Define Key Terms
Which one is a character in a story?
A. The problem in the story
B. The place where the story happens
C. A person or animal in the story
D. The lesson the story teaches
C. A person or animal in the story.
RL 4.7 (Illustrations)
A map inside a fantasy novel helps readers—
A. Know the weather
B. Predict the ending
C. Visualize where events take place
D. Find the theme
C. Visualize where events take place
Which theme fits MOST stories where characters solve problems together?
A. Winning is more important than effort
B. Trying your best can be a success
C. Team sports are unfair
D. Practice always leads to victory
C. Trying your best can be a success
(Context clues)
In the nonfiction passage, what does the word reliable mean?
A. Fast
B. Dependable
C. Surprising
D. Heavy
B. Dependable
(Text Evidence)
Which sentence from the passage best supports the idea that trees improve air quality?
A. Trees provide shade for people on hot days
B. Cities plant trees in parks
C. Roots soak up rainwater
D. Their leaves absorb harmful gases and release oxygen
D. Tree leaves absorb harmful gases and release oxygen.
(Refer to text)
An article says, “The invention solved a major safety problem.”
What should a student look for to explain this point?
A. The title only
B. Pictures only
C. Details describing the safety problem
D. The last sentence only
C. Details describing the safety problem
RI.4.1 — Refer to Details and Examples
1. Why is a compass helpful to explorers?
A. It shows the exact speed they are traveling.
B. It uses Earth’s magnetic field to point north.
C. It tells explorers how far they have walked.
D. It works only when connected to satellites.
B. It uses Earth’s magnetic field to point north.
Dialogue
Definition: The words characters say to each other.
Question:
Which line shows dialogue?
A. Maya placed her lunchbox on the hook.
B. “Excuse me, Mr. Raccoon,” Maya said.
C. The raccoon ran out the door.
D. Maya followed the crumbs.
B. "Excuse me, Mr. Raccoon," Maya said.
Plot
The plot is the sequence of events in a story (beginning, middle, end).
Question:
Which sentence describes part of the plot?
A. The story teaches readers to be kind.
B. The main character is brave.
C. The girl followed the footprints into the woods.
D. The story takes place in winter.
C. The girl followed the footprints into the woods.
Which detail describes the setting?
A. A girl named Maya
B. A raccoon who steals a lunchbox
C. A school hallway in the morning
D. The lesson about staying calm
C. A school hallway in the morning
Which theme is best shown in the story?
A. Always buy new tools
B. Use problem solving when things go wrong
C. Friendship is confusing
D. Never go hiking
B. Use problem solving when things go wrong
(Refer to details)
What detail best shows Evan was nervous for the kickball game?
A. The ball bounced weakly.
B. Instead of groaning, his teammates clapped.
C. He hadn't quit.
D. Evan took a deep breath, stepped forward, and kicked.
D. Evan took a deep breath, stepped forward, and kicked.
(Greek/Latin roots)
The word navigation has a root meaning—
A. To write
B. To jump
C. To sail or travel
D. To speak
C. To sail or travel
(Author's Purpose)
What is the author’s purpose for writing this passage?
A. To explain the importance of trees in cities
B. To tell a fictional story about trees
C. To persuade readers to move to cities
D. To describe how to plant trees
A. To explain the importance of trees in cities
(Main idea)
Which headline BEST matches a text whose main idea is “Plants survive using different
adaptations”?
A. “Strange Foods Around the World”
B. “How Plants Stay Alive in Harsh Places”
C. “Animals in the Ocean”
D. “The Life of a Zookeeper”
B. “How Plants Stay Alive in Harsh Places”
RI.4.2 — Determine Main Idea
2. What is the MAIN IDEA of the passage?
A. Explorers prefer using only one navigation tool.
B. Navigation tools are becoming less important.
C. Explorers use different tools to travel safely and accurately.
D. GPS has completely replaced compasses.
C. Explorers use different tools to travel safely and accurately.
Theme
Definition: The deeper message about life that the story teaches.
Question:
Which theme fits a story where a character solves a mystery by thinking carefully?
