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100

At the beginning of the school year, Max groaned every time his teacher gave him homework. “I’ll do it later,” he muttered, tossing his backpack onto the floor and turning on video games. His grades started to drop, and he felt embarrassed when the teacher read other kids’ essays aloud but not his. One day, Max overheard his friend say, “I wish Max still cared about school—he used to be really smart.” That night, Max sat at his desk and stared at his notebook, thinking, Maybe it’s time I try again. The next morning, he asked his teacher if he could redo his last assignment. After school, Max opened his book right away and even made a checklist for his work. By the end of the month, he smiled as he handed in his project and said, “I’m actually proud of this one.”


How does Max change in the passage?

A. He starts off doing all his homework but later forgets about school.
B. He begins by ignoring his work but later puts effort into his assignments.
C. He always cares about school and helps his friends with their homework.
D. He doesn't understand school at first but learns everything easily by the end.



B. He begins by ignoring his work but later puts effort into his assignments.

100

Many people love to play video games, but not everyone knows how much work goes into making them. Game designers spend months, or even years, creating the world of the game. First, they come up with an idea and write a story. Then, artists draw the characters and settings, while programmers build the game’s rules and make sure it works. Sound designers create music and sound effects to make the game more exciting. After that, testers play the game to find any problems and make sure it’s fun to play. Game designers work hard to make sure every part of the game is perfect before it’s released. Their goal is to create a game that people will enjoy and want to play over and over again. The author wrote this passage to show readers how much effort goes into making video games and to help them appreciate the work behind their favorite games.

What is the central idea of the passage?

A. Game designers create characters and settings using art and music.
B. Making a video game takes time, teamwork, and a lot of hard work.
C. Testers play games to make sure they are fun and have no problems.
D. People enjoy playing video games with exciting stories and music.

B. Making a video game takes time, teamwork, and a lot of hard work

200

Sasha raced down the sandy path, her surfboard tucked under her arm, eager to finally catch a big wave. She had dreamed of showing everyone at the beach that she was just as good a surfer as her older brother. But as she paddled out, dark clouds rolled in, and the waves grew wild and rough. A huge wave knocked her off her board, and she struggled to get back up, coughing and shivering. Back on shore, her brother ran to her and said, “You don’t have to prove anything, Sasha. Surfing should be fun, not scary.”
Sasha looked out at the ocean, then down at her board, feeling torn between pride and fear. The next day, the weather was calm, and Sasha practiced on smaller waves, smiling with every turn. She realized she just needed to enjoy the ride. From then on, Sasha surfed because she loved it, not because she wanted to be the best.


How does the author develop the theme that true success comes from doing what you love?

A. By showing that Sasha becomes the best surfer at the beach.
B. By describing how Sasha competes with her brother and wins.
C. By showing Sasha’s change from trying to impress others to surfing for fun.
D. By explaining that Sasha gives up surfing after a scary experience.

C. By showing Sasha’s change from trying to impress others to surfing for fun.

200

Many schools are starting to serve healthier lunches, and this change is making a big difference in students' health. In 2010, the government introduced new guidelines for school meals. Schools now serve whole wheat sandwiches, steamed vegetables, and grilled chicken, they often get used to them after trying new things. Studies show that when students eat better, they are more focused and do better in school. For example, one study found that students who ate fruits and vegetables were able to concentrate better during class. Additionally, schools that serve whole grains and lean proteins help students have more energy throughout the day. Some schools even report that students are less likely to miss school because they feel better and are less tired. Even though some students don’t like healthy foods at first, they often get used to them after trying new things. Some students are more likely to try healthy foods when they see their friends eating them. The evidence shows that healthy lunches are not only good for students' bodies but also for their minds. 


Which sentence supports the author's claim that serving healthy lunches has made a big difference in students' health?

A. "Some students are more likely to try healthy foods when they see their friends eating them."
B. "In 2010, the government introduced new guidelines for school meals."
C. "Studies show that when students eat better, they are more focused and do better in school."
D. "Schools now serve whole wheat sandwiches, steamed vegetables, and grilled chicken..."



C. "Studies show that when students eat better, they are more focused and do better in school."

300

Lena grinned as she looked up at the tallest roller coaster in the park. “This is going to be awesome!” she said, bouncing on her toes. Beside her, Marcus crossed his arms and stared at the twisting tracks. His stomach turned just watching the cars speed by with people screaming. “I think I’ll just hold everyone’s stuff,” he said, backing away a few steps. Lena turned to him, her eyes wide. “Come on, it’ll be fun! You’ll love it once we’re up there.” Marcus shook his head slowly. That thing goes upside down, he thought. No way I’m doing that. Lena laughed and gave him a playful nudge before racing toward the line.


