Professional Documents
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Skill Builders
for Reading
Grades 56
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
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Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Contents
Introduction to Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
PRACTICE 6: VOCABULARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Reading: Context clues, multiple-meaning words, synonyms, and antonyms
Writing: Using correct spelling
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Intr oduction to Teachers
We all know how important it is for students to do well on tests. This book is one in a series designed to
help you help your students become better test takers. Your students will learn strategies that will help them
apply essential reading skills to a standardized test format.
In the past few years, many statewide tests and national standardized tests have undergone significant
changes, not just in what they measure but also in how they measure content and skills. The examples and
practice tests in this book reflect the latest developments in testing and are designed to look like the state and
national tests. Features include:
This book covers all of the significant reading and language arts skills tested on the five most widely used
standardized tests: the CTBS TerraNova, Metropolitan Achievement Test, Stanford Achievement Test, Iowa Test of
Basic Skills, and California Achievement Test. It also uses the same kinds of questions and the same formats as the
standardized tests.
Practice Activities
There are six Practice sections in this book, followed by a full-length Reading Test. Each Practice focuses on
specific reading strategies and skills and includes related questions on vocabulary, composition, grammar and
usage, capitalization, punctuation, or spelling. Features of each Practice include:
Procedures
We recommend that you first teach the targeted reading skills before you use this book. Then work through
each Practice Sample with your students. Using the overhead with transparencies of assigned pages helps
students understand the process of thoroughly reading passages and accurately answering the questions. Discuss
the sample questions and how to get the right answers, and then have students take the Practice Test. Use the
Answer Key at the back of the book to score each test, or have students score the tests themselves and record
their scores in the box at the end of each Practice Test. Either way, make sure students have ample opportunity
to study their own tests and learn from any mistakes they might have made. When students have completed all
the practice activities, administer the Reading Test (beginning on page 35). The Reading Test has five selections
and a total of 40 items. It will take about one hour to complete.
Students who complete the activities in this book will become familiar with the kinds of questions they will
see on real tests, and they will have a new arsenal of techniques and strategies for achieving better test scores.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 5
Getting the Main Idea
6 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Finding the Answers to Practice 1: Sample
The most important idea in a passage is the main
idea. It may be clearly stated in the passage, or you Getting the Main Idea
may have to figure out the main idea from the
PRACTICE 1: SAMPLE HINT: Read the
information given. Questions about the main idea title and the whole
Directions passage to decide
may ask you to choose a main idea sentence, the Read the passage. Choose the best answer to each question. what the passage is
mostly about.
best title, or a main topic that tells what the passage
is mostly about. Other questions may ask you to The Worlds Best
Until recently, the most famous athlete in the world was probably Michael Jordan.
find details that support the main idea, or to Now it may very well be Mia Hamm. On July 17, 1999, Hamm led the U.S. womens
soccer team to a thrilling shoot-out victory over China in the finals for the World Cup.
summarize the information in a passage. During the tournament she also scored her 111th international goalthe world record for
most goals scored by any player, man or woman. Both of these feats were witnessed by
millions of viewers all over the world.
To answer question A, you must decide what the For Mia Hamm, winning the World Cup was the latest achievement in a dazzling career.
Now 27 years old, Hamm has been a member of the national team since she was 15. She
passage is mostly about. You are looking for the has been U.S. Soccers Player of the Year for five years straight, and she was a member of
main topic. This passage focuses on Mia Hamm the U.S. team that won the gold medal in the 1996 Olympics. Before that,
Hamm played soccer at the University of North Carolina, where she led
and what she has accomplished in her career as a her team to four national championships.
Mia Hamms remarkable career has made her world-famous. It has
soccer player. The correct answer is C. also made her a role model for girls all over the world who now want
to play sports and grow up to be as good as Mia Hamm.
done by Mia Hamm, so an achievement must be 6 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading, Grades 56
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something gained or done, answer D.
Look at the picture. Sometimes a picture gives clues to what the passage is about.
Summarize a passage by including only the most important information. Omit minor details.
Look for clues in the passage to figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 7
Getting the Main Idea
PRACTICE 1: TEST
Directions
Read each passage. Choose the best answer to each question.
3 According to this passage, many Navajo believe that music has the power to
A find love. C make money.
B travel across time. D change the weather.
4 The passage says the young man created an invisible shield. Invisible means
F cannot be seen. H cannot be broken.
G very strong. J very large.
8 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
First Lady of Solo Percussion
Percussion instruments are those musical instruments that are hit or shaken to make sound, such
as drums, cymbals, and rattles. Percussion instruments are usually played with a band or orchestra.
They are seldom played alone. One person, though, is changing all that.
Evelyn Glennie often performs alone. She is one of the worlds finest solo percussionists. Often
referred to as the First Lady of solo percussion, Glennie also performs with some of the worlds
greatest orchestras. She has received many awards, including the Queens Commendation Prize.
That is the highest award given by the British Royal Academy of Music. What makes Glennies
achievements even more amazing is that she has been deaf since
the age of 12.
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on July 19, 1965, Evelyn Glennie
began taking piano lessons at age eight. That same year she began
to notice that she was having trouble hearing. Over the next four
years, her hearing grew worse. By age 12, her hearing was almost
completely gone, but that did not stop her from pursuing her
dream.
Glennie began to study percussion when she was 12 and came
up with her own ways of listening to the music. She feels low-
pitched sounds mainly in her legs and feet. High sounds are felt
on her face, neck, and chest. On the concert stage, Glennie often
performs barefooted to help her feel the music. However she
does it, Glennie has become a remarkable performer.
6 Where would be the best place to look for more information about Evelyn Glennie?
F in an almanac H on the Internet
G in an atlas J in a local newspaper
8 Write one or two sentences to summarize what this passage is mostly about.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 9
Directions
For questions 911, read the paragraph below.
