Hero: Date:s3.amazonaws.com/scschoolfiles/1608/5th_grade... · People should try to increase their direct water footprint and reduce their indirect water footprint. Freshwater should

Hero:____________________ Date:____________________

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Water Footprint

1 Have you ever thought about how much water we use daily? Or, have you considered how much water is used to produce everyday items we use? These questions are key to understanding how to protect and share water resources.

Water is life!

2 Water is precious. It is as important to life as air. Usually, we think about water in terms of how much we drink and use for washing and cooking. However, water has a much larger presence in our lives. Almost every activity today requires processes that use water. Water plays a far too important role in our lives to not think about how we use it, directly or indirectly.

What is a water footprint?

3 The term water footprint was first used in 2002 by

a Dutch professor, A. Y. Hoekstra. It is the amount

of freshwater used by an individual or a household.

It also includes how much freshwater a business or

country uses to make goods or provide services.

These products may be delivered to people around

the world. All of us have individual water

footprints. The food we eat, the shoes and clothes

we wear, and the services we buy count toward

our water footprint. Our direct water footprint is

the water we drink and use for cooking and

washing. It makes up only 3 percent of our total

water footprint. The indirect water footprint

amounts to a huge 97 percent and consists of all

the products we use.

How much is too much?

4 To make the journey from farm to your plate, a cheeseburger needs 800 gallons of water and a salad

bowl 8. It takes 2,640 gallons of water to manufacture a pair of jeans. For an average American, the

water footprint equals 2,115 gallons per day. We have the highest water footprint in the world for each

person per day. Think about it! We use more water than any other nation.

How can you help?

5 The world is connected. The people of the world are connected. The choices we make affect all people

in the world. Only 50 percent of the people in the world have water supply at home. They turn on the

tap, and water comes out. However, 10 percent of the world’s population does not have clean water.

They get water from unclean water sources. Making wise choices about what we eat and buy has never

been more important. The effect of our choices is felt worldwide.

6 Inform family and friends about the water footprint. Urge people not to waste food and water. Don’t

buy things you don’t need. Remember and remind others that freshwater is limited on Earth.

Water Footprint

Grade 5Argumentative texts, Synthesize, and Make Connections

Page 2

3 Which of these, if added, would make the author’s argument stronger?

People should try to increase their direct water footprint and reduce their indirect water footprint.

Freshwater should be shared equally across the globe so that all people may have clean water.

Although freshwater is limited on Earth, there is plenty of saltwater for people to use.

Factories should be asked to clean the water they pollute in manufacturing goods.

5 How does the section titled “How much is too much?” support the author’s main claim?

It argues for sensible water use in cooking meals.

It compares American and other nations’ water footprints.

It highlights the fact that our choices affect our water footprint.

It describes how much water is used by food manufacturers.

1 What is the author’s main claim in the article?

Freshwater on Earth is scarce, and we all are answerable for using it responsibly.

Freshwater is important for life and is a basic right of all people of the world.

People are mainly concerned about how much water they use for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Water footprint is an unusual idea, and many people do not know about it yet.

2Which statement below supports the author's claim that a lot of water goes into manufacturing

processes?

Water plays a far too important role in our lives to not think about how we use it, directly or indirectly.

It also includes how much freshwater a business or country uses to make goods or provide

services.

The indirect water footprint amounts to a huge 97 percent and consists of all the products we use.

The food we eat, the shoes and clothes we wear, and services we buy all count toward our water footprint.

4 Who is the intended audience of this article?

Factory owners State governments

General public Students and teachers


Page 3

Dangerous Trek for Water

1 Uganda is a beautiful place on Earth. Located in East-Central Africa, it is a landlocked country. Thanks to its many large lakes, it boasts lush green fields and natural beauty like Hawaii. Fruit trees laden with pineapple, mango, watermelon, and avocado make the air fragrant and inviting. It has a warm tropical climate.

Marshes and Swamps2 Uganda’s lakes are surrounded by marshes and swamps,

which are different types of wetlands. A wetland is an area of land that is saturated with water for long periods. These are the most important natural resources in Uganda. During the dry season, local farmers graze animals on pastures and use the land to grow vegetables and potatoes.

Surrounded by water without clean water3 It’s hard to imagine that a country with many lakes would

be without clean water. However, this is a reality for many

people living in rural Uganda. People do not have water

piped to their homes. They travel long distances to lakes to

fill up their water containers. They carry these containers

home for their daily use. Sadly, the water from these lakes

is severely polluted and is the cause of many illnesses. But

the people have no choice.

A lake where dangers lurk4 The wetland is a natural treasure for Uganda. However, it

turns dangerous for many people looking for water. Usually

young women and girls make the journey every day to a

lakeshore as men work in fields or away from home. They

walk several miles along marshes and swamps. The brave

the unsafe walkways surrounded by thick bushes.

Sometimes, they are attacked by bad people hiding in the

bushes.

5 As if this was not enough, these brave young women and girls face another danger. Many lakes are

home to poisonous snakes and crocodiles. Quite a few people have fallen victim to one or the other.

Many people have witnessed such attacks. For these brave and hardworking women and girls, just

fetching water for their families becomes a struggle to stay alive.

Hope6 The people in these communities are not discouraged by their situation. They hope that one day they

will be able to live without fear and receive clean water in their homes. For those who enjoy clean

water at home, this is a moment to reflect and show gratitude.

Photo

by

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Unspla

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Woman walking along marshy path in rural Uganda

Lakeshore in Uganda

Photo

by

Random

Institu

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Unspla

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6 Which idea about Uganda is emphasized throughout the article?

Though Uganda has many lakes, many of its people cannot obtain clean water.

As beautiful as Uganda is, its lakes are polluted with trash and waste.

Because most of Uganda is a wetland, farmers and their animals face difficulties.

Wild animals in Uganda are a threat to local people, who cannot avoid them.

Page 4

7 What is one way this passage reminds you of your life?

Daily, I fetch water from a clean water source in my community.

I live in a world where everyone can easily get safe drinking water.

I have water available in my home, and I am thankful for that.

I understand that people use water for different purposes.

9 What conclusion can the reader draw based on the information in the article?

Many people living in cities do not have running water in their homes.

Uganda has many natural resources that it can use to make life better for its people.

The country lacks water resources and depends on other countries for clean water.

Uganda is surrounded by land and lacks water sources to meet the needs of its people.

10Based on the information presented in “Water Footprint” and “Dangerous Trek for Water,” both

authors are most likely—

determined to provide clean water to people in rural areas

surprised by the amount of water used by some people in the world

concerned about people who do not have safe drinking water

interested in using water efficiently and avoiding waste

8 Paragraphs 1 and 2 of the article help the reader understand Uganda’s—

people and their customs most important exports

seasons at different times of year geography and landscape


Hero:____________________ Date:____________________

Choosing Your Next Best Friend

1 Have your parents agreed with your request to get a pet dog? Are you responsible enough

to take care of a dog? If you have answered yes to these questions, you may want to look

into adopting a dog from a shelter. Here are some important tips to help you decide on

your next best friend.

