Greek Roots
The hikers reached the summit, which is the highest point of the mountain.
Think about the Latin root sum meaning “highest.” What does summit most likely mean?
A. The bottom of a mountain
B. The middle of a mountain
C. The highest point
D. A flat area
C. The highest point
The bear will hibernate in a cave during the cold winter months.
Now read the dictionary entry.
hibernate (ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt) verb
to sleep through the winter
to hide food
to travel south
to build a nest
Which definition best matches the way hibernate is used in the sentence?
A. Definition 1
B. Definition 2
C. Definition 3
D. Definition 4
A. Definition 1
Squirrels gather acorns in the fall and store them in the ground. During the winter, when food is harder to find, they dig up the acorns to eat.
Based on the passage, what effect does winter have on squirrels?
A. It causes squirrels to grow thicker fur.
B. It causes squirrels to move to warmer places.
C. It causes squirrels to search for the acorns they stored.
D. It causes squirrels to stop eating.
C. It causes squirrels to search for the acorns they stored.
The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth. It can grow longer than a school bus and weighs more than 20 elephants. Blue whales eat tiny shrimp-like animals called krill.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Blue whales live in cold water.
B. Blue whales are the largest animals and eat krill.
C. Blue whales travel in groups.
D. Blue whales cannot swim very fast.
B. Blue whales are the largest animals and eat krill.
The telescope allowed us to see microscopic organisms in the pond water.
Think about the Greek root micro. What does microscopic most likely mean?
A. Very small
B. Very bright
C. Very fast
D. Very colorful
A. Very small
The desert is known for its harsh climate, with extreme heat during the day.
Now read the dictionary entry.
harsh (härsh) adjective
loud and unpleasant to hear
cruel or severe
bright in color
smooth to the touch
Which definition best matches the way harsh is used in the sentence?
A. Definition 1
B. Definition 2
C. Definition 3
D. Definition 4
B. Definition 2
When heavy rain falls, rivers can overflow their banks. The extra water spreads across nearby land, sometimes damaging homes and roads.
Based on the passage, what effect does heavy rain have on rivers?
A. It causes rivers to dry up.
B. It causes rivers to overflow their banks.
C. It causes rivers to freeze solid.
D. It causes rivers to become smaller.
B. It causes rivers to overflow their banks.
Many people enjoy gardening as a hobby. Gardening helps people relax, and it can also provide fresh fruits and vegetables to eat.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Gardening is a relaxing and helpful hobby.
B. Gardens need a lot of sunlight.
C. Plants grow faster in the summer.
D. Gardening is only for experts.
A. Gardening is a relaxing and helpful hobby.
The submarine can travel through the ocean autonomously without a pilot.
Think about the Greek root auto. What does autonomously most likely mean?
A. With great speed
B. Underwater
C. By itself
D. With loud noise
C. By itself
The scientist observed the animal’s behavior in its natural habitat.
Now read the dictionary entry.
behavior (bi-ˈhā-vyər) noun
the way someone acts
the way something is built
a type of shelter
a scientific tool
Which definition best matches the way behavior is used in the sentence?
A. Definition 1
B. Definition 2
C. Definition 3
D. Definition 4
A. Definition 1
Plants need sunlight to make their own food through a process called photosynthesis. Without enough sunlight, plants may grow slowly or become weak.
Based on the passage, what effect does a lack of sunlight have on plants?
A. It causes plants to grow faster.
B. It causes plants to produce more flowers.
C. It causes plants to grow slowly or become weak.
D. It causes plants to change color instantly.
C. It causes plants to grow slowly or become weak.
Owls hunt at night. Their sharp hearing and large eyes help them find small animals in the dark.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Owls are quiet birds.
B. Owls hunt at night using special body features.
C. Owls sleep during the day.
D. Owls live in forests.
B. Owls hunt at night using special body features.
The scientist carefully studied the geology of the canyon walls.
Think about the Greek root geo. What does geology most likely mean?
A. The study of weather
B. The study of animals
C. The study of the Earth and rocks
D. The study of space
C. The study of the Earth and rocks
The eagle used its sharp talons to catch its prey.
Now read the dictionary entry.
talon (ˈta-lən) noun
a bird’s sharp claw
a type of feather
a nest made of sticks
a loud bird call
Which definition best matches the way talons is used in the sentence?
A. Definition 1
B. Definition 2
C. Definition 3
D. Definition 4
A. Definition 1
When temperatures drop below freezing, water can turn into ice. This can make sidewalks and roads slippery and dangerous.
Based on the passage, what effect does freezing temperature have on water?
A. It causes water to boil.
B. It causes water to evaporate quickly.
C. It causes water to disappear completely.
D. It causes water to turn into ice.
D. It causes water to turn into ice.
Many students bring books to read on long car rides. Reading helps pass the time and makes the trip feel shorter.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Reading helps pass time on long trips.
B. Students like cars.
C. Books are expensive.
D. Car rides are boring.
A. Reading helps pass time on long trips.
Many ocean animals use bioluminescence to glow in the dark waters.
Think about the Greek root bio. What does bioluminescence most likely mean?
A. Water that glows at night
B. Light made by living things
C. Plants growing in the ocean
D. Deep parts of the ocean
B. Light made by living things
Some animals migrate to find a more suitable habitat.
Now read the dictionary entry.
habitat (ˈha-bə-ˌtat) noun
a kind of food
a place where a plant or animal lives
a type of weather
a hunting technique
Which definition best matches the way habitat is used in the sentence?
A. Definition 1
B. Definition 2
C. Definition 3
D. Definition 4
B. Definition 2
Honeybees visit flowers to collect nectar. As they move from flower to flower, they spread pollen, helping plants produce seeds.
Based on the passage, what effect do honeybees have on flowers?
A. They prevent flowers from growing.
B. They cause flowers to close permanently.
C. They help flowers produce seeds.
D. They cause flowers to lose their color.
C. They help flowers produce seeds.
Bees help flowers grow by spreading pollen from flower to flower. This helps plants make seeds and reproduce.
What is the central idea of the passage?
A. Bees help plants reproduce by spreading pollen.
B. Bees live in hives.
C. Flowers are colorful.
D. Bees make honey for humans.
A. Bees help plants reproduce by spreading pollen.