Central Idea-Text Structure
Koko the Gorilla
In 1971, a gorilla named Koko was born in a zoo in San Francisco. She became very sick, which worried the zookeepers. To help Koko, a scientist took care of her, and she began to recover. Unlike wild gorillas, Koko grew up around people. When she was six months old, the scientist started teaching her American Sign Language, which uses hand and arm movements called signs to express needs and feelings.
Koko learned signs through practice. For example, to teach her the sign for "food," the scientist showed her food while making the sign and guiding Koko's fingers. Eventually, Koko began using signs on her own, including asking for a pet kitten. She raised several kittens, and news of her caring nature spread, making her famous.
Koko appeared in magazines and on television, helping raise awareness about protecting gorillas in the wild. Throughout her life, she learned about a thousand signs, expressing her thoughts and feelings to scientists. Thanks to Koko, we gained a better understanding of gorillas and their needs.
How did living with a scientist impact Koko's development?
A. Koko learned to live in the wild.
B. Koko preferred solitude over companionship.
C. Koko received medical care and thrived.
D. Koko stopped growing and became inactive.
C. Koko received medical care and thrived.
Read the sentence:
The weather was unpredictable, so we decided to bring our umbrellas just in case.
Think about the prefix un-. What is the meaning of unpredictable as it is used above?
A. certain
B. easy
C. not able to be predicted
D. clear
C. not able to be predicted
"There was a large fish in the pelican’s beak."
beak - noun.
Meaning 1: account, check, invoice, statement, tab
Meaning 2: beak, mouth, muzzle
Choose a synonym from the options below to replace the underlined word in the sentence.
A. Mouth
B. Invoice
C. Statement
D. Tab
A. Mouth.
The night sky was as dark as coal.
What does the simile "as dark as coal" tell readers about the night sky?
A. The night sky is very bright.
B. The night sky is very colorful.
C. The night sky is very dark.
D. The night sky is very cloudy.
C. The night sky is very dark.
A Home for Butterflies
The third graders at Willow Elementary School in Texas are excited to learn about butterflies. Their teacher, Mr. Thompson, explained that butterflies are facing a problem: they are running out of food because flowers are disappearing due to new roads and buildings. To help, the class decided to create a butterfly garden filled with flowers to provide food for butterflies like the monarch and black swallowtail.
To start their garden, the students researched which butterflies live nearby and what plants they need. They learned that monarch caterpillars love milkweed, while black swallowtail caterpillars prefer parsley and dill. After finding the best sunny spot in the schoolyard, they planned where to plant flowers and set up puddle stations for butterflies to drink water. Now, they are ready to plant their garden and welcome butterflies to their school.
What is the main purpose of the article?
A. to provide instructions for planting a butterfly garden
B. to explain the importance of flowers in the ecosystem
C. to describe the different species of butterflies in Texas
D. to inform readers about the challenges butterflies face and how a school is helping
D. to inform readers about the challenges butterflies face and how a school is helping
Read the passage and answer the question.
Recycling is an important way to help the environment. When we recycle materials like paper, plastic, and glass, we reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Recycling also helps to save energy and decreases pollution. By making the effort to recycle, we can all contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations.
Question:
What is the central idea of this passage?
A. Recycling is difficult and takes a lot of time.
B. Recycling helps the environment by reducing waste and conserving resources.
C. Many people do not recycle at all.
D. Recycling only benefits certain materials.
B. Recycling helps the environment by reducing waste and conserving resources.
Read the sentence:
The students listened attentively to the teacher’s instructions.
Think about the suffix -ly. What is the meaning of attentively as it is used above?
A. in a careless way
B. with great focus
C. in a loud way
D. without interest
B. with great focus.
We are going on an adventure to explore the mountains.
adventure - noun.
Meaning 1: journey, expedition, adventure
Meaning 2: experience, outing
Choose a synonym to replace the underlined word in each sentence.
A. Meeting
B. Work
C. Task
D. Trip
D. Trip.
The leaves danced in the breeze.
What does the personification "danced in the breeze" tell readers about the leaves?
