Prefix/Suffix
Read the sentence below and then answer the question. Jake decided to disconnect the power to the house when he was fixing it.
If you change the prefix from dis to re, what is the new meaning of the word?
a. the opposite of connect
b. to connect before
c. to connect again
d. to not connect it
C. to connect again
My little sister won't leave me alone when I try to work on my homework. She was so annoying last night that I told her to take a hike!
What does the phrase "take a hike" mean?
go way or leave me alone
Read the passage. Then answer the question that follows.
Over the past 100 years, the Olympic games have endured. They remain a passion for fans, athletes, and trainers all over the world. While the love for this worldwide event is well-known, many changes have occurred since 1896.
In 1896, the Olympic games had 42 events and 245 competitors. These games were hosted in Athens, Greece. Only 14 nations were represented in those Olympic games. While only a little over one hundred years ago, women were not allowed to participate in the Olympic games. The most successful athlete from the 1896 games was a German wrestler/gymnast named Carl Schumann. Schumann won 4 gold medals.
The 2008 Olympic Games showed just much a century can change things. Over 200 nations were represented in Beijing, China. There were over 10,000 males and females that competed for their chance at gold. A total of over 300 events were completed. Meanwhile, the most successful athlete from the 2008 games was American swimmer Michael Phelps. Phelps earned 8 gold medals in the 2008 Olympics. This was a new record for the most gold medals one during a single Olympic games. The 2008 Olympic games also marked an end for two popular events: baseball and softball.
While a lot has changed about the Olympic games, some things remain the same. The games are still held every four years. Additionally, the International Sports Federation Rules apply to the event. There are gold, silver, and bronze medals given today, just as they were 116 years ago in Athens, Greece.
What does the underlined word in the following sentence from the passage MOST LIKELY mean?
While a lot has changed about the Olympic games, some things remain the same.
Which text feature helps a reader know that a word is important by darken it?
Bold Print
Answer the question about the following passage:
Aladdin showed his mother the dusty old lamp. "Perhaps we can sell it if we polish it up first," she said. When Aladdin set to work polishing the lamp, a genie appeared! "I am the spirit of the lamp! Command, and I obey." Delighted, Aladdin asked the genie for food, and a feast appeared. Aladdin began to dream of the wonderful things he could do with the help of the genie. He would ask for new clothes, a big house to live in, and camels to ride.
How can you tell that Aladdin and his mother are poor?
You can tell Aladdin and his mother are poor because he asks the genie for food, clothes, a house and a camel.
What does the prefix "re" mean?
My grandfather bought two new cars and a boat last Saturday. He is made of money!
What is the meaning of "made of money"?
has a lot of money
Read the passage. Then answer the question that follows.
Simple Machines
Most of us don’t go through our daily lives thinking about all the simple machines that we use, but they are everywhere. Without things like the lever, the wheel and axle, the pulley, the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw, our lives would be much more complicated. Although simple machines have few parts, their function is to help maximize human strength and motion by using less force. As a result, there are six simple machines that make our lives easier.
Simple machines were created to make everyday tasks faster and less frustrating. Just think about how hard it would be to raise a flag without a pulley or how difficult loading a lawnmower on a trailer would be without the assistance of an inclined plane. Simple machines make jobs lighter.
Did you know that simple machines are used for fun activities too? Teeter-totters that allows children to move smoothly up and down use simple machines. Or picture the wheel and axle movement of your parents’ steering wheel as you ride to and from the baseball field, the park, or a friend’s birthday party.
These simple machines are also used to make some careers and basic tasks easier. An artist’s job is made easier through the use of a wedge and chisel. They are able to use these simple machines when sculpting an image out of wood or clay. Additionally, a construction worker might use a simple machine called a lever to drive nails into wood. Yes, to us this would be known as a hammer, but levers are nothing more than tools that aid in lifting or moving loads. A screw is an inclined plane that is wrapped around a pole to help hold objects together. This can be seen during the motion of turning a key in a lock.
The world around us uses these simple machines everywhere. Our lives are overflowing with uses for them. Next time, you walk through your home or enjoy a day at the park, take a moment to notice just how much these simple machines help us in our daily.
What does the underlined word in the sentence from the passage MOST LIKELY mean?
Just think about how hard it would be to raise a flag without a pulley or how difficult loading a lawnmower on a trailer would be without the assistance of an inclined plane.
help
What type of text feature helps a reader locate something in the world?
A map
Read the story and answer the question.
Once upon a time, there was a wealthy woman that had very poor eyesight. She decided to call a doctor to ask if he could restore her eyesight. The doctor promised to cure her but told her that she had to pay him a huge fee. He also told her that throughout the treatment she had to keep her eyes closed. The woman agreed to both requirements.
The doctor began the treatment in the women’s home. Every day the doctor stole something from the lady’s house. The treatment lasted a lengthy period of time. Finally, when he had emptied her house, the doctor told her that he had finished her treatment, and that eyesight was restored.
