Evidence and inference
Read the excerpt below.
Jamal checked his watch for the third time and paced near the door. The bus was already ten minutes late.
Which detail best supports the inference that Jamal is impatient?
A. He looked outside.
B. He checked his watch repeatedly.
C. The bus was late.
D. He stood near the door.
B. He checked his watch repeatedly.
Read the excerpt below.
The city planted trees along busy streets to reduce pollution and provide shade. Over time, residents noticed cooler temperatures and cleaner air.
What is the central idea of this excerpt?
A. Cities are crowded places.
B. Trees improve city environments.
C. Pollution causes illness.
D. Residents like shade.
B. Trees improve city environments.
Read the excerpt below.
The abandoned house stood silent, its windows broken and its paint peeling.
What does the word abandoned most nearly mean?
A. Newly built
B. Left empty
C. Brightly decorated
D. Frequently visited
B. Left empty
Read the excerpt below.
The article explains how recycling reduces waste and saves natural resources.
What is the author’s main purpose?
A. To entertain readers
B. To describe a problem at school
C. To tell a personal story
D. To explain the benefits of recycling
D. To explain the benefits of recycling
Read the excerpt below.
The article includes a map showing where the ancient trade routes were located.
Why did the author most likely include the map?
A. To decorate the page
B. To help readers visualize the trade routes
C. To explain the climate
D. To show modern cities
B. To help readers visualize the trade routes
Read the excerpt below.
The article explains that the river’s pollution levels have risen sharply. It also notes that factories were built nearby five years ago.
Which detail best supports the claim that factories contributed to pollution?
A. Pollution levels have risen sharply.
B. The river flows through several towns.
C. Factories were built nearby five years ago.
D. People use the river for fishing.
C. Factories were built nearby five years ago.
Read the excerpt below.
At first, Lena doubted she could finish the marathon. With encouragement from her teammates and months of training, she crossed the finish line with confidence.
Which theme is best supported by Lena’s experience?
A. Winning is more important than effort.
B. Long races are difficult.
C. Support and perseverance lead to success.
D. Training takes time.
C. Support and perseverance lead to success.
Read the excerpt below.
The coach’s voice was sharp and impatient as he repeated the instructions.
What tone does the word sharp help create?
A. Calm
B. Encouraging
C. Frustrated
D. Excited
C. Frustrated
Read the excerpt below.
The author argues that students should have longer recess. She explains that physical activity improves focus in the classroom.
Which statement is the author’s claim?
A. Students should have longer recess.
B. Physical activity is healthy.
C. Students like recess.
D. Classrooms need more rules.
A. Students should have longer recess.
Read the excerpt below.
The author explains the dangers of plastic waste but also includes quotes from business owners who rely on plastic packaging.
Why does the author include the business owners’ viewpoints?
A. To confuse readers
B. To describe how products are shipped
C. To prove plastic is harmless
D. To present more than one perspective on the issue
D. To present more than one perspective on the issue
Read the excerpt below.
Mia reread the instructions carefully before beginning the experiment. She wanted to avoid mistakes that might affect her results.
What can be inferred about Mia?
A. She enjoys science class.
B. She is careless with experiments.
C. She values accuracy in her work.
D. She dislikes experiments.
C. She values accuracy in her work.
Read the excerpt below.
The article begins by describing the invention of the printing press. It then explains how books became cheaper and knowledge spread quickly across Europe.
How does the second sentence develop the central idea?
A. It shows the effects of the invention.
B. It explains who invented the printing press.
C. It compares books to other inventions.
D. It describes how books were printed.
A. It shows the effects of the invention.
Read the excerpt below.
The author describes the desert as a ‘relentless sea of sand.
What does the phrase relentless sea of sand suggest?
A. The desert is peaceful.
B. The desert is small and calm.
C. The desert is colorful.
D. The desert is vast and harsh.
D. The desert is vast and harsh.
Read the excerpt below.
The author states that electric buses reduce pollution. She supports this by citing data showing fewer emissions compared to diesel buses.
