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Inferencing, Conclusion & Prediction
Summary, Main Idea & Supporting Details
Author's Purpose
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The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo is a charming story. It is full of adventure and mystery. In this story, Peter searches for his lost sister. He, however, must find the elephant in order to find his sister. Kate DiCamillo was awarded the 2004 Newbery Medal for The Tale of Despereaux. Why are two phrases underlined in the paragraph above? A.They are both game shows. B.They are both names of places. C.They are both article titles. D.They are both titles of books.
What is B.They are both names of places.
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There are several things you can do to keep your teeth healthy. Brushing your teeth after every meal is one way to take care of your teeth. Flossing is another way to help your teeth. It gets rid of bits of food that might be stuck between your teeth and gums. Pieces of food on your teeth can cause bacteria to grow in your mouth. Bacteria—tiny germs—can make your breath smell bad and damage your teeth. The build up of bacteria on your teeth makes plaque. Plaque is harmful to your teeth and can lead to cavities. Cavities are little holes in your teeth. It is good to visit the dentist once every six months for an exam and a teeth cleaning. Dentists use special tools to get hardened plaque off of your teeth. The dentist can also take pictures of your teeth to see if there are any cavities. Dentists fill cavities so they do not get larger and cause tooth loss. If you take care of your teeth, you will be less likely to get cavities. According to the passage, what is an effect of cleaning your teeth? A.visits to the dentist B.bacteria growth C.fewer cavities D.bad breath
What is C.fewer cavities
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Football Frenzy by Tirzah Tyler Every morning before school, Eric would stuff his football in his backpack. He and his friends would play with his football during recess. At night, he would watch DVDs of Dallas Cowboy games with his dad. One day, there was a substitute teacher in Eric's gym class. "Today, everyone in class is allowed to play whichever sport or game he wants," the teacher said. The entire class cheered. One group of boys headed for the basketball court while another group raided the baseball equipment. The substitute teacher only had two footballs for the students, which got taken quickly. Eric was playing a football game outside with his friends when he noticed Jerry sitting by himself at the edge of the football field. Jerry was usually by himself. He was reading a book when the substitute teacher, Mr. Johnson, walked up to him. "You need to play a sport or a game," Mr. Johnson said. "All the games are already taken. May I read a book instead?" Jerry asked. Eric asked his friends to play without him, and he jogged over to Jerry. Mr. Johnson was shaking his head to Jerry. "I brought a football with me today," Eric told Mr. Johnson. "Is it okay if I play with Jerry?" Mr. Johnson nodded his head. "That is fine." Based on his behavior in the passage above, the reader can tell that Eric A.is a giving and generous person. B.will only watch the Cowboys play. C.does not like people to read books. D.will jog if he cannot play football.
What is A.is a giving and generous person.
100
A Trip to the Ballpark by Alicia Skelton Wade grabbed his baseball glove and baseball cap and headed out the door. He was going to watch the Texas Rangers play the New York Yankees. This was the first big game that Wade had ever been to. He was so excited about getting to go to the game but also about getting to spend time with his dad and big brother Gage. Wade hopped into the front seat of his dad’s truck, and Gage climbed in beside him. They were off to the ballpark. When they got to the ballpark, Wade could not believe how enormous it was. They walked inside and decided to find their seats before the first pitch of the game. Wade walked through a tunnel. On the other side, he got his first view of the baseball field. The grass was so green. Wade smiled as his dad, his brother, and he walked down the steps to their seats. Wade sat between his dad and brother and got ready for the first pitch. After the first inning ended, Wade’s dad got up to get some hot dogs and drinks. Wade could not erase the smile off his face. He could not imagine this day being any better. Then all of a sudden, a Texas Rangers player hit a ball long and hard. Sailing right toward Wade, it looked like it was going to be a homerun. Wade threw his hot dog down and slid his glove on. Wade hopped up on his seat and raised his glove in the air, The ball smacked him right in the middle of his glove. Now, Wade really could not imagine this day being more perfect. Which is the best summary of this story? A.Wade is going to his very first big baseball game with his dad and big brother. Wade is so excited and cannot believe how nice the ballpark is. Just when Wade thinks the day cannot get better he catches a ball in his glove. B.Wade's dad leaves to get some hot dogs and drinks. A Texas Rangers player hits a ball toward Wade. Throwing his hot dog down, Wade stands on his chair and catches the ball. Wade has a perfect day because of this. C.Wade is at a big baseball game with his dad and his big brother. He cannot erase the smile off of his face while he eats hot dogs next to his dad and brother. He cannot imagine a more perfect day. D.Wade gets to go to a big baseball game with his dad and big brother. Wade is very excited to spend time with his dad and his big brother. After the first inning ends, Wade's dad leaves to get some hot dogs and drinks.