A. Hard work pays off.
B. Be brave in scary situations.
C. Use clues and stay calm to solve problems.
D. Always share with others.
C. Use clues and stay calm to solve problems.
Central Message / Lesson
The central message is the big idea or lesson the author wants readers to learn.
Question:
Which sentence shows a central message?
A. Always try your best, even when something is difficult.
B. The story takes place in a small town.
C. The main character is a young boy.
D. The problem is solved at the end.
A. Always try your best, even when something is difficult.
Which sentence describes the plot?
A. The story takes place in a school.
B. Maya follows crumbs to find her lunchbox.
C. The story teaches readers to solve problems calmly.
D. Maya is the main character.
B. Maya follows crumbs to find her lunchbox.
Jordan chooses to use the map instead of the compass because—
A. It was required
B. He realized the compass was inaccurate
C. Bella told him to
D. The teacher gave directions
B. He realized the compass was inaccurate
(Meaning of words)
In a story, the phrase “the wind howled” suggests—
A. Someone was singing
B. The wind was loud and fierce
C. The wind was gentle
D. The wind was confused
B. The wind was loud and fierce
(Reference materials)
To confirm the meaning of accurate, a student should use—
A. Atlas
B. Dictionary
C. Almanac
D. Thesaurus
B. Dictionary
(Main Idea)
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Cities have too many buildings
B. Trees are difficult to take care of
C. Trees provide many benefits to cities
D. Rain causes flooding in streets
C. Trees provide many benefits to cities
(Connections)
A text says: “Because the dam held water back, the river below became smaller.”
What is the connection?
A. Sequence
B. Cause and effect
C. Compare and contrast
D. Problem and solution
B. Cause and effect
Which detail BEST supports the main idea?
A. “A compass uses Earth’s magnetic field to point toward the north.”
B. “GPS can provide detailed information such as distance, speed, and routes.”
C. “Compasses do not need batteries.”
D. “Explorers use tools to help them travel safely and accurately.”
D. “Explorers use tools to help them travel safely and accurately.”
Literal vs. Nonliteral Language
Definition: Literal = exactly what it says; nonliteral = a phrase that means something different.
Question:
Which phrase is nonliteral?
A. “The raccoon ran quickly.”
B. “Maya’s heart raced like a drum.”
C. “She picked up her lunchbox.”
D. “The crumbs were tiny.”
B." Maya's heart raced like a drum."
Character Traits
Traits describe how a character acts, thinks, or feels (brave, curious, kind).
Question:
Which trait fits a character who keeps trying even when things go wrong?
A. Lazy
B. Determined
C. Confused
D. Shy
B. Determined
Which of the following would most likely be a theme that can be found in a story?
A. Always bring a snack.
B. Stay calm and use clues to solve problems.
C. Raccoons live in many places.
D. School hallways are noisy.
B. Stay calm and use clues to solve problems.
Word meaning
What does hesitated mean in the passage?
A. Acted quickly
B. Paused briefly
C. Moved unsteadily from side to side
D. Pointed foot upward
B. Paused briefly
Word meaning
What does hesitated mean in the passage?
A. Acted quickly
B. Paused briefly
C. Moved unsteadily from side to side
D. Pointed foot upward
B. Paused briefly
(Use context and word parts)
If unreliable means “not reliable,” what does the prefix un- mean?
A. Very
B. Not
C. Over
D. Under
B. Not
(Vocabulary)
What does the word urban most nearly mean as it is used in the passage “Why Trees Matter in Cities”?
A. Related to farming areas
B. Related to cities or towns
C. Covered mostly by forests
D. Located near oceans or rivers
B. Related to cities or towns
(Meaning of words)
What does impact mean in the sentence, “The invention had a major impact on travel”?
A. A kind of machine
B. A surprise
C. A strong effect
D. A journey
C. A strong effect
RI.4.3 — Explain Events, Procedures, Ideas, or Concepts
4. How are compasses and GPS devices DIFFERENT?
A. GPS works without power, but compasses need batteries.
B. Compasses show exact location, but GPS shows only direction.
C. GPS gives detailed information, while compasses give general direction.
D. Compasses use satellites, while GPS uses Earth’s magnetic field.
C. GPS gives detailed information, while compasses give general direction.
Character
A character is a person, animal, or creature in a story.
