Personal Connections
Make Inferences
Text Evidence
Summarize
Author's Purpose/Message
100

The Lost Backpack

Paragraph 1:   Jenna rushed into the school hallway just as the morning bell rang. She felt her stomach twist when she realized her backpack wasn’t on her shoulder. She replayed the morning in her mind—she had stopped at the playground to tie her shoe, and she remembered setting her backpack down on the bench. Now she wasn’t sure if she had picked it back up.

Paragraph 2:   During lunch, Jenna walked back to the playground. Her backpack was still on the bench, untouched. She let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. As she slung it over her shoulder, she promised herself she would pay more attention next time.

Question:  What personal experience might help a reader understand Jenna’s worry about her backpack? 

A. Forgetting something important 

B. Winning a prize 

C. Going on vacation 

D. Learning a new sport

A. Forgetting something important 

100

The Lost Backpack

Paragraph 1:   Jenna rushed into the school hallway just as the morning bell rang. She felt her stomach twist when she realized her backpack wasn’t on her shoulder. She replayed the morning in her mind—she had stopped at the playground to tie her shoe, and she remembered setting her backpack down on the bench. Now she wasn’t sure if she had picked it back up.

Paragraph 2:   During lunch, Jenna walked back to the playground. Her backpack was still on the bench, untouched. She let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. As she slung it over her shoulder, she promised herself she would pay more attention next time.

QUESTION:  What can you infer about Jenna’s feelings? 

A. She didn’t care about losing her backpack.

B. She was nervous about losing her backpack.

C. She wanted a new backpack.

D. She was angry at her friends.

B. She was nervous about losing her backpack.

100

The Lost Backpack

Paragraph 1:   Jenna rushed into the school hallway just as the morning bell rang. She felt her stomach twist when she realized her backpack wasn’t on her shoulder. She replayed the morning in her mind—she had stopped at the playground to tie her shoe, and she remembered setting her backpack down on the bench. Now she wasn’t sure if she had picked it back up.

Paragraph 2:   During lunch, Jenna walked back to the playground. Her backpack was still on the bench, untouched. She let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. As she slung it over her shoulder, she promised herself she would pay more attention next time.

QUESTION:  Which detail supports the inference that Jenna was worried? 

A. “She felt her stomach twist…”

B. “She tied her shoe.” 

C. “She walked back to the playground.” 

D. “She slung it over her shoulder.”

A. “She felt her stomach twist…”

100

The Lost Backpack

Paragraph 1:   Jenna rushed into the school hallway just as the morning bell rang. She felt her stomach twist when she realized her backpack wasn’t on her shoulder. She replayed the morning in her mind—she had stopped at the playground to tie her shoe, and she remembered setting her backpack down on the bench. Now she wasn’t sure if she had picked it back up.

Paragraph 2:   During lunch, Jenna walked back to the playground. Her backpack was still on the bench, untouched. She let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. As she slung it over her shoulder, she promised herself she would pay more attention next time.

QUESTION: What is the best summary? 

A. Jenna ate lunch in the cafeteria.

B. Jenna forgot her homework. 

C. Jenna played on the playground. 

D. Jenna lost her backpack and found it again at lunch.

D. Jenna lost her backpack and found it again at lunch.

100

The Lost Backpack

Paragraph 1:   Jenna rushed into the school hallway just as the morning bell rang. She felt her stomach twist when she realized her backpack wasn’t on her shoulder. She replayed the morning in her mind—she had stopped at the playground to tie her shoe, and she remembered setting her backpack down on the bench. Now she wasn’t sure if she had picked it back up.

Paragraph 2:   During lunch, Jenna walked back to the playground. Her backpack was still on the bench, untouched. She let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. As she slung it over her shoulder, she promised herself she would pay more attention next time.

QUESTION:  What is the author’s message? 

A. Pay attention to your belongings 

B. Backpacks are expensive 

C. School is stressful 

D. Playgrounds are dangerous

A. Pay attention to your belongings 

200

The New Neighbor

Paragraph 1:   When a moving truck pulled up next door, Marcus watched from his porch. A boy about his age stepped out, holding a basketball. Marcus wanted to say hello, but he felt unsure. What if the new kid didn’t want to talk?

