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Feats of Daring/Theme 6
Grade 5
Theme Tests
Part No. 9997-87115-4
Ë|xHSKBPDy587573zv*:+:!:+:!>
ISBN-13: 978-0-15-358757-3ISBN-10: 0-15-358757-1
(Package of 12) 5
www.harcourtschool.com
Copyright © by Harcourt, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Printed in the United States of America
ISBN 10 0-15-358757-1ISBN 13 978-0-15-358757-3 (Package of 12)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 022 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07
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Possession of this publication in print format does not entitle users to convert this publication, or any portion of it, into electronic format.
Grateful acknowledgment is made to Highlights for Children, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, for permission to reprint “Wild Man” by James M. Janik, illustrated by Gary Undercuffler from Highlights for Children Magazine, August 2003. Copyright © 2003 by Highlights for Children, Inc.
Ride the Edge — Theme 6Name Date
Performance Summary
Student ScoreREADING
Reading Comprehension Multiple-Choice Items /18 Short-Response Open-Ended Item /2 Extended-Response Open-Ended Item /4
Robust Vocabulary /10
Total Student Reading Score /34
LANGUAGE ARTS Grammar /10 Spelling /10
WRITING /6
ORAL READING FLUENCY Passage 1 Words Correct Per Minute Passage 2 Words Correct Per Minute
(Bubble in the appropriate performance level.)Reading
Below Basic1–14
Basic (On-Level)15–23
Proficient (On-Level)24–30
Advanced31–34
Language Arts
Below Basic1–8
Basic (On-Level)9–12
Proficient (On-Level)13–16
Advanced17–20
Writing
Below Basic1–2
Basic (On-Level)3–4
Proficient (On-Level)5
Advanced6
Oral Reading Fluency
25th Percentile109 WCPM
50th Percentile139 WCPM
75th Percentile168 WCPM
90th Percentile194 WCPM
Name
Theme Test
Theme 6Reading Comprehension
Read the article “Sylvia Earle: Deep Sea Pioneer” before
answering Numbers 1 through 7.
Sylvia Earle: Deep Sea Pioneer
Who is Sylvia Earle? You may not know her name, but you probably
know about the impact of her work. Dr. Sylvia Earle is the best known
female marine scientist in the world. Her love of exploring the ocean has
led to many important discoveries.
Sylvia Earle has led more than 60 expeditions over the world’s oceans.
She has devoted many years to the study of life in the sea. She has spent
more than 7,000 hours underwater. She has followed whales in the open
ocean. She has lived through close encounters with sharks. These were all
part of her life adventure.
Born in 1935, Sylvia
Earle met with resistance
from male scientists.
Some thought women
should not go on long
ocean trips. Determined
to explore the ocean,
she worked to find
ways around the people
standing between her and
her goals.
In 1970, she led the
first team of women
aquanauts (underwater
explorers) on an
expedition. She made
things happen! Other women scientists were proud to work with her. She
acted as a leader and served as a bright example. She was also friendly,
with a good sense of humor. One of her nicknames is “Her Deepness.”
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
1Reading Comprehension
Name
Theme Test
Theme 6Sylvia Earle has long believed in spreading the word about life
in the ocean and telling about the importance of preserving this
environment. Her 1995 book “Sea Change: A Message of the Oceans” talks
about protecting our oceans. She has published many books and articles
urging people to protect and save the waters of the world.
Her many accomplishments have been widely recognized. She is an
Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society. She has been
named by the Library of Congress as a Living Legend. In 1992, she
founded the Deep Ocean Exploration and Research (DOER) Marine
Operations. This organization provides leadership and advice on sub-sea
systems. And finally, one of her most amazing feats, she has walked along
the sea floor at a depth of more than 1,250 feet without being connected
to a ship on the surface. This is the greatest depth at which any diver has
ever walked!
As a leading marine scientist, Sylvia Earle has helped people think
about the ocean as home to many forms of life and to understand the
ocean’s great importance. Her curiosity, persistence, and courage have led
her on many adventures. Her adventures have changed our knowledge of
how the ocean works. Sylvia Earle has shown us why we need to protect
the earth’s oceans.
