RL.4.1/RI.4.1
Passage: The Last Piano Lesson
Ava pressed the piano keys carefully while her teacher listened from across the room. The spring recital was only three days away, and Ava still stumbled during the middle section of the song.
“You stopped again,” Mrs. Hall said gently.
Ava folded her hands in her lap. “I know. I just don’t want to mess up in front of everyone.”
Mrs. Hall walked to the piano and pointed to the music. “Do you think the audience expects perfection?”
Ava shrugged.
“They expect feeling,” Mrs. Hall replied. “If you keep stopping every time you make a mistake, the music loses its shape.”
That evening, Ava practiced the piece again at home. This time, when she hit the wrong note, she kept going.
By the end of the song, the music sounded smoother and more confident than before.
Ava smiled quietly and began playing the piece again from the beginning.
Questions
What can the reader infer about Ava at the beginning of the passage?
A She worries about making mistakes during the recital.
B She believes practicing piano is becoming boring.
C She feels frustrated with Mrs. Hall’s instructions.
D She wants to perform a more difficult song.
A She worries about making mistakes during the recital.
Passage: The Hiking Trail
Marcus and his cousin Devin had nearly reached the top of the hiking trail when rain began falling through the trees.
“We should turn back,” Marcus warned as thunder rumbled in the distance.
“We’re almost there,” Devin argued.
The trail quickly became slippery, and several hikers passed them heading down the mountain. Still, Devin continued climbing until his foot slid against the wet rocks.
Marcus grabbed Devin’s backpack before he could fall.
For the rest of the hike, the cousins walked carefully and stayed close together.
When they finally reached the parking lot, Devin looked toward the dark clouds gathering above the mountain.
“I guess being stubborn is not always the same as being brave,” he admitted.
Questions
Which statement BEST expresses a theme of the passage?
A Good decisions sometimes require people to change their plans.
B Hiking becomes dangerous during rainy weather.
C Family members should avoid disagreeing with one another.
D Brave people are willing to take risks.
A Good decisions sometimes require people to change their plans.
Passage: How Tsunamis Form
Tsunamis are giant ocean waves usually caused by underwater earthquakes. When the ocean floor suddenly shifts, enormous amounts of water are pushed upward. This movement creates waves that travel across the ocean at very high speeds.
Far from shore, tsunami waves may appear small and difficult to notice. However, as the waves move into shallow coastal waters, they slow down and grow much taller. This causes powerful surges of water to rush onto land.
Tsunamis can flood coastal communities, damage buildings, and carry debris far inland. Because of these dangers, scientists use warning systems to help people move to safer areas before waves arrive.
How does the second paragraph contribute to the reader’s understanding of tsunamis?
A It explains why tsunamis become more dangerous near shore.
B It compares tsunamis with ordinary ocean waves.
C It describes how warning systems are created.
D It explains why earthquakes happen underwater.
A It explains why tsunamis become more dangerous near shore.
Passage: Glacier Exploration
Glaciers are enormous masses of ice that move slowly across land over many years. Scientists study glaciers to learn how Earth’s climate changes over time.
During expeditions, researchers use special tools to measure the thickness of glacier ice and observe how quickly glaciers melt. Scientists have discovered that many glaciers are shrinking because temperatures around the world are increasing.
Researchers continue monitoring glaciers because changes in glacier size can affect sea levels, weather patterns, and freshwater supplies.
What does the word “expeditions” most nearly mean as it is used in the passage?
A dangerous storms
B carefully planned journeys
C frozen sections of land
D scientific measurements
B carefully planned journeys
Passage: Saving Wetlands
Wetlands are areas of land covered by shallow water for part or all of the year. They provide habitats for birds, fish, frogs, and many other animals. Wetlands also help absorb floodwater during storms and improve water quality by filtering pollution.
However, many wetlands have been destroyed because of construction and development. As wetlands disappear, animals lose habitats and flooding problems may increase.
To help solve this problem, scientists and conservation groups are restoring damaged wetlands by planting native plants and protecting important habitats.
What text structure does the author mainly use in the passage?
