Week 1
Maya loved to climb trees and explore the forest near her home. She always carried a small notebook to sketch the birds and animals she observed. One day, while sitting on a high branch, Maya spotted a baby fox that seemed lost. Without hesitation, she carefully climbed down and followed the fox at a safe distance until it reunited with its mother. That night, Maya added detailed drawings of the foxes to her collection.
What character trait best describes Maya?
A. Selfish
B. Observant
C. Impatient
D. Careless
Maya couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the abandoned treehouse in the woods. It looked like it had been there for years, with vines growing up its sides. Cautiously, she climbed the old wooden ladder. Inside, she found a dusty journal with strange symbols. As she opened it, a map fell out showing a path to a hidden cave. Maya knew this was the beginning of an adventure she would never forget.
What is the main conflict introduced in this story?
A. Maya is afraid of heights and doesn't want to climb the ladder
B. Maya discovers a mysterious journal and map that could lead to adventure
C. Maya is lost in the woods and can't find her way home
D. Maya's friends don't believe her about finding the treehouse
B. Maya discovers a mysterious journal and map that could lead to adventure
The Legend of the Rainbow Bridge
Once upon a time, there was a magnificent rainbow that appeared after every storm. The rainbow was said to be a magical bridge connecting our world to the land of spirits. Native people believed that brave warriors could cross this bridge to reach their ancestors. Animals were thought to guide these warriors on their journey. The rainbow's colors were said to represent different virtues that a warrior needed for the crossing.
What literary structure is used in this legend to convey its message?
A. Flashback
B. Symbolism
C. Foreshadowing
D. Soliloquy
B. Symbolism
The moon is a silver ship
Sailing across the night sky,
Guiding travelers with its light,
As stars twinkle and dance nearby,
Until morning comes with golden rays.
What type of figurative language is used in the first line of this poem?
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Personification
D. Hyperbole
B. Metaphor
Maya loved to play soccer more than anything. Every day after school, she would rush to the field to practice. One day, her team lost a big game, and Maya felt terrible. Instead of giving up, she practiced even harder. The next game, Maya scored the winning goal. Her teammates lifted her on their shoulders to celebrate.
What is the theme of this story?
A. Winning is the most important thing in sports.
B. Hard work and persistence lead to success.
C. Soccer is the best sport for children.
D. It's important to be popular with teammates.
B. Hard work and persistence lead to success.
Carlos frowned at his math test. He had studied for hours, but still received a C. "I'll never be good at math," he muttered. His teacher, Mr. Johnson, overheard him. "Carlos, remember how you struggled with fractions last month? Now you understand them perfectly. This is just another challenge." Carlos thought for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. I'll practice more and try again." The next day, Carlos asked for extra help during lunch.
How did Carlos's character change in this story?
A. He went from being confident to doubtful
B. He went from being angry to peaceful
C. He went from being discouraged to determined
D. He went from being friendly to competitive
C. He went from being discouraged to determined
The science fair was tomorrow, and Carlos still couldn't get his volcano to erupt properly. He had tried three different mixtures, but none worked right. His sister Elena suggested adding more baking soda. "Trust me," she said with a smile. Carlos was doubtful but decided to try her idea. When he tested it, the volcano erupted perfectly with a satisfying fizz. Carlos hugged his sister gratefully, knowing his project would be a success.
What is the resolution of this story?
A. Carlos decides to create a different project for the science fair
B. Elena takes over Carlos's project completely
C. Carlos's volcano finally works correctly after following Elena's advice
D. Carlos wins first prize at the science fair
C. Carlos's volcano finally works correctly after following Elena's advice
The Dragon's Cave
The village trembled in fear of the dragon. For years, it had demanded gold and jewels from the people. One day, a young girl named Maya decided to face the beast. "I will not let you terrorize us anymore!" she declared boldly. The dragon roared with laughter. "Many have tried to defeat me, little one," it said. To everyone's surprise, Maya began to sing a beautiful melody that made the dragon weep.
How does the author develop the plot in this legend?
A. Through detailed setting descriptions
B. Through conflict between characters
C. Through multiple narrators
D. Through extended dialogue
B. Through conflict between characters
The old oak tree waves its branches,
Whispering secrets to the wind,
Its leaves giggle with delight,
As squirrels race up and down its trunk,
The tree stands guard over the forest.
What type of figurative language is used in this poem?