Theme Test
Theme 6
Sylvia Earle’s Life
Born in Gibbstown, NJ
1930 1935 1955 1970 1977 1979 1995 1998 2000 Today
Graduated from college
Led a team of womenaquanauts on an ocean expedition
Participated in expeditionfollowing sperm whales
Walked on ocean floor at 1,250 feet
Wrote a book”S
Selected as Time Magazine’s Hero for the Planet
Named a Living Legend
ea Change”
© Harcourt • Grade 5
2Reading Comprehension
Name
Theme Test
Theme 6
Theme Test
Theme 6Now answer Numbers 1 through 7. Base your answers on the
article “Sylvia Earle: Deep Sea Pioneer.”
1. Using the time line, which statement is true?
In 1930, Sylvia Earle was born.
In 1970, Sylvia Earle went on an expedition following whales.
In 1979, Sylvia Earle walked on the sea floor at 1,250 feet.
In 1998, Sylvia Earle was named a Living Legend.
2. Which of the following is a fact identified in the article?
Sylvia Earle has a friendly person with an interesting nickname.
Sylvia Earle has led more than 60 expeditions.
Sylvia Earle is the most important marine scientist.
Sylvia Earle is mostly concerned with life in the Pacific Ocean.
3. How was the team of aquanauts that Earle led DIFFERENT from other
teams?
All the scientists were women.
The team studied whales in the open ocean.
Earle spent more than 7,000 hours underwater.
A film crew followed the team on its underwater adventures.
4. Which of the following is an opinion from the article?
“She has followed whales in the open ocean.”
“Some thought women should not go on long ocean trips.”
“She was also friendly, with a good sense of humor.”
“She has published many books and articles urging people to protect
and save the waters of the world.”
5. Which of the following was Sylvia Earle doing in 1970?
Sylvia Earle was in a boat with several other women aquanauts
leading an expedition.
Sylvia Earle was in the DOER Marine Operations office.
Sylvia Earle was giving a reading from her book “Sea Change.”
Sylvia Earle was walking on the sea floor at a depth of 1250 feet.
© Harcourt • Grade 5
3Reading Comprehension
Name
Theme Test
Theme 66. Which of the following is an opinion identified in the article?
Sylvia Earle led the first expedition of all women aquanauts.
Sylvia Earle has achieved many of her goals.
Sylvia Earle has written books and received awards.
Sylvia Earle is a remarkable ocean explorer.
7. Write a summary of the article describing Sylvia Earle’s life. Use relevant
and specific information from the article.READTHINKEXPLAIN
© Harcourt • Grade 5
4Reading Comprehension
Name
Theme Test
Theme 6Read the story “Wild Man” before answering Numbers 8
through 14.
Wild Man by James M. Janik
illustrated by Gary Undercuffler
Nicknames get slapped on guys for crazy reasons. Flash Jackson is the
slowest kid on our block. Tiny Morgan towered over his mom before he’d
turned eleven.
But Wild Man’s nickname was perfectly legit. Whenever he pitched,
at least one out of three of his fastballs sailed into a new time zone. Stats
Jergens claimed that the odds of getting drilled by one of Wild Man’s
pitches were about as good as the odds of a Doberman wanting a steak.
Actually hitting one of Wild Man’s fastballs wasn’t an option. The kid
threw some serious heat, even for a twelve-year-old. Most of us squeezed
our eyes shut and prayed for survival. Very few of us bothered to swing.
After all, you can’t hit what you can’t see.
So we ducked. We flinched. We did a whole bunch of cowering. And
Wild Man never gave up a base hit—never, that is, until one sweltering
August day when something crazy came over me.
© Harcourt • Grade 5
5Reading Comprehension
Name
On that afternoon, Icky Davis had just finished dodging four
fastballs. He marched off to first base with his free pass. A proud
grin showed off licorice-covered teeth. He’d survived.
As I watched Icky, the thought entered my head: What’s so great about
a walk?
