Main Ideas
Read this selection and choose the best answer to the question.
Have you ever been stung by a bat? If you play baseball, you know sometimes a bat can sting your hand if the ball does not hit the bat in the right spot. The only good spot for hitting a ball with a bat is between two and ten inches from the top end of the bat. Hitting the ball with the wrong part of the bat causes the bat to vibrate and sting your hands.
What is the main idea of the selection?
A. Baseball bats are made from a special kind of wood.
B. Baseball bats come in different shapes and sizes.
C. Baseball bats can sometimes sting your hands.
D. Baseball bats are difficult to hold correctly.
What is "C"?
Baseball bats can sometimes sting your hands.
Which sentence explains how studying Mars can help scientists better understand Earth's problems?
A. People have searched for alien life for hundreds of years.
B. Exploring Mars is our best change at finding life, if it exists, near Earth.
C. Any life found on Mars would probably be microscopic bacteria, but even that would teach us important things about life on Earth.
D. Studying the atmosphere and geology of Mars will also help us understand what causes climate change here.
What is "D"?
Studying the atmosphere and geology of Mars will also help us understand what causes climate change here.
Which sentence supports the author's claim that the Internet moves a large amount of information?
A. The internet is a collection of millions of computers, all linked together through wireless, cable, and telephone networks.
B. It has one job: moving information from one place to another, just like the post office.
C. And it certainly moves a lot of information.
D. Each day, nearly 3 billion emails are sent over the Internet!
What is "D"?
Each day, nearly 3 billion emails are sent over the Internet!
Read this sentence:
"One more limit on free speech prevents us from provoking others to break the law."
The word prevents is best replaced with
A. moves
B. allows
C. forbids
D. discourages
What is "C"?
Forbids
Read this selection and choose the best answer to the question.
Yesterday, I visited the park in my neighborhood. I noticed that the grass was brown in spots, and the flowers were dying. The paint on the benches was quite faded and peeling in spots. I think it's time for the city to pay more attention to the park. Park officials should make sure the park is well kept with green grass, bright flowers, and comfortable benches.
The author wrote this selection to-
A. share fun things to do at the park.
B. describe a fun day at the park.
C. persuade people to fix the park.
D. explain how things grow in the park.
What is "C"?
Persuade people to fix the park.
Read this selection and choose the best answer to the question.
Many people feel that cats have strange-looking eyes. Cats' eyes appear to glow at night, but the glow doesn't come from the cat. It comes from light that the cats' eyes have picked up and reflected to help cats see better in the dark.
What is the main idea of the selection?
A. Cats' eyes can change color.
B. Cats' eyes reflect light, and some find this glow an odd sight to see at night.
C. The glow in cats' eyes is caused by reflected light, which helps them see.
D. Cats' eyes have a round shape.
Cats' eyes reflect light, and some find this glow an odd sight to see at night.
Which two sentences show how Mars and Earth are similar?
A. Mars might one day be a permanent home for humans because it is similar to Earth.
B. Both planets have seasons, and both have days that are approximately twenty-four hours.
C. Mars also has stable temperatures and an atmosphere.
D. Mars One is an organization trying to establish a human settlement on the red planet.
E. A settlement would also give humans more room to live if Earth becomes overcrowded.
F. Our population continues to grow, so it is important to plan where people will live and how to provide for them.
"What is "B" and "C"?"
Both planets have seasons, and both have days that are approximately twenty-four hours.
Mars also has stable temperatures and an atmosphere.
Read the following paragraph:
Superman became popular for several reasons. Many of the problems that he faced in the comics were real problems from the Depression days. For instance, one issue dealt with miners and their unsafe working conditions. With Superman's help, the wealthy owner is forced to recognize the problem and do something to correct it. Superman was always on the side of justice. Another factor in his popularity was Clark Kent. Superman might be the perfect hero, but as Clark Kent he was an ordinary human being with problems. That made Superman seem more "human."
In the paragraph, how does the author show how Superman became popular?
A. by describing the differences between Superman and other comic book heroes.
B. by providing details about how Superman used his superpowers to win.
C. by identifying various people who enjoyed reading the comics.
D. by listing the ways people related to the character.
What is "D"?
by listing the ways people related to the character.
