Fast Reading

People do not really use music to charm snakes. Snakes have no ears, so the snake can't hear a flute. The snake charmer surprises the snake by waving a hand near it. The snake lifts its head to look around. The charmer then says back and forth or moves the flute. The snake moves its head to keep an eye on the movement.

This paragraph mainly tells:

• why flute music charms snakes

• why snakes can't hear sounds

• how people really charm snakes

Ted was anxious to try out for the basketball team. He had practiced and knew he was ready. The testing made him a little nervous, but when he found out he was accepted into the team he knew that all the work had paid off.

What is the author's purpose?

• to entertain you witha story about a boy who worked hard

• to teach how to play basketball

• to persuade you to try out for the basketball team

Yesterday was my birthday. When I woke up, I noticed my brother Josh hung up a big sign that said,"Happy Birthday, Charles!" Mom made spaghetti for dinner.

It's my favorite food in the whole world. My friend Dave came over and handed me a wrapped gift. I wondered what it was. It was a new basketball! I had a great day.

What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• Josh got lots of gifts.

• Charles got a lot of gifts.

• Charles had a great birthday.

I can't wait until this weekend! We’re going to my grandparents’ house and my entire family will be there. I will spend most of my time playing games with my cousins. We always have such a good time together! The day goes by so fast, and by the end we are all tired... but we still don’t want to leave!

What is the main idea?

• Weekends are times to travel.

• The author enjoys spending time with her family.

• The author's grandparents live far away.

I could see Neal and Jefron from a block away. They walked in my direction. As they approached, I could see from the looks on their faces that they were happy.

The word "approached" means:

• walked farther away

• skipped

• moved nearer

Kimberly, her parents, and her sister, Camille, were flying to visit Los Angeles. They were going to stay for a week with Kimberly and Camille's grandparents. Then they were going to drive down to San Diego to visit Stephanie, a girl Kimberly had met at summer camp in New Hampshire.

When would Kimberly's family go to San Diego?

• after three days in Los Angeles

• after six days in Los Angeles

• after a week in Los Angeles

The old man was walking down the street slowly. Since he was only walking, he stayed along the margins of the alley and was careful to keep to the zebra crossing when he crossed to other streets.

What does the word "pedestrian" mean in the paragraph above?

• a person traveling on foot

• a person traveling in a car

• a person resting from traveling

Steel is a very important metal which is used for many things. In the United States, the automobile industry uses the most steel. Steel is used in putting up buildings, in making cans and containers, and in making farm and factory machines.

The main idea is:

• The auto industry is the most important.

• The United States produces the most steel in the world.

• Steel is used for many purposes.

Fish, nuts, and seeds have protein. Protein helps your body build muscle and build up immunity to illnesses. It is important to get enough protein in your diet to keep you strong so that you can get all of your work done.

It is likely that:

• You need to have protein once a month.

• You don't need to eat protein.

• You need to have protein every day.

Nick wanted a puppy, so he decided to become a volunteer at the animal shelter. He was hoping to convince his parents that he was ready to take care of a puppy. He volunteered at the shelter twice each week, on Tuesdays after school and on Saturdays.

While he was there, Nick did several things. He walked the dogs and washed and brushed them. Grooming the long-haired dogs took a long time! He cleaned up the dogs’ kennels, too. He also played with the puppies to help get them used to people. Sometimes he gave them baths as well. Once in a while, Nick spent time with the kittens and cats, but he preferred working with the dogs. There was always plenty to do at the shelter, so Nick was never bored.

What does the first sentence tell about this text?

• This text is about volunteering at an animal shelter.

• This text is about taking shelter during a storm.

• This text is about adopting an animal.

• This text is about different animals.