Informational Text
To: Volunteers for the Valentine’s Day Bake Sale
From: Principal Vargas
Subject: Instructions for the Bake Sale Event
Thank you, everyone, for agreeing to participate. Please arrive at 7:30 on Saturday morning, 30 minutes before the sale begins. Bring your baked goods to the big table in the auditorium. Cards will be provided for you to mark any allergy information to post with your contribution, such as whether it is gluten-free.
Next, please make yourself a name tag and include the word “volunteer.” Then, find one of the three organizers (the ones in red hats), and ask them to assign you to a task. They may have you selling baked goods or greeting people at the door, for example.
Finally, let the organizers know if you can stay and help clean up after the sale. Thank you again for helping to make the sale a success, and a very Happy Valentine’s Day from all of the staff at Giles Middle School.
Why does this passage use a chronology structure?
A. Because the volunteers need to be convinced that they are needed
B. Because it helps the author express an opinion about the event
C. Because it must give the volunteers step-by-step instructions
D. Because the bake sale it is describing has not yet taken place
C. Because it must give the volunteers step-by-step instructions
Which of the following are not informational text?
a. encyclopedia entries
b. research reports
c. newspaper articles
d. a fiction book
d. a fiction book
Read the passage and identify how the information is being organized.
Ice-cream is a delicious frozen treat that comes in a many different colors and flavors. Two of my favorite flavors are strawberry and chocolate. Though both of these flavors are delicious, strawberry may contain pieces of fruit while chocolate usually will not. Even though more chocolate ice-cream is sold across the country annually than strawberry, each flavor tastes great inside of a milk shake.
a. cause and effect
b. compare and contrast
c. chronological
d. descriptive
b. compare and contrast
New Zealand is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is made up of many volcanic islands, the largest of which are the North and South islands. The Cook Strait is the body of water that runs between them. It is named for Captain Cook, the first European sea captain to travel through it. At the strait’s narrowest point, the two main islands are just 14 miles apart.
For islands that are so close together, their geographies are quite different. The North Island covers about 44,000 square miles. Low mountains made from volcanic materials form most of its geography. This island is also known for its volcanic hot springs.
In contrast, the South Island is bigger than the North, covering about 58,000 square miles. Its mountains are also larger, such as the Southern Alps, a high mountain range covered with glaciers. The highest peak in the Alps is Mt. Cook, at 12,349 feet. East of this range lies the Canterbury Plains, a dry land with little vegetation. The southwest area, including the coast, has forests and jagged cliffs. It includes Fiordland, the largest national park in the country.
Question: Choose the statement that best describes the text structure of paragraph 1.
A. Chronology is used to show the events of Cook’s journey through the strait.
B. Cause/effect is used to show the effects of volcanoes on New Zealand’s land.
C. Problem/solution is used to show how Cook Strait to be named after Cook.
D. Description is used to give readers facts about New Zealand’s geography.
D. Description is used to give readers facts about New Zealand’s geography.
This feature explains what the illustration/photograph is.
A. Glossary
B. Index
C. Table of contents
D. Caption
D. Caption
Do you ever wonder how wildlife photographers are able to capture such incredible shots of birds and animals? Wild creatures are wary of humans. They must protect themselves from predators such as hunters. This creates quite a challenge for a photographer who must blend in with the scenery and not scare away the animal. One solution, other than a super-long lens and a lot of patience, is something called a “blind.” Like the name suggests, the photographer hides behind it, out of sight of the animal.
Blinds can be seen in some nature centers or wildlife preserves. They are typically a wooden box or hut with holes cut out through which to view the animals. The blind is built using colors and materials that resemble the surroundings, which helps assure that the animals are not disturbed by its presence. There is also usually a bench that allows the visitor to sit quietly and watch the animals in their natural environment.
Like the blind described above, the professional photographer’s blind provides shelter and allows him or her to be undetected by the animals. The main difference is that the photographer uses the blind for the sole purpose of capturing pictures of animals. Many visitors to a nature center, on the other hand, would mainly use the blind to watch the animals, although they might take pictures, too, for their own enjoyment. A photographer’s blind would also be more “makeshift,” or temporary. It must be built to be put up and taken down quickly, whereas one at a nature center would be built to last for years.
Why is the structure of paragraph 2 effective?
