Directions: Read each passage carefully. Answer the questions using text evidence and making inferences. Remember: Text Evidence = words from the passage that PROVE your answer. Inference = text clues + what you know.
Passage 1: The Mysterious Package
Emma rushed home from school, her backpack bouncing as she ran. She had been thinking about the package all day. It had arrived that morning with no return address - just her name written in fancy gold letters. The box was surprisingly heavy for its small size. Emma's mother said she could open it after dinner, which felt like forever away. Emma sat at the kitchen table, drumming her fingers impatiently while her mother prepared spaghetti. She kept glancing at the box sitting on the counter, wondering what could be inside.
Questions About Passage 1
1. According to the passage, when did the package arrive?
2. Based on the passage, how is Emma feeling? What text evidence supports this?
Emma is feeling:
Evidence from text:
3. Which detail from the passage suggests the package might contain something special?
Passage 2: The Science of Sleep
Sleep is essential for the human body, especially for children. During sleep, the brain sorts through everything learned during the day and stores important information in memory. This is why students who get enough sleep often perform better on tests. Scientists recommend that children ages 6-12 get 9-12 hours of sleep each night. Without enough sleep, it becomes harder to concentrate, make decisions, and control emotions. Studies show that children who don't get enough sleep are more likely to get sick because sleep helps strengthen the immune system.
Questions About Passage 2
4. According to the passage, how many hours of sleep do scientists recommend for children ages 6-12?
5. Which sentence from the passage BEST supports the idea that sleep helps students do well in school?
6. Based on the passage, what can you infer about a student who often feels tired and has trouble paying attention in class?
Passage 3: The New Neighbor
Marcus watched from his bedroom window as the moving truck pulled up next door. He had lived in this neighborhood his whole life, and the Hendersons had been like family. Now they were gone, and strangers were moving in. A boy about his age jumped out of the truck, wearing a soccer jersey. He was bouncing a soccer ball on his knee. Marcus looked at his own soccer poster on the wall and the cleats by his door. Maybe, just maybe, this wouldn't be so bad after all. He grabbed his ball and headed outside.
Questions About Passage 3
7. At the beginning of the passage, how does Marcus feel about new neighbors moving in?
8. What can you infer about why Marcus "grabbed his ball and headed outside"?
9. Which details from the passage support the inference that Marcus and the new boy might become friends? Give TWO pieces of evidence.
Evidence 1:
Evidence 2:
Passage 4: Coral Reefs in Danger
Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems that support about 25% of all marine life. These colorful structures are built by tiny animals called coral polyps over thousands of years. Unfortunately, coral reefs around the world are dying at an alarming rate. Rising ocean temperatures cause coral to lose its color and eventually die - a process called coral bleaching. Pollution and overfishing also threaten reef health. Scientists estimate that we have already lost half of the world's coral reefs. If we don't take action to protect these ecosystems, they could disappear within our lifetime.
Questions About Passage 4
10. According to the passage, what percentage of marine life do coral reefs support?
11. Based on the passage, what can you infer would happen to marine life if coral reefs disappeared?
12. The author states that "Scientists estimate that we have already lost half of the world's coral reefs." Why does the author MOST LIKELY include this detail?