RI.3.1/RL.3.1
Passage: The Lost Paintbrush
Emma carefully carried her art project across the classroom while students prepared for the school art fair. She had spent two weeks painting a picture of her dog playing in the snow.
Just before class ended, Emma reached into her supply box and froze.
“My paintbrush is missing,” she whispered.
Her friend Lucas searched beneath the tables while Emma checked her backpack again.
“You used it during recess outside,” Lucas reminded her.
Emma hurried to the playground doors. Near the bench outside, she spotted the paintbrush beside a puddle.
When Emma picked it up, she smiled with relief and held it tightly all the way back to class.
What can the reader infer about Emma when she notices the paintbrush is missing?
A She is worried because she needs the paintbrush for her project.
B She is angry that Lucas borrowed the paintbrush.
C She believes someone in class took the paintbrush.
D She is frustrated that art class is almost over.
A She is worried because she needs the paintbrush for her project.
Passage: Camels
Camels are well adapted for living in hot desert environments. Their long eyelashes help keep sand out of their eyes during windstorms. Camels also have wide feet that help them walk across soft sand without sinking.
Unlike many animals, camels can survive for days without drinking water. Their bodies store fat in their humps, which provides energy when food is limited.
Because of these adaptations, camels are often used to carry people and supplies across deserts.
Questions
What is the main idea of the passage?
A Camels use special adaptations to survive in desert environments.
B Camels can carry heavy supplies across deserts.
C Sandstorms create difficult conditions for desert animals.
D Camels store water inside their humps.
A Camels use special adaptations to survive in desert environments.
Passage: The Forgotten Homework
Maya raced into class just as the morning bell rang. As her teacher collected homework papers, Maya suddenly remembered her assignment sitting on the kitchen table at home.
Her stomach twisted nervously.
When Mrs. Chen reached her desk, Maya quietly explained what happened.
Instead of becoming angry, Mrs. Chen handed Maya a homework planner.
“Everyone forgets things sometimes,” she said. “What matters is finding a better way to stay organized.”
That afternoon, Maya carefully wrote every assignment into the planner before leaving school.
The next morning, her homework was already packed inside her backpack before breakfast.
Why does Maya become nervous at the beginning of the passage?
A She forgot to study for a test.
B She realizes she left her homework at home.
C She arrives late to class.
D She cannot find her backpack.
B She realizes she left her homework at home.
Passage: Tornadoes
Tornadoes are spinning columns of air that extend from powerful thunderstorms to the ground. Strong tornadoes can damage buildings, uproot trees, and move cars.
Meteorologists study weather conditions carefully so they can warn people when tornadoes may form. Weather radar helps scientists track storms and measure wind movement.
Communities practice tornado safety plans so people know where to take shelter during dangerous storms.
Questions
What does the word “track” most nearly mean as it is used in the passage?
A follow or monitor
B repair carefully
C move quickly
D escape from danger
A follow or monitor
Passage: Community Gardens
Many neighborhoods have community gardens where people grow vegetables and flowers together. These gardens help improve empty spaces and provide fresh food for families.
Community gardens also bring people together. Neighbors work side by side planting seeds, watering plants, and pulling weeds. Some gardens donate extra vegetables to local food banks.
Because of these benefits, many cities continue creating community garden programs.
Questions
How are paragraphs 1 and 2 connected?
A by describing why community gardens are helpful and explaining ways people work together in them
B by explaining how vegetables are grown and comparing different gardening tools
C by describing problems in neighborhoods and explaining how food banks operate
D by comparing city gardens with farms in rural areas
A by describing why community gardens are helpful and explaining ways people work together in them
Passage: The Lost Paintbrush
Emma carefully carried her art project across the classroom while students prepared for the school art fair. She had spent two weeks painting a picture of her dog playing in the snow.
Just before class ended, Emma reached into her supply box and froze.
“My paintbrush is missing,” she whispered.
Her friend Lucas searched beneath the tables while Emma checked her backpack again.
“You used it during recess outside,” Lucas reminded her.
Emma hurried to the playground doors. Near the bench outside, she spotted the paintbrush beside a puddle.
When Emma picked it up, she smiled with relief and held it tightly all the way back to class.
Which sentence BEST supports the inference that Emma cares about finishing her project?
A “She had spent two weeks painting a picture…”
B “Her friend Lucas searched beneath the tables…”
C “Near the bench outside, she spotted the paintbrush…”
D “Emma smiled with relief…”
C “Near the bench outside, she spotted the paintbrush…”
Passage: Camels
Camels are well adapted for living in hot desert environments. Their long eyelashes help keep sand out of their eyes during windstorms. Camels also have wide feet that help them walk across soft sand without sinking.
Unlike many animals, camels can survive for days without drinking water. Their bodies store fat in their humps, which provides energy when food is limited.
