Reading Comprehension
After the storm finally passed, the town looked smaller somehow, as if it had shrunk under the weight of the rain. Branches littered the sidewalks, and puddles reflected the gray sky like broken mirrors. Maya stepped carefully around the debris as she walked home from school, her backpack heavier than usual.
The storm had delayed dismissal, and now the streets were quiet. No cars passed. No neighbors stood outside talking. Maya felt a tight knot of unease, but she kept walking, reminding herself that she knew this route by heart.
As she reached the corner of Maple Street, she noticed a stray dog huddled beneath a mailbox. Its fur was soaked, and it shivered despite the humid air. Maya hesitated. She was already late, and her mother worried when she wasn’t home on time. Still, something about the dog’s eyes made her stop.
Carefully, she took off her jacket and draped it over the animal. The dog looked up, surprised, then wagged its tail weakly. Maya smiled, feeling the knot in her stomach loosen. When she finally reached home, she was drenched and exhausted—but lighter than she had been all day.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Storms often cause damage to neighborhoods
B. Maya is afraid to walk home alone
C. A small act of kindness can change how someone feels
D. Dogs are often left alone after storms
C. A small act of kindness can change how someone feels
What does the prefix un- usually mean?
Not
What is a comparison using “like” or “as” called?
Simile
What is the beginning of a story called?
Exposition
Identify the purpose:
A passage explains how hurricanes form.
To inform
What does a character’s actions reveal?
Traits or motivation
If someone is reluctant, what are they doing?
Hesitating or unwilling
Why do authors use figurative language?
To make writing more vivid and engaging
What is the central message or lesson of a story called?
Theme
An article urging people to recycle more.
To persuade
What is an inference?
A conclusion based on clues and prior knowledge
Which context clue shows what a word does not mean?
Antonym
“The wind whispered through the trees” is an example of what?
Personification
How is a theme different from a summary?
A theme is a message or lesson; a summary retells events
Which feature is common in entertaining texts?
Dialogue
What must an inference always include?
Text Evidence
If a plan is inevitable, what does that mean?
It cannot be avoided
“The classroom was a zoo.”
Why should a writer use transitions between paragraphs?
To connect ideas and improve organization and flow
Which text feature helps persuade readers?
Statistics, data, or expert quotes
Why is it important to use text evidence when answering a comprehension question?
It supports ideas and proves understanding of the text
If the text says a character’s voice “quavered,” which emotion is most likely?
Nervousness or fear
What figurative language exaggerates for effect?
Hyperbole
If the conflict is internal, where does it take place?
Inside the character’s mind
What are the three main author’s purposes?
To inform, entertain, persuade