Close Reading grade 5.pdf

Comprehension Skills 40 Short Passages for Close Reading GRADE 5 Linda Ward Beech Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources New York • Toronto • London • Auckland • Sydney Mexico City • New Delhi • Hong Kong • Buenos Aires Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources The reproducible pages in this book may be reproduced for classroom use. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher. For information regarding permission, write to Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. The reading passages in this book were selected and adapted from the following titles in the series, 35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Context Clues & Figurative Language, Inferences & Drawing Conclusions, Main Ideas & Summarizing, and Point of View & Fact and Opinion (Scholastic, 2006). Copyright © 2006 by Linda Ward Beech. Cover design by Jorge J. Namerow Interior design by Jason Robinson Illustrations by Mike Gordon ISBN: 978-0-545-46056-9 Text copyright © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech Illustrations copyright © 2012 by Scholastic Inc. Published by Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 40 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 Contents Using This Book. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Comprehension Skills At-a-Glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Meeting the Common Core State Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Passages 1. Big on Breakfast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 22. Wet Dog Warning. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 2. Was It a Car?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 23. Code Talkers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 3. Violent Storms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 24. Unnecessary Laws . . . . . . . . . . . 30 4. Happy, Happy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 25. American Architect . . . . . . . . . . . 31 5. Spelling Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 26. Early Eyeglasses. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources 6. Parrot Passenger. . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 27. The Laws of Fences. . . . . . . . . . . 33 7. Emperor’s Tomb . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 28. Wild Music. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 8. Cycling Secrets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 29. Campaign Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 9. A Look at Lions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 30. Telling About Tigers. . . . . . . . . . . 36 10. Vacuum Cleaner History. . . . . . . 16 31. Mud Messes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 11. Plant Thief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 32. Burning Up Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 12. New Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 33. What’s in a Name?. . . . . . . . . . . 39 13. Energy Savers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 34. Roman Baths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 14. Past Pastime. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 35. Sing Along . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 15. Pick and Choose. . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 36. Colorful Cornucopia . . . . . . . . . . 42 16. Up a Tree. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 37. Loving the Luge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 17. Rolling Along . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 38. Eartha Exhibit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 18. Ice Age Animals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 39. Penguin Parents . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 19. A Tale of No Tails. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 40. A Washing Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 20. Marble Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 21. Hard Nuts to Crack. . . . . . . . . . . 27 Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Buses often run over the skaters. D. Even so. daring. Students require these skills to make sense of a text and Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. it can be tricky to navigate some streets in Paris. 4. similar to airplanes. The main the entire text and ask themselves “What is this paragraph mainly about?” The main idea is sometimes in the first or last sentence of a paragraph. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. cut through the air) help a reader determine the meaning of aerodynamic. D. For instance. Scholastic Teaching Resources In this paragraph. Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view? A. Their job is to keep bus lanes free of passenger cars on busy streets. cobblestones make driving difficult. special racing shoes for cyclists. many riders wear the wrong kind of clothing. C. Details 3. Context Clues 2. comprehension skills covered in this book. Main Idea 2. 2. definitions. C. Context clues help readers comprehend and 4. the word aerodynamic means A. Using This Book Reading comprehension in nonfiction involves numerous thinking Passage 17 skills. of course. inline police keep bus lanes free. The word rolleurs is French. inline skates are not just for fun. C. thoughtful C. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. should be aware that some main ideas are stated explicitly and others are implicit requiring readers to put together details to determine the main idea. puzzled reader. D. B. Since bicycle races are often Readers should be able to use main ideas to summarize a text. police departments try new things. meaning by studying the phrases. Then answer the questions. a rolleur wears a helmet and pads. The comprehension skills. B. Which sentence is most likely true? A. The main idea of this paragraph is A. argumentative about cycling technology 3. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. best part of their work is posing for pictures with tourists. especially those paved with cobblestones. technological advantages for cyclists. students are better able to recall important are covered with a seamless silver fabric for the same reason. In this paragraph. Main Idea 4. Use the information that follows to introduce the reading D. They also pull over drivers who are chatting on mobile phones. but another answer is technology. The rolleurs wear helmets and knee pads as part of their uniform. The other parts 1. B. Context Clues 14 Several clues in the paragraph (airflow. D. displeased Main Idea & Details Understanding the main or key idea of a paragraph is crucial for a B. A supporting detail is A. Students idea is supported by different facts (details) about Paris police on skates. sentences. B. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. D. questioning about cycling technology B. C. Paris has a lot of automobile traffic. This book offers practice in key skills Rolling Along needed to meet the Common Core State Standards in Reading/ A roller brigade glides down a boulevard in Paris. air resistance affects a rider’s speed. The main idea of this paragraph is Comprehension Skills At-a-Glance A. and overall text with B. and good preparation do make a difference. 1. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. receptive to cycling technology Using context clues means determining an unfamiliar word’s C. very close. made by hand. Special racing shoes By summarizing. bike races are often very close. Aerodynamic brakes and a bike frame made to cut through the air effectively are also part of a racer’s equipment. study of beauty. 3. Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. points. having to do with air pressure. Which word best reflects the writer’s point of view? A. which the word appears. cyclists like to look good when racing. Point of View 23 Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. examples. Details—facts. Point of View 3. students have to read of the paragraph help to explain more about this key idea. Inference 4. Cycling Secrets Summarize What’s the secret of a winning cyclist? Skill. C. From this paragraph you can conclude that for exams. This group of inline skaters is part of the city’s Language Arts for grade five. (See page 6 for more. Then answer the questions. This is an important skill for taking notes and studying 1. C. Traffic in Paris is usually light. become successful readers. tourists visit Paris to see the police. enjoy a text and also read more smoothly and efficiently. some police in Paris work on skates. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. skill and preparation count the most. B. some riders don’t spend enough time training. The whole police force has skates. The information that supports the main idea is usually referred to as the details. a racer might wear a suit designed so that it has no creases or wrinkles to affect the airflow. The main idea is what the paragraph is about. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. 4 . etc. Draw Conclusions 2.) Each student page includes a short passage focusing on four of these essential police force. riders need every advantage they can get.—help a reader Passage 8 gain a fuller understanding of a paragraph. casual C. opinions. put off until later. Students should understand that 3. answer. the word hope in a candidate’s well on their way to fluency. able to sort facts. the word postpone means A. much like a fact and opinion are better able to analyze and assess a text. Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. differentiate between literal and figurative language. Scholastic Teaching Resources should know that writers don’t always state all of their ideas. At each house. Context Clues 20 should learn that good readers consult several sources on subjects of To appreciate this text. 4. Voters never get bored by candidates. to supply some information. 