Paragraph 2:   Later that afternoon, Marcus heard bouncing outside. He grabbed his own basketball and walked over. “Want to play?” he asked. The boy smiled and nodded. Soon they were laughing and racing across the driveway like they had known each other for years.

QUESTION:  What connection can a reader make when Marcus sees the new boy arrive? 

A. Meeting someone new

B. Taking a test 

C. Cooking dinner 

D. Going swimming

A. Meeting someone new

200

The New Neighbor

Paragraph 1:   When a moving truck pulled up next door, Marcus watched from his porch. A boy about his age stepped out, holding a basketball. Marcus wanted to say hello, but he felt unsure. What if the new kid didn’t want to talk?

Paragraph 2:   Later that afternoon, Marcus heard bouncing outside. He grabbed his own basketball and walked over. “Want to play?” he asked. The boy smiled and nodded. Soon they were laughing and racing across the driveway like they had known each other for years.

QUESTION:  What can you infer about Marcus at the beginning? 

A. He is angry with the new kid.

B. He would rather play soccer.

C. He wants to move from his neighborhood. 

D. He is shy about meeting new people.

D. He is shy about meeting new people.

200

The New Neighbor

Paragraph 1:   When a moving truck pulled up next door, Marcus watched from his porch. A boy about his age stepped out, holding a basketball. Marcus wanted to say hello, but he felt unsure. What if the new kid didn’t want to talk?

Paragraph 2:   Later that afternoon, Marcus heard bouncing outside. He grabbed his own basketball and walked over. “Want to play?” he asked. The boy smiled and nodded. Soon they were laughing and racing across the driveway like they had known each other for years.

QUESTION:   Which detail shows Marcus was unsure about talking to the new boy? 

A. “They were laughing.”

B. “Marcus grabbed his basketball.” 

C. “He felt unsure.”

D. “A boy stepped out.”

C. “He felt unsure.”

200

The New Neighbor

Paragraph 1:   When a moving truck pulled up next door, Marcus watched from his porch. A boy about his age stepped out, holding a basketball. Marcus wanted to say hello, but he felt unsure. What if the new kid didn’t want to talk?

Paragraph 2:   Later that afternoon, Marcus heard bouncing outside. He grabbed his own basketball and walked over. “Want to play?” he asked. The boy smiled and nodded. Soon they were laughing and racing across the driveway like they had known each other for years.

QUESTION: What is the best summary? 

A. Marcus plays alone although he sees his new neighbor.

B. Marcus watches a moving truck with new neighbors.

C. Marcus meets a new neighbor and they become friends after playing basketball.

D. Marcus stays inside and watches his neighbor play basketball.

C. Marcus meets a new neighbor and they become friends after playing basketball.

200

The New Neighbor

Paragraph 1:   When a moving truck pulled up next door, Marcus watched from his porch. A boy about his age stepped out, holding a basketball. Marcus wanted to say hello, but he felt unsure. What if the new kid didn’t want to talk?

Paragraph 2:   Later that afternoon, Marcus heard bouncing outside. He grabbed his own basketball and walked over. “Want to play?” he asked. The boy smiled and nodded. Soon they were laughing and racing across the driveway like they had known each other for years.

QUESTION:  What is the author’s purpose? 

A. To explain how to play basketball and win

B. To show how friendships can begin with small acts of courage

C. To warn readers about strangers who approach them

D. To describe moving trucks and how much they hold

B. To show how friendships can begin with small acts of courage

300

The Science Fair Surprise

Paragraph 1:   Lila spent weeks building her volcano model for the science fair. She painted every detail carefully and practiced her explanation until she could say it without looking at her notes. Still, she worried that her project wasn’t good enough.

Paragraph 2:   When the judges stopped at her table, Lila took a deep breath and began her presentation. As the volcano erupted with red foam, the judges smiled and nodded. Lila realized she had done her best—and that was enough.

QUESTION:  What experience might help a reader understand Lila’s nervousness? 

