SCReady Prep

Multiple Choice

A student is interested in learning about kangaroos and wrote the following paragraph. Kangaroos are a type of large mammal that lives in Australia. These creatures have large feet that help them jump up to 30 feet in a single leap. Their powerful back legs and a long, strong tail help them to jump. In the wild, kangaroos live in small groups of around 50 animals. Which question should the student use to find more information about kangaroos to include in the paragraph?

• Why do kangaroos live in groups?

• Can a person keep a kangaroo as a pet?

• Do other animals live in the area of Australia where kangaroos live?

• What are other types of animals besides kangaroos that move by jumping?

Multiple Choice

A student is doing research on sea turtles. Read the paragraph from the source. Sea turtles lay eggs. A mother turtle finds a place on land to make a nest. She digs a hole in the sand or dirt on a beach, lays her eggs, and then buries them. The mother leaves the eggs and returns to the water. Weeks later, the eggs hatch. The baby turtles climb out of the nest and make their way to the ocean. They must avoid predators, such as sea birds. If these newborn turtles make it to the ocean, they start a “swimming frenzy” to move miles away into deeper waters. If the student used information from this source, which title would best describe the topic of the report?

• Sea Turtles Love to Swim

• Life Begins for Sea Turtles

• Sea Turtle Nests

• How to Find Sea Turtle Eggs

​Panning for Gold

​In 1828, gold had just been discovered in South Carolina. People young and old dreamed of becoming wealthy by finding precious nuggets of gold in the state’s rivers and streams. Sarah bounced excitedly down the narrow trail after her brother Ben. Her eyes gleamed as the warm morning sun shone down upon them. Ben whistled ahead of her, carrying his cloth sack of equipment over his shoulder. “Keep up!” Ben hollered back. “We don’t have much time!” He hoped his sister would not interfere with his work. He wasn’t thrilled about bringing his younger sister along, and they had to be home soon to do chores. Sarah admired her brother. Ben had experience panning for gold. He had helped his father and some other adults look for gold in a spot up the river, but this was the first time Sarah had been allowed to go. Even though Sarah was excited, part of her feared that she may not be cut out for panning. Holding up her long skirt, Sarah eagerly caught up with Ben.

​Panning for Gold

​Thoughts of glittering, gleaming gold filled her head. Soon they reached the place where Ben had chosen to start panning. He put down his sack and spread the supplies on the ground. Ben handed Sarah a round pan and a shovel. She gave him a questioning look. With only a hint of impatience, Ben took a deep breath and demonstrated for her. “First you look for big rocks in the stream. Maybe there will be a place where the water slows down and flows lightly over the rock. That is where small pieces of gold can sometimes be found,” he explained. Sarah found her spot and waited for him to continue. Ben rolled his pants up and took the pan from Sarah. “Use the shovel to scrape some sand and dirt from the stream into the pan like this,” he said. He then handed the pan to Sarah. “Swirl it with your hand until the sand settles on the bottom and the water is on top,” he instructed, enjoying the role of expert.

​Panning for Gold

Sarah listened carefully as he told her to gently pour the water out of the top of the pan, leaving the sand on the bottom. Then, she gently rubbed a small layer of sand off the top of what was left in the pan. “Make sure you take off each layer slowly. Inspect the sand for small pieces of shimmering rock,” he said. If Sarah were lucky, a piece of gold would be waiting in one of the layers. Ben handed her a container to put the pieces in. “If we find something that looks important, we’ll take it home to ask if it is real or if it is just fool’s gold,” he suggested. Sarah watched her brother and paid close attention to how he worked. She scooped and scraped, then scooped and scraped some more. At first, she could not find a single shimmering object. Eventually, after gaining more confidence, she decided to move to another spot where the water trickled over a larger rock. After a while, Sarah noticed her brother staring silently at the water. She could tell that he was frustrated that he was not finding anything. But Sarah did not get upset.

​Panning for Gold

Instead, she continued to search the sandy stream thoroughly. Sarah was determined to give her brother a reason to be proud of her, not make him annoyed that she came along. Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat. “Ben!” she cried. “They sparkle!” Covered in mud from head to toe, Sarah held some small shiny rocks in her hand. Ben jumped up and ran to observe her findings. Encouraged, he grabbed his pan and started working alongside her. “I’m glad you are so determined,” he said, trying not to laugh at how dirty she was. “You’re not so bad to have around, you know.” Sarah returned his smile. “Thanks,” she replied as she continued to pan and her head filled with visions of what she would do if her rocks were real gold. What a fascinating possibility!