The woman was very happy that the treatment was over, but she refused to pay the doctor. The doctor was very angry that she refused to pay his hefty fee. He told her that he was taking her to court. She just laughed at him.
When the judge asked the woman to explain why she didn’t pay the doctor, the woman said, “Sir, before the operation, I was partially blind, but at least I could see the things in my home.” She continued, “But now after the treatment, I am unable to see anything in my home. The woman solemnly told the judge, “I must be totally blind because I can see nothing.”
The judge looked at the doctor, who hung his head in shame. He realized that the woman knew that he had stolen all her things. He felt ashamed and returned everything he had stolen. The doctor also said that the woman did not owe him a fee for the treatment.
Why did the woman say that she couldn’t see anything after the operation?
She could partially see before the operation and knew that the doctor was stealing her things.
Which suffix (ending) can be added to the word fear to complete the following sentence?
She didn't want to go into the haunted house. She was ________________.
ful
Read the passage. Then answer the question that follows.
Antonio walked into the house. He was feeling overwhelmed, and just didn’t know what to do about his latest problem. His mom noticed his sad face and asked him to sit down. “What’s that cloud hanging over your head, son?” He just shrugged. “Been a bad day?” He nodded. She pulled her son closer and said, “Tomorrow is a new day.” He smiled. His mom had a way of talking in these silly expressions. They never meant what he first thought of, but they always made him smile.
“Has that new kid been walking around with a chip on his shoulder again?”
He chuckled out loud, picturing in his mind the new student walking around with a huge concrete block or some other “chip” on his shoulder. “Guess so….”
“Don’t beat around the bush with him anymore, son….just tell him how you feel.”
Antonio returned his mom’s hug, squeezing her as hard as he could.
“Mom, you sure do have a way with words.” The two smiled happily. “What’s for dinner? I could eat a horse.”
What did Antonio mean when he said that he could eat a horse?
He was so hungry.
Read the following passage. Then answer the question that follows.
Cell Phones in the Classroom
A familiar ringtone sounds out in the classroom directing everyone’s attention to a shy student in the back row. Several years ago, this would have seemed a bit strange, but not today. A recent study showed that every one in three, third grade students, has a cell phone. With so many students having access to these technology devices, a lot of talk has gone into whether to use them as learning tools or keep them banned from the classroom.
Let’s think about their role as learning tools. Annie needs a calculator, but forgot hers. She takes out her cell phone and is able to use the calculator app on the phone. Just across the room, Johnny is trying to spell the word “similar” so he uses the dictionary app on his phone to find the correct spelling. Another student in the class, Mitchell, has completed all of his work early, so he decides to use the multiplication app on his phone to review his multiplication facts in a fun and interactive way. These and other apps are making teachers and other school officials see that cell phones do give students access to many resources that could actually save schools money.
While cell phones may sound great, not everyone is ready to lift the cell phone ban. There are still those that have major concerns. One concern is what to do about students that do not have a cell phone. Another worry is how to make sure students are using the phone as a learning tool instead of texting and social media. Additional concerns arise with how to address when a phone is broken or stolen while at school. Certainly, the list of problems that some schools have goes on and on.
The answer isn’t clear for schools across the United States. Some schools are starting to lift the cell phone ban, but others are keeping it in place. As more and more backpacks get armed with cell phones, the discussion of having them in the classroom will certainly continue into the future.
What does the underlined word in the sentence from the passage MOST LIKELY mean?
These and other apps are making teachers and other school officials see that cell phones do give students access to many resources that could actually save schools money.
available
What type of text feature is an alphabetized list that helps a reader locate a specific topic in the book?
An Index
Amber entered the small grocery store. She looked at the list that her mom had sent with her and knew that she only had enough money to buy the milk, bread, and eggs. Quickly, she grabbed those items and then paid for them.
Eying the candy on her way out, she picked up a pack of gum, looked around and she saw that no one was watching her. It had been weeks since she had chewed gum, and she thought that it would be okay. She had walked a long way to the store and felt that she deserved this little treat.
Walking through the double doors with the gum in her hand, she stared at the bright green package. She immediately turned back around, walked back inside, and returned the gum to its spot on the display stand. The cashier smiled and nodded, but did not say a word.
What does this passage reveal about Amber?
Amber knows that she should return the gum because it wasn't right to steal it.
What does the suffix (ending) -less mean?
without
Which of the following is an example of LITERAL language?
a. It has claws like a dinosaur.
b. Amy’s heart beat like a drum.
c. She did not like the dark.
d. It’s raining cats and dogs outside.
c. She did not like the dark.
Read the following passage. Then answer the question that follows.
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart was born on July 24, 1897. From that point forward, she was focused on earning a pilot’s license. Holding on to that dream, she challenged herself with a variety of jobs to earn the $1,000 needed for flying lessons.