A. Riding a bike

B. Playing a video game 

C. Presenting in front of others

D. Going to a concert

C. Presenting in front of others

300

The Science Fair Surprise

Paragraph 1:   Lila spent weeks building her volcano model for the science fair. She painted every detail carefully and practiced her explanation until she could say it without looking at her notes. Still, she worried that her project wasn’t good enough.

Paragraph 2:   When the judges stopped at her table, Lila took a deep breath and began her presentation. As the volcano erupted with red foam, the judges smiled and nodded. Lila realized she had done her best—and that was enough.

QUESTION:  What can you infer about Lila? 

A. She wants to quit.

B. She didn’t work hard. 

C. She hates science. 

D. She cares about doing well.

D. She cares about doing well.

300

The Science Fair Surprise

Paragraph 1:   Lila spent weeks building her volcano model for the science fair. She painted every detail carefully and practiced her explanation until she could say it without looking at her notes. Still, she worried that her project wasn’t good enough.

Paragraph 2:   When the judges stopped at her table, Lila took a deep breath and began her presentation. As the volcano erupted with red foam, the judges smiled and nodded. Lila realized she had done her best—and that was enough.

QUESTION:  Which detail shows Lila worked hard? 

A. “She took a deep breath.”

B. “The judges walked around.” 

C. “The volcano erupted.” 

D. “She painted every detail carefully.”

D. “She painted every detail carefully.”

300

The Science Fair Surprise

Paragraph 1:   Lila spent weeks building her volcano model for the science fair. She painted every detail carefully and practiced her explanation until she could say it without looking at her notes. Still, she worried that her project wasn’t good enough.

Paragraph 2:   When the judges stopped at her table, Lila took a deep breath and began her presentation. As the volcano erupted with red foam, the judges smiled and nodded. Lila realized she had done her best—and that was enough.

QUESTION:  What is the best summary? 

A. Lila works hard on her project and learns that doing her best is enough.

B. Lila forgets her notes and cannot finish presenting her volcano project.

C. Lila wins first place and continues to present her volcano project in other competitions.

D. Lila watches others present before presenting.

A. Lila works hard on her project and learns that doing her best is enough.

300

The Science Fair Surprise

Paragraph 1:   Lila spent weeks building her volcano model for the science fair. She painted every detail carefully and practiced her explanation until she could say it without looking at her notes. Still, she worried that her project wasn’t good enough.

Paragraph 2:   When the judges stopped at her table, Lila took a deep breath and began her presentation. As the volcano erupted with red foam, the judges smiled and nodded. Lila realized she had done her best—and that was enough.

QUESTION: What is the author’s message? 

A. Judges are strict

B. Science fairs are easy 

C. Hard work builds confidence

D. Volcanoes are dangerous

C. Hard work builds confidence

400

How Bees Help Our World

Paragraph 1:   Bees play an important role in nature. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar, they also spread pollen. This process helps plants grow fruits, vegetables, and seeds.

Paragraph 2:   Without bees, many crops would struggle to grow. Farmers depend on them to keep food supplies strong. Bees may be small, but their impact on the environment is huge.

QUESTION:  What connection can readers make to bees helping plants grow? 

A. Running a race and winning

B. Playing Minecraft and playing with Rainbow Friends

C. Eating fruits and vegetables

D. Playing soccer

C. Eating fruits and vegetables

400

Why Exercise Matters

Paragraph 1:   Exercise helps keep the body strong and healthy. Activities like walking, running, or playing sports strengthen muscles and improve heart health. Even small amounts of movement each day can make a difference.

Paragraph 2:   Exercise also supports mental health. It can reduce stress and boost energy. Many experts encourage kids and adults to find activities they enjoy so they can stay active throughout their lives.

QUESTION: What can you infer about exercise? 

A. It is harmful if you exercise too much.

B. It is only for athletes.

C. It benefits both body and mind.

D. It is unnecessary.

C. It benefits both body and mind.

400

How Bees Help Our World

Paragraph 1:   Bees play an important role in nature. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar, they also spread pollen. This process helps plants grow fruits, vegetables, and seeds.

Paragraph 2:   Without bees, many crops would struggle to grow. Farmers depend on them to keep food supplies strong. Bees may be small, but their impact on the environment is huge.

QUESTION:  Which detail shows bees are important to food production? 

