As I tie my running shoes, Dad says, “Dante, you need to relax.”  My excitement level is so high, it’s unlikely that will happen.  My greatest challenge in this race will be running against my cousin, Troy.  He will also be my greatest comfort.  He always runs with grace and confidence.  Troy says he feels a powerful rush of energy when he starts running.  I’m hoping Troy inspires me to do my best.

Who is telling the story?

At one time, the only way to cross San Francisco Bay was by ferryboat.  That changed when the Golden Gate Bridge opened to traffic.  Then people had a choice.  They could take their cars across on the ferry or over the less-expensive bridge.  The ferry owners were worried about losing business.  They dropped their prices, so it would cost less to take the ferry than to cross the bridge.

Why did the ferry owners lower their prices?

Al has started to read a book with photographs on each page.  He looks at each photograph and then reads the words underneath.

What information will Al find in those words?

Martha made toast for her breakfast. Her little brother said he wanted toast too. Martha said, “Sorry, the bread is gone. You can have part of my toast. Then we will both have some.”

What lesson does the story teach?

A plant comes from a seed. First, it is planted in the ground. Then the sun warms the seed. It is watered by the rain. Soon, the seed may grow into a tiny plant.

What happens to the seed first?

Trenton set his camera on the stand. He aimed the camera toward the eagle’s nest. He hoped to snap a photograph of the bird with its wings stretched out. He thought his spot gave him the best view of the nest. As he waited, he enjoyed the beautiful scenery in the mountains.

What did Trenton want to photograph?

Jeanette is writing a school report about Komodo dragons.

Which source will give her the best information?

Off the coast of Africa is an island that was once home to the flightless dodo bird. The dodo had a large beak and white tail feathers. Although it was friendly, it was a very unattractive bird. Because the dodo did not have any enemies, it was safe living on the ground. In 1581, people brought dogs and pigs to the island. These animals hunted the dodo, and just over one hundred years later, the dodo was extinct.

Which statement is an opinion?

Kenji and Lydia were the last two in gym class to be paired up for square dancing. They gave each other a tentative smile before taking their places in their group. When the music started and a voice called the moves, Kenji and Lydia stumbled clumsily through the first dance. By the end of the class, though, Kenji and Lydia could get through a whole dance smoothly.

What do you think Kenji and Lydia will do in the class next time?