A. Hyperbole
B. Idiom
C. Personification
D. Onomatopoeia
C. Personification
Zach was nervous about moving to a new town. He worried he wouldn't make any friends. On his first day at school, he sat alone at lunch. Then Carlos asked if he could sit with him. They talked about their favorite books and discovered they both loved science fiction. Soon, Zach joined the science club where Carlos introduced him to more kids. By the end of the month, Zach had a whole group of friends.
What is the theme of this story?
A. You should only be friends with people who like the same things as you.
B. Moving to a new town is always scary.
C. Being open to new people can lead to unexpected friendships.
D. Science fiction books are better than other types of books.
C. Being open to new people can lead to unexpected friendships.
Jasmine stared at the science fair project her team had built. It had taken weeks of work, but now it was ruined. Someone had accidentally knocked it over. Her teammates looked upset. "It's okay," Jasmine said, taking a deep breath. "We still have three days. Let's make a list of what we need and start rebuilding." She divided the tasks among everyone. By working together, they finished a new project just in time—and it was even better than the first one.
What does Jasmine's response to the problem reveal about her character?
A. She is easily frightened in difficult situations
B. She is a leader who stays calm under pressure
C. She prefers to work alone rather than with others
D. She gives up quickly when facing obstacles
B. She is a leader who stays calm under pressure
The rain pounded against the classroom windows as Ms. Johnson announced the field trip was canceled. A collective groan filled the room. Jasmine had been looking forward to visiting the aquarium for weeks. During lunch, she gathered her friends and proposed an idea. "What if we create our own aquarium right here?" By the afternoon, they had transformed their classroom into an ocean wonderland using blue paper, drawings, and facts about sea creatures.
What is the setting of this story?
A. An aquarium during a rainy day
B. A classroom on a rainy day when a field trip is canceled
C. Jasmine's home where she is planning a project
D. The ocean where the students are learning about sea life
B. A classroom on a rainy day when a field trip is canceled
The Stolen Crown
KING: Who dares enter my throne room uninvited?
THIEF: (bowing low) Forgive me, Your Majesty. I bring urgent news.
KING: Speak quickly, then be gone.
THIEF: (moving closer) The royal crown has been stolen!
KING: (standing in alarm) Impossible! Guards!
THIEF: (smiling) Too late, Your Majesty. The guards are sleeping soundly.
KING: You! It was you who stole my crown!
What structural element is most prominent in this drama excerpt?
A. Stage directions
B. Monologue
C. Dialogue
D. Narration
C. Dialogue
My brother eats like a horse
When dinner is served each night,
He devours mountains of food,
His appetite is as big as the ocean,
Yet he's thin as a rail.
Which line contains a simile?
A. "My brother eats like a horse"
B. "When dinner is served each night"
C. "He devours mountains of food"
D. "His appetite is as big as the ocean"
A. "My brother eats like a horse"
The community garden was dying. No one had time to water the plants or pull weeds. Ms. Johnson walked by every day and felt sad seeing the withered vegetables. One Saturday, she brought her gardening tools and started working. A neighbor saw her and joined in. Soon, five more people came to help. By the end of summer, the garden was full of tomatoes, peppers, and flowers that everyone shared.
What is the theme of this story?
A. Small actions can inspire others and make a big difference.
B. Gardening is an easy hobby that anyone can do.
C. Vegetables taste better when you grow them yourself.
D. It's important to have a garden in your community.
A. Small actions can inspire others and make a big difference.
Tyler sat alone at lunch again. He was the new kid, and making friends wasn't easy. Across the cafeteria, he noticed Amir looking his way. Amir whispered something to his friends, then walked over. Tyler prepared for the worst. "Hey, want to sit with us?" Amir asked with a smile. "We're talking about the new superhero movie." Tyler hesitated, then picked up his tray. "Thanks," he said, feeling relieved. "I've been wanting to see that movie."
Based on the text, what assumption did Tyler make about Amir that was incorrect?
A. That Amir was going to be unkind to him
B. That Amir didn't like superhero movies
C. That Amir was a new student too
D. That Amir was a teacher's favorite
A. That Amir was going to be unkind to him
Tyler stared at the last piece of cake on the plate. He had promised to save it for his brother Alex, who was at soccer practice. His stomach growled loudly. "Just one small bite," he thought, cutting a tiny piece. One bite led to another until only crumbs remained. When Alex came home excited for his dessert, Tyler felt terrible. He quickly baked a new cake, even better than the first one, and was just frosting it when Alex walked into the kitchen.