Because of these adaptations, camels are often used to carry people and supplies across deserts.
Which detail BEST supports the main idea?
A “Their long eyelashes help keep sand out of their eyes…”
B “Camels are often used to carry people…”
C “Their bodies store fat in their humps…”
D “Camels can survive for days without drinking water.”
D “Camels can survive for days without drinking water.”
Passage: The Forgotten Homework
Maya raced into class just as the morning bell rang. As her teacher collected homework papers, Maya suddenly remembered her assignment sitting on the kitchen table at home.
Her stomach twisted nervously.
When Mrs. Chen reached her desk, Maya quietly explained what happened.
Instead of becoming angry, Mrs. Chen handed Maya a homework planner.
“Everyone forgets things sometimes,” she said. “What matters is finding a better way to stay organized.”
That afternoon, Maya carefully wrote every assignment into the planner before leaving school.
The next morning, her homework was already packed inside her backpack before breakfast.
Which event MOST changes how Maya behaves afterward?
A Mrs. Chen collects the homework papers.
B Maya explains the problem quietly.
C Mrs. Chen gives Maya a homework planner.
D Maya arrives just before the morning bell.
C Mrs. Chen gives Maya a homework planner.
Passage: Tornadoes
Tornadoes are spinning columns of air that extend from powerful thunderstorms to the ground. Strong tornadoes can damage buildings, uproot trees, and move cars.
Meteorologists study weather conditions carefully so they can warn people when tornadoes may form. Weather radar helps scientists track storms and measure wind movement.
Communities practice tornado safety plans so people know where to take shelter during dangerous storms.
Which detail from the passage BEST helps the reader understand the meaning of “track”?
A “Strong tornadoes can damage buildings…”
B “Weather radar helps scientists…”
C “people know where to take shelter…”
D “Tornadoes are spinning columns of air…”
B “Weather radar helps scientists…”
Passage: Community Gardens
Many neighborhoods have community gardens where people grow vegetables and flowers together. These gardens help improve empty spaces and provide fresh food for families.
Community gardens also bring people together. Neighbors work side by side planting seeds, watering plants, and pulling weeds. Some gardens donate extra vegetables to local food banks.
Because of these benefits, many cities continue creating community garden programs.
How does the author support the point that community gardens benefit neighborhoods?
A by describing several ways gardens help communities
B by explaining the history of gardening programs
C by comparing gardens in different cities
D by listing the tools needed for gardening
A by describing several ways gardens help communities
Passage: Sea Turtles
Sea turtles spend most of their lives in the ocean, but female sea turtles return to beaches to lay eggs in the sand. After hatching, baby sea turtles crawl toward the ocean on their own.
Many young turtles do not survive because birds and other animals hunt them. Bright lights near beaches can also confuse hatchlings and lead them away from the water.
Scientists and volunteers work to protect sea turtles by keeping beaches clean and turning off unnecessary lights during nesting season.
Questions
What can the reader infer about baby sea turtles?
A They face many dangers after hatching.
B They stay near their nests for several weeks.
C They depend on adult turtles for protection.
D They can easily survive on crowded beaches.
A They face many dangers after hatching.
Passage: The Soccer Practice
Jalen wanted to quit soccer.
At every practice, the older players dribbled faster, kicked harder, and scored more goals than he did. During one scrimmage, Jalen missed an easy shot and heard several teammates groan.
After practice, Coach Rivera sat beside him on the bench.
“You know,” Coach Rivera said, “the best players are usually the ones who keep practicing after mistakes.”
The next afternoon, Jalen arrived early and practiced kicking the ball into the goal before the other players arrived.
Week after week, he continued practicing.
By the end of the season, Jalen still was not the fastest player on the team, but during the final game he scored the winning goal.
What is the central message of the passage?
A Practice and persistence can help people improve.
B Winning games is more important than making mistakes.
C Team sports are difficult for younger players.
D Coaches should be patient with athletes.
A Practice and persistence can help people improve
Passage: How Chocolate Is Made
Chocolate begins with cocoa beans that grow inside pods on cacao trees. Farmers remove the beans from the pods and allow them to dry in the sun.
Next, the beans are roasted to bring out flavor. After roasting, machines crush the beans into a thick paste called chocolate liquor.
Finally, sugar and other ingredients are mixed into the paste before the chocolate is shaped into bars or candies.
What happens after cocoa beans are dried?
A They are shaped into candy bars.
B They are roasted to bring out flavor.
C Sugar is mixed into the paste.
D Farmers remove them from the pods.
B They are roasted to bring out flavor.
Passage: The Thunderstorm
Dark clouds rolled across the sky while wind rattled the windows of the house. Outside, tree branches danced wildly during the storm.
Marcus peeked through the curtains as thunder growled overhead.
“It sounds like the sky is angry,” his little sister whispered.
Rain hammered against the roof louder and louder until lightning flashed across the yard.
