Comprehension Skills 40 Short Passages for Close Reading Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources GRADE Linda Ward Beech New York • Toronto • London • Auckland • Sydney Mexico City • New Delhi • Hong Kong • Buenos Aires The reading passages in this book were selected and adapted from the following titles in the series, 35 Reading Passages for Comprehension: Context Clues & Figurative Language, Inferences & Drawing Conclusions, Main Ideas & Summarizing, and Point of View & Fact and Opinion (Scholastic, 2006) Copyright © 2006 by Linda Ward Beech Cover design by Jorge J Namerow Interior design by Jason Robinson Illustrations by Mike Gordon ISBN: 978-0-545-46057-6 Text copyright © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech Illustrations copyright © 2012 by Scholastic Inc Published by Scholastic Inc All rights reserved Printed in the U.S.A 10 40 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources The reproducible pages in this book may be reproduced for classroom use No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher For information regarding permission, write to Scholastic Inc., 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 Contents Using This Book Comprehension Skills At-a-Glance Meeting the Common Core State Standards Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources Passages Crazy Records Buying Eggs 22 Ancient Trade Center 28 23 Elegant Elephants 29 Curiosities Strange and Stinky 10 24 Matzeliger’s Machine 30 25 Fort Christina 31 Friend of the Everglades 11 Presenting Palladio 12 26 Bridge Signs 32 27 A President Preserves 33 Daniel Webster’s Program 13 Clues for a Hobby 14 28 Snowy Ride 34 29 Pets for People 35 Big Business 15 10 Long-Ago Lighthouse 16 30 Ikebana 36 31 Ears at Work 37 11 Island Homes 17 12 Capturing Harlem 18 32 Over They Go 38 33 Oil History 13 Running With Haruurara 19 14 Up the Amazon 20 34 Home Styles 40 35 It’s the Law 41 15 Hurray for Hubcaps! 21 16 Ancient Egyptian Celebrations 22 36 Patterns in Nature 42 37 A Hot Topic 43 17 Traveler of the Past 23 18 Skip, Skip 24 38 Check the Calendar 44 39 Pay Attention to Prices 45 19 A Great Writer 25 Dolphin Stories 26 40 Funny Phrase 46 21 Thunderhead Memorial 27 Answers 47 Using This Book Passage Reading comprehension in nonfiction involves numerous thinking skills Students require these skills to make sense of a text and become successful readers This book offers practice in key skills needed to meet the Common Core State Standards in Reading/ Language Arts for grade six (See page for more.) Each student page includes a short passage focusing on four of these essential comprehension skills Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Buying Eggs Consumers often spend a few puzzled moments looking at egg cartons in supermarkets That’s because there are six official egg sizes The sizes are determined by weight A jumbo, the largestsize egg, weighs 30 ounces, while a peewee egg, the smallest size, weighs only 15 ounces In between are extra-large, large, medium, and small eggs Most markets only stock the four largest sizes; small and peewee eggs are usually sold to bakers and companies in the food processing business The title that best summarizes this paragraph is B Puzzling Consumers C Opening Egg Cartons Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources A Official Egg Sizes D Eggs for Bakeries From this paragraph, you can conclude that A the largest eggs are the best ones B hens try to lay heavy eggs C consumers don’t know how eggs are sized D egg cartons hold different size eggs The main idea of this paragraph is A how small eggs are used B how egg sizes are determined C why eggs are different sizes D why there are only six egg sizes Which word best describes the writer’s point of view? A absorbed B argumentative C informed Summarize Draw Conclusions Main Idea Point of View In this paragraph, students have to read the entire text and ask themselves “What is this paragraph mainly about?” The main idea is supported by different facts (details) about how egg sizes are determined Passage 11 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Island Homes Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources For hundreds of years, the Uro Indians of Peru have used the totora plant for many things This plant, a kind of reed, grows in water The Uro depend on it as a source of food, building material, medicine, and fuel The Indians use the totora to form islands in a lake They then build their homes from the totora plant on the islands These floating homelands require a lot of upkeep, though As the totora plants rot in the water, the Uro must constantly replenish them with fresh reeds You must agree that the Uro have a hard life In this paragraph, the word replenish must mean A fertilize B go through C replace D resemble The main idea of the paragraph is A floating homelands in a lake B how the Uro use the totora C keeping up totora homes Use the information that follows to introduce the reading comprehension skills covered in this book Main Idea & Details Understanding the main or key idea of a paragraph is crucial for a reader The main idea is what the paragraph is about The other parts of the paragraph help to explain more about this key idea The main idea is sometimes in the first or last sentence of a paragraph Students should be aware that some main ideas are stated explicitly and others are implicit requiring readers to put together details to determine the main idea The information that supports the main idea is usually referred to as the details Details—facts, examples, definitions, etc.