Which character trait does Tyler demonstrate by the end of the story?
A. Selfishness
B. Responsibility
C. Laziness
D. Dishonesty
B. Responsibility
The Enchanted Forest
The forest was unlike any other place on Earth. Trees whispered secrets to those who would listen. Flowers changed colors depending on who approached them. Animals spoke in riddles that only the pure of heart could understand. The forest had stood for thousands of years, protecting its magic from those who would misuse it. Many had entered seeking its treasures, but few had returned unchanged.
Which literary device is used to establish the setting in this legend?
A. Personification
B. Alliteration
C. Rhyme
D. Repetition
A. Personification
t was raining cats and dogs outside,
So I was stuck at home all day,
I was climbing the walls with boredom,
Time moved slower than a snail,
Until finally the storm passed.
Which idiom is used in this poem?
A. "It was raining cats and dogs outside"
B. "So I was stuck at home all day"
C. "I was climbing the walls with boredom"
D. "Time moved slower than a snail"
A. "It was raining cats and dogs outside"
Lily's grandmother gave her a beautiful wooden box for her birthday. "This box holds something special," Grandmother said. Lily opened it but found it empty. She felt disappointed. "The special thing is what you choose to put inside," Grandmother explained. Over the years, Lily filled the box with treasures: a seashell from her first beach trip, a ribbon from her dance recital, and a letter from her best friend. Each item told a story from her life.
What is the theme of this story?
A. Birthdays are important celebrations in families.
B. Expensive gifts are better than homemade ones.
C. The value of things comes from the meaning we give them.
D. Grandmothers always give the best presents.
C. The value of things comes from the meaning we give them.
Emma's hands trembled as she looked at the stage. In five minutes, she would have to give her speech in front of the entire school. "I can't do this," she whispered to her friend Zoe. "What if I forget everything?" Zoe squeezed her hand. "Remember how much you practiced. You know this speech by heart." Emma took a deep breath and reviewed her note cards one last time. When her name was called, she walked slowly to the microphone and began speaking clearly and confidently.
What motivated Emma to overcome her fear?
A. Her desire to win a competition
B. Her teacher's threat of a bad grade
C. Her friend's encouragement and her preparation
D. Her parents watching in the audience
C. Her friend's encouragement and her preparation
The old lighthouse stood empty for fifty years until the Martinez family moved in to restore it. Olivia, the youngest daughter, kept hearing strange noises at night. One evening, she followed the sound to the top of the lighthouse. There she found a family of owls nesting in the corner. Instead of being scared, Olivia began leaving food for them. Soon, the owls would wait for her daily visits, hooting softly when she appeared.
How does the plot of this story develop?
A. A conflict arises when Olivia's family moves into a haunted lighthouse
B. A mystery is solved when Olivia discovers the source of strange noises
C. A friendship forms between Olivia and a lighthouse keeper
D. A problem occurs when owls destroy parts of the lighthouse
B. A mystery is solved when Olivia discovers the source of strange noises
The Final Battle
HERO: (raising sword) This ends today!
VILLAIN: (laughing) You cannot defeat me.
HERO: Watch me try. (lunges forward)
VILLAIN: (dodging) Your courage is admirable, but foolish.
HERO: It's not foolish to fight for what's right.
VILLAIN: (softening) Perhaps... once, I thought as you did.
HERO: (lowering sword slightly) What changed you?
How does this dramatic scene develop the characters?
A. Through their physical appearances
B. Through their dialogue and actions
C. Through flashbacks to their pasts
D. Through other characters' descriptions
B. Through their dialogue and actions
The test was a breeze for Maria,
She finished in five minutes flat,
Her brain works faster than lightning,
She answered a million questions,
And earned the highest score in class.
What type of figurative language is used in the line "She answered a million questions"?
A. Metaphor
B. Hyperbole
C. Personification
D. Simile
B. Hyperbole
amie wanted the latest video game console more than anything. He saved his allowance for months but was still short on money. One day, while walking home, he found a wallet with fifty dollars inside. There was also an ID card with a phone number. Jamie thought about keeping the money to buy his game. Instead, he called the number and returned the wallet. The owner was so grateful that he gave Jamie a reward—exactly the amount he needed for the console.
What is the theme of this story?
A. Finding money is the easiest way to get what you want.
B. Video games are worth saving money for.
C. Doing the right thing is often rewarded.
D. Adults should give children more allowance money.
C. Doing the right thing is often rewarded.