CMA 3 Practice

Multiple Choice

Some sea creatures are among the world's greatest travelers. Pacific salmon are hatched in rivers, but they return to the sea to grow to full size. After a few years, they journey hundreds of miles to return upstream to the place where they were born. There, they hatch eggs.

The European eel travels even farther and goes in the opposite direction. Unlike the salmon, which hatch in freshwater rivers, this eel comes to life in the salt water of the northern Atlantic Ocean. The very young eels travel 4,000 to 5,000 miles to Europe. They take two years to make the trip. In the freshwater of European rivers, they grow slowly. it can take them thirty years to grow to full size! When they are ready to hatch eggs of their own, they make the journey across the Atlantic in the other direction.

What sentence from the passage BEST supports the idea that Pacific salmon are among the world's "greatest travelers"?

• "The very young eels travel 4,000 to 5,000 miles to Europe."

• "After a few years, they journey hundreds of miles to return upstream to the place where they were born."

• "When they are ready to hatch eggs of their own, they make the journey across the Atlantic in the other direction."

• "In the freshwater of European rivers, they grow slowly."

Multiple Choice

Some sea creatures are among the world's greatest travelers. Pacific salmon are hatched in rivers, but they return to the sea to grow to full size. After a few years, they journey hundreds of miles to return upstream to the place where they were born. There, they hatch eggs.

The European eel travels even farther and goes in the opposite direction. Unlike the salmon, which hatch in freshwater rivers, this eel comes to life in the salt water of the northern Atlantic Ocean. The very young eels travel 4,000 to 5,000 miles to Europe. They take two years to make the trip. In the freshwater of European rivers, they grow slowly. it can take them thirty years to grow to full size! When they are ready to hatch eggs of their own, they make the journey across the Atlantic in the other direction.

The European eel MOST LIKELY lays its eggs in

• European rivers.

• Pacific rivers

• salt water.

• freshwater.

Multiple Choice

The gladiator took his son’s hand in his own rough and calloused one. “Son, they want to send you to gladiator school to begin training soon, but this is not the life I want for you. I do not want you to ever stand in an arena and fight another gladiator or beast. So, tonight, you will run away. Go to school and learn math, Greek, and geography. Learn from Plato and Socrates. Rise above all of this.” Marco looked around the dark, dank cell at the scarred faces of the other gladiators. This was the only life he had ever known, and he did not want to leave. However, one by one, the gladiators nodded and told Marco to listen to his father’s wise words.

That night, Marco quietly slipped away. Wiping away a tear, he glanced back at the towering Colosseum, its smooth, white marble walls glistening in the moonlight. He had watched his father fight many times in that immense building in front of crowds of thousands of cheering people. He fell asleep beneath a statue of Rome’s founder, Romulus. According to legend, Romulus and his brother, Remus, had been raised by wolves until they were eventually found by shepherds. If Romulus could have such a difficult life but still be the founder of the great city of Rome, then Marco knew he, too, could overcome his difficulties. In the morning, Marco awoke to a girl yelling at him. “Boy! You cannot sleep there! What are you doing inside my family’s villa?” Marco sprang to his feet. The girl was about his age, but intimidating. As Marco turned to run away, the girl grabbed his arm. “Wait! I have seen you before. You are from the Colosseum, are you not? Your father is a gladiator?”

Marco nodded and without knowing why, he began to tell her his story. When he finished, the girl squinted at him for a moment before saying, “Your father is wise. The gladiator fights are barbaric. My name is Cara, and I am going to help you start your new life. Wait here.” A few minutes later, Cara returned and handed him a tunic and a toga. “Put these on. You cannot go to school dressed as you are. These belonged to my older brother, but he will not miss them. I will turn away, so you do not need to be bashful, but please hurry!” She spun around and faced the garden wall. Marco quickly removed his tattered wrap, slid the tunic over his head and then put on the toga. “Okay, I am ready.” Cara looked him over and then handed him a wax tablet. “This will be your school tablet. You write on it with this stylus, and then you can soften the wax to erase what you have written. Now, follow me. I have an idea for where you can live."

