Short Stories
With Comprehension Questions
X
Level: Beginner
X
Collected by: El Hassan ABTTA
Source: EnglishForEveryone.org
This is a collection of one of the best one-page reading comprehension
passages for beginners that I downloaded from Englishforeveryone.org website.
I combined them to form this booklet for easy printing. They teach students to
think critically, draw inferences, understand scope and global concepts, find or
recall details, and infer the meaning of useful vocabulary words. They can be
used whether in class or after class.
Table of Contents
A Call To The Pool ........................................................................................................................ 26
A Happy Visitor............................................................................................................................ 27
Adam ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Ann ............................................................................................................................................. 21
Anna ............................................................................................................................................. 1
Bella Hides .................................................................................................................................. 31
Ben ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Big City Noise .............................................................................................................................. 33
Boats........................................................................................................................................... 15
Christmas .................................................................................................................................... 17
Constructor Worker ....................................................................................................................... 6
Country Life City Life.................................................................................................................... 76
Erin ............................................................................................................................................... 2
First Prize .................................................................................................................................... 36
Griffin’s Talents ........................................................................................................................... 38
How are you? .............................................................................................................................. 78
I Fly ............................................................................................................................................. 40
James ............................................................................................................................................ 7
John .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Julian’s Work............................................................................................................................... 41
Mike ........................................................................................................................................... 23
My Family ................................................................................................................................... 43
My Friend.................................................................................................................................... 44
My House.................................................................................................................................... 47
My Shoes for Maddy.................................................................................................................... 48
One Hundred Dollars ................................................................................................................... 50
Paul Cooks................................................................................................................................... 53
Rainy Day .................................................................................................................................... 55
Rebecca......................................................................................................................................... 8
Robert......................................................................................................................................... 19
Running....................................................................................................................................... 56
Seagulls....................................................................................................................................... 13
Seeing Stars................................................................................................................................. 57
Talia’s Special Day ....................................................................................................................... 59
The 20 ......................................................................................................................................... 61
The Drive..................................................................................................................................... 64
The Interview .............................................................................................................................. 66
The Singing Bird........................................................................................................................... 69
Tie Your shoes! ............................................................................................................................ 78
Time to........................................................................................................................................ 70
Tom ............................................................................................................................................ 11
What Number? ...................................................................................................................................... 72
What Time is it?........................................................................................................................... 80
Where Are My Glasses? ............................................................................................................... 81
Where Are My Keys? ................................................................................................................... 82
Yoshi ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Zach’s Animals............................................................................................................................. 74
READTHEORY
•• Reading Comprehension 1
Name_
Date
Level 1
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
Questions
Anna is an artist.
1) Anna is
She draws the moon.
She draws clouds.
She draws stars.
A. an artist
B. a doctor
C. an actor
2) Anna draws things that
are in the
A. ground
B. ocean
C. sky
3) Anna draws
A. shells
B. stars
C. flowers
4) Anna does not draw
A. the moon
B. clouds
C. trees
5) Anna probably also draws
A. airplanes
B. trees
C. fish
1
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 2
Level 1
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
Questions
Erin is at a restaurant.
1) Where is Erin?
She eats cookies.
She eats ice cream.
A. She is at her house.
B. She is at a restaurant.
C. She is at school.
She eats cake.
2) Erin eats
A. breakfast
B. dinner
C. dessert
3) What food does Erin eat?
A. cake
B. cheese
C. bananas
4) Erin does not eat
A. pie
B. cake
C. cookies
5) Erin probably also eats
A. bananas
B. chocolates
C. sandwiches
2
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 3
Level 1
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
Questions
Adam is a chef.
1) Adam is a
He cooks chicken.
He cooks steak.
A. waiter
B. chef
C. teacher
He cooks pork.
2) Adam cooks
A. tomatoes
B. steak
C. bread
3) What kind of food does
Adam cook?
A. meat
B. pasta
C. fruit
4) Adam does not cook
A. chicken
B. pork
C. apples
5) Adam probably also cooks
A. green beans
B. asparagus
C. hamburgers
3
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 4
Level 1
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
Questions
John is at the park.
1) Where is John?
He sees dogs.
He sees birds.
A. at the lake
B. at the park
C. at the store
He sees ducks.
2) What does John see?
A. people
B. friends
C. animals
3) Which animal does John see?
A. pigs
B. tigers
C. birds
4) John not see
A. dogs
B. cats
C. birds
5) John probably also sees
A. squirrels
B. machines
C. computers
4
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 5
Level 1
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
Questions
Ben works on a farm.
1) Where does Ben work?
He grows corn.
He grows peas.
A. on a farm
B. at a store
C. at a park
He grows carrots.
2) What kind of food does Ben
grow?
A. flowers
B. vegetables
C. animals
3) Ben grows
A. potatoes
B. carrots
C. onions
4) Ben does not grow
A. corn
B. peas
C. lettuce
5) Ben probably also grows
A. chickens
B. pigs
C. tomatoes
5
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 1
Level 2
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
My father is a construction worker. He builds houses. He builds schools. He
builds houses and schools. He uses a hammer and a saw.
My brother is an engineer. He designs buildings. He designs bridges. He designs
buildings and bridges. He uses a pencil and a calculator.
My son is an athlete. He plays soccer. He plays tennis. He plays soccer and
tennis. He uses a racket and a ball.
My daughter is an artist. She draws pictures of animals. She draws pictures of
people. She draws pictures of animals and people. She uses a pencil and a piece of
paper.
Questions
1) Who is a construction worker?
A. my father
B. my daughter
C. my son
A. my daughter
B. my brother
C. my son
2) What does my brother do?
A. He is a construction worker.
B. He is an engineer.
C. He is an artist.
3) Who uses a saw?
A. my father
B. my brother
C. my son
4) Who uses a racket?
5) Who uses a pencil?
I. my brother
II. my daughter
III. my father
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
6) Who probably uses an eraser?
A. my daughter
B. my brother
C. my son
6
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 2
Level 2
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
James wants a dog. He walks to the pet store. James sees the animals at the pet
store.
He sees the cats. He sees the rabbits. He sees the birds. He sees the mice. He
sees the dogs.
“How much does the dog cost?” James says.
“Twenty dollars,” the man says.
James gives the man twenty dollars. James buys the dog. The dog walks home
with James. Now James has a pet.
Questions
1) What kind of pet does James want?
A. a bird
B. a cat
C. a dog
4) What pet does James buy?
A. a bird
B. a rabbit
C. a dog
2) What kinds of animals does James
see at the pet store?
