Reading Literature
Which part of a story usually includes the turning point or most intense moment?
A. Introduction
B. Rising action
C. Climax
D. Resolution
C. Climax
Read the student’s paragraph. Which revision would best improve clarity?
“Cats are better than dogs because they sleep a lot and don’t bark. I like cats better. They purr too.”
A. Add a counterclaim
B. Add a topic sentence and transitions
C. Add a conclusion
D. Make it longer
B. Add a topic sentence and transitions
Choose the sentence that uses the correct verb tense:
A. She run to school every morning.
B. She ran to school every morning.
C. She runs to school every morning.
D. She running to school every morning.
C. She runs to school every morning.
“Do School Uniforms Help Students Focus?”
School uniforms have become more popular in recent years. Supporters argue that uniforms help reduce distractions and create a more focused learning environment. When everyone wears the same clothing, students are less likely to feel pressure to wear expensive or trendy items.
Studies show that schools with uniform policies often report fewer discipline problems and increased attention during lessons. However, not everyone agrees. Some students and parents feel that uniforms take away freedom of expression.
Despite the debate, many school administrators believe that the benefits—like improved focus and a sense of unity—make school uniforms worth considering.
Which sentence is the strongest evidence for the author's claim that school uniforms improve focus?
A. “Uniforms are usually blue or black.”
B. “Uniforms can be itchy.”
C. “Some students don’t like uniforms.”
D. “Many schools that use uniforms report fewer discipline issues.”
D. “Many schools that use uniforms report fewer discipline issues.”
Which word is closest in meaning to "meticulous"?
A. Careless
B. Accurate
C. Bored
D. Strong
Read this sentence:
"Her heart was a drum pounding in her chest."
What does this figurative language suggest?
A. She was bored
B. She was nervous or excited
C. She was calm
D. She was angry
B. She was nervous or excited
Which sentence best states a clear claim for an argumentative essay?
A. I like playing video games and eating pizza.
B. Students should not have homework on weekends because it prevents family time.
C. Weekends are two days long.
D. Homework can be hard.
B. Students should not have homework on weekends because it prevents family time.
Which sentence uses correct subject-verb agreement?
A. The dog barks loudly. B. The dog bark loudly. C. The dogs barks loudly.
D. The dogs bark loud.
A. The dog barks loudly.
“The Power of Reading Every Day”
Reading for just 20 minutes each day can have a powerful impact on your learning. According to several studies, students who read regularly tend to build stronger vocabularies, perform better on tests, and develop better writing skills.
Reading also allows students to explore different cultures, experiences, and points of view. Whether reading fiction or nonfiction, readers grow their understanding of the world.
Schools and libraries often encourage independent reading with programs and challenges. The more you read, the more you grow—not just as a student, but as a thinker.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Reading every day improves vocabulary and test scores
B. Some students don’t like reading
C. Libraries are important to schools
D. Writing is more important than reading
A. Reading every day improves vocabulary and test scores
Based on context, what does the word “frustration” most likely mean?
A. A sense of confusion
B. A lack of motivation
C. A feeling of being upset when something is hard
D. A moment of excitement
C. A feeling of being upset when something is hard
The story is told in first person. How does this affect the reader's understanding?
A. It reveals only what one character knows
B. It provides a summary of events
C. It focuses on dialogue
D. It explains multiple characters’ thoughts
A. It reveals only what one character knows
Which of the following best helps organize an informative paragraph about volcanoes?
A. “In my opinion, volcanoes are exciting.”
B. “Next, I will describe my science project.”
C. “Volcanoes form when magma rises to the surface through Earth's crust.”
D. “Yesterday, we learned about mountains.”
C. “Volcanoes form when magma rises to the surface through Earth's crust.”
Which sentence uses correct punctuation?
A. After dinner we went to the park, and played baseball.
B. After dinner, we went to the park and played baseball.
C. After dinner we went, to the park and played, baseball.
D. After dinner; we went to the park, and played baseball.
B. After dinner, we went to the park and played baseball.
The History of the Bicycle”
The bicycle has gone through many changes since its invention in the early 19th century. Originally, it was called the “velocipede” and had no pedals. Riders pushed themselves forward with their feet. Over time, inventors added pedals, rubber tires, and chains to make bicycles faster and more comfortable.
In the late 1800s, bicycles became more popular as a means of transportation. They were cheaper than horses and allowed people to travel farther in less time. Eventually, bicycles helped change how people lived, especially in cities.
Today, bicycles are used for exercise, transportation, and even competition. Some cities build bike lanes to encourage people to ride instead of drive, which helps the environment and reduces traffic.
