Cause and Effect
At 5:13 a.m. on April 18th, 1906 an earthquake hit San Francisco, California and its surrounding areas. The earthquake lasted less than one minute, but caused major damage. The shakes or tremors from the earthquake caused the water mains to break and buildings to collapse. Fires ignited, or started, throughout the city. There was no available water. Firefighters were unable to put the fires out due to a lack of access to water. The fires destroyed most of San Francisco.
The U.S. government and Army helped the people of San Francisco. Food kitchens were opened so that people would have food. The Army built over 5,000 tiny homes for temporary housing. Money and donations were sent to San Francisco from all over the United States.
What caused the fires and buildings to collapse in San Francisco?
a)wildfire
b)earthquake
c)tornado
d)tsunami
b.) Earthquake
Dogs vs. Cats
Have you tried to decide if your next pet should be a cat or a dog? The answer is simple! Dogs are much better pets than cats.
There is no better feeling than coming home from a long day to a dog waiting at the door for you with its tail wagging. Dogs are loving and loyal pets. Cats are usually independent and like to be left alone.
Another reason why dogs are better pets than cats is that dogs can protect you from danger. Dogs are defensive and will go great lengths to protect humans in their packs. On the other hand, cats are not protective. They will run from any danger.
Additionally, dogs are better pets than cats because they can help keep you active and fit. Unlike cats, dogs need regular walks and play time. This helps keep their owners active and in shape.
If you are wondering if a dog or a cat is the perfect pet for you, the answer is simple. Dogs are the most loyal, protective, and fun pets you could get.
3. Which key point would the author of “Dogs vs. Cats” agree with?
a. Cats don’t need a lot of space.
b. Cats are easy to take care of.
c. Dogs bark and disturb neighbors.
d. Dogs will cheer you up when you are sad.
d. Dogs will cheer you up when you are sad.
On Friday afternoon, the doorbell rang. Ricky ran to the front door to see if his package arrived. He was so excited that he flew open the door. He didn’t even think about his dog, Shadow. Shadow darted out the door. He was down the street in a blink of the eye. Luckily, the mailman noticed the dog as it sprinted past him.The mailman chased after Shadow, grabbed his collar, and walked him back to Ricky. Phew, that was close!
What does in a blink of an eye mean in the passage?
A. He blinked his eyes once
B. He got there fast
C. He was blindB. He got there fast
Popsicles and ice cream bars are both cold, refreshing treats to have on hot days. They are both served on a stick and they need to be stored in the freezer. Both melt quickly when they are being eaten. However, there are some differences between the popsicle and ice cream bar, as well. Popsicles are made primarily of water, while ice cream bars have creamy ice cream in the middle. Popsicles usually come in fruity flavors, whereas ice cream bars usually have a chocolate coating surrounding the ice cream. As you can see, popsicles and ice cream bars at similar in many ways, but there are also some important differences between the two tasty treats.
What is the text structure of the passage above?
a. compare and contrast
b. problem and solution
c. Sequence
d. descriptive
a. Compare and contrast
David peered down the steep embankment. His ball sat at the bottom of the cliff, and he knew the only way he was going to get it back was by finding a way down. If it had been any other ball, he would have left it to be swept up by the rising water, but it was the soccer ball that had been signed by David Beckham himself. There was no way he was going to leave it behind. David’s heart pounded, and his palms were sweaty. He began to edge his foot toward the side of the drop off, but as soon as he started to go down the hill, he pulled his foot back up, terrified of going any further. With a deep breath, David took a leap and tumbled down the hill. When he hit the ground, he couldn’t believe he had actually made the jump. Beaming with pride, he gathered his ball and began the steep climb back up.
What is the main idea of the passage?
a. David got nervous when he lost his ball
b. David lost his ball and he needs to get down the hill to get it.
c. David had courage to get his ball
d. David made a good decision
b. David lost his ball and he needs to get down the hill to get it.
Amelia was on her way to the office.
Her teacher had asked her to bring some
papers to the secretary. A boy accidentally bumped into her. Amelia dropped all of the papers on the floor. The boy apologized and helped her to clean them up.
What caused Amelia to drop the papers?
The boy accidentally bumped into her.
I Want a Rabbit
Dear Mom,
I believe I should be allowed to get a pet rabbit. A pet is a huge responsibility
and takes a lot of work. I am mature enough to care for a pet by myself.