Ask an expert

2 Meet with animal shelter workers and ask them about their favorite dogs. They work with

dogs every day. They can answer any questions you may have. Shelter workers will help

you navigate the process of pet adoption.

Help dogs after disasters

3 Pets often need homes after natural disasters, like fires or floods. Likely, these dogs are

pretrained and used to human interaction. Seek out these dogs.

Adopt in family

4 While looking for a dog in a shelter, take the entire family along. This includes any pets

you have. The new dog needs to interact with the humans as well as other animals in the

family.

No rush visit

5 Don’t try to visit the shelter on weekends and afternoons. Pick a quieter time so the

animals at the center are calm and less agitated. This will make a tremendous difference

on your visit.

Go dog walking

6 If you have never had a dog before, take the dog you want to adopt on a short leash

walk. The shelter worker will help you with this. You can learn a lot about a dog in a walk.

Find a match for the energy level

7 Some dogs have higher energy levels than others. Think about how active you and your

family are. Pick a dog that is of the same or lower energy level than yours. If your family

goes hiking a lot, you would want to adopt an active dog. If your family just goes for

walks, you can adopt a less active dog. You want a happy dog that gets enough play time

with you. However, you don’t want a dog that is too weary because of activities it is too

tired to do with you.

Grade 5Choosing Your Next Best Friend Page 1

1 Which words from paragraph 2 help the reader know what the word navigate means?

their favorite dogs

the process of

answer any questions

will help you

2 In paragraph 7, the word weary means—

amused.

confused.

worried.

tired.

4 In paragraph 7, the word match means—

a contest.

a stick that can start a fire.

an equal in a pair.

a competition with a set.

3 What does the word tremendous mean in paragraph 5?

Huge

Tricky

Calming

Exciting


5 The prefix pre- helps the reader know that the word pretrained in paragraph 3 means—

without training.

trained again.

above training.

trained before.

6 The suffix -ible helps the reader know that the word responsible in paragraph 1 means—

one who takes responses.

able to take responsibility.

without giving a response.

beyond responsibility.

7 The author’s primary purpose for writing the selection is to—

share details about responsibilities that come with a dog.

describe some of the differences between shelter dogs.

provide information about preparing to adopt a dog.

persuade people to adopt a dog from a shelter.

8 How does the author organize the information in paragraph 7?

The author uses sequential order to show the different activities different families may

do with a dog.

The author uses compare and contrast to explain why matching energy level with a

pet dog is important.

The author uses cause and effect to explain how a dog with a low energy level will

enjoy going hiking.

The author uses logical order to help the reader understand how different families

have different energy levels.


Hero:____________________ Date:____________________

Therapist Horse

1 Peyo is an unusual horse with an unusual gift. He is a therapist to people who are ill and visits them in hospitals and nursing homes. He lives in Dijon, France with his owner Hassen. Hassen and Peyo make a great team. Together, they call on the sick in hospitals and at their homes.

Fiery Beginnings

2 Peyo was not a therapy horse from the beginning. He was an unfriendly show horse that traveled the world from show to show with his owner and won awards. Hassen noticed that during shows Peyo easily connected with the disabled and children and behaved gently with them. Hassen decided to train Peyo to be a therapy horse. For the next three years, Peyo practiced with Hassen on how to walk on smooth floors of the hospital and not panic around noise. Being in a hospital also meant being clean and germ-free. So, Peyo was housetrained to keep up with hygiene in a hospital.

Grade 5Connections Page 1

Gentle Giant

3 Today, Peyo visits young and old patients twice a month. Before he gets ready for a day at the hospital, Peyo goes through a routine. First, Hassen neatly braids Peyo’s hair. Next, he carefully rubs Peyo’s feet with oil and wipes his body with antiseptic lotion. The lotion prevents Peyo from catching germs in the hospital. As a final touch, Hassen drapes a blanket on Peyo’s back. Now, Peyo is ready to visit the patients.

4 Peyo rides in elevators and walks the halls of hospitals meeting new people and making friends with them. He is as relaxed inside a hospital building as he is outside on a field. Hassen does not guide him where to go once they are inside the building. Peyo makes his own decisions about the rooms he wants to visit and the patients he wants to greet.

Making Friends

5 Patients are pleased to see Peyo and respond in a positive way. Peyo comes close and snuggles with them. They touch his face, and Peyo licks their hands and looks in their eyes as if saying kind words to them. Peyo notices pain in the sick and soothes them with his gentle manners. The hospital staff has noticed a change in patients who meet with Peyo. Amazingly, some elderly patients have started to talk, and others have felt the energy to walk again. Patients who used to be angry and bitter have calmed down after bonding with Peyo. Peyo has a special connection with children as well. He quickly makes friends with them and entertains them. They laugh and cuddle with him and eagerly wait for Peyo’s next visit. Peyo and Hassen continue to do their amazing work by bringing joy and comfort to the sick.

Photograph A. A therapy horse with an elderly patient.

The Great Race of Mercy

1 In the winter of 1925, a disease spread in Nome, Alaska. Children were sick with diphtheria – an infection of throat. The town’s only doctor did not have medicine to treat them. Nenana, the nearest town with the medicine, was about seven hundred miles away. Heavy snowfall had cut off Nome by land. There were no airplanes to bring the medicine. The only way to get the medicine was through dog-sled teams. A dog-sled team is a team of 5-15 dogs and a musher – the person who rides the sled.

Precious Package

2 Alaska’s governor planned to transport the medicine to Nome using dog-sled teams. The medicine was placed in glass bottles that were then wrapped in soft fur padding. Finally, it was put inside a metal container for more safety. The weight of the whole package was about 20 pounds.

Race Against Time

3 It was unlikely that a single dog-sled team could cover the entire journey in a few days. The time was short, and the distance was long. The task was named the Great Race of Mercy because the kindness of people made it possible. The news made headlines all over the United States.

4 Several dog-sled teams were arranged along the route to get the medicine to Nome in as little time as possible. Each team would cover a certain distance before the next team would meet up with it. About 150 trained dogs and 20 mushers would take part in the difficult expedition.

The Heroes

5 The heroes of this brave journey were the dogs and their mushers. Togo and Balto were the lead dogs in two teams whose courage and leadership played a major role in making this expedition a success. The dogs pushed beyond their limit and kept running without resting. Togo and his team ran the fastest and the longest on the route. Togo’s musher, Seppala, was unable to see in the heavy snowstorm. Togo understood that a lot depended on him. It was Togo’s great sense of direction that kept the team on the right track.

6 The sub-zero temperatures caused frostbite and hypothermia to the dogs and mushers. Frostbite is damage to the body caused by freezing. Hypothermia is when the body temperature drops below normal. Despite these difficulties, the brave teams continued on their mission.Each team handed off the package to the fresh team that movedonward. They raced across the icy land and traveled day and night without stopping. They covered the distance between Nenana to Nome in less than 6 days. The trip usually took 20 days.

