Show:
Main Idea
Genres
Summarizing
Planning and organizing writing
Syllables
100
Only some of the things that you may hear about Davy Crockett are true. It is not true that he killed a bear when he was only three. Those are only words from a song. It is true that he was a frontiersman who loved to hunt. The words in the song about where he was born are only partly true. It's true that he was born in Tennessee, but not on a mountaintop, as the song states. Even his name is different from the song. People who knew him called him David—not Davy. David Crockett died defending the Alamo. One thing that is certain is that he was an American hero, pioneer, and politician. adapted from The Truth About Davy Crockett Which sentence best supports the idea that only some of the words to the song about Davy Crockett are true? A. Davy Crockett was not a very good frontiersman. B. Davy Crockett killed a bear when he was three years old. C. David Crockett really liked to be called Davy instead. D. Davy Crockett was not really born on a mountaintop.
What is D. Davy Crockett was not really born on a mountaintop.
100
Marsha watched from her living room window as the bumble bee buzzed around the flower. She wanted to be friends with the bee. The bee came to the garden every day. Hoping to get closer to it, Marsha walked into the garden. To her surprise, the bee flew towards her and sat on her shoulder. "Hello!" it said. Marsha pinched herself to make sure she heard right. "Are you talking to me?" she asked. "Of course I am," the bee buzzed. "I'm happy to finally meet you. I was hoping you would come to the garden one day." This reading selection is an example of A. poetry. B. fiction. C. nonfiction. D. drama.
What is B. fiction.
100
At recess, Selma came outside with a bunch of paper, markers, scissors, and glue. Phoebe asked her why she had all of that stuff. Selma told Phoebe that they were going to make Valentine cards at recess so Phoebe could pass them out at the end of the day. Phoebe squealed with excitement and gave her friend a huge hug. Which is the best summary of the last paragraph? A. Selma tells Phoebe they are going to make her Valentine cards at recess. Phoebe would be able to pass out her Valentines at the end of the day. B. Selma goes outside with a bunch of supplies. She has paper, markers, scissors, and glue. Selma tells Phoebe they are going to make Valentine cards. C. Selma goes out to recess with supplies. She tells Phoebe they are making her Valentine cards at recess. Phoebe is so excited and hugs Selma. D. Selma knows Phoebe is sad. Selma tells Phoebe that she will be able to pass out her Valentines at the end of the day. Phoebe hugs Selma.
What is C. Selma goes out to recess with supplies. She tells Phoebe they are making her Valentine cards at recess. Phoebe is so excited and hugs Selma.
100
Jellyfish are known for being dangerous because they have been known to sting humans. But this is not on purpose. It often happens when humans accidentally touch a jellyfish's tentacles while swimming in the ocean. That sting stuns and paralyzes a jellyfish's prey. People want to think that jellyfish are pests, but they are vital for the ecosystem. Jellyfish are food for large fish and turtles. There are many interesting traits of jellyfish. When we think about jellyfish, we often picture a transparent animal. But some jellyfish are pink, purple, blue, or even yellow. Not only does the color of jellyfish widely vary, so does their size. Jellyfish can be as small as a pinhead to as large as an adult human. Which sentence would be the best introduction to the essay? A. Everyone should learn more about jellyfish. B. Jellyfish are an often misjudged creature of the ocean. C. Jellyfish are mean and nasty creatures. D. People should be on the lookout for jellyfish when swimming.
What is B. Jellyfish are an often misjudged creature of the ocean.
100
How should dinosaur be divided into syllables? A. di-nos-aur B. di-no-saur C. din-os-aur D. din-o-saur
What is B. di-no-saur
200
The next flu season is months away. So why is the government asking that some people get their shots now? This is because there may not be enough shots. Older people are being asked to get their shots now. Dr. Julie Gerber is a scientist who studies diseases. In May, she spoke to Congress. She said it is hard to tell how much flu medicine we will have this year. The government is trying to stop the problem now. They want to make sure what happened before does not happen again. In 2004, there were not enough shots for everyone. Many people did not get a shot. Older people, children, and pregnant women got one first. Healthy adults had to wait. People who could not get the shot had a bad flu season. What is the main idea of the passage? A. Flu shots do not hurt as much as regular shots. B. Only older people have to get shots for the flu. C. Healthy people do not really need to get flu shots. D. There may not be enough flu shots for everyone.
What is D. There may not be enough flu shots for everyone.