1. incredulous B. Students have to read closely to answer the inference question. A reader makes a guess or inference by ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ putting together what is in a text with what he or she already knows. Then answer the questions. Candidates use these words to tap into the concerns of voters. Students Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Find and write an example of a simile. For example. Tips H Tell students to first read H The comprehension skills H Review the completed pages the passage and then answer targeted in the questions with students on a regular the questions. D. writers don’t include every detail in their writing. __________ A. many are C. The word that best reflects the writer’s point of view is most likely making inferences—both in their daily lives and when A. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Certain words are used over and over again in their speeches. These printed cards included the person’s name. Figurative Language 35 from a text. One fascinating pastime was to exchange afternoon visits. Calling Card Customs. you should. B. the page. shocked by the custom the best/most. Then answer the questions. Encourage them to to fill in the circles for bubble. intrigued by the custom 2. After thinking about information in a text. The cards would be placed on a tray and taken by a servant to the lady of the house. it is up to readers C. Point of View 2. is the author’s opinion. Students 1. Which sentence is most likely not true? A. __________ C. Summarize 4. Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view? Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. make a decision. Figurative Language 2. point of view and compare it to what they themselves think. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Show them how accompanying each passage basis. The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A. the sentence. C. __________ B. telephones and cars led to the end of this quaint social custom. speech is as predictable as the sunrise. 3. a visitor would leave a calling card. and feelings to help determine a writer’s C. They should be 4. D. Fact & Opinion 3. distressed by the custom C. Decisions for a Hostess. metaphor B. 5 . such as I think. Another likely word is jobs. Past Pastime Fact & Opinion How did wealthy people spend leisure time in the late 1800s? One fascinating pastime Readers who can identify and differentiate between statements of was to exchange afternoon visits. should learn to recognize phrases. In this paragraph. get ready for. Point of View 3. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. Candidates want to win elections. Students business card of today. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. At each house. are labeled at the bottom of explain their thinking for each test questions. For example. correct answer. process. a visitor would leave a calling card. understand that the writer has inserted commentary or opinion into the paragraph. B. decline the visit. Voters respond well to certain words. simile D. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. When candidates are running for national office. hyperbole 2. Inference 1. the reader should interest to gain different points of view. Inference 4. or postpone the visit. D. The underlined words in this paragraph are an example of figurative language called Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. they almost always bring up the words health care and economy. One fascinating pastime was to exchange afternoon visits. personification Although some students don’t know what an inference is. a reader makes a decision or conclusion by examining evidence rooted in the text. so Passage 14 readers have to look for clues to understand what is meant. While distinguishing fact from opinion is one step in the reading B. B. it is important for students to go further. Most candidates also throw in words such as values and strength. The cards would be placed on a tray and taken by a Point of View servant to the lady of the house. “Which sentence is most likely not true?” They may be Draw Conclusions surprised by how many inferences a reader can make from one paragraph. Figurative Language Passage 29 Beyond using context clues to derive meaning is the ability to Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. and it’s After World War I. An Afternoon Activity. Reread the paragraph. The hostess would then decide to accept the visit. Before Cars and Telephones. scornful reading—without being aware of it. Candidates make promises to voters. Inferring makes a significant difference in how much a reader gains 1. that signal opinions. Readers who Campaign Words HOPE VALUES can recognize figures of speech and determine their meanings are Do words buy votes? Many candidates for public office think so. Use context (e. c. 5. Reading Standards for Informational Text Key Ideas and Details 1.g. Language Standards Knowledge of Language 3.. in context. events. a. Meeting the Common Core State Standards The passages and comprehension questions in this book are designed to help you meet both your specific English/Language Arts standards and learning expectations as well as those recommended by the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI). word relationships. 6. c. and technical texts. Scholastic Teaching Resources independently and proficiently. homographs) to better understand each of the words. and other logical-relationships. 6 . including those that signal contrast. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. cause/effect relationships and comparisons in text) as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase. By the end of the year. Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text. read and comprehend informational texts. Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area. and nuances in word meanings. or concepts in a historical. a. Vocabulary Acquisition and Use 4. Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity 10. b. Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 5 reading and content. Craft and Structure 4. including similes and metaphors. ideas. 3. Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms. addition. Reading Standards: Foundational Skills Fluency 4.. Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals. Use the relationship between particular words (e. rereading as necessary. at the high end of the grades 4–5 text complexity band Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. or listening. Read on-level text with purpose and understanding. or technical text based on specific information in the text. reading. Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. speaking. a. adages. including history/social studies. Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension. Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 8. scientific. science. Interpret figurative language. The activities in this book align with the following CCSSI standards for grade five. Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases. and proverbs. antonyms.g. Demonstrate understanding of figurative language. synonyms. Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding. choosing flexibly from a range of strategies. identifying which reasons and evidence support which point(s). these foods are not healthy and cause weight gain and other problems. Point of View 7 . Which word reflects the writer’s point of view about the value of breakfast? A. So. D. unsure B. One reason is that most people eat whole grains at breakfast. people eat too much at lunch. Details 3. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. Write fact or opinion next to each statement. It is definitely the most important meal of the day. skipping breakfast makes you hungry. B. Big on Breakfast Do you eat breakfast every day? Researchers have found that people who eat a balanced breakfast are likely to be healthier than those who don’t. Often. whole grains at breakfast promote health. these foods are not healthy and cause weight gain and other problems. It is definitely the most important meal of the day. only healthy people eat breakfast. C. Fact & Opinion 4. A supporting detail is A. 2. Then answer the questions. __________ A. breakfast is the most important meal. __________ B. entertained C. no one has time to eat breakfast. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. breakfast eaters have fewer weight problems. Passage 1 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. convinced 1 Main Idea 2. People who don’t eat breakfast usually eat too much later in the day. Breakfast eaters also tend to have fewer weight problems than those who skip the meal. be sure to eat breakfast. 3. People who don’t eat breakfast usually eat too much later in the day. B. breakfast is a delicious meal. and these promote good health. C. D. The main idea of this paragraph is A. __________ C. Often. 4. you can conclude that A. Then. Leonardo started a car-making business. C. the word self-propelled means A. Was It a Car? People take cars and other road vehicles for granted today. Leonardo didn’t think his invention would work. B. Which sentence is most likely true? A. Then answer the questions. the idea of such vehicles was unheard of about 500 years ago. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. Models in Museums Today. Summarize 2. Draw Conclusions 4. Context Clues 8 . B. People can still use Leonardo’s drawings. a fuel that makes things go. 1. Leonardo invented windup toys. Passage 2 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. the artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci designed a self-propelled vehicle. D. Taking Cars for Granted. C. Leonardo da Vinci is still working. Leonardo’s drawings weren’t very good. B. 4. His drawing showed a boxy. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. In this paragraph. A title that best summarizes this paragraph is Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. C. open-topped wooden machine with three wheels. B. a kind of propeller. From this paragraph. Coiled springs would make the vehicle move somewhat like a windup toy. Models of Leonardo’s vehicle have been made in recent years and are on exhibit in museums in Italy. Da Vinci’s Self-Propelled Vehicle. moves by its own power. Leonardo painted his new vehicle. 