Selection: D-6

D-6

Grade level: 4

Word count: 1328 words

Author: Kate Carter

Synopsis: Tough and tougher: that describes the plants and animals that make their home in the desert.

Excerpt: No excerpt is available for this question.

Question: What is the main idea of this selection?

1. Plants and animals have adapted to life in the dry desert.
2. People cannot survive in the desert but animals can do so.
3. Cold deserts have more plant life and animals than hot deserts.
4. Deserts are disappearing from all parts of the Earth.

Selection: D-7

D-7

Grade level: 4

Word count: 1565 words

Author: Madeline Arroyo

Synopsis: Rafael Cordero made the world a better place, one head and heart at a time.

Excerpt: It seems that most movies and television shows tell us that real heroes are people who often make a lot of noise, occasionally kick up a lot of dust, and generally can't help but get noticed. Makes it kind of hard for people like you and me to believe that someday we could be heroes too, doesn't it?

The truth is that real heroes are everyday people (like you and me) who see a need and have the courage to do something about it, even if no one applauds and cheers. Rafael Cordero y Molina, the son of freed African slaves, was such a hero.

Question: Which of the following statements summarizes the author's opinion about heroes?

1. A true hero is an everyday person who has the courage to make a change in the world.
2. The only kinds of heroes that matter in the world are movie heroes.
3. A movie hero is more likely to be brave than an everyday hero.
4. Most everyday heroes are not as courageous as movies heroes.

Selection: D-5

D-5

Grade level: 4

Word count: 1577 words

Author: Mary Dunn

Synopsis: Things are not going right for Peter--not at all. But it's nothing a few jelly beans can't fix.

Excerpt: No excerpt is available for this question.

Question: This selection is mainly about

1. how things sometimes turn out better than you expect them to.
2. how to make a great pot of soup by adding surprising things.
3. two people who don't get along but have to spend the day together.
4. learning how to live without peanut butter for one day.

Selection: D-5

D-5

Grade level: 4

Word count: 1577 words

Author: Mary Dunn

Synopsis: Things are not going right for Peter--not at all. But it's nothing a few jelly beans can't fix.

Excerpt: "Hi, Red," she says, reaching down to pet him. Then she holds out a hand to me and says, "You must be Peter. Your uncle told me that his famous nephew who hits home runs was coming today."

"He did?" I ask, with a grin. "Well, umm, Uncle Jesse wants to know if you have an onion--or some peanut butter."

"I have an onion, but no peanut butter," she says, heading to her kitchen. She returns with a whole bag of onions and drops them in my arms. I thank her, and Red and I head back to Uncle Jesse's place.

Question: What is the most important thing Peter learns from Mrs. James?

1. He learns that his uncle has been talking about him.
2. He learns that she has no peanut butter.
3. He learns that she loves dogs, especially Red.
4. He learns that neighbors often give you more than you ask for.