A comparison
B chronology
C problem and solution
D cause and effect
C problem and solution
Passage: The Last Piano Lesson
Ava pressed the piano keys carefully while her teacher listened from across the room. The spring recital was only three days away, and Ava still stumbled during the middle section of the song.
“You stopped again,” Mrs. Hall said gently.
Ava folded her hands in her lap. “I know. I just don’t want to mess up in front of everyone.”
Mrs. Hall walked to the piano and pointed to the music. “Do you think the audience expects perfection?”
Ava shrugged.
“They expect feeling,” Mrs. Hall replied. “If you keep stopping every time you make a mistake, the music loses its shape.”
That evening, Ava practiced the piece again at home. This time, when she hit the wrong note, she kept going.
By the end of the song, the music sounded smoother and more confident than before.
Ava smiled quietly and began playing the piece again from the beginning.
Which quotation BEST supports the inference that Ava becomes more confident by the end of the passage?
A “Ava pressed the piano keys carefully…”
B “‘I just don’t want to mess up in front of everyone.’”
C “This time, when she hit the wrong note, she kept going.”
D “Ava smiled quietly…”
C “This time, when she hit the wrong note, she kept going.”
Passage: The Hiking Trail
Marcus and his cousin Devin had nearly reached the top of the hiking trail when rain began falling through the trees.
“We should turn back,” Marcus warned as thunder rumbled in the distance.
“We’re almost there,” Devin argued.
The trail quickly became slippery, and several hikers passed them heading down the mountain. Still, Devin continued climbing until his foot slid against the wet rocks.
Marcus grabbed Devin’s backpack before he could fall.
For the rest of the hike, the cousins walked carefully and stayed close together.
When they finally reached the parking lot, Devin looked toward the dark clouds gathering above the mountain.
“I guess being stubborn is not always the same as being brave,” he admitted.
Which detail contributes MOST to the development of the theme?
A “Several hikers passed them heading down the mountain.”
B “Still, Devin continued climbing…”
C “Marcus grabbed Devin’s backpack before he could fall.”
D “‘I guess being stubborn is not always the same as being brave,’ he admitted.”
D “‘I guess being stubborn is not always the same as being brave,’ he admitted.”
Passage: How Tsunamis Form
Tsunamis are giant ocean waves usually caused by underwater earthquakes. When the ocean floor suddenly shifts, enormous amounts of water are pushed upward. This movement creates waves that travel across the ocean at very high speeds.
Far from shore, tsunami waves may appear small and difficult to notice. However, as the waves move into shallow coastal waters, they slow down and grow much taller. This causes powerful surges of water to rush onto land.
Tsunamis can flood coastal communities, damage buildings, and carry debris far inland. Because of these dangers, scientists use warning systems to help people move to safer areas before waves arrive.
Why do tsunami waves grow taller near coastal areas?
A Ocean water becomes warmer near shore.
B The waves begin moving more quickly.
C Shallow water causes the waves to slow and rise higher.
D Strong winds push the waves toward land.
C Shallow water causes the waves to slow and rise higher.
Passage: Glacier Exploration
Glaciers are enormous masses of ice that move slowly across land over many years. Scientists study glaciers to learn how Earth’s climate changes over time.
During expeditions, researchers use special tools to measure the thickness of glacier ice and observe how quickly glaciers melt. Scientists have discovered that many glaciers are shrinking because temperatures around the world are increasing.
Researchers continue monitoring glaciers because changes in glacier size can affect sea levels, weather patterns, and freshwater supplies.
Which information from the passage BEST helps the reader determine the meaning of “expeditions”?
A “Scientists study glaciers…”
B “researchers use special tools…”
C “many glaciers are shrinking…”
D “changes in glacier size…”
B “researchers use special tools…”
Passage: Saving Wetlands
Wetlands are areas of land covered by shallow water for part or all of the year. They provide habitats for birds, fish, frogs, and many other animals. Wetlands also help absorb floodwater during storms and improve water quality by filtering pollution.
However, many wetlands have been destroyed because of construction and development. As wetlands disappear, animals lose habitats and flooding problems may increase.
To help solve this problem, scientists and conservation groups are restoring damaged wetlands by planting native plants and protecting important habitats.