SCORE
12
10 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Understanding Texts
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 11
Finding the Answers to Practice 2: Sample
To understand a text, you must figure out how ideas
are related to one another. Ideas in a passage are often Understanding Texts
Texts
related by sequence of events, by cause and effect, or
PRACTICE 2: SAMPLE HINT: Scan the
by comparison and contrast. Questions might ask you passage first to see
what it is mostly
to figure out how ideas are related or use your Directions
Read the passage. Choose the best answer to each question. about. Then read
it carefully.
understanding of the text to complete an outline.
An Itch for Tennis
Suki sighed as the tennis ball slammed into the net for the umpteenth time.
Question A is a question about the sequence of Suki could tell Jiro was getting discouraged. How about we call it quits for
today? she suggested.
events in the passage. The question asks what Jiro All right, said Jiro, but lets play this one last ball before we go. He served the ball to
Suki, who returned it easily. Jiro sprinted toward the ball and swung his racket as hard as he could.
did first, and it lists four things he did. Since hitting The ball sailed over the chain-link fence and landed in the tall grass behind the tennis court.
Dont worry, Ill get it, said Jiro, jogging off the court. Meanwhile, Suki retrieved the other
the tennis ball over the fence was the first of the four balls and got herself a drink of water. Then she went to join Jiro.
Oh, no, said Suki when she saw Jiro standing in the high grass.
things Jiro did in the story, the correct answer is B. Whats the matter? asked Jiro when he saw the look on her face.
Youre knee-deep in poison ivy, she explained. Forget the ball. You need to get home quickly
and wash up because if you dont, the poison ivy will make you itch like crazy. If you hurry, you
might not get a rash tomorrow or itch too much.
Question B is about cause and effect. To answer the Jiro groaned. Then he grabbed his tennis racket and ran home. Dont worry, youll be fine,
Suki hollered after him, but she didnt really believe it. Jiro was in for an itchy time for the next
question, you must understand why Suki believed two weeks. Suki knew because shed been through the same thing last year.
that Jiro would soon itch terribly. The passage says
A What did Jiro do first in this story? HINT: To find the
she knew because shed been through the same thing A He went to look for the tennis ball. information you need,
B He hit the tennis ball over the fence. look for signal words,
last year. Answer H is correct. C He grabbed his racket and ran home. such as first, then,
D He walked through poison ivy. because, like, and
unlike.
B Why did Suki believe that Jiro would soon itch terribly?
F She could already see the beginning of a rash. H She had been through the same thing herself.
Question C asks how Suki was different from Jiro. G He did not run home fast enough. J He had hit the ball over the fence.
According to the passage, Suki has had poison ivy, C How is Suki different from Jiro?
A She has never had poison ivy. C She tries harder to win.
so answer A cant be correct. Jiro is the one who B She becomes discouraged more easily. D She is a better tennis player.
gets discouraged while Suki plays easily, so B and C D The passage says that Jiro jogged off the court. What does court mean in this passage?
F a short street H a room where trials are held
must be incorrect. The correct answer is D. G to try to win the love of J an area marked off for a game
the meaning of a word that has more than one Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading, Grades 56 11
Scholastic Professional Books
definition. The word court has several meanings, as in
the judges court, to court a sweetheart. In this story,
court means an area marked off for a game, answer J.
Scan the passage first to see what it is about and how it is organized.
To find the information you need, look for signal words that indicate:
sequence of events (first, then, later, before, after, finally, last).
cause and effect (because, so, since, as a result).
comparison/contrast (like, unlike, same as, different from, however, but, both).
For words with more than one meaning, try each meaning in the sentence and choose one that
sounds correct.
12 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Understanding Texts
PRACTICE 2: TEST
Directions
Read the passage. Choose the best answer to each question.
Poison Ivy
Anyone who has ever touched poison ivy knows there is nothing worse than
the rash it causes. The itching alone is enough to drive you bonkers.
What is poison ivy?
Poison ivy is a bushlike plant or vine that grows well in moist, warm places.
It is found almost everywhere in the United States except Hawaii and parts of
Alaska. Poison ivy usually has three shiny leaves on each stem, but it may have
more. As a result, the old saying, Leaves times three, let it be might be helpful,
but it does not always apply. During the spring and summer, poison ivy leaves
are green like many other plants. In the fall, though, they turn a bright red-
orange color that makes them much easier to identify.
What happens when you touch poison ivy?
Poison ivy contains an oily sap called urushiol. If you brush against a leaf,
stem, or branch of poison ivy, some of this oil gets on your skin. Urushiol causes
itching in most people. Within 6 to 48 hours after contact with poison ivy, a rash
usually develops. The rash usually begins as red streaks. It often appears on the
face first and then on other parts of the body. It lasts about two weeks. Younger
people between the ages of five and 20 seem to be most affected.
What should you do?
It takes between 10 and 15 minutes for the oil from poison ivy to get under your skin. Washing with soap
and water immediately after contact can sometimes prevent a rash. Because the urushiol sticks to clothing,
you should remove your clothes and shoes and wash them as soon as possible. If you do develop a rash, try
not to scratch, because this can cause an infection. Also, scratching can spread the rash if there is urushiol
under your fingernails, so make sure your fingernails are trimmed short and are clean. Keep your skin clean
and dry.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 13
Use the incomplete outline below to answer questions 2 and 3.
4 Why doesnt the saying Leaves times three, let it be always apply to poison ivy?
F The plant has green leaves.
G Poison ivy grows in moist places.
H The plant sometimes has more than three leaves on a stem.
J The leaves turn colors in the fall.
5 The passage says you can get poison ivy if you brush against a leaf. Which meaning
of brush is used here?
A touch lightly in passing C wipe away or remove
B a tool for sweeping D a painters tool
8 Name two or three ways in which poison ivy is different from most other plants.
14 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Directions
Read the passage below. Then answer the questions about how the passage is written.
(1)There is no place most beautiful than New England in the fall. (2)During
September and October, the leaves change color. (3)They turn glorious shades of red,
orange, and gold. (4)Some years the leaves seem to change overnight. (5)In other
years they seem to change more gradual. (6)Thousands of people travel to New
England each year. (7)They go there to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage.