Soaring to new heights, Earhart proceeded to excel as a pilot. She received a medal from President Herbert Hoover in 1932 for her solo flight across the Atlantic. Meanwhile, she did not stop there. Earhart was the first female to fly from Hawaii to California.
Earhart’s contribution to history ended on July 2, 1937 when a frantic message was received by the U. S. Coast Guard. Meanwhile, her devotion to creating change remains a legacy. This legacy emphasizes how setting dreams and achieving goals can be done through hard work and determination.
What does the underlined word in the sentence from the passage MOST LIKELY mean?
something that is handed down
What text feature helps a reader look up words they may not know?
A Glossary
Robert is a twelve-year old boy. Every day when he gets home from school, he picks up his younger brother and sister from the bus stop down the street from his house. He takes his siblings inside and makes sure that they have a snack and begin their homework. Robert does his own homework by himself and cleans up the house before his parents come home. His mom and dad work long hours and are so thankful for all that Robert does.
Name one character trait you would give to Robert and support it with evidence from the text.
Answers will vary.
What word contains the suffix which means “in a ____ way”?
a. happily
b. lyrics
c. baker
d. successful
a. happily
My cousin broke my aunt's favorite coffee cup. I told him, "When your mom finds out you did this, you're toast!"
What does the phrase "you're toast" mean?
Hamsters Written by Krista Garver
Hamsters are unique creatures. They are small rodents, like rats and mice. They live in the wild in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Since they are cute and rarely bite, they are also popular pets.
When hamsters are born, they are very tiny, and they don't have any fur. There are usually five to ten hamsters in each litter. Baby hamsters are called pups. Even grown hamsters are pretty small. They only reach five or six inches long and weigh about four ounces. That is about as much as a small apple weighs. Their lifespan is about two and a half to three years.
Like other rodents, hamsters are nocturnal. They sleep during the day and are awake at night. When they are awake, boy, are they active! Hamsters can run up to six miles in a single night! How's that for exercise?
Hamsters have very poor eyesight. They are colorblind and can only see about six inches in front of them. To avoid predators in the wild, they burrow underground in the daylight. Some hamster burrows are as deep as six feet.
In the wild, hamsters eat mostly greens, seeds, and fruit. Sometimes they eat insects. They hoard their food. They have special pouches in their cheeks that go all the way to their shoulders. They pack these pouches full of food and carry it back to their burrow to store or share. Like all rodents, their teeth grow constantly. To prevent their teeth from getting too long, hamsters chew on wood and other surfaces.
Hamsters normally live alone. These usually gentle creatures can become very territorial. They will bite other hamsters that come into their territory.
These furry creatures are also excellent escape artists. They can run very fast and fit into tiny holes. If you have a pet hamster, keep a good eye on it!
Read this sentence from paragraph 5.
They hoard their food.
What does the word hoard mean?
a. to eat insects
b. to chew with their teeth
c. to eat mostly greens
d. to save up food for later
d. to save up food for later
If you didn't know what a photograph or illustration was about, what text feature could you use?
A caption
The Garden
Marshall’s dad wanted to start a garden. He asked Marshall if he would like to help with the planting. Marshall learned that corn, peas, and lettuce would grow in their garden.
Marshall and his dad worked hard in the garden. They used a rake to smooth the dirt. They then used a shovel to build tiny rows of soil. Marshall did not understand something. He looked everywhere for the corn, peas, and lettuce, but he did not see anything but rows of brown soil.
His dad placed tiny seeds in Marshall’s hands. His dad showed him how to drop the seeds in the tiny soil rows. Marshall placed the seeds in the ground just as his dad had told him to. Marshall’s dad then told him to cover the seeds. He was to use a shovel to push the dirt over the top of the seeds. Finally, his dad told him that they were done with the garden for the day.
For the next few days, Marshall went outside to look at the bare mounds of soil. He looked again for the corn, peas, and lettuce, but he did not see anything at all. The garden was still a big square of plain soil.
One bright sunny day, Marshall headed out back once more to see his garden. What he saw was a huge surprise! Little green leaves were starting to push up through the soil. The garden was filled with rows of tiny little plants. Marshall ran to get his dad.
Marshall’s dad seemed very proud of the new sprouts. Marshall still did not understand. Finally, Marshall asked his dad why these little leaves were growing instead of corn, peas, and lettuce.
His dad smiled at him. He said that Marshall had to wait for the corn, peas, and lettuce. They would grow from those tiny plants. Marshall finally understood what his dad was telling him.
Marshall then checked on his garden every day. Some of the plants grew tall, and some plants stayed close to the ground. When summer arrived, it was time to eat the food from the garden. Marshall proudly enjoyed eating the corn, peas, and lettuce that he had planted.
Describe how Marshall’s actions helped the garden grow.
Answers will vary.