I decided, then and there, that I wanted a hit. It had never been
done. As far as I could remember, only a few kids had even hit foul balls
off Wild Man. So I vowed to keep my eyes open and swing hard, then
maybe—just maybe—I’d hit the thing!
The first pitch sizzled a foot over my head. I swung anyway. It sure
sounded like a strike. The ball tipped my bat and hit the fence behind me.
Wild Man furrowed his eyebrows. He scratched his head. The umpire
called time and checked his glasses. No one seemed too sure about what
they’d just witnessed. My swing had definitely grabbed their attention.
Shrugging it off, Wild Man wound up and launched the next pitch.
I swung hard at the hissing blur somewhere down around my left ankle.
I tipped it again.
Loudmouth Peterson hollered, “How’d he do that?”
Wild Man’s eyes narrowed. No one had ever fouled off two pitches in
a row. “What are you trying to pull?” he asked.
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
6Reading Comprehension
Name
“Throw a strike and I’ll show you,” I answered boldly. The
sound of my knees knocking nearly drowned out my words.
At hearing my little speech, Wild Man’s eyeballs bulged like two fried
eggs. The first baseman sputtered as if he’d swallowed a pinecone.
As it happened, the next pitch sizzled straight at my gut. When I
gasped what I thought was my last breath, the baseball whistled just past
my belly button for ball one.
I actually saw it go by!
“So, you think you can hit my fastball?” I heard Wild Man say. His
glare sent shivers down my backbone. “Well, here comes a super-duper
heater. Just you try to hit it.”
I quivered, but my newfound confidence gave me hope. If he’d only
throw the next pitch within reach, I knew I could hit it. Just in case,
though, I prepared to duck.
Wild Man screwed himself into a great big ball and uncorked the
meanest, fastest fastball he’d ever thrown. I saw the baseball perfectly—
whizzing straight at my earlobe. I swung and ducked, then heard a loud
CRACK !
I dropped to my knees. I felt for blood. I waited for my pitifully short
life to pass before my eyes. But there weren’t any angels or harps—only
Stinky Sanders shouting at me to get up and run.
Wild Man’s nickname
was perfectly legit.
I clambered to my feet. The baseball rolled out into left field. Wild
Man’s pitch had hit my bat! I dashed to first base in a joyous stupor.
I would’ve celebrated except for what I saw out on the mound.
Wild Man fumed. His lips turned the color of a deep bruise. Then
he swaggered straight toward me. When he glanced toward our bench,
Cricket Alberts jumped three feet into the air. Shorty McNamara hid
behind a batting helmet. I peeked hopefully over my shoulder but saw
the umpire sprinting away across the diamond. I gulped.
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
7Reading Comprehension
Name
“Hey, you,” Wild Man began. He leaned close. I scrunched
my eyes shut, waiting for the punch.
“You sure got guts, Freddy,” he whispered so only I could hear.
I opened my left eye a smidgen. Wild Man had his hand out, meaning
to shake.
“Gee, thanks,” I stammered. I took his hand.
He grinned and crushed my fingers, then ambled back to the mound.
Since that day, I’ve been known as Fearless Freddy Forsythe—the only
kid with the guts to stand up to the legendary Wild Man.
Some nicknames are just crazy.
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
8Reading Comprehension
Name
Theme Test
Theme 6Now answer Numbers 8 through 14. Base your answers on the
story “Wild Man.”
8. What does Icky Davis do that serves to inspire Freddy?
He hits a home run.
He walks to first base.
He tells Wild Man to pitch a fastball.
He gives a speech to the team about courage.
9. Read these sentences from the story.
“You sure got guts, Freddy,” he whispered so only I could hear.
I opened my left eye a smidgen. Wild Man had his hand out,
meaning to shake.
“Gee, thanks,” I stammered. I took his hand.
He grinned and crushed my fingers, then ambled back to the
mound.
Which of the following sentences paraphrases this part of the story?
Wild Man has a perfect nickname because he throws wild pitches.
Freddie is scared of Wild Man when he tries to shake his hand.