2. C. D. Inference 3. 3. D. D. Three-Wheeled Wooden Machine. 1. Leonardo’s vehicle design amazed people. in 1478. However. is powered by an engine. C. can’t wait for cyclones. Watch Out for Damage. Warm air rushes toward these areas and swirls upward in circles over the sea. Within the center of this spinning mass is the eye of the storm. Learning About Cyclones. try to prepare for cyclones. slow and steady. very heavy. Around the eye. soft and gentle. The Eye of the Storm. D. C. rage fierce winds and torrential rains. Context Clues 2. D. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. B. When cyclones hit land. 2. B. C. really warm. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Summarize 4. B. they can flatten buildings. Then answer the questions. try to prevent cyclones. The best word for the blank in this paragraph is A. Passage 3 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. They usually begin in areas of low pressure near the equator where the sea is especially warm. wonder. Draw Conclusions 3. rip off roofs. Context Clues 9 . 4. 3. deafening. Other names for cyclones are hurricanes and typhoons. destruction. In this paragraph. D. 1. like to watch cyclones. Scholastic Teaching Resources and wash away roads. Violent Storms Watch out for cyclones! These violent tropical storms can cause enormous ________. moisture. 1. you can conclude that people A. the word torrential must mean A. A title that best summarizes this paragraph is A. D. From this paragraph. B. C. Here Come the Hurricanes. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 1. pleased C. simile. Passage 4 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Then answer the questions. personification. Fact & Opinion 3. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. This is really an excellent month. With its warm. Reread the paragraph. Find and write an example of personification. metaphor. These folks belong to the Secret Society of Happy People. bothered 4. __________ C. Happy For many people. August invites people to play and relax. hyperbole. August is called the National Happiness Happens Month. On this group’s calendar. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. These folks belong to the Secret Society of Happy People. Happy. Some people also think that August is a good time to smile. __________ B. How do you celebrate this month? Some people do funny things while others just smile a lot. Figurative Language 10 . Which word reflects the writer’s point of view about National Happiness Happens Month? A. 2. __________ A. August is a day in the sun. The underlined words in this paragraph are an example of figurative language called Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. sunny weather. This is really an excellent month. D. Point of View 4. confused B. 3. Figurative Language 2. C. B. 1. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. It is a time to go to the beach or the mountains or the woods. Some people do funny things while others just smile a lot. they offer a low bid. Reread the paragraph and write the main idea. 4. the smart buyers then turn around and sell the item for more—through an ad that’s spelled correctly! 1. __________ C. People misspell words on purpose. D. Then answer the questions.” Buyers looking for cameras aren’t likely to find your ad. When they find one. smart 2. they offer a low bid. Spelling Matters Poor spellers shouldn’t try to sell things through online ads. However. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. The writer is a careful speller. Passage 5 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. However. When they SALE find one. the seller is likely to let the item go for a low price. Write fact or opinion next to each statement. __________ B. Point of View 2. clever B. some clever buyers are on the lookout FOR for misspelled ads written by careless sellers. B. Poor spellers shouldn’t try to sell things through ads. Which sentence is most likely true? A. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. C. Since no one else is bidding for the item. 3. Spelling isn’t important. but your ad says CAMRA “Camra for Sale. __________ A. Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about sellers who misspell? Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. some clever buyers are on the lookout for misspelled ads by careless sellers. careless C. Fact & Opinion 4. Poor spellers make money. Often. Suppose you want to sell a camera on eBay. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 1. Inference 3. Main Idea 11 . Mr. Draw Conclusions 12 . B. Beren was curious. B. The parrot seemed to be talking. a barking parrot. the parrot really was a dog. you can conclude that A. Context Clues 3. the word chuckled means A. 2. Beren was surprised to hear that the bird wasn’t talking but barking. laughed. In this paragraph. Beren noticed that a man in the car next to him had a large green parrot on the passenger seat. and Mr. C. drivers sometimes look at the people in other cars. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. a surprised passenger. The parrot learned to bark by listening to the dogs. 4. Main Idea 4. sighed. When the man rolled down his window. “He lives with three golden retrievers. Mr. The main idea of this paragraph is A. C. the dogs were in the car. challenged. and he thinks he’s a dog. the dogs disliked the parrot. B. 1. Scholastic Teaching Resources Fact Inference A. C. C. The owner leaned out his window and explained.” The light changed. The parrot’s behavior amused Mr. D. Fill in the correct circle to show whether each statement is a fact or an inference. Passage 6 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Then answer the questions. 3. Inference 2. Beren chuckled all the way home. Beren noticed a large green parrot in a car. the parrot often surprised people. D. Parrot Passenger When they come to a stoplight. Beren. Mr. a bewildered driver. B. D. vomited. D. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Mr. 1. From this paragraph. a red light stop. 1. In the tomb were 6. Inference 4. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. Scholastic Teaching Resources __________ B. B. the word bizarre means A. D. just like the soldiers in the emperor’s real army. 1. Bronze Carriages and Horses. some farmers found it while digging a well in 1974. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. A Strange Emperor. 2. Context Clues 13 . The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A.000 workers 36 years to get it ready. Fact & Opinion 2. D. I think this is bizarre. Passage 7 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. B. C. strange. The tomb was a big secret for thousands of years. D.000 workers 36 years to get it ready.000 life-size soldiers made from terra-cotta. Also in the tomb were carriages and horses made from bronze. Then. The farmers dug their well someplace else. B. The emperor wanted protection in death. The tomb was huge. It took 700. __________ C. He spent much of his life planning for his tomb. 3. Then answer the questions. In this paragraph. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. wonderful. 4. A Big Secret. __________ A. Which statement would most likely not be true? A. Emperor’s Tomb The first emperor of China must have been strange. a kind of pottery. I think this is bizarre. Summarize 3. Reread the paragraph. It was easy to build the tomb. Each soldier had an individual face. It took 700. normal. catastrophic. C. An Army in a Tomb. C. The first emperor of China must have been strange. air resistance affects a rider’s speed. D. skill and preparation count the most. B. having to do with air pressure. some riders don’t spend enough time training. and good preparation do make a difference. D. of course. bike races are often very close. B. 4. many riders wear the wrong kind of clothing. 1. the word aerodynamic means A. In this paragraph. made by hand. special racing shoes for cyclists. Draw Conclusions 2. receptive to cycling technology C. a racer might wear a suit designed so that it has no creases or wrinkles to affect the airflow. From this paragraph you can conclude that Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. questioning about cycling technology B. C. Main Idea 4. similar to airplanes. Context Clues 14 . but another answer is technology. Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view? A. 1. technological advantages for cyclists. C. Special racing shoes are covered with a seamless silver fabric for the same reason. riders need every advantage they can get. Then answer the questions. 2. Cycling Secrets What’s the secret of a winning cyclist? Skill. cyclists like to look good when racing. The main idea of this paragraph is A. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. Passage 8 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. C. For instance. Point of View 3. Since bicycle races are often very close. D. B. argumentative about cycling technology 3. Aerodynamic brakes and a bike frame made to cut through the air effectively are also part of a racer’s equipment. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. study of beauty. daring. In return. C. Inference 4. C. lions hunt together in a pack. cubs are helpless when they’re born. the pride is a lion’s family group. 3. D. Which sentence is most likely not true? A. they greet one another by head rubbing. Lionesses rarely eat. In return. By hunting in a pack. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. A supporting detail is A. lions live in groups called prides. lionesses share the work of a pride. Fact & Opinion 15 . Most of the lions in a pride are females and their cubs. B. C. It’s endearing to watch them. males eat most of a pride’s food. they provide protection from other males. which is marked by the males. D. lions can take down animals far larger than themselves. When lions in a pride meet. __________ C. It’s endearing to watch them. Passage 9 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. 