Author's Claim 1
Author's Claim 2
Author's Claim 3
Author's Claim 4
Author's Claim 5
100

Toothpaste is important in helping to keep our teeth white and cavity-free, but it can have lots of other uses. Many households keep their favorite tube on hand to get pesky stains out of rugs and carpet with little effort. Just rub a small amount of toothpaste into the stain with a sponge and then clean with a damp cloth. It can also be used on other furniture, such as couches or mattresses. Try to get that crayon mark off your bedroom wall or even the black scuffs off your white tennis shoes. It works like magic! 

What is the author's claim? 
A. Toothpaste is magic. 
B. Many households have toothpaste. 
C. Do not put toothpaste on your walls. 
D. Toothpaste has many uses. 

D: Toothpaste has many uses. 

100

Horse owners must be responsible caregivers 365 days a year. A horse depends on its owner for food which consists of hay and grain. They need supplies of clean water and a dry, safe shelter such as a barn. That shelter also needs to be cleaned every single day to keep the horse healthy. Hoof maintenance and veterinary care are required as well. Owners must also provide regular exercise through riding and allowing horses to stroll around a fenced-in pasture. 

Which evidence does the author supply to support the claim that horse owners must be responsible caregivers? 
A. The author describes different horse breeds.
B. The author provides reasons for owning a horse. 
C. The author compares horse owners to other pet owners. 
D. The author states things that need to be done to care for horses. 
​​​

D. The author states things that need to be done to care for horses. 

100

Mars is our neighboring planet and has some interesting similarities to Earth. Mars, also known as the Red Planet, is a rocky planet with an active atmosphere. Mars has seasons, ice caps, and landforms, such as volcanoes and canyons. Scientists have proven that Mars has experienced ancient flooding. One day on Mars lasts 24.6 hours, which is very similar to Earth. With all these similarities to our home planet, scientists often wonder if life will exist on Mars in the future. 

How does the author develop the claim that Mars is like Earth? 

A. By showing examples of how they are related

B. By showing how Mars is a better planet

C. By showing that we know more about Earth

D. By showing examples of how they are different

A. By showing examples of how they are related 

100

Northeastern United States is the best place to live in the country. The states located here experience all four seasons. Each season has something wonderful to offer. In spring, the area is alive with budding flowers and trees, and the temperatures are suitable for outdoor activities. Summer brings more fun outside, particularly to those states that border the Atlantic Ocean and have miles of beaches to enjoy. Colorful fall foliage is not to be missed in the Northeast during autumn. Winter might be cold, but snow sports such as skiing and skating provide entertainment. 

Which sentence best states the author's claim about Northeastern United States? 

A. Northeastern United States has miles of beaches to enjoy. 

B. Colorful fall foliage is not to be missed. 

C. Snow sports such as skiing and skating provide entertainment. 

D. Northeastern United States is the best place to live in the country. 

D. Northeastern United States is the best place to live in the country. 

100

Vinyl siding is a smart choice for home owners. It comes in a variety of colors, textures, and styles. Many decorative accent options are also available. Vinyl siding is durable with fade-resistant finishes and the ability to stand up to various climates. It's a good investment because vinyl siding is designed to last. It never needs painting like wood does. Choosing vinyl siding means being more energy efficient and eco-friendly in your home construction too. 

How does the author support the claim that vinyl siding is a smart choice for homeowners? 

A. The author describes how vinyl siding is made

B. The author describes the cost of vinyl siding

C. The author describes all the advantages of vinyl siding

D. The author describes how vinyl siding is eco-friendly. 

C. The author describes all the advantages of vinyl siding

200

Dancing has many health benefits. Whether you dance for fun or take a class to learn a specific style, you will have the chance to be active and stay fit. Your heart, lungs, muscles, bones, and brain are all improved through the regular exercise dancing provides. Dancers enjoy better coordination, balance, and flexibility as they practice the moves. Dancing has positive effects on self-esteem by building confidence. It develops social skills as well by connecting people around a common interest. Memory is also sharpened through memorizing dance routines. 

What is the author's claim? 