Multiple Choice

Why does Sarah move over to the larger rock in the stream?

• She thinks she might have better luck finding gold there.

• She needs more space to spread out her supplies.

• She hopes she will be able to keep herself clean.

• She wants to try working without her brother

Multiple Choice

Which sentence from the passage best supports the theme that sometimes things work out better than expected?

• Sarah bounced excitedly down the narrow trail after her brother Ben.

• He had helped his father and some other adults look for gold in a spot up the river, but this was the first time Sarah had been allowed to go.

• “If we find something that looks important, we’ll take it home to ask if it is real or if it is just fool’s gold,” he suggested.

• “You’re not so bad to have around, you know.”

Multiple Select

Which sentences from the passage best show that Ben is unhappy that he had to bring his sister with him? Choose two answers.

• Ben whistled ahead of her, carrying his cloth sack of equipment over his shoulder.

• He hoped his sister would not interfere with his work.

• With only a hint of impatience, Ben took a deep breath and demonstrated for her

• “That is where small pieces of gold can sometimes be found,” he explained.

• Encouraged, he grabbed his pan and started working alongside her.

Multiple Choice

Read the sentence from the passage. Even though Sarah was excited, part of her feared that she may not be cut out for panning. What does the phrase “may not be cut out for” tell the reader about Sarah?

• The phrase shows that Sarah does not really want to learn how to pan for gold.

• The phrase shows that Sarah realizes her brother does not believe she will be helpful.

• The phrase shows that Sarah suspects the activity will not be as much fun as she hoped.

• The phrase shows that Sarah is worried she will not have enough skills to pan for gold.

Multiple Choice

Read the paragraph from the passage. After a while, Sarah noticed her brother staring silently at the water. She could tell that he was frustrated that he was not finding anything. But Sarah did not get upset. Instead, she continued to search the sandy stream thoroughly. Sarah was determined to give her brother a reason to be proud of her, not make him annoyed that she came along. How does the author’s choice of words contribute to meaning in the passage?

• It shows that Sarah is less worried about getting dirty than Ben is.

• It shows how much Sarah cares about the way Ben feels about her

• It shows that Sarah is more unsure about her task than Ben is.

• It shows how much Sarah hopes she will find gold before Ben finds gold.

Multiple Choice

Read the paragraph from the passage. He then handed the pan to Sarah. “Swirl it with your hand until the sand settles on the bottom and the water is on top,” he instructed, enjoying the role of expert. What does the word instructed mean as it is used in the paragraph?

• dared

• directed

• warned

• worried

​ Preparing a Happy Home: A Kitten’s Journal

My name is Fluffy. I lived in a local animal shelter with my feline mom, my two brothers, and two sisters. Then when I was about 10 weeks old, a family came and scooped me up and took me home with them. I am happy in my new home. In fact, I am overjoyed in my new home. The Jacksons are my new family: Daniel and Ellen, their son Malcolm, their daughter Alicia, and their dog Scout. The Jacksons have a pretty house in a peaceful neighborhood, with many sunny rooms and lots of soft, puffy furniture for me to sleep on when they are gone. They even bought me my own bed! Even though I did not like Scout at first, he and I have become good friends. Sometimes we play together. When the Jacksons are away, Scout and I even cuddle up and sleep together on the sofa. There’s a big yard out back, complete with mice, birds, and insects. Unfortunately, I’m not allowed outdoors. Ellen read somewhere that outdoor cats live only two to five years, whereas indoor cats live on and on, sometimes to age twenty. I’m sure she’s right. So, when I want to see birds or bugs, I just walk through the little door from our living room to the enclosed porch. The porch has windows all the way around. Sometimes I sit for hours on that porch watching the wrens, bluebirds, and cardinals. This way, I am safe from the outdoors but can still enjoy birdwatching. The Jacksons did make a few mistakes when they first brought me home. But I admit that I made a few mistakes, too. I will list them here, so you will know what might happen when you get your new kitten, and what you should watch out for.

• I scratched the cushion on a chair, tearing a hole in the blue cotton fabric.