5) How much does the dog cost?
A. 15 dollars
B. 20 dollars
C. 30 dollars
I. rabbits
II. mice
III. lizards
6) What is the best title for this
passage?
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
3) James does not see the
A. James Sees the Cats
B. James Buys a Pet
C. Twenty Dollars
A. Mice
B. fish
C. cats
7
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 3
Level 2
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
Rebecca likes to make cookies. She makes chocolate cookies. She makes nut
cookies. Rebecca makes chocolate and nut cookies.
Rebecca likes to make cakes. She makes yellow cakes. She makes white cakes.
Rebecca makes yellow and white cakes.
Rebecca likes to make pies. She makes apple pies. She makes lemon pies.
Rebecca makes apple and lemon pies.
Questions
1) What kinds of cookies does
Rebecca make?
A. chocolate and nut
B. fudge and nut
C. chocolate and oatmeal
2) What color are Rebecca’s cakes?
A. white and brown
B. yellow and blue
C. yellow and white
3) What kind of pie does Rebecca
make?
I. lemon pie
II. cherry pie
III. chocolate pie
C. pies
5) Rebecca makes
I. cakes
II. cookies
III. muffins
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
6) Rebecca makes
A. nut pies and apple cakes
B. chocolate pies and lemon
cookies
C. yellow cakes and chocolate
cookies
7) Rebecca is a
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
A. waiter
B. baker
C. chef
4) Rebecca does not make
8) Rebecca probably also makes
A. cakes
B. bread
A. bread B. eggs C. candy
8
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 4
Level 2
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
Yoshi is hungry. Yoshi wants to eat.
Yoshi walks to the store. Yoshi walks to the grocery store. Yoshi walks to the
grocery store because he wants something to eat.
Yoshi arrives at the grocery store. It is late. The sky is dark.
Yoshi buys an orange, an apple, a banana, and a mango.
The orange costs 50 cents. The apple costs 60 cents. The banana costs 10
cents. The mango costs 90 cents.
Questions
1) Yoshi walks to the grocery store because
A. he wants something to buy
B. he wants something to eat
C. he cannot sleep
2) What time does Yoshi arrive at the store?
A. at night
B. in the morning
C. in the afternoon
3) Yoshi buys
A. a pineapple
B. a tomato
C. a banana
9
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4) Yoshi does not buy
A. a mango
B. a plum
C. an apple
5) What kind of food does Yoshi buy?
A. fruit
B. meat
C. vegetables
6) How much does the orange cost?
A. 50 cents
B. 60 cents
C. 70 cents
7) What is the most expensive thing at the store?
A. the orange
B. the mango
C. the banana
8) What is the least expensive thing?
A. the mango
B. the apple
C. the banana
9) How much money does Yoshi spend at the store?
A. 2 dollars
B. 2 dollars and 10 cents
C. 2 dollars and 20 cents
10
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 5
Level 2
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
Tom is going on a trip to the mountains.
Tom needs to take his bag. The bag is brown. The bag is small. The bag is small
and brown.
Tom opens the bag. Tom wants to put things in the bag. Tom wants to pack his
bag.
Tom puts a toothbrush in the bag.
Tom puts a map in the bag.
Tom puts boots in the bag.
Tom puts a camera in the bag.
Tom puts a book in the bag.
Tom closes the bag. But the bag cannot close!
Tom takes the boots out of the bag. He puts them on his feet.
Snap! Snap!
Now the bag can close. Tom is ready to go!
Questions
C. I, II, and III
1) Where is Tom going?
A. He is going on a trip to the city.
B. He is going on a trip to the beach.
C. He is going on a trip to the
mountains.
2) Tom has a bag. His bag is
I.
small
II. Brown
III. old
A. I only
B. I and II only
11
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3) What does Tom put in the bag?
A. a map
B. money
C. a jacket
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
4) Tom does not put
in the bag.
A. boots
B. a camera
C. a hat
5) If you pack a bag, this mean you
A. take things out of it
B. put things into it
C. open and close it
6) Using the things in the bag, Tom can
on the trip.
A. go fishing
B. take pictures
C. make a tent
7) After Tom puts his things in the bag, he
the bag.
A. puts
B. closes
C. opens
8) What does Tom take out of the bag?
A. boots
B. a camera
C. a toothbrush
9) What is the best title for this passage?
A. A Trip to the Mountains
B. Tom Packs His Bag
C. Tom Puts a Camera in the Bag
12
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 1
Level 3
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
Seagulls live on the beach. They eat small fish, bread, and seaweed. Seagulls run
quickly on the sand and fly quickly in the sky. Seagulls will run or fly away if you try to catch them.
There are many seagulls on the beach.
Crabs also live on the beach. They eat shrimp, ocean plants, and small fish. Crabs crawl
quickly on the sand and in the ocean. Crabs will crawl away if you try to catch them. There are
many crabs on the beach, but it is not always easy to see them.
Starfish live on the beach, too. They eat clams, oysters, and small fish. Starfish move
slowly on the sand and in the ocean. Starfish will not move away if you try to catch them. There
are few starfish on the beach.
Questions
1) Seagulls, crabs, and starfish all eat
A. clams
B. bread
C. fish
2) Which animal does not move quickly?
A. starfish
B. seagulls
C. crabs
3) Based on information in the passage, which sentence is false?
A. Starfish are hard to catch.
B. Crabs eat shrimp and ocean plants.
C. Seagulls move quickly on the sand and in the air.
4) The passage does not talk about
A. what starfish eat
B. how crabs catch food
C. how fast beach animals move
13
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5) According to the passage, seagulls
I. live on the beach
II. move quickly in the ocean
III. eat bread only
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
6) Based on information in the passage, which animal would you be most likely to see at the
beach?
A. crabs
B. seagulls
C. starfish
7) Based on information in the passage, we can understand that
A. the beach is not as nice as the mountains
B. the beach is a good place to vacation
C. many animals live at the beach
14
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 2
Level 3
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
There are many kinds of boats.
One kind of boat is called a sailboat. A sailboat uses the wind to move. W ind makes a
sailboat move in the water. The wind pushes the sailboat. W ind fills the sails. The sailboat moves
when the wind blows.
One kind of boat is called a motorboat. A motorboat uses a motor to move. The motor
gives power to the boat. The motorboat moves when the motor is running. The motorboat makes
a loud noise.
One kind of boat is called a rowboat. A rowboat needs people to move it. People make a
rowboat move in the water. People use oars to move a rowboat. Oars are long and flat. Oars go
into the water. A rowboat moves when people use the oars.