Wild Man whispers to Freddie, shakes his hand, and ambles back
to the mound.
Wild Man and Freddie become friends after Freddie hits one of
Wild Man’s pitches.
10. Read the following sentence from the story:
“At hearing my little speech, Wild Man’s eyeballs bulged like
two fried eggs.”
Which literary device does the sentence use?
onomatopoeia
symbol
simile
personification
© Harcourt • Grade 5
9Reading Comprehension
Name
11. How is the conflict resolved in the story?
Wild Man shakes hands with Freddie.
Freddy decides that he wants to get a hit.
The umpire calls time and checks his glasses.
Wild Man throws his fastest pitch at Freddy’s earlobe.
12. Based on the story, which of the following inferences can be made?
Freddy’s success changes how others see him.
Stats Jergens is not afraid of Wild Man’s pitches.
The crowd does not react loudly to Freddy’s success.
Wild Man changes his pitching style after Freddy’s hit.
13. What is the theme of this story?
Baseball is a dangerous sport.
Fear can help you play baseball better.
Being hit by a baseball is painful and scary
Showing courage can earn the respect of others.
14. Near the end of the story, why does Wild Man whisper when he tells
Freddy that Freddy has guts? Use relevant and specific information from
the story in your answer.READTHINKEXPLAIN
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
10Reading Comprehension
Name
Theme Test
Theme 6Read the poem “Rope Swing” before answering Numbers 15
through 20.
The Rope Swing
My hands were sweaty and the lake looked cold
as I took my place on the worn maple stump.
“Hey, get on with your swing, man, we’re gettin’ old!”
helpful friends shouted, as I heard my heart thump.
Now I’m not really timid, or not all the time,
but the rope we were using was hardly brand new.
No need to rush, right? I tugged on the line.
The branch felt strong—was I ready? Who knew?
Every kid on my block has swung over the lake.
Some stand and fidget, while others just do it.
I took a deep breath—a lot was at stake.
If I failed to let go, I knew surely I’d rue it.
Peer pressure did not push me off of my perch,
Nor duty, tradition, or trying to look good.
What made up my mind and set me off with a lurch,
was a big hairy spider dangling right where I stood!
© Harcourt • Grade 5
11Reading Comprehension
Name
Theme Test
Theme 6
Theme Test
Theme 6Now answer Numbers 15 through 20. Base your answers on
the poem “The Rope Swing.”
15. Why did the author MOST LIKELY wrote this poem?
to explain how to make a rope swing.
to describe the woods around his house.
to convince people to be more careful.
to tell about an amusing childhood event.
16. Which line from the poem appeals to the sense of touch?
“My hands were sweaty and the lake looked cold “
“helpful friends shouted, as I heard my heart thump.”
“Some stand and fidget, while others just do it.”
“I took a deep breath—a lot was at stake.”
17. How does the speaker feel during MOST of the poem?
angry
nervous
talkative
delighted
18. Which of the following sentences BEST summarizes the action in the
second stanza?
The speaker feels timid because he is standing all alone on the
stump.
The speaker thinks about his situation as he checks the line and
the branch.
The speaker asks the others what the best way is to take off.
The speaker thinks the branch is too weak to support much
weight.
© Harcourt • Grade 5
12Reading Comprehension
Name
Theme Test
Theme 619. Why does the speaker swing off the stump?
Someone pushes the speaker.
The speaker sees a big hairy spider.
The speaker wants to show off for the others.
The rope slips from the speaker’s hands by mistake.
20. What is the conflict in this poem?
The speaker is mad because he was pushed off the stump into the
lake.
The speaker is excited to jump in the lake and go swimming with
his friends.
The speaker is glad to be having fun swimming in the lake with all
his friends.
The speaker is nervous and doesn’t want to jump off the rope
swing into the lake.
© Harcourt • Grade 5
13Reading Comprehension
Name
Robust Vocabulary
Read and answer Numbers 21 through 30. Read the sentence
and select the best word to fill in the blank in the sentence.