200
A bright, sunny day in a city park. Three trees are in the background. A picnic bench is on the front left of the stage. A trashcan sits next to it. Two kids are standing in the front right of the stage. They have a Frisbee, a baseball, and two catcher's mitts at their feet. BILLY: It's a great day to be at the park! What do you want to play? GINA: Let's play Frisbee. There are not any dogs around to try to steal it from us. BILLY: Okay. I'll go over by that tree. (walks toward the back of the stage) GINA: Catch! (throws Frisbee toward Billy) (Dog enters, catches Frisbee, and runs away with it.) GINA: Oh no! Where did he come from? BILLY: Who knows? We have to catch him now! That's a new Frisbee! (Billy and Gina run offstage, chasing the dog.) What makes this selection drama? A. It has short rhyming lines. B. There are facts about parks. C. It is written in paragraphs. D. There are stage directions.
What is D. There are stage directions.
200
On Friday, the sun finally started to peek out from behind the clouds. There was sunlight for about 20 minutes. Then the rain started again. Charlotte’s mom could tell that the girls were pretty upset. Charlotte’s mom decided to surprise the girls. She told them to grab their swimsuits, flippers, and goggles and meet her in the car. Confused, Charlotte and Leah did what she asked and jumped into the car. Charlotte’s mom drove to a parking lot next to a huge building. Outside the building there was a sign that read, “Indoor Swimming Pool Now Open”. Charlotte and Leah cheered. They would get to swim after all! Which is the best summary of the last paragraph? A. On Friday, the sun comes out from behind the clouds. There is some sunshine. The girls still cannot go swimming because it starts to rain again. B. On Friday, it is still raining. Charlotte's mom knows the girls are really upset. So, she makes the girls happy when she takes them to an indoor pool to swim. C. On Friday, there is still rain. The girls are confused when Charlotte's mom tells them to get their swim stuff. Charlotte's mom drives them to a big building. D. On Friday, the girls still cannot go swimming. Charlotte's mom wants to surprise the girls. She tells them to get all of their swim stuff together.
What is B. On Friday, it is still raining. Charlotte's mom knows the girls are really upset. So, she makes the girls happy when she takes them to an indoor pool to swim.
200
Many people enjoy going to their local parks and nature areas to walk and enjoy the outdoors. Some people who have seen trash lying around have decided to make a change. They have decided to help clean up these areas. The parks are intended to be restful and safe places. When these areas become full of trash, animals may be hurt. It also is not as relaxing for the people who go to visit. One thing that people can do is to simply bring gloves and garbage bags in order to pick up trash when they visit their favorite parks. Another thing that people can do is organize groups of people to clean up the areas. Twenty people can come together and all visit a park in order to pick up garbage. When they do this they can quickly clean up the area. You have decided to add a sentence to the passage above. The sentence should support the idea that people can make a difference each time they visit their favorite park. Which sentence would best support this idea? A. It can be difficult to do something that takes a long time. B. Some people find it hard to walk a dog and do anything else at the same time. C. By collecting trash each time they visit, there will be a slow improvement. D. Taking a walk in the park is also fun to do with a large group of people.
What is C. By collecting trash each time they visit, there will be a slow improvement.
200
How should crocodile be divided into syllables? A. cro-co-dile B. croc-od-ile C. cro-cod-ile D. croc-o-dile
What is D. croc-o-dile
300
Scientists recently found dinosaur tracks. They provide proof that big, meat-eating dinosaurs could run. These large animals usually moved slowly. However, the tracks showed that Tyrannosaurus rex could move quickly when necessary. The tracks also helped scientist Julie Day and her team find out how fast these dinosaurs ran. They spread their toes and put one foot in front of the other. They could run up to 19 miles per hour like this. What is the paragraph mostly about? A. These huge, meat-eating animals usually moved slowly. B. Julie Day is a famous scientist who works with a large team. C. Tracks helped scientists learn that big dinosaurs could run. D. The tracks were similar to those of another dinosaur.
What is C. Tracks helped scientists learn that big dinosaurs could run.
300
Abbey was an only child. She told her mom, "I really want a dog. I am older and more responsible now." Her mom replied, "Abbey, I am just not sure you are ready. Maybe in a few years we can get you one." Abbey lowered her head and walked slowly to her bedroom. A few weeks later, Abbey's mom said, "Come on, and get in the car." Abbey thought they were going to the grocery store. When her mom pulled up in front of a dog pound, excitement sprung from inside her. Abbey did not want to get her hopes up. She tried to stay calm. Her mom said, "Come on, Abbey, I think you might be ready for your own dog." Abbey's face lit up like the sun as she left the dog pound with a new friend. She named her dog Bogie. This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. What kind of writing is this? A. a fairy tale B. fantasy C. realistic fiction D. a myth
What is C. realistic fiction
300
This week, some Golden Retriever puppies will celebrate their age. At five months old they are ready for puppy training. Our camera will take you live to a class with these puppies. The owners are first-time trainers. An expert will teach the pets (and the owners!) how to "sit" and "come." Join us on Channel 47. Learn great tips on how to train a good pet. Which of these things might a good advertisement for this television program say? A. "Watch our live puppy training class at 7:30 p.m. and learn to train a good pet." B. "Watch 'Candid Canines' to see puppies who need special training." C. "Watch an expert dog trainer play with puppies and new dog owners." D. "Watch five-month-old Golden Retrievers act fun, playful, and frisky."