As you can see, there are many kinds of boats.
Questions
1) Which boat uses the wind to move?
A. a sailboat
B. a rowboat
C. a motorboat
2) Which boat makes a loud noise?
A. a sailboat
B. a motorboat
C. a rowboat
3) What is used to move a rowboat?
A. wind
B. a motor
C. oars
4) According to the passage, oars are
A. short and fat
B. long and flat
C. big and heavy
15
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5) This passage is mainly about
A. different kinds of boats
B. where to use a rowboat
C. how to make a boat
6) Which boat(s) can still move if there is no wind?
I. a motorboat
II. a rowboat
III. a sailboat
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
7) Tom doesn't like loud noises. Which boat(s) does he probably like to ride in?
I. a sailboat
II. a rowboat
III. a motorboat
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
8) What would be the best title for this passage?
A. Boats that Make Noise
B. The Sailboat and the Motorboat
C. Three Kinds of Boats
16
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 3
Level 3
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
Christmas is my favorite holiday. My grandmother makes ham, salad, and cupcakes on
Christmas. I also get a present on Christmas! Last year I got a new set of paint brushes. This
year I hope to get new pencils and a drawing pad. I always have fun on Christmas.
Halloween is another good holiday. My grandmother makes candy corn and cupcakes on
Halloween. People wear costumes during Halloween. Last year I wore a skeleton costume. This
year I am going to wear a zombie costume.
July 4 is a good holiday. July 4 is the birthday of the United States of America. My
grandmother makes hot dogs and salad on July 4. I don’t have to go to school on July 4. But I
don’t get any presents either. If I got presents on July 4 it would be my favorite holiday.
Questions
1) When does the author’s grandmother make cupcakes?
I.
Christmas
II. Halloween
III. July 4
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
2) Which holiday does the author like most?
A. Christmas
B. Halloween
C. Easter
3) Based on the things the author gets for Christmas, we can understand that he likes
A. sports
B. art
C. music
17
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4) What is the author’s favorite thing about holidays?
A. not going to school
B. eating candy
C. getting presents
5) What costume did the author wear for Halloween last year?
A. a skeleton costume
B. a zombie costume
C. a pumpkin costume
6) Based on what you know about the author, what costume will he probably wear next year?
A. a pumpkin costume
B. a flower costume
C. a ghost costume
7) This story is mainly about
A. why the author likes some holidays
B. how someone can get out of school
C. which foods are the best to eat on different holidays
8) What is the best title for this passage?
A. The Holidays I Like
B. Why Christmas is Best
C. Hot Dogs and Salad
18
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 4
Level 3
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
On Monday, Robert works at the bank. He plants three bushes. He plants eight yellow
flowers. He plants three trees.
On Tuesday, Robert works at the school. He plants five red flowers. He digs a hole with a
shovel.
On Wednesday, Robert works at the hospital. He plants twelve bushes.
On Thursday, Robert works at the school. He plants two trees. He plants sixteen white
flowers. He digs four holes with a shovel.
On Friday, Robert works at the grocery store. He plants two bushes. He plants one tree.
Questions
1) Where does Robert work on W ednesday?
A. at the hospital
B. at the school
C. at the grocery store
2) What does Robert do on Tuesday?
A. He plants twelve purple bushes.
B. He plants five red flowers and digs a hole with a shovel.
C. He plants two trees, plants sixteen white flowers, and digs four holes with a shovel.
3) How many holes does Robert dig during the week?
A. one
B. three
C. five
4) How many yellow flowers does Robert plant?
A. five
B. eight
C. sixteen
19
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5) How many bushes does Robert plant during the week?
A. twelve
B. fifteen
C. seventeen
6) Where does Robert plant white flowers?
A. at the bank B.
at the school C.
at the hospital
7) Robert works at the school on
I. Tuesday
II. Thursday
III. Friday
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
8) Robert plants bushes at the
I. bank
II. hospital
III. grocery store
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
9) Based on information in the passage, we can understand that Robert is a
A. doctor
B. teacher
C. landscaper
20
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 5
Level 3
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Passage
Ann rides her bicycle. Ann rides her little bicycle to work. Ann rides her little, red
bicycle to work every day.
Nina rides the bus. Nina rides the big bus to work. Nina rides the big, slow bus to
work every day.
Luis rides the train. Luis rides the big train to work. Luis rides the big, fast train to
work every day.
Carlos walks. Carlos walks to work. Carlos walks on the crowded sidewalk to
work every day.
Questions
1) Where do Ann, Nina, Luis, and Carlos go every day?
A. They go to work.
B. They go to the bus stop.
C. They go to the bicycle store.
2) Who rides a bicycle to work?
A. Ann
B. Nina
C. Luis
3) What does Nina ride to work?
A. the train
B. her bicycle
C. the bus
21
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4) Who rides to work?
A. Ann, Nina, and Luis
B. Nina, Luis, and Carlos
C. Ann and Luis
5) According to the passage, what is big?
I. the train
II. the bus
III. the bicycle
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
6) According to the passage, what is little?
I. the bicycle
II. the bus
III. the train
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. I, II, and III
7) Who probably uses the most energy to get to work?
A. Ann
B. Nina
C. Luis
8) How is Carlos different than Ann, Nina, and Luis?
A. Carlos rides the bus to work and the others ride the train.
B. Carlos walks to work and the others ride a vehicle.
C. Carlos rides his bicycle and the others ride the bus.
22
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READTHEORY
Name_
Date
•• Reading Comprehension 1
Level 4
Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below.
Today, Mike and his mom are going to the library. Mike wants to find a book to read. His
mom wants to use a computer there.
When they get to the library, Mike finds a book about detectives. He also finds a book
with chapters about a friendly ghost. Finally, he finds a book about a man who lives in the woods
without food or water. He puts the books on the front desk and waits for his mom.
Mike's mom sits at one of the computers in the library. She checks her email and looks at
pictures of flowers on the internet. Then she reads a news article on a website.
Mike's mom leaves the computer and walks over to Mike, holding up something out for
him. Mike looks at her quizzically. It takes him a moment to recognize what she is holding. “I got
that movie for us to watch tonight," says Mike's mom. “Are you ready to leave?”
"Sure," Mike says, now holding the movie out in front of him. He reads the cover while
walking back to the library entrance. He puts his books and the movie on the front desk to check
out. A librarian stands behind the counter holding an electronic scanner. "How long can we keep
them?" Mike asks her.
"Three weeks," says the librarian.
"Cool," says Mike.