What is A.Wade is going to his very first big baseball game with his dad and big brother. Wade is so excited and cannot believe how nice the ballpark is. Just when Wade thinks the day cannot get better he catches a ball in his glove.
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A sundae is an ice cream dessert, and it is easy to make. To make a sundae, you need toppings such as whipped cream, fruit, and nuts. You can even have flavored syrup, like chocolate and strawberry. First, put two or three scoops of ice cream into a bowl. Then, pour the syrup of your choice onto the ice cream. Next, spread the nuts and the fruit evenly over the ice cream. After that, add the whipped cream onto the ice cream. Finally, top each mound of whipped cream with a cherry. The purpose of this passage is to A.persuade the reader to ask his or her parents for ice cream. B.entertain the reader with a story about making a sundae. C.describe to the reader the many types of ice cream desserts. D.instruct the reader on how to make an ice cream sundae.
What is D.instruct the reader on how to make an ice cream sundae.
200
Bridges are very important to a nation. They help in many different ways. They help cross a valley, road, body of water, or other physical obstacles. It is important that bridges are regularly checked for cracks and other faults. It could be life-saving. Why does the author bold some words in the above passage? A.They are part of a newspaper. B.The words are a title of a book. C.The words are being read out loud. D.They are important to the passage
What is D.They are important to the passage
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There are several things you can do to keep your teeth healthy. Brushing your teeth after every meal is one way to take care of your teeth. Flossing is another way to help your teeth. It gets rid of bits of food that might be stuck between your teeth and gums. Pieces of food on your teeth can cause bacteria to grow in your mouth. Bacteria—tiny germs—can make your breath smell bad and damage your teeth. The build up of bacteria on your teeth makes plaque. Plaque is harmful to your teeth and can lead to cavities. Cavities are little holes in your teeth. It is good to visit the dentist once every six months for an exam and a teeth cleaning. Dentists use special tools to get hardened plaque off of your teeth. The dentist can also take pictures of your teeth to see if there are any cavities. Dentists fill cavities so they do not get larger and cause tooth loss. If you take care of your teeth, you will be less likely to get cavities. According to the passage, what causes cavities? A.the build up of plaque B.losing your teeth C.brushing your teeth D.eating too much food
What is A.the build up of plaque
200
Angoras are a special breed of rabbits. They are the only rabbits that have long hair. Angoras first came from Turkey in the 1700s. Their long hair is called "wool." English Angoras have thick wool. French Angoras have coarse wool. Satin Angoras have very soft wool. German Angoras usually have white wool. It is very important to comb and groom Angoras' wool. Otherwise, it might become matted, or tangled. English Angoras especially need lots of grooming. What can people expect if they own an Angora rabbit? A.speaking a lot of French to the rabbit B.knitting wool sweaters for the rabbit C.having a rabbit with short, thick hair D.spending time grooming the rabbit
What is D.spending time grooming the rabbit
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Australia is an interesting country. It has wildlife you will never find in the U.S., such as kangaroos and koalas. There are waterfalls, cliffs, and beaches to explore. Some people like to go skiing in the mountains. If you like trains, you can take a ride on the Puffing Billy Steam Railway. You can even visit towns with interesting names like Mallacoota and Yarra Glen. What is the main idea of the paragraph above? A.Australia's Puffing Billy Steam Railway is really fun. B.There are a lot of things to see and do in Australia. C.Australia's kangaroos and koalas are great animals. D.The mountains are the best place to ski in Australia.