As they walked down the bumpy cobblestone street, merchants and tradesmen were selling their wares: fruits, vegetables, fish, handmade dishes and pottery, beautiful jewelry, and wool clothing. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the air. Entertainers sang, danced and told stories. The streets were noisy with the bustle of the crowd. They passed by insula after insula, apartment buildings made of mudbricks and timbers. Finally, they reached their destination.

Cara pointed at a five-story insula. The courtyard was full of people cooking over small fires and cleaning their laundry in large wooden buckets of water. “There is an old woman here who makes pottery. She does not have much, but you will work for her, and she will give you a place to live and help you go to school. With an education, you will never have to fight as a gladiator. For the next 5 years, Marco spent his mornings in a small school, learning to read, write and give speeches with the other boys. In his afternoons, he worked for the lady making all types of clay bowls and containers. Because of Cara and a kind, elderly woman who took him in, he was able to complete his schooling and rise above his past.

Years later, Marco became one of the most well-known orators in Rome. He and other educated men spoke eloquently against the violence of arena battles. When the Emperor Honorius decreed the end to gladiator fights, Marco went to the Colosseum. As he rested his hand on the cold, stone wall, memories of his father and the sacrifices that his father had made for him, flooded his mind. He knew his father was proud of him, and he was proud to be a gladiator’s son.

Use clues from the text to figure out what the underlined words mean,

“They want to send you to gladiator school to begin training next week, but this is not the life I want for you.” What does gladiator mean?

• someone who is happy all the time

• an older person

• someone who fought other people or beasts to make a living

• a person who cleaned the Coliseum

Multiple Choice

“They passed by insula after insula, apartment buildings made from mudbricks and timbers.” What does insula mean?

• types of statues

• roads

• indoor kitchens

• ancient apartment buildings

Multiple Choice

Libraries are amazing places. Every library has books on thousands of subjects. Each book is full of information, and each piece of information is something to learn. In fact, some people call libraries "temples of learning." People can learn about almost anything at the library. Music fans can learn about different kinds of music. Farmers can learn about planting crops. Doctors can learn about medicine. Lawyers can learn about the law. Each book has its place on a shelf. This is because libraries are extremely well organized. Libraries also have helpful and knowledgeable librarians on staff. These librarians are there to answer readers' questions and to help solve problems. It's easy to see why so many people, young and old, like to spend time at the library.

The main idea of this passage is

• libraries have may books.

• libraries are well organized.

• libraries are amazing places.

• each book has it place.

Multiple Choice

Libraries are amazing places. Every library has books on thousands of subjects. Each book is full of information, and each piece of information is something to learn. In fact, some people call libraries "temples of learning." People can learn about almost anything at the library. Music fans can learn about different kinds of music. Farmers can learn about planting crops. Doctors can learn about medicine. Lawyers can learn about the law. Each book has its place on a shelf. This is because libraries are extremely well organized. Libraries also have helpful and knowledgeable librarians on staff. These librarians are there to answer readers' questions and to help solve problems. It's easy to see why so many people, young and old, like to spend time at the library.

Which statement from the passage is a supporting detail?

• "Every library has books on thousands of subjects."

• "In fact, some people call libraries 'temple of learning.'"

• "Libraries are amazing places."

• "It's easy to see why so many people, young and old, like to spend time at the library."

Multiple Choice

American White Pelican

I feel great pleasure, good reader, in telling you something. Until now, our white pelican has been seen as the same bird as the one found in Europe. But it is quite different. As a result of this discovery, I have honored it with the name of my country. May this splendid bird wander free over its mighty streams.

I first moved to Kentucky more than thirty years ago. A that time, I often saw these birds on the banks of the Ohio River. A few years later, I moved to the town of Henderson. There were so many white pelicans there that I often saw dozens at a time. I found them on a sandbar that protects Canoe Creek Island. During those pleasant days of my youth, how often did I watch them with delight! I think those days have returned to me now. This has allowed me once more to read the scattered notes contained in my treasured journals. Here is one such page:

A hundred large pelicans stand near the sides of the sandbar. They are in small groups. Gorgeous fall colors enrich the leaves of every tree. Their reflections are like fragments of the rainbow. They seem to fill the very depths of the calm and almost sleeping waters of the Ohio River. Thef red beams of the sun assure me that the Indian summer has started. This happy season is lovely and still. It is also a symbol of the later years of life. To every nature lover, it must be the purest and calmest period of his career.