Suddenly, Mike is surprised. His mother is checking out something else that is too big to
put on the desk. It’s a picture of the ocean.
"W hat is that for?" Mike asks.
"To put on our wall at home," says Mike's mom.
"You can do that?" Mike asks.
Mike's mom smiles at the librarian. "Yes," she says, "but we have to return it in three
months."
23
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Questions
1) Based on the books Mike finds to check out, we can tell that he is interested in
A.
B.
C.
D.
science
nature
mystery
adventure
2) While at the computer, Mike's mom
I.
checks her mail
II. looks at pictures
III. reads an article
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II only
II and III only
I, II, and III
3) According to the passage, how long can Mike and his mother use the books and the movie
before they must return them to the library?
A. one week B.
two weeks C.
three weeks D.
four weeks
4) Based on its use in paragraph 4, it can understood that quizzically belongs to which of the
following word groups?
A.
B.
C.
D.
abnormally, strangely, weirdly
casually, carelessly, indifferently
passionately, keenly, intensely
inquisitively, questioningly, curiously
5) As used in paragraph 5, the phrase "check out" most nearly means
A. to see
B. to rent
C. to find
D. to buy
6) What does Mike's mom want to do with the picture of the ocean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She wants to buy it.
She wants to hang it on her wall.
She wants to give it to her friend as a gift.
She wants to donate it to the library.
24
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7) Using the passage as a guide, it can be understood that you can check out which of the
following things from the library?
I. pictures
II. furniture
III. computers
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II only
II and III only
I, II, and III
8) Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Mike's Mom
A Picture of the Ocean
At the Library
Books, Computers, Movies, and Pictures
25
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●●●●●●R
O
ReeeaaadddTThhheeeooorrryyy...O
Orrrggg © 2010
Name
Date
EnglishForEver yone.Org © 2008
““A
A Call to the Pool”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
My name is Sam. Today is very hot. The sun is very strong. I am hot.
I want to be cool. How can I get cool?
Wait...I know!
I can go to the pool. The pool is cool. I can swim in the pool.
Is the pool open? Or is the pool closed?
Where is the phone? I need to call the pool. I need to find out if the pool is open
or closed.
— Ring! Ring! —
“Hello. My name is Andrea. I am at the pool. Can I help you?”
“Hi, Andrea. Is the pool open?”
"Yes. The pool is open."
“Okay. Thank you!”
“You are welcome. Bye!”
Great! The pool is open! Now I can cool down!
Questions:
1) What is the weather like today?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It is cold.
It is cool.
It is warm.
It is hot.
3) How can Sam get cool?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He can go to the library.
He can go to the pool.
He can go to school.
He can go to work.
2) Sam is hot, but Sam wants to be
A.
B.
C.
D.
cold
cool
warm
hot
4) Why does Sam talk to Andrea?
A. because she is his friend
B. because she knows his sister
C. because Sam needs to know
what time it is
D. because Sam wants to know if
the pool is open
5) Is the pool open?
A. Yes, the pool is open.
B. No, the pool is not open. The pool is closed.
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““A
A Happy Visitor”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
It is Thursday. It is raining today. It is a rainy day.
Anna is inside the house. Anna is watching TV. Anna is watching TV inside the
house.
Anna cannot go outside. It is raining outside. Anna cannot go outside because it
is raining outside.
Anna is bored.
Wait!
Anna hears someone at the door. Someone is at the door of her house.
Anna opens the door. What does Anna see?
Anna sees a dog. The dog is small. Anna sees a small dog.
The dog is wet. The dog is wet from the rain.
"Awww! You are all wet!" Anna says to the dog. "You are very cute!"
"Mom!" Anna says.
"Yes, dear?" says Anna's mom.
"There is a dog here! There is a dog at the door!" Anna says.
"What?" says Anna's mom. "A dog?"
Anna's mom comes to the door. Anna's mom sees the wet dog. The wet dog
looks cute.
"Can we keep it?" asks Anna.
"Yes, we can," says Anna's mom.
The dog is happy.
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Questions:
1) What is at the door of the house?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a man
a cat
a dog
a snake
3) Is the dog dry or wet?
A. The dog is dry.
B. The dog is wet.
2) What happens at the end of the story?
A. Anna keeps the dog.
B. Anna takes the dog to the
hospital.
C. Anna’s mom feeds the dog.
D. Anna dries the dog with a towel.
4) How does the wet dog look?
I. strong
II. cute
III. small
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
5) What day of the week is it in the
story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Do you think Anna should keep the dog? Why or why not?
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““A
An
n Ad venture”
Reading Comprehension–– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Jaime is a boy.
Jaime lives in a house. Jaime lives in the country. Jaime lives
in a house in the country.
Jaime has a dog. The dog is named Go-Go. Jaime and Go-Go are friends.
Jaime and Go-Go are bored. They want to do something new. They want to do
something fun. They want to do something exciting.
Jaime and Go-Go walk out of the house. They walk across the yard.
They walk across the field. They jump over the fence. The fence is on
the other side of the field.
Jaime sees a mountain. The mountain is very tall. The top of the
mountain is in the clouds. Jaime looks at the mountain.
“We are going to the top of that mountain,” Jaime says.
Go-Go looks nervous.
“Don't be nervous,” Jaime says.
Go-Go runs after Jaime. They walk toward the mountain. Jaime stops. He looks
back at the house.
“I am a little tired,” Jaime says to Go-Go.
Go-Go licks Jaime’s face.
Jaime turns around.
“Come on, Go-Go. We will climb the mountain tomorrow,” Jaime says.
Jaime starts to walk home.
Go-Go runs after Jaime.
29
Questions:
1) Where does Jaime live?
2) What kind of animal is Go-Go?
A. He lives in a house in the city.
B. He lives in an apartment in the
country.
C. He lives in a house in the country.
D. He lives in an apartment in the city.
3) In the middle of the story, they walk
across the field. This means they walk
A.
B.
C.
D.
a dog
a cat
a pig
a bird
4) What does Jaime do at the beginning of
the story?
under the field
close to the field
away from the field
from one side of the field to the
other side
A.
B.
C.
D.
5) What does Jaime want to do at
the end of the story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
go home
walk out of the house
go fishing in the river
climb a mountain
6) Why is Go-Go nervous?
A.
B.
C.
D.
go home
climb a mountain
go fishing in the river
play a game with Go-Go
He is hungry.
He wants to play catch.
He doesn’t want to go home.
He doesn’t want to climb the
mountain.
7) Jaime says he will climb the mountain
tomorrow. Is this true?