A. It illustrates the events leading up to using a blind for wildlife photography.
B. It compares the different blinds that nature centers might put up to view wildlife.
C. It examines the effects of using a blind when photographing animals in the wild.
D. It explains the effects of using a blind that blends into the surroundings.
D. It explains the effects of using a blind that blends into the surroundings.
Read the following passage:
Dear Mom and Dad,
I know you don't think I should get a kitten, but I think I should. I know I didn't take very good care of my goldfish. I was too young to take care of a pet back then.
Now that I am older, I am ready to do all the work to take care of the kitten. I will feed it. I will clean out its litter box. I will even help pay for its food with my allowance. I hope you will at least think about it.
Love,
Tim.
What is the central or main idea?
This passage is centrally or mainly about why Tim thinks his parents should let him get a kitten.
Which of the following is NOT the purpose of informational text?
a. to give facts
b. to teach people something
c. to provide entertainment
d. to inform in a structured way
c. to provide entertainment
New Zealand is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is made up of many volcanic islands, the largest of which are the North and South islands. The Cook Strait is the body of water that runs between them. It is named for Captain Cook, the first European sea captain to travel through it. At the strait’s narrowest point, the two main islands are just 14 miles apart.
For islands that are so close together, their geographies are quite different. The North Island covers about 44,000 square miles. Low mountains made from volcanic materials form most of its geography. This island is also known for its volcanic hot springs.
In contrast, the South Island is bigger than the North, covering about 58,000 square miles. Its mountains are also larger, such as the Southern Alps, a high mountain range covered with glaciers. The highest peak in the Alps is Mt. Cook, at 12,349 feet. East of this range lies the Canterbury Plains, a dry land with little vegetation. The southwest area, including the coast, has forests and jagged cliffs. It includes Fiordland, the largest national park in the country.
Question: How does this sentence below from paragraph 3 help develop a key idea in the passage?
“Its mountains are also larger, such as the Southern Alps, a high mountain range covered with glaciers.”
A. It suggests that the South Island’s volcanoes are more active.
B. It suggests that more people likely live on the South Island.
C. It shows readers how the two islands have different geographies.
D. It illustrates how volcanoes formed many of these land masses.
C. It shows readers how the two islands have different geographies.
What text feature gives the definitions of important vocabulary words?
A. Captions
B. Index
C. Glossary
D. None of the above
C. Glossary
Do you ever wonder how wildlife photographers are able to capture such incredible shots of birds and animals? Wild creatures are wary of humans. They must protect themselves from predators such as hunters. This creates quite a challenge for a photographer who must blend in with the scenery and not scare away the animal. One solution, other than a super-long lens and a lot of patience, is something called a “blind.” Like the name suggests, the photographer hides behind it, out of sight of the animal.
Blinds can be seen in some nature centers or wildlife preserves. They are typically a wooden box or hut with holes cut out through which to view the animals. The blind is built using colors and materials that resemble the surroundings, which helps assure that the animals are not disturbed by its presence. There is also usually a bench that allows the visitor to sit quietly and watch the animals in their natural environment.
Like the blind described above, the professional photographer’s blind provides shelter and allows him or her to be undetected by the animals. The main difference is that the photographer uses the blind for the sole purpose of capturing pictures of animals. Many visitors to a nature center, on the other hand, would mainly use the blind to watch the animals, although they might take pictures, too, for their own enjoyment. A photographer’s blind would also be more “makeshift,” or temporary. It must be built to be put up and taken down quickly, whereas one at a nature center would be built to last for years.
Question: What is the most likely reason the author organized paragraph 3 the way he or she did?
A. To explain to readers why a photographer would build a blind in the wilderness
B. To describe the effects on wild animals of humans viewing and photographing them
C. To illustrate the problems and challenges faced by photographers in the wild
D. To help readers imagine the blinds used by animal photographers in the wild
D. To help readers imagine the blinds used by animal photographers in the wild
Which key details in the passage below BEST support the passage's main idea and show the reader why Tim thinks he is ready to get a kitten.
I know you don't think I should get a kitten, but I think I should. I know I didn't take very good care of my goldfish. I was too young to take care of a pet back then.
Now that I am older, I am ready to do all the work to take care of the kitten. I will feed it. I will clean out its litter box. I will even help pay for its food with my allowance. I hope you will at least think about it.
1. Tim is older now and is ready to take care of a pet.
2. He will clean out the litter box.
3. He will help pay for the kitten's food.
If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better! What is the central idea?
a. Sometimes people feel sad.
b. You should do good things for others.
c. We're not always happy.
d. There are many ways to make yourself feel better.
d. There are many ways to make yourself feel better.
