The Four Corners Monument

Mary O'Dell

¹This summer, instead of planning the same old vacation to the beach or mountains, why not embark on a road trip adventure to the Four Corners Monument? Nothing can compare to the amazing experience of traveling to the Four Corners Monument.

²First, what exactly is the Four Corners Monument? This monument is in the Southwestern United States and marks the only point shared by four states. The states are Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. What this means is that you can actually be in four states at once! The monument also marks the boundary between the Navajo Nation and the Ute Mountain Tribe Reservation. The Navajo Nation maintains the monument. It is a popular tourist attraction.

³Next, you might wonder what this monument looks like. Is it a massive structure towering in the sky? Is it a magnificent work of nature which leaves visitors staring in wonder and awe? According to travel magazines and online travel sites, the monument is simply a flat circle of granite embedded with an aluminum bronze marker. A section for each of the four state flags and state seals surround the disk shaped monument. The Navajo and Ute nation flags are on the monument, too. Eight words, two in each state’s section, are inscribed. The message reads, "Four states here meet in freedom under God.”

⁴So why is traveling to this monument so popular? Even though it is in an isolated location, miles from anywhere, the Four Corners fascinates many people. Where else can you be four places at once? Excited tourists take pictures of friends and family members straddling the disk; bodies sprawled across all four states at once. But most visitors spend less than two hours at the monument. Even after traveling for days, some visitors spend only ten minutes at the monument!

⁵Are most travelers to the monument disappointed? Not a chance! Most travelers to the monument have scheduled visits to one of the state, national, or tribal parks and the Grand Canyon. As you plan your trip, you will be pleasantly surprised at the many places you can visit ‘along the way.’ In addition, most travelers to the Four Corners monument understand the secret known only to those who take long road trips: the fun is in the journey. The adventures you have along the way are the best part of any road trip. You never know what to expect. So even though you cannot expect fancy restaurants or even modern flush toilets at the Four Corners monument, you can expect a vacation that you will remember for years.

Read the following central idea.

The Four Corners Monument is a beautiful and meaningful structure.

Which paragraph would this sentence serve as the central idea?

Too Much TV

A. Gautam

1. There are many reasons why TV is bad for children. Too much TV time takes away parent-children time. In contrast, reading books to children or playing with them creates more family time. Children do not talk to parents while watching TV. That leads to less interaction or communication.
    

2. However, parents and kids talk while playing or reading books together. Kids often have questions about the book being read. Also, kids feel like they are getting lots of attention while playing together. Kids of all ages can enjoy books and games with their parents, just as kids of all ages watch TV today. Make a lasting change, and replace TV with books and games. 

What is the author trying to convince the reader to do?

Too Much TV

A. Gautam

1. There are many reasons why TV is bad for children. Too much TV time takes away parent-children time. In contrast, reading books to children or playing with them creates more family time. Children do not talk to parents while watching TV. That leads to less interaction or communication.
    

2. However, parents and kids talk while playing or reading books together. Kids often have questions about the book being read. Also, kids feel like they are getting lots of attention while playing together. Kids of all ages can enjoy books and games with their parents, just as kids of all ages watch TV today. Make a lasting change, and replace TV with books and games. 

Which of these, if added, would make the author’s argument stronger?

Too Much TV

A. Gautam

1. There are many reasons why TV is bad for children. Too much TV time takes away parent-children time. In contrast, reading books to children or playing with them creates more family time. Children do not talk to parents while watching TV. That leads to less interaction or communication.
    

2. However, parents and kids talk while playing or reading books together. Kids often have questions about the book being read. Also, kids feel like they are getting lots of attention while playing together. Kids of all ages can enjoy books and games with their parents, just as kids of all ages watch TV today. Make a lasting change, and replace TV with books and games. 

What is the author's main message in this passage?

