Theme/Central Message
The Clever Tortoise and the Greedy Fox
A hungry fox spotted a tortoise slowly crawling along a riverbank. "You look like you’d make a fine snack," the fox said with a hungry glint in his eye.
The tortoise, sensing danger, replied calmly, "Oh, I would only be a tiny meal for you. But I heard that some fishermen just left a huge catch of fish downstream. It would be enough to fill you up for days."
Excited by the idea of a bigger meal, the fox dashed off downstream, hoping to find a feast. He searched and searched but found nothing. When he returned, tired and angry, the tortoise was nowhere to be found. By the time the fox realized he’d been tricked, the tortoise had hidden safely in the river.
What is the central message of the passage?
A. Tortoises are too small to eat.
B. It's better to chase small meals than large ones.
C. Being greedy can sometimes lead to trouble.
D. Always trust other animals advice.
C. Being greedy can sometimes lead to trouble.
The Invention of the Ice Cream Cone
In the early 1900s, people enjoyed eating ice cream, but they usually ate it from small bowls or cups. At the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, an ice cream seller ran out of cups. He needed a new way to serve his ice cream quickly. Nearby, a vendor selling thin waffles had an idea. He rolled up one of his waffles into a cone shape, and the ice cream seller scooped ice cream into the cone. People loved the new way to eat ice cream, and soon, ice cream cones became popular everywhere. Today, millions of people enjoy ice cream cones around the world.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The World’s Fair was held in St. Louis, Missouri.
B. People used to eat ice cream out of bowls.
C. The ice cream cone was invented to serve ice cream without a cup.
D. The ice cream seller and the waffle vendor were friends.
C. The ice cream cone was invented to serve ice cream without a cup.
The Interesting Fox
Max the fox loved to explore the forest. One day, he noticed a strange, glittering light coming from under a pile of leaves. Curious, he dug through the leaves and found a small, shiny stone. Max decided to keep the stone and show it to his friend, Ollie the owl.
That night, Max met Ollie and showed him the stone. “I think it’s magical!” Max said excitedly. Ollie examined the stone and nodded wisely. “Let’s follow where the stone leads us,” Ollie suggested. So, together, they went deeper into the forest, where they discovered a hidden pond that shimmered with stars reflected in the water. Max felt proud of his curiosity, which had led them on such a wonderful adventure.
Which trait best describes Max?
A. Scared
B. Lazy
C. Curious
D. Quiet
C. Curious
Wolves and Foxes
Wolves and foxes are both members of the dog family, but they are different in many ways. Wolves are larger, usually travel in packs, and rely on teamwork to hunt big prey like deer. They communicate with each other through howls and body language to work together.
Foxes, on the other hand, are smaller and usually hunt alone. They are very adaptable and often eat small animals like mice or rabbits. Unlike wolves, foxes are more likely to live near humans and are known for their cleverness and ability to survive in different environments.
How are wolves and foxes similar?
A. They both live near humans.
B. They both hunt alone.
C. They are both members of the dog family.
D. They both eat mice.
C. They are both members of the dog family.
In winter, bears enter a state called hibernation. This means they rest in a warm, sheltered den and do not eat for several months. Because of hibernation, bears can survive the cold winter months without searching for food.
What does the word hibernation mean as it is used?
A. A time when bears eat a lot
B. A state where bears rest for a long period of time
C. A place where bears go to eat
D. A cave a bear naps in
B. A state where bears rest for a long period of time.
The Crow and the Peacock’s Feathers
A crow watched a peacock strut across the field, admiring his colorful feathers. "I wish I could be as beautiful as that peacock," the crow said with envy.
One day, the crow found some bright peacock feathers on the ground. Excited, he attached the feathers to his tail and walked proudly over to the peacocks, hoping they would admire him. But instead, the peacocks laughed and chased him away, pointing out how silly he looked.
Feeling hurt, the crow returned to his own group, but his friends were disappointed with him, too. "You don’t need to pretend to be something you’re not," they said, "We like you as you are." Embarrassed, the crow removed the feathers and finally felt content.
What is the central message of the passage?