If you want to maintain shiny white teeth for many years to come, sugar is not your only enemy. So is the ascorbic acid found in some forms of vitamin C, such as chewable tablets. Read the labels on your energy drinks, too, as they may contain ascorbic acid. Acid of any kind will start destroying your tooth enamel, so lemons are also a culprit. If you eat any of these things, the way to protect your teeth is to rinse your mouth immediately afterward.
Don’t brush your teeth after eating these foods, as that will just spread the acid around. Simply rinse with plain water. This should gently wash away the acid and keep your teeth from sustaining any damage.
Question: Select the statement that best describes the text structure of paragraph 2.
A. Cause and effect is used to explain how to protect teeth from acid.
B. A description structure is used to list various facts about teeth and acid.
C. A problem and solution structure is used to show why acid hurts teeth.
D. Chronology is used to show the order of steps to take to protect teeth.
A. Cause and effect is used to explain how to protect teeth from acid.
Read the informational text below.
Chimps live in groups and like each other a lot, but sometimes they fight. Because they don’t want to stay angry at each other after a fight, they make up by holding a hand out to the other. They show they are sorry with pats and hugs. Then the anger goes away.
What organizational pattern is being used?
a. Descriptive
b. Compare and contrast
c. Argument and evidence
d. Cause and Effect
d. Cause and Effect
Do you ever wonder how wildlife photographers are able to capture such incredible shots of birds and animals? Wild creatures are wary of humans. They must protect themselves from predators such as hunters. This creates quite a challenge for a photographer who must blend in with the scenery and not scare away the animal. One solution, other than a super-long lens and a lot of patience, is something called a “blind.” Like the name suggests, the photographer hides behind it, out of sight of the animal.
Blinds can be seen in some nature centers or wildlife preserves. They are typically a wooden box or hut with holes cut out through which to view the animals. The blind is built using colors and materials that resemble the surroundings, which helps assure that the animals are not disturbed by its presence. There is also usually a bench that allows the visitor to sit quietly and watch the animals in their natural environment.
Like the blind described above, the professional photographer’s blind provides shelter and allows him or her to be undetected by the animals. The main difference is that the photographer uses the blind for the sole purpose of capturing pictures of animals. Many visitors to a nature center, on the other hand, would mainly use the blind to watch the animals, although they might take pictures, too, for their own enjoyment. A photographer’s blind would also be more “makeshift,” or temporary. It must be built to be put up and taken down quickly, whereas one at a nature center would be built to last for years.
Question: Which statement best describes the structure of paragraph 1?
A. The causes of the difficulties in photographing wildlife and their overall effects
B. A listing of the problems faced by wildlife photographers in the order they occur
C. The problems involved in photographing wildlife and a solution to address them
D. A comparison and contrast of different challenges facing wildlife photographers
C. The problems involved in photographing wildlife and a solution to address them
Soccer is not just about kicking a ball around. If you have ever watched a game, you will agree. Soccer players have many skills. They can control the ball with only their feet. They can pass and dribble the ball. Most importantly, soccer players work together with their teammates. If they do not work as a team, they probably will not win.
Question: Which sentence from the passage is the CENTRAL or MAIN idea?
a. They can control the ball with only their feet.
b. Soccer is not just about kicking a ball around.
c. They can pass and dribble the ball.
d. Soccer players have many skills.
D. Soccer players have many skills.
Read the passage and identify how the information is being organized.
Making ice-cream is not easy. Cream and sugar have to first be mixed in a frozen container. Ingredients may be added at this point, if desired. The mixture must be stirred and whipped until the cream and sugar mixture is frozen. Depending on the equipment, this may take as long as an hour. After the ice-cream is prepared, it must be kept frozen until it is ready to be enjoyed. Making ice-cream is difficult, but most people would agree that it is worth the trouble.
a. problem and solution
b. compare and contrast
c. chronological
d. cause and effect
c. chronological
If you want to maintain shiny white teeth for many years to come, sugar is not your only enemy. So is the ascorbic acid found in some forms of vitamin C, such as chewable tablets. Read the labels on your energy drinks, too, as they may contain ascorbic acid. Acid of any kind will start destroying your tooth enamel, so lemons are also a culprit. If you eat any of these things, the way to protect your teeth is to rinse your mouth immediately afterward.
Don’t brush your teeth after eating these foods, as that will just spread the acid around. Simply rinse with plain water. This should gently wash away the acid and keep your teeth from sustaining any damage.