Read this sentence:
"It took several decades before the system of public education was firmly established.
The word established is best replaced with
A. destroyed
B. supported
C. removed
D. enjoyed
What is "B"?
Supported
Read this selection and choose the best answer to the question.
Our country has a system for creating new laws. When a member of Congress decides to create a new law, he or she introduces a bill. Any member of Congress can introduce a bill. Both houses of Congress must pass identical versions of the bill before it can become a law.
The author wrote this selection to tell readers-
A. How a bill becomes law.
B. Why we need to write new laws every year.
C. why new laws are needed.
D. How many new bills need to be introduced.
What is "A"?
How a bill becomes law.
The US Constitution guarantees our rights as US citizens. When it was first written, however, it did not clearly protect some important rights. Many were added by the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights. We are guaranteed the right of free speech, among other things. But does freedom of speech mean a person can say anything? Let's think about it.
Which statement is the best summary of this paragraph?
A. There are limits to the right of free speech in America.
B. The first ten amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.
C. US citizens have many rights, including the right to free speech.
D. The rights of US citizens are important and must be protected.
What is "C"?
US citizens have many rights, including the right to free speech.
Which two sentences explains why many species of tree kangaroos are endangered.
A. Tree Kangaroos can only be found in two places in the world.
B. Two species are found in the rainforests in northeastern Australia, and the rest are located high in the mountains on the island of New Guinea.
C. Unfortunately, many species are dying out due to a loss of habitat.
D. And with cleared land come humans who hunt the tree kangaroos for meat.
E. It's considered critically endangered with less than fifty animals left in the wild.
What is "C" and "D"?
Unfortunately, many species are dying out due to a loss of habitat.
And with cleared land come humans who hunt the tree kangaroos for meat.
In Japan one of the most important animated movies ever made appeared on movie screens in 1983. Barefoot Gen® was about the bombing of Hiroshima in World War II. Also in 1983, computer-generated animation was first used in a movie called Golgo 13®. In 1985, the television series Robotech® was brought from Japan to the US. Robotech was the first introduction to anime for many US and European fans.
What evidence is there that most US people had not seem anime before 1985?
A. Because in the text it states that in 1985 the tv series Robotech was brought from Japan to the US.
B. The text states that that Barefoot Gen appeared in American movie theatres in 1983.
C. In the text is states that Golgo 13 appeared in movie theatres in the US in 1984.
D. Animated Japan movies began to appear in movie screens in 1983.
What is "A"?
Because in the text it states that in 1985 the tv series Robotech was brought from Japan to the US.
Read this sentence:
"Going to school is an essential part of growing up in America today."
The word essential is best replaced with:
A. optional
B. unnecessary
C. needless
D. central
What is "D"?
Central
Dear Editor,
Our school requires that students read two books during the summer. I am not in favor of this rule. The reason I am against the rule is simple. Summer vacation is a break from school. When I am on summer vacation, I have choices about what I do. I might read on my vacation, or I might use math to build a fort. I might go to an aquarium and learn about science. I can do all sorts of things during my summer vacation.
I can see that the school thought carefully about this summer reading rule. Both books chosen have won Newbery Medals. That means that they are very good books for our age group. I actually know students who have read them both and liked them. I am sure they would be good for me to read. Perhaps we could read them in class. When we read books in class, we can talk about them every day. We can discuss what different parts mean. We can help each other understand them. None of those things will happen for the books we read in the summer. We will be without a teacher or classmates as we read. Talking about a book helps me remember it. When school starts again I may forget all about the books.
I think the school did a good job picking the right kind of books. But good books deserve to be read and studied and talked about in a class, and not in the middle of a school vacation.
Mark Wells
5th Grade Student
Which sentence supports the author's point about the new summer reading rule?
A. Our school requires that students read two books during the summer.
B. Both books chosen have won Newbery Medals.
C. I actually know students who have read them both and liked them.
D. When we read books in class, we can talk about them every day.
What is "D"?
When we read books in class, we can talk about them every day.
