Come to Discussions Prepared Practice Test

A 7th-grade class is planning a research mini-project on renewable energy. The homework was to read two short sources and bring at least three notes. Sofia brings a page of notes and says, “Source 1 explained how solar panels convert sunlight to electricity, and Source 2 compared wind and solar costs. I wrote down two questions about how weather affects energy output.” Jamal says, “I forgot the sources at home, but I can help pick a topic.”

How does Sofia’s preparation affect the quality of her contribution?

During a 7th-grade literature circle, the class discusses the theme of courage in the assigned novel chapters (Chapters 5–6). Emma has the book open with sticky notes and says, “In Chapter 6, when the main character returns to the river even after failing before, it shows courage because she risks getting caught again. I wrote down the line, ‘I can’t let fear choose for me,’ and it connects to the theme we listed yesterday.” Jamal says, “Yeah, I agree. It was interesting.”

Which student is better prepared for the discussion, and how can you tell?