Inferencing
Long ago, some families went to new states. They were given land for a small fee. On the land, the people could plant their own foods. They had to make their own homes too. It took many hours to pull up weeds. It also took a long time to cut grass too.
What can you infer about families long ago?
A) people had to work hard on their new land
B) life is the same today as it was long ago
C) there were only a few people that cut grass
D) lots of families moved to new states
A) people had to work hard on their new land
Eric gripped the bat in his hands. His palms were sweaty but he took a deep breath as he stepped up to the plate. He had to score a run or his team would lose the game. When the pitcher threw a fastball, Eric’s reflexes took over and he heard the “Crack!” of the bat hitting the ball. His heart raced with excitement as he ran to first base. He was safe!
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
A) Eric plays baseball.
B) Eric scores a homerun.
C) Eric gripped the bat in his hands.
D) Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base
D) Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base
Your flowers are blossoming and thriving!
What is the meaning of the word thriving?
A) growing
B) pretty
C) colorful
D) dying
A) growing
"I lay there, motionless, for about an hour."
What does "motionless" mean in this sentence?
A) with motion
B) moving slowly
C) moving backwards
D) without motion
D) without motion.
“Dinos in the Dark.”
Dinosaur Cove was located near the South Pole. This means that for several months each year, the sun never rose. Instead Dinosaur Cove was plunged into a dark, cold winter night that didn’t end until the spring or summer.
What does the word plunged mean?
A) ran toward
B) pushed away
C) fell suddenly
D) walked away
C) fell suddenly
Earth’s surface is always changing. Wind crumbles rocks and soil. Volcanoes erupt. Both of these things change the way earth looks. Changes happen on earth all of the time, and they occur in the ocean and on land. Underwater volcanoes add more land to our planet. Lava forms islands in the ocean.
Based on the text, what can be inferred?
A) volcanoes are powerful
B) changes happen on earth all of the time.
C) wind crumbles rocks and soil.
D) lava forms islands in the ocean.
A) volcanoes are powerful
Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers who were inventors, even from a young age when they built kites and bicycles. Many people credit the Wright Brothers with designing and building the first successful airplane. In 1903, their first flight only lasted 12 seconds, but it continues to inspire people all over the world to learn about science and math, to work hard to realize their dreams, and to use imagination to achieve success.
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
A) The Wright Brothers worked hard.
B) The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.
C) Inventors build kites and bicycles.
D) The first flight was in 1903.
B) The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.
Stop dawdling and hurry up or we’re going to be late for the party!
What is the meaning of the word dawdling?
A) to hurry
B) to waste time
C) to wait
D) to be on time
B) to waste time
Tim and Liam both glanced around the room nervously as the teacher handed back the graded tests. The teacher handed Liam his test and smiled. The teacher handed Tim his test and asked, “What happened?”
What can the reader infer from the passage:
A) Liam did not do well on the test.
B) Tim did not do well on the test.
C) Tim was not in school on the day of the test.
D) Tim passed the test
A) Liam did not do well on the test.
From the Passage “What it’s Like to be a Chef”
Chef Justus: I’d always kind of kicked the idea around a little bit, helping my aunt and uncle who had some restaurants. Probably when I went into vocational school is when I really started taking it seriously as a profession. I went to vocational school during my junior and senior years in high school.
What is the meaning of “always kicked the idea around a little bit” mean in this paragraph.
A) Thought about the idea from time to time.
B) Wanted to be a professional soccer player.
C) Did not like making a decision.
D) Did not like the idea of cooking.
A) Thought about the idea from time to time.
Katie slammed her math textbook closed and crumpled up the piece of paper she was working on. “Ugh!” she said.
Based on this passage, what can you infer about Katie?
A) Katie enjoys math
B) Katie is having difficulty with math
C) Katie has finished her math homework
D) Katie is mad at her teacher
B) Katie is having difficulty with math
Hurricanes are large, intense storms that begin over the ocean, where they gather heat and energy from the water. Hurricanes move slowly toward land, usually moving 10-20 miles per hour for more than one week. The most dangerous part of the hurricane is the storm surge, when it reaches land and causes flooding. Wind and waves also contribute to the damage caused by these surges.
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
A) Hurricanes are dangerous storms.
B) Hurricanes begin over the ocean.
C) One type of storm is called a hurricane.
D) Hurricanes are different from other storms.
A) Hurricanes are dangerous storms.
Excerpt from Amelia Earhart
Amelia used her fame to help women. She started the Ninety-Nines in 1929. This group of women pilots originally had 99 members. Today, the Ninety-Nines continue to encourage women to become pilots.
What is the meaning of the word originally?
A) in the middle
B) at the end
C) in the beginning
D) at a slow rate
C.) in the beginning
Excerpt from Under My Nose
Getting a good idea for a book is always the hardest thing for me, but also the most fun. Watching Milwaukee's annual circus parade with its flashy colors and interesting animals inspired the idea for my book circus.