A. probably
B. probably not
Would you like to live in the city, or would you like to live in the country? Why?
I would like to live in the
because
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““B
Beellllaa Hides”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Bella is hiding. She is behind the sofa with her pet puppy, Sir.
Bella is hiding from her mom. She does not want to go to the doctor.
“Bella?” calls Bella’s mom in a sweet voice. “Where are you?”
Bella’s mom looks in the closet. She looks in the kitchen. She looks next to the
bookcase. Bella always hides when she is scared.
Bella is very quiet. Sir begins to jump around behind the sofa.
Bella’s mom hears the noise. She looks behind the sofa with a smile. She holds
out her hand.
“Don’t be scared,” says Bella’s mom. “The doctor just wants to check your ears.”
“Will I have to get a shot?” asks Bella.
“No,” says her mom.
That makes Bella feel better. Bella grabs her mom’s hand. They go to see the
doctor.
Questions:
1) Why is Bella hiding?
I. She is looking for her puppy.
II. She is scared.
III. She is doesn’t want to go to the
doctor.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
her mom
her sister
her puppy
her friend
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) Who is looking for Bella?
A.
B.
C.
D.
2) Who or what is hiding with Bella?
her mom
her puppy
the doctor
her sister
4) Where does Mom find Bella?
A.
B.
C.
D.
in the kitchen
in the closet
next to the bookcase
behind the sofa
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Questions (continued):
5) How does Mom find Bella?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Bella makes a noise.
Dad helps Mom.
Mom sees Bella's leg.
The puppy makes a noise.
7) What does Mom say will happen
when Bella sees the doctor?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Bella will get her ears checked.
Bella will get a shot.
Bella will get to bring her puppy.
Bella will get her eyes checked.
6) When does Bella hide?
A.
B.
C.
D.
when she is bored
when she is scared
when she is happy
all the time
8) How does Bella feel when Mom
says she will not get a shot?
A.
B.
C.
D.
angry
better
smart
tired
Have you ever been nervous about going to the doctor? Explain.
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““B
Biigg City Noise”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
My name is Olaf.
I live in a big city.
I live on a busy road.
During the day and at night, cars go by.
Buses go by.
Trucks go by.
People do not seem to hear the noise during the day.
But at night, the noise makes it hard to sleep.
My road has a lot of animals, too.
People keep their animals outside in their yards at night.
There are cats.
There are dogs.
The dogs make a lot of noise.
To me, the dogs are like the trucks.
The dogs are like the cars.
The dogs are like the buses.
All of them are loud!
One dog barks more than the others do. His name is Simba.
Simba is Mr. Cheek’s dog.
“That is a very bad dog. He keeps me up at night,” says Mr. Lucas. Mr. Lucas
lives next door to Mr. Cheek. “You should give him away,” says Mr. Lucas.
This makes Mr. Cheek very mad. "You should not sleep with your windows
open," says Mr. Cheek.
"You should take your dog inside at night," yells Mr. Lucas.
The two men argue about Simba’s barking almost every day.
I think this is funny.
To me, Simba is as bad as the cars.
He is as bad as the buses.
He is as bad as the trucks.
This is what living in a big city is like. There is a lot of noise.
33
Questions:
1) In what place does Olaf live?
A.
B.
C.
D.
in a small apartment
in a big city
in a quiet neighborhood
in a busy town
3) What goes by at night?
A.
B.
C.
D.
bikes
cats
dogs
trucks
5) What is Olaf’s road like?
I. It is dirty.
II. It is noisy.
III. It is busy.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
7) Who argues every day?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Mr. Lucas and Olaf
Olaf and Mr. Cheek
Simba and Mr. Lucas
Mr. Lucas and Mr. Cheek
2) According to Olaf, what makes
noise?
I. dogs
II. buses
III. airplanes
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
4) Why may people not seem to hear
the noise during the day?
A. because it is quiet
B. because they are sleepy
C. because they are busy doing
other things
D. because they do not hear well
during the day
6) Which noise makes Mr. Lucas
mad?
A.
B.
C.
D.
cats meowing
trucks going by
a dog barking
people talking
8) What could Mr. Cheek do to help
Mr. Lucas sleep?
A.
B.
C.
D.
get a cat
not argue with him
not drive his car at night
take his dog inside at night
34
Questions (continued):
9) What could Mr. Lucas do to sleep
better?
A.
B.
C.
D.
close his windows at night
not argue with Mr. Cheek
go to bed later
talk to Olaf
11) Who does Mr. Cheek live next door
to?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Olaf
Mr. Lucas
Olaf and Mr. Lucas
no one
10) Who says Simba is a bad dog?
A.
B.
C.
A.
Olaf
Mr. Lucas
Olaf and Mr. Lucas
no one
12) What does Olaf mean when he
says Simba is as bad as the buses?
A. that Simba barks at the buses
B. that Simba and the buses argue
C. that Simba runs down the street
at night
D. that Simba and the buses both
make noise
13) According to Olaf, what could be
done about noise in a big town?
A.
B.
C.
D.
People could ride bikes.
Dogs could be inside.
People could walk everywhere.
Nothing can be done.
Is it better to live in the city or in the country? Why?
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““F
Fiirrsstt Prize”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
My name is Tess and I ride horses.
I ride them in the circus.
I ride them in parades.
I ride them in shows.
I am riding in a horse show today.
My horse runs.
My horse jumps.
My horse dances.
I hold on!
My horse is the best.
I named her Twin.
I feel like the horse and I are the same when I ride her.
My mother is not at the horse show.
She has to work.
My father is there. He claps. He yells. He smiles.
The show ends. A man announces the winners.
"First Prize goes to Tess and Twin!" he says.
He gives me a blue ribbon.
I am very excited. My dad gives me a hug.
"You won!" he says.
My dad and I go home.
My dad tells my mom about my ribbon.
She cries.
She gives me a big hug.
“Your hard work is showing,” she says.
36
Questions:
1) Where does Tess ride her horse?
I. in shows
II. at school
III. on a farm
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) Why did Tess probably name her
horse Twin?
A. because Tess has a twin
B. because there are two horses
C. because another horse looks
very similar to Twin
D. because Tess feels the same as
Twin when she rides her
5) Why does Tess's father yell?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He is angry.
He needs help.
He is surprised.
He is excited.
7) What color ribbon does Tess get?
A.
B.
C.
D.
green
blue
purple
red
2) What does Tess need to do while
her horse runs and jumps?
A.
B.
C.
D.
dance
hold on
sing
stand up
4) Where is Tess's mother during the
show?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She is at work.
