Main Idea
I have a dog whose name is Paco. He is almost 10 years old. Paco is very loveable with a brown face and short black fur. He is one of my best friends. He plays with me, sleeps with me, and goes on walks with me. I am so glad to have him around. I love him.
The main idea of this passage is: (A.) The dog’s name is Paco. (B.) Everyone should have a dog. (C.) The writer's dog is an important part of his life. (D.) The dog is cute and sweet.
(C.) The writer's dog is an important part of his
Stars are in the sky. Long ago, people used the stars to know how to get to different places. They did not have clocks like we do today. Sailors used the stars to know where to sail. People looked at where the stars were at in the sky to help them know when to plant seeds.
Which one is most likely true? (a) Stars were too big in the sky. (b.) Stars were better long ago. (c.)Stars were very important to people.
(c.)Stars were very important to people.
A short story, written by a middle school student, describing an imaginary civilization on Mars. (Persuade, Inform, Entertain)
To Entertain
Your plan looks good. I hope it will really work. It’s time to implement it and see if it’s as brilliant as you claim.
To implement means ______________. (a.) instrument (b.) take apart (c.) change (d.) carry out
d. carry out
I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all exhausted... but we still don’t want to leave!
The main idea of this passage is: (A.) Weekends are times to travel. (B.) The writer enjoys spending time with family. (C.) The writer’s grandparents live far away. (D.)The writer is sad to leave her cousins
(B.) The writer enjoys spending time with family.
Long ago, some families went to settle new states. They were given land for a small fee. On the land, the people could plant their own foods. They had to build their own homes as well. It took many hours to pull up weeds,and to cut the grass for the garden, as well as cutting down trees for a house.
What is most likely true? (a.) People had to work hard on their new land. (b.) Life is the same today as it was long ago. (c.) There were only a few people that cut grass.
(a.) People had to work hard on their new land.
A textbook explaining the mathematical steps to solve an equation. (Persuade, Inform, Entertain)
To Inform
I am working very hard for the same candidate that you support. You are doing it for pay. I’m not doing this for money. I’m doing it out of conviction.
What does “conviction” mean? (a.) being found guilty (b.) strong belief (c.) anger (d.) a desire to eat prunes
(b.) strong belief
Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers who were inventors, even from a young age when they built kites and bicycles. Many people credit the Wright Brothers with designing and building the first successful airplane. In 1903, their first flight only lasted 12 seconds, but it continues to inspire people all over the world to learn about science and math, to work hard to realize their dreams, and to use imagination to achieve success.
The main idea of this passage is: (A.) The Wright Brothers worked hard. (B.) The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people. (C.) Inventors build kites and bicycles. (D.) The first flight was in 1903.
(B.) The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.
Earth's surface is always changing. Wind crumbles rocks and soil,volcanoes erupt; both of these things change the way earth looks. Changes happen on earth all of the time, and they occur in the ocean and on land. Underwater volcanoes add more land to our planet. Lava forms islands in the ocean.
Based on the text, what can be inferred? (a.) Changes occur on Earth everyday, and most people never notice. (b.) Changes only happen on earth’s surface. (c.) Lava is the only thing that causes changes on earth.
(a.) Changes occur on Earth everyday, and most people never notice.
A song that has been played on the radio and used for soundtracks for the past thirty years. (Persuade, Inform, Entertain)
To Entertain
I think it would help our basketball team, if we allowed girls to play. I’ve seen how Patty has a knack for making the tough shots when they’re needed most. She wants to play on our team and we’d win more games with her help.
What does “knack” mean? (a.) to throw or toss (b.) a hard punch (c.) a kind of sports bag (d.) an ability
(d.) an ability
Homemade pizza is delicious. First, make the dough from flour, water, and yeast. After that, begin making the tomato sauce. Next, add any vegetables you like. Then, bake it in the oven. After a short time, the kitchen begins to smell delicious. Soon, it’s ready to eat!
The main idea of this passage is: (a.) Pizza is made from flour (b.) How to make homemade pizza (c.) Pizza is easy to make (d.) Pizza makes the kitchen smell delicious
(b.) How to make homemade pizza
Laurel listened to her friend whistle when she walked down the path. Laurel exhaled and walked rapidly when she saw a possible secret door. Her eyes widened. At once, a ray of light permeated throughout the darkened empty space surrounding her.
What will Laurel most likely do next? (a.) enter the secret door (b) tell her friend to leave quickly (c.) walk home alone
(a.) enter the secret door
A letter written to your parents explaining why they should buy you a new laptop. (Persuade, Inform, Entertain)
We have rather lofty expectations for you, son. You will attend college. You will become rich and famous. You will be elected president of the United States before you turn forty.
Which word is a synonym of “lofty”? (a.) high (b.) shaky (c.) small (d.) lowly
(a.) high
Hurricanes are large, intense storms that begin over the ocean, where they gather heat and energy from the water. Hurricanes move slowly toward land, usually moving 10-20 miles per hour for more than one week. The most dangerous part of the hurricane is the storm surge, when it reaches land and causes flooding. Wind and waves also contribute to the damage caused by these surges.
The main idea of this passage is: (a.) Hurricanes are dangerous storms. (b.) Hurricanes begin over the ocean. (c.) One type of storm is called a hurricane. (d.) Hurricanes are different from other storms.
(a.) Hurricanes are dangerous storms.
Soil can be put into different groups based on the characteristics of each type. Soils are categorized based on the size of their particles. Particle size affects how much water a soil can hold. Loam is soil that has mostly sand and silt which allows water to filter quickly. It contains a smaller amount of clay which holds water. Loam is often thought of as the best type of soil for growing crops.
Why is loam most likely the best type of soil? (a.) It contains more particles than silt soil. (b.) It enables enough water to reach the roots. (c.) It can break down minerals
(b.) It enables enough water to reach the roots.
An article written to convince the reader that hybrid cars are more efficient than gas powered cars. (Persuade, inform, Entertain)
To Persuade
When Beth and Donna were fighting over a boy who didn’t like either one of them, Shana stepped in as a mediator. She sat them both in a corner and kept them talking to each other. Finally, Shana’s efforts resulted in her two friends making up.
Which is a synonym for mediator? (a.) troublemaker (b.) peacemaker (c.) witness (d.) competitor
(b.) peacemaker