21. Phillip’s running speed was an to the track and field team.
asset
esteem
achievement
ordeal
22. Dirt, seeds, and pots are some items for a gardener to have.
regal
secure
customary
essential
23. In search of a flat place to build, the settlers examined the .
summit
ordeal
tranquility
terrain
24. After days of sailing, the explorers were tired of at the sun.
bickering
investing
squinting
cramping
25. My dog is upset, so be sure not to him.
provoke
invest
appall
poise
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
14Robust Vocabulary
Name
26. Every evening, the couple can be seen taking their
stroll.
essential
customary
exceptional
dismal
27. The tiny rowboat in the enormous waves.
jettisoned
ignited
floundered
isolated
28. I had to stretch my leg because it felt .
invested
cramped
streamlined
ignited
29. We were running late so we had time to fix our breakfast.
equivalent
essential
accustomed
insufficient
30. Deep in the woods, the small hermit’s cottage was very .
isolated
poised
appalled
laden
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
15Robust Vocabulary
Name
Theme Test
Theme 6Grammar
Read and answer Numbers 31 through 40.
31. Which of the following sentences uses an irregular verb correctly?
The cookbook claimed the recipe feeded ten.
When my brother broke my CD, I forgave him.
In three months, my sister growed three inches!
When the bell rung, everyone left the classroom.
32. In which of these sentences is the underlined word incorrect?
Aunt May is here, and she’d love to see your room.
The bottom bunk is mine, and the top bunk is yours.
These flowers are beautiful, and they’re quite rare.
Thank you, Tamara, your really a great friend.
33. Which of these book titles is written correctly?
A History Of The British Isles
Tales of Triumph
“Manuelito of Costa Rica”
The winter Queen
34. Read this sentence.
I finally found my pen where it had fallen behind the desk.
Which phrase describes fallen in this sentence?
future tense of fall
past tense of fall
present participle of fall
past participle of fall
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
16Grammar
Name
35. In which of these sentences is the underlined word
incorrect?
I have a little homework, and I’ll do it after dinner.
I’d invite June to the party, but she probably would’nt enjoy it.
The cat basked in the sun and licked its’ shiny coat.
This salsa looks great, but I can’t get the lid off the jar.
36. The following are return addresses from letters. Which is
punctuated correctly?
45 Kingsley Ave
Northport, Mass, 42669
May 24, 1968
111 Morgan BLVD.
Chicago IL 43728
Nov, 18 2003
96 Young Hill Rd.
Greenwood, ME 04268
Sept. 14, 2006
213 Elm Street
Pleasantville Ohio
January 1, 2004
37. Which of the following sentences uses an irregular verb correctly?
The icicle was freezen to the roof’s edge.
I was able to outruned the other racers on the track.
When I thrown the ball, it whet over the catcher’s head.
When he heard yelling, the superhero sprang into action.
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
17Grammar
Name
Theme Test
Theme 638. Which sentence contains an adverb that makes a comparison?
The road is bumpy so you need to drive slowly.
Finish your papers quickly and put them here on the desk.
Tory has a new piano teacher, and he is playing better every day.
By the time we arrived at the store, it was, unfortunately, closed.
39. Which of these sentences is incorrect?
We drove around but couldn’t find no place to park.
He isn’t a great guitarist, but he is not untalented either.
I won’t be at practice later because I have no time to spare.
We don’t think the water supply will last a month.
40. Which of the following is written correctly?
“Alexis, my dear,” said Aunt Julia, “why don’t you wear your
new dress?”
“I want to go, too,” whined Thomas. If I have to stay here, I’ll
be bored!”
“I can hear you perfectly, said Stella to Stanley, even from
up here.”
“All hands on deck!” bellowed the captain, and I mean now!
© Harcourt • Grade 5
18Grammar
Name
Theme Test
Theme 6Spelling
Read sentences 41 through 50. Choose the sentence that has
the underlined word misspelled. If none of the underlined
words are misspelled, choose the answer No mistake.
41. These tires will provide traction on snow and ice.
Please remain in your seat and don’t interrupt.
Now the teacher will dictate the French lesson.
