Theme
Maria had always been nervous about speaking in front of her class. She decided to try anyway. The first time, she stumbled over her words and felt embarrassed. She kept practicing and eventually gave a presentation that impressed everyone. She realized she could overcome her fear with effort.
Question: What is the theme of this story?
A) People should never speak in front of a class.
B) Practicing and facing your fears can help you succeed.
C) Embarrassment is impossible to overcome.
D) Only certain students are good at presentations.
B) Practicing and facing your fears can help you succeed.
Story:
Sophie loved robotics and dreamed of winning her school’s annual robot competition. She spent weeks designing and building her robot, but during early practice runs, it kept falling over and missing tasks. Her teammates encouraged her to keep trying, and she stayed after school to tweak the design and practice coding. Finally, on the day of the competition, Sophie’s robot performed perfectly, completing every task flawlessly. She was thrilled when her team won first place and celebrated with her friends.
Question:
Which sentence demonstrates the rising action of this story? (6.T.T.1.a, DOK 2)
A) Sophie loved robotics and dreamed of winning her school’s annual robot competition.
B) During early practice runs, the robot kept falling over and missing tasks.
C) Her teammates encouraged her to keep trying, and she stayed after school to tweak the design and practice coding.
D) On the day of the competition, Sophie’s robot performed perfectly, completing every task flawlessly.
C) Her teammates encouraged her to keep trying, and she stayed after school to tweak the design and practice coding.
The local library is my favorite place to visit. The tall shelves are packed with books of every kind. The quiet atmosphere makes it easy to focus, and the friendly librarians are always ready to help. I love discovering new stories and learning new things every time I come here.
Question:
What does the author’s description of the library reveal about their perspective or attitude toward it?
A) The author finds the library boring and dull.
B) The author enjoys the library and values learning there.
C) The author is frustrated by the quiet rules of the library.
D) The author thinks the library is only for research, not enjoyment
B) The author enjoys the library and values learning there.
"I couldn’t believe my luck when I found the hidden key under the old rug. I knew it would unlock something amazing."
This passage is written from which point of view?
A) First
B) Second
C) Third
A) First
“The old mansion was decrepit, with cracked walls, broken windows, and a roof that sagged under years of neglect.”
Question:
Based on the sentence, what does the word decrepit most likely mean? Which part of the sentence helps you know? (6.T.C.2, DOK 2)
A) Strong and sturdy; the phrase “old mansion” shows it was impressive
B) Haunted and scary; the word “roof” shows it was creepy
C) Beautiful and new; the phrase “years of neglect” shows it was recently built
D) Falling apart or worn down; the phrase “cracked walls, broken windows” shows its condition
D) Falling apart or worn down; the phrase “cracked walls, broken windows” shows its condition
Sonia found an injured bird in her backyard. She carefully built a small shelter and fed it every day. After a few weeks, the bird was strong enough to fly away. Sonia felt happy knowing she helped it get better.
Question: What is the theme of this story?
A) Caring for others can make a positive difference.
B) Animals should always be left alone.
C) Birds can heal on their own without help.
D) Helping others is a waste of time.
A) Caring for others can make a positive difference.
Amira loved reading about animals and wanted to start a small wildlife club at school. She asked her teacher for permission and invited friends to join. At first, only a few students came, but as they shared projects and went on nature walks, more classmates became interested. By the end of the semester, the club had grown, and Amira felt proud of inspiring others.
Question 1:
Which sentence describes a pair of themes in the story about Amira?
A) Only teachers can inspire students, and starting a club is too hard.
B) Reading about animals is more important than real-life activities, and clubs are always small.
C) Helping others pursue their interests can make a difference, and persistence can lead to success.
D) Being the first to join a club is the only way to succeed, and persistence doesn’t matter.
C) Helping others pursue their interests can make a difference, and persistence can lead to success.
I love my grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma of fresh bread always makes me feel at home. Her shelves are lined with colorful jars of spices, and the sunlight streams through the window, warming the room. Every time I visit, she greets me with a hug and a smile.
Question:
What does the author’s description of the kitchen reveal about their perspective or attitude toward it?
A) The author finds the kitchen cold and unwelcoming.
B) The author enjoys the kitchen and feels comforted there.
C) The author thinks the kitchen is messy and unpleasant.
D) The author believes the kitchen is only for cooking, not spending time.
B) The author enjoys the kitchen and feels comforted there.
"Ella carefully placed the books on the shelf, making sure each one was perfectly aligned. She smiled, proud of the work she had done."
This passage is written from which point of view?
A) First
B) Second
C) Third
C) Third
“The explorers were exhausted after the long trek through the jungle, and several became delirious from the heat and lack of water.”
Question:
Based on the sentence, what does the word delirious most likely mean? Which part of the sentence helps you know?