What is the author’s purpose in writing this article?
A. To entertain readers with a story about bicycles
B. To persuade people to ride bicycles
C. To describe how to build a bicycle D. To inform readers about how bicycles have changed over time
D. To inform readers about how bicycles have changed over time
“The scientist meticulously recorded the results of each experiment, making sure not a single detail was missed.”
What does the word “meticulously” most likely mean as used in the sentence above?
A. Thoroughly
B. Carelessly
C. Quickly
D. Repeatedly
A. Thoroughly
Which sentence is the strongest evidence for the author's claim that school uniforms improve focus?
A. “Uniforms are usually blue or black.”
B. “Many schools that use uniforms report fewer discipline issues.”
C. “Some students don’t like uniforms.”
D. “Uniforms can be itchy.”
B. “Many schools that use uniforms report fewer discipline issues.”
Which sentence uses dialogue effectively in a narrative?
A. “Watch out!” Mia shouted as the ball flew toward us.
B. I went to the store and bought some things.
C. It was cold and windy.
D. There were many people at the park.
A. “Watch out!” Mia shouted as the ball flew toward us.
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.
A. She went to the store, and bought apples.
B. She went to the store and bought apples.
C. She went, to the store and bought apples.
D. She went to the store and, bought apples.
B. She went to the store and bought apples.
Why Bees Matter More Than You Think”
Bees may be small, but they play a huge role in our environment. As pollinators, they help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another. This process is essential for many fruits, vegetables, and nuts to grow.
In recent years, scientists have noticed a sharp decline in bee populations due to pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change. If bees disappear, many of the foods we rely on could become scarce or even vanish.
Some groups are working to protect bees by planting wildflowers, reducing pesticide use, and creating safe habitats. Helping bees isn’t just good for nature—it’s necessary for the future of our food.
Which sentence best supports the central idea that bees are important to our food supply?
A. “Bees may be small, but they play a huge role in our environment.”
B. “They help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another.”
C. “Some groups are working to protect bees.”
D. “Scientists have noticed a sharp decline in bee populations.”
B. “They help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another.”
"After hours of hiking, she was completely exhausted."
What does the word “exhausted” mean?
A. Hungry
B. Tired C. Bored
D. Scared
B. Tired
“The Library Window”
As Maya walked through the narrow aisles of the old library, her footsteps echoed on the wooden floor. She clutched her notebook tightly, hoping to find a quiet place to write. In the far corner, beneath a dusty window, she found an empty desk.
Maya sat down and looked out. The world outside was loud and fast, but in here, everything was still. She opened her notebook and began to write. The words didn’t come easily today, and frustration crept in. She glanced at the faded spines of the books around her. "Maybe I don’t have anything important to say," she muttered.
Then she noticed a note taped to the inside of the desk drawer. It read: “Every writer starts with a blank page. Keep going.”
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Maya wants to find a new book to read.
B. Writing is easy if you are quiet.
C. Encouragement can help someone persevere.
D. Libraries are loud and unhelpful.
C. Encouragement can help someone persevere.
Which revision would most improve the sentence below?
Original: “The dog ran fast it was chasing a squirrel.”
A. The dog ran fast and was brown.
B. The dog chased a squirrel fast.
C. The dog ran fast because it was chasing a squirrel.
D. The dog ran fast. The squirrel.
C. The dog ran fast because it was chasing a squirrel.
Which sentence contains an example of a simile?
A. The stars twinkled above.
B. The wind was a whisper.
C. She ran like the wind.
D. His smile was bright.
C. She ran like the wind.
“The Link Between Pollution and Climate Change”
Scientists have long studied the connection between pollution and climate change. Pollution from factories, cars, and power plants releases harmful gases into the air. These gases, especially carbon dioxide, trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere. This is called the greenhouse effect.
As a result, Earth’s temperature is slowly rising, which leads to extreme weather events like stronger storms, droughts, and heatwaves. Reducing pollution is one of the most important ways we can slow down climate change.
Governments and organizations are working to promote cleaner energy, such as wind and solar power, to create a more sustainable future. These energy sources do not produce the same harmful gases and are available for long-term use.
How does the author show that pollution and climate change are connected?
A. Through a fictional story
B. With data and cause-effect explanations
C. By quoting a poem
D. With a list of animals
B. With data and cause-effect explanations
“Despite facing numerous setbacks early in her career, the athlete remained resilient, determined to reach her goals.”
What does the word “resilient” most likely mean in this sentence?
A. Easily defeated
B. Hardworking and able to recover from challenges
C. Competitive but careless
D. Focused only on winning
B. Hardworking and able to recover from challenges