12 Which is the best way to combine sentences 6 and 7 into one sentence?
F Thousands of people travel to New England each year to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage.
G Enjoying the beautiful fall foliage each year, thousands of people travel to New England
each year.
H Thousands of people travel to New England each year, so they go there to enjoy the beautiful
fall foliage.
J To enjoy the beautiful New England fall foliage there, thousands of people travel each year.
SCORE
12
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 15
Making Infer ences
The Runaway
Aunt Thelma phoned Blakes house in a panic. Chad has disappeared
again, she said. He bounded off the porch before I could put him on
his leash. Could you and your sister come over and help me search for
him?
Jens not here, said Blake, but I can be there in a few minutes.
He hung up the phone, grabbed a handful of Chads favorite beef jerky treats
from the kitchen, and headed out the door.
On his way to the garage to get his bike, Blake spotted something slowly trotting up the
street. When he realized what it was, his face broke into a smile. You rascal, he said. Aunt
Thelmas been worried sick about you. He grabbed Chads collar and gently steered him
16 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Finding the Answers to Practice 3: Sample
To make inferences, you must read between the
lines. For example, if a character in a story looks Making Inferences
outside in the morning and sees puddles on the
PRACTICE 3: SAMPLE HINT: Before you
street, you can infer that it rained the night before. read, take a quick
Directions look at the questions
Inferences are not stated in the story; you must Read the passage. Choose the best answer to each question. so you know what to
look for in the story.
figure them out from what you know.
For question C, you must look for clues to help you G far away from town. J next door to an animal shelter.
draw a conclusion about Chad. The story does not C You can tell that Chad is
A Aunt Thelmas dog. C Jens brother.
tell you who or what Chad is, but you know that B Blakes uncle. D Blakes father.
Aunt Thelma usually keeps Chad on a leash, he likes D Find the word that best completes the sentence.
Blake found Chad and __________ him to Aunt Thelma.
beef jerky treats, and Blake grabs his collar. From F return
G
these clues you can tell that Chad is probably not a H
returning
returned
J
person, so he is not Blakes uncle (choice B), Jens have returned
brother (choice C), or Blakes father (choice D). 16 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading, Grades 56
Scholastic Professional Books
Chad is Aunt Thelmas dog. Answer A is correct.
When you draw a conclusion, look for two or more details in the passage to support
your answer.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 17
Making Infer ences
PRACTICE 3: TEST
Directions
Read the passage. Choose the best answer to each question.
A Grand Idea
It looks like the deer have been raiding our garden again, said Grandpa, pointing to the fresh
tracks around the lettuce patch. Its frustrating to put so much energy into a garden, only to have
the deer feast on it. That fence is pretty much useless, he added, eyeing the thin wire fence
surrounding the garden.
Lets build a scarecrow, suggested Josh. Maybe if we can trick the deer into believing theres
someone in the garden, theyll stay out.
Grandpa agreed that a scarecrow was a fine idea and sent Josh to the barn for some hay. They
stuffed the hay into one of Grandpas old flannel shirts and an old pair of his overalls. Then they
plopped an old straw hat on the scarecrows soccer-ball head and declared him done. Stepping
back to examine their work, they both burst out laughing.
He looks like you, said Josh, his eyes darting back and forth between Grandpa and
the scarecrow.
Grandpa chuckled. Hes a tad more handsome, I think. Lets just hope he gets the job done.
Just before breakfast the next morning, Josh peered out the window and spotted two young does
in the garden. Grandpa, come quick! he cried, racing out of the house toward the garden. Go
on, shoo! he hollered, running and waving his arms. In one graceful movement, the two deer
leaped over the thin wire fence enclosing the garden. They turned back once to look at Josh before
dashing for cover in the nearby forest.
Josh frowned at the scarecrow. A lot of good you were, he said.
I guess well have to come up with a better plan, said Grandpa as he checked the garden.
It doesnt look as though they got much this time. Come on, lets go plan our next move
over breakfast.
Grandpa and Josh were busily tossing ideas around at the breakfast table when Grandma
suggested they try placing bars of soap at various spots around the garden. Ive heard that really
works, she said. Josh and Grandpa both
looked doubtful. Well, it cant be any worse
than that scarecrow that doesnt scare
anything, she huffed.
Sure, Mum, well do that, said Grandpa,
winking at Josh. Which soap do you
recommend? He kicked Josh gently under
the table.
Josh bowed his head and tried not to laugh.
18 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Later that afternoon, after they had failed to come up with a better idea, Josh and Grandpa made
a trip into town to buy a few dozen bars of scented soap. They spent the rest of the afternoon
planting soap all around the garden. Grandpa cut long sturdy branches and sharpened both ends.
Josh stuck a bar of soap on one end and planted the other end into the ground. When they were
through, Grandpa shook his head and said, If this works, I swear Ill eat my hat.
Ill remember you said that, said Grandma. Josh and Grandpa both started in surprise. They
had not heard Grandma approach. On the other hand, she said, I think Id rather you boys took
me out for a nice dinner in townyou know, by way of saying thank you for a great idea.
Chuckling to herself, she turned and headed back to the house.
A few days later, Josh and Grandpa stood on the porch waiting for Grandma. Grandpa looked
toward the garden and scratched his head. Still no deer, huh?
Nope, answered Josh, not one.
Well, I hate to admit it, said Grandpa, but your grandmother was right.
As if on cue, Grandma appeared on the porch dressed in her Sunday best. She handed Grandpa
his hat. I believe you were going to eat this, she said.
Grandpa chuckled. I think I like the second choice better, he said, offering her his arm. We
have reservations for six oclock.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 19
6 Why did Grandpa wink at Josh and kick him under the table?
F He was angry at Josh because of his bad table manners.
G He wanted to let Josh know that he was teasing Grandma.
H He got something in his eye and wanted Josh to take a look at it.
J He wanted Josh to pay attention to what he was saying.
7 Write one or two sentences comparing how Josh and Grandpa first felt about
Grandmas idea and how they felt about it a few days later.