A. Pretending to be something else only causes problems.
B. Peacocks and crows should be friends.
C. Being colorful is very important
D. It’s good to admire others
A. Pretending to be something else only causes problems.
The Invention of the Bicycle
The first bicycles, invented in the early 1800s, looked very different from the ones we see today. They had two wheels, but riders had to push themselves along with their feet because pedals didn’t exist yet. Later, inventors added pedals, which allowed people to move faster. Then, in the late 1800s, another big change came with the invention of the "safety bicycle," which had two wheels of the same size and a chain that connected the pedals to the back wheel. This design made riding easier and safer for everyone. Today, bicycles are used around the world for exercise, transportation, and fun.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The first bicycles were difficult to ride.
B. Bicycles were invented in the early 1800s and have changed over time.
C. People use bicycles for exercise today.
D. Riding bicycles is safe and easy.
B. Bicycles were invented in the early 1800s and have changed over time.
The Brave Mouse
Lily the mouse lived in a quiet meadow. One day, a large hawk flew over the meadow, casting a huge shadow. All the small animals hid, terrified of the hawk’s sharp claws and beak. But Lily was different. She was small, but brave. She ran to her friends and said, “We need to come together and scare the hawk away. If we all stand up to him, he might leave us alone!”
The other animals were scared, but they trusted Lily and followed her lead. Together, they made loud noises and stomped their feet. Surprised by the noise, the hawk flew away. The animals cheered, and Lily felt proud of her bravery.
How did Lily’s actions help the other animals?
A. She scared them by making loud noises.
B. She showed them how to work together to chase away the hawk.
C. She kept them hidden from the hawk.
D. She helped them fly away from danger.
B. She showed them how to work together to chase away the hawk.
Why Leaves Change Color
During the fall, days become shorter, and temperatures drop. Because of these changes, trees begin to prepare for winter by slowing down the process of making food. As a result, the green color in the leaves fades, revealing other colors like red, yellow, and orange.
Eventually, the leaves fall to the ground, allowing the tree to save energy throughout the cold months. This process helps the tree survive the winter so it can grow new leaves in the spring.
What causes leaves to change color?
A. Trees need more sunlight in the fall.
B. Trees don't make as much food.
C. Trees get too much water in the fall.
D. The leaves dry out from the heat.
B. Trees don't make as much food.
Ethan carefully read the instructions to construct a birdhouse. He followed each step closely, measuring the wood and hammering in the nails. After he completed the birdhouse, he painted it bright red to attract birds.
Which quotation from the passage helps you understand the meaning of the word construct?
A. "Measured the wood" and "painted it"
B. "Hammering in the nails"
C. "Read the instructions" and "followed each step closely"
D. "After he completed the birdhouse"
C. "Read the instructions" and "followed each step closely"
The Mouse and the Lion’s Whiskers
A tiny mouse was playing in the forest when he accidentally ran over the paw of a sleeping lion. The lion awoke with a loud roar and snatched up the mouse, ready to eat him.
"Please let me go!" squeaked the mouse. "I promise I’ll repay you one day!"
The lion laughed at the idea of a tiny mouse helping him but released him. A few days later, the lion was caught in a hunter’s net. Roaring loudly, he struggled, but he couldn’t break free. The mouse heard his cries and quickly gnawed through the ropes, freeing him.
The lion realized that even small creatures could be a great help.
What is the central message of the passage?
A. Mice are stronger than they look.
B. Friends should help each other.
C. Always be careful where you sleep.
D. Even small friends can be very helpful.
D. Even small friends can be very helpful.
The History of the Hot Air Balloon
Hot air balloons were one of the earliest ways people traveled through the air. In 1783, two French brothers, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier, launched the first hot air balloon in Paris, France. The balloon was made of fabric and paper and filled with hot air created by a small fire. People in the city were amazed to see it rise into the sky, carrying a sheep, a duck, and a rooster as passengers to test its safety.
After seeing how well the animals did, people began taking rides in hot air balloons, too. Hot air balloons do not have engines, so they drift with the wind. Pilots control the height by adding more hot air to rise or letting it cool to descend. Even though planes were invented later and can go much farther, hot air balloons are still popular for short trips and for seeing the world from a unique view.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. The Montgolfier brothers built the first hot air balloon, which allowed people to travel through the air.
B. People used hot air balloons to travel long distances.
C. Hot air balloons were the first type of transportation invented in France.
D. Planes are more useful than hot air balloons.
A. The Montgolfier brothers built the first hot air balloon, which allowed people to travel through the air.
The Clever Crow
A crow named Pippa was always finding creative ways to solve problems. One hot day, she came across a pitcher of water, but the water level was too low for her to reach. She tried dipping her beak into the pitcher, but it was no use.