A. Dancing is good for memory

B. Dancing builds confidence

C. Dancing improves brain health

D. Dancing has many health benefits

D. Dancing has many health benefits

200

The United States Military is one of the largest armies in the world. There are well over a million active members. They are divided into five branches: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Each of the branches does different work. The president is the Commander in Chief of the military. He makes decisions to keep the country's borders and best interests safe. 

What evidence supports the claim that the military is large?
A. There are over a million members
B. The president is in charge of the military
C. The Coast Guard is one of the branches of the military
D. Each branch does different work

A. There are over a million members.

200

The Pueblo Indian tribe settled in the areas that are now New Mexico and Arizona. Pueblos are well-known for the amazing homes and roads they built. Using adobe clay and stones, they created durable structures that have lasted for hundreds of years. Adobe material was made using the earth, water, and straw. These homes were built right into cliffs several stories high. The Pueblos also constructed many roads between their towns. The Great Road is a famous Pueblo road that ran for over 30 miles. 

What main reason supports the claim that Pueblos had amazing homes? 

A. They built the Great Road

B. The durable structures lasted hundreds of years

C. They settled in New Mexico and Arizona. 

D. Adobe was made using earth, water, and straw

B. The durable structures lasted hundreds of years

200

Birds are related to dinosaurs. They share several similarities to dinosaurs of the past. Scientists have discovered that tissues used to make scales in reptiles are similar to those that make feathers in birds. Birds also have scales on their feet, and dinosaur remains found in China had what looked like feathers. Bird eggs and dinosaur eggs share a common hard outer shell. They are made of the same basic elements such as carbon and calcium. Talons found on both birds and dinosaurs are also similar in design. 

What evidence does the author provide to support the claim that birds are related to dinosaurs? 
A. The author lists qualities of birds
B. The author lists qualities of dinosaurs
C. The author states how dinosaur remains have been found. 
D. The author compares birds and dinosaurs

D. The author compares birds and dinosaurs 

200

Have you heard of Niagara Falls? Nestled between the United States and Canada, these waterfalls are a must-see! They were created by a glacier about 10,000 years ago and provide a huge source of hydroelectric power. Niagara consists of three separate waterfalls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Together they generate the highest water drop of any on Earth. 

What two reasons support the claim that Niagara Falls is a must-see? 

A. It is located between the United States and Canada

B. It is a source of power. 

C. It has the highest water drop of any on Earth

D. Niagara Falls consists of three separate waterfalls

C. It has the highest water drop of any on Earth 

AND

D. Niagara Falls consists of three separate waterfalls


300

Peanuts are a type of seed called a legume because their seeds grow inside of a pod. However, they are very different from other legumes. First of all, peanuts are grown underground. All other legumes, such as beans, are grown aboveground. Also, peanuts have a hard shell, whereas other legumes have soft pods. Lastly, peanuts can be used in a variety of ways. Most people enjoy peanuts ground into peanut butter, but they can also be boiled, roasted, eaten raw, or mixed into your favorite candy bar. 

How does the author develop the claim that peanuts are different than other legumes? 

A. By explaining the sequence of a peanut's life cycle

B. By listing the other legumes that contrast to the peanut

C. By explaining their opinion about how peanuts taste

D. By listing the three reasons why they are different

D. By listing the three reasons why they are different

300

Electric cars will be more popular in the future. Drivers will choose them because they are better for the planet. Electric cars have no tailpipe, so they don't release any exhaust gases into the atmosphere. The carbon emissions of an electric car are about 17-30% lower than gas-powered cars. This reduces air pollution and helps fight climate change. Electric cars are also quieter than gas-powered cars so there will be less noise pollution on roadways. 

What is the author's claim? 

A. Electric cars are better for short trips. 

B. Electric cars don't pollute the air

C. Electric cars will be more popular in the future

D. Electric cars have no tailpipe

C. Electric cars will be more popular in the future

300

Recess is as important as academics at school. Students benefit from the physical activity recess provides every day. This physical activity has led to an increase in creativity and problem solving. Recess has been proven to improve students' memory, attention, and concentration. It reduces disruptive behavior in the classroom because students get to take a break from class. Social skills, such as making friends and sharing, are also developed during recess as students play with each other. 

