Reading Comprehension Long Texts

What is the meaning of the word stretches as it is used in this sentence?

"Long stretches of sand and the hot sun make it feel like a desert." (paragraph 1)

• growing pieces

• shrinking areas

• unused pieces

• unbroken areas

What is the meaning of the word scurry as it is used in this sentence?

"Little shore birds scurry in and out of the waves." (paragraph 2)

• fly carefully

• peck lightly

• move quickly

• walk slowly

Weather reporters have to give out a lot of information. That's why they use pictures. The pictures help them tell us about the weather without using so many words. Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is. They need to know where the warm air is. They have to know where it is raining and what types of clouds are in the area. Their reports need to be correct, but they also need to be short. The pictures help weather reporters get the information out in a fast way.
Which sentence best describes the main idea of the paragraph?

• Weather reporters need to know where the cold air is
• Pictures help weather reporters get information out in a fast way
• Their reports need to be correct, but they also need to be short
• They have to know where it is raining and what types of clouds are in the area

As a girl Beyonce loved to sing. She was born in Houston, Texas. At 8 years old, she had a girls group. They named the group Destiny's Child. Her family helped out. Her mom made outfits. She had a powerful voice and wrote the group's songs. Her glamorous style helped the group become one of the most famous girl groups of all time. They wowed audiences with their R&B style. Her songs were catchy and fun. When she went solo, her songs were more mature. People loved them.

Where was Beyonce born?

• Austin, Texas

• Houston, Texas

• Los Angeles, California

Some people say that the White House has ghosts. The most famous ghost is Abraham Lincoln. He is often seen standing in his room looking out the window. Even Eleanor Roosevelt said that she saw him. There is a legend that old Abe walks back and forth all night before something terrible is about to happen. This paragraph mainly tells:

• what Lincoln's ghost is like

• when Eleanor Roosevelt's ghost walked

• how many ghosts the White House has

People do not really use music to charm snakes. Snakes have no ears, so the snake can't hear a flute. The snake charmer startles 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

Bill can not find his shoes would be an example of a ________ in the story.

• Setting
• Place
• Problem

The people in a story are called the ...

• personages

• characters

• actors

John and Matt want to be firemen. They want to ride on the big fire truck. John wants to climb ladders and rescue people from fires. Matt wants to hold the big hose and spray water on the fires to put them out.

What is the main idea?

• John wants to climb a ladder.

• John and Matt want to be firemen

• Matt wants to hold a fire hose.

Ted was anxious to try out for the basketball team. He had practiced and knew he was ready. Tryouts made him a little nervous, but when he found out he made 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