After thinking for a moment, Pippa remembered seeing pebbles near the path. She picked up a pebble and dropped it into the pitcher. She noticed that the water level rose a little. Encouraged, she dropped more and more pebbles into the pitcher. Eventually, the water was high enough for her to take a drink. Pippa’s clever thinking and patience had solved the problem, and she flew away, feeling proud.
What caused Pippa to put pebbles into the pitcher?
A. She wanted to play with the pebbles.
B. She was trying to help another animal drink.
C. She wanted to raise the water level to reach it.
D. She was cleaning the path.
C. She wanted to raise the water level to reach it.
The Water Cycle
The water cycle begins when the sun heats up water from oceans, rivers, and lakes. This heating causes the water to evaporate, turning it into water vapor that rises into the air. As the vapor cools, it forms clouds. When the clouds get too heavy with water droplets, it rains.
Rainwater then flows back into rivers, lakes, and oceans, where the cycle can start all over again. The water cycle is important because it brings fresh water to plants, animals, and people.
What is the result of the sun heating the water?
A. Heavy clouds form in the sky.
B. The clouds cool down the water.
C. Rain falls back into lakes and rivers.
D. Water turns into water vapor.
D. Water turns into water vapor.
A Desert Adventure
The desert was vast, with endless stretches of sand. The sun beat down, and the heat was intense. Mia squinted as she looked around, feeling the warmth radiate off the ground.
What does the word vast mean as it is used in the paragraph?
A. Very large and wide
B. Cold and rainy
C. Short and bumpy
D. Small and narrow
A. Very large and wide
The Deer and the Boasting Wolf
A wolf liked to boast about his strength and speed. One day, he met a deer in the forest. "I can outrun and outfight any animal in this forest," the wolf said proudly.
The deer replied, "If you’re so fast, let’s race to the end of this meadow." The wolf, eager to show off, agreed, but he quickly grew tired halfway through the race, while the deer sprinted easily to the end.
As the wolf stumbled along, the deer laughed and said, "Perhaps you’re not as unbeatable as you thought."
What is the central message of the passage?
A. Deer are too fast to catch.
B. Bragging can lead to embarrassment.
C. Wolves and deer should be friends.
D. Never challenge another animal.
B. Bragging can lead to embarrassment.
The Discovery of Electricity
Electricity is a type of energy that powers many things in our world today. However, people didn’t always know about it. In 1752, a scientist named Benjamin Franklin wanted to learn more about electricity. He suspected that lightning was a form of electricity, so he did an experiment. During a thunderstorm, Franklin flew a kite with a metal key attached to it. When lightning struck, it created a spark on the key, proving his theory.
This experiment helped scientists learn that electricity could be created and stored. Over time, people found ways to use electricity to power lights, machines, and even entire cities. Thanks to Franklin’s curiosity, electricity became a major part of our daily lives.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Electricity was used to power machines in the 1700s.
B. Benjamin Franklin invented lightning.
C. Scientists didn’t understand electricity in Franklin’s time.
D. Benjamin Franklin’s kite experiment helped people understand electricity.
D. Benjamin Franklin's kite experiment helped people understand electricity.
The Loyal Horse
There was once a horse named Blaze, known for his loyalty and bravery. Blaze’s owner, a farmer named Sam, depended on him to pull heavy loads and travel across the land. One evening, Sam got caught in a sudden storm while riding Blaze back from the market.
The path was slippery, and the storm made it difficult to see. Sam grew nervous, but Blaze remained calm and steady. Blaze carefully guided Sam along the safest path, avoiding sharp rocks and slippery mud. When they finally reached home, Sam praised Blaze for his courage and loyalty. Blaze’s steady nature had kept both of them safe through the storm.
Which trait best describes Blaze?
A. Fearful
B. Playful
C. Stubborn
D. Trustworthy
D. Trustworthy
Daytime and Nighttime Animals
Many animals are active during the day, like squirrels, butterflies, and sparrows. These animals use sunlight to see well, find food, and stay warm. Animals that are active during the day are called diurnal animals.
Other animals are active at night, like owls, bats, and raccoons. These animals have special senses, like sharp hearing or excellent night vision, that help them hunt and survive in the dark. Animals that are active at night are called nocturnal animals.
How does the second paragraph contrast diurnal and nocturnal animals?