A. “Bees are small.”

B. “Bees collect nectar.” 

C. “Farmers depend on them.”

D. “Bees live in hives.”

C. “Farmers depend on them.”

400

How Bees Help Our World

Paragraph 1:   Bees play an important role in nature. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar, they also spread pollen. This process helps plants grow fruits, vegetables, and seeds.

Paragraph 2:   Without bees, many crops would struggle to grow. Farmers depend on them to keep food supplies strong. Bees may be small, but their impact on the environment is huge.

QUESTIONS: What is the best summary? 

A. Bees live in hives and stay warm during winter. 

B. Bees make honey and pollinate plants and animals. 

C. Bees pollinate plants and are important for growing food.

D. Bees fly from place to place and spread pollen.

C. Bees pollinate plants and are important for growing food.

400

How Bees Help Our World

Paragraph 1:   Bees play an important role in nature. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar, they also spread pollen. This process helps plants grow fruits, vegetables, and seeds.

Paragraph 2:   Without bees, many crops would struggle to grow. Farmers depend on them to keep food supplies strong. Bees may be small, but their impact on the environment is huge.

QUESTION: What is the author’s purpose? 

A. To warn about bee stings and the impact on health

B. To entertain readers about bees

C. To describe how to build a beehive for bees to live

D. To explain why bees are important to the environment 


D. To explain why bees are important to the environment 

500

The First Moon Landing

Paragraph 1:   In 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. Millions of people watched the event on television as Armstrong stepped onto the surface and said his famous words.

Paragraph 2:   The moon landing showed what humans could achieve through teamwork, science, and determination. It inspired future space missions and encouraged people to dream about exploring even farther into space.

QUESTION:  What personal connection helps readers understand the benefits of exercise? 

A. A time they played a sport or were active 

B. A time they read a book 

C. A time they cleaned their room 

D. A time they watched a movie

A. A time they played a sport or were active 

500

The First Moon Landing

Paragraph 1:   In 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. Millions of people watched the event on television as Armstrong stepped onto the surface and said his famous words.

Paragraph 2:   The moon landing showed what humans could achieve through teamwork, science, and determination. It inspired future space missions and encouraged people to dream about exploring even farther into space.

QUESTION:  What can you infer about the moon landing? 

A. It was an important moment in history

B. It was a small event 

C. Few people cared 

D. It stopped future missions

A. It was an important moment in history

500

Why Exercise Matters

Paragraph 1:   Exercise helps keep the body strong and healthy. Activities like walking, running, or playing sports strengthen muscles and improve heart health. Even small amounts of movement each day can make a difference.

Paragraph 2:   Exercise also supports mental health. It can reduce stress and boost energy. Many experts encourage kids and adults to find activities they enjoy so they can stay active throughout their lives.


Which detail shows exercise helps mental health? 

A. "People wear shoes when they run.”

B. “Exercise also supports mental health."

C. “Experts study exercise.” 

D. “Kids like to play.”

B. “Exercise also supports mental health."

500

The First Moon Landing

Paragraph 1:   In 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. Millions of people watched the event on television as Armstrong stepped onto the surface and said his famous words.

Paragraph 2:   The moon landing showed what humans could achieve through teamwork, science, and determination. It inspired future space missions and encouraged people to dream about exploring even farther into space.

QUESTION:  What is the best summary? 

A. The moon landing was a historic event that inspired future space exploration. 

B. Astronauts traveled in a rocket. 

C. People watched TV in 1969. 

D. The moon is made of rock.

A. The moon landing was a historic event that inspired future space exploration.

500

Why Exercise Matters

Paragraph 1:   Exercise helps keep the body strong and healthy. Activities like walking, running, or playing sports strengthen muscles and improve heart health. Even small amounts of movement each day can make a difference.

Paragraph 2:   Exercise also supports mental health. It can reduce stress and boost energy. Many experts encourage kids and adults to find activities they enjoy so they can stay active throughout their lives.

QUESTION: What is the author’s purpose? 

A. To explain the benefits of exercise

B. To tell a story 

C. To persuade readers to join a gym 

D. To describe sports equipment

A. To explain the benefits of exercise