How does the author support the claim that recess is important? 

A. by listing ideas for recess time

B. by listing the benefits of recess

C. by listing who should get recess

D. by listing why recess is better than academics

B. by listing the benefits of recess

300

It is an American tradition to light fireworks in celebration of holidays and other special occasions. However, the first fireworks date back to ancient China. The Chinese lit bamboo, and the air inside the hollow stalks would create a loud explosion. The idea then went a step further with the addition of gunpowder placed inside the stalk. Metal shavings were added to create a sparkle effect. The invention made its way to Europe and later to the Americas. 

What is the author's claim? 

A. American light fireworks to celebrate holidays

B. Gunpowder creates the loud explosions

C. Metal shavings are added to fireworks

D. Fireworks were invented in ancient China

D. Fireworks were invented in ancient China

300

Ladybugs are good for vegetable gardens. They never damage the plants they land on. Instead, these beetles do the important job of keeping down populations of insects that are damaging to garden plants. They are particularly skilled at controlling aphids. Aphids feed on plant tissue and can pass viruses to plants. A ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids over its lifetime. This limits the number of aphids that can attack gardens. Ladybugs can also get rid of mites, insect eggs, and even ants. You can encourage ladybugs to call your garden home by growing pollen-laden flowers and herbs such as marigolds, dill, and yarrow with your veggies. 

What sentence supports the claim that ladybugs are skilled at controlling aphids? 

A. A ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids over its lifetime

B. They never damage the plants they land on

C. You can encourage ladybugs to call your garden home

D. Ladybugs can also get rid of mites, insect eggs, and even ants

A. A ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids over its lifetime 

400

Tsunamis are natural disasters that cause a ton of damage on land. They are usually brought on by earthquakes under the ocean, but they can also be caused by volcanic activity. Shifts in the ocean floor create a gigantic ocean wave. Tsunamis can range in size from a few inches to several hundred feet high. They can travel quickly, especially in deep waters. Unfortunately, oceanic earthquakes cannot be predicted. The only warning signs of danger coming is shaking at the shore and booming noises. 

What is the author's claim? 

A. Tsunamis can range in size

B. Tsunamis are very dangerous for those on land

C. Oceanic earthquakes cannot be predicted

D. The shore will shake and there will be booming noises

B. Tsunamis are very dangerous for those on land

400

People are addicted to social media. As of 2022, nearly 60% of the world's population uses some form of it. In the United States, 86% of Americans have an active social media account. Seventy-eight percent of those American users check social media every day. The average daily use per person is 2 hours and 29 minutes, but the time is higher for teenagers. From July of 2021 to July of 2022, more than 200 million new users have joined social media. People use an average of about 7 different social media platforms each month. It is reported that more than 330 million people suffer from social media addiction. 

How does the author support the claim that people are addicted to social media? 

A. By interviewing a social media user.

B. By listing social media platforms people use

C. By providing data related to social media use

D. By stating what people do while on social media

C. By providing data related to social media use

400

Creating coins for the economy is a long process. Coins are made with metals, such as copper, nickel, and zinc. Blank sheets of metal are run through a machine that cuts out the shape of the coins. The blank coins are then washed and dried. Next, a mill creates the raised rim around each coin before the coin heads to the press to get imprinted. Each coin is then professionally inspected before it is bagged, counted, and sent out to banks. It is estimated that 13 billion pennies are produced each year! 

What is the author's main claim? 

A. Coins have to be professionally inspected

B. There is a long process for creating coins

C. Coins are made from different metals

D. Lots of coins are made each year for our economy

B. There is a long process for creating coins

400

Even if you are not a football fan, chances are you have heard of the Super Bowl. It is the name of the NFL's championship football game. However, it has also become a day to gather with friends and family, eat junk food, and watch TV commercials. Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest day of food consumption, just after Thanksgiving. Companies spend all year working on their TV commercials. One 30 second spot on air will cost them at least 2.5 million dollars. 

How does the author support the claim that the Super Bowl is more than just watching football. 

