Main Idea/Key Details
America's Roller Coasters
The first roller coaster in the United States opened in 1884. It was located in Coney Island, a beach area in Brooklyn, New York. On the ride, cars moved along on hilly tracks at about six miles an hour. It was a huge success. By around 1900, the nation had hundreds of roller coasters. A new roller coaster opened at Coney Island in 1927. It went a thrilling sixty miles per hour. By the 1950s, new types of amusement parks, like California's Disneyland, were building bigger and better roller coasters. Today, roller coasters can go as fast as 128 miles an hour!
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The first roller coaster opened in Coney Island, New York.
B. Roller coasters have become faster and more exciting over time.
C. Disneyland builds the biggest and best roller coasters.
D. The first roller coaster could only go six miles an hour.
B. Roller coasters have become faster and more exciting over time.
Not everyone likes to cook or even has the time to do so. Engineers in Britain have developed a robot that can make a meal. The robot is able to imitate the movements of human hands as a result of several different motors and sensors. Because it can also be programmed with daily directions, it can have breakfast or dinner ready just when you want it.
Why can the robot have breakfast and dinner ready?
A. It can be programmed with daily directions.
B. Engineers in Britain taught it.
C. The robot has special sensors.
D. It has built-in recipes for every meal.
A. It can be programmed with daily directions.
The fennec fox lives in the Sahara Desert. It has very large ears that help it regulate its body temperature by releasing heat. On hot days, the fox flaps its ears to stay cool and active.
What does the word regulate mean as it is used in the passage?
A. Control
B. Eat
C. Hide
D. Play
A. Control
Lions:
Lions live in Africa and usually stay in groups called prides. They hunt together to catch large animals like zebras and wildebeests. Lions have golden fur and a mane around the males’ heads.
Tigers:
Tigers live in Asia and usually live alone. They hunt quietly to catch deer and wild pigs. Tigers have orange fur with black stripes, which helps them hide in the forest.
How are lions and tigers alike?
A. Both live in groups called prides
B. Both hunt animals for food
C. Both have stripes on their fur
D. Both live in Asia
B. Both hunt animals for food
Orville and Wilbur Wright were fascinated by flight from a young age. They built and tested small gliders before attempting powered flight. In 1903, they successfully flew the first airplane at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their plane stayed in the air for just 12 seconds, but it marked a historic moment. They carefully studied the wind and adjusted their designs. Each flight taught them something new. People were amazed by their invention. The Wright brothers changed how humans travel forever.
Which quotation from the passage explains why the Wright brothers’ first flight was important?
A. “In 1903, they successfully flew the first airplane at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.”
B. “They carefully studied the wind and adjusted their designs.”
C. “Their plane stayed in the air for just 12 seconds, but it marked a historic moment.”
D. “People were amazed by their invention.”
C. “Their plane stayed in the air for just 12 seconds, but it marked a historic moment.”
The first telephone call was made by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. His invention allowed people to talk to each other from far away for the first time. Early telephones had to be connected by wires and could only be used in certain places. Over time, telephones became smaller and easier to use. In the 1980s, cell phones were invented, allowing people to make calls without wires. Today, smartphones can do much more than make calls—they can take pictures, send messages, and even connect to the internet.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Alexander Graham Bell made the first telephone call in 1876.
B. Telephones have changed and improved greatly over time.
C. Cell phones were first used in the 1980s.
D. Smartphones can take pictures and connect to the internet.
B. Telephones have changed and improved greatly over time.
Have you ever wondered how bees make honey? First, a bee collects watery nectar from flowers. Then the bee stores it in a special honey stomach, or sac. When the sac fills up, the bee returns to the hive. The bees then pass the nectar from bee to bee using their mouths. Passing the nectar causes the water to drop out. This slowly changes the nectar into honey.
What happens after a bee collects watery nectar from flowers?
A. The bee collects watery nectar from flowers.
B. The bee returns to the hive.
C. The bee stores the nectar in a special honey stomach, or sac.
D. The nectar then turns into honey.
C. The bee stores the nectar in a special honey stomach, or sac.
A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s surface where magma can escape. When the volcano erupts, the hot, liquid rock flows down the sides. People must stay far away because the magma can burn everything in its path.
What does the word magma mean as it is used in the passage?
A. Frozen ice
B. Molten rock under the ground
C. Hot gas
D. Soil
B. Molten rock under the ground
Bicycles:
Bicycles are powered by pedaling and are good for short trips. They are quiet and do not pollute the air. People often use bicycles to exercise or travel around neighborhoods.
Cars:
Cars use engines and can travel long distances quickly. Cars can carry more people and heavy items than bicycles, but they produce exhaust and noise.
How do bicycles and cars compare and contrast?
A. Both help people travel, but bicycles are quieter and do not pollute.
B. Both can carry heavy items easily, but cars are faster.
Bicycles travel long distances faster, while cars are used for exercise.