Read the following passage:
Even though Jo loved adventures, Arctic life was not easy. Some of the men did not agree with her presence. Jo herself struggled to adjust to life with the Inughuit people. For example, she was strongly against their custom of wife trading. Even worse, headaches and worries tormented her during her husband’s long absences. During one expedition, Peary sent two men back to the base camp while he and another continued on. “My nightmare is over,” Jo wrote in My Arctic Journal, the 1893 book she wrote about her time living with the Inughuit people. “The boys bring good news of my husband. I cannot describe how I felt knowing Mr. Peary and Astrup were both in good health and spirits.”
Which summary best summarizes paragraph 4?
A. Mr. Peary and Astrup returned safely after a long expedition.
B. Jo faced many difficulties as the only white woman in Greenland.
C. The Inughuit men opposed Jo's presence in their community.
D. Jo disliked the way Inughuit men treated their wives.
What is "B"?
Jo faced many difficulties as the only woman in Greenland.
Which two sentences in the paragraph that explains why finding liquid water on Mars in an important discovery?
A. This discovery is significant because scientists previously thought that water on Mars was either frozen or had evaporated long ago.
B. However, we now know that liquid water exists on the planet.
C. Therefore, it is more likely that life could survive there.
D. On Earth, life can usually be found near water.
E. That is why NASA's strategy in the search for alien life is simple: Follow the water.
What is "C" and "D"?
Therefore, it is more likely that life could survive there.
On Earth, life can usually be found near water.
Read the following paragraph:
Tree kangaroos can only be found in two places in the world. Two species are found in the rainforests in northeastern Australia, and the rest are located high in the mountains on the island of New Guinea. Unfortunately, many species are dying out due to a loss of habitat. Tree kangaroos lose their place to live as rainforests are cleared for farming, logging, or mining. And with cleared land come humans who hunt the tree kangaroos for meat. One species, Matschie’s tree kangaroo, is now endangered with just over two thousand remaining in the wild. The news is even worse for another species—the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo. It’s considered critically endangered with less than fifty animals left in the wild.
Which TWO pieces of evidence from the paragraph best support the author's idea that some species of tree kangaroos are in danger of dying out?
A. "It's considered critically endangered with less than fifty animals left in the wild."
B. "Tree kangaroos can only be found in two places in the world."
C. "One species, Matschie's tree kangaroo, is now endangered with just over two thousand remaining in the wild."
D. "Tree kangaroos lose their place to live as rainforests are cleared for farming,logging, or mining."
What is "A" and "C"?
"It's considered critically endangered with less than fifty animals left in the wild."
"One species, Matschie's tree kangaroo, is now endangered with just over two thousand remaining in the wild."
What is the meaning of the word feat as it is used in this sentence?
"Bowling a turkey is no small feat, so lucky- or talented- bowlers who do so usually celebrate their success."
A. judgement
B. accomplishment
C. failure
D. example
What is "B"?
Accomplishment
Dear Editor,
Our school has made a new rule. During the summer between fifth grade and sixth, students are required to read two books. Even though I am in favor of reading, I do not think it is a good rule. Reading is an important skill, and I am willing to work hard to get better. But this rule will not help with my reading goal.
I question why the two books have been chosen for us. They have both won Newbery Medals for our age group. I agree that they are good books, because I read them last year. Could we, instead, be given a list of books to choose from?
Reading is a valuable skill, and required reading could be a good thing for students. However, the requirement should just be to read, without specifying which titles have to be read. If the rule were to read two books of our choosing, it would be better. Students would have to decide. They would talk to one another about books. Students who found books that were great for them might end up reading three books, or four, or ten. Even students who just read two books would have learned about choosing books. They also could compare the two books to books that others have read.
I suggest that we ask our teachers if the school might change the rule. Students should read two books that they choose themselves during the summer. Everyone will be reading, and more students will be reading something new and enjoyable.
Amanda Stevens
5th Grade Student
Which sentence BEST supports the author's claim that students would benefit more by choosing their own books?
A. Reading is an important skill, and I am willing to work hard to get better.
B. However, the requirement should just be to read, without specifying which titles have to be read.
C. If the rule were to read two books of our choosing, it would be better.
D. Students who found books that were great for them might end up reading three books, or four, or ten.
What is "D"?
Students who found books that were great for them might end up reading three books, or four, or ten.
