Literary Elements
Vocabulary
Grammar
Text Structure
Central Idea/Claim
100

Rosa Parks was an important leader in the civil rights movement. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This act of courage led to her arrest and started the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Some city officials tried to stop the boycott by making it hard for people to get to work and by arresting leaders. But Rosa and others did not give up. Their actions helped change unfair laws and inspired many people to fight for equality.


How did some city officials cause problems for Rosa Parks and the civil rights leaders?

A. They said they started the boycott.
B. They made it hard for people to get to work and arrested leaders.
C. They created new bus routes for the boycott.
D. They gave Rosa Parks an award for her bravery.

B. They made it hard for people to get to work and arrested leaders.

100

Read the following sentence: 

The students made a list to help them remember what to bring for the field trip.

Think about the Latin root "mem." What does remember mean?

A. to draw a picture
B. to forget something
C. to keep something in your mind
D. to make something new

C. to keep something in your mind

100

Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.

Samantha wrote a story about going camping with her family. Read the story and look for any changes she should make. When you finish reading, answer the questions that follow.

Camping Trip

(1)Last weekend, my family went camping in the woods. (2)I have always loved Moms’ camping trips because we have so much fun. (3)We set up our tent near a biggest lake and unpacked our bags.

(4)My mom showed me how to build a campfire. (5)We gather sticks and dry leaves from the ground. (6)Mom said it is important to be careful with fire in the woods _______ it is dangerous.

(7)After the fire was ready, we roasted marshmallows. (8)My brother made a sandwich with chocolate and marshmallow. (9)We all laughed. (10) When he got sticky marshmallow on his nose.

(11)At night, we listened to the sounds of the forest. (12)The stars were bright above our tent. (13)I felt happy to be camping with my family.

What change should be made in sentence 2?

A. Change Moms’ to Mom’s
B. Change have to has
C. Change loved to love
D. Change because to so

A. Change Moms’ to Mom’s

100

The Life of Jane Goodall

Jane Goodall is a famous scientist who studies chimpanzees. She was born in London, England, in 1934. As a child, Jane loved animals and dreamed of going to Africa. When she grew up, Jane traveled to Tanzania to study wild chimpanzees. She spent many years watching them and learning about their lives. Jane’s work taught people all over the world how smart and caring chimpanzees can be.

Why did the author include the section “Early Life” at the beginning of the article?

A. to describe Jane’s life in the order it happened
B. to explain why chimpanzees are important
C. to ask a question and give an answer
D. to compare life in England to life in Africa

A. to describe Jane’s life in the order it happened

100

The city zoo is a wonderful place to spend a day with your family. You can see lions, elephants, and monkeys from different parts of the world. There are playgrounds where children can play and grassy areas that are perfect for a picnic lunch. The zoo also has special shows where visitors can learn more about how animals live. Whether you want to watch the animals, play, or just relax, the zoo has something for everyone to enjoy.

Question:
For which group did the author most likely write the passage?

A. adults who want to work at the zoo
B. families looking for a fun place to visit
C. students who want to be zookeepers
D. people who want to study animal science

B. families looking for a fun place to visit

200

Maria’s classroom was always noisy during reading time. Many students found it hard to concentrate on their books. Maria’s teacher noticed the problem and decided to make a change. She set up a quiet reading corner with comfortable chairs and asked everyone to whisper if they needed help. Soon, the classroom became much quieter, and students enjoyed reading more.


What was the solution to the problem of noise during reading time?

A. The teacher gave everyone more homework.
B. The teacher set up a quiet reading corner and asked students to whisper.
C. The students left the classroom during reading time.
D. The teacher stopped reading time completely.

B. The teacher set up a quiet reading corner and asked students to whisper.

200

Read the following sentence:

The garden was colorful in the spring, with flowers blooming everywhere.

Think about the suffix -ful. What is the meaning of colorful above?