D. Both produce exhaust and noise when used.
A. Both help people travel, but bicycles are quieter and do not pollute.
Rosa Parks worked as a seamstress in Montgomery, Alabama. She believed that all people should be treated equally. One day, she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. Her brave action led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Many people joined the boycott to protest unfair laws. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. encouraged peaceful demonstrations. Parks’ courage inspired change across the United States. She became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement.
Which quotation from the passage shows Rosa Parks is still remembered today?
“She believed that all people should be treated equally.”
B. “One day, she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger.”
C. “Her brave action led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.”
D. “She became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement.”
D. “She became a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement.”
Long ago, millions of bison roamed the Great Plains of North America. They provided food, clothing, and shelter for many Native American tribes. In the 1800s, hunters began killing bison in huge numbers for their hides. By the late 1800s, fewer than one thousand bison were left. People realized the animals might disappear forever. Wildlife groups and the U.S. government worked to protect the remaining bison. Thanks to these efforts, thousands of bison now live safely in national parks and reserves.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Bison were once the main source of food for Native American tribes.
B. Hunters killed too many bison in the 1800s for their hides.
C. People helped save the bison from disappearing completely.
D. Bison now live in national parks and reserves.
C. People helped save the bison from disappearing completely.
In 1868, the United States signed an agreement with the Sioux people, a Native American tribe. Lands were set aside for the Sioux to live on as a result of the agreement. In 1874, however, gold was discovered in an area of Sioux land called the Black Hills. For this reason, the United States wanted the land back. In 1876, thousands of Native Americans gathered at the Little Bighorn River in Montana to defend their right to the land. The U.S. Army sent soldiers to fight them. This led to the Battle of Little Bighorn.
What was the result of the United States and the Sioux signing an agreement in 1868?
A. Gold was discovered in the Black Hills.
B. Lands were set aside for the Sioux to live on.
C. Thousands of Native Americans gathered at the Little Bighorn River.
D. The U.S. Army sent soldiers to fight the Sioux.
B. Lands were set aside for the Sioux to live on.
Rainbows appear when sunlight shines through raindrops. The drops refract the light, which causes the colors to spread across the sky. People often see the rainbow’s bright arch after a storm.
What does the word refract mean as it is used in the passage?
A. Bend
B. Break
C. Spread
D. Stop
A. Bend
Freshwater Fish:
Freshwater fish live in lakes and rivers. They cannot survive in salty water. Examples include trout and catfish, which live in calm waters.
Saltwater Fish:
Saltwater fish live in oceans. They can survive in water with high salt content. Examples include tuna and clownfish, which often swim in large schools.
Which statement correctly compares freshwater and saltwater fish?
A. Freshwater fish live in oceans, saltwater fish live in lakes.
B. Both types of fish live in water and use gills, but they live in different water types.
C. Freshwater fish swim in schools, while saltwater fish swim alone.
D. Saltwater fish cannot survive in water, but freshwater fish can.
B. Both types of fish live in water and use gills, but they live in different water types.
Giant pandas live in the mountains of China. They eat mostly bamboo but sometimes eat small animals. Pandas are shy and spend much of their day resting. Scientists have studied them to understand their behavior. Because their habitat is limited, pandas are considered endangered. Conservation efforts have helped some panda populations grow. People around the world celebrate panda conservation success. Giant pandas remain an important species to protect.
Which detail shows the population of Pandas is threatened?
A. “Giant pandas live in the mountains of China.”
B. “Because their habitat is limited, pandas are considered endangered.”
C. “They eat mostly bamboo but sometimes eat small animals.”
D. “People around the world celebrate panda conservation success.”
B. “Because their habitat is limited, pandas are considered endangered.”
Before electric light bulbs existed, people used candles, oil lamps, or gas lamps to see at night. These lights were dim, smoky, and sometimes dangerous. Inventors around the world tried to find a safer and brighter way to create light. In 1879, Thomas Edison developed a long-lasting electric light bulb. His invention allowed people to light their homes and streets more easily. Soon, cities began using electric lights everywhere, and life after dark changed forever.
Which detail from the passage supports the main idea of: The invention of the light bulb made lighting safer and changed daily life.
A. "Before electric light bulbs existed, people used candles, oil lamps, or gas lamps to see at night."
B. "These lights were dim, smoky, and sometimes dangerous."
C. "In 1879, Thomas Edison developed a long-lasting electric light bulb."
D. "Inventors around the world tried to find a safer and brighter way to create light."
D. "Inventors around the world tried to find a safer and brighter way to create light."
Oxen and bison (also called buffalo) are two animals that were often seen in the United States in the past. Oxen are male cattle that are trained by people. Unlike oxen, bison are wild animals. Oxen are large, strong animals with horns. Bison are also large horned animals, but they have thick, shaggy coats, while oxen have smoother coats. Oxen are known as slow-moving animals, but bison can run fast. Oxen were used throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to carry loads and plow fields. In contrast, bison were hunted for food and for their skins. Wild bison are no longer a common sight in the United States, and there are fewer oxen on farms as well.
According to the passage, choose two things oxen and bison have in common.