Read the following passage:
Why Mars Is Important
Some people wonder why our government is exploring Mars when we have so many problems to solve here on Earth. But exploring Mars is important for several reasons. First, the discovery of life there would help us understand how life began on Earth. Second, if Earth becomes too crowded, some people can live on Mars. Lastly, all of the planning necessary for a trip to Mars will lead to new technologies.
People have searched for alien life for hundreds of years. Exploring Mars is our best chance at finding life, if it exists, near Earth. Any life found on Mars would probably be microscopic bacteria, but even that would teach us important things about life on Earth. Studying the atmosphere and geology of Mars will also help us understand what causes climate change here.
Mars might one day be a permanent home for humans because it is similar to Earth. Both planets have seasons, and both have days that are approximately twenty-four hours. Mars also has stable temperatures and an atmosphere. Mars One is an organization trying to establish a human settlement on the red planet. Started in 2013, the organization hopes to send the first human crew to Mars in 2026. Building a colony would let people conduct research on the planet that hasn’t been possible before. A settlement would also give humans more room to live if Earth becomes overcrowded. Our population continues to grow, so it is important to plan where people will live and how to provide for them. A settlement on Mars is a potential solution to that problem.
Lastly, traveling to Mars and living there requires lots of research and equipment. Exploring and populating Mars will drive developments in energy, agriculture, recycling, space travel, and more. Mars is important because it can teach us about the universe and life on Earth.
Which two are main ideas of the passage?
A. Traveling to space will increase developments in energy.
B. Exploring Mars can help us better understand Earth.
C. Mars One wants to build a human settlement on Mars.
D. Our planet will become overcrowded in the future.
E. Mars may be similar enough to Earth for humans to live there.
What is "B" and "E"?
Exploring Mars can help us better understand Earth.
Mars may be similar enough to Earth for humans to live there.
Read the following paragraph:
The Todd family opposed the match because Abraham did not fit their idea of a good husband. He was not wealthy and did not travel in the same social circles as the Todds. But Mary believed that she and Abraham had a lot in common. Both had lost their mothers at an early age. Both were intelligent and loved to read. And, most important, both liked to discuss politics.
What did Mary and Abraham have in common?
A. Their upbringings
B. Their height and weight
C. Their intelligence
D. Their place of birth
What is "C"?
Their intelligence
Read the following paragraph:
Tree kangaroos can only be found in two places in the world. Two species are found in the rainforests in northeastern Australia, and the rest are located high in the mountains on the island of New Guinea. Unfortunately, many species are dying out due to a loss of habitat. Tree kangaroos lose their place to live as rainforests are cleared for farming, logging, or mining. And with cleared land come humans who hunt the tree kangaroos for meat. One species, Matschie’s tree kangaroo, is now endangered with just over two thousand remaining in the wild. The news is even worse for another species—the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo. It’s considered critically endangered with less than fifty animals left in the wild.
Which evidence from the paragraph best supports the author's idea that some species of tree kangaroos are in danger of dying out?
A. "Tree kangaroos can only be found in two places in the world."
B. "And with cleared land comes humans who hunt the tree kangaroos for meat."
C. "It's considered critically endangered with less than fifty animals left in the wild."
D. "Tree kangaroos lose their place to live as rainforests are cleared for farming, logging, or mining."
What is "C"?
"It's considered critically endangered with less than fifty animals left in the wild."
Select the two words that have a similar meaning to the word talented as it is used in this sentence.
"Bowling a turkey is no small feat, so lucky- or talented- bowlers who do so usually celebrate their success."
A. determined
B. skilled
C. average
D. inexperienced
E. accomplished
F. concerned
What is "B" and "E"?
Skilled
Accomplished
Read the following passage:
Once it was time to harvest the crops, schools were let out so that the children could work in the fields. This practice led to the creation of summer vacation. Whereas today's student spends the summer having fun, a student during the 1800s worked hard all day long. Going back to school was more like a vacation! After the age of 12, most children had to quit school and go to work full-time.
Read this dictionary entry.
practice \prak-tis\ noun
1. condition arrived at by experience 2. repeated action to become skilled at something 3. habit; custom 4. the process of doing something
Which definition best fits the use of the word practice in this passage?
A. Definition 1
B. Definition 2
C. Definition 3
D. Definition 4
What is "C"?
Definition 3