A) Happy and excited; the phrase “long trek” shows they were enjoying themselves
B) Confused or disoriented; the phrase “heat and lack of water” shows why they were affected
C) Angry and frustrated; the word “explorers” shows their temper
D) Careful and cautious; the phrase “through the jungle” shows they were cautious
B) Confused or disoriented; the phrase “heat and lack of water” shows why they were affected
Story:
Maya loved helping in her school garden, but she often felt nervous about sharing her ideas. Her teacher encouraged her to speak up during planning meetings, and her friend Carlos reminded her that everyone’s ideas are valuable. By the end of the year, Maya had suggested several changes that improved the garden, and she felt proud of her contributions.
Question:
Which sentence describes a pair of themes in the story about Maya?
A) Sharing your ideas can make a difference, and encouragement from others can help you feel confident.
B) Gardening is always easy, and working alone is better than working with friends.
C) Being nervous means you should never try, and teachers are unnecessary.
D) Only winning competitions matters, and helping others is a waste of time.
A) Sharing your ideas can make a difference, and encouragement from others can help you feel confident.
Eli had always been nervous about speaking in front of the class. He avoided volunteering for presentations, even though he knew they were part of his grade. One day, his teacher announced a group project and encouraged Eli to be the spokesperson. Eli hesitated, thinking about how everyone would watch him, but then he remembered how his older sister always told him that facing fears helps you grow. With a deep breath, he stepped up and began speaking confidently, surprising himself and earning smiles from his classmates.
Question:
Which sentence BEST shows the turning point in the story, when Eli begins to face his fear?
A) Eli had always been nervous about speaking in front of the class.
B) He avoided volunteering for presentations, even though he knew they were part of his grade.
C) Eli hesitated, thinking about how everyone would watch him, but then he remembered how his older sister always told him that facing fears helps you grow.
D) With a deep breath, he stepped up and began speaking confidently, surprising himself and earning smiles from his classmates.
C) Eli hesitated, thinking about how everyone would watch him, but then he remembered how his older sister always told him that facing fears helps you grow.
Jordan loved coding and often stayed late experimenting with new programs. One day, he tried to create a game but kept running into errors that caused it to crash. Instead of giving up, he researched online tutorials, read coding forums, and asked a mentor for advice. When he finally got the game to work, Jordan shared it with his classmates and explained how he solved each problem, hoping to inspire them to try coding themselves.
Question:
Which sentence BEST shows how the author’s perspective about persistence, learning, and sharing knowledge is revealed through Jordan’s actions?
A) The author thinks coding is too difficult and should be avoided.
B) The author believes persistence, learning from others, and sharing knowledge are important.
C) The author believes success comes only to those who never make mistakes.
D) The author thinks students should work alone and not ask for help.
B) The author believes persistence, learning from others, and sharing knowledge are important.
"You walk into the room and notice the walls are covered with old photographs. You feel a chill run down your spine as you step closer."
This passage is written from which point of view?
A) First
B) Second
C) Third
B) Second
“After being lost in the desert for days without water, the hikers began to languish, their energy fading quickly under the scorching sun.”
Question:
Based on the sentence, what does the word languish most likely mean? Which part of the sentence helps you know?
A) To rest; the phrase “under the scorching sun” shows they were relaxing.
B) To suffer or weaken; the phrase “their energy fading quickly under the scorching sun” shows how they felt.
C) To celebrate; the word “hikers” shows they were happy.
D) To travel quickly; the phrase “lost in the desert” shows they moved fast.
B) To suffer or weaken; the phrase “their energy fading quickly under the scorching sun” shows how they felt.
Which example BEST supports the theme, “Kindness can make a difference”?
A) A student ignores a classmate who drops their books.
B) A volunteer spends time helping at a local shelter and brightens people’s days.
C) A character refuses to help and says it’s not their problem.
D) A neighbor complains about others but never offers assistance.
B) A volunteer spends time helping at a local shelter and brightens people’s days.
Story:
Ethan had always wanted to run in the school’s 5K race. He trained for weeks, practicing every morning before school. On race day, he felt nervous but determined. Halfway through, he tripped and almost fell, but he got back up and kept running. In the final stretch, he sprinted toward the finish line and crossed it first, cheering loudly. After the race, he slowed down and walked around to catch his breath, talking with other runners about their performances. Later that evening, Ethan celebrated at home with his family, proud of his hard work and accomplishment.
Question:
Which two sentences BEST show the climax and falling action of the story about Ethan?
A) Ethan had always wanted to run in the school’s 5K race.
B) Halfway through, he tripped and almost fell, but he got back up and kept running.
C) In the final stretch, he sprinted toward the finish line and crossed it first, cheering loudly.
D) After the race, he slowed down and walked around to catch his breath, talking with other runners about their performances.
C) In the final stretch, he sprinted toward the finish line and crossed it first, cheering loudly.
D) After the race, he slowed down and walked around to catch his breath, talking with other runners about their performances.
Maya loved exploring the forest behind her house. She spent hours observing the birds, plants, and insects, taking notes in her journal. Sometimes she would climb trees to get a closer look at nests or follow a butterfly to see where it landed. Her parents encouraged her curiosity, and she often brought her younger brother along to teach him about nature too. One day, Maya shared her observations with her classmates, showing them sketches and fun facts about the creatures she had seen. She even led a guided nature walk for the class, pointing out different plants and animals while explaining what she had learned.