1. the males mark a pride’s territory. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. lions are solitary hunters. The main idea of this paragraph is A. B. and grooming. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Pride members have strong bonds. Main Idea 2. Details 3. D. __________ B. A pride has a well-defined territory. The lionesses share the work of hunting and raising the cubs. Then answer the questions. Most of the lions in a pride are females and their cubs. Cubs depend on both parents. 4. Lions from other prides are unwelcome. B. __________ A. licking. 2. Much of the food killed by a pride is taken by the males. A Look at Lions Lions live together in social groups called prides. they provide protection from other males. Blowing in the Dust. rejecting B. He designed fans that sucked dust into pillow cases. impatient C. C. approving 4. __________ A. D. Then Booth made an awfully smart move. B. the Hoover Company came out with an upright suctioning machine on rollers. blowing dust was a good way to clean. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. What Hoover Did. Passage 10 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. The rest is vacuum cleaner history. The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A. Summarize 2. Which word best reflects the writer’s point of view? A. Booth even sold some to the Queen of England. Then in the 1870s Hubert Booth. The rest is vacuum cleaner history. 1. __________ C. The First Vacuum Cleaners. Then Booth made an awfully smart move. tried placing a handkerchief between his mouth and a couch and sucking in. Booth even sold some to the Queen of England. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. __________ B. D. Hubert Booth slept with dirty pillow cases. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. 3. B. the Hoover Company was successful. 2. Draw Conclusions 16 . you can conclude that A. About 30 years later. From this paragraph. Fact & Opinion 3. Then answer the questions. Point of View 4. the Queen of England liked to vacuum. an engineer. The film of dirt on the other side of the hanky suggested that suctioning in dirt was the way to clean. C. Vacuum Cleaner History At one time. How the Queen Cleaned. people thought that blowing dust was the way to clean. it steals from other plants. imperial. Which of these sentences is most likely not true? A. metaphor. 2. Most plants make their food. D. simile. 4. festive. The underlined words in this paragraph are an example of figurative language called A. Passage 11 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. a popular holiday plant. many people hang mistletoe. Inference 17 . D. Plant Thief At holiday time. 3. Figurative Language 3. The best word for the blank in this paragraph is Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Then answer the questions. The seeds of a mistletoe stick to the branches of trees. Instead of making its own food. Mistletoe is a popular plant. several mistletoe plants will grow and live off the same tree. hyperbole. 1. C. an organism that lives off others. In this paragraph. D. Often. Sometimes this results in the death of the tree. a pretty sun umbrella. 1. In time. B. a plant that supports others. But what many people don’t know is that mistletoe is a parasite. D. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Mistletoe is bad for trees. Context Clues 2. C. B. Buyers are informed about mistletoe. With its dark green leaves and red berries. the word parasite must mean A. formal. personification. B. C. this plant is very ______. they send roots into the tree’s bark. B. affectionate. The roots suck up nutrients for a new mistletoe. C. Context Clues 4. Race car drivers are sometimes hurt in accidents. New Rules NASCAR is the National Association for Stock Car Racing. withstand. Point of View 18 . Race cars give off carbon monoxide. Then answer the questions. In recent years. B. accidents have occurred in NASCAR races. D. the word absorb must mean A. Draw Conclusions 4. NASCAR tracks are perfectly safe. From this paragraph you can conclude that A. this organization has made some changes in its rules. Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about the rule changes? A. hurtling 1. Passage 12 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Fill in the correct circle to show whether each statement is a fact or an inference. forgive. D. Air filters have been added to race cars to keep carbon monoxide out of the cockpit. In this paragraph. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. steel and foam cushioning has been placed around NASCAR tracks to better absorb impact from hurtling cars. change. Context Clues 3. sudden B. 4. Inference 2. C. B. C. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. D. race car drivers are unhappy with the changes. B. C. exaggerate. Fact Inference A. better C. For example. 2. stock car racing is an easy sport. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. NASCAR’s new rules were made to improve safety. 3. The tires also have straps now to keep the wheels from flying off during crashes. Drivers now wear head restraints. Race car drivers must now wear special head restraints that limit their neck movement during sudden stops. Figurative Language 2. C. Reread the paragraph. a bird puts its head under a wing. metaphor B. In much the same way. Main Idea 3. what birds do with their heads. warm B. You might say that birds are excellent energy conservationists. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. The underlined words in this paragraph are an example of figurative language called Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. 1. Which word in the passage is a clue to how the writer feels about birds’ behavior? A. Energy Savers What do you do with your hands on a cool day? You might tuck them in your pockets. excellent 4. Find and write an example of a metaphor. and they keep body heat from escaping through their featherless feet. Birds also are known to stand on one foot while sleeping. 3. personification C. The main idea of this paragraph is A. It does this to keep warm when sleeping. There are two reasons birds do this. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 1. D. simile D. how birds conserve energy. Then answer the questions. how people keep their hands warm. incomplete C. hyperbole 2. Figurative Language 19 . Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Passage 13 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. They give one leg a rest. Point of View 4. which makes them look like incomplete drawings. how birds are like people. B. make a decision. 4. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. The cards would be placed on a tray and taken by a servant to the lady of the house. intrigued by the custom 2. Summarize 4. C. Point of View 2. Context Clues 20 . Fact & Opinion 3. telephones and cars led to the end of this quaint social custom. The hostess would then decide to accept the visit. much like a business card of today. Decisions for a Hostess. 1. At each house. B. One fascinating pastime was to exchange afternoon visits. __________ C. B. the word postpone means A. __________ B. a visitor would leave a calling card. __________ A. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. After World War I. At each house. C. The cards would be placed on a tray and taken by a servant to the lady of the house. or postpone the visit. decline the visit. 3. get ready for. answer. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. D. 1. Calling Card Customs. D. The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A. These printed cards included the person’s name. distressed by the custom C. An Afternoon Activity. In this paragraph. Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view? Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. put off until later. Passage 14 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. shocked by the custom B. Before Cars and Telephones. a visitor would leave a calling card. Past Pastime How did wealthy people spend leisure time in the late 1800s? One fascinating pastime was to exchange afternoon visits. Then answer the questions. Pick and Choose In Korea. foretelling a business career. On this occasion. Everyone should pick that. somewhat opinionated 4. it means a long life. __________ C. Inference 21 . I think cake and ice cream are better. it indicates a business career. B. Then answer the questions. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. D. 1. a table full of different objects. really outraged B. C. The children always pick the string. what it means to pick a string. The children don’t really understand what they are doing. Passage 15 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Which of these sentences is most likely true? A. That’s a good choice. 3. Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view? A. D. A musical instrument means the child will become an artist. A special rice-cake soup is served at tol celebrations. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. If a baby picks money or rice. __________ B. The children always predict their future correctly. B. The child sits at a table covered with different objects. 2. A special rice- cake soup is served at tol celebrations. the Korean celebration of tol. it is believed that babies pick their future. The child sits at a table covered with different objects. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. Point of View 4. Everyone should pick that. very hopeful C. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. C. If the child picks a string. people mark a child’s first birthday with a celebration called tol. Main Idea 3. Fact & Opinion 2. The main idea of this paragraph is A. __________ A. The children don’t like the soup. the tree is a symbol of charity and decency. C. baby booties. It is a gift to others. Context Clues 4. 