The full pelicans are patient. They wait for the return of hunger. Should someone chance to watch, one after the other they open their long and broad bills and yawn lazily. now, the whole length of their largest quills is passed through the bill. At last, their feathers are beautifully trimmed. But look! The red beams of the setting sun color the tops of the forest trees. The birds feel the cravings of hunger. To satisfy themselves, they must now work. They rise clumsily on their long legs and waddle heavily to the water. but now, how changed they seem! how lightly they float! They patrol themselves and extend their line. now, like paddles, their broad feet push them onward.

In another spot, the young birds are dancing in the quiet water. Perhaps in their own way they are bidding farewell to the sun. Or maybe they are seeking something for their supper. There are thousands of them, and they are all happy. The very manner of their joy causes the waters to sparkle. It invites the small fish to come closer, to swim in shallow water. Now the pelicans are aware of their fishy prey. At once, they spread out their broad wings. They press forward with powerful strokes of their feet. They drive the little fishes toward the shore. Then, with the huge pouches under their bills wide open, the pelicans scoop the fishes out and eat them by the thousands.

What is the BEST summary of the passage?

• The authors remember a time when he watched a group of pelicans.

• The author tells how he discovered a new kind of bird.

• The author describes how pelicans eat fish.

• The author tells about life in Kentucky.

Multiple Choice

American White Pelican

I feel great pleasure, good reader, in telling you something. Until now, our white pelican has been seen as the same bird as the one found in Europe. But it is quite different. As a result of this discovery, I have honored it with the name of my country. May this splendid bird wander free over its mighty streams.

I first moved to Kentucky more than thirty years ago. A that time, I often saw these birds on the banks of the Ohio River. A few years later, I moved to the town of Henderson. There were so many white pelicans there that I often saw dozens at a time. I found them on a sandbar that protects Canoe Creek Island. During those pleasant days of my youth, how often did I watch them with delight! I think those days have returned to me now. This has allowed me once more to read the scattered notes contained in my treasured journals. Here is one such page:

A hundred large pelicans stand near the sides of the sandbar. They are in small groups. Gorgeous fall colors enrich the leaves of every tree. Their reflections are like fragments of the rainbow. They seem to fill the very depths of the calm and almost sleeping waters of the Ohio River. Thef red beams of the sun assure me that the Indian summer has started. This happy season is lovely and still. It is also a symbol of the later years of life. To every nature lover, it must be the purest and calmest period of his career.

The full pelicans are patient. They wait for the return of hunger. Should someone chance to watch, one after the other they open their long and broad bills and yawn lazily. now, the whole length of their largest quills is passed through the bill. At last, their feathers are beautifully trimmed. But look! The red beams of the setting sun color the tops of the forest trees. The birds feel the cravings of hunger. To satisfy themselves, they must now work. They rise clumsily on their long legs and waddle heavily to the water. but now, how changed they seem! how lightly they float! They patrol themselves and extend their line. now, like paddles, their broad feet push them onward.

In another spot, the young birds are dancing in the quiet water. Perhaps in their own way they are bidding farewell to the sun. Or maybe they are seeking something for their supper. There are thousands of them, and they are all happy. The very manner of their joy causes the waters to sparkle. It invites the small fish to come closer, to swim in shallow water. Now the pelicans are aware of their fishy prey. At once, they spread out their broad wings. They press forward with powerful strokes of their feet. They drive the little fishes toward the shore. Then, with the huge pouches under their bills wide open, the pelicans scoop the fishes out and eat them by the thousands.

Reading through his journals and notebooks, the writer MOST LIKELY feels

• sad and lonely.

• eager to fight for animal rights.

• happy and content.

• bord and dissatisfied.

Multiple Choice

American White Pelican

I feel great pleasure, good reader, in telling you something. Until now, our white pelican has been seen as the same bird as the one found in Europe. But it is quite different. As a result of this discovery, I have honored it with the name of my country. May this splendid bird wander free over its mighty streams.