Success!

7 The final team, with Balto as the lead dog, brought the medicine to Nome. The sick children were treated right away. They soon got over their illness. People in Nome were thankful to the mushers and their dogs who braved the dangerous weather to help them.

©Seppala Family Album - Courtesy of www.leonhardseppalahouseproject.com


Diagram A. Map of Alaska showing route from Nenana to Nome.

Photograph B. Togo’s team with Seppala.

Use “Therapist Horse” to answer questions 1 and 2.

Use “The Great Race of Mercy” to answer questions 3 and 4.

3In which section of the article can the reader find information about the plan to carry the medicine to

Nome?

The introductory paragraph The section titled “Race Against Time”

The section titled “Precious Package” The section titled “The Heroes”

1 Which sentence from the article explains why Hassen decided to train Peyo as a therapy horse?

Hassen noticed that during shows Peyo easily connected with the disabled and children and

behaved gently with them.

Peyo makes his own decisions about the rooms he wants to visit and the patients he wants to

greet.

For the next three years, Peyo trained with Hassen on how to walk on smooth floors and not

panic around noise.

Peyo and Hassen continue to do their amazing work by bringing joy and comfort to the sick.

2 How does the author organize information in paragraph 3?

The author uses cause and effect to explain why Peyo became a therapy horse.

The author uses sequential order to describe the procedure before Peyo visits patients at the

hospital.

The author uses problem and solution to help the reader understand how Hassen and Peyo work

together.

The author uses compare and contrast to show what Peyo looks like before and after hospital

visits.

4 Diagram A and its caption in the article help the reader understand —

the shape of Alaska and its location on the world map

the weather conditions in Alaska in the winter

the difficulty of the expedition undertaken in 1925

the route of the difficult expedition undertaken in 1925


Use “Therapist Horse” and “The Great Race of Mercy” to answer questions 5 – 8.

5 Both “Therapist Horse” and “The Great Race of Mercy” mainly focus on —

humans and animals working as a team to serve others

people who are sick and have an interest in animals

why keeping animals clean is good for their health

horses and dogs training to run long distances

6 Which of the following describes a difference between the two articles?

“Therapist Horse” discusses training a therapy horse to visit patients in a hospital, and “The Great

Race of Mercy” explains events in the life of a sled-dog that was trained by a musher.

“Therapist Horse” describes how an unfriendly horse becomes friendly, and “The Great Race of

Mercy” focuses on sled-dogs and their mushers living in Alaska.

“Therapist Horse” details the life of a kind horse that cares for people who are unwell, and “The

Great Race of Mercy” describes an event in which dog-sled teams achieved a daring mission.

“Therapist Horse” describes a man who trained his horse to bring comfort to the elderly and

children, and “The Great Race of Mercy” discusses a musher who traveled with his dogs in 1925.

7 Read this sentence from paragraph 2 of “Therapist Horse.”

Which sentence from “The Great Race of Mercy” best expresses how Togo was similar to Peyo?

The dogs pushed beyond their limit and kept running without resting.

Togo’s musher, Seppala, was unable to see in the heavy snowstorm.

It was Togo’s great sense of direction that kept the team on the right track.

Each team handed off the package to the fresh team that moved onward.

Peyo notices pain in the sick and soothes them with them with his gentle manners.

8 What is one important difference between Peyo and Togo?

Peyo is kind and gentle, but Togo was mean and unfriendly.

Peyo used to be a show horse, but Togo had always been a sled dog.

Peyo has a special gift to help people, but Togo did not have a special talent.

Hassen believes in Peyo, but Seppala had no confidence in Togo.


Hero:____________________ Date:____________________

Grade 5Drama Page 1

Green Belt

Characters:JULIE, eight-year-old girlCHET, Julie’s brother, 10

1 [The lobby of Karate Dojo Den. Julie and Chet are sitting on the chairs and waiting for their parents]

2 JULIE: [Fidgeting with her trophy] Cheer up! You did great.

3 CHET: [Head hung low] Nah.

4 JULIE: [Poking Chet at his elbow] What’s wrong? You can tell me.

5 CHET: [Frustrated] I don’t want to talk.

6 JULIE: [Continues poking] Just tell me what’s wrong. I’ll leave you alone. I promise.

7 CHET: [Moves away] Please.

8 JULIE: [Scoots closer to Chet] Sensei said you show real promise. Did you hear him?

9 CHET: [Stands up] Julie. Please. Just five minutes.

10 JULIE: [Picks up her trophy and stands up] Look, you played fair. The dude slipped and fell.

11 CHET: [Sighs] Easy for you to say.

12 JULIE: [Hugs Chet’s belly and looks up] You can’t keep thinking about it. [Gives Chet her trophy to hold] You will win next time!

13 CHET: [Smiles while holding the trophy] Since when do you ever let me think? [Relaxes a bit, looks down and ruffles Julie’s hair]

14 JULIE: [Smiles big] You had your first two years of life to think.

15 CHET: [Laughs] Which I don’t remember, Julie.

16 [Lights down on the lobby.]

1 Stage directions for Chet show that he—

continues to feel worse

only focuses on the trophy

dislikes hanging out with his sister

slowly feels better in scene 1

Grade 5Drama Page 2

3 This play has just one scene because—

the setting does not change

only two characters speak

no new characters are introduced

the setting is indoors

2 Which of the props used in the play is needed for the resolution of the conflict?

The green belt

The trophy

The uniform

Chairs

4 Read the lines below.

Julie: [Poking Chet at his elbow] What’s wrong? You can tell me.

Julie: [Smiles big] You had your first two years of life to think.

These lines suggest that Julie—

doesn’t think Chet listens to her

thinks she is better at Karate than Chet

annoys Chet because she dislikes him

constantly talks to her brother

Grade 5Drama Page 3

The Change

Characters

GINNY, 11-year-old girlOLIVER, Ginny’s best friend and neighborALLY, Ginny and Oliver’s neighbor and old friendMRS. JONES, Ally’s mother

SCENE 1

1 [A park]

2 OLIVER: You have to tell her.

3 GINNY: [Pacing back and forth] But she—she won’t understand.

4 OLIVER: Not if you don’t tell her everything.

5 GINNY: [Says each word slowly as if Oliver doesn’t understand] She thinks Ally is an angel.

6 OLIVER: Well, maybe to her, but not to other kids.

7 GINNY: [After a pause] Okay. Maybe Mrs. Jones needs to know. [Both exit the stage.]

SCENE 2

8 [Ally’s home. The living room.]

9 GINNY: [Almost in a whisper] Mrs. Jones, can I talk to you—alone?

10 [Ally goes over to her mom to hug her. She smiles nervously to Ginny.]