2. even snorkeling flippers all dangle from this tree. Many passersby have benefited from its unusual and useful offerings. has something else. running shoes. In this paragraph. Hanging from the branches of this tree are shoes. B. work boots. Reread the paragraph. C. hurt by.S. B. Passage 16 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Summarize 3. you can conclude that A. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. Others take them as needed. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 1. 4. most of the shoes are worn and old and unusable. C. 3. The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A. the shoes fall from the tree when autumn comes. Flip-Flops on a Branch. Growing Shoes Instead of Leaves. saddened by. Up a Tree Most trees have leaves growing from their branches. but a cottonwood tree along U. shocked by. sandals. Figurative Language 22 . Nevada. Draw Conclusions 2. Find and write a metaphor from the paragraph. D. B. Highway 50 near Middle Gate. From this paragraph. D. flip-flips are the most popular footwear in the tree. the word benefited means A. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Some people buy shoes just to put in the tree. helped by. High heels. people living nearby are proud of the tree. flip-flops. Then answer the questions. D. From Work Boots to Sandals. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. To the people who live in the area. Tree With Shoes Is Helpful. Their job is to keep bus lanes free of passenger cars on busy streets. Inference 4. especially those paved with cobblestones. Passage 17 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. The whole police force has skates. Even so. This group of inline skaters is part of the city’s police force. thoughtful C. Point of View 23 . puzzled 1. Which word best reflects the writer’s point of view? A. The rolleurs wear helmets and knee pads as part of their uniform. inline skates are not just for fun. Then answer the questions. inline police keep bus lanes free. it can be tricky to navigate some streets in Paris. 3. Rolling Along A roller brigade glides down a boulevard in Paris. 4. a rolleur wears a helmet and pads. C. D. Traffic in Paris is usually light. The word rolleurs is French. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. A supporting detail is A. The best part of their work is posing for pictures with tourists. some police in Paris work on skates. Which sentence is most likely true? A. C. D. Buses often run over the skaters. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. C. Paris has a lot of automobile traffic. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. cobblestones make driving difficult. 2. D. tourists visit Paris to see the police. displeased B. Details 3. B. Main Idea 2. B. police departments try new things. The main idea of this paragraph is A. B. They also pull over drivers who are chatting on mobile phones. They show huge animals. Ice Age Animals During the Ice Age many. Fact Inference A. __________ A. the word inspired means A. B. educated. and deer. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. D. horses. Inference 2. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Ice Age artists were good observers of animals. D. musk ox. Context Clues 24 . Which word best reflects the writer’s point of view? A. These paintings are amazing. such as the woolly mammoth and the woolly rhinoceros. 1. uncaring C. These include bison. Fact & Opinion 4. Not only did they need these animals for food. __________ C. disdainful B. many thousands of years ago. Animals were very important to Ice Age people. tools. Passage 18 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. frightened. These paintings are amazing. and deer. and other necessities. impressed 3. These include bison. Some Ice Age paintings show bison and horses. Then answer the questions. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Other animals that inspired Ice Age artists still exist today. Ancient paintings found in caves show us what these animals were like. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. but the hunters used them to make clothing. musk ox. horses. Ancient paintings found in caves show us what these animals were like. stimulated. C. people depended on the animals they hunted. 2. Point of View 3. Fill in the correct circle to show whether each statement is a fact or an inference. 4. B. __________ B. inspected. Some Ice Age animals are now extinct. In this paragraph. C. started. Today. Mice were a problem on ships. Her many descendants became known as Manx cats after the name of their island home. Her job was to catch mice. A Tale of No Tails In 1588. Which sentence is most likely true? A. In this paragraph. 2. Inference 3. 3. How the Manx Cat Got Its Name. B. C. Passage 19 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. the Manx cat is known for being tailless. The cat lost its tail in the naval battle. C. withstood. Catching Mice Aboard a Ship. 4. The cat’s ship was wrecked near the Isle of Man. Her job was to catch mice. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. 1. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. __________ B. __________ A. B. After a great naval battle that England dominated. D. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. B. Fact & Opinion 25 . the Spanish Armada sailed to fight against England. Why the Spanish Lost at Sea. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. dynamited. Aboard one of these ships was a tailless cat. The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A. The Spanish sailors wanted a pet. Summarize 2. The armada consisted of a fleet of 130 ships. controlled. the word dominated means A. The cat’s ship was wrecked near the Isle of Man. __________ C. D. The English were hoping to get the cat. Then answer the questions. D. It’s a marvelous tale. C. Why Some Cats Are Tailless. the Spanish ships set sail for home. It’s a marvelous tale. The nimble cat got ashore safely and lived there ever after. Context Clues 4. Context Clues 3. students in Ohio ______ with one another in the Akron District Marble Tournament. 1. D. B. 4. B. In this paragraph. vie. precious stones. Each year. Winners go on to a national event held annually in New Jersey. Context Clues 2. community. Then answer the questions. competition. B. This is the oldest children’s sporting event in the United States. D. most players use glass marbles. Popular materials for early marbles were clay. C. Main Idea 4. glass marbles are better than china ones. C. Marble Match Have you ever played marbles? Some people take the game very seriously. Scholastic Teaching Resources C. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. mass-produced. marbles as a sporting event. a kind of tournament. 3. marbles can be a dangerous game. marbles are popular with all children. The main idea of this paragraph is A. celebrate. but in the past other materials were in vogue. materials used in marble matches. a variety of things. competing at marbles in Ohio. D. marbles have been in use for a long time. D. C. the words in vogue must mean A. B. 1. Today. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. The best word for the blank in this paragraph is A. and even a form of china. in style or fashion. Draw Conclusions 26 . From this paragraph. you can conclude that A. 2. the national tournament in New Jersey. Passage 20 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Then answer the questions. Figurative Language 27 . Before that happens. The underlined words in this paragraph are an Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Find and write an example of personification. 2. the nut has to be dried. Main Idea 4. C. 4. The main idea of this paragraph is A. Hard Nuts to Crack Have you ever noticed that macadamia nuts are not sold in their shells? If they were. Passage 21 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. hyperbole. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 1. C. dismissive 3. why macadamia nuts are not sold in shells. B. Reread the paragraph. simile. Figurative Language 2. Growers of these nuts say it takes 300 pounds of pressure per square inch to break a macadamia’s shell. As it dries. Their shells are very stubborn. why macadamia nuts are dried. Then a special machine with steel rollers breaks open the shell without damaging the nut. Which word best reflects the writer’s point of view? A. Point of View 3. personification. metaphor. the nut separates from the hard shell. D. why macadamia nuts are so popular. 1. you wouldn’t be able to open them in a million years. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. perplexed B. B. Scholastic Teaching Resources example of figurative language called A. intrigued C. D. a machine for opening macadamia nuts. 4. Watch out for wet dogs. All dogs smell funny. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. All dogs have skin problems. Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view? A. interested in helping dog owners C. __________ C. __________ B. worried about wet dogs B. According to dog experts. Water can make the odor more noticeable. Which sentence is most likely true? A. D. delighted by dog smells 2. the best way to prevent smelly dogs is by grooming them regularly. Wet Dog Warning Watch out for wet dogs. They shake water all over and often smell funny. Some owners don’t groom their dogs enough. However. C. B. recognize. Fact & Opinion 28 . Water washes away dog rashes. contribute. Passage 22 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. B. Point of View 2. credit. In this paragraph. 3. Many people attribute this smell to a dog’s fur. the word attribute means A. __________ A. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. 1. not wet fur. C. Inference 4. a strong odor from a wet dog is more likely to be caused by a skin problem. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. D. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Context Clues 3. Water can make the odor more noticeable. wonder. Many people attribute this smell to a dog’s fur. Then answer the questions. Some dogs such as cocker spaniels and terriers get rashes and skin irritations that result in body odor. Passage 23 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. In this paragraph. 