No mistake
42. We need a replacement to fill Terry’s spot.
Gretchen liked the rerangement of the furniture.
I turned to my friend for some reassurance.
No mistake
43. The council discussed the uncollectable taxes.
The trail was made impassable by snow.
Diego’s excuse seemed really unbelievable.
No mistake
44. The picture is clear, but the audeo is muffled.
I’m not sure why magnets attract iron.
The fifth graders gathered in the auditorium.
No mistake
45. Gretchen paddled through the marsh in her kayack.
We took the elevator from the foyer of the hotel to our room.
Willy swung on the bars in the playground like a chimpanzee.
No mistake
46. The announcer repeated the cyclone warning.
The new trails will be open to bicyclists.
The fire truck pulled up to the hidrant.
No mistake
© Harcourt • Grade 5
19Spelling
Name Benchmark
Test
XXXXX47. Our team will undoubtedly win.
The peppers were impossibly hot.
This plastic baby cup is unbreakable.
No mistake
48. The swimming pool smelled of chlorine.
Tran’s project was a replica of a Greek temple.
Leanne searched for the map in the allmanac.
No mistake
49. This kitchen looks like a disaster hit it!
The events were given in chronological order.
Before we begin, let’s sinkronize our watches.
No mistake
50. Sandy ate the yogurt after removing the lid.
The pudding was made with eggs, milk, and vanila.
Javier dreamed of working with coyote in a zoo.
No mistake
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
20Spelling
Name
Writing Prompt
Read the following information about Amelia Earhart before
responding to the prompt at the end of the articles.
Theme Test
Theme 6
Born inKansas
Graduated fromhigh schoolin Illinois
Became the first woman to fly across theAtlantic Ocean with Wilmer Stultz andLouis E. Gordon
Completedflyinglessons
Broke the women’sflying altitude record
Became first womanto fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean
Wrote The Fun of It, RandomRecords of my Own Flying and of Women in Aviation
Began round-the-world flight which resulted in her disappearance
First person to fly solofrom Hawaii to California
Helped start the Ninety-Nines,an organization for female pilots
Wrote book 20 Hrs., 40 Min. Our Flight in the Friendship about her flight across the Atlantic Ocean
1897 1916 1921 1922 1928 1929 1932 1935 1937
Achievements of Amelia Earhart
© Harcourt • Grade 5
21Writing Prompt
Name
Amelia Earhart,
Pioneer of the Sky
Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison, Kansas on July 24, 1897. She
began taking flying lessons in the early 1920s and soon after purchased
her own plane. In June 1928, Earhart flew across the Atlantic Ocean with
Wilmer Stultz and Louis E. Gordon. This made her the first woman to
fly across the Atlantic Ocean. She received much recognition after this
achievement.
In 1932, Amelia Earhart successfully attempted and became the
first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean. Since she was only a
passenger on her flight in 1928, she wanted to prove that she was a capable
pilot. She was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and several other
awards for her solo transatlantic flight.
In 1937, Earhart’s goal was to become the first woman to fly around
the world. After one failed effort, Earhart had to have her plane rebuilt.
On June 1, she began her second attempt to fly around the world. On July
2, when Earhart was almost two-thirds through her journey, her plane
vanished over the Pacific Ocean.
Many people have speculated on what happened to Earhart. However,
no one really knows what occurred on her last flight. Today, we remember
her daring spirit and her belief that women could do anything. Amelia
Earhart once said, “Women must try to do things as men have tried.
When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.”
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
22Writing Prompt
Name
Theme Test
Theme 6
The World News
Famous Pilot Disappears
by John Rose
July 3, 1937
New Guinea—Where is the famous
female pilot, Amelia Earhart?
Yesterday, Amelia Earhart and
her navigator, Fred Noonan, left New
Guinea for Howland Island. Earhart
was trying to be the first woman to fly
around the world. She departed from
Miami, Florida on June 1. They arrived
in New Guinea at the end of June. Their
next stop was supposed to be Howland
Island.