Directions
Choose the word or words that best complete(s) each sentence.
8 The deer raided the garden and __________ all the lettuce.
F eat H ate
G will eat J eaten
10 Josh and Grandpa __________ determined to keep the deer out of the garden.
F being H were
G is J was
SCORE
12
20 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Reading Literatur e
A Which words best describe how Liz felt about seeing HINT: To understand
Granny and Earth again? the plot of the story,
A shy and nervous C happy and excited think about the
B frightened and worried D annoyed and bored characters main
problem or conflict
B Where does this story take place? and how it is solved.
F on the moon H at Grannys house
G inside a spaceship J on a faraway planet
C What was the man in the space suit doing in this story?
A exploring outer space C visiting Liz and her parents
B offering Liz a ride to Earth D delivering a package to Liz
D When Liz tore open the package in the blink of an eye, you know that she
F blinked when she saw what was inside the package.
G opened the package with her eyes shut.
H stared at the label before she opened the package.
J opened the package very quickly.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 21
Finding the Answers to Practice 4: Sample
Questions about literature focus mainly on
characters, plot, setting, theme, and narrative point Reading Literature
Literature
of view. Some questions ask about figurative
PRACTICE 4: SAMPLE HINT: Look for
language, which expresses a meaning that is different clues about how
the characters feel
from the literal meaning of the words. Directions
Read the passage. Choose the best answer to each question. and where the story
takes place.
C What was the man in the space suit doing in this story?
A exploring outer space C visiting Liz and her parents
Question C asks what the man in the spacesuit was B offering Liz a ride to Earth D delivering a package to Liz
doing. According to the story, the man opened the D When Liz tore open the package in the blink of an eye, you know that she
F blinked when she saw what was inside the package.
cabins mail chute and pushed the package in. The G opened the package with her eyes shut.
H stared at the label before she opened the package.
story also explains that the package was sent to Liz. So J opened the package very quickly.
the man was delivering a package to Liz, answer D. E Find the word that best completes the sentence.
Although the cookies were for Liz, she shared __________ with her parents.
A it C them
To answer question D, you must understand what it B they D its
means to say that Liz tore the package open in the Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading, Grades 56 21
Scholastic Professional Books
blink of an eye. Since the phrase in the blink of an
eye means quickly, you know that Liz opened the
package quickly. Answer J is correct.
To understand the plot, think about the main characters problem or conflict and what he
or she does to solve it.
To find the theme of a story, think about what lesson a character learns or what message
the author wants to express.
Use clues in the story to determine the meaning of figurative language (such as in the blink of an eye).
22 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Reading Literatur e
PRACTICE 4: TEST
Directions
Read the passage. Choose the best answer to each question.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 23
1 Where does this story take place?
A in a small village C in a city
B on a farm D on a country road
2 Based on what you read in this story, which word pair best fits in this sentence?
As a shoemaker, Jacob was __________ but __________.
F skillful . . . . greedy H lazy . . . . lucky
G determined . . . . unsuccessful J rich . . . . unhappy
24 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
8 What was Jacobs problem in this story, and how did he solve it?
Directions
Choose the word that best completes each sentence.
12 After the clerk measured my feet, she brought __________ some shoes to try on.
F I H my
G me J mine
SCORE
12
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 25
Making Judgments
C The author mentions that two presidential candidates stayed at the Wilbur as evidence to
support the idea that
A citizens should vote. C the town is famous.
B the Wilbur was a fine hotel. D the Wilbur had lots of rooms.
D Look at the underlined part of the sentence. Choose the answer that shows the correct
capitalization and punctuation of the underlined part.
The Wilbur Hotel was owned by Mr and mrs Bernard.
F Mr and Mrs Bernard H Mr. and Mrs. Bernard
G Mr. and mrs. Bernard J Correct as it is
26 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Finding the Answers to Practice 5: Sample
To make judgments, you must consider the
information included in a passage and decide what Making Judgments
the author is trying to say. You must also distinguish
PRACTICE 5: SAMPLE HINT: To make
between factual information and the authors opinions. judgments about
Directions a passage, think
Read the passage. Choose the best answer to each question. about why the
author wrote it.
For question A, you must use clues from the
Save the Wilbur
passage to figure out which action the author would Mayor Nichols has talked about tearing down the Wilbur Hotel to
like the mayor to take. The passage states, We make room for a parking garage. This is a terrible idea! The Wilbur is an
important part of our towns history. We should preserve it instead of
should preserve the Wilbur instead of tearing it tearing it down.
Today the Wilbur is empty and boarded up, but it was once the
down, and the author urges citizens to find a way loveliest building on Main Street. The hotel had comfortable rooms and a
to restore and reopen it. Since finding a different terrific restaurant. Famous people, including two presidential candidates,
stayed there. Our town was proud of the Wilbur.
location for the parking garage will allow the Wilbur Is the Wilbur doomed for sure? Not if concerned citizens can find a
way to restore and reopen it. If you think the Wilbur should be saved,
to remain standing, answer D is the best choice. make sure Mayor Nichols hears from you!
A Which action taken by the mayor would please the HINT: To find a
author most? fact, look for a
To answer question B, you must decide whether A building a new hotel beside the new parking garage
B inviting famous people to visit the town
statement that can
be proven true.
each idea from the passage is a fact or an opinion. A C tearing down the Wilbur to build a gasoline station
D finding a different location for the parking garage
fact is an idea that can be proven true, while an B Which idea from the passage is a fact?
opinion is a belief or feeling. Of the choices given, F Tearing down the Wilbur Hotel is a terrible idea.
G The Wilbur Hotel should be preserved.
the only statement of fact is answer H, The Wilbur H The Wilbur Hotel is empty and boarded up.
J The Wilbur Hotel was once the loveliest building in town.
Hotel is empty and boarded up. The other C The author mentions that two presidential candidates stayed at the Wilbur as evidence to
statements are opinions. support the idea that
A citizens should vote. C the town is famous.