I first moved to Kentucky more than thirty years ago. A that time, I often saw these birds on the banks of the Ohio River. A few years later, I moved to the town of Henderson. There were so many white pelicans there that I often saw dozens at a time. I found them on a sandbar that protects Canoe Creek Island. During those pleasant days of my youth, how often did I watch them with delight! I think those days have returned to me now. This has allowed me once more to read the scattered notes contained in my treasured journals. Here is one such page:

A hundred large pelicans stand near the sides of the sandbar. They are in small groups. Gorgeous fall colors enrich the leaves of every tree. Their reflections are like fragments of the rainbow. They seem to fill the very depths of the calm and almost sleeping waters of the Ohio River. Thef red beams of the sun assure me that the Indian summer has started. This happy season is lovely and still. It is also a symbol of the later years of life. To every nature lover, it must be the purest and calmest period of his career.

The full pelicans are patient. They wait for the return of hunger. Should someone chance to watch, one after the other they open their long and broad bills and yawn lazily. now, the whole length of their largest quills is passed through the bill. At last, their feathers are beautifully trimmed. But look! The red beams of the setting sun color the tops of the forest trees. The birds feel the cravings of hunger. To satisfy themselves, they must now work. They rise clumsily on their long legs and waddle heavily to the water. but now, how changed they seem! how lightly they float! They patrol themselves and extend their line. now, like paddles, their broad feet push them onward.

In another spot, the young birds are dancing in the quiet water. Perhaps in their own way they are bidding farewell to the sun. Or maybe they are seeking something for their supper. There are thousands of them, and they are all happy. The very manner of their joy causes the waters to sparkle. It invites the small fish to come closer, to swim in shallow water. Now the pelicans are aware of their fishy prey. At once, they spread out their broad wings. They press forward with powerful strokes of their feet. They drive the little fishes toward the shore. Then, with the huge pouches under their bills wide open, the pelicans scoop the fishes out and eat them by the thousands.

Which of the following is a fact from the passage?

• "A few years later, I moved to the town of Henderson."

• "I feel great pleasure, good reader, in telling you something."

• "Gorgeous fall colors enrich the leaves of every tree."

• "There are thousands of them, and they are all happy."

Multiple Choice

American White Pelican

I feel great pleasure, good reader, in telling you something. Until now, our white pelican has been seen as the same bird as the one found in Europe. But it is quite different. As a result of this discovery, I have honored it with the name of my country. May this splendid bird wander free over its mighty streams.

I first moved to Kentucky more than thirty years ago. A that time, I often saw these birds on the banks of the Ohio River. A few years later, I moved to the town of Henderson. There were so many white pelicans there that I often saw dozens at a time. I found them on a sandbar that protects Canoe Creek Island. During those pleasant days of my youth, how often did I watch them with delight! I think those days have returned to me now. This has allowed me once more to read the scattered notes contained in my treasured journals. Here is one such page:

A hundred large pelicans stand near the sides of the sandbar. They are in small groups. Gorgeous fall colors enrich the leaves of every tree. Their reflections are like fragments of the rainbow. They seem to fill the very depths of the calm and almost sleeping waters of the Ohio River. Thef red beams of the sun assure me that the Indian summer has started. This happy season is lovely and still. It is also a symbol of the later years of life. To every nature lover, it must be the purest and calmest period of his career.

The full pelicans are patient. They wait for the return of hunger. Should someone chance to watch, one after the other they open their long and broad bills and yawn lazily. now, the whole length of their largest quills is passed through the bill. At last, their feathers are beautifully trimmed. But look! The red beams of the setting sun color the tops of the forest trees. The birds feel the cravings of hunger. To satisfy themselves, they must now work. They rise clumsily on their long legs and waddle heavily to the water. but now, how changed they seem! how lightly they float! They patrol themselves and extend their line. now, like paddles, their broad feet push them onward.

In another spot, the young birds are dancing in the quiet water. Perhaps in their own way they are bidding farewell to the sun. Or maybe they are seeking something for their supper. There are thousands of them, and they are all happy. The very manner of their joy causes the waters to sparkle. It invites the small fish to come closer, to swim in shallow water. Now the pelicans are aware of their fishy prey. At once, they spread out their broad wings. They press forward with powerful strokes of their feet. They drive the little fishes toward the shore. Then, with the huge pouches under their bills wide open, the pelicans scoop the fishes out and eat them by the thousands.

What does the word quills mean?

• beams

• feathers

• legs

• birds