Question:
Which example shows a character?
A. A dark forest at night
B. A girl who is searching for her dog
C. The lesson the author wants you to learn
D. The problem in the story
B. A girl who is searching for her dog.
Dialogue
Dialogue is the exact words characters say to each other.
Question:
Which line shows dialogue?
A. The dog ran across the yard.
B. “I think I found the clue!” shouted Mia.
C. The sun was bright and warm.
D. The story takes place in the morning.
"I think I found the clue!" shouted Mia.
Which sentence is written in first person?
A. “She looked for her missing lunchbox.”
B. “They followed the trail of crumbs.”
C. “I searched the hallway for clues.”
D. “He opened the classroom door.”
C. "I searched the hallway for clues."
Structure
Which part of the plot includes the turning point?
A. Jordan showing the teacher the compass
B. The class reaching the fork
C. Jordan and Bella using landmarks instead of the compass
D. Jordan putting the compass away
C. Jordan and Bella using landmarks instead of the compass
(Point of view)
Which clue shows a story is told in firstperson?
A. “They ran down the hill.”
B. “She thought about the storm.”
C. “I felt the ground shake beneath me.”
D. “Jordan explained the plan.”
C. “I felt the ground shake beneath me.”
(Context clues)
In the sentence, “The surface was uneven, so hikers walked carefully,” the word uneven means—
A. Soft
B. Not smooth
C. Narrow
D. Bright
B. Not smooth
(Text structure)
What text structure does the author mostly use in the passage “Why Trees Matter in Cities”?
A. Cause and effect
B. Sequence
C. Problem and solution
D. Compare and contrast
A. Cause and effect
(Text structure)
A passage lists: “First…, Next…, Then…, Last…”
Which structure is this?
A. Problem–solution
B. Compare–contrast
C. Sequence
D. Cause–effect
C. Sequence
RI.4.4 — Determine Meaning of Words and Phrases
5. What does the word accurate MOST LIKELY mean in the passage?
A. slow and careful
B. correct and exact
C. old and reliable
D. simple and easy
B. correct and exact
Setting
The setting is where and when a story takes place.
Question:
Which detail describes the setting?
A. A boy named Lucas
B. A raccoon who steals food
C. A playground on a windy afternoon
D. A lesson about being responsible
C. A playground on a windy afternoon
Point of View
Point of view tells who is telling the story (first person “I,” third person “he/she”).
Question:
Which sentence is written in third person?
A. “I looked everywhere for my backpack.”
B. “We hurried to the bus stop.”
C. “She opened the door and gasped.”
D. “I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
C. "She opened the door and gasped."
Which phrase includes figurative language?
A. The cat slept on the rug.
B. My backpack weighs a ton.
C. The boy opened the window.
D. The teacher smiled.
B. My backpack weighs a ton.
Point of view
The story is told from—
A. Bella’s point of view
B. Firstperson (Jordan)
C. Third-person narrator
D. The teacher’s perspective
C. Third-person narrator
RL 4.7 (Illustrations)
A map inside a fantasy novel helps readers—
A. Know the weather
B. Predict the ending
C. Visualize where events take place
D. Find the theme
C. Visualize where events take place
(Prefixes)
The word preview means—
A. View quickly
B. View before
C. View after
D. View slowly
B. View before
(Author’s point of view)
The author believes—
A. Trees should only be planted in forests
B. Cities do not need trees
C. Trees are important because they provide many benefits to cities
D. Trees mainly cause problems in urban areas
C. Trees are important because they provide many benefits to cities
(Point of view)
A scientist writes that a new robot is “an exciting breakthrough.”
This shows—
A. A fact
B. An opinion
C. A diagram
D. A title
B. An opinion
What does the phrase “do not need batteries” suggest about compasses?