3. Then answer the questions. very talkative. However. D. D. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. __________ C. Both sides used codes during the war. Point of View 4. rather dull. greatly helped the American side. 2. __________ B. it was hard to learn. little of the Navajo language had ever been written down. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. Which word reflects the writer’s point of view? A. taught their language to the military. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. You have to be brilliant to break a code. Fact & Opinion 2. B. From this paragraph. grateful 4. the enemy couldn’t break the Navajo code. They sent messages in the Navajo language for the American military. They sent messages in the Navajo language for the American military. sent many messages to the enemy. very shiny. but most codes can eventually be broken. C. the word brilliant means A. Draw Conclusions 29 . you can conclude that the Navajo code talkers A. really smart. C. and it was very different from other languages. Context Clues 3. B. 1. 350 of them worked as code talkers. You should thank the Navajos. but most codes can eventually be broken. C. __________ A. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. So although many radio messages were intercepted. revolted. Both sides used codes during the war. Code Talkers You should thank the Navajos. were able to read the enemy’s messages. astonished B. During World War II. As women’s roles changed over time. B. From this paragraph. In fact. Reread the paragraph. __________ A. In fact. it’s rude to tickle people with a feather duster. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Some of these laws are related to the roles of women. Write the main idea. Draw Conclusions 2. Which word best reflects the writer’s point of view? A. In Maine. 3. it is now legal for women to tickle a man under the chin with a feather duster. neutral B. Unnecessary Laws You may have heard about laws passed long ago that seem silly today. they were quite outrageous! Some of these laws are related to the roles of women. __________ B. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 1. Many states are working to take such laws off the books. they were quite outrageous! __________ C. patient 4. Fact & Opinion 3. Many states are working to take such laws off the books. Florida got rid of a law forbidding unmarried women to go parachuting on Sundays. the old laws became out-of-date. For example. unamused C. laws should be updated from time to time. Women in Texas no longer face a year in jail for adjusting their stockings in public. 2. Passage 24 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. you can conclude that A. Then answer the questions. married women are good at parachuting. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. C. D. Point of View 4. women in Texas stopped wearing stockings. Main Idea 30 . Designing the University of Virginia. B. The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A. Planner of Washington. capital. One of his first projects was to plan his own home. Washington. 3. B. D.C. American Architect Who was one of the finest architects during Thomas Jefferson’s time? The answer is Thomas Jefferson. Summarize 3. Fact Inference A.S. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. 2.C. Write yes or no under each heading on the chart to show if the word describes Thomas Jefferson as an architect. Jefferson’s Home. C. In this paragraph. worshipped. D. installed. 1. He was the first president to be inaugurated in that city. Jefferson called this place Monticello. He started designing in 1767 and began building in 1770. Fill in the correct circle to show whether each statement is a fact or an inference. B. He became a skilled draftsman as a boy. dismissed. C. Context Clues 31 . Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. D. Jefferson also helped plan the new U. he helped design the handsome buildings at the University of Virginia. In later years. Passage 25 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Jefferson learned his drafting skills while young. D. D. Jefferson as an Architect. Monticello was Jefferson’s home. Monticello. Inference 4. Industrious Committed Talented 4. elected. and he lived there until his death in 1826. Then answer the questions. Inference 2. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. Jefferson was a man of many talents. the word inaugurated means A. Jefferson helped plan the University of Virginia. C. Early Greek scientists observed that when filled with water. Figurative Language 32 . the early history of eyeglasses. D. early vision aids were only slightly helpful. the story of magnification. few people noticed what kings wore. most people had great vision long ago. the Chinese invented eyeglasses. from rocks to fashion statements. Find and write an example of hyperbole. so did everyone else. the secret of Nero’s emerald ring. C. an interesting study of rocks. B. D. B. C. 2. Reread the paragraph. B. Main Idea 2. eyeglasses became the biggest thing ever in fashion. 3. If a king wore them. By the twelfth century. wearing eyeglasses as fashion. Passage 26 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. Draw Conclusions 4. 4. a glass ball magnified objects held beneath it. The main idea of this paragraph is Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Details 3. you can conclude that A. Nero liked to see things in green. in Europe. A supporting detail is A. From this paragraph. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Early Eyeglasses Eyeglasses have an interesting history. The Romans used certain rocks to magnify things and aid their vision. C. D. The emperor Nero wore an emerald ring for this purpose. Then answer the questions. the Chinese had invented eyeglasses made with rock crystal lenses. 1. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 1. Later. vision aids have a rocky start. From this paragraph. people need to learn the laws before they put up fences. The underlined words in this paragraph are examples of figurative language called A. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. Draw Conclusions 33 . simile. Fences can also restrict the rights of others by blocking views. Passage 27 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. saying they are unattractive or made of ugly materials. 1. Why Communities Have Fence Laws. A phrase that best reflects the writer’s point of view is A. People tend to argue about fences that neighbors put up. Blocking Motorists’ Views. C. neighbors always agree on the fences they have. Why? One reason is safety. suspicious of fence laws. 1. personification. C. Fences that are too high can block the view of motorists in driveways or near intersections. B. Point of View 3. Another reason is that fences are battlegrounds. The title that best summarizes this paragraph is Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. B. Summarize 2. D. B. 3. 4. The Laws of Fences Most communities have laws about how high fences can be in residential neighborhoods. hyperbole. Good laws help settle such disputes. Building Fences in Neighborhoods. you can conclude that A. or airflow. C. 2. light. D. metaphor. C. confirming of fence laws. motorists are in favor of high fences. Then answer the questions. B. D. Figurative Language 4. people are free to have any kind of fence they want. Eliminating Ugly Fences. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. disagreeing about fence laws. composers. sessions. Then answer the questions. Passage 28 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. The “musicians” improvised as they played. C. B. elephants have keen hearing. schedules. followed a musical score. D. C. C. The main idea of this paragraph is A. D. 4. Wild Music Want to hear some wild music? Listen to the CD of the Thai Elephant Orchestra. The word that best reflects the writer’s point of view is A. The conductor told the elephants when to stop and start but let them play as they wished. belligerent. apologized for mistakes. instruments. elephants practice before recording. concerned. C. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. 3. D. they had five practice __________ and then began recording. invented without preparation. elephants obey the conductor. Context Clues 2. In this paragraph. Proceeds from the sale of the CD go into a bank for orphan elephants. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. the word improvised must mean A. 2. Elephants are known for their keen hearing and ability to make a wide range of sounds. improved steadily. B. Context Clues 4. Point of View 3. For their CD. Main Idea 34 . The six animals in this group play sturdy versions of Thai instruments. fascinated. B. an elephant orchestra makes a CD. The best word for the blank in this paragraph is A. B. 1. 3. Then answer the questions. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. casual. 1. For example. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. B. When candidates are running for national office. Most candidates also throw in words such as values and strength. Another likely word is jobs. metaphor. Campaign Words HOPE VALUES Do words buy votes? Many candidates for public office think so. Figurative Language 35 . The underlined words in this paragraph are an example of figurative language called Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Inference 4. The word that best reflects the writer’s point of view is A. simile. 4. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 1. Point of View 3. D. C. they almost always bring up the words health care and economy. B. Voters never get bored by candidates. Find and write an example of a simile. Voters respond well to certain words. the word hope in a candidate’s speech is as predictable as the sunrise. Candidates use these words to tap into the concerns of voters. 