She is at the show.
She is at home.
She is with Tess’ father.
6) What prize does Tess win in the
horse show?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Gold Star
Winner’s Prize
new riding boots
First Prize
8) How does Tess's mom feel about
the ribbon?
I. worried
II. happy
III. proud
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
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““G
Grriiffffiinn’’ss Talents”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Griffin plays the violin.
He takes lessons after school on Tuesdays.
Griffin’s violin teacher is Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas tells Griffin to practice every
day.
Griffin practices his violin on most days.
On the days Griffin does not practice his violin, he plays soccer with his friends or
fixes old clocks for fun.
“You are a boy of many talents,” Griffin’s parents tell him. “That means you are
good at doing many things.”
Griffin likes it when his parents say this to him.
He loves playing the violin. He loves playing soccer. He loves fixing clocks.
Griffin loves to do many things, but he does not have the time to do them all
every day.
Questions:
1) What does Griffin play?
I. tennis
II. soccer
III. the violin
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) When does Mr. Thomas tell Griffin
to practice?
A.
B.
C.
D.
every day
most days
only on Tuesdays
when he wants to
2) When does Griffin take violin
lessons?
A.
B.
C.
D.
on Tuesdays after soccer
on Thursdays after soccer
on Tuesdays after school
on Thursdays after school
4) When does Griffin practice the
violin?
A. every day B. most days C.
never
D. only on Tuesdays
38
Questions (continued):
5) How does Griffin feel about the
violin?
A.
B.
C.
D.
I. read books
II. fix old clocks
III. play soccer with his friends
He loves it.
He thinks it is hard.
He hates to practice.
He does not like the sound.
7) What does Mr. Thomas teach
Griffin?
A.
B.
C.
D.
6) What things does Griffin love to do?
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
8) If you have many talents, this
means you
to play soccer
to fix old clocks
to play the violin
to build birdhouses
A.
B.
C.
D.
want to do a lot
are good at playing the violin
are busy doing many things
are good at doing a lot of things
9) Why does Griffin not play the violin every day?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He does not like the violin.
He wants to play the piano.
He is busy doing other things.
His mom says not to play every day.
Do you have a talent? What is it? Would you like to have a talent?
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““II Fly”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
I fly airplanes for a living.
I am a pilot.
Sometimes I take my little girl with me.
Her name is Bristol.
Bristol likes to look out the window of the airplane.
She likes to look at the clouds.
She thinks the clouds look like animals.
She points at one with her finger.
"I see a giraffe!" she says.
I also have a little boy.
My little boy does not like to be up high.
He does not come with me on the airplane.
He likes to play airplane with me.
We play airplane when I get home.
We run around the yard. We wave our arms in the air. We make airplane noises.
Questions:
1) Who is telling this story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Bristol
a little boy
a pilot
a friend
3) Bristol points at something outside
the window. What does she point
at?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a giraffe
her dad
a cloud
a tree
2) What does Bristol like to do in the
airplane?
A.
B.
C.
D.
look out the window
run in the yard
sit in the back
be the pilot
4) Why doesn't the little boy like to fly?
A. because he is very young
B. because he is very little
C. because he doesn’t like
airplanes
D. because he is afraid to be up
high
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““JJuulliiaann’’ss Work”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Julian works at the bookstore.
First, his job is to unload boxes of books from the truck.
Then he opens the boxes. After that, Julian puts the books in different piles.
One pile is for books that tell true stories. These are called books of fact.
Another pile is for books that tell stories that are not true. These are called books
of fiction.
Julian then puts the books on shelves in the bookstore.
Putting books on shelves is what Julian likes to do best at work.
When Julian has free time at work, he likes to read through all of the books.
His favorite books are the ones that tell true stories about real people and their
lives.
On Sunday and Monday, Julian does not work at the bookstore.
On these days, he stays at home. He uses this time to write a story about
himself.
Julian grew up in Peru. Now he lives in the United States. He works at the
bookstore to pay for school.
Julian wants to be a teacher.
One day, he hopes to turn his story into a book.
He hopes to see it at the bookstore.
Questions:
1) Where does Julian work?
A.
B.
C.
D.
on a truck
at a bookstore
in Peru
at an art store
2) What must Julian do first at his job?
A.
B.
C.
D.
open the boxes of books
read through all of the books
unload boxes of books
sort through piles of books
41
Questions (continued):
3) What is the second thing Julian
must do at his job?
A.
B.
C.
D.
open boxes
tape boxes shut
put books on shelves
put books in piles
5) In what piles are the books placed?
A.
B.
C.
D.
easy and hard
long and short
true and not true
funny and not funny
4) In how many piles must Julian put
the books?
A.
B.
C.
D.
two
three
four
six
6) A book that contains a story that is
not true is called
A. a book of fact
B. a book of fiction
7) Which word describes a story that is 8) What does Julian like to do best at
true?
work?
A. fact
B. fiction
9) What does Julian do during his free
time at work?
A.
B.
C.
D.
write stories
read books
tell stories
put books on shelves
11) Why does Julian work at the
bookstore?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to buy a house
to pay for clothes
to pay for school
to pay for a trip to Peru
A.
B.
C.
D.
unload boxes
open boxes
put books in piles
put books on shelves
10) Which books does Julian like
best?
A.
B.
C.
D.
true books
funny books
sad books
books with happy endings
12) What does Julian hope to turn his
story into?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a book
a movie
a play
a TV show
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““M
Myy Family”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Hi, my name is Eric. I am 12. I want to talk about my family.
I have two sisters. Their names are Rachel and Carrie. Rachel is 18 years old.
Carrie is 10 years old. They are very nice.
My mother's name is Julia. She is 40 years old. My mother is also very nice.
My father's name is Andre. He is smart. He is an engineer. He builds bridges.
I also have a dog. My dog's name is Paw. He is a big dog. He is a brown dog. He
is a big brown dog.
I love my family.
43
Questions:
1) How many sisters do I have?
A.
B.
C.
D.
one
two
three
four
3) My dad is
A.
B.
C.
D.
a doctor
a lawyer
an engineer
a construction worker
5) What color is my dog?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He is white.
He is black.
He is brown.
He is yellow.
7) What is the name of my older
sister?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Carrie
Rachel
Andre
Julia
2) How old is my mom?
A.
B.
C.
D.
twenty-five years old
thirty years old
thirty-five years old
forty years old
4) What is the name of my dog?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Julia
Paw
Andre
Carrie
6) What is the name of my younger
sister?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Carrie
Rachel
Andre
Julia
8) Is my dog small or big?
A. He is small.
B. He is big.
What is your family like? Can you describe the people in your family?
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““M
Myy Friend”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
My name is Julie. I have a friend.
My friend lives in California.
My friend is a girl.
She is seventeen years old.
Her name is Jessica Roberts.
Jessica is cool. I like her a lot.
She likes to read. She is a good reader.
She is good at math, too. It is her best subject.
Jessica is smart.
I like to eat lunch with her. We eat lunch on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Jessica is my friend.
Questions:
1) Where does Julie’s friend live?
A. Colorado
B. Texas
C. California
3) How old is Julie’s friend?
A. 15 years old
B. 16 years old
C. 17 years old
2) Is Julie’s friend a girl or a boy?
A. She is a girl.
B. He is a boy.
4) What is Julie’s friend's first name?
A. Jenny
B. Jessica
C. Julie
45
Questions (continued):
5) What is my friend's last name?
A. Rowan
B. Randal
C. Roberts
6) What is Jessica's best subject?
A. English
B. math
C. science
7) How many days a week do I eat
lunch with Jessica?
A. 3
B. 5
C. 7
Do you have a good friend? What is he or she like? What things do you like to do
together?
46
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““M
Myy House”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
My house is in the United States. I live in the United States.
The United States is a country.
My house is in North Carolina. I live in North Carolina.
North Carolina is a state. The weather in North Carolina
is nice. It is sunny. The sky is blue.
My house is in Chapel Hill. I live in Chapel Hill.
Chapel Hill is a city. It is a city on a hill. It is a city
on a small mountain.
My house is red. My house is brick.
I live in a red brick house.
Questions:
1) What is the United States?
A. a city
B. a state
C. a country
2) What is North Carolina?
A. a city
B. a state
C. a country
3) What is Chapel Hill?
4) How is the weather in Chapel Hill?
A. rainy
B. sunny
C. cloudy
A. a city
B. a state
C. a country
5) What is my house made of?
A. wood
B. brick
C. metal
6) What color is my house?
A. red
B. blue
C. yellow
7) What is a hill?
A. a forest
B. a large river
C. a small mountain
47
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““N
Neew
w Shoes for Maddy”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Maddy loves to jump rope, ride her scooter, and ride her skateboard. One day,
Maddy gets a hole in the shoes she likes best while riding her scooter. They are
pink with hearts and a Velcro tab. Now she needs new shoes.
Maddy's mom takes her to the department store on Saturday morning. The store
is filled with people looking for shirts, dresses, pants, and toys. Maddy's mom
takes her to the shoe area.
The shoe area is crowded, and there is a long wait. Maddy does not mind.
Maddy sees a pair of purple sneakers with orange laces. She sees a pair of red
sandals with dots. She sees a pair of green flip-flops. She wants the purple
sneakers.
"But you do not know how to tie your laces," says Maddy's mom.
"I will learn," says Maddy.
Maddy's mother thinks. She does not want to tie Maddy's laces each morning
before school.
"If we buy the purple sneakers, you must learn to tie them before you can wear
them to school," says Maddy's mom.
"I will! I promise!" says Maddy. She is very happy.
Maddy practices tying her laces for the rest of the day. She practices more on
Sunday. Finally, she learns how to tie her laces.
She gets to wear her new shoes to school on Monday.
"I did it," she says with a big smile.
Questions:
1) Why does Maddy need new shoes?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Her shoes are too small.
Her shoes are very old.
She lost her favorite shoes.
She got a hole in her shoes.
2) How does Maddy get a hole in her
shoes?
A.
B.
C.
D.
riding her skateboard
riding her scooter
jumping rope
playing basketball
48
Questions (continued):
3) Which shoes have a hole?
A.
B.
C.
D.
the green flip-flops
the red sandals
the pink shoes with hearts
the purple sneakers
5) How does Maddy feel about the long
wait at the store?
A.
B.
C.
D.
4) Which shoes does Maddy want to
buy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
the pink shoes with hearts
the purple sneakers
the green flip-flops
the red sandals with dots
6) Who does Maddy see in the store?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She is mad about it.
She is happy about it.
She is excited about it.
She feels okay about it.
a lot of people
her older sister
her friends from school
one of her neighbors
7) When can Maddy wear her shoes to 8) As used in paragraph 8, what does
school?
promise mean?
A. when she learns how to tie the
laces
B. as soon as she leaves the store
C. after summer vacation
D. tomorrow
9) What does Maddy's mom not want
to do?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
that Maddy wants to learn to tie
that Maddy will learn to tie
that Maddy cannot learn to tie
that Maddy might learn to tie
10) How might Maddy feel after
learning to tie?
buy Maddy new shoes
buy Maddy green flip-flops
buy more than one pair of shoes
tie Maddy's shoes each morning
I. happy
II. proud
III. nervous
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
11) What lesson did Maddy learn?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Practice makes perfect.
Do not ride a scooter with pink shoes.
Be careful what you wish for.
School is fun with new shoes.
49
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_____________
““O
Onnee Hundred Dollars”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Leonard James is a homeless man. For him, life is always hard.
He is always hungry. His shoes have holes in them. He needs a haircut. His
clothes are old and dirty.
“What I would do with one hundred dollars!” Leonard says. This is a game he
likes to play with himself to take his mind off things.
He is walking down the street on a Thursday night. The winter air is cold on his
face.
“If I had one hundred dollars, I could buy new socks,” he says. He continues to
walk down the street.
“If I had one hundred dollars, I could get a haircut,” he says. He continues to walk
down the street.
“If I had one hundred dollars, I could buy new pants,” he says. He continues to
walk down the street.
“If I had one hundred dollars, I could get a hamburger,” he says. His stomach
rumbles at the thought.
“If I had….” Leonard looks down at the sidewalk. He cannot believe what he
sees!
Someone has lost his wallet. Leonard picks it up. Inside are five twenty-dollar
bills.
“One hundred dollars!” Leonard says. He is very excited. “Now I can buy
everything I want!”
Then Leonard begins to think. “But this is not my money,” he says.
Leonard goes to the police station. He gives a police officer the wallet and
money.
“Thank you,” says the police officer. “You are a very honest man.”
Leonard smiles. He turns around and begins to leave the police station.
“Hold on,” the police officer says. He reaches in his own pocket and gives
Leonard ten dollars. “Get yourself something to eat.”
50
Questions:
1) What is life like for Leonard?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It is hard.
It is easy.
It is warm.
It is full of good food.
2) How does the reader know that
Leonard is poor?