A. They are difficult to use.
B. They are less helpful than GPS.
C. They are dependable when technology fails.
D. They are only used by beginners.
C. They are dependable when technology fails.
Sequence of Events
The sequence is the order in which events happen.
Question:
Which event would come first in a story?
A. The girl solves the mystery.
B. The girl finds the first clue.
C. The girl celebrates with her friends.
D. The girl explains how she solved the case.
B. The girl finds the first clue.
The main idea is the most important point the author wants the reader to understand.
Question:
What is the main idea of a paragraph explaining how turtles survive in the ocean?
A. Turtles live in many places.
B. Turtles use special body parts to survive.
C. Turtles are fun to draw.
D. Turtles are pets for many people.
B. Turtles use special body parts to survive.
Which detail supports the idea that owls are good hunters?
A. Owls sleep during the day.
B. Owls have sharp claws and excellent hearing.
C. Owls live in many forests.
D. Owls build nests in trees.
B. Owls have sharp claws and excellent hearing.
Using illustrations (hypothetical)
An illustration of the cracked compass would help readers—
A. Know the temperature
B. Visualize why Jordan distrusts the compass
C. See Bella’s backpack
D. Learn what GPS does
B. Visualize why Jordan distrusts the compass
(Compare themes)
Two stories show characters learning from mistakes. What do they have in common?
A. Same setting
B. Same characters
C. Same lesson about growth
D. Same number of chapters
C. Same lesson about growth
(Simile/metaphor)
“The classroom was a buzzing beehive.”
This is a—
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Hyperbole
D. Idiom
B. Metaphor
(Visuals)
Which text feature would be most helpful to include with the passage “Why Trees Matter in Cities” to help readers better understand the information?
A. A picture of a tree with a caption
B. A diagram showing how different parts of a tree benefit the environment
C. A glossary of plant types
D. A timeline of tree growth
B. A diagram showing how different parts of a tree benefit the environment
(Visuals)
Why might an author include a chart showing rainfall amounts?
A. To tell a story
B. To help readers compare data quickly
C. To show jokes
D. To explain theme
B. To help readers compare data quickly
RI.4.5 — Describe Text Structure
7. Which text structure is MOST used in the passage?
A. Problem and solution
B. Compare and contrast
C. Chronological order
D. Description
B. Compare and contrast
Text Features
Text features help readers locate and understand information (headings, captions, bold words, diagrams).
Question:
What does a heading help the reader do?
A. Find out who the characters are
B. Know what a section of text will be about
C. See how long the story is
D. Understand the author’s opinion
B. Know what a section of text will be about
Author’s Point of View
The author’s point of view is what the author thinks or feels about a topic.
Question:
Which sentence shows the author’s point of view?
A. “Recycling helps reduce trash.”
B. “I believe every school should recycle more.”
C. “Paper can be reused many times.”
D. “Plastic bottles can be melted and reshaped.”
B. "I believe every school should recycle more."
If a text says, “Because the weather was warm, the snow melted,” what is the effect?
A. The weather was warm
B. The snow melted
C. The snow fell
D. The weather changed
B. The snow melted
Compare themes
How does the fiction passage compare to the nonfiction passage?
A. Both are fictional
B. Both explain how GPS works
C. Both involve navigation tools used to solve problems
D. Both teach how to read a map
C. Both involve navigation tools used to solve problems
Use Details and Examples to Explain What the Text Says
1. Why does Jordan decide not to rely on his compass at the fork in the trail?
A. The compass is too heavy to carry on the hike.
B. The teacher tells him not to use it.
C. The cracked glass makes the needle move in unreliable directions.
D. Bella wants to use her compass instead.
C. The cracked glass makes the needle move in unreliable directions.
(Idioms)
What does “break the ice” mean?
A. Freeze water
B. Make people feel comfortable
C. Make snow
D. Fix a window
B. Make people feel comfortable
(Reasons & and evidence)
Which detail supports the idea that trees help keep cities cooler?