First of all, I should be able to get a pet rabbit because I am responsible. I
have shown responsibility by doing my homework by myself and keeping up my grades in school. On my last report card, my teacher even said that I was dependable and responsible! I also always help you around the house. My room is clean. I am always willing to do extra chores.
Since I have shown you how responsible I am, I am ready to take care of a pet all by myself. If you let me get a pet rabbit, it will be my full responsibility. I will feed it,play with it, and even clean its cage. You won’t have to do any extra work!
Last but not least, having a pet will keep me entertained. I am sometimes lonely when I am home. If I have a pet rabbit, I will have an animal to care for and play with. I can even train a rabbit to do tricks!
Mom, please consider allowing me to get a pet rabbit. I promise you won’tregret it!
Your loving son, Kurt
Which key point would Kurt agree with?
a. Rabbits are easy to care for.
b. Pets take a lot of work and responsibility.
c. Rabbits are the best pets because they live in cages.
d. Someone should be allowed to get a pet rabbit because rabbits are cute.
b. Pets take a lot of work and responsibility.
Garrett and Jeffrey took turns at the hoop practicing their free throws. Usually Garrett sunk his free throw shots with no trouble, but something was off today. He had not made a single shot. Jeffrey was on fire, though! He made every single free throw shot from the line. Coach McElroy noticed and came to talk to Garrett.“If you adjust your feet,” he said,“your shot will go straight.”To Garrett’s surprise, he made the rest of his free throws!
What does the phrase "Jeffrey was on fire" mean in the passage?
a. His clothes were burning
b. He was playing poorly
C. He was playing very well
d. He was building a fire
C. He was playing very well
Decorating a Christmas tree is an annual holiday tradition in American homes.Most people don’t think about how harmful it is for the environment. Cutting
down a tree just to decorate your home for a few weeks is not a good action for the environment. As a result, many people choose to buy an artificial, or fake, Christmas tree. After all, an artificial tree can be reused year after year. Unfortunately, though, fake trees are made with PVC, a harmful substance for the environment. What should a person who wants to have a Christmas tree AND care for the environment do? Good news!! There are solutions! One answer is to buy a real tree from a local grower that still has live roots. After Christmas is over, the tree can be replanted in your yard or garden. Another option in some cities is to rent a tree. A person delivers a tree to your house before Christmas, you display the tree in your house for a few weeks, and then the person returns to pick up your tree and replant it until next December. There are solutions tothe Christmas tree dilemma for people who want to care for Earth’s environmentall year long.
What is the text structure of the passage above?
a. compare and contrast
b. problem and solution
c. Sequence
d. descriptive
b. problem and solution
Jane’s cousin smirked and said, “It’s not a lie if you don’t tell.” Turning away, she sneakily slipped the Snickers bar into her coat pocket. Jane felt her face turn red as her heart pounded with fear. She had never thought of stealing, much less being a witness to such a crime. Winona skipped off, whistling as she waved goodbye to the gas station clerk. Jane ran quickly to catch up, but then stopped suddenly in front of the clerk. She slowly walked over to the clerk, explained that her cousin must have forgotten to pay, and insisted on paying for the candy bar. It was Jane’s last dollar bill, but she proudly handed it over to the clerk. She felt good about what she had done and looked forward to sharing the candy bar with Winona. After splitting the Snickers bar, Winona said “See, it’s not a lie if you don’t tell”. Jane replied with a smile “But, you told me."
What is the theme of this passage?
a. Dishonesty is the best practice
b. Jane was upset that her candy bar was stolen
c. Honesty is the best practice.
d. Jane’s cousin stole a candy bar, but she decided to make right by paying.
c. Honesty is the best practice.
Monica was baking cookies. She had
just put a batch in the oven when the
phone rang. It was her friend, Phoebe. After awhile, Monica smelled something burning. "Oh no, the cookies!" she said, and quickly hung up the phone. The cookies were black. Monica sighed and threw them in the garbage.
What was the effect of burning the cookies?
They were black.
The town of Butler held its first Winter Fest this week. The highlight of the outdoor event was the snow sculpture contest. Teams of snow carvers worked tirelessly to create amazing works of art. The crowds were delighted!