What is the meaning of the word inspired in this paragraph?
A) Changed
B) Started
C) Finished
D) Used
B) Started
Daniel was depressed about his dog running away, so supper that night was a joyless time for the family.
What is the meaning of the word depressed?
A) happy
B) nervous
C) sad
D) joyful
C) sad
Winds whipped the window, making Emily feel uneasy. There was no time to waste because she needed to get to the barn before the storm got worse. The weather turned wilder and threw branches into the side of the house. Emily gathered her few belongings and held them as close to herself as she could. A fear of failure came over Emily. That is when she thought about her mother's smile. The storm no longer was scary.
Which action shows Emily had willpower?
A) a certain fear of failure came over Emily
B) winds whipped the window, making Emily feel uneasy
C) Emily gathered her belongings and held them close.
D) the storm was no longer scary
C) Emily gathered her belongings and held them close.
One of the most popular musical instruments is the piano. In the traditional musical instrument classification system of string, woodwind, percussion and brass, the piano falls into two categories. It is considered a string instrument because the sound comes from the strings inside the piano. It is also considered a percussion instrument, since the player strikes the keyboard, which signals an internal hammer to strike the strings.
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
A) The piano is both a string and a percussion instrument
B) The piano is a string instrument
C) The piano is a percussion instrument
D) The strings of the piano make the sound
A) The piano is both a string and a percussion instrument
Adapted from “A Regular Railroad Dog”
Trigger went with Charlie each time and stood beside him. Soon Charlie let Trigger carry the flag. Then the dog learned to fetch it.
What is the meaning of the word fetch?
A) set up
B) run toward
C) give away
D) bring back
D) bring back
Excerpt from Under My Nose
As I go along, i continue to learn more about art and writing. If you like to write and draw, I hope you will keep learning, too. Good luck and keep your eyes open. There might be a story right under your nose.
What is the meaning of the phrase "right under your nose."
A) inside a person
B) on a persons face
C) read by a person
D) in front of a person
D) in front of a person
Honey bees communicate with each other. They can tell other bees where to find food. Honey bees return to the hive and do a dance that lets the other bees know where the food is located.
What is the main idea of this passage?
A) Honey bees can talk to other bees.
B) Honey bees fly to far locations for food.
C) Honey bees dance to communicate.
D) Honey bees like to eat.
C) honey bees dance to communicate
Soil can be put into different groups based on the characteristics of each type. Soils are categorized based on the size of their particles. Particle size affects how much water a soil can hold. Loam is soil that has mostly sand and silt which allows water to filter quickly. It contains a smaller amount of clay which holds water. Loam is often thought of as the best type of soil for growing crops.
Why is loam most likely the best type of soil?
A) it contains more particles than silt soil.
B) it enables enough water to reach the roots.
C) it can break down minerals.
D) soil can be put into different groups
B) it enables enough water to reach the roots.
As important as water conservation is, it is also very easy. A few simple habits can significantly reduce the water consumption of a household. One way to save water is to turn off the faucet when you are brushing your teeth. Also, don’t allow faucets to drip; one drip can waste a large amount of water over a short period of time. Baths require less water than showers, so by taking a bath instead of a shower, you can reduce the amount of water your home uses. In the kitchen, running a dishwasher when it is completely full, rather than half full, can save up to 20 gallons a day. These simple changes will save water and save money.
What is the main idea of the paragraph?
A) Water conservation is important
B) Consumers can save money by conserving water
C) A few simple changes can save water at home
D) Baths take less water than showers
C) A few simple changes can save water at home
From the Passage “Libby Saves the Team”
Libby felt the power of the dogs as the sled jolted across the packed-snow trail. She held tightly to the sides of the sled with her oversized gloves while steadying herself against the cold canvas.
What does the word jolted mean?
A) circled
B) bounced
C) reached
D) stopped
B) bounced
When people think of Antarctica, they think of snow and ice. When they think of deserts, they think of sun, heat, and sand. Yet in spite of its cold temperatures, Antarctica is actually a desert. In fact, it is the largest desert on the planet. A desert is a very dry environment that receives less than ten inches of precipitation yearly. On average, Antarctica gets less than two inches. Most of that precipitation is in the form of snow, but rain or ice can sometimes fall as well.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A) Most precipitation is in the form of snow, though it can also get rain or ice.
B) Even though Antarctica is cold and has snow, it is also a desert.
C) When people think of Antarctica, they think of snow and ice.
D) On average, Antarctica gets less than two inches of precipitation yearly.
B) Even though Antarctica is cold and has snow, it is also a desert.
Thomas Edison was born in 1847. His first great invention was the phonograph, a machine that could record sounds. He also made the motion picture camera, and a usable electric light bulb.
What is the main idea of this paragraph?
A) Edison was a great inventor.
B) Edison was born in 1847.
C) Edison invented the phonograph.
D) Edison is the reason music can be recorded.
A) Edison was a great inventor.