A. They are both large animals.
B. They both have horns.
C. They are both trained by people.
D. They can both run very fast.
E. They were both hunted for food and skins.
A. They are both large animals & B. They both have horns.
The classroom was chaotic after the art project ended. Paintbrushes were on the floor, papers were everywhere, and students were talking loudly. Mrs. Hill asked everyone to calm down and clean up.
What does the word chaotic most likely mean?
A. Very messy or disorganized
B. Quiet and peaceful
C. Neat and clean
D. Boring or dull
A. Very messy or disorganized
Winter:
Winter is cold and often snowy in many places. People wear heavy coats and boots to stay warm. Some animals hibernate to survive the cold months.
Summer:
Summer is warm and sunny. People wear light clothes and spend more time outdoors. Some animals are more active during this season.
Based on the passages, which statement best explains how winter and summer affect people and animals?
A. People dress the same in both seasons, but animals change their behavior.
B. Summer is colder than winter, so animals sleep more in summer.
C. Winter and summer do not affect humans or animals.
D. Both seasons affect daily activities, but winter is colder and causes some animals to hibernate.
D. Both seasons affect daily activities, but winter is colder and causes some animals to hibernate.
Alexander Graham Bell invented the first working telephone in 1876. Before that, people communicated using letters and telegraphs. Bell’s invention allowed voices to travel over wires for the first time. He demonstrated it by calling his assistant in another room. Many people were amazed to hear someone’s voice from far away. The telephone quickly became important for businesses and families. Bell continued to improve his designs over time. His work changed the way people communicate forever.
Which quotation from the passage explains why Alexander Graham Bell’s invention was important?
“Before that, people communicated using letters and telegraphs.”
B. “Bell’s invention allowed voices to travel over wires for the first time.”
C. “He demonstrated it by calling his assistant in another room.”
D. “Many people were amazed to hear someone’s voice from far away.”
B. “Bell’s invention allowed voices to travel over wires for the first time.”
In the 1960s, only a few scientists could use computers, and those computers were huge machines that filled entire rooms. A group of researchers began working on a way for computers to share information quickly. Their project eventually grew into what we now call the internet. By the 1990s, people around the world could send emails, look up facts, and shop online. Today, billions of people use the internet every day to learn, communicate, and connect.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The internet has grown from a small project into something used worldwide.
B. The internet began as a way for scientists to share information.
C. People started sending emails in the 1990s.
D. Computers used to be very large and slow.
A. The internet has grown from a small project into something used worldwide.
There are three main ways to put out a fire. When a firefighter sprays water on a fire, the water cools the heat of the fire. However, it's dangerous to put water on some fires, like oil or grease fires. For this reason, oil fires are covered with a special foam. The foam prevents the fire from getting oxygen, which it needs in order to burn. To control forest fires, firefighters dig something called a fire line. As a result of the fire line, the fire is cut off from fuel, such as grass, bushes, and trees.
What causes a fire to be unable to reach fuel to burn?
A. It can be dangerous to spray water on a forest fire.
B. Firefighters cover the fire with special foam.
C. Firefighters dig a fire line.
D. Firefighters spray water on the fire.
C. Firefighters dig a fire line.
Water moves through the environment in a cycle. When the sun heats water in lakes or rivers, it turns into vapor and rises into the sky. Clouds form when this vapor cools and condenses.
Which phrase from the passage helps the reader understand the meaning of the word vapor as it is used in the passage?
A. "water moves through..."
B. "in a cycle..."
C. "in lakes or rivers..."
D. "rises into the sky..."
D. "rises into the sky..."
Owls:
Owls are nocturnal and hunt mostly at night. They have sharp eyesight and strong talons to catch prey. Owls can rotate their heads almost all the way around.
Hawks:
Hawks are active during the day and also have sharp eyesight and strong talons. They fly very fast to swoop down on their prey. Hawks usually live in forests or open fields.
How do owls and hawks differ in the way they hunt?
A. Owls hunt at night and use head rotation, while hawks hunt during the day and rely on speed.
B. Both hunt at night, but hawks rotate their heads more than owls.
C. Owls hunt during the day, while hawks hunt at night.
D. Hawks are nocturnal, and owls rely on speed when hunting.
A. Owls hunt at night and use head rotation, while hawks hunt during the day and rely on speed.
Long ago, people wrote on clay tablets and pieces of bark. These materials were heavy or hard to use. Around 105 A.D., a Chinese man named Cai Lun invented a way to make paper from plants. This new material was lighter and easier to write on. Soon, paper spread across China and later to other parts of the world. Schools, businesses, and governments used paper to share information. Over time, paper helped people record ideas and stories more easily than before. Paper became one of the most important inventions in history.
The passage states that “Paper became one of the most important inventions in history” (paragraph 1). Which quotation from the passage supports this statement?
A. “Long ago, people wrote on clay tablets and pieces of bark.”
B. “This new material was lighter and easier to write on.”
C. “Over time, paper helped people record ideas and stories more easily than before.”
D. “Schools, businesses, and governments used paper to share information.”
C. “Over time, paper helped people record ideas and stories more easily than before.”