Question: What is the most likely reason the author decided to organize the paragraph 1 the way he or she did?
A. To explain in detail exactly how ascorbic acid can damage tooth enamel
B. To give a detailed description of ways the reader can protect his or her teeth
C. To show that teeth need to be protected from harmful acidic foods
D. To show the long-term effects of rinsing after eating foods that contain acid
C. To show that teeth need to be protected from harmful acidic foods
Read the informational text below.
Chimpanzees and humans are alike in many ways. A baby chimp laughs when its mother tickles it. After chimpanzees fight, they kiss and make up. When one chimpanzee comforts another, it gives it a hug or pat on the back. There are, of course, many ways that chimpanzees and humans are different. Chimpanzees are smaller and stronger than humans. An adult male chimpanzee stands three or four feet tall and weighs about 100 pounds. But a chimpanzee can lift more weight than a man who is six feet tall.
Which organizational pattern is being used?
a. Compare & contrast
b. Problem & solution
c. Cause and Effect
d. Argument and evidence
a. Compare & contrast
Eastside News, January 31, 2014—Whether you are biking, driving, or walking, you will want to steer clear of Milwaukie Avenue between 7th and 12th streets until February 7th. Sewer workers are laying pipe throughout that area, and the streets are blocked to through traffic. Although the traffic signs point you to a detour down 6th and around Reed Park, that is a long way around. A better route is to go right on 5th and take Brooklyn to 13th. It is a straight shot, and it will get you past the whole mess on Milwaukie.
Question: Which of these best describes the text structure of the passage?
A. Problem and solution is used to list the traffic issue and a suggested remedy.
B. Description is used to list the key features of the area that is blocked off to traffic.
C. Chronology is used to describe the events leading up to the closing of the streets.
D. Cause and effect is used to explain what caused the streets to have to be closed.
A. Problem and solution is used to list the traffic issue and a suggested remedy.
Soccer is not just about kicking a ball around. If you have ever watched a game, you will agree. Soccer players have many skills. They can control the ball with only their feet. They can pass and dribble the ball. Most importantly, soccer players work together with their teammates. If they do not work as a team, they probably will not win.
Question: Which key detail BEST supports the main idea that soccer players have many skills?
a. They can pass and dribble the ball.
b. Playing soccer is not just about kicking a ball around.
c. If you have ever watched a game, you will agree.
d. If they do not work as a team, they probably will not win.
a. They can pass and dribble the ball.
Freezer burn may have wasted more ice-cream than sidewalks. If you don’t know, freezer burn is when ice crystals form on the surface of ice-cream. These ice crystals can ruin the texture and flavor of the ice cream. But you can prevent freezer burn. Since freezer burn is caused when melted ice-cream is refrozen, rather than eating your ice-cream from the container as it melts, scoop your ice-cream into a bowl and put the container back in the fridge immediately. Doing this ought to help you solve your issues with freezer burn.
a. problem and solution
b. compare and contrast
c. chronological
d. descriptive
a. problem and solution
Dear Editor,
I am distressed about the city’s plans to host a marathon here next spring. It has been scheduled for the same week as the regional chess tournament, which was booked months before.
The marathon will draw thousands of people, which might be good for tourism, but it is unfair to those participating in the chess event. Hotels will book up quickly for the marathon, and many chess players and supporters will find themselves out of luck.
What’s more, the convention center where the chess event will be held is right on the marathon route. This means it will be blocked off to car traffic and nearly impossible to access.
The huge crowds expected for the race will also be loud, making it the worst possible situation for the chess tournament. I ask that the city move the marathon to another week, to accommodate the chess event.
Brett Aronson
Tournament organizer
Question: How does the sentence below contribute to the development of the author’s argument?
“Hotels will book up quickly for the marathon, and many chess players and supporters will find themselves out of luck.”
A. It warns readers to book their rooms early for either event the author describes.
B. It supports the idea that the marathon will be more popular than the chess event.
C. It suggests that the chess tournament will need to be scheduled for another date.
D. It shows that the marathon will cause problems for the chess tournament.
D. It shows that the marathon will cause problems for the chess tournament.
Read the informational text below.
Wild chimpanzees are rapidly disappearing. Some people are trying to solve this problem. Otherwise, chimpanzees may one day exist only in zoos. People are trying to save the rain forests and woodlands where the chimps live from being cut down. It will take many people working together to solve this problem.
Which organizational pattern is being used?
a. Description
b. Compare & contrast
c. Problem & solution
d. Sequential
c. Problem & solution