A. full of color
B. made of flowers
C. easy to grow
D. hard to see

A. full of color

200

Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.

Samantha wrote a story about going camping with her family. Read the story and look for any changes she should make. When you finish reading, answer the questions that follow.

Camping Trip

(1)Last weekend, my family went camping in the woods. (2)I have always loved Moms’ camping trips because we have so much fun. (3)We set up our tent near a biggest lake and unpacked our bags.

(4)My mom showed me how to build a campfire. (5)We gather sticks and dry leaves from the ground. (6)Mom said it is important to be careful with fire in the woods _______ it is dangerous.

(7)After the fire was ready, we roasted marshmallows. (8)My brother made a sandwich with chocolate and marshmallow. (9)We all laughed. (10) When he got sticky marshmallow on his nose.

(11)At night, we listened to the sounds of the forest. (12)The stars were bright above our tent. (13)I felt happy to be camping with my family.

What is the correct way to write sentence 3?

A. We set up our tent near a big lake and unpacked our bags.
B. We sets up our tent near a bigger lake and unpacked our bags.
C. We set up our tent near a biggest lake, and unpacked our bags.
D. We set up our tent near a big lake, and unpack our bags.

A. We set up our tent near a big lake and unpacked our bags.

200

Which text structure is being used for the following:

Compare and Contrast, Sequence, or  Cause and Effect

Dogs often have lots of energy when humans come by to play with them and can play for a long time. As a result, they take many naps to recover. 

______________________________________

Cause and effect

200

The city zoo is a wonderful place to spend a day with your family. You can see lions, elephants, and monkeys from different parts of the world. There are playgrounds where children can play and grassy areas that are perfect for a picnic lunch. The zoo also has special shows where visitors can learn more about how animals live. Whether you want to watch the animals, play, or just relax, the zoo has something for everyone to enjoy.

Which detail supports the idea that there are fun activities for people of all ages at the city zoo?

A. You can see lions, elephants, and monkeys from different parts of the world.
B. There are playgrounds where children can play and grassy areas that are perfect for a picnic lunch.
C. The zoo also has special shows where visitors can learn more about how animals live.
D. The zoo has something for everyone to enjoy.

D. The zoo has something for everyone to enjoy.

300

In the early 1900s, Bessie Coleman wanted to become a pilot, but most flight schools in the United States would not accept women or Black students. Bessie did not give up. She learned French and traveled to France, where she was able to attend flight school and earn her pilot’s license. When she returned to the United States, she amazed crowds with her flying skills and inspired many people to follow their dreams, no matter the obstacles.


How does the time in which Bessie Coleman lived make her success unusual?

A. At the time, airplanes could only fly short distances.
B. At the time, very few women or Black people were allowed to become pilots.
C. At the time, people did not travel to other countries.
D. At the time, flying was not considered exciting.

B. At the time, very few women or Black people were allowed to become pilots.

300

Read the following sentence.


Sam wanted to plant a tree in his backyard so he could watch it grow.

Now read the dictionary entry.
plant (plant) verb

  1. to put a seed or plant in the ground so it can grow

  2. to place something secretly

  3. to set up something in a place

  4. to establish an idea in someone’s mind

Which definition best matches the way plant is used in the sentence?

A. definition 1
B. definition 2
C. definition 3
D. definition 4

A. definition 1

300

Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.

Samantha wrote a story about going camping with her family. Read the story and look for any changes she should make. When you finish reading, answer the questions that follow.

Camping Trip

(1)Last weekend, my family went camping in the woods. (2)I have always loved Moms’ camping trips because we have so much fun. (3)We set up our tent near a biggest lake and unpacked our bags.

(4)My mom showed me how to build a campfire. (5)We gather sticks and dry leaves from the ground. (6)Mom said it is important to be careful with fire in the woods _______ it is dangerous.

(7)After the fire was ready, we roasted marshmallows. (8)My brother made a sandwich with chocolate and marshmallow. (9)We all laughed. (10) When he got sticky marshmallow on his nose.