Finally, after several long minutes, the storm drifted away and the neighborhood became quiet again.
What does the phrase “thunder growled overhead” help the reader understand?
A The thunder sounded loud and rough.
B Animals were hiding during the storm.
C The storm moved quickly across the sky.
D Marcus was frightened by the lightning.
A The thunder sounded loud and rough.
Passage: School Recycling Programs
Many schools have started recycling programs to reduce the amount of trash thrown away each day. Students place paper, plastic bottles, and cans into special recycling bins instead of regular garbage cans.
Because schools recycle these materials, less waste is sent to landfills. Recycling programs also help students learn how their choices can affect the environment. Some schools have even used money earned from recycling to buy books and playground equipment.
Teachers hope that students who practice recycling at school will continue those habits at home and in their communities.
Questions
How are paragraphs 1 and 2 connected?
A by comparing recycling programs in schools and homes
B by describing a school problem and explaining how students solved it
C by explaining what school recycling programs are and describing their effects
D by explaining how trash is collected and describing how landfills are built
C by explaining what school recycling programs are and describing their effects
Passage: Sea Turtles
Sea turtles spend most of their lives in the ocean, but female sea turtles return to beaches to lay eggs in the sand. After hatching, baby sea turtles crawl toward the ocean on their own.
Many young turtles do not survive because birds and other animals hunt them. Bright lights near beaches can also confuse hatchlings and lead them away from the water.
Scientists and volunteers work to protect sea turtles by keeping beaches clean and turning off unnecessary lights during nesting season.
Which sentence BEST supports the inference that hatchlings have difficulty surviving?
A “Sea turtles spend most of their lives in the ocean…”
Which sentence BEST supports the inference that hatchlings have difficulty surviving?
A “Sea turtles spend most of their lives in the ocean…”
B “Many young turtles do not survive…”
C “Bright lights near beaches can also confuse hatchlings…”
D “Scientists and volunteers work to protect sea turtles…”
C “Bright lights near beaches can also confuse hatchlings…”
D “Scientists and volunteers work to protect sea turtles…”
B “Many young turtles do not survive…”
Passage: The Soccer Practice
Jalen wanted to quit soccer.
At every practice, the older players dribbled faster, kicked harder, and scored more goals than he did. During one scrimmage, Jalen missed an easy shot and heard several teammates groan.
After practice, Coach Rivera sat beside him on the bench.
“You know,” Coach Rivera said, “the best players are usually the ones who keep practicing after mistakes.”
The next afternoon, Jalen arrived early and practiced kicking the ball into the goal before the other players arrived.
Week after week, he continued practicing.
By the end of the season, Jalen still was not the fastest player on the team, but during the final game he scored the winning goal.
Which detail BEST supports the central message?
A “The older players dribbled faster…”
B “Coach Rivera sat beside him on the bench.”
C “The next afternoon, Jalen arrived early…”
D “Jalen still was not the fastest player…”
C “The next afternoon, Jalen arrived early…”
Passage: How Chocolate Is Made
Chocolate begins with cocoa beans that grow inside pods on cacao trees. Farmers remove the beans from the pods and allow them to dry in the sun.
Next, the beans are roasted to bring out flavor. After roasting, machines crush the beans into a thick paste called chocolate liquor.
Finally, sugar and other ingredients are mixed into the paste before the chocolate is shaped into bars or candies.
Why are the cocoa beans roasted?
A To remove sugar from the beans
B To prepare the beans for drying
C To improve the flavor of the chocolate
D To shape the chocolate into bars
C To improve the flavor of the chocolate
Passage: The Thunderstorm
Dark clouds rolled across the sky while wind rattled the windows of the house. Outside, tree branches danced wildly during the storm.
Marcus peeked through the curtains as thunder growled overhead.
“It sounds like the sky is angry,” his little sister whispered.
Rain hammered against the roof louder and louder until lightning flashed across the yard.
Finally, after several long minutes, the storm drifted away and the neighborhood became quiet again.
What does the word “drifted” most nearly mean as it is used in the passage?
A moved away slowly
B crashed loudly
C disappeared suddenly
D changed directions
A moved away slowly
Passage: School Recycling Programs
Many schools have started recycling programs to reduce the amount of trash thrown away each day. Students place paper, plastic bottles, and cans into special recycling bins instead of regular garbage cans.
Because schools recycle these materials, less waste is sent to landfills. Recycling programs also help students learn how their choices can affect the environment. Some schools have even used money earned from recycling to buy books and playground equipment.
Teachers hope that students who practice recycling at school will continue those habits at home and in their communities.
How does the author support the point that recycling programs are beneficial?
A by describing several positive results of recycling programs
B by comparing recycling bins with garbage cans
C by explaining the history of recycling in schools
D by listing the materials students throw away
A by describing several positive results of recycling programs