Question:
Which sentence BEST shows how the author’s perspective about curiosity and learning is revealed through Maya’s actions?
A) The author believes curiosity and sharing knowledge are valuable.
B) The author thinks exploring nature is boring and unimportant.
C) The author believes observing animals is a waste of time.
D) The author thinks learning should only happen in school.
A) The author believes curiosity and sharing knowledge are valuable.
Why does an author’s choice of point of view (first person, second person, or third person) matter when understanding a story?
A) It doesn’t matter; the reader gets the same information no matter the point of view.
B) It affects how much the reader knows about a character’s thoughts and feelings, and can influence how connected the reader feels to the character.
C) It only changes where the story takes place, not what the characters do.
D) It reveals the ending of the story before it happens.
B) It affects how much the reader knows about a character’s thoughts and feelings, and can influence
Ethan raced through the crowded streets, the horns blaring and the pavement slick from rain. His shoes splashed through puddles, and his chest heaved as he struggled to keep up with the delivery van. The city felt alive and chaotic, and every sound made his heart race faster.
Question:
Why did the author choose words like “blaring,” “splashed,” and “heaved” in this story?
A) To show that Ethan is bored and calm
B) To create a sense of urgency and make the scene feel intense
C) To explain that the city is quiet and peaceful
D) To make the story feel slow and relaxing
B) To create a sense of urgency and make the scene feel intense
Lena loved painting, but she often doubted her abilities. Her older cousin, Marco, praised her work and suggested she enter the school art contest. At first, Lena hesitated, worried she wasn’t good enough. Her friend Emma encouraged her to try, reminding her that it’s more important to enjoy creating than to win. With their support, Lena submitted her painting and felt proud of her effort, no matter the outcome.
Question:
How do the relationships and interactions between characters shape the theme in the story about Lena?
A) Lena ignores her friends and family, showing that encouragement doesn’t matter.
B) Marco and Emma’s support helps Lena gain confidence, showing that encouragement and support from others can help you achieve your goals.
C) Lena refuses to enter the contest, proving that competitions are pointless.
D) Lena wins the contest, proving that talent is more important than effort.
B) Marco and Emma’s support helps Lena gain confidence, showing that encouragement and support from others can help you achieve your goals.
Nora loved painting, but she had never entered an art contest before. When she saw a poster for the school’s art competition, she felt excited but nervous. She worried that her work wouldn’t be good enough. Over the next few weeks, Nora practiced every day, tried new techniques, and asked her teacher for feedback. On the day of the contest, she submitted her best painting and felt proud of her effort, no matter the result.
Question:
How does the plot of this story help the reader understand Nora’s challenges and decisions?
A) It shows the character’s challenges and how she changes over time.
B) It shows only the exciting parts of the story.
C) It explains events in order but doesn’t connect them to the character’s growth.
D) It only focuses on the ending, so the reader must guess what happened before.
A) It shows the character’s challenges and how she changes over time.
Liam enjoys helping his neighbors. He mows lawns, carries groceries, and delivers mail for elderly neighbors. When a big storm knocked down tree branches in his neighborhood, Liam organized a small team of friends to help clear them and make sure everyone was safe. His actions inspired others in the community to volunteer as well. At the local park, he helped set up a small garden for the neighborhood kids to plant flowers. Everyone felt closer as a result, and Liam felt proud knowing his efforts made a real difference in the lives of the people around him.
Question:
Which sentence BEST shows how the author’s perspective about helping others is revealed through Liam’s actions? (6.P.AC.1.b, DOK 3)
A) The author thinks people should mind their own business.
B) The author thinks volunteering is unnecessary and bothersome.
C) The author believes helping others is only for adults.
D) The author believes helping others strengthens community and sets a good example.
D) The author believes helping others strengthens community and sets a good example.
Leo tiptoed into the abandoned library, his flashlight shaking in his hand. He wanted to see the old books everyone talked about, but he was also nervous about what he might find. As he moved between the shelves, excitement mixed with fear ran through him.
Question:
How does the third-person point of view help the reader understand Leo?
A) The reader only observes Leo’s actions without knowing his thoughts.
B) The reader only discovers Leo’s personality at the very end.
C) The story feels like Leo is telling it himself.
D) The reader can understand Leo’s feelings and thoughts as well as the events around him.
D) The reader can understand Leo’s feelings and thoughts as well as the events around him.
Liam walked along the narrow mountain trail, feeling the loose gravel slip under his boots. The wind whistled sharply through the trees, and the branches shook like they were reaching for him. Even though he felt nervous, a sense of excitement pushed him forward.
Question:
Why did the author use words like “slip” and “whistled sharply” instead of simply stating what happened?
A) To make the trail seem easy and safe.
B) To help the reader imagine the sounds and sensations of the scene.
C) To show that Liam didn’t care about his surroundings.
D) To confuse the reader about where the story takes place.
B) To help the reader imagine the sounds and sensations of the scene.