(11)At night, we listened to the sounds of the forest. (12)The stars were bright above our tent. (13)I felt happy to be camping with my family.

What change should be made in sentence 5?

A. Change gathered to gather
B. Change gather to gathered
C. Change gather to gathers
D. No change should be made.

 

B. Change gather to gathered

300

Which text structure is being used for the following:

Compare and Contrast, Sequence, or  Cause and Effect

Dogs are similar to wolves. They are both members of the canine family. They both have strong teeth and keen senses. However, a dog is usually friendlier and lives with people, while a wolf lives in the wild. 

__________________________________________

Compare and contrast

300

Misty Copeland is a famous American ballet dancer who became the first African American female principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. She began dancing at the age of 13, which is considered late for ballet, but her talent was quickly recognized. Despite facing many challenges, including financial difficulties and doubts from others about her ability to succeed in ballet, Misty worked hard and never gave up on her dream. Through her dedication and perseverance, she broke barriers and inspired many young dancers to follow their passions, no matter what obstacles they face.

What is the central message of Misty Copeland’s biography?

The central idea is that Misty Copeland was the first African American ballet dancer who went through many challenges but still tried her best in all she did.

400

In the 1800s, Elizabeth Blackwell wanted to become a doctor. At that time, almost all doctors were men, and many medical schools would not allow women to attend. Elizabeth applied to many schools before finally being accepted to Geneva Medical College. She studied hard and became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. Her achievement encouraged other women to become doctors, too.


How does the time in which Elizabeth Blackwell lived make her success unusual?

A. At the time, most people did not go to college.
B. At the time, women were rarely allowed to attend medical school.
C. At the time, doctors did not use medicine to treat patients.
D. At the time, medical schools were only found in large cities.


B. At the time, women were rarely allowed to attend medical school.

400

Read the following: 

Part A
The library is open to the community every weekday, and anyone can borrow books for free.

Now read the dictionary entry.
community (kə-ˈmyü-nə-tē) noun

  1. a group of people living in the same area

  2. a group of people with shared interests

  3. a meeting place

  4. a type of building

Which definition best matches the way community is used in the sentences?

A. definition 1
B. definition 2
C. definition 3
D. definition 4

Part B
Which phrase from the sentences in Part A gives a clue to the meaning of community?

A. open to the community
B. every weekday
C. anyone can borrow books
D. for free

Part A: A. definition 1
Part B: C. anyone can borrow books

400

Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.

Samantha wrote a story about going camping with her family. Read the story and look for any changes she should make. When you finish reading, answer the questions that follow.

Camping Trip

(1)Last weekend, my family went camping in the woods. (2)I have always loved Moms’ camping trips because we have so much fun. (3)We set up our tent near a biggest lake and unpacked our bags.

(4)My mom showed me how to build a campfire. (5)We gather sticks and dry leaves from the ground. (6)Mom said it is important to be careful with fire in the woods _______ it is dangerous.

(7)After the fire was ready, we roasted marshmallows. (8)My brother made a sandwich with chocolate and marshmallow. (9)We all laughed. (10) When he got sticky marshmallow on his nose.

(11)At night, we listened to the sounds of the forest. (12)The stars were bright above our tent. (13)I felt happy to be camping with my family.

Read sentences 9 and 10 from the story.

Michelle wants to combine the ideas in sentences i and 10. Write a new sentence that combines these sentences in a clear and effective way.

We all laughed when he got sticky marshmallow on his nose.

400

Which text structure is being used for the following:

Compare and Contrast, Sequence, or  Cause and Effect

When a dog is hungry, first he will sniff around the kitchen. Then he will bark to get his owner’s attention until he gets fed. 