B the Wilbur was a fine hotel. D the Wilbur had lots of rooms.
For question C, you must think about the authors D Look at the underlined part of the sentence. Choose the answer that shows the correct
capitalization and punctuation of the underlined part.
reasons for including certain information in the The Wilbur Hotel was owned by Mr and mrs Bernard.
passage. By mentioning that famous people, F
G
Mr and Mrs Bernard
Mr. and mrs. Bernard
H
J
Mr. and Mrs. Bernard
Correct as it is
including two presidential candidates, stayed at the
Wilbur, the author suggests that it was once a fine 26 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading, Grades 56
Scholastic Professional Books
hotel, answer B.
To make a judgment or decision, think about all the details or reasons given. Choose the one that
seems most important.
A fact is a statement that can be verified or proven true. To find an opinion, look for a feeling or belief
that cannot be proven.
The authors purpose in an advertisement or editorial is to persuade. For most stories, the purpose is
to entertain or to teach a lesson. Most other texts are written to inform.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 27
Making Judgments
PRACTICE 5: TEST
Directions
Read the passage. Choose the best answer to each question.
Bicycle Safety
Dear Mr. Locke,
Last week I fell off my bike. I bruised my elbow and sprained my wrist,
but my injuries would have been worse if I hadnt been wearing my bicycle
helmet. Tell your friends what happened to you, the doctor said, so theyll
be sure to wear their helmets, too.
I did what the doctor said and told my friends, but getting a few kids to
wear helmets is not a big deal. A famous basketball player like you, however,
could convince thousands of kids to wear helmets. How do I know? Sport-
Ade is the best-selling soft drink because Sam Locke drinks it. Zoomers are
the most popular basketball shoes because Sam Locke wears them. And, of course, the Locke is the
coolest hairstyle for boys.
I think you should film a public-service announcement for television, telling kids to wear helmets. If the
message came from you, kids would pay attention. I hope youll think about it.
Sincerely,
Ray Brown
Dear Ray,
Your terrific letter has persuaded me to film a public-service announcement about the importance of
wearing bicycle helmets. Now I have a request for you. Would you appear in the announcement with
me? You could talk about your accident and how your helmet protected you. Im sure well persuade more
kids to wear helmets if we make the announcement together. Please call me at 555-3471 to say yes. Then
well arrange to fly you to Chicago for the filming.
Sincerely,
Sam Locke
28 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
2 What can you tell about Ray from his letter?
F He has lots of friends. H He is a good basketball player.
G He wants to help others. J He loves to watch television.
3 Which sentence in Rays letter supports the idea that kids would pay attention to a
message from Sam Locke?
A Last week I fell off my bike.
B My injuries would have been worse if I hadnt been wearing my bicycle helmet.
C I did what the doctor said and told my friends.
D Zoomers are the most popular basketball shoes because Sam Locke wears them.
5 The most important reason for Ray to be in the announcement is that he can
A get more kids to wear helmets. C fly to Chicago.
B be on television. D meet Sam Locke.
6 Which word suggests that Ray and Sam will try to make a helpful suggestion?
Ray and Sam will __________ kids to wear bike helmets.
F order H lecture
G advise J beg
Directions
Look at the underlined part of each sentence. Choose the answer that shows the correct
capitalization and punctuation for the underlined part. If the underlined part is written
correctly, mark Correct as it is.
8 Ray mailed the letter: and Sam Locke received it three days later.
F letter, and H letter; and
G letter. And J Correct as it is
9 Sam Locke lives a few miles from Chicago in Park forest Illinois.
A Park forest, Illinois C park Forest, Illinois
B Park Forest, Illinois D Correct as it is
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 29
Vocabular y
During a thunderstorm, you see lightning before you hear thunder. If you are in the center of the storm,
the thunder immediately (A) the lightning. If the storm is far away, several seconds may pass between
the (B) and the rumble.
A A takes B F rain
B brightens G flash
C creates H clouds
D follows J air
Choose the word that means the opposite Choose the phrase with an underlined
of the underlined word. word that is not spelled correctly. If the
underlined words are all spelled correctly,
C reluctant child mark No mistake.
A helpless
B strong E A with our apreciation
C quiet B in this circumstance
D eager C lengthen the sleeves
D a dedicated woman
Choose the word that best completes E No mistake
both sentences.
F right
G around
H left
J finished
30 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Finding the Answers to Practice 6: Sample
To answer the first two questions, you must look for
clues in the whole paragraph. In question A, the Vocabulary
ocabulary
missing word is answer D, follows. This is the
PRACTICE 6: SAMPLE HINT: Read the whole
best choice because the first sentence says you see paragraph first. Try to
think of a word that fits in
lightning before you hear thunder. For Question B, Directions
Read the paragraph. For each blank, choose the word each blank before you
look at the answers.
the missing word is flash, answer G, because this that best fits in the sentence.
sentence refers to seconds that pass between the During a thunderstorm, you see lightning before you hear thunder. If you are in the center of the storm,
the thunder immediately (A) the lightning. If the storm is far away, several seconds may pass between
flash of lightning and the rumble of thunder. the (B) and the rumble.
A A takes B F rain
B brightens G flash
For question C, you must find the antonym, or C creates H clouds
D follows J air
word that means the opposite, of reluctant. Since
reluctant means unwilling, the word with the
Choose the word that means the opposite Choose the phrase with an underlined
opposite meaning is eager, answer D. of the underlined word. word that is not spelled correctly. If the
underlined words are all spelled correctly,
C reluctant child mark No mistake.
A helpless
Question D is a question about words that have B strong E A with our apreciation
C quiet B in this circumstance
more than one meaning. Each answer choice fits at D eager C lengthen the sleeves
D a dedicated woman
least one of the sentences. You must find the word Choose the word that best completes E No mistake
both sentences.
that completes both sentences correctly. The words
D Turn __________ at the corner.
right and around fit only the first sentence; finished Josey __________ two hours ago.
fits only the second sentence. The correct answer is F right
G around
H, left; it fits both sentences. H left
J finished
To find a word that fits in a sentence, look for clues in the sentence or sentences before
and after the blank.