11 MRS. JONES: [Puts the newspaper she was reading aside] You mean without Ally or Oliver around?

12 GINNY: [Bit louder] Oliver can stay.

13 OLIVER: [Gets up] Ally, will you get me some lemonade?

14 ALLY: Of course. Would you also like some cookies? [takes Oliver by the hand]

15 MRS. JONES: What is it?

16 GINNY: [In one breath] Ally is not the same person when you are not around. She is mean. Ollie and I don’t want to play with her anymore.

17 MRS. JONES: Slow down. Tell me what is wrong.

18 GINNY: [Again, in one breath] Ally used to be really sweet. After we started fifth grade, she has changed. She hangs out with mean kids. She is mean to us.

19 MRS. JONES: But, I don’t understand.

20 GINNY: [Gets up and walks to the door] That's why I didn’t want to talk to you. Forget it.

21 MRS. JONES: Wait. Tell me. Help me understand. [After a pause] Who does she hang outwith? Why not you guys? You’ve been best friends forever.

22 GINNY: [Walks back to the couch] Not since August. [Lights down and curtains close]

7 Oliver’s lines throughout the play suggest that he—

thinks Ginny should bring up the problem to Mrs. Jones

wants to talk to Ally about her changed behavior

wants to talk to Ally’s mother, but Ginny doesn’t want him to

thinks the problem with Ally is not as bad as Ginny thinks.

Grade 5Drama Page 4

8 Read this stage direction for Ally.

[Ally goes over to her mom to hug her. She smiles nervously to Ginny.]

It suggests that Ally—

doesn’t want to be friends with Ginny anymore.

knows why Ginny wants to talk to her mom.

thinks Ginny will say nice things about her to her mom.

has no idea why Ginny and Oliver are over at her house.

6 Stage directions for Ginny in scene 2 show that she—

has never talked to Mrs. Jones before.

wants Oliver to talk to Mrs. Jones about Ally.

thinks that Ally will understand why she is upset.

finds it hard to talk about Ally to her mother.

5 This play has two scenes because—

the setting is outdoors in both scenes

the setting changes in the two scenes

the characters with speaking parts are the same

new characters are not introduced in scene 2

Hero:____________________ Date:____________________

The Famous Toy Makers

1 Children all over the world enjoy playing with a toy that

was invented by a husband and wife team. The world-

famous toy entertains children by walking down the

stairs or a ramp in an elegant manner.

Walking Steel

2 Richard James, a navy engineer, was asked to design a

spring support for heavy equipment on a ship. The

spring support was needed to keep the equipment safe

as the ship bounced up and down at sea. Richard

accidentally knocked down the spring from a shelf. To

his surprise, the spring climbed down the books and the

tabletop and stood straight up on the floor. Richard went

home and told his wife, Betty James, that he could make

steel walk.

3 Richard and Betty thought of turning the spring into a toy for children. James and Betty borrowed

$500 to produce the new toy. Betty came up with an interesting name for the toy, which meant

“graceful.” It was a reference to the toy’s smooth movement.

Graceful Science

4 To make the toy, Richard took 80 feet of steel wire and coiled it. He then applied pressure to squeeze

the coiled wire into a two-inch spring. This pressure gave the spring the special ability to walk down

the stairs.

5 When the toy started its downward trip, potential energy was converted into kinetic energy. The

graceful movement of the toy was based on gravity and motion. The toy was used in science

experiments in schools and universities. Scientists used the toy for gravity experiments in space.

Oh, the Variety!

6 After the springy toy became popular, Betty thought of other toys that could be made from coiled

spring. Soon, several types of springy toys were created. These included a dog, a train, a pair of

eyes, and a worm. Each of these toys had a body made from coiled spring.

7 Plastic varieties of the toy also became available. Plastic is a poor conductor of electricity. For this

reason, the plastic toy was considered safer than the metal one. The invention of the plastic

springy toy was also an accident. Donald Reum, Sr. was trying to create a coiled plastic hose for

watering plants. His children got hold of the hose and started playing with it as if it were the

springy toy. This led Donald to make the hose into the plastic springy toy. Betty liked the idea

and agreed to manufacture the plastic toy. Unlike the metal toy, which was only a shiny grey

color, the plastic toy was made in a variety of colors.

Richard James Betty James© timetoast.com - credit: garrettludlow

Grade 5The Famous Toy Makers Page 1

Simple and Affordable

8 Richard and Betty had created a successful toy. Its sales soared in 1946. In the first two years only,

100 million toys were sold. Richard and Betty’s success with the toy was due to two reasons. First, it

was a simple toy that amused children for hours, and second, it was an inexpensive toy. It was priced

at just $1 to make it affordable for many people. The toy made its way into the Toy Hall of Fame in

2000. It is also the official state toy for the state of Pennsylvania.

1 Which paragraph of the article informs the reader about adults using the toy?

Paragraph 2

Paragraph 3

Paragraph 5

Paragraph 7

2 By organizing paragraph 4 sequentially, the author is able to—

compare how different springy toys were made

explain the method of making the toy

show how the toy used principles of science

describe how Richard accidentally created the toy

4 What can the reader conclude about Betty based on information presented in the selection?

She was an important person behind the success of the toy.

She alone worked hard to obtain money to manufacture the toy.

She was excited about the mistakes that created new toys.

She believed that the toy was important for science education.

3Based on information in the selection, what is one similarity between the metal toy and the plastic

toy?

Both were made out of material not used in toys.

Both were created by their inventors by mistake.

Both sold quickly as soon as they appeared in stores.

Both were pricey toys that only a few people could buy.


5 How does the author organize the information in paragraph 7?

The author uses sequential order to show the plastic toy was made in different colors.

The author uses compare and contrast to describe metal and plastic toys.

The author uses cause and effect to explain how a plastic hose was turned into a toy.

The author uses logical order to describe how the toy worked.

6 Look at the dictionary entry.

Which definition best matches the word knocked as used in paragraph 2?

Definition 1

Definition 2

Definition 3

Definition 4

7 Read these sentences from paragraph 7.

In these sentences, what does the author help the reader understand about the safety of the metal

toy?

The metal toy was safe because it was coiled.

The metal toy was unsafe because it was heavy.

The metal toy was not dangerous like a plastic toy.

The metal toy was unsafe due to risk of shock.

8 The author’s primary purpose for writing the article is to—

share the history of the springy toy and the toy makers

explain that the toy makers helped science education

describe how the toy makers made the toy affordable

describe the different types of toys made with spring

knocked \ˈnäkd\ verb

1. destroyed 2. bumped against

3. took apart 4. decreased

Plastic is a poor conductor of electricity. For this reason, the

plastic toy was considered safer than the metal one.


Hero:____________________ Date:____________________

Testing Season

5

10

15

20

The sun is out.The flowers are blooming.Testing season has started.The principal is looming.

The teachers are stressed.The students are tired.Big tests are coming.It’s time to get inspired.

School’s a circus.Crazy here and there.Time to settle.We’re ready, I swear.

