Selection: E-2

E-2

Grade level: 5

Word count: 1433 words

Author: Nancy McConnell

Synopsis: The Hubble telescope is our doorway to the wonders of the universe.

Excerpt: The Hubble also has taken pictures that may show how a new planet is born. These pictures show that dust, in the shape of a disk, forms around stars. Scientists believe these disks may become planets. Because of the Hubble's data, scientists think that new planets may form in many parts of the universe. Hubble also has sent us images of new stars being born.

Question: Based on what you read in this selection, which is correct?

1. Hubble has confirmed that the universe is always growing and changing.
2. Hubble has shown us water exists on many other planets in the universe.
3. Hubble has warned us that the universe will soon be too crowded.
4. Hubble has proven that Earth is the only planet in the universe.

Selection: E-8

E-8

Grade level: 5

Word count: 1530 words

Author: Kate Carter

Synopsis: Writer Ray Bradbury's science fiction shows a future in which we might not want to live.

Excerpt: No excerpt is available for this question.

Question: This selection is mainly about Ray Bradbury and his

1. ideas and achievements.
2. support for public libraries.
3. ability to predict the future.
4. failure as an actor.

Selection: HiE-19

HiE-19

Grade level: 5

Word count: 1550 words

Author: Aaron Palmer and Claire O'Connell

Synopsis: Did the ancient city of Atlantis really exist? Some people think so. Their searches have led to some amazing discoveries.

Excerpt: The empire of Atlantis controlled its part of the world and beyond, into Africa. If we are to believe the tale told by Plato, then all of this is true. According to Plato, it lies at the bottom of the ocean. The city was pulled under by a tragic and deadly event. This event has kept Atlantis hidden ever since.

Question: According to Plato, what happened to Atlantis?

1. It was pulled under the sea by a deadly natural event.
2. It was captured by an ancient Greek ruler.
3. It was set on fire by a huge lightning storm.
4. It was destroyed by thieves looking for treasure.

Selection: HiE-12

HiE-12

Grade level: 5

Word count: 1627 words

Author: Randi Bender

Synopsis: Believe it or not, insects can help reduce world hunger.

Question: Based on what you read about insects that have bright colors, what do you know about this insect?

1. It is harmful to people and birds if eaten.
2. It is one of the healthiest insects to eat.
3. It tastes best if it is fed special food.
4. It tastes sweet, like sugar or honey.

Selection: HiE-38

HiE-38

Grade level: 5

Word count: 1581 words

Author: Courtney Triola

Synopsis: There are many sphinxes in the world. You might even know a few.

Excerpt: Although most scientists believe King Khafre was responsible for building the Great Sphinx, there are those who argue against this view. Some believe the Great Sphinx was built by Khufu, King Khafre's father. Khufu had built the first Great Pyramid. Others believe the Great Sphinx is older than both Khafre and Khufu. Researchers who worked at the Giza site in the 1850s unearthed an ancient text. This ancient text told how Khufu found the Great Sphinx buried in the sand.

Question: This excerpt explains that some scientists think the Great Sphinx at Giza is older than both Kings Khufu and Khafre. Choose the sentence that gives evidence to support this.

Selection: E-43

E-43

Grade level: 5

Word count: 1419 words

Author: Erica Cirino

Synopsis: Swamps, mangroves, and alligators are all part of the Florida Everglades. In some ways this wetland environment has changed over time, but in other ways it has not.

Excerpt: One kind of tree you would see in Ten Thousand Islands is the mangrove. The mangrove tree has long roots that look like skinny legs. The roots stick up high above the land. If the land is covered with water, a little section of the root can stick out of the water.

These long roots help the tree to live in a place where there is a blend of ocean water and fresh water. The roots take in ocean water and fresh water from the swamp. Then, they get rid of much of the salt in the ocean water. The roots get rid of the salt so it does not hurt other sections of the tree.

Mangrove trees grow near one another and the roots from different mangrove trees twist together. The roots twist together so much that they form a thick wall. The wall of twisted roots is so thick that you would have a hard time walking through a mangrove forest.

Question: Three of these statements about mangrove trees are correct. Which one is NOT correct?

1. Mangrove tree roots never touch one another.
2. Mangrove trees have roots that are long and thin.
3. Mangrove tree roots stick up above the land.
4. Mangrove tree roots take in fresh and ocean water.