Try to think of a word that fits in the blank before you look at the answers.
When looking for an antonym, watch out for words that mean the same or almost the same
(such as reluctant and quiet in question C).
For multiple-meaning words, try each answer choice in both sentences to see which one fits best.
In questions about spelling, check each word carefully before choosing an answer.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 31
Vocabular y
PRACTICE 6: TEST
Directions
Choose the word that means the opposite of the underlined word.
32 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Directions
Read each paragraph. For each numbered blank, choose the word that best fits in the sentence.
Hank was wondering why he had ever agreed to camp out with his friends. It was a hot night, and the
mosquitoes were (7) . The ground (8) his sleeping bag was so hard he could not get comfortable.
Now the other boys were telling scary (9) , and Hank was getting nervous. He wished he could just
pack up and leave, but he knew the other boys would (10) him. Just then Hank noticed a small
(11) at the edge of the campsite. He jumped to his feet and shouted, SKUNK! Hank ran toward
home as (12) as he could go, and his friends were right behind him.
7 A watching 10 F help
B biting G check
C resting H forget
D leaving J tease
8 F within 11 A tree
G near B rock
H beneath C animal
J from D tent
9 A stories 12 F neatly
B noises G swiftly
C faces H cleverly
D costumes J often
You probably know lots of ways to recycle cans, bottles, and plastic bags. But can you think of a new
(13) for a jet that is too old to fly? Jo Ann Ussery can. When an ice storm (14) Jo Anns home,
she had to find a new place to live. She bought an old jet and had it trucked to her (15) beside a lake
in western Mississippi. Then she removed the passenger seats and replaced them with her own (16) .
Jo Anns house is unusual, but she loves it.
13 A fuel 15 A property
B use B flight
C pilot C design
D color D vehicle
14 F approached 16 F luggage
G formed G friends
H destroyed H stairs
J passed J furniture
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 33
Directions Directions
Choose the word that best completes Choose the phrase with an underlined word that
both sentences. is not spelled correctly. If the underlined words
are all spelled correctly, mark No mistake.
17 Sarah began to __________ the clay with
her hands. 21 A this historick day
B an affectionate greeting
That bread is covered with __________.
C a music recital
A shape D all the delegates
B pinch E No mistake
C mold
D crust 22 F a reasonable amount
G the new technique
18 Dad will __________ the apple trees H a marble sculpture
tomorrow. J todays bulletin
K No mistake
Have you ever eaten a __________?
F water 23 A a continuous line
G spray B did not oppose
H prune C in preperation for
J plum D on the frontier
E No mistake
19 We climbed to the top of the __________.
24 F such an annoyance
Sean tried to __________ but did not G became more confedint
fool anyone. H her unique idea
J a peculiar smell
A cliff
K No mistake
B bluff
C pretend
D hill 25 A in comparison to
B a genuine apology
C after the operation
20 As the swimmer tired, she began
D reading the journil
to __________.
E No mistake
Kevin caught a large __________.
F flounder
G cold
H fish
J trout
SCORE
25
34 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
READING TEST
Directions
Read each passage. Choose the best answer to each question, or write your answer on the lines.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 35
Okay, okay, muttered Erik as he headed out the door.
The second week, Eriks friend Philip invited him to go camping. When Erik asked his mom for
permission, she frowned.
Have you forgotten your job? she asked. Its an important responsibility, Erik, and it is your
responsibility, not mine. This is the last time I am going to remind you.
The third week, the weather was very hot and very dry. Erik went swimming every day and tried to
ignore the fact that it was almost time to go back to school. On Saturday morning, Erik woke with a
horrible feeling in his stomach. Mrs. Yee was coming home on Sunday, and he had forgotten to water her
garden all week. Still wearing his pajamas, he dashed down the street and into his one and only
employers backyard. He checked flower after flower; all of them seemed to have survived. But when he
reached the row of newly planted roses, Eriks heart sank. The white rose in the center had shriveled and
died. Sadly, he looked at the round tag that dangled from the dead plant. It said, Pearl Beauty$13.95.
There was only one solution. He borrowed $15.00 from Martha Moneybags, rode his bike to Doms
Garden Center, and bought the last Pearl Beauty rose in stock.
At dinner that night, Eriks father said, Its too bad you wont end up earning anything on the job,
but you did the right thing.
Erik nodded glumly.
Martha gave her brother a thoughtful glance. I have to baby-sit for the Gleasons tomorrow night.
You know how the Gleasons have four kids?
Yes, sighed Erik. Martha was going to show off again, just when he had been such a failure. You
always brag about how much they love you and what good cookies Mr. Gleason bakes and how big the
TV is!
What I havent said is how hard I have to work when I go there, said Martha. If its okay with
Mrs. Gleason, would you like to come along and be my assistant this time? Id split the pay with you
fifty-fifty.
You would? said Erik in amazement.
1 Based on the story, which word pair best fits in this sentence?
For most of this story, Erik seems __________, while Martha seems __________.
A boastful . . . humble
B generous . . . greedy
C thoughtless . . . responsible
D confident . . . shy
36 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
3 Where does this story take place?
A in an apartment building C at a campground
B on a farm D in a suburban neighborhood
4 At the end of the story, you can predict that Erik will
F laugh at his sisters offer.
G tell Martha that he wants all the money for the job.
H go to Mrs. Yees and tell her what happened.
J baby-sit with his sister for the Gleasons.
6 The story says, Let me just check my special baby-sitting calendar. Which meaning
of check is used here?
F a pattern of small squares H a piece of paper used to pay bills
G to examine carefully J to stop
7 On the day before Mrs. Yee returned home, Erik went to Doms Garden Center to
A buy his mother a rose like Mrs. Yees.
B get a present for Mrs. Yees daughters wedding.
C replace the rose that had died when he failed to water it.
D get his sister a present so she would treat him better.