A. The leaves are moving gracefully.
B. The leaves are falling quickly.
C. The leaves are stuck in place.
D. The leaves are turning yellow.
A. The leaves are moving gracefully.
A Home for Butterflies
The third graders at Willow Elementary School in Texas are excited to learn about butterflies. Their teacher, Mr. Thompson, explained that butterflies are facing a problem: they are running out of food because flowers are disappearing due to new roads and buildings. To help, the class decided to create a butterfly garden filled with flowers to provide food for butterflies like the monarch and black swallowtail.
To start their garden, the students researched which butterflies live nearby and what plants they need. They learned that monarch caterpillars love milkweed, while black swallowtail caterpillars prefer parsley and dill. After finding the best sunny spot in the schoolyard, they planned where to plant flowers and set up puddle stations for butterflies to drink water. Now, they are ready to plant their garden and welcome butterflies to their school.
How does the author create a sense of urgency about the need for a butterfly garden?
A. by describing the students' excitement about learning
B. by explaining the challenges butterflies face due to disappearing flowers
C. by listing the types of butterflies that will visit the garden
D. by detailing the steps the students took to research butterflies
B. by explaining the challenges butterflies face due to disappearing flowers
Koko the Gorilla
In 1971, a gorilla named Koko was born in a zoo in San Francisco. She became very sick, which worried the zookeepers. To help Koko, a scientist took care of her, and she began to recover. Unlike wild gorillas, Koko grew up around people. When she was six months old, the scientist started teaching her American Sign Language, which uses hand and arm movements called signs to express needs and feelings.
Koko learned signs through practice. For example, to teach her the sign for "food," the scientist showed her food while making the sign and guiding Koko's fingers. Eventually, Koko began using signs on her own, including asking for a pet kitten. She raised several kittens, and news of her caring nature spread, making her famous.
Koko appeared in magazines and on television, helping raise awareness about protecting gorillas in the wild. Throughout her life, she learned about a thousand signs, expressing her thoughts and feelings to scientists. Thanks to Koko, we gained a better understanding of gorillas and their needs.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Koko was a gorilla that lived in a zoo.
B. Koko was born in San Francisco.
C. Koko had many kittens as pets.
D. Koko learned to communicate using sign language.
D. Koko learned to communicate using sign language.
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Jack wrote about his adventure in the park. Read the story and look for any changes he should make. When you finish reading, answer the questions that follow.
A Day at the Park
(1) Last Saturday, my friends and I went to the park to play. (2) The sun was shining bright and the weather was perfect. (3) We decided to have a picnic on the grass. (4) We brought sandwiches, fruit, and juice. (5) “This is the best day ever!” I said.
(6) We found a nice spot under a big tree. (7) As we sat down, we noticed that there were too many ants crawling on the blanket. (8) “Let’s move to another place,” my friend suggested. (9) We quickly packed up our food and went to a spot that was more better.
(10) After we finished eating, we played frisbee and ran around. (11) I felt so happy to be outside with my friends. (12) Before we knew it, it was time to go home. (13) I can’t wait to go back to the park again!
Question:
Jack wants to fix a mistake in sentence 9. What is the best way to change the sentence?
A. We quickly packed up our food and went to a spot that was more best.
B. We quickly packed up our food and went to a spot that was better.
C. We quickly packed up our food and went to a spot that was gooder.
D. We quickly packed up our food and went to a spot that was more good.
B. We quickly packed up our food and went to a spot that was better.
Read the sentence:
The puppy was very excited to see its owner after being alone for a long time.
Now read the thesaurus entry for "excited":
excited (ik-sahy-tid) adjective
thrilled
enthusiastic
eager
animated
Choose the synonym that best matches the way "excited" is used in the sentence.
A. thrilled
B. sad
C. tired
D. angry
A. thrilled.
The classroom was a zoo, with students talking and moving around everywhere. It felt chaotic and lively.
Identify the metaphor used in the sentences. Then explain what the metaphor tells readers about the classroom environment.