Snow sculpture is a very difficult kind of sculpture to make. Teams of snow carvers made fantastic sculptures from huge blocks of snow. Each team could use only common hand tools. Shovels and cheese graters were very popular. For a whole day, they cut away packed snow from the heavy blocks. By late afternoon, these snow artists had created amazing sculptures. Some were over nine feet tall!
My favorite snow sculpture won second prize. This sculpture of a giant dragon was incredible. It had detailed scales and a pair of giant wings. It also had a long tail. This fierce dragon even breathed fire made of snow!
The snow sculpture that won third prize was a good choice by the judges. It was a copy of the White House in Washington, D.C.
I was disappointed by the snow sculpture that captured first prize. It was a covered wagon. The team of carvers made the wagon wheels too small! They made other mistakes, too.
I really do believe that my favorite sculpture should have won the grand prize. But Butler’s first Winter Fest was still a great success. I can’t wait for the next one!
Which choice best describes the author’s point of view about snow sculpture?
A Snow sculpture is interesting, but it’s just for kids.
B Snow sculpture is an impressive type of art.
C Snow sculpture requires very little effort.
D Snow sculptures are not as good as regular sculptures.
B Snow sculpture is an impressive type of art.
1. “Come, little leaves,” said the wind one day, “Come over the meadows with me and play. Put on your dresses of red and gold, —
For summer is gone, and the days grow cold.”
5 Soon as the leaves heard the wind’s loud call, Down they came fluttering one and all. Over the brown fields they danced and flew, Singing the soft little songs they knew.
Dancing and whirling, the little leaves went;
10 Winter had called them, and they were content; Soon fast asleep in their earthy beds,
The snow laid a coverlet over their heads.
How does the poet use the word dresses in line 3 of the poem?
A to describe leaves changing color in the fall
B to describe girls getting dressed for a party
C to describe the sky changing colors at sunset
D to describe the movement of the wind
A to describe leaves changing color in the fal
The Pilgrims’ trip on the Mayflower was not pleasant. They spent 66 straight days on the Mayflower, the ship that carried them from their old homes in England to their new life in America. The majority of Pilgrims were seasick from the rocky waves. To make matters worse, they had no privacy and they only had a chamber pot for a toilet. Most of the time, they were very bored. They even suffered injuries from being thrown against the walls of the ship during storms. All in all, it was a miserable trip for the Pilgrims.
What is the text structure of the passage above?
a. compare and contrast
b. problem and solution
c. Sequence
d. Cause and effect
D. Cause and effect
The angry customer stomped up and slammed the bag of food on the counter in front of James. The bag split down the side and French fries poured out of the rip. The man barked at James about how the restaurant had messed up the order. James smiled at the man and offered to make him a new lunch and throw in a free dessert. James stepped out from the counter and handed some kids’ meal toys to the angry man’s children. He apologized again to the red faced man and offered to get him a soda while the family waited on the new order. The customer just crossed his arms and huffed. James smiled again and offered the children free milkshakes. The man’s frown finally turned, and he calmly smiled at James, apologizing for overreacting. James smiled to himself. He was proud that he had done just as his father had told him. “Kill them with kindness”. It worked every time.
What is the main idea of the passage
a. Be kind, even when others are not
b. James had to deal with a difficult customer.
c. James loved his job
d. James had a smile on his face
b. James had to deal with a difficult customer.
At 5:13 a.m. on April 18th, 1906 an earthquake hit San Francisco, California and its surrounding areas. The earthquake lasted less than one minute, but caused major damage. The shakes or tremors from the earthquake caused the water mains to break and buildings to collapse. Fires ignited, or started, throughout the city. There was no available water. Firefighters were unable to put the fires out due to a lack of access to water. The fires destroyed most of San Francisco.
The U.S. government and Army helped the people of San Francisco. Food kitchens were opened so that people would have food. The Army built over 5,000 tiny homes for temporary housing. Money and donations were sent to San Francisco from all over the United States.
What is NOT an effect of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake?
a) Buildings collapsed.
b) Water mains broke.
c) Most of San Francisco burnt down.
d) Firefighters quit working.
d.) Firefighters quit working
Americans eat many kinds of
fruit. Apples and oranges are
popular. But when it comes to your
health, bananas are one of the best. And here’s why.
Bananas are made mostly of sugars and fiber. Eating a banana can give you a boost of energy. The fiber helps that energy to last. Bananas are also great sources of vitamins. For example, vitamin C helps you fight a cold. Bananas have more sugars and vitamins than apples or oranges.