Why does the author include information about flooding in paragraph 1?
A To explain one important benefit wetlands provide
B To compare wetlands with rivers and lakes
C To describe why storms are becoming stronger
D To explain how wetlands are formed over time
A To explain one important benefit wetlands provide
Passage: Octopus Camouflage
Octopuses have several adaptations that help them survive in the ocean. One of their most impressive abilities is camouflage. Special cells in an octopus’s skin allow it to quickly change color and texture to match nearby rocks, coral, or sand.
An octopus may flatten its body against the ocean floor or hide among plants to avoid predators such as sharks and large fish. Some octopuses can even imitate the movements of other sea animals to confuse predators.
Scientists study octopus camouflage because it may help engineers design materials that change appearance in different environments.
What can the reader infer about octopus camouflage?
A It helps octopuses survive by making them harder for predators to notice.
B It allows octopuses to communicate with other sea animals.
C It works best in deep parts of the ocean.
D It prevents octopuses from needing shelter.
A It helps octopuses survive by making them harder for predators to notice.
Passage: Floating Farms
In some crowded cities, farmers have started growing crops on floating farms built on rivers or lakes. These farms are designed to save space while producing fresh food for nearby communities.
Floating farms often use special systems that recycle water and reduce waste. Some farms even use solar panels to create electricity for lights and equipment.
Because floating farms can be built close to cities, vegetables may reach stores more quickly after harvest. Supporters believe this could help provide fresh food to more people while reducing transportation costs.
Although floating farms are still uncommon, many experts believe they could become more important as cities continue growing.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A Floating farms may help cities produce food in new and efficient ways.
B Rivers and lakes provide ideal conditions for farming vegetables.
C Solar panels are important for modern farming equipment.
D Transportation costs affect the price of vegetables in cities.
A Floating farms may help cities produce food in new and efficient ways.
Passage: The Debate Contest
Nina stared at the note cards in her hands while students gathered inside the classroom for the debate contest. Her partner, Elijah, spoke confidently with another team near the windows.
“You ready?” he asked.
Nina nodded, although her stomach twisted nervously.
Earlier that year, Nina froze during a class presentation and forgot part of her speech. Since then, speaking in front of groups made her uneasy.
When the debate began, Nina’s voice sounded shaky at first. Halfway through the contest, however, another student challenged one of her team’s arguments.
Without looking at her note cards, Nina calmly explained her evidence and answered the question clearly.
Afterward, Elijah grinned. “You sounded like you do this every day.”
Nina laughed softly. “Definitely not every day.”
Questions
What challenge does Nina face throughout the passage?
A She struggles to remember information for the debate.
B She worries about speaking in front of other people.
C She disagrees with Elijah during the contest.
D She becomes frustrated by the difficult questions.
B She worries about speaking in front of other people.
Passage: The Winter Wind
Snow drifted across the empty streets while icy wind clawed at the sides of the houses. Tree branches bent and scraped against the windows like fingernails across glass.
Inside, Jordan wrapped himself in a blanket near the fireplace. Each gust of wind rattled the front door and sent dry leaves skittering across the porch.
“This storm sounds angry,” Jordan muttered.
Outside, the wind howled through the neighborhood long after the streetlights flickered on.
What does the comparison “Tree branches bent and scraped against the windows like fingernails across glass” help the reader understand?
A The storm creates an uncomfortable and tense feeling.
B The branches are damaging the windows during the storm.
C The neighborhood becomes unusually quiet during winter weather.
D The wind causes people to remain indoors during the evening.
A The storm creates an uncomfortable and tense feeling.
Passage: Longer Library Hours
Some communities are extending public library hours during evenings and weekends. Supporters believe longer hours give students and families more opportunities to use library resources.
Many students depend on libraries for internet access, quiet study spaces, and research materials. Libraries also offer tutoring programs, reading events, and homework help after school hours.
Supporters argue that keeping libraries open longer may help more people attend these programs and complete schoolwork successfully.
However, some people worry that longer hours could increase operating costs for libraries.
How does the author support the point that longer library hours may benefit students?