8 If Erik starts getting his own baby-sitting jobs soon, what kind of baby-sitter do you
think he will be?
F He will always show up on time and do a perfect job.
G He will sometimes forget a job but offer to make up for it by baby-sitting for free.
H He will frequently forget to show up and refuse to apologize.
J He will frequently turn down jobs because he doesnt care about money.
9 What does Erik most likely think of his sister at the end of this story?
A She is more thoughtful than he realized.
B She is lazy.
C She is always looking out for herself rather than for others.
D She doesnt usually tell the truth.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 37
Directions
Choose the word or words that best complete(s) each sentence.
12 When Mrs. Yee got back, __________ probably noticed the new rosebush.
F her
G he
H she
J you
Directions
Read this story about one of Marthas baby-sitting adventures. Then answer questions 13 and 14.
(1) One evening Martha was baby-sitting for the Cohens. (2) Martha lived on North Harrison Street.
(3) The three children were watching a movie on TV, and they wanted popcorn. ____________________
(4) When she returned, the children were gone! (5) For a moment, Martha panicked. (6) This was
terrible! (7) But then she heard a soft giggle coming from inside the hall closet.
38 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Jobs Wanted
The number one job for most kids is going to school and trying to
reach their full learning potential. However, many kids enjoy other kinds of jobs
as welljobs that have earning potential!
Im going to give you some great ideas about ways to earn extra
money in your free time. But before I start talking about specific jobs, I want
you to listen to what I say next. Your safety is more important
than your savings. Some jobs involve entering the home or
backyard of your customer. You should never work for anyone
until a parent or other responsible adult has first made sure
that person is trustworthy.
Start your job hunt by asking yourself some questions.
Do you have any special interests, such as animals,
gardening, crafts, or cooking? Would you rather work
inside or outside? How much free time do you have?
Would you prefer performing a service (such as grooming
pets) or selling a product (such as homemade note cards)?
Next, think of a level of responsibility that fits your age and
experience. While an adult probably wouldnt hire someone your age to watch her kids while she went out
for the evening, she might hire you to help play with the kids so she could get some work done around the
house. An 11-year-old wouldnt be hired to cater a wedding, but he or she might be asked to bake some
cookies for a party.
Some job opportunities for fifth and sixth graders might be shoveling snow and raking leaves. You could
make money and have fun by walking dogs, making and selling simple jewelry, or gift-wrapping presents.
Maybe you could decorate cakes, help out at little kids birthday parties, raise and sell houseplants, or sell
homemade T-shirts.
Once you have picked your job, figure out what to charge for your work. Look into the prices of similar
products or services in your area. Figure out your expenses, and then set a fair price. Buy any supplies you
will need for that first job. Ask friends and neighbors if they are interested in hiring you, and ask if they can
recommend friends or relatives who might also be interested.
Once you get a job, do your best! Try to dress neatly, always show up on time, and be friendly and polite.
Make sure you and your customer agree on exactly what your job involves. (Are you supposed to take the
puppy around the block once or twice?)
Youll have the satisfaction of a job well done and money in your pocket. Try to put a chunk of each
payment in a savings account. Youll be thrilled at how your earnings add up!
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 39
15 Which is another good title for this passage?
A The World of Careers
B Fun for Kids
C The Hunt for a Job
D How Kids Can Make Money
16 Which detail from the passage best supports the idea that kids can get paid for doing things
they enjoy?
F Your safety is more important than your savings.
G How much free time do you have?
H An 1 1-year-old wouldnt be hired to cater a wedding.
J You could make money and have fun by walking dogs.
18 The author addresses the reader as you and says things like, I want you to listen to what
I say next in order to
F pretend that he or she is a kid.
G sound serious and important.
H make the reader feel involved in a conversation.
J force the reader to take the authors advice.
40 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Mr. X and Mrs. Y
Mr. X went to work at a bank every day.
His suit was brown, his expression was gray.
As he drove into work, his heart sank like a stone.
I wish it were over, the poor man would moan.
All day he signed papers and added up sums.
He stared at the clock and twiddled his thumbs.
At the end of the month he was paid a huge fee,
And he tried hard to smile, and he said, Lucky me!
He listed the things that his salary bought
But dreamed of his freedom and got lost in thought.
His kids watched him worry and grumble and grump,
And they secretly hoped they would never grow up!
Stacey Sparks
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 41
21 Mr. Ys heart sank like a stone means that he
A was mean and hard-hearted.
B had problems with his health.
C felt sad.
D sat low in his seat.
24 Name one way in which Mr. X and Mrs. Y are alike and one way in which they
are different.
Directions
Choose the word that best completes each sentence.
42 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Superstar
Venus Williams was born in Compton, California, on June
17, 1980, the fourth daughter of Richard and Oracene
Williams. From the beginning, her father made a prediction:
she would be a tennis champion.
Life in Compton wasnt easy. Gunshots from gang warfare
sometimes sounded in the background as Venus and her
younger sister Serena, coached by their father, played tennis
every day on a run-down public court. But Venus was
confident. Her mother always said, You can do anything you
want. Nothing is unattainable.
It takes more than confidence, though, to become one of
the top tennis players in the country; it takes talent. Venus
had that from the start. When she was only eight years old,
she ran the mile in five and a half minutes. She started to play
tennis at age four, and by the age of 12 she had won 63 games
and lost none on the junior tennis circuit. Her father always
insisted she keep the game in perspective. The goal was to
win, but also to have fun.
People noticed Venuss talent, but they doubted she would be a success. How could she? Her main
coach was her father, who had no background in tennis. She also wasnt allowed to play as much as
other young players were. Her father limited her playing time so that she could do well in school.
Venus wasnt bothered by doubt. The tall girl with braces and braids just grinned and echoed her
fathers prediction. She and her little sister would be the two best players in the world one day.
Venus Williams turned professional at age 14. She reached the finals of the U.S. Open at age 17. By
the age of 18 she was ranked 12th in the world, and just a year later, she was ranked third. Before
turning 20, she had made millions of dollars in prize money and millions more in product endorsements.