• I hissed at the veterinarian.

• I scratched Scout.

​Possible Pets

​You’ve asked for a pet, and finally you have permission to get one. Now, you need to decide what type of pet to get. The following information will help you decide what type of pet is best for you. DOGS You can get a dog from many different places. You can buy one from a breeder or you can adopt one from an animal shelter. Some dogs are purebred, meaning they are only one type of dog. For example, the beagle is a purebred. Mixed breed dogs are a combination of different types. Some dogs are large, while others are small. Advantages to having a dog:

• As puppies, dogs are loving, energetic, playful, and friendly.

• As dogs become older, they become good companions and trusted playmates.

• Dogs enjoy being around people.

• Dogs can usually live with other pets.

Disadvantages to having a dog:

• Dogs require a lot of attention from humans.

• Dogs need a lot of training (how to walk on a leash, how to ride in the car, etc.).

• Dogs need a lot of exercise, especially larger breeds. They need to be walked several times a day or have access to an area where they can run.

• Dogs have to be trained where to go to the bathroom to avoid messes.

• Dogs can be very expensive for many reasons, including grooming and veterinary checkups.

• Dogs can be noisy.

​Possible Pets

​CATS Many people get their family cat from a local animal shelter or free from a family that has kittens to give away. Some cats have long hair, while others have short hair. Some cat breeds, like the Sphynx, have no hair at all. Cats can have thin tails or puffy tails. One type of cat, the Manx, has no tail. Advantages to having a cat:

• Cats are soft and can be loving.

• Cats can get along with other pets.

• Cats have an independent nature and can be left alone for periods of time.

• Cats are very clean and can groom and wash themselves.

Disadvantages to having a cat:

• Cats can be stubborn and do not always want to be in the company of people.

• Cats that live indoors need a litter box to avoid messes.

• Cats need regular shots and checkups.

• Cats may want to play at night while humans sleep.

​Possible Pets

​FISH Many people have aquariums with fish. People can have aquariums with salt water or fresh water. Freshwater fish tanks are easier to care for than salt water fish tanks. Salt water fish aquariums need more equipment and special lighting. People usually buy fish at their local pet store. Advantages to having fish: • Fish do not need a lot of attention. • Fish can be quite colorful and beautiful. • Fish may calm some people who watch them swimming. • Fish can be left alone for long periods of time. • Fish are extremely quiet.

​Possible Pets

​FISH

Disadvantages to having fish:

• Regular cleaning and care of a fish tank is essential.

• The cleaning process can take a lot of time.

• The water in a fish tank needs careful attention to keep the fish healthy.

• Certain types of fish cannot live in the same tank with other types.

• Some types of fish live only for a short time.

Make sure you have a reliable source you can go to for questions or concerns about your pet. Your first source of information should come from a veterinarian. No matter what kind of pet you decide on, pets can be great additions to your family

Multiple Choice

According to “Possible Pets,” what is a likely reason why a person would choose a fish rather than a dog?

• The person does not have a lot of time to spend with a pet.

• The person hopes to have several different kinds of pets.

• The person wants a pet that enjoys being around people.

• The person prefers pets that do not stay inside the house.

Multiple Choice

In “Preparing a Happy Home: A Kitten’s Journal,” why does Fluffy stay inside the house?

• Fluffy is still too young to go outside.

• Fluffy is happier inside a sunny room.

• Ellen believes Fluffy will live longer inside.

• Scout will chase Fluffy if they are outside.

Multiple Choice

This question has two parts. First, answer part A. Then, answer part B. Part A In “Preparing a Happy Home: A Kitten’s Journal,” how can the reader tell that Fluffy wants all kittens to have a safe and happy life?

• Fluffy describes how dogs may get along with a kitten.

• Fluffy describes how dogs may get along with a kitten.

• Fluffy provides information so that other owners will know how to care for a kitten.

• Fluffy provides information on what went wrong when the Jacksons first got their kitten.

Multiple Choice

Part B Which sentence from the passage best supports the answer in part A?

• Then when I was about 10 weeks old, a family came and scooped me up and took me home with them.

• Even though I did not like Scout at first, he and I have become good friends.

• The Jacksons did make a few mistakes when they first brought me home.