What is B.There are a lot of things to see and do in Australia.
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Tiff was too stubborn to move from the seat. She refused to have someone tell her what to do, especially her little brother. Why should I bother listening to Mike? He is younger than I am, Tiff thought. I know what is best for the both of us. Tiff sat firmly in the chair, refusing to move an inch. Mike looked annoyed as he stared at Tiff. She always acted this way when she did not get her way. Because Tiff was so difficult, she always got her way. However, this time Mike was not going to let that happen. He was going to stand his ground. "Tiff, I think it would be more fun to go to the zoo today. It is the perfect day for walking outside," Mike said calmly. Tiff stared at him and did not say a word. Mike continued, "You love going to the zoo. Stop being stubborn, and let's go." I do love the zoo, Tiff thought. Tiff did not want to give in, but going to the zoo was appealing to her. "All right. We can go to the zoo," she replied. Mike smiled. He had finally won a battle. What was the author's purpose for writing this passage? A.to persuade the reader to go outside when the weather is nice B.to entertain the reader with a story about a brother and a sister C.to instruct the reader on how to win an argument by being calm D.to describe the different kinds of animals found at the city zoo
What is B.to entertain the reader with a story about a brother and a sister
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Read the following passage from a science textbook. Tornado watchers are trained to look for the first signs of a tornado. They can spot one by looking for a supercell. A supercell is formed by an updraft and inflow of air. Also, watchers can check for the formation of a wall cloud, which most of the time becomes the backside of the tornado. Why is the word "supercell" bolded in the passage above? A.to point out a particular word B.to identify a foreign word C.to show the author's thoughts D.to indicate a title of a book
What is A.to point out a particular word
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First, the wind starts to blow and swirl. Before long, bolts of lightning streak across the sky and thunder booms. Then, when enough electrical force builds up, a powerful current of electricity zigzags down an electrically-charged pathway between the two, causing the flash of lightning. The structure of the selection above can best be described as A.comparison/contrast. B.problem/solution. C.question/answer. D.sequence.
What is D.sequence.
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It seemed Josephine was always late for something. Today, she was running to catch the school bus. Just two blocks from the bus stop, she saw a woman trying to carry two large bags of groceries to her house. As Josephine got closer, one of the bags broke, sending apples and oranges rolling down the driveway. Josephine forgot about the bus and put her schoolbooks down to help. "Oh, you don't have to do that," the woman told her kindly. You'll miss your school bus!" Somehow she had known that's where Josephine had been headed. "I don't mind," Josephine said, and she meant it. Helping someone made her feel so good, it was worth being late. She picked up the other food that had fallen and followed the woman to her kitchen door. "Thank you so much! You're a very nice girl," the woman told her. "You're welcome! Any time," Josephine said, handing the woman an orange and a shiny red apple. Seeing Josephine eyeing the red apple, the woman smiled broadly. An idea had just occurred to her. What will most likely happen next? A.The woman will give Josephine the apple. B.Josephine will say goodbye and go home. C.The two will unload more groceries from the car. D.Josephine will make it in time to catch her bus.
What is A.The woman will give Josephine the apple.
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Of all the Chinese restaurants, A Wok Away was the most popular restaurant in the city. A Wok Away was known for its amazing design. The outside of the restaurant was modeled after an ancient palace. It had amazing woodwork and details. In front, two large dragons sometimes breathed fire on Saturday evenings. A Wok Away had all of the usual Chinese food, but it also had the strangest ones. Everyone wanted to try all the unusual food. The restaurant had different kinds of fish and meat. They were from all around the world. The restaurant also had all types of sauces for dipping the food. The food made A Wok Away more popular than the other local restaurants. Which idea is most important to include in a summary of this story? A."A Wok Away was the most popular restaurant in the city." B."The restaurant also had all types of sauces for dipping the food." C."The outside of the restaurant was modeled after an ancient palace." D."In front, two large dragon statues sometimes breathed fire on Saturday evenings."
What is A."A Wok Away was the most popular restaurant in the city."