A. By explaining the jobs of companies

B. By telling what people eat during the Super Bowl

C. By explaining what the Super Bowl is

D. By explaining what some people like to do during the Super Bowl

D. By explaining what some people like to do during the Super Bowl

400

The Red Sea is known for its beauty. Located between Asia and Africa, this small part of the Indian Ocean is the most northern tropical sea in the world. Reddish-colored algae bloom and float near the surface, giving the sea its name. It is also home to more than 1,200 different species of fish and 200 types of corals. There are many islands in the center of the Red Sea. They are all created by underwater volcanoes. This sea is one of the most traveled waterways on Earth. 

What reason does the author give to support that the Red Sea is beautiful? 

A. It is located between Asia and Africa

B. It is the most traveled waterway

C. Reddish-colored algae blooms on its surface

D. The islands underwater are all created by volcanoes

C. Reddish-colored algae blooms on its surface

500

One action people can take to help the environment is to stop using plastic bags. These bags are made from non-renewable resources such as oil. This puts greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which contributes to climate change. Plastic bags never break down totally, and they end up in the soil, water, and animal stomachs. Wildlife, particularly marine animals, are killed when they mistake plastic bags for food. While plastic bags can be recycled, it's costly. The best solution is to use reusable bags instead. 

How does the author give evidence for stopping the use of plastic bags? 

A. The author discusses how plastic bags are made

B. The author lists ways plastic bags are harmful

C. The author provides quotes from scientists

D. The author shows how life would be better without plastic bags. 

B. The author lists ways plastic bags are harmful

500

Puppy training is an essential step in dog ownership. Socializing and training should begin as soon as you get your pup home. Between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks is when puppies are in an ideal developmental stage to learn. Take the time to explore new people, other animals, and many different location. Going through an obedience class will help with both socializing and teaching basic training skills, too. Without training, living with your furry best friend will get frustrating. 

What main reason does the author give to support the claim that puppy training is an essential step? 

A. Without training, living with your furry best friend will get frustrating

B. Going through an obedience class will help

C. Explore new people, other animals, and many different locations

D. Train between the ages of 6 and 16 weeks

A. Without training, living with your furry best friend will get frustrating

500

Countries around the world have different forms of government. The type of government affects how the citizens of the country live their daily lives. In a democracy, people have the freedom to choose who they want to run their country. Anyone eligible to vote has the right to do so. Governments run by dictatorship have a single leader that was not voted by the people. Many times, force is used by the dictator to remain in control. Monarchies are governed by a kind or queen. In some countries they have all the power, but in others their power is limited. 

What evidence supports the point that countries have different governments? 

A. The type of government affects its citizens

B. Countries have different forms of government

C. Anyone eligible can vote in a democracy

D. Democracy, dictatorship, and monarchy are types of government

D. Democracy, dictatorship, and monarchy are types of government

500

Have you read any of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid novels? Jeff Kinney is the author of this popular kids' series. Jeff attended the University of Maryland and worked for the school newspaper. One of his assignments was to create a cartoon. Kinney realized that he wanted to be a cartoonist. The idea for the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series came from writings in his journal. However, it took over six years for his idea to come to life. The first book in the series was published in 2007 and instantly became number one on the New York Times's best-seller list. 

What sentence supports the claim that Kinney's series was popular? 

A. "...it took over six years for his idea to come to life."

B. "One of his assignments was to create a cartoon."

C. "...instantly became number one on the New York Times's best-seller list."

D. "Jeff attended the University of Maryland..."


C. "...instantly became number one on the New York Times's best-seller list."

500

We learn more about life on Earth through our work in space exploration. Experiments done in space often help us understand health issues on Earth. Satellites in space send data back to our planet. That data monitors climate change and measures pollution so we can take action. Technology developed for space exploration has improved devices used to forecast weather and communicate over long distances. We might even discover new things about Earth and more by exploring space. As the famous author and scientists Carl Sagan said, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."

Why does the author include a quote from an author and scientist? 

A. The quote supports the claim that space exploration leads to learning

B. The quote entertains readers of the text

C. The quote makes people remember the facts in the text

D. The quote shows why space exploration is dangerous

A. The quote supports the claim that space exploration leads to learning

M
e
n
u