Howland Island is only 1 1/2 miles
long and sits in the southwestern Pacific
Ocean. Earhart knew it would be hard
to find such a small landing site. To
prepare, she and Noonan took almost
everything off their plane, and loaded it
with extra fuel. Earhart felt they would
need the extra fuel to find and land on
the small island.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Itasca
was nearby to provide radio contact.
Three other U.S. ships were placed
along Earhart’s route with their lights
blazing. Earhart seemed well prepared
to reach Howland Island safely.
Soon after Earhart and Noonan
took off yesterday, they ran into bad
weather. This made navigating difficult.
The plane made radio contact with the
Itasca a few times, but after a few hours
all contact was lost. A rescue effort was
launched and rescuers searched the air
and sea.
There has been no trace of Amelia
Earhart, Fred Noonan, or the plane.
Rescuers are continuing their search, but
hopes of finding Earhart and Noonan
are bleak.
© Harcourt • Grade 5
23Writing Prompt
Name Benchmark
Test
XXXXX
Theme Test
Theme 6Writing to a Prompt
Amelia Earhart was an adventurous pioneer in aviation.
Think about what you have learned about Amelia Earhart from the various
resources.
Now write a research report about Amelia Earhart’s life and accomplishments.
Planning Sheet
Use this space to make your notes before you begin writing. The writing on this
page will NOT be scored.
© Harcourt • Grade 5
24Writing to a Prompt
Name
Begin writing here. The writing on this page and the next
WILL be scored.
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
25Writing to a Prompt
Name
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
26Writing to a Prompt
Name
Oral Reading Fluency
John Glenn accomplished something that very few people have,
and perhaps more amazingly, he has accomplished this remarkable
feat twice.
Born in 1921, John Glenn learned to fly airplanes at a small airport
in a little town in Ohio. Then, as a young man, he served as a combat
pilot in two wars and he went to college to become an engineer. In 1959,
he was selected to be one of the first astronauts. On February 20, 1962,
John Glenn became the first American to orbit earth in a spaceship
called Friendship 7. When he returned to earth, New York City welcomed
him with a ticker tape parade. John Glenn then entered the world of
politics ready to live a life that was more “down to earth.”
Thirty-six years later, John Glenn accepted a second invitation for a
space expedition, this time in a shuttle. On October 29, 1998, he lifted
off again in the Space Shuttle Discovery. At age 77, he was the oldest
astronaut to fly in space. His mission was to help scientists study the
effects of aging on the body during space flight. Luckily for him, the
landing was different. When Discovery re-entered the atmosphere, the
slowing of the spacecraft exerted a pressure three times greater than
gravity. On Friendship 7, the earlier flight, the pressure had been six
times greater than gravity.
One aspect, however, was the same. John Glenn returned home a
hero, welcomed by another ticker tape parade.
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
27Oral Reading Fluency
Name
Sari, her younger brother Angelo, and their parents had just moved
to Pine Road, and today they were excited because they could finally
explore the mysterious woods behind their house. As they walked
through the woods on the trail they had found, Sari said, “Stay close to
me, because you never know what animals we might find out here.”
“We’re wilderness explorers,” Angelo exclaimed loudly, “maybe we’ll
discover a waterfall or see a bear!”
“Don’t let your imagination run away with you,” his sister said, but,
just as she spoke the words, a long loud howl filled the air. Could it be a
wolf or a mountain lion? Angelo worried, giving in to his imagination.
He ran to his sister and threw his arms around her making certain to
place himself directly behind her. Sari took a deep breath and said,
attempting to sound brave, “It’s coming from that direction.”
“Let’s go home,” Angelo begged, but Sari pulled away and took a
step toward the sound.
“Eee-ow!” the creature yowled again. Sari suddenly recognized the
sound and determined where the pathetic cries were coming from. She
walked about twenty steps toward a tall pine tree and spotted a striped
kitten clutching a branch about eight feet overhead. Sari and Angelo
ran home to get their parents to help them rescue the stranded kitten.
As they were racing home, they both had a good laugh.
Theme Test
Theme 6
© Harcourt • Grade 5
28Oral Reading Fluency