Calm as a cucumber.Ready to goSharp as a pencil.We know, we know.

The test is over.It’s time to play.The teachers are laxed.It’s a new day!

Grade 5Testing Season Page 1

1 Read line 13 from the poem.

The author most likely compares the students to a cucumber to show that —

they eat vegetables before taking the

testthey start to turn green like a cucumber

they are prepared and ready to take the

test

they are nervous that the school is a

circus

Calm as a cucumber

2 The author uses the metaphor in line 9 to show that —

clowns and elephants come to the school

to performit’s chaotic before the students take the test

the school invites the circus to perform

before the test

students play circus games to prepare for

the test

The Cone of Shame

5

10

15

20

The cone of shameI’ve heard it calledWhat a nicknameMy dog, so appalled.

You see, my muttGot into a fight And got a big cutLuckily, he’s alright.

But now he wears a coneThat looks like a tornadoOr a small cycloneCheck out the photo!

He bumps into everythingBecause he can’t seeBam! Bump! Ping!He’s so carefree.

Annoying is what I call itTripping me as I goJust a little misfitPutting on a show.

Grade 5Cone of Shame Page 2


The author most likely includes this line to show —

what the dog sounds like when hitting

objects in the waywhat the dog looks likes when it bumps into other objects

what the dog feels like when bumping

into things in its path

what the dog smells like when it wears

the cone

4 The author compares the cone to a tornado in line 10 most likely because —

it causes severe damage it has a funnel shape

it strikes without warning it contains strong winds

Bam! Bump! Ping!

A Case of the Sneezes

1 Nathan had a bad case of the sneezes. They started when he got to school and didn’t stop until he got home. His teachers and the other students were fed up with Nathan’s sneezing. They would turn to stare, wrinkle their noses, and shake their heads. Nathan couldn’t blame them. He would try to hold the sneeze in, but it would make a squeaky sound that sounded like a cat stuck in a tree instead. Then, he would sneeze anyway. It was no use.

2 “Try drinking water upside down,” his friend, Benny, suggested.

3 “Isn’t that for hiccups?” Nathan replied with a puzzled look on his face.

4 “Same thing,” Benny said matter-of-factly.

5 AHHHH – CHOOO! Nathan let out a big sneeze. He tried to hold his breath to trap the next one in, but it came rushing out like a gust of wind.

6 “What if I scare you?” questioned Benny.

7 “I think that’s for…” Nathan started.

8 “Boo!” interrupted Benny. “Did it work?”

9 “I think that’s for hiccups, too.” Nathan finally finished his thought. Both boys started to think about what could be causing Nathan to sneeze so often. Nathan let out another sneeze to interrupt the silence.

10 “What is something that you are always around at school?” Benny asked as he glanced around the school. He started throwing out ideas such as the books, pencils, homework.

11 “I’m around you,” Nathan said pointing to Benny, his eyes open wide. “I’m allergic to YOU!” Benny pushed Nathan and gave him a less that thrilled look.

12 “I have been wearing a new cologne to impress all the ladies,” Benny joked. Nathan leaned over to smell Benny’s blue collared shirt. AHHHH – CHOOO! Nathan started to sneeze and couldn’t stop. Benny slowly stepped away from Nathan.

13 “I think you might be right, man,” Benny yelled from down the hallway. Both boys started cackling like a herd of hyenas.

14 “Who would have thought that I would be allergic to my best friend?” Nathan shook his head and sneezed again. Benny gave up his cologne and Nathan stopped sneezing for good.

Grade 5A Case of the Sneezes

Page 3

5 Read the sentence from paragraph 1.

What is the most likely reason the author compares the sound of the sneeze to a cat stuck

in a tree?

It is a dull meow.

It is a mellow roar.

It is a high-pitched squeal.

It is a quiet whine.

6 In paragraph 5, the author compares Nathan’s sneeze to a gust of wind to show that —

it rushes out very quickly

it makes his hair blow

it makes a whistling sound

it causes it to rain

7 Which sentence from the passage is an example of a simile?

Benny pushed Nathan and gave him a less that thrilled look.

Both boys started cackling like a herd of hyenas.

His teachers and the other students were fed up with Nathan’s sneezing.

Nathan let out another sneeze to interrupt the silence.

He would try to hold the sneeze in, but it would make a squeaky sound that sounded like a cat stuck in a tree instead.

8 The sensory language in paragraph 1 helps the reader imagine —

what Benny sounds like when he sneezes

what Nathan looks like when he sneezes in class

how Benny helps Nathan to finally stop sneezing

what the students look like when Nathan sneezes during class

Grade 5A Case of the Sneezes

Page 4

Hero:____________________ Date:____________________

A Tall Pet

1 What an extraordinary view! I thought. I could see my entire village from the tallest branch of the acacia tree. Mud houses with yellow-brown thatched roofs dotted the rolling plains of the savanna. My house looked apart from the rest of the houses, both literally and figuratively.

2 It was a brick house with wooden windows and doors and painted bright blue. It stood alone on the farthest edge of the village. After all, it was the chief’s house, and it must look distinct from the rest. That was what everybody thought and agreed to.

3 I had climbed up the acacia tree to get the softest and juiciest leaves for Kuku – my pet giraffe.

At six-months-old, he was left behind as his herd was chased by the poachers – people who hunt

animals without permission. On that fateful day, as I rested under the same acacia tree about a mile

north of my village, I was stirred by a sound I knew too well. A herd of giraffe grazing peacefully along

with my cattle of about fifty cows and calves ran frantically. As the dust settled, I rubbed my eyes to

see clearly. My animals had scattered all over the plain.

4 “What have you done... cruel people!!” I shouted at the vanishing sight of the poachers. I spent

the remaining day gathering up my frightened cattle.

5 As I made my way toward home, still angry at the poachers, I heard a soft bleat. I knew it was

not my cattle. Behind the tall, dense bushes on the side, I saw a scared little baby giraffe. I slowly

walked toward it, making soothing sounds to calm it down. The baby giraffe softly rubbed its nose on

my arm and followed me home.

6 “What have you got there?” Nataana shouted excitedly. “Papai! Yeyo! Look, what Naserian has

brought home!”

7 My whole family quickly emerged from the house. I told them the entire story. Papai looked

worried, but my younger sisters, Nataana and Kerubo, clapped and danced. Finally, yeyo decided that

I could keep the baby until it was old enough to fend for itself and join a herd in the wild. Papai looked

at yeyo, confused.

8 “How could you decide that?” He asked. “What would I tell my people?”

9 Sometimes, he appeared as if he didn’t know what to do, although he was the chief and made

decisions all day, every day.

10 “Koinet, please think about it,” spoke my yeyo, as confidently as ever. “The baby giraffe would

die in the wild if Naserian didn’t take care of it.” Then, she turned to me.

11 “Naserian, Kuku is going to be your responsibility. Your sisters and I have our hands full.” She

spoke lovingly, patting my tall pet. She had chosen a beautiful name for it.