• I know this is a long list of tasks, but remember, if treated well, your kitten will become your best and most loving friend.

Multiple Choice

Read the sentences from “Possible Pets.” Some cats have long hair, while others have short hair. Some cat breeds, like the Sphynx, have no hair at all. Cats can have thin tails or puffy tails. One type of cat, the Manx, has no tail. What do the author’s words help the reader to understand?

• that cats need to be brushed often

• that cats come from different places

• that cats enjoy attention from humans

• that cats can have different appearances

Multiple Choice

How do the lists contribute to meaning in both passages?

• They both provide information about how to prepare a pet for a trip to see a veterinarian.

• They both provide information about how to prepare a pet for a trip to see a veterinarian.

• They both provide steps to follow when bringing a pet home from the shelter.

• They both draw the reader’s attention to how many different types of pets are available.

Multiple Choice

Read the paragraph from “Preparing a Happy Home: A Kitten’s Journal.” So, when I want to see birds or bugs, I just walk through the little door from our living room to the enclosed porch. The porch has windows all the way around. Sometimes I sit for hours on that porch watching the wrens, bluebirds, and cardinals. This way, I am safe from the outdoors but can still enjoy birdwatching. Which words in the paragraph help the reader understand the meaning of the word enclosed?

• want to see

• has windows all the way around

• sit for hours

• can still enjoy birdwatching

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of both passages?

• to explain why people should keep their pets inside

• to tell people to choose a pet that can be left alone for a long time

• to help people gather information before getting a family pet

• to remind people to take pets for regular walks to keep them healthy

Multiple Choice

A student is writing an opinion paper about watching television. Read the opinion. Many adults think that children spend too much time watching TV, but not all TV shows are bad. There are many television programs that are educational. People can learn about places they have never been, discover facts about animals, or even learn how to cook! TV can also be entertaining. Watching shows that are funny or exciting is a perfect way for people to relax. These are just a few of the benefits of watching TV. So, next time you tune in to your favorite show, think about all the interesting things you are learning. Which sentence should be included in the writing to clearly state the student’s opinion about television?

• I have learned lots of information by watching TV

• Many adults think that watching TV is a waste of time.

• Most children enjoy watching educational TV programs.

• I believe watching TV can actually be good for children.

Multiple Choice

A student is writing about reptiles. Read the draft. Many people get these two reptiles confused. Although they look similar, there are a few easy ways to tell these two animals apart. One of the main ways to identify these animals is to look at the shape of their heads. Alligators have shorter, wider heads than crocodiles. An alligator’s head is shaped like the letter U, while a crocodile’s head is more pointy or V-shaped. Another way to identify these animals is to look at the color of their skin. Both animals are covered with hard dry scales, but an alligator’s skin appears much darker in color than a crocodile’s skin. Which sentence would best introduce the topic?

• Did you know that alligators and crocodiles are both reptiles?

• Can you tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?

• Alligators and crocodiles have lived on Earth for a very long time.

• Alligators and crocodiles are some of the most feared animals on Earth.

Multiple Choice

A student is writing a report about animals in winter. The student wants to develop the ideas in the report. Read the report. What do you do when the weather turns cold? Do you put on warmer clothes or snuggle up in a warm blanket? Animals must prepare for cold weather too. Some animals hibernate or go into a deep sleep in the winter. Bears, groundhogs, and turtles are among the many animals that sleep during the winter months. But not all animals hibernate. There are other ways that animals prepare for cold weather. Which sentence best supports the underlined sentence?

• Many squirrels are unable to find food during the winter

• Some bears remain in a deep sleep throughout the winter

• Many birds travel to warmer places in the winter.

• Most animals wake from their winter naps in early months of spring.

Multiple Choice

Which book title has the correct capitalization?

• Lion has a loud Roar

• On the journey to California

• Monkey Fun At The Zoo

• Adventures in Space Travel

Multiple Choice

Read the sentences. “I have a good idea!” Let’s have ice cream after dinner, said Joey. Which revision corrects the punctuation mistake in the sentences?

• “I have a good idea! Let’s have ice cream after dinner, said Joey.”

• “I have a good idea! Let’s have ice cream after dinner,” said Joey

• I have a good idea! “Let’s have ice cream after dinner,” said Joey.

• I have a good idea! Let’s have ice cream after dinner, “said Joey.