A. Diurnal animals hunt in the dark, while nocturnal animals are active in the sunlight.
B. Nocturnal animals are shown to have special senses for seeing in the dark, unlike diurnal animals.
C. Diurnal animals are shown to live only in warm climates, unlike nocturnal animals.
D. Nocturnal animals stay warm by using sunlight, while diurnal animals do not.
B. Nocturnal animals are shown to have special senses for seeing in the dark, unlike diurnal animals.
A Heavy Heart
When Ben’s best friend moved away, he had a "heavy heart." He missed all the fun they had together. Every time he walked by the playground, he felt a sadness weigh him down, like he was carrying a big load.
What does the phrase "had a heavy heart" mean as it is used in the passage?
A. Ben’s heart was too heavy to lift.
B. Ben had something wrong with his heart.
C. Ben had too much to carry.
D. Ben was feeling very sad.
D. Ben was feeling very sad
The Frog and the Proud Ox
An ox was strolling through a meadow near a pond where a family of frogs lived. As he lumbered past, a young frog admired the ox's enormous size and ran to tell his father, a wise old frog, about the giant creature he had seen.
“Father,” said the young frog excitedly, “there was a huge beast in the meadow, much bigger than you! His body was like a boulder, and he had powerful legs!”
The father frog, who was very proud of his size, puffed himself up and asked, “Was he as big as this?”
“No, Father,” replied the young frog, “he was far bigger!”
The father frog took a deep breath and puffed himself up even larger. “And now?” he asked confidently.
But the young frog shook his head. “No, Father, he was much, much bigger!”
Determined to prove his size, the father frog puffed himself up even more, stretching his skin to the limit. But before he could ask his son again, he puffed up so large that he burst.
What is the central message of the passage?
A. Family loyalty is essential to surviving.
B. Trying to be something you are not can lead to harm.
C. Determination always pays off in the end.
D. It’s important to listen to advice from others.
B. Trying to be something you are not can lead to harm.
The Invention of the Printing Press
In the 1400s, books were very rare and expensive because they were written by hand. Then, in 1440, a German inventor named Johannes Gutenberg created a machine called the printing press. This machine allowed text to be printed quickly onto paper using metal letters and ink. Because of the printing press, books could be made much faster and more cheaply than ever before.
The printing press made it possible for more people to read and learn. Before, only a few people had access to books, but now books could be shared in many places. The printing press changed how people spread knowledge and ideas, and it played a big role in improving education for everyone.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Books were expensive in the 1400s.
B. Printing was always a quick process.
C. Johannes Gutenberg invented a faster way to make books, which changed how people accessed knowledge.
D. Only rich people owned books.
C. Johannes Gutenberg invented a faster way to make books, which changed how people accessed knowledge.
The Determined Tortoise
Toby the tortoise wanted to climb a big hill to see the view from the top. He had heard it was beautiful, and he wanted to experience it himself. However, the path was steep, and his legs grew tired quickly. Many animals laughed at him, saying he would never make it.
But Toby was determined. He took small, steady steps, resting when he needed to. Slowly but surely, he made his way up the hill, ignoring the laughter and focusing on his goal. When he finally reached the top, he felt proud and knew that his determination had brought him to success.
How did Toby’s determination affect the events in the story?
A. He was able to reach the top of the hill despite challenges.
B. He stopped climbing because the animals laughed at him.
C. He turned back and decided not to try again.
D. He convinced the other animals to help him climb.
A. He was able to reach the top of the hill despite challenges.
How Lightning Forms
Lightning forms when clouds rub together in the sky. This causes an electric charge to build up in the clouds. When the charge becomes too strong, it travels quickly down to the ground as a bright flash of light. This flash is what we call lightning.
Lightning often strikes tall objects, like trees and buildings, because they are closest to the clouds. Lightning can be dangerous, so people should stay inside during storms to stay safe.
What causes lightning to form?
A. Clouds rub together and build up an electric charge.
B. Clouds move far away from each other.
C. Trees grow taller than the clouds.
D. Buildings attract the light from clouds.
A. Clouds rub together and build up an electric charge.
Cold Feet
Just before the big game, Lucas said he was getting “cold feet.” He wanted to play, but the idea of all those people watching made him worry about making a mistake.
What does the phrase "cold feet" mean as it is used in the passage?
A. Lucas’s feet were cold because of the weather.
B. Lucas was feeling unsure or nervous about playing.
C. Lucas’s shoes were uncomfortable.
D. Lucas needed warmer socks.
B. Lucas was feeling unsure or nervous about playing.