part 2. Part 1 a. A new discovery illustrates that soft tissue from dinosaurs can be preserved longer than researchers previously believed. Part 2
a. “The protein fragments, described in the journal Nature
Communications, are more than 100 million years older than the previous record-holder, shattering the notion that such soft tissues are short-lived and cannot be preserved.”
0 1 2
Student Name: ____________________________ Date of Administration: _____________
Teacher Name: ______________________________________________________________
Assessment #2: Excerpt from “Dinosaur Surprise…” 8
#4
DOK 2
Model Student Response
Quote from Text Analysis of Quote
“That’s because the proteins in collagen are closely tied to their particular animal group. This could allow scientists to use the samples almost like soft-tissue ‘fingerprints.’”
Scientists believe that by studying protein in the collagen, they can use the evidence to build a better family tree for dinosaurs. The protein can provide insights into how the dinosaurs are related to one another.
“...Our family tree is very much restricted to looking at the hard parts — and that might be swaying our calculations a little bit. If we were able to extract collagen and carry out collagen fingerprinting on these bones, then we would have a whole independent line of evidence.”
Scientists can study protein to learn aspects about dinosaurs that bones alone cannot reveal. The new information could change how scientists study bones and help solve mysteries about extinct dinosaurs.
SCORING +1 point per quote: analyzes each quote reasonably (up to 2 points total)
0 1 2
#5
DOK 3
Model Student Response In this article, the author informs readers about the significance of finding dinosaur soft tissue to the field of paleontology. She discusses the importance of collagen from a 195 million year old long-necked Lufengosaurus. The new soft tissue evidence illustrates three things: Soft tissue can be preserved longer than previously thought, the new organic remains are older than previous evidence by 100 million years, and the findings may shed light on the family tree of dinosaurs.
The author cites evidence that scientific researchers used to draw these three conclusions and quotes experts to reveal how they drew those conclusions. The author describes how technology was used to determine the age of the collagen: “... the scientists used confocal Raman spectroscopy and a type of infrared spectroscopy to study the insides of the bones in detail.” Research published in the journal Nature Communications regarding the preservation of soft tissue notes that the protein fragments “are more than 100 million years older than the previous record-holder. This shattered the idea that
0 1 2 3 4
Assessment #2: Excerpt from “Dinosaur Surprise…” 9
such soft tissues cannot be preserved.” The meaning of the new findings is discussed by an expert, vertebrate paleontologist Susannah Maidment, “... Our family tree is very much restricted to looking at the hard parts — and that might be swaying our calculations a little bit. If we were able to extract collagen and carry out collagen fingerprinting on these bones, then we would have a whole independent line of evidence.” This shows that soft tissue findings are significant and can change the way we understand the history of dinosaurs.
While the scientists have drawn conclusions based on the dating techniques, some interpretation is involved to understand how the raw data from inside of bones may advance our knowledge of dinosaurs: “‘Comparing the collagen locked in the bones of different species could lead researchers to redraw parts of the dinosaur family tree,’ Maidment said. That’s because the proteins in collagen are closely tied to their particular animal group. This could allow scientists to use the samples almost like soft-tissue “fingerprints.” SCORING 2 points: cites at least three pieces of relevant evidence to support analysis 1 point: summarizes central and supporting claims to construct an explicit analysis
1 point: writing is clear and coherent
#BONUS This item is not scored and is an option for early finishers.
TOTAL ___ / 10
Assessment #2: Excerpt from “Dinosaur Surprise…” 10
Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
I can cite evidence to support an explicit analysis of an informational text.
RI.9-10.1
Reflect and relate:
Explain how you demonstrated improvement or mastery of this standard’s key skills in this assessment, and how you might use these skills again. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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