So far, none of this has fazed the six-foot-two athlete with the 127-mile-per-hour serve. Speaking for
herself and Serena, she says, Were showing that were capable of doing what we always said we
would. Shes also still having a lot of fun.
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 43
27 What kind of selection is this?
A biography C folktale
B realistic fiction D science article
44 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Switching Jobs
a retelling of a Swedish folktale
Once there was an old married couple. The man worked in the forest chopping wood, while his wife took
care of the house. Every morning the old man left the house grumbling about how lucky his wife was
to stay behind, and every night he complained about how hard he had labored while
she was enjoying herself all day.
Finally, the old woman lost her temper. Fine! she exclaimed.
Tomorrow lets switch jobs. Ill go out and chop wood, and you
can do my jobs at home.
The old man agreed to the trade, confident that he was getting
the better deal.
The next morning the old woman marched out of the house,
carrying her husbands axe. Before she disappeared into the forest, she reminded her husband to bake the
bread, keep an eye on the cow, and cook some greens for dinner.
Whistling, the old man started a fire in the oven and put the bread in to bake. Then he fetched the cow
from the barn and took her up to the pasture to graze. Lazily, he sat in the sun and reflected about how easy
his wifes life was. Suddenly, he remembered the bread. He couldnt leave the cow alone in the pasture while
he took it out of the oven, but she didnt want to stop eating the grass. He had to tug on her rope the whole
way home, and by the time he got there, the bread was burned to a crisp.
It was time to cook the greens, but how could he be outside with the cow and inside cooking at the same
time? The old man got a brilliant idea. In Sweden, where he and his wife lived, some of the houses have
roofs made of sod, which is earth with grass growing out of it. The old man put the cow on the roof of the
cottage to graze. Then he took the rope that was tied to her halter, flung it down the chimney, ran inside,
and grasped the other end of the rope to keep the cow from running away. But before he could light the fire,
the cow slipped off the roof and the old man shot up the chimney.
Just then the old woman arrived home, a huge pile of wood on her back.
Seeing her cow hanging from the roof, she took the axe and freed the poor
beast. There was a loud thunk from inside, so she ran in to find her
husband lying bruised and dirty in the fireplace. He entreated her to
let him return to his work in the forest.
Never again will I complain, he promised, or say you have it easy.
You are a genius, wife, a genius, to manage this crazy household the way
you do!
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 45
34 Why did the old woman trade jobs with her husband?
F Her husband was not very good at cutting wood.
G The old man was a better cook than she was.
H She got tired of her husbands complaints.
J She wanted to learn to cut wood.
35 The story says, He entreated her to let him return to his work. What does
entreated mean?
A ordered C begged
B trusted D dreamed
36 What conclusion can you draw about the wifes day in the forest?
F She grumbled all day about how hard she had to work.
G She had a successful days work.
H She had as much trouble in the forest as her husband did at home.
J She secretly rested all day.
38 Find the sentence that best combines these two sentences into one.
The husbands job was hard.
His wifes job was even more difficult.
F The husbands job was hard, but his wifes job was harder.
G The wifes job was harder than the husband.
H The husband and the wife had jobs that were hard and harder.
J The husbands job was hard the wifes was hard too.
Directions
For numbers 39 and 40, choose the sentence that is written correctly and shows the correct
capitalization and punctuation.
46 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources
Answer Key
Getting the Main Idea Making Inferences
PRACTICE 1: TEST PRACTICE 3: TEST
1. B 1. D
2. H 2. G
3. D 3. A
4. F 4. H
5. D 5. D
6. H 6. G
7. C 7. Example: At first they thought Grandmas
8. Example: Evelyn Glennie is a great musician idea of using soap to keep the deer away from
who plays percussion instruments. She is also the garden was silly. After they tried it, they
deaf. realized it worked.
9. C 8. H
10. G 9. B
1 1. A 10. H
12. H 1 1. A
12. G
Understanding Texts
PRACTICE 2: TEST Reading Literature
1. D PRACTICE 4: TEST
2. J 1. C
3. C 2. G
4. H 3. A
5. A 4. F
6. J 5. C
7. B 6. J
8. Examples: Poison ivy usually has three 7. D
leaves on each stem; the leaves turn a bright 8. Example: There were too many shoemakers in
red-orange color in the fall; poison ivy contains the city, so no one bought Jacobs shoes.
an oil called urushiol; it causes rashes and When two mice chewed holes in all his shoes,
itching in most people. he sold the shoes as sandals.
9. C 9. D
10. G 10. F
1 1. B 1 1. A
12. F 12. G
Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources 47
Answer Key (continued)
Making Judgments 3. D
PRACTICE 5: TEST 4. J
1. A 5. B
2. G 6. G
3. D 7. C
4. H 8. G
5. A 9. A
6. G 10. Example: He is younger than Martha; he doesnt
7. C make as much money; he has no regular jobs; he
8. F is not as conscientious or responsible.
9. B 1 1. C
10. J 12. H
13. A
14. G
Vocabulary 15. D
PRACTICE 6: TEST 16. J
1. D 17. D
2. G 18. H
3. A 19. B
4. H 20. F
5. D 2 1. C
6. G 22. F
7. B 23. D
8. H 24. Examples: Both Mr. X and Mrs. Y have jobs,
9. A and both have kids. Mr. X is unhappy with his
10. J job, but Mrs. Y loves her work.
1 1. C 25. D
12. G 26. G
13. B 27. A
14. H 28. J
15. A 29. B
16. J 30. F
17. C 3 1. D
18. H 32. F
19. B 33. Example: A husband complains that his wife
20. F has it easy, so they switch jobs. She cuts a load
2 1. A of wood, and he finds that her job is much
22. K harder than he thought.
23. C 34. H
24. G 35. C
25. D 36. G
37. D
READING TEST 38. F
1. C 39. C
2. F 40. H
48 Standardized Test Skill Builders for Reading: Grades 5-6 MWP, Scholastic Teaching Resources