Save Our Corner of the Library

L. Hernandez

Dear Owners of the Franklin Memorial Library,
 

1. One of my favorite places in all the world is the children's section of the Franklin Memorial Library. Before I learned to read, my mother would sit with me on one of the rocking chairs and share books with beautiful pictures. Sometimes, I would play with other kids my age. There were puzzles and puppets, and even coloring books and crayons.
    

2. Later, when I learned to read by myself, I would wait in the children's section while my mother visited the other sections of the library. I loved to settle down into a bean bag chair under the fake tree and read all the books I could carry in my arms. The bright colors of the furniture made me very happy, and I especially liked the mural of green hills and blue skies on the wall. I felt as if I were really outside enjoying the fresh air!
   

3. Yesterday, I learned that you have plans to replace the children's section of the library with a new computer lab. I am very sad about this. The children's section of the Franklin Memorial Library is a very important part of my childhood, so if you destroy it you will be destroying me. Not only that, but my sister is turning a year old next month. Soon, she will also start visiting the children's section, and she deserves the same experience that I had. If the children's corner of the library is not there as she grows up, she might not ever learn to read. She could end up being the kind of person who doesn't even like books. Do you want to be responsible for that?
    

4. Please think carefully about this decision. A new computer lab is great, but maybe you could find another section of the library to replace. The children's section is a special place. Do the right thing for your own children, and keep our corner safe.
    

5. Your book-loving friend,
   Anahí Romero

Read the following sentences from the letter.

Not only that, but my sister is turning a year old next month. Soon, she will also start visiting the children's section, and she deserves the same experience that I had.

What is the author of the letter trying to claim in these sentences?

Save Our Corner of the Library

L. Hernandez

Dear Owners of the Franklin Memorial Library,
 

1. One of my favorite places in all the world is the children's section of the Franklin Memorial Library. Before I learned to read, my mother would sit with me on one of the rocking chairs and share books with beautiful pictures. Sometimes, I would play with other kids my age. There were puzzles and puppets, and even coloring books and crayons.
    

2. Later, when I learned to read by myself, I would wait in the children's section while my mother visited the other sections of the library. I loved to settle down into a bean bag chair under the fake tree and read all the books I could carry in my arms. The bright colors of the furniture made me very happy, and I especially liked the mural of green hills and blue skies on the wall. I felt as if I were really outside enjoying the fresh air!
   

3. Yesterday, I learned that you have plans to replace the children's section of the library with a new computer lab. I am very sad about this. The children's section of the Franklin Memorial Library is a very important part of my childhood, so if you destroy it you will be destroying me. Not only that, but my sister is turning a year old next month. Soon, she will also start visiting the children's section, and she deserves the same experience that I had. If the children's corner of the library is not there as she grows up, she might not ever learn to read. She could end up being the kind of person who doesn't even like books. Do you want to be responsible for that?
    

4. Please think carefully about this decision. A new computer lab is great, but maybe you could find another section of the library to replace. The children's section is a special place. Do the right thing for your own children and keep our corner safe.
    

5. Your book-loving friend,
   Anahí Romero

How does the author argue her main claim in the letter?

Passage 1: Save Our Corner of the Library

L. Hernandez

Dear Owners of the Franklin Memorial Library,
 

1. One of my favorite places in all the world is the children's section of the Franklin Memorial Library. Before I learned to read, my mother would sit with me on one of the rocking chairs and share books with beautiful pictures. Sometimes, I would play with other kids my age. There were puzzles and puppets, and even coloring books and crayons.
    

2. Later, when I learned to read by myself, I would wait in the children's section while my mother visited the other sections of the library. I loved to settle down into a bean bag chair under the fake tree and read all the books I could carry in my arms. The bright colors of the furniture made me very happy, and I especially liked the mural of green hills and blue skies on the wall. I felt as if I were really outside enjoying the fresh air!
   

