Selection: C-5

C-5

Grade level: 3

Word count: 1270 words

Author: Madeline Arroyo

Synopsis: Fires can help the forest, but more often they destroy it.

Excerpt: Although we usually hear only about the harm a forest fire does, it is a part of the cycle of life on Earth. Some kinds of plants depend on fire to help their growth. During a fire, burned plants release nutrients into the ground. These make the soil rich and help new plants grow. This new growth is good for the forest and the animals that live there.

Question: Which statement from the selection supports the author's claim that sometimes a wildfire can be helpful?

1. Burned plants release nutrients into the ground.
2. The sun's heat can set off a fire.
3. A fire team may battle a wildfire from the air.
4. A soft wood tree, like a fir tree, will burn fast.

Selection: C-53

C-53

Grade level: 3

Word count: 1360 words

Author: Kate Carter

Synopsis: DJ Focus, also known as Kelvin Doe, is using his knowledge of science to help his community and the world.

Excerpt: Kelvin Doe is from a country in Africa. He was born there in 1996. Kelvin is special for many reasons. First, he is very smart. He has always been an excellent student, especially in science.

Kelvin Doe lives in Sierra Leone.

A man named David Sengeh was in charge of the contest. David had grown up in Sierra Leone. But at the time of the contest he was a college student in the United States. He was a top student at one of America's best science schools.

Question: Based on this selection, in which two of the following ways are Kelvin Doe and David Sengeh alike?

1. They are both from Sierra Leone.
2. They both study science.
3. They are both DJs.
4. They both started radio stations.
5. They both won a science contest.