Which detail best supports the author’s argument?
A. Buses carry many passengers.
B. Electric buses are newer.
C. Data showing fewer emissions from electric buses.
D. Cities have many buses.
C. Data showing fewer emissions from electric buses.
Read the excerpt below.
The article describes how the new law will affect students, teachers, and parents differently.
What is the author’s purpose in describing these groups separately?
A. To show how the issue impacts multiple perspectives
B. To compare schools to other places
C. To explain the history of the law
D. To describe one student’s experience
A. To show how the issue impacts multiple perspectives
Read the excerpt below.
The narrator describes the old house as ‘silent, watching, and filled with shadows.’ He hesitates before stepping inside.
Which detail best supports the inference that the narrator feels uneasy?
A. The house is old.
B. The narrator pauses before entering.
C. The house has shadows.
D. The narrator walks inside.
B. The narrator pauses before entering.
Read the excerpt below.
The narrator once feared speaking in public. After joining the debate team, she gradually became more confident and began mentoring younger students.
How does the narrator’s experience develop the theme?
A. It shows that debate is competitive.
B. It describes the rules of the team.
C. It explains why students like debate.
D. It illustrates how facing fears can lead to growth.
D. It illustrates how facing fears can lead to growth.
Read the excerpt below.
The scientist described the discovery as ‘remarkable,’ noting that it could change future research.
What does the word remarkable reveal about the scientist’s tone?
A. Impressed
B. Neutral
C. Skeptical
D. Uncertain
A. Impressed
Read the excerpt below.
The author explains that homework helps students practice skills. However, she notes that too much homework may cause stress.
What is the author’s purpose in including both ideas?
A. To confuse readers
B. To show only one side of the issue
C. To present a balanced view of homework
D. To argue that homework should be removed
C. To present a balanced view of homework
Read the excerpt below.
The author first describes the problem of water shortages, then includes a chart showing declining water levels.
How does the chart contribute to the text?
A. It gives an opinion about water use
B. It provides visual evidence supporting the problem
C. It tells a personal story
D. It explains how charts are made
B. It provides visual evidence supporting the problem
Read the excerpt below.
The author argues that school gardens improve student health. She cites studies showing increased vegetable consumption and improved nutrition among participating students.
Which detail most strongly supports the author’s claim?
A. Students enjoy working outside.
B. Gardens are colorful additions to schools.
C. Schools often have unused land.
D. Studies show students ate more vegetables and improved nutrition.
D. Studies show students ate more vegetables and improved nutrition.
Read the excerpt below.
The author introduces the problem of plastic waste in oceans. She then describes how wildlife is affected and concludes by explaining how communities can reduce plastic use.
Which statement best explains how the central idea develops?
A. The author explains only the causes of plastic waste.
B. The author describes how plastic is made.
C. The author compares plastic waste to other issues.
D. The author shows the problem, its effects, and possible solutions.
D. The author shows the problem, its effects, and possible solutions.
Read the excerpt below.
The narrator says the city streets ‘buzzed with restless energy,’ as crowds rushed between shops and markets.
How does the phrase buzzed with restless energy affect the reader’s understanding of the setting?
A. It shows the city is quiet and empty.
B. It suggests the city is lively and busy.
C. It explains the history of the city.
D. It shows that people are confused.
B. It suggests the city is lively and busy.
Read the excerpt below.
The author claims school uniforms improve student behavior. She supports this by describing one school that reported fewer discipline issues after adopting uniforms.
Why might this evidence be considered weak?
A. It explains what uniforms look like.
B. It gives only one example instead of broader evidence.
C. It describes a different school.
D. It focuses on student opinions.
B. It gives only one example instead of broader evidence.
Read the excerpt below.
The author presents research about renewable energy, followed by a quote from a scientist warning about costs.
Why does the author include both types of information?
A. To create suspense
B. To tell a story about scientists
C. To compare two unrelated ideas
D. To show that the issue has both benefits and concerns
D. To show that the issue has both benefits and concerns