One important fact is that bananas are high in potassium. Potassium helps your stomach digest food, and it helps your brain stay healthy. Bananas can help keep your eyes and bones strong.
It doesn’t hurt that bananas taste great! You can slice one up and put it on your cereal. You can bake it into bread or even a pie. Eat a banana every day,
and you will be healthier and happier. After all, everyone knows a banana has appeal, and a peel, too!
Part A
What is the author’s main purpose for writing “Bananas Are Best”?
A to tell why bananas are good for you
B to tell what bananas are made of
C to tell how bananas help you fight colds
D to tell what you can do with bananas
Part B
How do details in the article help you figure out the author’s main purpose for writing it?
A They explain why bananas have so much sugar.
B They answer questions about bananas.
C They describe what bananas look, taste, and smell like.
D They explain how eating bananas helps your body.
Part A: A to tell why bananas are good for you
Part B: D They explain how eating bananas helps your body.
1. “Come, little leaves,” said the wind one day, “Come over the meadows with me and play. Put on your dresses of red and gold, —
For summer is gone, and the days grow cold.”
5 Soon as the leaves heard the wind’s loud call, Down they came fluttering one and all. Over the brown fields they danced and flew, Singing the soft little songs they knew.
Dancing and whirling, the little leaves went;
10 Winter had called them, and they were content; Soon fast asleep in their earthy beds,
The snow laid a coverlet over their heads.
Read these lines from the poem.
Soon fast asleep in their earthy beds,
The snow laid a coverlet over their heads.
The poet uses the word coverlet to show that
A the snow looks like a blanket.
B the leaves have fallen.
C the snow looks like a dress.
D the singing has stopped.
A the snow looks like a blanket.
To properly care for your teeth, you need to follow these instructions. First, put toothpaste on your toothbrush. Begin by brushing the outer and inner surfaces of your teeth. Brush these parts by holding your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle and do short brushing strokes against the gum line. Next, move on to the chewing surfaces. Hold the brush flat and brush back and forth. Then, brush the inside surfaces of your front teeth. Tilt your toothbrush vertically and brush gently up and down. Finally, brush your tongue in a back-to-front motion. Dentists recommend that you spend two minutes brushing your teeth, and that you do it twice a day.
What is the text structure of the passage above?
a. compare and contrast
b. problem and solution
c. Sequence
d. Cause and effect
c. Sequence
Carolyn looked across the row of tables at Madeline. She had heard enough about Madeline to know that she would never get within ten feet of her! All of the other girls in class had spread rumors about her for years, but this was the first year Carolyn was in the same class. “Stay away from that weirdo!” the kids had said. For years, Madeline had sat at the lunch table by herself, quietly eating her sack lunch. As Carolyn wrote her name on her paper, the teacher announced that this would be a partner activity. Excited about choosing their first partners of the year, the kids let out a collective sigh when Ms. Joe told them she had already selected their partners. Carolyn sat frozen when her name was called alongside Madeline’s. “But, but, but. I, I. I need a different partner,” Carolyn stammered, to no one in particular. Madeline made her way over to Carolyn’s desk and sat down. Carolyn, wanting nothing more than to get this over with, asked the first getting-to-know-you question on their paper. “Oh! My favorite show is Dog with a Blog, too!” Carolyn shouted. As they completed the questionnaire, Carolyn was amazed at how much they had in common. Within minutes, the girls were laughing. Carolyn got up to go back to her seat, but turned back around. “Would you like to sit with me at lunch today?” Carolyn asked Madeline.
What is the theme of the passage?
a. Carolyn was a follower
b. I should do what others do.
c. Don’t let other people’s opinions influence you.
d. Carolyn had heard bad things about Madeline, but she soon found out how much they had in common.
c. Don’t let other people’s opinions influence you.
The Titanic is one of the most famous ships in history. The Titanic was built to be the most extravagant, or fancy, ship on the ocean. It was the largest luxury ship built at the time. The owners of Titanic claimed that it was unsinkable. The Titanic set sail for its first trip on April 10, 1912. It left England and was headed to New York. Late at night, on April 14th, the Titanic hit an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean. The iceberg cut holes into the Titanic causing it to sink. The Titanic was not prepared for a disaster. It didn’t have enough life vests and boats for all of its passengers. People were shocked, because the Titanic was supposed to be unsinkable. The Titanic still sits at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
In 1914 the International Ice Patrol was started to prevent another disaster like the Titanic. The International Ice Patrol lets ships know about icebergs in the Atlantic and Artic Oceans.
