RenStar Practice

Mark rolled down the sidewalk on his skateboard. He tried to move fast because he didn't want to be late for practice. However, his skateboard was not up to it. Mark thought the wheels might need to be oiled. He kept glancing at his watch and worrying. Then Mark saw the playing field up ahead. He was going to be on time.

What is Mark's problem?

• A. His watch is broken, so he doesn't know what time it is.

• B. His skateboard is going slow, and he's worried he might be late.

• C. His skateboard wheels need oil, but he doesn't have any.

Yesenia waited at the stop for the streetcar. She expected it to come thundering up like a regular train. She expected it to have a loud, sad whistle. It didn't sound like this at all. It hissed quietly as it rolled up to the stop. Its horn beeped like a car horn.

Why does the author use the words "loud, sad whistle"?

• A. to show that a streetcar is sad like a train

• B. to help you imagine how loud a streetcar is

• C. to show how a train sounds

Vermont is a great place to go on vacation. There are many things for visitors to do and see. We have more than fifty state parks that are great for camping. Two presidents were born in Vermont. Their homes are now open to visitors. Millions of people visit these and other places in Vermont each year.

How does the writer support the first statement?

• A. by explaining why Vermont is better than other states

• B. by listing some reasons many people visit Vermont

• C. by saying that two presidents were born in Vermont

Starfish of different sizes and colors live in the oceans. Starfish are often yellow, orange, or brown. But they can be bright colors, too. From point to point, a starfish can be as small as a paper clip or as long as a yardstick. Most starfish are shaped like stars, with five arms extending from their bodies. But some starfish, called sunstars, have a dozen arms. Other types have 25 arms.

From point to point, a starfish can be the size of a –

• A. Grain of rice

• B. Car

• C. Yardstick

• D. Door

Seeing the sunshine put Erika in a cheerful mood today.

Which is a synonym for cheerful?

• A. merry

• B. silly

• C. careful

We are subject to the laws of our state.

In which sentence does subject have the same meaning as it does in the sentence

above?

• A. What is the subject of the second sentence?

• B. Art is Jennifer’s favorite subject in school this year.

• C. He was a loyal subject of Prince Phillip.

• D. Everyone is subject to catching a cold right now.

Scientists have been studying how people talk to each other. In one study, the scientists asked people about their feelings. Do people talk more about sad and angry feelings? Or do they talk more about happy and proud feelings? Scientists found out that people talk about unhappy feelings twice as much as happy feelings.

The main idea of this passage is to explain-

• A. how to get over sad and angry feelings

• B. what scientists have learned about feelings

• C. which feelings people talk about most often

• D. how often people brag about feeling unhappy

Brayden was having an amazing dream. He was flying after a hawk that carried a golden box. Just as he reached to grasp the hawk, his alarm clock rang! Brayden still didn't know what was in the box. Then he had an idea. He immediately recorded all he could remember about the dream. Later, he wrote a story about his dream. It ended with discovering what was in the box.

How does Brayden solve the problem in this story?

• A. He wakes up because his alarm clock rings.

• B. He has a dream about flying after a hawk.

• D. He writes a story that finishes the dream.

Matthew moved the gate back and forth and listened to the loud squeaking. He saw strips of paint curling away from the wood. Matthew ran his hand against the deep, rough cracks in the boards. It was a wonder that the gate even held together.

Why does the author include all the details about the gate?

• A. to help describe what Matthew looks like

• B. to show that the gate is old and broken down

• C. to explain that the gate is at Matthew's house

Becoming a hot-air balloon pilot takes a lot of preparation. People begin by riding in hot air balloons. Then they fly alongside other pilots. These experienced pilots teach them all about the balloons and how to fly them. When they are ready, they practice flying the balloons while the pilots watch. Finally, they take a test. If they pass, they become pilots!

How does the writer support the idea in the first sentence?

• A. by showing how pilots become comfortable in balloons

• B. by explaining what people must do to become pilots

• C. by telling about the different classes pilots take in school