—help a reader gain a fuller understanding of a paragraph Summarize Readers should be able to use main ideas to summarize a text By summarizing, students are better able to recall important points This is an important skill for taking notes and studying for exams D the Uro Indians of Peru From this paragraph, you can conclude that A the totora islands keep the Uro safe from other groups B the Uro spend a lot of time fishing in the lake C the totora reeds are very weak D the Uro are looking for ways to waterproof totora plants Write fact or opinion next to each sentence A This plant, a kind of reed, grows in water B You must agree that the Uro have a hard life C The Indians use the totora to form islands in a lake 17 Context Clues Main Idea Draw Conclusions Fact & Opinion Several clues in the paragraph (upkeep, rot, fresh reeds) help a reader determine the meaning of replenish Context Clues Using context clues means determining an unfamiliar word’s meaning by studying the phrases, sentences, and overall text with which the word appears Context clues help readers comprehend and enjoy a text and also read more smoothly and efficiently Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources Comprehension Skills At-a-Glance Figurative Language Beyond using context clues to derive meaning is the ability to differentiate between literal and figurative language Readers who can recognize figures of speech and determine their meanings are well on their way to fluency Passage Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Hurray for Hubcaps! Draw Conclusions After thinking about information in a text, a reader makes a decision or conclusion by examining evidence rooted in the text Students should know that writers don’t always state all of their ideas, so readers have to look for clues to understand what is meant Fact & Opinion Readers who can identify and differentiate between statements of fact and opinion are better able to analyze and assess a text Students should learn to recognize phrases, such as I think, you should, and it’s the best/most, that signal opinions Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources Today, many hubcaps are made of plastic, but not so long ago, they were made from stamped metal These earlier hubcaps featured all kinds of designs They were really special Wreaths, emblems, crests, spokes, and geometric patterns were popular Some hubcap designers became quite well known Today, these hubcaps of the past are collectors’ items Some are exhibited in hubcap museums; others are part of private collections A ranch displaying hubcaps in California has even become recognized as a state historical landmark because of its “twentieth century folk art environment.” From this paragraph, you can conclude that A everyone wants to collect old hubcaps B today’s cars lack interesting hubcaps C hubcap designers made a lot of money D hubcaps often fall off car wheels The main idea of this paragraph is A hubcaps at a California ranch B hubcaps of the past as collectors’ items C private hubcap museums and collections D well-known hubcap designers Write fact or opinion next to each sentence A Some hubcap designers became quite well known B They were really special C Today, these hubcaps of the past are collectors’ items Which of these sentences is most likely true? A Today’s hubcap designers are well known B Stamped metal hubcaps are valuable to collectors C Most early hubcaps are now in California D Geometric hubcap designs are the most popular 21 Draw Conclusions Main Idea Fact & Opinion Inference Students have to read closely to answer the inference question, “Which of these sentences is most likely true?” Passage 20 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Dolphin Stories Do dolphins and people have a special relationship? Over the centuries, many civilizations have told stories of the bonds between people and dolphins They are incredible creatures In an ancient Greek story, the god Dionysus changes some pirates into dolphins An Australian myth tells about a hero named Gowonda who turns into a helpful dolphin In a tale from Peru, a pink dolphin sometimes becomes a human Even today, people report stories of dolphins helping swimmers or guiding ships through dangerous seas Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view? A unimpressed by dolphins and their relationship with people B admiration of dolphins and their relationship with people C angry about dolphins and their relationship with people The title that best summarizes the paragraph is Point of View While distinguishing fact from opinion is one step in the reading process, it is important for students to go further They should be able to sort facts, opinions, and feelings to help determine a writer’s point of view and compare it to what they themselves think Students should learn that good readers consult several sources on subjects of interest to gain different points of view H Tell students to first read the passage and then answer the questions Show them how to fill in the circles for bubbletest questions H The comprehension skills targeted in the questions accompanying each passage are labeled at the bottom of the page A Gowonda the Helpful Dolphin B Dionysus and Dolphins C Bonds between People and Dolphins D A Pink Dolphin from Peru Write fact or opinion next to each sentence A In an ancient Greek story, the god Dionysus changes some pirates into dolphins B They are incredible creatures C In a tale from Peru, a pink dolphin sometimes becomes a human From this paragraph, you can conclude that A people are attracted to dolphins B dolphins are smarter than people C dolphins look for swimmers who need help D dolphins like to guide ships Point of View Summarize Fact & Opinion Draw Conclusions 26 Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources Inference Although some students don’t know what an inference is, many are most likely making inferences—both in their daily lives and when reading—without being aware of it Students should understand that writers don’t include every detail in their writing; it is up to readers to supply some information A reader makes a guess or inference by putting together what is in a text with what he or she already knows Inferring makes a significant difference in how much a reader gains from a text Tips 15 Name _ Date To appreciate this text, the reader should understand that the writer has inserted commentary or opinion into the paragraph For example, the sentence, They are incredible creatures, is the author’s opinion H Review the completed pages with students on a regular basis Encourage them to explain their thinking for each correct answer Meeting the Common Core State Standards The passages and comprehension questions in this book are designed to help you meet both your specific English/Language Arts standards and learning expectations as well as those recommended by the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI) The activities in this book align with the following CCSSI standards for grade six Reading Standards for Informational Text Key Ideas and Details Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments Craft and Structure Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings Analyze how a particular sentence fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the ideas Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and explain how it is conveyed in the text Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, distinguishing claims that are supported by reasons and evidence from claims that are not Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity 10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6–8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range Language Standards Knowledge of Language Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening Vocabulary Acquisition and Use Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies a Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase d Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word or phrase Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings a Interpret figures of speech in context b Use the relationship between particular words to better understand each of the words c Distinguish among the connotations (associations) of words with similar denotations (definitions) Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources Integration of Knowledge and Ideas Passage Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Crazy Records Ashrita Furman likes to break records In fact, over the years Furman has set or broken more than 79 records listed in the Guinness Book of World Records Two of his feats include racewalking the fastest mile while twirling a hula hoop, and walking 81 miles with a milk bottle on top of his head He has also held records for balancing 75 glasses on his chin and for going up and down Mt Fuji in Japan on a pogo stick Why? Mr Furman feels these activities bring him inner peace Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources The main idea of this paragraph is A The Guinness Book of World Records B Climbing Japan’s Mt Fuji C How to walk with a bottle on your head D Ashrita Furman likes to break records Reread the paragraph Write a supporting detail for the main idea Which sentence is most likely not true? A Mr Furman has good balance B Mr Furman enjoys his fame C Mr Furman is in poor health D Mr Furman works hard at his records In this paragraph, the word feats means A what you walk on B broken records C accomplishments D balancing acts Main Idea Details Inference Context Clues Passage Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Buying Eggs Consumers often spend a few puzzled moments looking at egg cartons in supermarkets That’s because there are six official egg sizes The sizes are determined by weight A jumbo, the largestsize egg, weighs 30 ounces, while a peewee egg, the smallest size, weighs only 15 ounces In between are extra-large, large, medium, and small eggs Most markets only stock the four largest sizes; small and peewee eggs are usually sold to bakers and companies in the food processing business The title that best summarizes this paragraph is B Puzzling Consumers C Opening Egg Cartons D Eggs for Bakeries From this paragraph, you can conclude that A the largest eggs are the best ones B hens try to lay heavy eggs C consumers don’t know how eggs are sized D egg cartons hold different size eggs The main idea of this paragraph is A how small eggs are used B how egg sizes are determined C why eggs are different sizes D why there are only six egg sizes Which word best describes the writer’s point of view? A absorbed B argumentative C informed Summarize Draw Conclusions Main Idea Point of View Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources A Official Egg Sizes Passage Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Curiosities The earliest museums were really cabinets of “curiosities.” They contained various things assembled by people of wealth The first of these museums opened to the public in 1683 in Oxford, England It was called the Ashmolean Museum Its collection included such curiosities as a stuffed dodo bird and a set of medieval armor Visitors paid a fee upon leaving the museum This fee was determined by the duration of the visitor’s stay in the museum admiring the exhibits Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources In this paragraph, the word duration must mean A other guests B length of time C amount of fun D Kind of place The main idea of this paragraph is A a stuffed dodo bird B fees visitors paid to first museum C collections of wealthy people D the first museum open to the public Which sentence is most likely true? A Some visitors didn’t stay long B Everyone could afford to collect C The visitor fees were very high D Visitors tried on the armor Reread the paragraph Write an opinion that a visitor who stayed a long time might have about the Ashmolean Museum Context Clues Main Idea Inference Fact & Opinion Passage 28 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Snowy Ride You don’t know winter if you haven’t tried snowboarding This winter sport began about 50 years ago in Vermont To many fans, snowboarding is a ride on a frozen wave It is a combination of surfing and skiing that takes thrill seekers down snow-covered mountains Many boarders also perform stunts such as soaring into the air in a maneuver called a half-pipe Snowboarding became an Olympic sport in the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan The underlined words in this paragraph are an example of figurative language called B personification C simile D hyperbole The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A Doing the Half-Pipe B The Thrill of Snowboarding C A Vermont Sport D At the Winter Olympics The word that best reflects the writer’s point of view is A startled B convinced C disenchanted Reread the paragraph Find and write an example of a metaphor Figurative Language Summarize Point of View Figurative Language 34 Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources A metaphor Passage 29 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Pets for People People have been living with domesticated animals for thousands of years For example, dogs and people go back about 14,000 years Believe me, dogs are “man’s best friend.” Cats have been around for a long time, too The ancient Egyptians thought of cats as gods People should remember that, because most cats today think of themselves as gods! Both children and adults should have pets Birds, rabbits, and some types of fish are popular pets I don’t think they’re as satisfying as dogs and cats, though Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources Write fact or opinion next to each sentence A Both children and adults should have pets B The ancient Egyptians thought of cats as gods C Believe me, dogs are “man’s best friend.” In this paragraph, the word domesticated means A trained B friendly C godlike D tamed The word that best reflects the writer’s point of view is A grudging B convinced C trusting From this paragraph, you can conclude that A cats should be worshipped B rabbits have been pets for thousands of years C pets have worked well for people D fish are more popular pets than birds 35 Fact & Opinion Context Clues Point of View Draw Conclusions Passage 30 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Ikebana Fill in the correct circle to show whether each statement is a fact or an inference Fact Inference A Ikebana reflects an appreciation of beauty B The Japanese have practiced ikebana for 500 years C Much thought goes into a Japanese arrangement D Students learn about ikebana in school The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A Meanings of Flowers B Japanese Flower Arranging C The Art of Flowers D A Graceful Composition From this paragraph, you can conclude that A flower arrangements are part of Japanese life B the Japanese try to save on the use of flowers C everyone in Japan has a garden D flowers are chosen for their similar size In this paragraph, the word deemed means A donated B designed C organized D considered Inference Summarize Draw Conclusions Context Clues 36 Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources Many people put flowers in a vase, but in Japan arranging flowers is deemed an art It is called ikebana and has been practiced for about 500 years Japanese teens often study flower arranging in school, and professional arrangers spend years mastering the art Only a few flowers are used in an arrangement These are carefully chosen to make a graceful composition The tallest flower represents heaven, the shortest flower is for earth, and the one in the middle stands for humans Most homes in Japan have a special place where flower arrangements are displayed Passage 31 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Ears at Work Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources Scientists have been learning more about ears Until recently, most people thought both ears did the same work However, studies have now shown that the right and left ear process sound differently That’s important research If you are listening to someone speaking, your right ear is responding If you are listening to music, your left ear is more attuned Researchers think this new information is important in helping people with hearing loss For example, a student with hearing loss in the right ear might need more help in school because the right ear is critical to learning situations From this paragraph, you can conclude that A people really don’t need two ears B the left ear is important to musicians C the right ear is larger than the left ear D the left and right ear are interchangeable The main idea of this paragraph is A the left ear and the right ear B using the right ear for learning C how the left ear responds D what studies show about ears In this paragraph, the word process means A continue B treat C proceed D erase Write fact or opinion next to each sentence A If you are listening to music, your left ear is more attuned B Until recently, most people thought both ears did the same work C That’s important research 37 Draw Conclusions Main Idea Context Clues Fact & Opinion Passage 32 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Over They Go Niagara Falls is known for people who like to, well, go over the edge The first mindless daredevil was Annie Edson Taylor in 1901 Bobby Leach went over in 1911, breaking not only his jaw but both kneecaps as well Some of the next attempts didn’t fare well at all While Roger Woodward survived his trip over the falls in 1960, he never meant to go in the first place He had a boating accident Two people in one barrel made it over safely in 1989 Two more in a plastic capsule succeeded in 1995 So, who’s next? A disapproving of these actions B sorry about these actions C startled by these actions The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A Bobby Leach Breaks Jaw and Kneecaps B Going Over Niagara Falls C Plastic Capsule Rides Successfully D First Over Was Annie Edson Taylor Which of these sentences is most likely not true? A Going over Niagara Falls is dangerous B Going over the falls is difficult C Many people have been injured going over the falls D Boats are the best way to go over the falls Reread the paragraph Write the writer’s opinion about going over Niagara Falls Then write a fact that the writer gives Point of View Summarize Inference Fact & Opinion 38 Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources Which phrase best reflects the writer’s point of view? Passage 33 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Oil History People have used oil since early times Ancient cultures learned that oil was sticky and useful for binding things together They also noted that oil kept water out For example, the Sumerians used the oil in asphalt to keep mosaics on walls and in floors The people of Mesopotamia used the oil in bitumen to seal the joints in wooden boats Other groups found that oil burned well to create light Throughout the ages, hundreds of other uses for oil were discovered Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources The main idea of this paragraph is A the Sumerians used oil as glue B oil has sticky qualities C when burned, oil creates light D people have used oil through the ages Find and write a detail that supports the main idea From this paragraph, you can conclude that A oil is a recent discovery B oil has limited uses for civilizations C oil has long been valuable to people D oil is mostly found in asphalt Which sentence is most likely not true? A The Mesopotamians were sailors B People were always looking for new uses of oil C The Sumerians decorated their buildings D Ancient cultures had big oil refineries 39 Main Idea Details Draw Conclusions Inference Passage 34 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Home Styles In this paragraph, the word vernacular must mean A particular design B contemporary model C spectacular plan D native to a culture Write fact or opinion next to each sentence A However, many homes are built in a vernacular style B Some of them are spectacular C This means their design is traditional to the group that builds them The main idea of this paragraph is A sod houses on the treeless prairie B adobe homes in the Southwest C homes that reflect native traditions D exciting new designs for buildings Which sentence is most likely not true? A The environment affects how people build homes B Immigrants built homes in familiar styles C Only architects like exciting new buildings D Sod houses were not necessary in wooded areas Context Clues Fact & Opinion Main Idea Inference 40 Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources No doubt you have read about exciting new buildings designed by famous architects Some of these are spectacular However, many homes are built in a vernacular style This means their design is traditional to the group that builds them For example, the Pueblo in the Southwest used adobe homes to shield people from the sun Many pioneers cut the prairie soil into blocks to build sod houses on the treeless plains In wooded areas, settlers put up log houses similar to those they had used back in Europe Passage 35 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions It’s the Law Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources Sometimes laws can seem as silly as a clown’s clothes Usually, these are laws that were once made for a reason but are no longer needed Here are some absurd laws from Canada In Saskatoon, you cannot catch fish with your hands In Calgary, it’s against the law to toss snowballs without the mayor’s permission Children can’t eat ice cream cones on the streets of Ottawa on Sundays Places in the U.S have strange laws, too Some make as much sense as a talking turtle The underlined words in this paragraph are an example of figurative language called A metaphor B personification C simile D hyperbole The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A Silly Laws From Canada B Ask the Mayor for Permission C Clownish Laws D Strange Laws in the U.S The word that best reflects the writer’s point of view is A thrilled B unamused C sympathetic In this paragraph, the word absurd means A abused B ridiculous C random D outdated 41 Figurative Language Summarize Point of View Context Clues Passage 36 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Patterns in Nature Many living things have internal clocks These are daily patterns known as circadian rhythms One of the most common is the pattern of sleep that humans follow Certain flowers patterns, too These flowers open and close their petals on specific schedules For example, dandelions open at nine in the morning People should get rid of dandelions because they’re weeds A morning glory opens at 10 a.m., and a water lily at 11 My favorite flower is the California poppy Its petals open at p.m Write fact or opinion next to each sentence B My favorite flower is the California poppy C People should get rid of dandelions because they’re weeds From this paragraph, you can conclude that circadian rhythms A all have to with sleep B are the same in all living things C are all about when flowers open D affect how living things act Which sentence is most likely not true? A Poppies open early in the afternoon B Many flowers close their petals at night C Circadian rhythms affect when people sleep D All flowers open their petals on a schedule Reread the paragraph Write the main idea Fact & Opinion Draw Conclusions Inference Main Idea 42 Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources A Many living things have internal clocks Passage 37 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources A Hot Topic You’re probably aware of extreme sports such as dangling from bungee cords over cliffs But have you heard about extreme ironing? The first Extreme Ironing World Championships took place in Germany in 2002 Top contestants included ironists with names such as Starch and Steam They pressed clothes while scaling a wall, hanging from tree branches, and balancing on ironing boards No kidding! Since then, ironists have attacked wrinkled clothing all over the world They’ve ironed while riding bicycles, scuba diving, and even climbing Mount Everest Wow! Starch manufacturers must be thrilled Ironing is the most versatile sport of all! Which word best reflects the writer’s point of view about extreme ironing? A bored B offended C amused A title that best summarizes this paragraph is A Extreme Ironing Antics B Pressing Clothes C Starch and Steam D Champions at Work The underlined words in this paragraph are an example of A metaphor B personification C simile D hyperbole Reread the paragraph Write a conclusion you can make about extreme ironing Point of View Summarize Figurative Language Draw Conclusions 43 Passage 38 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Check the Calendar When the calendar says April 1, you should be careful Someone may play a silly joke on you because it is April Fool’s Day This day is celebrated in the United States, France, England, and Scotland Putting salt in the sugar bowl is a popular trick in the U.S A prank people use in France is to pin a paper fish on someone else’s back without getting caught The person wearing the fish is called a poisson d’avril, or April fish In England, a person who is tricked is called a noddie or a gawby An April fool in Scotland is a cuckoo or a gowk Fact Inference A April Fool’s is on the first day of April B A paper fish prank is popular in France C A noddie or a gawby is an English April fool D People enjoy playing silly tricks on others The title that best summarizes this paragraph is A Paper Fish in France B Don’t Be a Noddie C April Fool’s Day Jokes D Salt in the Sugar Bowl Write fact or opinion next to each sentence A An April fool in Scotland is a cuckoo or gowk B Putting salt in the sugar bowl is a popular trick in the U.S C When the calendar says April 1, you should be careful Reread the paragraph Write the meaning of the word prank Inference Summarize Fact & Opinion Context Clues 44 Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources Fill in the correct circle to show whether each statement is a fact or an inference Passage 39 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Pay Attention to Prices Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources The price for an ice cream cone is posted in a shop window You decide to buy one “Would you like a topping?” Ice Cream Cones asks the clerk You decide to have one The price of your cone has just gone up A new word for this practice is shrouding $1.50 – Maybe Economists think that shrouding affects much of what people buy today It’s sneaky In a restaurant people pay extra for bottled rather than tap water A new car has many features that add to its cost If you buy tickets for an event over the phone, there is an additional charge How can a consumer avoid shrouding? One answer is to think carefully about the value of things before buying From this paragraph, you can conclude that A all ice cream cones are the same price B prices of things are higher than many people realize C it’s better to drink bottled water than tap water D it’s worthwhile to order tickets over the phone The word that best reflects the writer’s point of view is A enthralled B instructive C saddened The main idea of this paragraph is A why ice cream cones cost more B when bottled water adds to prices C how shrouding affects prices D costs for ordering over the phone Reread the paragraph Find and write an opinion 45 Draw Conclusions Point of View Main Idea Fact & Opinion Passage 40 Name _ Date Read the paragraph Then answer the questions Funny Phrase The words flotsam and jetsam are often used to refer to the unfortunate in society However, these words once referred to cargo found floating in water Flotsam was cargo from a wrecked ship Jetsam was cargo that was purposely thrown overboard either to lighten the ship’s load or to keep the goods from going down with the ship Jetsam belonged to the ship’s owner Anything that was flotsam belonged to the government The title that best summarizes this paragraph is B Learning About Flotsam C Story of Flotsam and Jetsam D Cargo From Shipwrecks In this paragraph, the word cargo means A cars on a boat B a ship’s freight C equipment from a ship D oil leaked from a ship Which of these sentences is most likely not true? A Cargo became flotsam by accident B Society’s unfortunate were tossed in the sea C Cargo became jetsam to help a ship go faster D Cargo became jetsam in shallow water Reread the paragraph Write the main idea Summarize Context Clues Inference Main Idea 46 Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources A Society’s Less Fortunate Answers page 7: D Answers will vary C C page 8: A C B C Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources page 9: B D A Answers will vary page 10: D C A Answers will vary but should reflect the text page 11: C C C A page 12: A Fact B Opinion C Fact That was an excellent time for talented people B D page 13: A Fact B Inference C Fact D Inference C B B page 14: D C D The writer thinks letterboxing is very cool Most letterbox fans carry their own stamps page 15: C Answers will vary B D page 21: B B A Fact B Opinion C Fact B page 22: B Answers will vary C A page 23: D B D Possible: skeptical page 16: C C D The tower, called Pharos, was a mighty giant page 24: B A Opinion B Fact C Opinion B B page 17: C B A A Fact B Opinion C Fact page 25: A C C Answers will vary but should reflect the text page 18: B C C C page 26: B C A Fact B Opinion C Fact A page 19: A C A A page 20: A Fact B Opinion C Opinion A C B page 27: A Fact B Fact C Opinion A C A large granite head looks out of Thunderhead Mountain in South Dakota 47 page 28: A Fact B Inference C Inference D Fact B C That’s a remarkable achievement! page 29: B B D Possible: very large; enormous page 30: B Answers will vary 3 D B page 31: D B A Answers will vary but should reflect the text page 32: A C A C page 33; C C B Answers will very but should reflect the text page 34: D B B snowboarding is a ride on a frozen wave Answers page 35: A Opinion B Fact C Opinion D B C page 36: A Inference B Fact C Inference D Fact B A D page 38: A B D Possible: The writer thinks going over the falls is for mindless daredevils Fact: Two people in one barrel made it over safely in 1989 page 39: D Answers will vary 3 C D page 43: C A D Answers will vary but should reflect the text page 44: A Fact B Fact C Fact D Inference C A Fact B Fact C Opinion Possible: trick page 45: B B C It’s sneaky page 46: C B B Answers will vary but should reflect the text page 40: D A Fact B Opinion C Fact C C page 41: C A B B 48 Comprehension Skills: 40 Short Passages for Close Reading, Grade © 2012 by Linda Ward Beech, Scholastic Teaching Resources page 37: B D B A Fact B Fact C Opinion page 42: A Fact B Opinion C Opinion D D Answers will vary but should reflect the text