A. The metaphor is "a zoo," and it tells readers that the students are engaged in activities.
B. The metaphor is "talking and moving around," and it tells readers that the classroom is chaotic and lively.
C. The metaphor is "felt chaotic," and it tells readers that the classroom is busy.
D. The metaphor is "students," and it tells readers that there are many kids in the classroom.
A. The metaphor is "a zoo," and it tells readers that the students are engaged in activities.
The Life Cycle of a Butterfly
Butterflies undergo a remarkable transformation during their life cycle. It begins when a female butterfly lays tiny eggs on plant leaves, often camouflaged to protect them from predators.
Once the eggs hatch, caterpillars emerge. These hungry larvae eat leaves and grow quickly, shedding their skin multiple times in a process called molting. As they grow, they can change in color and size, adapting to their environment.
When ready, the caterpillar forms a protective casing called a chrysalis. Inside, it undergoes a fascinating transformation to become a butterfly. This stage can last from a few days to several months.
Finally, the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis with crumpled wings. It pumps fluid into its wings to expand them before taking its first flight, starting the life cycle again.
What does the author want us to learn about butterflies?
A. Butterflies are afraid of predators.
B. Butterflies are important for flowers.
C. Butterflies go through different stages to grow.
D. Butterflies only live for a short time.
C. Butterflies go through different stages to grow.
A Home for Butterflies
The third graders at Willow Elementary School in Texas are excited to learn about butterflies. Their teacher, Mr. Thompson, explained that butterflies are facing a problem: they are running out of food because flowers are disappearing due to new roads and buildings. To help, the class decided to create a butterfly garden filled with flowers to provide food for butterflies like the monarch and black swallowtail.
To start their garden, the students researched which butterflies live nearby and what plants they need. They learned that monarch caterpillars love milkweed, while black swallowtail caterpillars prefer parsley and dill. After finding the best sunny spot in the schoolyard, they planned where to plant flowers and set up puddle stations for butterflies to drink water. Now, they are ready to plant their garden and welcome butterflies to their school.
Why did the author include information about the butterflies and their food preferences?
A. to describe how the class prepared for their butterfly garden
B. to share the different types of butterflies they learned about
C. to explain why butterflies are important for the environment
D. to discuss how butterflies help flowers grow
B. to share the different types of butterflies they learned about.
Original Sentence: The cake was more sweet than the cookies!
What change should be made in the sentence?
A. Change more sweet to sweeter.
B. Change more sweet to most sweet.
C. Change more sweet to more sweeter.
D. No change is needed.
A. Change more sweet to sweeter
Read the sentence:
The students were amazed by the colorful decorations in the classroom.
Now read the thesaurus entry for "amazed":
amazed (uh-meizd) adjective
astonished
surprised
impressed
awed
Choose the synonym that best matches the way "amazed" is used in the sentence.
A. disappointed
B. astonished
C. surprised
D. awed
D. awed.
The children ran through the field, laughing and playing. They moved like the wind, quick and carefree.
Identify the simile used in the sentences. Then explain what the simile tells readers about the children.
A. The simile is "ran through the field," and it tells readers that the children are enjoying nature.
B. The simile is "quick and carefree," and it tells readers that the children are not worried about anything.
C. The simile is "laughing and playing," and it tells readers that the children are having fun.
D. The simile is "like the wind," and it tells readers that the children are fast and full of energy.
D. The simile is "like the wind," and it tells readers that the children are fast and full of energy.
The Journey of a River
Rivers are essential to life on Earth. They provide water for drinking, irrigation for crops, and habitats for various plants and animals. The journey of a river begins in the mountains, where melting snow and rainwater collect to form small streams. These streams flow downhill, merging together to create larger rivers.
As rivers travel, they carve through landscapes, creating valleys and canyons. They can change their course over time, influenced by weather, erosion, and human activity. Along the way, rivers encounter obstacles such as rocks and fallen trees, causing them to create beautiful waterfalls or gentle rapids.
Rivers also play a crucial role in ecosystems. They support fish populations, provide drinking water for wildlife, and help maintain the balance of local environments. As they flow into oceans or lakes, rivers carry nutrients that support diverse marine life.
