Author's Purpose
Context Clues
Main Idea
Inference
Mixed Bag
100

Read the description then choose the author's purpose: Tommy was not happy one little bit. His sister, Susan was making honor roll... again! His parents would let her do anything she wanted to do. Tommy was not making honor roll this time and he was not going to be allowed to do all the things he wanted to do. Poor Tommy! He decided he would just have to study harder and get back on the honor roll. He’d show them! What is the author's purpose of this writing? _________________________

 a)persuade b) inform c) entertain

To entertain

100

Read the passage then answer the question Many people wear black as a sign of mourning. In China, the color for death is white. People in Turkey wear purple. But everywhere people follow special customs when someone dies. 

In this paragraph mourning means a) seeing dawn b) feeling sick c) showing joy d) showing sadness

d. showing sadness

100

Read the paragraph and its main idea. The Colossus of Rhodes is a huge bronze statue. It was built to honor the Sun God after a victory in war. It took 12 years to build. It was completed in 282 BC. It stood for 56 years as a symbol of freedom and unity. Them, it was cut down at the knees by an earthquake. The Colossus of Rhodes inspired our own Statue of Liberty. Which detail that supports the main idea?

 A) The Colossus of Rhodes inspired our own Statue of Liberty. B) It was completed in 282 BC. C) The Colossus of Rhodes is a huge bronze statue. D) It took 12 years to build.

A. The Colossus of Rhodes inspired our own Statue of Liberty.

100

Read this passage.  Sam looked through the window at the city far below. The light came on informing all those on board to fasten their seat belts. They were about to land. Where was Sam?

In an airplane

100

Read the passage In his sophomore year of high school, Michael Jordan tried out for the varsity basketball team at Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. But at five feet and eleven inches tall, the coach believed that Jordan was too short to play at that level, so Jordan was cut from the team. Jordan didn’t let this obstacle defeat him. In fact, it pushed him to work even harder. He trained vigorously and grew another four inches the following summer. When he finally made the varsity squad, Jordan averaged 25 points a game and went on to become one of the greatest basketball players in history. What is the theme of this story?

 A) If things get too hard just quit. B) You need to be short to be successful C) Michael Jordan is an inspiration to all D) Never give up. Persistence pays off.

D. Never give up. Persistence pays off.

200

Read the passage and determine the author's purpose HAMSTERS FOR SALE: Humble Pet Store, in the mall: We have a large selection of hamsters for sale this week. They are interesting pets, and you will enjoy having one! They are only $17.99 this week!! Come and buy yours today! What is the author's purpose ? __________________

 a) entertain b) persuade c) inform

To persuade

200

Read the passage then answer the question England has been ruled by monarchs for hundreds of years. The youngest was Henry VI, who became king at age one. Queen Victoria ruled the longest.      

In this paragraph a synonym for monarch would be: a) a type of butterfly b) rulers c) a queen d) children

b. rulers

200

Tammy and Sammy were both students in Mr. Morton’s reading class. Mr. Morton wasn’t too strict about deadlines, and Sammy took advantage of that. He did all of his homework in his other classes but never bothered to complete Mr. Morton’s reading assignments, figuring that he could complete them later. Tammy, on the other hand, completed each assignment Mr. Morton assigned the night that he assigned it. She had to stay up a little later, but she didn’t want to get a penalty for turning in her reading work late. Tammy knew reading was a core subject and that she had to keep “C” average for the entire year or she would have to go to summer school. When the end of the quarter came, Tammy and Sammy had both planned on going to the Enchanted Castle amusement park, but Mr. Morton called Sammy’s mother, and she grounded Sammy until he turned in all of his work. That weekend was horrible for Sammy. He stayed up until 2:00 AM each night and still couldn’t complete all of the assignments. The whole while, Tammy had a great time eating pizza at Enchanted Castle, watching movies late at night, and enjoying her weekend free of stress and pressure. At the end of the quarter, Sammy was lucky to squeak by with a “C” minus in reading while Tammy earned an “A.” Sammy still hasn’t learned his lesson and probably won’t complete this activity either.