A. Trees are planted in parks
B. Trees provide shade, which can lower temperatures on hot days
C. Trees absorb rainwater
D. Trees release oxygen
B. Trees provide shade, which can lower temperatures on hot days
(Reasons & evidence)
A passage claims, “Biking improves health,” and includes heartrate data as proof.
What is the data?
A. Opinion
B. Evidence
C. Summary
D. Fiction
B. Evidence
RI.4.6 — Compare Author’s Point of View
8. What is the author’s point of view about navigation tools?
A. Explorers should only use GPS because it is more modern.
B. Compasses are outdated and no longer useful.
C. Both compasses and GPS are valuable for explorers.
D. Navigation tools are unnecessary for experienced travelers.
C. Both compasses and GPS are valuable for explorers.
Sequence is the order of events in a text.
Question:
Which event would come first in a sequence about planting seeds?
A. The plant grows leaves.
B. The seed is placed in soil.
C. The plant makes flowers.
D. The plant produces fruit.
B. The seed is placed in soil.
To compare is to tell how things are alike.
To contrast is to tell how they are different.
Question:
Which sentence shows a difference between two animals?
A. Both animals live in the forest.
B. The fox hunts at night, but the deer eats plants during the day.
C. They both have fur.
D. They both run quickly.
B. The fox hunts at night, but the deer eats plants during the day.
How would a diagram of a butterfly’s body help the reader?
A. It shows what butterflies eat.
B. It shows the parts of a butterfly and where they are located.
C. It tells a story about butterflies.
D. It explains why butterflies migrate.
B. It shows the parts of a butterfly and where they are located.
RL 4.3 (Characters, settings, events)
How does the setting of a dark forest affect a story?
A. It makes characters laugh
B. It creates suspense or mystery
C. It helps explain math problems
D. It shows the time of day
B. It creates suspense or mystery
What does Jordan’s reaction at the end of the story show about him?
A. He only values tools that work perfectly.
B. He becomes frustrated when things don’t go as planned.
C. He learns to think critically and appreciate the compass for its meaning, not its function.
D. He decides he no longer enjoys solving puzzles.
C. He learns to think critically and appreciate the compass for its meaning, not its function.
(Shades of meaning)
Which word is STRONGER than angry?
A. Upset
B. Annoyed
C. Furious
D. Calm
C. Furious
(Compare texts)
How is the nonfiction passage DIFFERENT from the fiction passage?
A. Both are fictional
B. Both include students
C. Both trees
D. One teaches facts; the other tells a story
D. One teaches facts; the other tells a story
(Integrate information)
Reading two articles about volcanoes helps readers—
A. Avoid reading
B. See which is longer
C. Compare facts and build understanding
D. Test memory
C. Compare facts and build understanding
RI.4.8 — Explain How Reasons Support Points
9. Which sentence BEST supports the idea that using multiple tools makes travel safer?
A. “GPS is extremely accurate, but it requires power and technology.”
B. “Compasses, on the other hand, do not need batteries.”
C. “Both tools are important for explorers, and many carry both.”
D. “A compass uses Earth’s magnetic field to point toward the north.”
C. “Both tools are important for explorers, and many carry both.”
Multiple Sources (RI.3.9)
Readers compare information from two texts on the same topic.
Question:
If one text says dolphins use whistles to communicate and another says they use clicks, what can the reader understand?
A. Dolphins only use whistles.
B. Dolphins only use clicks.
C. Dolphins use more than one sound to communicate.
D. Dolphins do not communicate at all.
C. Dolphins use more than one sound to communicate.
Term: Compare and Contrast
Meaning: To compare is to tell how two texts are alike. To contrast is to tell how they are different.
Question:
Two texts both explain how rainforests help the environment.
• Text 1 says rainforests clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide.
• Text 2 says rainforests provide homes for thousands of animals.
What is one way the two texts are different?
A. Only Text 1 explains how rainforests help animals.
B. Only Text 2 explains how rainforests help the environment.
C. Text 1 explains how rainforests clean the air, while Text 2 explains how they provide habitats.
D. Text 1 and Text 2 give the exact same information.
C. Text 1 explains how rainforests clean the air, while Text 2 explains how they provide habitats.