How is Marcus's perspective different from Lena's?

A. Marcus is more interested in games, while Lena prefers eating snacks.
B. Marcus enjoys the roller coaster, while Lena thinks it is too fast.
C. Marcus wants to ride every roller coaster, but Lena is too scared.
D. Marcus feels nervous about the roller coaster, while Lena is excited to ride it.

 

D. Marcus feels nervous about the roller coaster, while Lena is excited to ride it.

300

After a long day of playing outside, Emma snuggled into her bed, ready for a good night’s sleep. She pulled the warm blanket up to her chin, feeling it wrap around her like a soft hug. The blanket was a cloud of softness. As she closed her eyes, the sounds of the evening seemed to fade away, and she drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Read this sentence from the passage

"The blanket was a cloud of softness." 

What does this sentence show about the blanket?

A. The blanket is very hard and uncomfortable.
B. The blanket feels very soft and cozy.
C. The blanket is a cloud floating in the air.
D. The blanket is made of fluffy clouds.

B. The blanket feels very soft and cozy.

400

Walruses are big animals that live in cold places like the Arctic. They have thick, wrinkled skin and long tusks. A walrus’s tusks are actually long teeth that can grow up to three feet! Walruses use their tusks to help them get out of the water and onto ice or land. They also use their tusks to fight other walruses when they want to impress a mate. Walruses are good swimmers and can dive very deep into the water to find food. They eat clams, snails, and other shellfish from the ocean floor. Walruses like to be with other walruses, and they gather in big groups on the ice or on beaches. While walruses are not in danger yet, they can be affected by changes in the weather and ice.

Which sentence from the passage does the photograph support?

A. "While walruses are not in danger yet, they can be affected by changes in the weather and ice."
B. "They have thick, wrinkled skin and long tusks."
C. "Walruses are good swimmers and can dive very deep into the water to find food."
D. "They eat clams, snails, and other shellfish from the ocean floor."

B. "They have thick, wrinkled skin and long tusks."

400

Lena loved to bake cookies and dreamed of winning the school baking contest. The contest took place every year. She had practiced her recipe for weeks, making her favorite treats—chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, and blueberry muffins. But when the big day arrived, she accidentally spilled flour all over the kitchen. Frustrated, Lena thought she might not be able to finish in time. Her little brother, Sam, saw her struggle and offered to help. Together, they cleaned up the mess and finished the cookies just in time for the contest. When Lena presented her cookies, the judges were impressed by the creativity and effort she put into them. Although Lena didn’t win first place, she was still overjoyed. In the end, Lena was proud of what she had accomplished with Sam by her side.


Which two sentences should be included in a summary of the passage?

A. Lena practiced for her recipe for weeks.
B. Lena liked to bake chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, and blueberry muffins.
C. Lena spilled flour all over the kitchen.
D. The judges were impressed by Lena's cookies.
E. Sam helped Lena clean and bake the cookies.

C. Lena spilled flour all over the kitchen.

E. Sam helped Lena clean and bake the cookies.

500

Bears are amazing animals that live in many parts of the world. In the winter, most bears hibernate, or sleep for a long time. This happens because food becomes hard to find when it gets cold, so the bears sleep through the winter months. They eat a lot in the fall to get fat and store energy for their hibernation. When the weather gets warmer in spring, the bears wake up. They are hungry and begin searching for food to eat. This is why bears are often seen eating berries, fish, and plants during the warmer months. The warmer weather helps them find the food they need to stay healthy. If there is a long, cold winter with little food, it can be harder for bears to survive. Hibernating helps bears conserve energy and stay safe until food becomes available again.

What is the overall text structure in the passage?

A. cause and effect
B. chronological
C. comparison
D. problem and solution

A. cause and effect

500

Mr. Lopez has lived in the blue house on Maple Street for twenty years. He knows all the neighbors and helps take care of the park down the road. As a long-time resident, he cares a lot about keeping the neighborhood clean and safe. A new family moved in last week, and Mr. Lopez welcomed them with cookies.


What does resident mean as used in the passage?

A. A person who visits a place for a short time
B. A person who lives in a place
C. A person who builds houses in a neighborhood
D. A person who cleans up parks and streets


B. A person who lives in a place

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