Reading Comprehension
Snippet:
“The wind howled across the frozen mountain. Snow covered the path, and the hikers struggled to move forward.”
Question:
What is the main idea of this passage?
👉 Answer: The hikers are struggling in harsh, cold conditions.
Fear of being trapped in a tight space is called ______.
👉 Answer: Claustrophobia
Snippet:
“The snow fell harder each hour. Soon, the roads were completely covered, and cars could no longer move.”
Question:
Which detail shows that the storm is getting worse?
👉 Answer: “The snow fell harder each hour” and “the roads were completely covered.”
This type of writing is meant to teach the reader how to do something.
Answer: What is to inform?
You see a character shivering, rubbing their arms, and wearing a scarf indoors. You can infer that it is this.
Answer: What is cold?
Snippet:
“Jalen wiped sweat from his forehead as the sun beat down on the endless desert. His water bottle was almost empty.”
Question:
What detail shows that Jalen is in danger? Use evidence from the text.
👉 Answer: His water bottle is almost empty in the hot desert, which shows he may not survive long without water.
An environment where it is very difficult for people to survive is called an ______.
👉 Answer: Extreme setting
Snippet:
“Lena’s hands trembled as she stepped onto the narrow bridge. She avoided looking down at the rushing water below.”
Question:
What evidence shows Lena is nervous or afraid?
👉 Answer: “Her hands trembled” and she “avoided looking down.”
hen an author wants you to laugh, enjoy a story, or be entertained, their purpose is usually this.
Answer: What is to entertain?
If a student is handing in homework late, looking worried, you can infer this about them.
Answer: What is they are nervous or unprepared?
Snippet:
“The tunnel grew darker as Ava crawled forward. Her hands shook, and she kept glancing behind her.”
Question:
What can you infer about how Ava is feeling? How do you know?
👉 Answer: She is scared or nervous. Her hands are shaking and she keeps looking behind her.
The icy path was slippery, steep, and could cause someone to fall at any moment. Which word best describes the path?
👉 Answer: Treacherous
Snippet:
“The hikers had not eaten in two days. Their steps slowed, and no one spoke as they continued climbing.”
Question:
What evidence suggests the hikers are exhausted?
👉 Answer: “Had not eaten in two days,” “their steps slowed,” and “no one spoke.”
If a newspaper article explains the effects of pollution on rivers, the author’s main purpose is this.
Answer: What is to inform?
In a story, the main character keeps glancing at the clock and tapping their foot. You can infer that they feel this way.
Answer: What is impatient or anxious?
Snippet:
“The river rushed wildly over sharp rocks, pulling tree branches under its powerful current.”
Question:
Why did the author describe the river this way?
👉 Answer: To show how dangerous it is and create suspense.
The scientist warned that even a small amount of the chemical could cause death. Which word best fits?
👉 Answer: Lethal
Snippet:
“The warning sign read: DO NOT ENTER. Dangerous gases detected beyond this point. Even brief exposure could cause serious harm.”
Question:
Which phrase is the strongest evidence that the area is unsafe? Explain why.
👉 Answer: “Dangerous gases detected” and “even brief exposure could cause serious harm” because it clearly explains the danger.
This author’s purpose is used when the writer wants to convince the reader to agree with their opinion.
Answer: What is to persuade?
A paragraph describes a garden with flowers drooping, soil cracking, and leaves turning brown. You can infer that the garden is experiencing this.
Answer: What is drought or lack of water?
Snippet:
“Trapped inside the narrow cave, Malik felt the walls pressing in around him. Outside, a violent storm blocked the entrance.”
Question:
How do the setting and Malik’s situation work together to increase tension in the story?
👉 Answer: The narrow cave creates fear of tight spaces, and the storm blocking the exit makes escape impossible. Together, they increase both physical and emotional tension.
Snippet:
“The climbers were trapped inside a narrow cave high on the mountain. Outside, freezing winds howled across the steep, icy cliffs. The guide warned that one wrong step could send them falling to their deaths.”
Question:
Choose two vocabulary words that best describe this situation and explain why they both apply. Use details from the passage in your answer.
👉 Answer:
Extreme setting because the mountain has freezing winds and harsh conditions that make survival difficult.
Treacherous because the steep, icy cliffs could cause someone to fall.
(Students could also argue lethal if they explain that falling could cause death.)
Snippet:
“Marcus squeezed through the tight tunnel. The air felt thin, and dirt crumbled from the ceiling above him. He wondered if he should turn back.”
Question:
Using two pieces of evidence, explain why this situation is dangerous.
👉 Answer: “The air felt thin” shows there may not be enough oxygen, and “dirt crumbled from the ceiling” suggests the tunnel could collapse.
A story about a talking dog that goes on an adventure is most likely written for this purpose.
Answer: What is to entertain?
A character avoids talking to their best friend, sighs heavily, and seems sad every time their friend is mentioned. You can infer this about their relationship.
Answer: What is there is a problem or conflict between them?