Understanding the journey of a river is important for conserving water resources and protecting natural habitats. By learning about rivers, we can appreciate their beauty and significance in our world.
What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?
A. to entertain readers with stories about rivers
B. to inform readers about the journey and importance of rivers
C. to persuade readers to stop using water from rivers
D. to compare rivers with other bodies of water
B. to inform readers about the journey and importance of rivers
The Journey of a River
Rivers are essential to life on Earth. They provide water for drinking, irrigation for crops, and habitats for various plants and animals. The journey of a river begins in the mountains, where melting snow and rainwater collect to form small streams. These streams flow downhill, merging together to create larger rivers.
As rivers travel, they carve through landscapes, creating valleys and canyons. They can change their course over time, influenced by weather, erosion, and human activity. Along the way, rivers encounter obstacles such as rocks and fallen trees, causing them to create beautiful waterfalls or gentle rapids.
Rivers also play a crucial role in ecosystems. They support fish populations, provide drinking water for wildlife, and help maintain the balance of local environments. As they flow into oceans or lakes, rivers carry nutrients that support diverse marine life.
Understanding the journey of a river is important for conserving water resources and protecting natural habitats. By learning about rivers, we can appreciate their beauty and significance in our world.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Rivers are only important for fish.
B. Rivers always flow straight and never change course.
C. The journey of a river is essential for ecosystems and human life.
D. Only mountains contribute to the formation of rivers.
C. The journey of a river is essential for ecosystems and human life.
Original Sentence:
“What is they going to do at the park today?” I wondered.
What is the correct way to write the following sentence?
A. “What are they going to do at the park today?” I wondered.
B. “What is they going to do at the park today?” I wondered.
C. “What was they going to do at the park today?” I wondered.
D. No change is needed.
A. “What are they going to do at the park today?” I wondered.
Read the sentence:
The teacher was very proud of her students for their hard work.
Now read the thesaurus entry for "proud":
proud (praud) adjective
pleased
satisfied
joyful
honored
Choose the synonym that best matches the way "proud" is used in the sentence.
A. disappointed
B. pleased
C. satisfied
D. confused
C. satisfied
Read the sentences from the passage.
The storm clouds rolled in, turning the sky a dark gray. The lightning flashed like a camera flash, illuminating the night.
Identify the simile used in the sentences. Then explain what the simile tells readers about the lightning.
A. The simile is "turning the sky a dark gray," and it tells readers that the storm is intense.
B. The simile is "like a camera flash," and it tells readers that the lightning is bright and sudden.
C. The simile is "storm clouds rolled in," and it tells readers that the storm is approaching quickly.
D. The simile is "illuminating the night," and it tells readers that the lightning makes the darkness less scary.
B. The simile is "like a camera flash," and it tells readers that the lightning is bright and sudden.
The Journey of a River
Rivers are essential to life on Earth. They provide water for drinking, irrigation for crops, and habitats for various plants and animals. The journey of a river begins in the mountains, where melting snow and rainwater collect to form small streams. These streams flow downhill, merging together to create larger rivers.
As rivers travel, they carve through landscapes, creating valleys and canyons. They can change their course over time, influenced by weather, erosion, and human activity. Along the way, rivers encounter obstacles such as rocks and fallen trees, causing them to create beautiful waterfalls or gentle rapids.
Rivers also play a crucial role in ecosystems. They support fish populations, provide drinking water for wildlife, and help maintain the balance of local environments. As they flow into oceans or lakes, rivers carry nutrients that support diverse marine life.
Understanding the journey of a river is important for conserving water resources and protecting natural habitats. By learning about rivers, we can appreciate their beauty and significance in our world.
How does the author use descriptive language to enhance the reader's understanding of rivers?
A. by listing facts about rivers with no details
B. by focusing only on the negative impacts of rivers
C. by using vivid imagery to illustrate rivers' landscapes and ecosystems
C. by using vivid imagery to illustrate rivers' landscapes and ecosystems.