3. Yesterday, I learned that you have plans to replace the children's section of the library with a new computer lab. I am very sad about this. The children's section of the Franklin Memorial Library is a very important part of my childhood, so if you destroy it you will be destroying me. Not only that, but my sister is turning a year old next month. Soon, she will also start visiting the children's section, and she deserves the same experience that I had. If the children's corner of the library is not there as she grows up, she might not ever learn to read. She could end up being the kind of person who doesn't even like books. Do you want to be responsible for that?
    

4. Please think carefully about this decision. A new computer lab is great, but maybe you could find another section of the library to replace. The children's section is a special place. Do the right thing for your own children, and keep our corner safe.
    

5. Your book-loving friend,
   Anahí Romero

Passage 2: Make Way for the Future

Peter Hill

1. ASHLAND– The most popular public library in town is getting a makeover. Nobody is more thrilled about the new computer lab than little Aiyana. 
    

2. Aiyana said, “I learn so much online in school. Now, I can log into those websites at the library when my mother brings me here. You know, I have to wait forever for my turn. The big kids always get on the computer. They never leave! When we have more computers for little kids like me here, I won’t have to wait. I am so excited.” 
    

3. Aiyana is happy about the new computer lab in the children’s section. Aiyana’s friend Nadi also said that his teachers let him use many computer programs in his kindergarten class. 
    

4. “I love the code hour. Now, I can practice in the library. Yay!” Nadi said.
    

5. “We are just adjusting to the way most children learn these days,” Rachel Beekeeps, a librarian at Franklin Memorial Library said. “Any way we can, we want children to keep coming here.”

How are the two passages similar?

Save Our Corner of the Library

L. Hernandez

Dear Owners of the Franklin Memorial Library,
 

1. One of my favorite places in all the world is the children's section of the Franklin Memorial Library. Before I learned to read, my mother would sit with me on one of the rocking chairs and share books with beautiful pictures. Sometimes, I would play with other kids my age. There were puzzles and puppets, and even coloring books and crayons.
    

2. Later, when I learned to read by myself, I would wait in the children's section while my mother visited the other sections of the library. I loved to settle down into a bean bag chair under the fake tree and read all the books I could carry in my arms. The bright colors of the furniture made me very happy, and I especially liked the mural of green hills and blue skies on the wall. I felt as if I were really outside enjoying the fresh air!
   

3. Yesterday, I learned that you have plans to replace the children's section of the library with a new computer lab. I am very sad about this. The children's section of the Franklin Memorial Library is a very important part of my childhood, so if you destroy it you will be destroying me. Not only that, but my sister is turning a year old next month. Soon, she will also start visiting the children's section, and she deserves the same experience that I had. If the children's corner of the library is not there as she grows up, she might not ever learn to read. She could end up being the kind of person who doesn't even like books. Do you want to be responsible for that?
    

4. Please think carefully about this decision. A new computer lab is great, but maybe you could find another section of the library to replace. The children's section is a special place. Do the right thing for your own children, and keep our corner safe.
    

5. Your book-loving friend,
   Anahí Romero

The author MOST LIKELY includes paragraphs 1 and  2 of the letter in order to—

Where should someone click to hear a word’s pronunciation?

A Magical Yellow Fruit

L. Hernandez

1. Bananas are one of the healthiest and most convenient fruits. They are packed with potassium and fiber, which help your body stay hydrated and feel full. They can also be eaten just as they are without having to worry about making a mess. If you like to get creative with your food, however, then bananas are perfect for you because they are so versatile. You can eat them in many different ways! 
    

2. The most basic thing you can do with bananas is to slice them. You can then add the slices to your cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, or even peanut butter. Slices can be placed on a long wooden stick called a skewer, along with other pieces of fruit, for a nutritious after-school snack. Another option is to cut the bananas in half and dip them in chocolate.
    

3. If you have a blender, try making healthy smoothies from bananas, milk, and other fruit. You can also mash bananas up and make pudding to enjoy with vanilla wafers. The next time you make pancakes, try adding mashed bananas to the mix for a subtle sweet taste.
    