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Coast redwoods are the tallest trees in the world. The tallest one measures at 379 feet. These trees are found in southern Oregon and in northern and central California. The trees live within 50 miles of the coast because they depend on moisture from the Pacific Ocean to help them survive dry summers. They also need a rainy winter season to help them grow. If the conditions are right, the coast redwoods can grow two to three feet in height in one year. If they do not get enough rain and sunlight, they may only grow one inch in a year. This passage was most likely written to A.express to readers strong feelings about coast redwoods. B.inform readers about the growth habits of coast redwoods. C.persuade readers to live somewhere near the coast redwoods. D.entertain readers with a story about how coast redwoods grow.
What is B.inform readers about the growth habits of coast redwoods.
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A hush fell over the crowd as Una skated across the ice rink. She was going to attempt a double axel, which no other ten-year-old skater had ever done in her class. Una glided toward the center of the ice rink. She took a deep breath and thought, All right, I can do this. It's just going to be like in practice. Without another thought, Una took the leap. She landed the jump to the sound of roaring applause. What are the purposes of the italicized sentences in the passage above? A.to present spoken words B.to indicate importance C.to note the title of a book D.to show Una's thoughts
What is D.to show Una's thoughts
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Getting into a saddle can be difficult if you have never been on a horse. First, stand on the left side of the horse. While holding the reins, place your hands on the horn of the saddle. Then, put your left foot into the stirrup with your toes facing toward the front of the horse. Next, use your right foot to push your body off the ground to shift your weight into the left stirrup. Then, swing your right leg over the horse's saddle. Put your right foot into the stirrup on the right side of the horse. The structure of the selection above can best be described as A.sequence. B.comparison/contrast. C.cause/effect. D.question/answer.
What is A.sequence.
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It seemed Josephine was always late for something. Today, she was running to catch the school bus. Just two blocks from the bus stop, she saw a woman trying to carry two large bags of groceries to her house. As Josephine got closer, one of the bags broke, sending apples and oranges rolling down the driveway. Josephine forgot about the bus and put her schoolbooks down to help. "Oh, you don't have to do that," the woman told her kindly. You'll miss your school bus!" Somehow she had known that's where Josephine had been headed. "I don't mind," Josephine said, and she meant it. Helping someone made her feel so good, it was worth being late. She picked up the other food that had fallen and followed the woman to her kitchen door. "Thank you so much! You're a very nice girl," the woman told her. "You're welcome! Any time," Josephine said, handing the woman an orange and a shiny red apple. Seeing Josephine eyeing the red apple, the woman smiled broadly. An idea had just occurred to her. Based on what you know of Josephine, what do you predict is the most likely way she could avoid being late to school in the future? A.Go to a school that is closer to home. B.Leave for the bus a few minutes earlier. C.Don't ever stop to help out a stranger. D.Only offer to help someone if school is out.
What is B.Leave for the bus a few minutes earlier.
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The beginning of the school year can be an exciting time. It can also be a scary, stressful time. The summer is gone, and it is time to work again. The teachers have dozens of new students to meet and work with. The students have several new teachers to meet and try to understand. Old friends have left, and old enemies are still around. There are new class schedules and locker combinations to learn. There is just so much to think about! To make the year a little less stressful, try leaving last year behind. Sometimes, you remember something mean someone said about you. Maybe you remember someone who did something that was just really foolish. The new school year is a chance to start over with a clean slate. Give others the chance to do better this year, and maybe they’ll give you a clean slate, too! This second paragraph is mostly about A.why the beginning of the school year is so hard for teachers. B.how to adjust to a brand new school and make new friends. C.why the beginning of the school year is hard for students. D.how to beat the stress and have a great new school year.
What is D.how to beat the stress and have a great new school year.
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Eating contests should not be allowed. They are unhealthy for the eaters and the viewers. Large amounts of food should not be eaten in a short period of time. Eating contests encourage people to eat more food than their bodies need. Also, eating at a rapid pace is not good for digestion. Food should be thoroughly chewed before being swallowed. Watching and participating in eating contests sends the message that overeating is acceptable and fun. Another reason eating contests should be stopped is because they are wasteful. Challengers gorge themselves on food that should be given to people in need. This passage is intended to A.teach people how to participate in an eating contest. B.inform people about the benefits of a healthy diet. C.persuade people that eating contests are wrong. D.entertain people with a story about eating food.