1. The Titanic did not have enough life vests and boats for everyone, because . . .
a)no one thought that the Titanic would ever sink.
b)the Titanic was a big enough boat for all of its passengers.
c)there wasn’t enough room for the life vests on the Titanic.
d)the Titanic didn’t need life vests and boats.
a)no one thought that the Titanic would ever sink.
You may love crunchy, salty potato chips. But do you know who first made them?
A man named George Crum did in 1853. He invented them by accident.
Crum was a cook who made delicious French fries. But one day, a man complained. He said the fries were too thick.
Crum made the fries thinner, but the fussy man still wasn’t happy. So Crum made the fries so thin and crunchy that the man couldn’t eat them with his fork.
Instead of being angry, the man loved them! Other people who tried Crum’s treat also loved them.
A few years later, George Crum opened his own restaurant. A big basket of potato chips was placed on every table.
In 1895, the first potato chip factory was built. Now people could buy potato chips at the store and put them on their own tables.
Why does the author tell about French fries?
a. Because they are delicious
b. Because they are better than chips
c. to show how George Crum created potato chips
d. to show the reader how to make the perfect French fries.
c. to show how George Crum created potato chips
1 “Little by little,” an acorn said,
As it slowly sank in its mossy bed, “I am improving every day, Hidden deep in the earth away.”
2 Little by little, each day it grew;
Little by little, it sipped the dew; Downward it sent out a thread-like root; Up in the air sprung a tiny shoot.
3 Day after day, and year after year,
Little by little the leaves appear;
And the slender branches spread far and wide, Till the mighty oak is the forest’s pride.
What does the phrase slowly sank in its mossy bed mean in paragraph 1?
a. the acorn is going to sleep
b. the acorn is hiding in the moss
c. the acorn is wearing mossy oak
d. the acorn is being covered with moss
d. the acorn is being covered with moss
A blizzard is a severe snowstorm usually accompanied by high winds, blowing snow, and very cold temperatures. The National Weather Service defines blizzards as large amounts of falling or blowing snow with winds above 35 miles per hour, and less than one-quarter mile visibility for three hours or more. Theblowing snow can cause “whiteout” conditions that make driving and walkingcompletely unsafe.
One famous blizzard was named the Schoolhouse Blizzard of 1888. It hit the Plains States (from Texas to South Dakota) one January day, stranding students in their one room schoolhouses. About 235 people died, most of them school-agedkids who tried to walk home and couldn’t find their way in the whiteout conditions.
What is the text structure of the passage above?
a. compare and contrast
b. descriptive
c. Sequence
d. Cause and effect
b. descriptive
“I didn’t mean to!” Connor shouted from the front yard. “I didn’t even see him coming when I threw the ball in his direction.” Mom sighed, frustrated with her son. “I said I was sorry! It won’t happen again!” Mom shook her head and walked back into the house. She couldn’t help but remember yesterday when Connor had “accidently” hit his brother in the face with a remote control. The day before that, she had heard the same “I didn’t mean to!” story from Connor when he “accidently” broke his little sister’s crayons in half. She knew that her son was a kind child at heart, but things like this just couldn’t keep happening. Later that night, Connor’s brother came crying up the stairs. Mom listened as the little boy told the story about how Connor had tripped him as he came down the stairs. Enough was enough. Mom marched upstairs to confront Connor. When she arrived at the top of the stairs, hestarted his story with, “But, it was just an accident!” With a sigh, mom toldConnor to go to his room. She knew she couldn’t trust his stories anymore.
What is the main idea and theme of the passage?
a. The main idea is Connor was always hurting people, and his mom couldn’t trust him anymore. The theme is mothers get mad at their children.
b. The main idea is Connor was always hurting people, and his mom couldn’t trust him anymore. The theme is Actions speak louder than words.
c. The main idea is Connor was rude. The theme is that it is not okay to hurt other people because you want too.
d. The main idea is that Connor didn't mean too. The theme is I made a mistake.
b. The main idea is Connor was always hurting people, and his mom couldn’t trust him anymore. The theme is Actions speak louder than words.