A By comparing libraries in different cities
B By describing several resources and programs libraries provide
C By explaining the history of public libraries
D By listing the rules students follow in libraries
B By describing several resources and programs libraries provide
Passage: Octopus Camouflage
Octopuses have several adaptations that help them survive in the ocean. One of their most impressive abilities is camouflage. Special cells in an octopus’s skin allow it to quickly change color and texture to match nearby rocks, coral, or sand.
An octopus may flatten its body against the ocean floor or hide among plants to avoid predators such as sharks and large fish. Some octopuses can even imitate the movements of other sea animals to confuse predators.
Scientists study octopus camouflage because it may help engineers design materials that change appearance in different environments.
Which quotation BEST supports the inference that camouflage protects octopuses from danger?
A “Special cells in an octopus’s skin…”
B “An octopus may flatten its body against the ocean floor…”
C “Some octopuses can even imitate the movements…”
D “Scientists study octopus camouflage…”
B “An octopus may flatten its body against the ocean floor…”
Passage: Floating Farms
In some crowded cities, farmers have started growing crops on floating farms built on rivers or lakes. These farms are designed to save space while producing fresh food for nearby communities.
Floating farms often use special systems that recycle water and reduce waste. Some farms even use solar panels to create electricity for lights and equipment.
Because floating farms can be built close to cities, vegetables may reach stores more quickly after harvest. Supporters believe this could help provide fresh food to more people while reducing transportation costs.
Although floating farms are still uncommon, many experts believe they could become more important as cities continue growing.
Which detail contributes MOST to the development of the main idea?
A “These farms are designed to save space…”
B “Some farms even use solar panels…”
C “Vegetables may reach stores more quickly…”
D “Floating farms are still uncommon…”
A “These farms are designed to save space…”
Passage: The Debate Contest
Nina stared at the note cards in her hands while students gathered inside the classroom for the debate contest. Her partner, Elijah, spoke confidently with another team near the windows.
“You ready?” he asked.
Nina nodded, although her stomach twisted nervously.
Earlier that year, Nina froze during a class presentation and forgot part of her speech. Since then, speaking in front of groups made her uneasy.
When the debate began, Nina’s voice sounded shaky at first. Halfway through the contest, however, another student challenged one of her team’s arguments.
Without looking at her note cards, Nina calmly explained her evidence and answered the question clearly.
Afterward, Elijah grinned. “You sounded like you do this every day.”
Nina laughed softly. “Definitely not every day.”
Which event MOST changes how Nina responds to her challenge?
A Elijah asks if Nina is ready.
B Nina remembers her earlier presentation.
C Another student challenges her team’s argument.
D Students gather inside the classroom.
C Another student challenges her team’s argument.
Passage: The Winter Wind
Snow drifted across the empty streets while icy wind clawed at the sides of the houses. Tree branches bent and scraped against the windows like fingernails across glass.
Inside, Jordan wrapped himself in a blanket near the fireplace. Each gust of wind rattled the front door and sent dry leaves skittering across the porch.
“This storm sounds angry,” Jordan muttered.
Outside, the wind howled through the neighborhood long after the streetlights flickered on.
How does the author’s word choice affect the tone of the passage?
A It creates a humorous tone by describing the storm dramatically.
B It creates a peaceful tone by focusing on snowfall and quiet streets.
C It creates a tense tone by emphasizing the force of the storm.
D It creates an excited tone by describing dangerous weather conditions.
C It creates a tense tone by emphasizing the force of the storm.
Passage: Longer Library Hours
Some communities are extending public library hours during evenings and weekends. Supporters believe longer hours give students and families more opportunities to use library resources.
Many students depend on libraries for internet access, quiet study spaces, and research materials. Libraries also offer tutoring programs, reading events, and homework help after school hours.
Supporters argue that keeping libraries open longer may help more people attend these programs and complete schoolwork successfully.
However, some people worry that longer hours could increase operating costs for libraries.
Which evidence BEST supports the point that libraries help students complete schoolwork?
A “Some communities are extending public library hours…”
B “Many students depend on libraries for internet access…”
C “Libraries also offer tutoring programs…”
D “Some people worry that longer hours could increase operating costs…”
B “Many students depend on libraries for internet access…”