What is C.persuade people that eating contests are wrong.
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The Lecturer "Things are not always what they seem," Nag was in his lecture-mode again. "You need to deconstruct (break into parts) something to really understand it. For example, you have to analyze what a person is made of to really understand him or her. Think about his or her family, habits, ideas, and behavior." "I only wanted to know what you thought of my new teacher. But, never mind!" Shellie gave up on trying to talk to Nag. The word deconstruct is highlighted in boldface type because A.it is a thought of one of the main characters. B.it is the passage's heading and main idea. C.It is the least important word in the passage. D.it is a word readers may be unfamiliar with.
What is D.it is a word readers may be unfamiliar with.
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A strange situation occurred in the town of Baconville when Joe opened his diner across the street from Jim's Diner. Joe and Jim had been friends for years, and both of the men were excellent cooks. Joe's Diner serves coffee and lunch plates while Jim's Diner serves coffee and breakfast. Both restaurants have great service and quick food. Jim's Diner has better coffee, but the ketchup bottles at Joe's Diner are cleaner. Joe's Diner is in an old building that was built in the 1930s. It is clean and well-kept, and has a great atmosphere. Jim's Diner is in a shiny metal railroad car. It is a wonderful experience to eat in a traditional diner. If you are ever in Baconville, make sure you drop by both diners for coffee and food. Which sentence from the passage shows a comparison? A."Joe's Diner is in an old building that was built in the 1930s." B."It is clean and well-kept, and has a great atmosphere." C."It is a wonderful experience to eat in a traditional diner." D."Both restaurants have great service and quick food."
What is D."Both restaurants have great service and quick food."
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Bryce saw the note being passed up the isle in class. He knew it would reach him in a few minutes. His heart began to race. Bryce had gotten in trouble last week and was told by the Principal that he was one mistake away from suspension. He wanted nothing to do with that note coming up the isle. "I will just pass it quickly behind me and the teacher won't see it," thought Bryce. He did not want his friends to think he was afraid, but he really didn't want to get in trouble again. He focused on his papers, pretending to take notes, hoping that the person in front of him would pass the note to someone else. He felt a nudge and looked up to see a hand holding a folded piece of paper. Still looking down, Bryce quickly grabbed the note and put it under his desk. "Bryce," said the teacher, "is there something you'd like to share with the class?" His heart sank. As a result of what happened in the story, Bryce will probably A.be better at defending himself in the future. B.not get suspended from school. C.not break rules at school again. D.be faster at passing notes in the future.
What is C.not break rules at school again.
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Nancy could barely pay attention in math class. She was exhausted because she spent most of the night studying for the test. As she sat in her seat taking the test, Nancy yawned widely. She let out another yawn and another. She couldn't help it; she was so tired. Her best friend, June, saw Nancy's yawn. June couldn't help it, but she let out a yawn herself. Jeff, who sat next to June, began to yawn as well. Then the person who sat near Jeff yawned too. This went on until the entire class began to yawn. Which is the best summary of this passage? A.Nancy is tired and begins to yawn during the test. Soon, the entire class begins to yawn along with her. B.Nancy's best friend, June, begins to yawn. This causes Jeff and other kids to start yawning as well. C.Nancy has a best friend named June. June cannot help but yawn with Nancy even though she is not tired. D.Nancy can barely pay attention in her math class. She is very tired because she studied most of the night.
What is A.Nancy is tired and begins to yawn during the test. Soon, the entire class begins to yawn along with her.
500
New Super Racers 28 is the all-time fastest racing game in the world! It is so fast, your eyes will water when you play. You will dream about it at night. Everyone is talking about Super Racers 28. You do not want to be the last person on the block without this game. Get it now, before it is too late. What was the author's purpose in writing this paragraph? A.to show the reader how to buy a video game B.to narrate a story about playing a video game C.to describe how to play and win a video game D.to persuade the reader to purchase a video game
What is D.to persuade the reader to purchase a video game