The rain fell on the dark sidewalk reflecting the lights of the city.  It was cold and the fog was setting in.  Marisa trudged down the sidewalk feeling the weight of her backpack.  It had been an especially hard soccer practice this afternoon.  She was already soaked through before she began walking.  Finally, she saw the streetlight near her building, a welcome sight indeed.  She couldn’t wait to share some warm soup with her family.

What feeling does the story create?

The famous cowboy Will Rogers was born on an Oklahoma ranch to Cherokee parents.  As a young man, he struggled to make a living rope tricks in the circus.  Rogers’s big break finally came during a performance in New York.  At a rodeo show, a steer escaped and Rogers masterfully roped it.  The story was front-page news, and the resulting publicity made Will Rogers a celebrity practically overnight.

How would the story about the steer be different if Will Rogers told it?

The audience settled down when the mayor came to the microphone.  The mayor asked for people’s comments on creating a new park.  Mrs. Becker said she was in favor of the park because it would have safe, modern equipment.  Mr. McIntosh spoke against the park, saying it would be expensive to build, and the money was needed for roads.  The speakers gave the mayor petitions signed by supporters of each point of view.

What is the main idea of this passage?

Many years ago, people predicted the weather using short poems they had memorized.  Being able to predict the weather helped people plan their work schedules and other activities.  This is an example of weather rhyme.

When the dew is on the grass,

Rain will never come to pass.

When grass is dry at morning light,

Look for rain before the night.

                What is the main purpose of the passage?

Maribel caught one to have a closer look, and it glowed in her hand.  Fireflies are only little beetle, she thought, but somehow, they capture people’s imaginations.  She let the beetle go and went back into the house feeling happy.

How does the setting affect Maribel?

Kenta could hear the steady rhythm of a bouncing basketball outside.  He wanted to play with his friends, but he was getting over a cold and still felt tired.  Kenta’s mom told him to relax, drink some tea, and go to sleep early.

The next day, Kenta felt a lot better.  His mom told him to wait one more day before joining his friends outdoors.

What is the theme of the story?

Miguel and his mom were talking about the student council election.  Miguel thought he might be a good candidate.  Miguel mentioned that he volunteered for neighborhood activities.  He also enjoyed organizing projects for his school club.  He noted that he was the captain of the basketball team too.  His mother agreed Miguel would make a great candidate.  She had only one objection: “When will you have time for homework?”

What might be a problem with Miguel as a candidate?

Mattie is an enthusiastic bird watcher.  She is never without binoculars and a small journal.  On weekends, she goes on group hikes to identify birds.  Mattie’s family is planning their annual vacation.  Each year, they select and research several possibilities, and then they vote.  This year the choices are a theme park, the nation’s capital, or a lake known for its variety of ducks and geese.

Mattie will probably vote for which vacation activity?

Mrs. Ortega had woven the many beautiful fabrics that covered the walls in the Ortega home.  Now, she wanted to acquaint her daughter Mariana with the craft her own mother taught her.  Mrs. Ortega started by showing Mariana how to set up the strings on a loom.  She taught her to pass the yarn across the strings, weaving it over and under them.  Within a few hours, she had helped Mariana weaver her first small square.

From the passage, what is true of Mrs. Ortega?