RI.5.1
When Malik’s mother handed him the letter, he hesitated before opening it. He had worked for months on his essay for the city writing contest. His palms felt sweaty, and he could hear his heartbeat in his ears. Finally, he unfolded the paper and read the first line: “Congratulations to our first-place winner, Malik James!”
What can you infer about how Malik feels before and after reading the letter? Use evidence.
Before opening the letter, Malik felt nervous and uncertain, but afterward, he felt relieved and proud when he learned he had won.
Sea turtles travel thousands of miles each year between feeding and nesting grounds. They face many dangers, including predators, plastic pollution, and fishing nets. To help protect them, volunteers clean beaches and rescue injured turtles. These efforts give sea turtles a better chance to survive.
What is the main idea of this passage?
Sea turtles face many threats in their environment, but there are many efforts in place to protect them.
When the drought lasted for months, the riverbed cracked and dried up. Without water, farmers couldn’t grow crops, and animals left the area to search for food. Eventually, the town had to bring in water trucks just to survive.
What cause-and-effect relationship is shown?
The drought (cause) led to a dry river, failed crops, and people bringing in water (effects).
Bats and dolphins both use echolocation to survive. They send out high-pitched sounds that bounce back, helping them find food or avoid obstacles. Although one lives in the air and the other in the ocean, they share the same method for sensing their surroundings.
Using context clues, what is the meaning of the word echolocation as it it used in the above paragraph?
Echolocation is a high-pitched sound that helps animals like bats and dolphins find food, and avoid obstacles
“The classroom was a zoo by the end of the day.”
What figurative language is being used above, and what does it mean?
Metaphor; it means the classroom was loud or chaotic.
When the coach called Devon’s name for team captain, he froze. His teammates clapped and cheered, but Devon’s thoughts were racing. He remembered all the games he’d lost and wondered if he was really ready to lead.
What can you infer about how Devon feels about being chosen?
Devon's unsure and doubtful about his ability to lead his team.
Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity in the world. Giant wind turbines spin when air moves across their blades, creating power without polluting the air. Unlike fossil fuels, wind energy is renewable and can be used again and again. However, wind farms must be carefully placed so they don’t disturb wildlife.
Which detail supports the main idea that Wind energy is a renewable resource that must be used responsibly?
However, wind farms must be carefully placed so they don’t disturb wildlife.
When wildfires destroy forests, many animals lose their homes. Some animals move to new areas, but others can’t find food or shelter. The fires also release smoke that affects nearby towns.
Name one cause and one effect relationship mentioned in the passage above?
Cause: Wildfires destroy forests.
Effect: Animals lose homes AND smoke affects towns.
The abandoned house was infested with vermin, including rats, fleas, and cockroaches.
1. Choose the correct definition of the word.
a. pests b. animals c. insects
2. Which type of context clue hints at the word’s meaning?
a. example b. explanation c. synonym d. antonym
1. A
2. A
“Fear was a shadow that followed him wherever he went.”
What type of figurative language is this, and what does it mean?
A metaphor that means that he was always fearful where he went or fear constantly stays with him.
The classroom buzzed with noise as students worked on their projects. At the back table, Olivia quietly rearranged her poster for the third time. She erased the title, rewrote it carefully, and adjusted each image until it looked just right. When her teacher passed by, Olivia quickly hid her nervous smile.
Why can you infer about Olivia's personality based on her actions in the text? How do you know?
Olivia is a hardworking student who wants her project to be perfect
Clara Barton was known as the “Angel of the Battlefield” during the Civil War. She cared for wounded soldiers, bringing them food and medicine directly to the front lines. After the war, she founded the American Red Cross, which continues to help people during disasters today.
What quote from above best supports the main idea that Clara Barton dedicated her life to helping others?
After the war, she founded the American Red Cross, which continues to help people during disasters today.
The storm left the streets desolate. Shops were closed, trees were broken, and not a single person could be seen.
Using context clues, what does desolate mean?
Empty or deserted.
Margaret had ambivalent feelings about attending the concert. She knew she’d enjoy the music, but she didn’t really want to go out in the rainy weather.
1. Choose the correct definition of the word.
a. mixed b. angry c. distrustful
2. Which type of context clue hints at the word’s meaning?
a. example b. definition c. synonym d. antonyms
1. A
2. B
“Her voice was as smooth as honey, calming everyone who listened.”
What type of figurative language is used? How do you know?
Simile; it compares her voice to honey using “as.”
The old map in the museum case showed faded lines and torn edges. A small note below it read: “Recovered from a shipwreck off the coast of North Carolina.” Visitors leaned close to see the hand-drawn compass and faint routes traced in ink.
What can you infer about the importance of this map?
It is a historical artifact that was likely used for early navigation before being placed in the museum.
The Amazon rainforest produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen. Its trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide, helping regulate Earth’s climate. However, due to deforestation, large areas are being cut down for farming and logging. If the rainforest disappears, the planet could lose countless animal species and face more severe climate change.
What is the central idea of the passage above?
The Amazon rainforest is vital for Earth’s health, but deforestation has threatened it.
Both wolves and lions live in groups to survive. Wolves hunt together to take down large prey, while lions rely on pride members to protect cubs and territory. Although they live in different environments, both animals depend on teamwork for success.
What relationship is being described above between wolves and lions? What is it?
A comparison or similarity as wolves and lions both rely on cooperation to survive.
After days of heavy rain, the once-clear stream became hazy. The water turned brown and cloudy, making it impossible to see the fish below.
Using context clues, what does hazy mean?
Dark, cloudy, or unclear.
“He was like a volcano ready to erupt when he heard the bad news.”
What does this simile mean?
He was extremely angry and about to lose his temper.
It was finally graduation day. Sally was super excited to finally end her elementary school career and become a middle schooler. She could not stop smiling that day because she was so happy with all the goals she had accomplished up to that moment. Sally feels nothing could bring her down.
How does Sally feel on her graduation day?
Proud or accomplished or astonished or determined
In 1620, the Mayflower carried over 100 passengers from England to North America. The journey was long and dangerous, and many became sick. After two months at sea, they finally reached land and built a settlement called Plymouth. The Pilgrims worked together to survive harsh winters and later celebrated their success with a harvest feast.
Which 2 quotes from the paragraph above supports the main idea that "The Pilgrims faced hardship on their voyage but established one of the first American colonies."
"The journey was long and dangerous, and many became sick". & "After two months at sea, they finally reached land and built a settlement called Plymouth"
When oil spills occur in the ocean, thick layers of oil spread across the surface. The oil blocks sunlight and coats birds’ feathers, making it hard for them to fly or stay warm. Rescue teams work to clean the animals and contain the spill before it reaches shorelines.
What cause-and-effect relationship is shown?
Oil spills (cause) harm wildlife and ecosystems, leading to rescue and cleanup efforts (effects).
The old castle stood majestic on the hill, its towers glowing in the setting sun. Visitors stopped to take pictures of its beauty.
Using context clues, what does majestic mean?
Grand or impressive in appearance or beautiful
“Time is a thief.”
What type of figurative language is this, and what does it mean?
A metaphor that means time passes quickly and takes moments away.