 What is the theme of this story A) Play first work last B) Trying your best is a waste of time C) It is better to do things right the first time. D. Teachers are unfair

C. It is better to do things right the first time.

200

David through the yellow ball above his head and whacked it with the racket. The ball landed in the middle of the net 'Fault', said the umpire. What was David doing?

Playing Tennis

200

Read the passage and choose which sentence is an fact. Tiny algae live inside some fish. A glow-in-the-dark mushroom is an amazing light sight. Having a built-in flashlight is a cool idea. Fireflies are wonderful to see.

Tiny algae live inside some fish.

300

Read the following passage and choose the author's purpose The Missing Pencil Matt was ready to do his homework. "I am going to ace my math test," he said. Matt opened up his math book and grabbed his notebook. "Uh oh," Matt said as he looked in his pencil case. His pencil was not there. "Where is my pencil?" Matt asked. "I need my pencil to do my homework." Matt looked in his book bag. His pencil was not there. Matt looked around his desk. He did not see his pencil. Matt looked at the floor. His pencil was nowhere to be found! "Mom, I cannot find my pencil," Matt yelled. Mom walked into his room and pointed to the mirror. She said, "Look over there." "What? My pencil is not over there," Matt said. When Matt looked in the mirror, he blushed. His pencil was behind his ear! Was the author's purpose to

a) inform the reader on how to sharpen one's pencil b) persuade the reader to buy mechanical pencils    c) entertain the reader with a story about a boy who lost his pencil

c) entertain the reader with a story about a boy who lost his pencil

300

Read the passage then answer the question Once a man checked out a book from a library. He neglected to return it. The book was finally returned by his great-grandson 145 years later. Although the fine came $2,264, the great grandson did not have to pay it. 

In this paragraph neglected means a) failed b) hurried c) borrowed d) remembered

a. failed

300

The US Mint makes money. It doesn't make all kinds, just coins. At first, the US Mint made one cent and one-half cent pieces. Through the years, it has made many coins, including a $20 gold piece. Today, the mint makes all of the coins we use to shop. It makes coins for special occasions too. The mint also stamps the designs for special medals. 

The main idea in this passage is: A) The US Mint makes all kinds of money. B) The US Mint make $20 gold pieces. C) The US Mint makes all the coins we use to shop. D) The US Mint makes coins for special occasions.

C. The US Mint makes all the coins we use to shop.

300

Read this passage Josh woke up early on Saturday morning and looked outside the window. The sun was out and it was hot. His dad called to Josh and said, “It is a perfect day, don’t forget to bring a towel!” Josh grabbed a towel and they left the house. Where do you think Josh and his dad were going?

The pool

300

Read the passage and choose which sentence is an opinion. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France for our 100th birthday. It was shipped to America in 350 pieces. America celebrates its independence on July 4th. Lady Liberty looks grand with her crown and torch.

Lady Liberty looks grand with her crown and torch.

400

Read the following passage to determine the author's purpose What are those little green lights on the grass and flying in the yard? Are they monsters? Are they UFOs? No, they aren’t monsters and they aren’t UFOs. They’re fireflies. Fireflies are little insects that glow with a cool green light. If you touch one it won’t burn you. Some fireflies glow to warn other animals that they don’t taste good. Frogs, bats, and birds do not like to eat animals that glow. The glow helps keep fireflies safe. Sometimes we call fireflies glowworms. You can catch fireflies in a jar. Don’t forget to let them go again. What was the author's purpose in writing Fireflies 

a) to inform the reader about Fireflies lights                                       b) to entertain the reader with a story about funny fireflies                                                                                                                           c) to persuade the reader to conduct a science experiment about fireflies d) to describe the migration habits of fireflies

a) to inform the reader about Fireflies lights

400

Read the passage then answer the question Mustard doesn't originate in a jar. It starts out as a tiny seeds. They are inside the leaves of the mustard plant. The seeds are dried and made into powder. The powder is mixed with water and spices. This makes a spread for sandwiches. 

