Nonsense Words
Cause & Effect
Author's Purpose
Main Idea
Grab Bag
100

The spelumpeak flew gracefully, stretching its feathered wings in the moonlight.

What is a "spelumpeak"?

a bird
100

Tim forgot his math textbook, so he was unable to complete his homework. What is the cause?

Tim forgot his math textbook

100

Dear Principal Jones,

Our class is studying the solar system. We believe that a trip to the planetarium would be a good educational experience and would go along with what we are studying. The planetarium is another way to learn about the solar system and can offer a different experience than we can get in the classroom. We hope you will agree to let us go. 

 Thank you,

 Mrs. Smith's 4th grade class

What is the author's purpose? 

a) to inform students about the planetarium 

b) to persuade the principal to let students go to the planetarium

c) to inform others about what the students are learning in class

d) to entertain readers with a story about the solar system

b) to persuade the principal to let students go to the planetarium
100

I have a dog whose name is Paco. He is almost 10 years old. Paco is very loveable with a brown face and short black fur. He is one of my best friends. He plays with me, sleeps with me, and goes on walks with me. I am so glad to have him around. I love him. 

The main idea of this passage is:

A. The dog’s name is Paco.

B. Everyone should have a dog.

C. The writer's dog is an important part of his life. 

D. The dog is cute and sweet

C. The writer's dog is an important part of his life

100
when an animal species totally dies out
extinct
200

"Mom, I can't wait to go to Plunkeratone!" shrieked the little girl as she rubbed the last bit of sunscreen on her face, put on her sunglasses, and grabbed her towel.

Where is the little girl going? 

beach or pool
200

Keegan was hungry because he skipped lunch. What is the cause?

He skipped lunch
200

The game of checkers is a game played with two players. There is a game board with 32 dark and 32 light squares. Each player gets twelve game pieces. Players take turns moving diagonally on the dark squares. A player can capture an opponent’s piece by jumping over that piece. When the piece is captured it is removed from the board. A player wins when the opponent cannot make a move or has lost all his pieces.

What is the author's purpose in writing this?

a) to describe a chess board to a new player

b) to entertain you with a story about playing chess

c) to persuade you to play the game of chess

d) to teach you how to play the game of chess

d) to teach you how to play the game of chess

200

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave! 

The main idea of this passage is:

A. Weekends are times to travel.

B. The writer enjoys spending time with family. 

C. The writer’s grandparents live far away. 

D. The writer is sad to leave her cousins. 

B. The writer enjoys spending time with family.

200
the country to the north of the Unite States
Canada
300

After staying up very late to watch football, Kate fell asleep boshly

What is a synonym for boshly?

quickly
300

Mike's 4x4 had a flat tire, so he couldn't go riding with his friends. What is the effect?

He couldn't go riding with his friends
300

The three boys walked up to the deserted house. It was a dark night and all three were scared, but would not admit it. They timidly walked up the steps. All of a sudden, they heard a loud noise. They turned and ran home. They would never try that again!

What is the author's purpose in writing this story?

a) to persuade you to be more careful when walking at night time

b) to teach you about dangerous creatures that come out at night

c) to entertain you with a scary story about three boys

d) to inform you what happens when you don't listen to your parents

c) to entertain you with a scary story about three boys

300

 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. 

The main idea of this passage is:

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

300
an exaggerated story told about a famous person
tall tale
400
The remper started to beep, so my dad rushed to the kitchen. 


What is a remper? 

alarm
400

Billy couldn't find the potato chips because his sister hid them in the freezer. What is the effect

Billy couldn't find the potato chips
400

Summer is the best season of the year. You can spend all your time outdoors and not get cold. You can swim and enjoy many sports that you can’t when it is winter. There are leaves on the trees and flowers are in bloom. You can leave all the windows open in your house. Summer is so pleasant; too bad it doesn’t last all year.

What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?

a) to persuade you that summer is the best season

b) to inform you about the fun things you can do in the summer

c) to teach you about the different seasons of the year

d) to compare summer to winter

a) to persuade you that summer is the best season

400

Homemade pizza is delicious. First, make the dough from flour, water, and yeast. After that, begin making the tomato sauce. Next, add any vegetables you like. Then, bake it in the oven. After a short time, the kitchen begins to smell delicious. Soon, it’s ready to eat! 

The main idea of this passage is:

How to make pizza
400
Name all 5 food groups
dairy, grain, meat, fruit, and vegetables
500

When the steaming turkey came out of the oven, it was too tribbilish to touch.


What is an antonym for "tribblish"?

cold
500

John studied his multiplication facts and he got a 100% on his math test. What is the effect?

he got a 100% on his math test
500

Recycling is something everyone should do. Our earth is becoming more and more polluted. One thing we can do to help with this problem is to recycle. People can take papers, glass, and plastics to recycling centers or some places will pick them up. Another way to recycle is to use things over again. Wash out a paper cup and use it two or three times before throwing it away. Any little bit will help a great deal, so recycle often. 

What is the author's purpose?

a) to teach you how to recycle

b) to inform you about different methods of recycling 

c) to entertain you with a story about recycling

d) to convince you that you should recycle

d) to convince you that you should recycle

500

If you are feeling sad, you can make yourself feel better by doing a few simple things. You can take a walk (or get another form of exercise), you can talk to a friend, or you can write down your feelings. Writing down the good things in your life will help too. Doing something good for someone else will also help you feel better. If you still feel a little sad, act happy. It works like magic to make you feel better! 

The main idea of this passage is:

There are many ways to make yourself feel better

500
45 divided by 9
5