12 “Thank you, yeyo,” I exclaimed. “I promise I will never bother any of you with Kuku’s care.”

13 Taking the cattle out to graze was my responsibility as my parents didn’t have a son. My yeyo

and sisters did household chores. They fetched wood and water, cooked, and cleaned.

Grade 5Inference & Setting Page 1

14 My papai, Koinet, was the village chief. His days were spent managing the village and solving

problems. Not interfering with wild animals was one of the rules in the village. We lived in the

Serengeti and shared the land with wildlife like lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes. Unlike the

poachers, we had immense respect for other creatures and co-existed peacefully with them.

15 My tall pet grew taller and stronger day by day. One afternoon as I sat under the acacia tree

watching my cattle, a herd of giraffes passed by. Kuku rubbed his nose on my arm one last time and

disappeared with the herd.


3 In paragraph 5, what is the most likely reason of Koinet’s worry?

He believes Naserian would become too attached to the baby giraffe.

He is afraid that by keeping Kuku his family might be breaking a village rule.

He is scared the baby giraffe would not be able to return to the wild.

He wants Naserian to stay out of trouble with the cruel poachers.

4 Which sentence helps to create suspense in the story?

As I made my way toward home, still angry at the poachers, I heard a soft bleat.

Behind the tall, dense bushes on the side, I saw a scared little baby giraffe.

Papai looked worried, but my younger sisters, Nataana and Kerubo, clapped and danced.

Kuku rubbed his nose on my arm one last time and disappeared with the herd.

1 Which idea does the author develop throughout the story?

Giving wild animals their space to live and flourish

Living peacefully with wild animals in a savanna village

Keeping baby animals safe from predators and poachers

Family members working together to run a household

2 How are the narrator and yeyo similar in the story?

Both feel the village people do not appreciate wildlife.

Both enjoy wildlife and work hard to protect it.

Both are determined to care for the baby giraffe.

Both know the best way to bring up a baby giraffe.

5 How does the setting of a savanna BEST affect the events in the story?

Because the narrator and her family live in a savanna, they must respect the law.

Because the narrator’s village is in a savanna, many wild animals live in the village.

Because poachers hunt and kill wild animals, they are banned from the Serengeti.

Because giraffes live in a savanna, the narrator finds a giraffe to care for as a pet.

6 Which sentence gives the reader a clue about the story’s cultural setting?

I could see my entire village from the tallest branch of the acacia tree.

Taking the cattle out to graze was my responsibility as my parents didn’t have a son.

The baby giraffe softly rubbed its nose on my arm and followed me home.

I spent the remaining day gathering up my frightened cattle.


The Sundarbans

1 Jasika anxiously paced up and down her mud home. The monsoon thunderstorm was causing chaos in her village near the Sundarbans in India. The river was getting ready to overflow at any time. Jasika had moved all her prized belongings to the crooked wooden shelf. Mathu and their son, Aarith, had built it high to keep their valuables safe from floodwaters. Now, Jasika waited for Mathu to return home. He had gone into the forest to fetch wood. He should have returned two hours before the sun went down.

2 Aarith was a young boy, about 15 years of age, but he knew what he must do. He gathered up all his courage to speak the toughest words he never imagined saying.

3 “My father hasn’t returned from the forest.” Aarith trembled as he spoke to the village chief.

4 “Don’t worry, boy,” the village chief spoke kindly and patted Aarith on the shoulder.

5 Clouds of worry covered the chief’s brow for a second and disappeared. He stared at Aarith intently, looking for a sign of courage on his frightened face.

6 As beautiful as the Sundarbans was, there was a terrifying truth about it. The beautiful forest had

become famous for its tiger attacks on humans, who had taken up the land that belonged to the

creatures of the forest.

7 The village chief decided to gather a search party armed with bamboo sticks and knives to look

for Mathu. Rain poured down cold-heartedly in the warm and sticky night. The men made noises on

their way to scare off wild animals, especially tigers. Aarith followed the party and prayed loudly, but

his prayers got buried in the noise.


9 Which sentence shows how the setting of the Sundarbans affects the search party?

The men made noises on their way to scare off any wild animals, especially tigers.

Rain poured down cold-heartedly in the warm and sticky night.

The village chief was holding up his father.

As beautiful as the Sundarbans was, there was a frightening truth about it.

10 What element of the setting influences the village chief’s decision?

Mathu has gotten lost as he lives a long way from the forest.

The river is already full, and more rain is coming.

The village chief thinks Mathu has drowned in the rising water.

It is night-time, and Mathu has not returned home.

8 “Here he is!” Shouted the village chief. “Mathu! Wake up, Mathu!”

9 Aarith ran to the front. The village chief was holding up his father. He was badly injured. He still

held his ax in his right hand. His left hand was bleeding. Aarith hugged his father tightly.

10 “You are now safe, Bapu,” Aarith whispered. “We will take you home. Ma is waiting for you.” He

kissed Mathu again and again as tears rolled down his cheeks. He was grateful that his worst fears had

not come true.

7 Based on the details in the story, the reader can infer that—

the events in the story take place in the winter

Jasika and Aarith live in the Sundarbans

Aarith shows courage even though he is scared

the village chief does not like Aarith much

8 What is Aarith’s worst fear in the story?

His father, Mathu, is lost in the forest.

His father, Mathu, is killed by a tiger.

His home is destroyed by the rain.

The village chief refuses to help him.

Hero:____________________ Date:____________________

Grade 5Moving Plates Page 1

Moving Plates

1 Are you sitting on a plate? No, not the kind of plate you eat from. It’s a different kind of plate,

called a tectonic plate. Earth’s surface is made up of several huge, moving tectonic plates. You

are sitting on one right now. All of Earth’s land and water sit on these plates.

Three-layer Cake

2 To understand tectonic plates, think of Earth as a

three-layer cake. The crust is the ‘icing’ or the

top layer. It is also the thinnest layer and is only

5 to 30 miles thick. All living things live on this

layer. The solid crust sits on the mantle, which is

the middle and the thickest layer of Earth. It is

about 1800 miles thick. If the entire Earth is

sliced up in 100 layers, then 84 of those layers

would make up the mantle alone. The inner-most

layer called the core is solid. It is the hottest

layer of Earth and is 325 miles thick. Layers of Earth

The Tectonics

3 The tectonic plates are made up of the crust and the upper part of the mantle. There are seven

large and several smaller tectonic plates. The plates are all different shapes and sizes. The plates

can be a few hundred to thousands of miles across, and their thickness can range from less than

8 to more than 125 miles.

A Supercontinent

4 Three-hundred million years ago, Earth’s crust was very different. It was just one giant

supercontinent, called Pangea. Geologists, scientists who study Earth, say that Pangea started to

break up into chunks that looked like pieces of a puzzle. The chunks drifted away to form the

seven continents we have today. But what caused the supercontinent to break apart?