In this paragraph originate means a) end b) continue c) begin d) heal

c. begin

400

I have a dog named Boots. I taught him lots of tricks. When I tell him to, Boots will sit or lie down. He can also wave his paw to greet people. When I say "Dance boots", he will stand up on two legs and walk. I don't know if many dogs can do such amazing tricks.

 The main idea of this paragraph is: a) Boots is my dog b) Boots can sit c)Boots is very smart. d) Most dogs can't dance

c. Boots is very smart.

400

Lisa carefully examined the bug sitting on the leaf. She noticed that it had six legs and a hard shell. Lisa had never seen a bug like this before. She grabbed her magnifying glass and camera.

 What do you know about Lisa? A. She is helpful. B. She is afraid of bugs. C. She is very curious. D. She likes to play soccer.

C. She is very curious.

400

We were all pretty apathetic in the movie about animals, but we became interested when it started showing all the tricks dogs could do.

 Using the contrast clue, the word apathetic in this sentence means a) gracious b) angry c) uninterested d)  sleepy

c. uninterested

500

Read the following passage and decide the author's purpose Walt Disney Without the creativity of one man, there would be no “happiest place on earth,” also known as Disneyland. Walt Disney was a creative genius who looked out on a huge orange grove and imagined building a “magic kingdom.” Disney was born in 1901 in Chicago, Illinois. As a child, he enjoyed drawing and even sold his pictures to neighbors. When he was sixteen, he joined the Red Cross and drove an ambulance in France during World War One. After the war ended, Disney started making short cartoons in Kansas City, but soon ran out of money. He decided to find his fortune in Hollywood. He came to California with a suitcase and $20 in his pocket. It was in the 1940s that Walt Disney first had his brainstorm about a fun park for families. His idea grew bigger and bigger, and he realized he needed a lot of space for his park. He wanted it to have everything—a mountain, rockets, spinning teacups, and a fairy castle! What is the author's purpose in writing this biography?

 a) to entertain the reader with the enchantment of Disney  b) to inform the reader about Disney's life 

c) to explain how to build an amusement park         d) to persuade the reader to visit Disneyland

b) to inform the reader about Disney's life

500

Read the passage then answer the question Purple dye was rare long ago. Since it was hard to get, it costs a lot. As a result purple became the imperial color. It was only used by kings and queens.

 In this paragraph imperial means a) royal b) special c) inside d) best

a. royal

500

Peter's parents bought a new carpet for the living room. Now, he has to take his shoes off when he enters the house. He's also not allowed to eat or drink in the living room any more. Peter's furry dog isn't allowed to play ball in there either. When his parents got the new carpet, there were lots of new rules. 

The main idea of this paragraph is: a) Peter cannot go in the living room. b) Peter's parents don't like the carpet. c) Peter likes to make a mess. d) Peter's parents made new rules so the new carpet stays clean.

d. Peter's parents made new rules so the new carpet stays clean.

500

Abbie has her backpack on her bed. She is packing for a trip. She lays out a waterproof jacket and rain hat, extra socks, a flashlight, compass, binoculars, and water bottle. She hunts for extra batteries and decides to bring her camera. She checks on her sleeping bag and helps her parents bring out the tent. Where are Abbie and her parents are going?

Camping

500

It was the time of the pioneers. Many families were traveling by covered wagons through the Midwest. They were looking for land of their own on which to settle and build homes. Laura Ingalls Wilder lived during this time and wrote many books on her family and adventures.

 When did Laura Ingalls Wilder live? A) in the 1800s B) in the time of the dinosaurs C) in the year 1000 D) in the year 2005

A. in the 1800s

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