What is A. "Watch our live puppy training class at 7:30 p.m. and learn to train a good pet."
300
There are more positive affects of recess including improved health. Students who have recess are less stressed. This is especially important for students who have trouble concentrating. Recess gives an opportunity for these students to expend extra energy. Recess also gives students time to exercise. Recess gives students an opportunity to get outside. This allows students to absorb Vitamin D from sunlight. Recess for all students is important for student performance and health. Your teacher wants you to add a sentence to the second paragraph of the essay above. Which sentence would best support the ideas in the second paragraph? A. Exercising can be fun. B. I exercise every day. C. Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle. D. You should exercise 30 minutes a day.
What is C. Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle.
300
How should somersault be divided into syllables? A. somer-sault B. so-mers-ault C. som-er-sault D. so-mer-sault
What is C. som-er-sault
400
Many Americans love to eat hamburgers. Fast food places have burgers of all sizes. Burger King has the Whopper. Wendy’s has the Classic Triple. The largest burgers are not just at fast food diners. Restaurants have now joined the challenge to make the biggest burgers. Last week, the Bear Barrel Belly Buster burger was made. A restaurant made the Belly Buster. Before this, the biggest burger weighed about 12 pounds. The Belly Buster weighs 15 pounds! That is more than your backpack weighs! What goes into such a big burger? The Belly Buster has 10.5 pounds of ground beef. It has 25 cheese slices. It uses two onions and three tomatoes. It uses a whole head of lettuce. It also has one and a half cups of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, and peppers. It takes two hands just to lift the burger. That is without the sauces! Most people need forks, knives, and bibs to eat it. No one has been able to eat the whole thing. People are still trying to create an even bigger burger! The Belly Buster burger is the biggest burger. Which statement best supports this idea? A. Fast food places have some very big hamburgers. B. The Whopper is Burger King's largest hamburger. C. Most Americans really like to eat hamburgers. D. The Belly Buster has 10.5 pounds of ground beef.
What is D. The Belly Buster has 10.5 pounds of ground beef.
400
Long ago, the kingdom of Phrygia was without a king. It was decided that the next king would be the next man to drive an ox-cart into the city. This lucky man was named Gordias. The people of Phrygia made him king at once. Gordias was grateful. To honor his god, Zeus, he tied his ox-cart to a temple with a difficult knot. It was said that the person who could untie the knot would become the king of Asia. Many tried to untie the knot, but it seemed impossible. Finally, in 333 BC, Alexander the Great came and gave it a try. He could find no end to the knot to untie it, so he used his sword to slice it loose. Alexander then went on and conquered Asia. What type of writing is this? A. a legend B. an autobiography C. a biography D. a fairy tale
What is A. a legend
400
During the War of 1812, the British set fire to the U.S. Capitol. They also burned the 3,000 books in the Library of Congress. Thomas Jefferson helped create the library when he was president. He chose books and hired the first two librarians. By the time the war started, he was retired. He had a library of books at his home. It was known as the finest private library in the country. He offered to sell Congress his 6,487 books for $23,950. He hoped to build a new Library of Congress. Congress was excited to get the books for such a low price. His books covered many topics. The library once had books on only history or law. Jefferson's books covered art, science, and more. He also had books in French, Spanish, and Latin. He thought Congress should read about all subjects. http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/presidents/jefferson/library_1 Which is the best summary of this passage? A. During the War of 1812, the books of the Library of Congress were burned. Thomas Jefferson sold his large collection of books to help build a new Library of Congress. B. Thomas Jefferson liked to read books that were written in many different languages. He thought Congress should read about all subjects, like art, science, and more. C. The British started the War of 1812 when they burned the U.S. Capitol building. After he was President, Jefferson offered to sell Congress his 6,487 books for $23,950. D. Thomas Jefferson hired the first two librarians to work at the Library of Congress. He said, "I cannot live without books." He made a library so all Americans could read.
What is A. During the War of 1812, the books of the Library of Congress were burned. Thomas Jefferson sold his large collection of books to help build a new Library of Congress.