In Motion

5 It was the movements of the tectonic plates that broke up the supercontinent. Tectonic plates sit

on the layer of mantle, which is half-melted rock and is always moving. The plates float freely

over this viscous layer of rock. They slide under, over and against each other. This movement

changes the surface of Earth and produces different landforms. Valleys, mountain chains,

islands, and ocean trenches are formed by this motion. For example, two tectonic plates

produced the Caribbean Islands. The Himalayas with some of the highest peaks in the world

were also formed by the action of tectonic plates. The motion of tectonic plates also causes

earthquakes and tsunamis on Earth. One example is the earthquakes in California that are set

off by two tectonic plates sliding against each other.

6 Geologists follow the movements of tectonic plates with satellites in space. This latest

information will help better understand changes to Earth’s surface. Earth never ceases to amaze.

Crust

Mantle

Core

1 Which of these statements best summarizes the section titled “Three-layer Cake”?

Earth is like a cake. The mantle is the cake. The core is the center of the cake. It is a very

hot layer. The crust is a thin layer of icing on the cake.

Earth is made up of three layers. The top crust is the thinnest layer of Earth. The thickest

layer, mantle, sits below the crust. Core is the hottest layer found at the center of Earth.

Earth looks like a cake. The mantle is the middle layer. It is also the thickest part. It

makes up 84 layers out of 100 layers of Earth. The core is the hottest layer.

Earth has 100 layers. The top layer, crust, is only 30 miles thick, but the mantle is 1800

miles thick. So, mantle is the thickest layer of Earth. But most of the living things live on

the crust.

2 Which sentence best states the main idea of the section titled “A Supercontinent”?

The continents look like large pieces of a puzzle.

Pangea broke up into smaller chunks of land.

Earth’s surface has changed over time.

The continents moved away from each other.

4 In paragraph 2, the details about the layers of the earth support the idea that Earth —

was a supercontinent a long time ago

has different landforms on its surface

is not a giant solid ball of rock

did not have five oceans in the past

3 According to the article, earthquakes happen when —

chunks of the supercontinent drifts away

geologists study tectonic plate movements

the partly melted rock heats up

tectonic plates ride over each other


5 What is the most likely reason the author included the information in paragraph 5?

To describe the effects of tectonic plates on Earth’s surface

To discuss the idea that tectonic plates are very powerful

To explain that Himalayas have the highest mountains

To forecast future earthquakes in California

6 Which word from paragraph 5 helps the reader understand the meaning of viscous?

movement

half-melted

mantle

surface

7 The author’s primary purpose for writing this article is to —

explain how geologists use technology to study Earth

tell the reader that Earth’s core is hotter than its crust

describe that Pangea was a big mass of land

inform the reader about what happens within Earth’s crust

8 Which sentence from the article is a fact that can be verified?

To understand tectonic plates, think of Earth as a three-layer cake.

This latest information will help better understand changes to Earth’s surface.

Tectonic plates sit on the layer of mantle, which is half-melted rock and is always moving.

Earth never ceases to amaze.


Hero:____________________ Date:____________________

Being Brave

1 I didn’t want to tell Sheldon that I was scared. I had to act tough as the older brother, but I was afraid of my new room. I couldn’t sleep well at night. I wanted to tell Sheldon that I missed him. I just couldn’t be brave.

2 Sheldon slept on the bottom bunk bed and snored. Mom and dad didn’t believe me that Sheldon snored. Oh, and he snored so loud. To them, the sounds he made in his sleep were cute. They said he just breathed loudly. They did give me my own room and converted our bunk bed into two twin beds. So, there I was in my new room and unable to sleep. I missed the sounds of my little brother snoring.

3 Night after night, I watched the tree branches move outside the window. They looked creepy. Then, one week later, Sheldon sleepwalked into my room and fell asleep in my bed. I fell asleep quickly. The next morning, I decided that I would tell my parents the truth. I wasn’t ready for a room of my own. I knew they would understand.

Grade 5Point of view Page 1

1 Which sentence helps the reader know the story’s point of view?

Sheldon slept on the bottom bunk bed and snored.

I had to act tough as the older brother, but I was afraid of my new room.

To them, the sounds he made in his sleep were cute.

They looked creepy.

2 What is true about the story?

It uses the first-person point of view.

It uses the third-person point of view.

The point of view changes.

It is hard to tell the point of view.

Bored Shayne

1 In the summer of 2019, Shayne was a mess. His best friend MJ was away at a summer camp for young inventors. His former best friend was hanging out with boys who only caused trouble. Everything was changing, and Shayne felt like he didn’t even know himself. There was too much time to think, and Shayne didn’t like all the free time.

2 So, one night, Shayne sat in the living room, waiting for his father and fell asleep on the couch. Mr. Jones was a firefighter and Shayne’s hero. When Shayne woke up, he saw his father had fallen asleep at the edge of the couch.

3 "Pop, I wish talked more—I could use your help,” Shayne said out loud to his sleeping father.

4 “I’m here,” Mr. Jones said, eyes still closed. “Don’t start with telling me you are too bored. Tell me what your real problem is. Think about it, Son.”

5 Shayne was silent. He understood exactly what his father meant. He was right. Shayne was bored out of his mind.


3 Select the sentence that helps show the story’s point of view.

Don’t start with telling me you are too bored.

Tell me what your real problem is.

I wish talked more—I could use your help

Everything was changing, and Shayne felt like he didn’t even know himself.

4 What is true about the story’s point of view?





Brag Fest

1 I didn’t know how to explain to my mother that I didn’t like attention. She was so proud of me and talked about my grades and my trophies all the time. She bragged about me to anyone who would listen. She repeated the same details over and over. Even I was bored hearing about me.

2 And worse, I felt bad for my little sister Olivia. Olivia didn’t care about getting all As or playing the perfect notes in her music class. She only wanted to have fun. She didn’t give my mother much to brag about. I always looked at Olivia when our mother bragged about me on the phone. I realized that Olivia didn’t care. One day, Olivia said, “You are so smart. I am so proud of you. I tell all my friends about you all the time. They think you are so cool.”

3 I was stunned. My little sister didn’t feel compared at all. She didn’t care about all the bragging. I decided I wouldn’t care either. I also realized how grown-up my baby sister was for her age. I couldn’t help talking about my cool sister.


5 Which sentence helps the reader know the story’s point of view?

Olivia didn’t care about getting all As or playing the perfect notes in her music class.

She only wanted to have fun.

I didn’t know how to explain to my mother that I didn’t like attention.

They think you are so cool.

6 What is true about the story?





Hero:____________________ Date:____________________

Grade 5Road Trip Woes Page 1

Road Trip Woes

by

A.G.

My father wants to drive all day

My cat won’t leave my lap

The road is bumpy all the way

I can’t take one short nap

5 And baby sister just threw up

On herself and our little pup

Right then, a krraakk a th-th-thump

Mama’s upside-down coffee cup

Mama keeps howling for exit.