4. For people who love to bake, bananas make a great companion. You can make banana bread from ripe bananas for a delicious treat. Banana-oatmeal cookies are another tasty option. The mashed banana in these cookies takes the place of flour for a healthy alternative to ordinary cookies.
    

5. As you can see, the possibilities for eating bananas are endless. It might even be fun to experiment with them and see if you can find a new way to prepare them.

What is the meaning of the word "versatile" in the passage?

Trip Through the Southwest

L. Hernandez
 

1. Every summer, my family takes a vacation to a different place. My parents usually choose the place, but this year, since we are getting older, they asked for our opinion. I wanted to visit the mountains and desert. My brother had his heart set on visiting the beach. My mother wanted to visit a national park, and my father had been looking forward to going to Las Vegas for a long time. Since we all wanted something different, my parents decided that we would take a trip that would make all of us happy.
   
   

2. We began our trip in Dallas, Texas, where we live, and headed west. My mother and father took turns driving all day long, and in the evening we arrived at a little town in northern New Mexico named Mora. From there, we drove along a narrow road all along the side of a mountain. We could feel our ears pop as we climbed up and up. We arrived at our hotel when it was already dark, so we couldn’t see how high we were. The next morning, however, we drove to a scenic overlook. We were high in the mountains and could see for miles! The pine trees were bright green. We could smell their sap in the clear, fresh air.
    

3. In the afternoon, we drove back down from the mountain and continued our trip. The road took us through deserts, and after several hours, the terrain changed again. We stopped for gas in a place called Flagstaff, Arizona, and I was surprised at how cold the temperature was. About an hour later, my dad turned onto a smaller road and we entered Grand Canyon National Park. The scenery there was breathtaking. 
    

4. After spending two days at the Grand Canyon, we kept going on our trip. We passed through Las Vegas, Nevada and then headed toward the state of California. It was my brother’s turn to get his wish. Early the next morning, we drove to a beach just north of Los Angeles. The water was very cold, but he still went in. Later, we spent hours playing in the sand.
    

5. Even though each of us had a different opinion about what would make a perfect vacation, we realized that any place can be fun and exciting when you are with your family. My brother and I decided that next summer, we would let our parents go back to choosing the vacation destination on their own.

1. According to paragraph 2, what does the word "overlook" mean?

Raul’s Big Problem

L. Hernandez

1. Raul and his friends had a big problem. Samuel, the new student, loved to torment his classmates. He pulled the girls’ hair and knocked their books from their desks. In P.E. class he deliberately pushed the other boys as hard as he could and then pretended it had been an accident. 
    

2. One day, during recess, Samuel approached Raul and his friends on the playground.
    

3. “Your shoes are ugly!” he said to a girl named Lola. Lola looked down at her feet with a sad look on her face. Then Samuel turned to Raul. “Did your grandmother give you that shirt? I bet it used to be hers.”
    

4. Raul looked straight into Samuel’s eyes. “I happen to like my shirt,” he said, standing proudly.
    

5. Samuel looked confused for a moment. Then he frowned. “Of course you do,” he said, as he began to walk away. “You don’t know anything about fashion!” 
    

6. After Samuel left, Raul turned to Lola. “Don’t worry about him,” he said. “I think your shoes are great.” His other friends gathered closer to cheer Lola up.
    

7. “Thank you,” said Lola. “I guess Samuel can’t really hurt me that much when I have such great friends.”

According to paragraph 1, what does the word “torment” mean?

The log crackled in the fireplace. __________________ the mantle hung a large wreath filled with eucalyptus.

an expression that doesn’t exactly mean what the words say

when two things are compared using like or as

a comparison in which one thing is said to be another

giving human qualities to inanimate objects

Pop! went the top of the soda bottle.

The snake slithered across the sandy beach.

It is going to take me a million years to write this essay.

The quote, "The time is always right to do what is right," by Martin Luther King Jr. is a:

A history textbook is a: