Dad asked us to be careful while buying school supplies and clothes this fall. He's planning a family trip in December, and it will be expensive, so he wants to start saving money now. We found sales and didn't buy as many items as we usually do. Looks as though we're saving already.

Why was the narrator careful with back-to-school purchases?

The Gulf Stream is a current in the water of the Atlantic Ocean. It is driven north along the coast by winds from the hot and humid tropics. The Gulf Stream travels north, to the east and west. It has a great effect on the climate of both Europe and North America.

What does the Gulf Stream do?

How do you manage to satisfy your hunger and still eat healthfully? Try to keep from getting too hungry. When you're starving, it's easy to pop unhealthy food into your mouth. Keep fast, healthy snacks handy in the refrigerator and pantry. Plan meals in advance, and balance your intake from the variety of food groups.

Why did the author write this passage?

Would you like to be on the newspaper staff? Want to write about the news? Submit a sample news article so we can see how you report events. Do you want to review films? Submit a film review, so we can see how you review. We'll read every submission, and we'll post the list of new staff members next week.

Who is the most likely author of this passage?

I got to school early to get ahead on homework. When I sat down, one of my friends walked over. We visited. Then my new library book slipped out of my backpack onto the table. I'd been waiting to see what would happen next, so I started reading. Before I knew it, it was time for first period.

What was the author's purpose in writing this passage?

I understand that you are looking for more people to throw newspapers on routes in our neighborhood. I would like to have the opportunity to visit with you about this position. I am a hard worker. I will be happy to give you names and phone numbers of people I've done chores for in my neighborhood. I hope you will consider me for this position.

Sincerely,
Lon Samuels

Of the following, which best summarizes the letter?

Many creatures chew their food. What happens, though, when an animal has no teeth? Most birds face this problem, as most have no teeth. How, then, do they get their food small enough to digest? Birds swallow tiny stones and tiny pieces of dirt. These pieces mix with the food in the stomach and grind it into pieces that are small enough to digest.

Which provides the most effective summary of the passage?

The farmer and the feed store owner had a cooperative existence. The feed store owner gave food to the farmer food for her chickens. The farmer gave eggs to the feed store owner. The two worked together to accomplish a purpose. In doing so, they increased their profits and improved their businesses.

What does cooperative mean?

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As a child, Melinda's sister had stood in front of the television during the news, holding her toy microphone and reporting news stories. Family pictures showed the reporting. Melinda, though, wasn't interested in becoming a reporter. She helped animals every time she had the chance. She wanted to be a vet when she finished her education.

Which alternate title best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

Are you planning to fly on a plane? Here are a few pointers. Fold or roll your clothes to avoid wrinkling. Shoes should be placed into bags; this will stop them from getting your clothes dirty. All bottles and tubes, such as toothpaste, should be placed in plastic bags. If they leak, the contents won't spill onto your clothing.

Which statement best summarizes the main idea of the passage?

Blake felt very alone in Cedar Heights, even though there were 900 other kids in the school he attended. Being new and being shy made making friends very hard. In the coming weeks, Blake developed a few good friendships. This made all the difference in the world!

Blake probably

At the top of the roller coaster, I held my breath. When I'd boarded the ride, I'd thought I was boarding the tiny coaster. As it turned out, I was on the gigantic coaster, one of the biggest in the country. I didn't know if I could stand the rest of the ride. I shut my eyes and screamed.

The narrator probably would have felt more relaxed if

Dad used to assign chores; however, now we have a new system for determining who will do which chores. We each write first, second, and third choices on a note card. Then Dad puts all the note cards in a hat, closes his eyes, and pulls one out. The first list he draws is the first choice for the month.

How is the new chore system different from the old system?

We're looking at new apartments. If it were up to me, I'd choose an apartment that's close to school, but not on the same street. I'd like to have a large living room, and I really would like to be able see trees nearby. If possible, I'd also like to have a bedroom of my own.

Based on the passage, you can tell that the narrator would be best satisfied by an apartment that

We read a novel about characters who lived in Paris, France. The temperatures were often freezing or below during the winter. It snowed often. People had to wear coats throughout the winter months. Each season had its own distinct weather. Lovely flowers bloomed during the spring. I hope to visit Paris one day.

Which state has a climate that most resembles that of Paris, France?