10 My father just says, “Wait for it.”

My sister’s whimpers won’t quit.

I’m going crazy bit by bit.

I am oh so awfully bored

And trapped in a moving zoo

15 Even my cat I once adored

Just makes me want to boo

If only I could read a book

Without getting carsick

I would go by hook or by crook

20 And climb in real quick

1 The internal rhyme in the last stanza—

adds more musical quality to the poem.

changes the rhyme scheme of the stanza.

creates a break in the rhythm of the stanza.

focuses the reader on carsickness as the problem.

2 What is one important effect of the rhyme scheme of the poem?

It helps the reader visualize the problem the speaker experiences.

It focuses the reader on the most important words in the poem.

It creates a rhythm that emphasizes the motions in the poem.

It helps explain what a person bored in the backseat of a car feels.

3 The alliteration in line 13 emphasizes the—

surprise the speaker feels at the moving objects in the car.

boredom the speaker feels during the road trip.

anger and frustration the speaker feels at her cat.

sadness the speaker feels because she dislikes her cat.


4 Read this line from the second stanza.

Right then, a krraakk a th-th-thump

The onomatopoeia in this line emphasizes the idea that —

the journey in the car is rough.

the speaker’s belongings are broken.

the pets are injured and need care.

the car has broken down mid trip.

5 What idea does the poet convey through the description of the family in lines 5 through 8?

The baby sister needs medical attention

The father is perfectly calm while driving

The situation in the car is full of chaos

The speaker feels nervous but safe

7 Which statement reflects the theme of the selection?

Patience is rewarding.

Sometimes, family can be challenging.

Be unafraid to try new ways.

Life is an unexpected journey.

8 The poem is mostly about a speaker who—

feels miserable during a family road trip.

can hardly wait to read a book in the car.

has trouble avoiding car sickness like her sister.

experiences problems but tolerates the car ride.



And trapped in a moving zoo.

The figurative language line reveals that the speaker is—

surprised at her family’s actions.

terrified of animals in moving vehicles.

suspicious of the road trip destination.

not fond of her family’s behavior.

Hero:____________________ Date:____________________

Grade 5Speech Jitters Page 1

Speech Jitters

by

H. Bloggs

1 Tyler woke up earlier than usual on that Monday morning. He did not have an incomplete

assignment or an overdue project. He had always been careful to finish his homework on time

and not be late. That morning, he was up early because he had to give a speech, and that too,

on a podium. Tyler was terrified to speak in front of a crowd.

2 There would be his peers from 5th grade, other students, teachers, and parents. He felt a

knot in his stomach as he lay in his bed staring at the ceiling. The ceiling began to look like a

giant podium, lurching at him. Scared, he buried his face in his pillow and thought about

something pleasant. His mother always told him to imagine something nice whenever he felt

scared or nervous.

3 So, he closed his eyes and thought about his nicest memories. He thought about his

family’s hiking trip last weekend. He imagined playing with Koda, his cat. He thought about

how happy he felt when he was voted the student council president at Hill Elementary. Tyler’s

train of pleasant thoughts suddenly stopped. As the new student council president, he was

expected to give a speech that day.

4 Tyler heard the coffee maker in the kitchen. Mom is up, he thought, and ran to the kitchen.

“Mom, I am scared. I can’t give the speech,” he whimpered and held out his hand that gripped

a crumpled piece of paper. He tossed the paper on the countertop and plopped himself on a

kitchen stool that wobbled under his weight.

5 His mother picked up the paper and smiled as she read the speech. “You have written a

nice speech,” she finally spoke. “Let’s practice reading it in front of an audience,” she smiled.

“What audience?” Tyler asked with a horrified look.

6 Just then, Tyler’s dad walked in. “What is this talk about an audience?” He asked, yawning.

“Oh, you and I are going to be Tyler’s audience as he practices his speech,” replied Tyler’s

mom.

7 “Okay, let’s hear it,” said Tyler’s dad, settling in a chair. Tyler stood up and delivered the

speech from memory. His speech was short, funny, and interesting. His parents smiled often

as he spoke, and when he finished, they clapped loudly.

8 “See, that was not so hard.” Declared his mom, proudly. “You have great public speaking

skills.” “But, Mom, I’ve only given the speech to you and Dad.” Tyler protested, “I can’t speak

in front of a crowd.”

9 “Yes, you can,” assured his dad. “You speak with your heart, and you are funny,”

continued his dad. “The audience loves a funny speech.” Tyler felt a little confident.

10 “You are a great speaker!” His mom spoke, “You used your hands and voice to grab our

attention. The audience will love you,” she promised. Tyler felt more confident. He was ready

for the big day ahead.

11 That day, at the podium, the audience loved Tyler for the way he delivered his speech.

They listened to him intently and laughed at his jokes. Tyler was very happy.

1 What do the details in paragraphs 7 through 10 emphasize about Tyler?

Tyler appreciates his parents for watching him give the speech.

Tyler delivers a great speech in front of a crowd at his home.

Tyler notices that his speech has many jokes and interesting facts.

Tyler feels encouraged that his parents love his speech.

2 What do Tyler’s actions in paragraph 4 suggest?

Tyler has been up all night and is too tired in the morning to go to school.

Tyler complains to his mom that his speech is too hard to read.

Tyler is worried about giving the speech and asks his mom for help.

Tyler can’t read the speech because it is written on a wrinkled piece of paper.

3 Tyler’s thoughts in paragraph 3 show that he —

questions his ability to write a good speech

relies on happy thoughts to get through his fear

wishes he was not the student council president

thinks playing with his cat is a waste of time


4 Read this sentence from paragraph 10.

He was ready for the big day ahead.

What can the reader conclude about Tyler from this sentence?

Tyler convinces his parents to let him stay at home.

Tyler is not sure why his parents like the speech.

Tyler is no longer frightened of public speaking.

Tyler wants his parents to go with him to school.

5 In this story, the author emphasizes —

Tyler’s fear of public speaking and how he overcomes it

Tyler getting elected as the student council president

Tyler’s parents are very loving and caring parents

Tyler’s hiking trip with his family over the weekend

6 Based on her actions described in the story, Tyler’s mom most likely wants to —

praise Tyler for writing a great speech that he will deliver at school

teach Tyler how to write a great speech that he will deliver at school

show Tyler how to use his voice and hand gestures when speaking

help Tyler rehearse his speech that he will deliver at school

7 Which word from paragraph 1 helps the reader understand the meaning of overdue?

time

late

early

careful

8 What is the most likely reason the audience love Tyler’s speech?

Tyler’s speech is exciting and amusing, and his delivery is also very good.

Tyler is the student council president for the year.

Tyler learns his speech by heart and speaks without looking at the paper.

Tyler practices his speech in the morning in front of his parents.


Documents

Hero: Date:s3.amazonaws.com/scschoolfiles/1608/5th_grade... · People should try to increase their direct water footprint and reduce their indirect water footprint. Freshwater should