400
(1) Amber and April are twins. (2) They are ten years old. (3) Amber is older than April. (4) She is older by three minutes. (5) Amber and April look exactly alike. (6) They do not like the same activities. (7) Amber likes to play sports. (8) April likes to play different instruments. (9) Amber and April like some of the same things. (10) They like to watch movies. (11) They like to play board games. (12) Amber and April want to be veterinarians when they grow up. (13) They want to keep animals healthy. (14) They want to help sick animals get better. What is the BEST way to combine sentences 13 and 14? A. They want to keep animals healthy, and want to make sick animals better. B. They want to keep animals healthy; and make sick animals better. C. They want to keep animals healthy, make sick animals better. D. They want to keep animals healthy and make sick animals better.
What is D. They want to keep animals healthy and make sick animals better.
400
How should the word vaccination be divided into syllables? A. vacci-na-tion B. vacc-in-a-tion C. vac-ci-nation D. vac-ci-na-tion
What is D. vac-ci-na-tion
500
How much television do you watch a week? Maybe you watch five hours a week. Maybe you watch five a day. That is over 30 hours of TV a week! What would your life be like without TV? One organization wants you to find out! In 1995, TV Turnoff Network started an event. It is called TV Turnoff Week. The goal is to get people off of their couches. People can use that week to get active. They can draw, ride a bike, or play a game. TV Turnoff Week usually happens the last week in April. When the event started, only a few thousand people were involved. Last year, over 7.6 million people joined. The group asks people to “Turn off TV, and turn on life.” The TV Turnoff Network started this event because of kids. Kids spend more time watching TV than they do at school. Watching too much TV leads to bad health. People who watch too much TV do not eat well and do not exercise as much. So turn off your TV for a week. You never know what might happen! TV Turnoff Week is becoming a big event in the U.S. Which statement supports this idea? A. Instead of watching TV, people can exercise or play games. B. TV Turnoff Network started the event to get people to be active. C. The event grew to 7.6 million people participating last year. D. Many kids watch the TV for more time than they are in school.
What is C. The event grew to 7.6 million people participating last year.
500
Passage 1 In French, the word for hello is "bonjour." It literally means "good day." When a French speaker sees a friend he might say, "Bonjour. Comment-allez vous?" This means "Hello. How are you?" Then his friend might answer, "Bien, merci, et toi?" His friend is saying "Fine, thanks. And you?" Passage 2 Many people around the world speak Spanish. When Spanish speakers see each other they say "Hola." This means "hello" in Spanish. To ask how a friend is doing, they say "Cómo estás?" This means "How are you?" A good answer to this is "Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y tú?" This means "Very well, thanks. And you?" In what way are these two passages alike? A. Both passages explain how languages change. B. Both passages talk about changing cultures. C. Both passages teach you about another language. D. Both passages talk about French people.
What is C. Both passages teach you about another language.
500
Fats are found in animals and plants. Foods that you eat every day are made of fats. Butter is made mostly of animal fat. Margarine is made mostly from plant fat. Fats that are liquid at room temperature are called oils. Oils are used on salads and can be used to fry food. Fat is stored under the skin of humans and many animals. Fat helps keep people and animals warm. It also helps protect areas around eyeballs and other body parts. In plants, most of the fat is stored in the seeds. The fat provides food to the seed when it first begins to grow. Is it possible to have too much fat? Of course! Doctors say that people should be careful about how much fat they eat. Most foods have a little fat, but a person can get sick if he or she eats a large amount of food with too much fat. Which is the best summary of the selection? A. Doctors say that people should not eat too much fat in their food. However, most foods have a little fat in them. B. Fats that are liquid at room temperature are called oils. Fat helps seeds get food when they first start growing. C. Fat helps keep people and animals warm and protects their bodies. In plants, most of the fat is stored in the seeds. D. Fat, which is found in animals and plants, is important to living things. Eating too much fat can make a person sick.
What is D. Fat, which is found in animals and plants, is important to living things. Eating too much fat can make a person sick.
500
(1) Scientists recently found dinosaur tracks that provide evidence that big meat-eating ones could run. (2) These huge animals usually moved slowly. (3) However, the tracks showed that Tyrannosaurus rex could move quickly when necessary. (4) The tracks also helped scientist Julie Day and her team calculate how fast the dinosaurs could run. (5) By spreading its toes and placing one foot in front of the other, the creature could run 19 mph. (6) The big dinosaurs were friendly animals. The meaning of sentence 1 can be improved by changing ones to A. dinosaurs. B. horses. C. it. D. Julie.
What is A. dinosaurs.
500
Find the word that has been divided into syllables correctly. A. play-ed B. mend-ed C. hun-ted D. cam-ped
What is B. mend-ed