2. Which sentence is most likely not true? A. incredulous. Reread the paragraph. C. C. Candidates make promises to voters. D. Figurative Language 2. B. Certain words are used over and over again in their speeches. Passage 29 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. personification. scornful. hyperbole. Candidates want to win elections. They mark their territory with urine so that other tigers are warned away. These mighty animals are close to extinction. Context Clues 36 . tigers should learn to eat less food. Unfortunately. Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view? A. Fact & Opinion 4. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. __________ A. It is such a shame. C. From this paragraph. Then answer the questions. overeating. These magnificent cats are solitary animals and need a large territory in which to hunt. __________ C. regretful about the loss of tigers B. extending. Point of View 2. In this paragraph. These mighty animals are close to extinction. Passage 30 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. tiger habitats have been destroyed in many parts of Asia. D. C. 1. B.000 tigers left in the wild. dying out. tiger habitats need to be preserved to save tigers. the word extinction means A. their homeland. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. It is such a shame. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. B. Tigers are the biggest members of the cat family. Tigers track their prey in silence and then pounce for the kill. tigers should start hunting in groups. you can conclude that A. Telling About Tigers Tigers are the biggest members of the cat family. joyful about the habitat of tigers C. __________ B.000 to 6. A tiger can eat 40 pounds of meat in one meal. tigers need to change their habits to save themselves. exercising. 3. curious about the fate of tigers 2. Scientists think there may be only 3. Draw Conclusions 3. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. D. 4. and Miss Mud try to stay clean. Mr. The parks department mixes more than 200 tons of soil and 20. When the fun is over. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. __________ B. From this paragraph. Michigan. Summarize 4. Draw Conclusions 3. parks department workers. __________ C. Michigan. Context Clues 37 . the word participants means A. Scholastic Teaching Resources __________ A. It must be a sloppy mess. and just plain splashing around. firefighters hose down the dirty kids. This city hosts an annual celebration called Mud Day in Hines Park. Muddy Day in Michigan. What to Do in Westland. D. In this paragraph. everyone enters the wheelbarrow races. Two participants are crowned Mr. Mud Messes Kids who like to get muddy should visit Westland. people taking part. C. B. B. 1. Passage 31 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. C. B. Then answer the questions. Kids who like to get muddy should visit Westland. kids enjoy this annual celebration. 3. bystanders. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Crowning Muddy Kids 4. A title that best summarizes this paragraph is A. C. Enter the Mud Limbo Contest. It must be a sloppy mess. That’s a lot of mud! 2. Michigan. and Miss Mud. D. Fact & Opinion 2. wheelbarrow races. most contestants don’t get muddy. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading.000 gallons of water to make mud. you can conclude that A. partners. 1. That’s a lot of mud! There are events such as a Mud Limbo contest. D. In about 870 A. the candle clock needed improvement. there were no clocks or watches. 4. Fact & Opinion 4. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. there were no clocks or watches. It was an ingenious device. King Alfred made a lot of money. They kept burning up! __________ C. Long ago. Inference 2. A Time Without Clocks. he created a lantern to fit over the candle. 3.D. Then answer the questions. B. B. were probably drafty.D. From this paragraph. Fill in the correct circle to show whether each statement is a fact or an inference. The Invention of the Candle Clock. __________ A. The candle clock had a lantern over it. King Alfred of England.. C. Passage 32 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. C. Fact Inference Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. 1. Draw Conclusions 38 . B. Summarize 3. It was an ingenious device. People could then measure time by noting how long a section of the candle took to burn. 2. King Alfred of England invented a candle clock. King Alfred began to make candles. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. People had to keep replacing the candles. Burning Up Time Long ago. D. He used candles that were 12 inches long and marked them off in equal sections. A title that best summarizes this paragraph is A. King Alfred of England invented the candle clock. Keep the Candles Burning. Rooms in 870 A. Scholastic Teaching Resources A. C. People had to figure out ways to mark the passing of time. candle clocks always burned evenly. you can conclude that A. The problem with candle clocks? They kept burning up! 1. D. __________ B. D. To keep air drafts from affecting how the candle burned. relationships between names and careers.” meaning that names are a person’s destiny. a doctor named Kwak is not trustworthy. D. 3. Larry Speakes had no choice in careers. C. B. Passage 33 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. someone named Rose might become a florist. Inference 3. What’s in a Name? The Romans had a name for it. 4. Cecil Fielder was a Dan Green baseball player for Detroit. why some people have certain names. how Cecil Fielder got his name. interesting. D. humorous. They called it “nomen et omen. 2. how the Romans named children. In this paragraph. For example. Guess what David J. all names relate to people’s professions. D. Larry Speakes was a presidential press secretary. Wordsworth’s parents knew he’d be a poet. 1. expected. and a popular entertainer is Tommy Tune. persuasive. D. The main idea of this paragraph is A. A well-liked weather reporter on television was Storm Field. Main Idea 4. Researchers who study this have come up with some Hello my name is convincing examples. Tommy Tune does not like to sing. B. B. Which sentence is most likely true? A. Draw Conclusions 2. someone’s name can determine what that person does. B. People commented on Storm Field’s name. C. Lawyer does! Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. William Wordsworth was a Environmentalist famous poet. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. From this paragraph. Context Clues 39 . the word convincing means A. In other words. you can conclude that A. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. C. everyone named Fish works in oceanography. C. Then answer the questions. __________ C. They were decorated with mosaic floors. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. C. Romans had bathhouses at home. roman baths were only for the rich. and got clean all at the same time. Sometimes bathers even held business meetings! 1. Details 3. Romans of all classes bathed in large public bathhouses. roman plumbing was efficient. cold baths. There were hot baths. warm baths. Romans of all classes bathed in large public bathhouses. B. Sometimes bathers even held business meetings. Scholastic Teaching Resources B. taking a bath was a social event. Romans rarely took a bath. marble walls. decorations in Roman bathhouses. 2. C. Draw Conclusions 4. Fact & Opinion 40 . Romans went often to the public baths. These buildings were spectacular. People met their friends. Roman Baths In the days of ancient Rome. and painted walls. Romans were not very social. and hot-dry baths for sweating. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. A supporting detail is A. business meetings in ancient Rome. C. 4. D. __________ B. D. Main Idea 2. Then answer the questions. B. Passage 34 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. You can conclude from this paragraph that A. __________ A. The main idea of this paragraph is A. D. bathers used sponges and oils. heard the news. public bathhouses in ancient Rome. bathhouses had mosaic floors. These buildings were spectacular. 1. how Romans got clean long ago. 3. C. Music was very popular with the armies during the Civil War.” Confederate soldiers often sang “Dixie. Then answer the questions.” while Northerners favored “Yankee Doodle.” while Northerners favored “Yankee Doodle. Confederate soldiers sang to Northerners. D. Music of the Civil War. Inference 3. Which sentence is most likely true? A. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1.” 4. D. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. Julia Ward Howe was a soldier’s wife. These were lovely songs. the word familiar means A. Sweet Home.” B. __________ C.” D. These were lovely songs. Passage 35 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Why Soldiers Like to Sing. C. Summarize 2. “Taps. Confederate soldiers often sang “Dixie.” A song written especially for the war was “Battle Hymn of the Republic” by Julia Ward Howe. 2. C. __________ B. B. In this paragraph. __________ A. popular. The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A. Sweet Home” and “’Tis the Last Rose of Summer. Civil War soldiers played music on radios. military. Context Clues 41 . B. 1. well-known. 3. Soldiers on both sides liked to gather around campfires and sing familiar songs such as “Home. Sing Along Music was very popular with the armies during the Civil War. The bugle melody. The First Use of “Taps. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. “Taps” was a form of communication to soldiers. family. Singing “Home. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Fact & Opinion 4.” was also first played as a sign-off to a soldier’s day during the Civil War. D. overflow. The Romans celebrated Thanksgiving. scholarship. the goddess of flowers. great quantity. Which of these sentences is most likely not true? A. D. C. punish. Flora. 1. The Romans worshipped goddesses. D. Then answer the questions. C. 4. In this paragraph. The word cornucopia comes from a Latin word that means “horn of plenty. abandonment. represent.” In ancient Rome. the word abundance must mean A. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. customs of ancient Rome. Thanksgiving is a time when people show their appreciation for a plentiful harvest and other good things in their lives. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. B. Passage 36 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. 2. D. pester. Inference 42 . a goat’s horn was filled with fruit and other foods to ______ Flora. The Romans spoke Latin. the goddess of flowers. Main Idea 3. The Romans gave thanks for abundance. the goddess of fortune or fate. B. who the goddess of fortune was. Context Clues 4. The best word for the blank in this paragraph is A. B. flower gardens. B. 2. C. Context Clues 2. The main idea of this paragraph is A. Colorful Cornucopia A colorful Thanksgiving symbol is the cornucopia. Both in the past and the present. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. what the cornucopia symbolizes. and Fortune. C. a cornucopia has stood for abundance. D. The luge is a relaxed sport. hyperbole. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Figurative Language 2. B. Loving the Luge The luge is the most thrilling sport in the universe. 4. C. B. the rider must use leg and foot pressure on the sled’s runners and downward pressure with his or her shoulders. Athletes compete on small sleds usually made of fiberglass. They lie on their backs with their feet stretched out over the front of the sled and race down a curved. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. __________ A. This high-speed event has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1964. Figurative Language 43 . personification. Reread the paragraph. The luge is the most thrilling sport in the universe. D. metaphor. __________ B. The underlined words in this paragraph are an example of figurative language called A. ice-covered course. 3. The luge is a highly-skilled sport. Find and write another example of figurative language. Which sentence is most likely not true? A. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 1. simile. To steer. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. __________ C. This high-speed event has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1964. Inference 3. Athletes compete on small sleds usually made of fiberglass. Passage 37 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. Fact & Opinion 4. Then answer the questions. A rider’s moves must be as exacting as a surgeon’s knife. The luge is a dangerous sport. 2. C. The luge is a competitive sport. __________ B. It’s very impressive. 4. Point of View 3. resigned B. In this paragraph. To visit Eartha. It’s very impressive. D. Passage 38 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Context Clues 44 . speeds through space. C. 1. Which word best reflects the writer’s point of view? A. has your house on it. you’ll feel a sense of wonder. If you see it. C. spins on an axis. The globe is housed in a three-story glass building there. From this paragraph. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. B. It rotates just like planet Earth. Fact & Opinion 2. Eartha is more than 41 feet in diameter and weighs about 5. Draw Conclusions 4. Eartha Exhibit Eartha is the world’s largest moving globe. B. D. 2. excited 3. hostile C. It rotates just like planet Earth.600 pounds. It was developed from computer technology and is made from one of the largest mapping databases in the world. is a good replica of Earth. you’ll feel a sense of wonder. Scholastic Teaching Resources __________ A. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. you can conclude that Eartha A. turns upside down. has streets and towns on it. you have to go to Yarmouth. revolves around the sun. __________ C. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. 1. Maine. the word rotates means A. rotates on its own power. If you see it. Then answer the questions. 4. C. hugs. From this paragraph. which she places on the male’s feet. lazy. 1. B. the father huddles on the ice with other dads for two months. While the female goes back to the sea. Fact & Opinion 45 . He keeps the egg between the top of his feet and a special fold of skin on his tummy. D. Inference 2. The female lays one egg. The male keeps the egg safe and warm. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. 2. Write fact or opinion next to each sentence. Draw Conclusions 4. In this paragraph. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. reluctant. Emperor penguin parents are truly remarkable! __________ B. nestles. The male goes to find food in the sea for himself and the chick. B. C. He is careful not to drop the egg. The males do not eat during this time. Then answer the questions. 3. A female emperor penguin lays one egg at a time. the word huddles means A. Both parents then share the work of feeding the chick. indifferent. relaxes. Fill in the correct circle to show whether each statement is a fact or an inference. The female returns when the egg is ready to hatch. unique. C. The males do not eat during this time. Both parents then share the work of feeding the chick. __________ C. The male keeps the egg until it is ready to hatch. __________ A. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. sits. Context Clues 3. D. Fact Inference A. She feeds the chick a meal of fish. Passage 39 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. B. Penguin Parents Emperor penguin parents are truly remarkable! They share the responsibilities of caring for their offspring. The male is hungry by the time the chick hatches. you can conclude that Emperor penguin parents are A. D. students get grades at the Wash and Learn program. The program operates during after- school hours and in the evenings. B. The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A. Passage 40 Name ___________________________________________ Date__________________________ Read the paragraph. Special Tables at the Laundromat. The Wash and Learn program teaches how to do laundry. B. A Washing Story Many families wash their clothes at public laundromats. Several teachers are on hand to help. Then answer the questions. getting people to do their laundry. the program shows children how to wash clothes. From this paragraph. and get help with their homework. 4. Draw Conclusions 2. the program is helpful to both parents and children. C. Summarize 3. D. Children benefit from the Wash and Learn program. The main idea of this paragraph is A. parents must take their children along with the dirty clothes and pockets of coins when they do the laundry. Learning at the Laundromat. teaching children how to fold clothes. B. a program to help children at laundromats. taking children to the laundromat. Often. C. At special tables set up in the laundry. 3. B. 1. C. some students do their homework at school. D. you can conclude that A. C. Inference 4. Children at the Laundromat. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. one laundry chain started a Wash and Learn program. To give the children something worthwhile to do while their parents fold clean clothes. D. Main Idea 46 . 2. Parents are grateful for the Wash and Learn program. Evenings at the Laundromat. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. students can listen to stories. D. Some people don’t have washing machines at home. read books by themselves. Which sentence is most likely not true? A. Scholastic Teaching Resources 1. birds are 2. D page 19: but should reflect C. Fact 4. Answers will vary but should B. C 1. Opinion 1. D C. D 4. A 4. Yes. Inference excellent energy 3. C B. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. A 3. Fact 1. Their shells are 1. B 47 . C page 9: page 16: page 23: 4. Fact 3. A. C page 20: page 27: 2. C C. D B. D page 33: C. A page 22: page 29: 1. B C. D 3. B page 30: 3. Opinion 2. C B. Answers will vary B. B C. C C. D 1. B D. A. B 2. Inference 4. Inference 4. B 3. August invites 4. C 4. Opinion 4. B B. Fact 3. Fact page 18: relax. B D. A 4. B 3. Answers page 7: page 14: page 21: page 28: 1. C very stubborn. D 2. B B. Yes 2. C C. B 1. A 4. C B. B page 32: C. B D. eyeglasses 2. Fact 3. Fact B. C page 8: 2. B 4. B 2. A. Inference page 25: 3. B B. C 2. D 2. C 1. 2. C 3. D D. C. It is a gift to others. A 2. A 3. B B. Opinion 2. Opinion 2. Fact 1. C 3. Fact 4. Opinion page 10: page 24: 4. Fact page 15: 4. B 4. B B. Yes. A. A 1. Opinion 2. Fact 2. A. A. Fact 3. C page 34: page 13: C. C 1. C 3. Fact 2. B 1. 4. Later in Europe. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Inference 3. C the text. Inference conservationists 4. A 1. A. C C. Fact 1. B ever in fashion. Opinion 3. A 1. Opinion 2. Fact 4. C 2. C 2. C 1. A. Fact 4. Fact 4. Inference 3. Fact 3. Fact page 11: B. Opinion 3. C 1. 2. C B. A C. Opinion 3. A. A 1. A. C B. C 4. D 3. B 2. C 2. A. Fact 3. A. C 1. A 1. Fact C. Opinion C. B C. Fact 3. A. Fact 1. Opinion 2. Fact 1. C 4. Fact 4. Fact reflect the text. Opinion 4. Scholastic Teaching Resources C. Fact 1. Fact 3. C 1. A 2. Inference 2. Opinion 4. Fact 2. Fact page 17: B. A page 26: became the biggest thing page 12: 3. A. 1. C 1. B 4. A. Inference 1. Inference people to play and B. C page 31: 4. D 3. A. A. D 3. C must be as 3. A. A B. B C. Opinion 4. C D. Opinion B. A. Fact page 43: C. Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading. Fact page 45: C. B exacting as a 4. C 3. B 3. C 3. C 2. Fact C. Fact page 40: C. Opinion D. A. Fact is as predictable as 4. C 48 . Fact C. A. A B. D the sunrise page 42: page 36: 1. A. the word hope in a B. A. C 2. Fact C. Opinion 1. Fact page 39: C. B 3. Opinion B. A. D 2. A. Opinion B. Opinion C. Inference 1. C 3. Fact 4. Answers page 35: page 41: 1. B 3. Fact 1. Inference B. Fact candidate’s speech C. A 2. B surgeon’s knife. Fact 4. Fact 2. Fact 1. Opinion 4. Opinion 3. B 2. Grade 5 © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech. Opinion B. C 2. D B. A. C page 37: 3. Opinion 1. A. C 3. A 2. B 4. Fact 1. B 1. A rider’s moves 2. B 3. C 2. Inference 2. Fact 1. D 4. D 4. C B. C page 46: 4. Scholastic Teaching Resources page 38: page 44: 1. D 4. C 3. D 1. Inference 2. Fact 4.