________________________________________

Sequence

400

Misty Copeland is a famous American ballet dancer who became the first African American female principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. She began dancing at the age of 13, which is considered late for ballet, but her talent was quickly recognized. Despite facing many challenges, including financial difficulties and doubts from others about her ability to succeed in ballet, Misty worked hard and never gave up on her dream. Through her dedication and perseverance, she broke barriers and inspired many young dancers to follow their passions, no matter what obstacles they face.

Which sentences best support the central idea of the biography?
Select TWO correct answers.

A. She began dancing at the age of 13, which is considered late for ballet, but her talent was quickly recognized.
B. Misty Copeland is a famous American ballet dancer who became the first African American female principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre.
C. She broke barriers and inspired many young dancers to follow their passions, no matter what obstacles they face.
D. Ballet is a type of dance that requires special shoes and costumes.
E. She performed in many shows in New York City.

A and C

500

Paragraph:
In the early 1900s, the Wright brothers worked hard to invent the first successful airplane. At that time, many people thought flying machines were impossible or just a dream. There were no airplanes yet, and very little was known about how to control them in the air. Despite these challenges, the Wright brothers studied the science of flight carefully and made important discoveries. Their invention changed the way people travel forever.


How does the time in which the Wright brothers lived make their success unusual?

A. At the time, many airplanes were already flying.
B. At the time, people believed flying machines were impossible.
C. At the time, cars were faster than airplanes.
D. At the time, no one was interested in travel.

B. At the time, people believed flying machines were impossible.

500

The students visited the art museum to see the beautiful paintings.

Question:
What does the word visited mean in the sentence above?

A. painted pictures
B. cleaned the museum
C. went to see
D. worked at the museum

C. went to see

500

Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.

Samantha wrote a story about going camping with her family. Read the story and look for any changes she should make. When you finish reading, answer the questions that follow.

Camping Trip

(1)Last weekend, my family went camping in the woods. (2)I have always loved Moms’ camping trips because we have so much fun. (3)We set up our tent near a biggest lake and unpacked our bags.

(4)My mom showed me how to build a campfire. (5)We gather sticks and dry leaves from the ground. (6)Mom said it is important to be careful with fire in the woods _______ it is dangerous.

(7)After the fire was ready, we roasted marshmallows. (8)My brother made a sandwich with chocolate, marshmallow. (9)We all laughed. (10) When he got sticky marshmallow on his nose.

(11)At night, we listened to the sounds of the forest. (12)The stars were bright above our tent. (13)I felt happy to be camping with my family.

What is the correct way to write sentence 8?

A. My brother made a sandwich with chocolate and marshmallow.
B. My brother made a sandwich with chocolate and marshmallows.
C. My brother made a sandwich with chocolate and marshmallow's.
D. My brother made a sandwich with chocolate and marshmallowses.

B. My brother made a sandwich with chocolate and marshmallows.

500

Early Life
Neil Armstrong was born in Ohio in 1930. As a young boy, he loved building model airplanes and dreamed of flying. He took his first airplane ride when he was only six years old.

Becoming an Astronaut
After college, Neil became a pilot and later joined NASA. He trained for many years to become an astronaut and learned how to live and work in space.

Walking on the Moon
In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon. He spoke the famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” as he stepped onto the lunar surface.

Why did the author include the section “Early Life” at the beginning of the article?

A. to describe Armstrong’s life in the order it happened.
B. to explain the problem with space travel
C. to ask a question and give an answer
D. to compare life in the 1930s to today

A. to describe Armstrong’s life in the order it happened.

500

I have a bicycle that I ride almost every day. It is bright blue with silver stripes and a comfy black seat. My bike helps me get to school, visit my friends, and explore my neighborhood. Riding my bike makes me feel happy and free. I take good care of it by keeping it clean and checking the tires. I am thankful to have such a great bike.

The central idea of this passage is:
A. The bike is blue with silver stripes.
B. The writer’s bicycle is an important part of his life.
C. The writer rides his bike to school.
D. Everyone should ride a bike.

B. The writer’s bicycle is an important part of his life.