I. He finds a wallet.
II. He has no home.
III. He is always hungry.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) Why does Leonard think about what 4) What time of year is it?
he would do with a hundred dollars?
A. spring
B. summer
A. It helps him go to sleep.
C. fall
B. It takes his mind off things.
D. winter
C. The police officer asks him to.
D. He knows he will find the
money.
5) What does Leonard say he would do
with a hundred dollars?
I. get a haircut
II. buy new clothes
III. get a hotel room
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
7) “He cannot believe what he sees.”
What is another way to write this
sentence?
A. He thinks what he sees is crazy.
B. He feels what he sees is good
luck.
C. He thinks what he sees cannot
be true.
D. He thinks what he sees is scary.
6) Why does Leonard's stomach
rumble?
A.
B.
C.
D.
because he is hungry
because he is tired
because his clothes are dirty
because he is homeless
8) Why does Leonard go to the police
station?
A.
B.
C.
D.
because he owes money
because he wants a reward
because the wallet is not his
because he has committed a
crime
51
Questions (continued):
9) What kind of man does Leonard
seem to be?
A.
B.
C.
D.
bad
dumb
good
old
11) How does Leonard seem to feel
about what he has done?
A.
B.
C.
D.
angry
happy
sad
unsure
13) What kind of man does the police
officer seem to be?
A.
B.
C.
D.
angry
busy
kind
mean
10) As used at the end of the story,
what does it mean to be honest?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to feel good
to want more
to be truthful
to be hopeful
12) What does the police officer give
Leonard?
A.
B.
C.
D.
advice
a handshake
money to eat
the one hundred dollars
14) Why does the police officer give
Leonard ten dollars?
A. to surprise Leonard
B. so Leonard feels better about
returning the wallet
C. because it is part of his job
D. because he wants to get
Leonard off the streets
If you found one hundred dollars, would you keep it? Why or why not?
52
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““P
Paauull Cooks”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Paul’s wife knows Paul loves to read cookbooks.
She decides to get him one for his birthday.
Paul tells her he will try to make a new recipe for three days in a row.
On Monday, Paul makes blueberry pancakes for breakfast. He gets the
blueberries from the farmers’ market.
On Tuesday, Paul makes beef soup for dinner. He puts in cubes of beef, carrots,
and onions.
The recipe calls for cream, but Paul does not like cream. He uses water instead.
On Wednesday, Paul makes a tomato salad with cucumbers and onions.
He picks the cucumbers and tomatoes from his garden.
He likes this dish best. It was also the easiest for him to make.
Questions:
1) Which ingredients does Paul use to
make beef soup?
I. onions
II. potatoes
III. cucumbers
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Paul buys it.
His girlfriend gives it to him.
His wife gets it for him.
Paul’s friend buys it for him.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) What does Paul say he will do?
A.
B.
C.
D.
2) Where does Paul get his cookbook?
become a chef
grow his own food
cook every recipe in a week
try a new recipe for three days in
a row
4) On what day does Paul make
pancakes?
A. Sunday
B. Monday
C. Tuesday
D. Wednesday
53
Questions (continued):
5) What does Paul get from the
farmer's market?
A.
B.
C.
D.
cubes of beef
blueberries
tomatoes
cucumbers
7) Which dish does Paul like best?
A.
B.
C.
D.
the creamy one
beef soup
tomato salad
blueberry pancakes
9) What does Paul use instead of
cream?
A.
B.
C.
D.
milk
onions
water
butter
6) Where does Paul get cucumbers
and tomatoes?
A.
B.
C.
D.
from his wife
from the store
from his garden
from the farmers’ market
8) Why doesn't Paul use cream?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He doesn’t like it.
There was none at the store.
There was none in the garden.
There was none at the farmers’
market.
10) Which dish was the easiest for
Paul to make?
A.
B.
C.
D.
pancakes
beef soup
tomato salad
chicken tenders
Do you like to cook? What is your favorite dish?
54
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““R
Raaiinnyy Day”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
My name is Mimi.
Today is July 5, 2010.
Today is a rainy day.
I am happy today.
Why am I happy?
I am happy because it is raining!
Is that strange?
Well…maybe.
But I like it when it rains. The rain makes me happy.
I like rainy days. I do not like sunny days.
I like the sound of the rain.
I like the clouds. The clouds are gray. The clouds are big.
I like the rain.
Questions:
1) What is the weather like in the
story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It is hot and sunny.
It is cool and cloudy.
It is dark and snowy.
It is cloudy and rainy.
3) Why is Mimi happy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
because it is her birthday
because she passed the test
because it is raining
because she won the game
5) What are the clouds like?
A.
B.
C.
D.
high and red
blue and scary
big and gray
green and small
2) What is the date in the story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
March 4, 2012
July 5, 2010
April 10, 1990
November 28, 1987
4) Does Mimi like sunny days?
A. Yes, she does like sunny days.
B. No, she does not like sunny
days.
6) What does Mimi like about the rain?
I. the smell of the rain
II. the sound of the rain
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II
55
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““R
Ru
un
nn
niin
ng
g””
Reading Comprehension–– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Dieter loves to run.
He runs in the morning. He runs in the afternoon. He runs in the
evening. He runs at night.
Dieter loves to run, but it hurts to run.
When Dieter runs, it hurts.
His legs hurt. His arms hurt. His back hurts. His head hurts. When
Dieter runs, his whole body hurts.
Then, Dieter starts thinking. He starts dreaming.
He dreams about his job. He dreams about his home.
He dreams about his family. He dreams about
his friends. He dreams about the world.
At first, running hurts. No one likes it when it hurts.
When it hurts, Dieter dreams about things that do not hurt.
This is why Dieter loves running. Running gives him the best dreams.
Sometimes, Dieter forgets that he is running. Sometimes, he runs all morning.
Sometimes, he runs all afternoon. Sometimes, he runs all night.
Dieter runs and dreams.
Questions:
1) What does Dieter love to do?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He loves to run.
He loves to dream.
He loves to think.
He loves to hurt.
3) What does Dieter do while he is
running?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He dreams.
He sleeps.
He eats.
He drinks.
2) When Dieter runs, it hurts. What
does this mean?
A. He feels good.
B. He feels bad.
4) What does Dieter dream about?
I. his job
II. his family
III. his future
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
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““S
Seeeeiinngg Stars”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Yana is my mother.
Tony is my father.
My name is Sasha.
We live in a red house.
We have a blue car.
We sit in the yard at night.
We look at the stars.
Father says the stars make him happy.
Mother says the stars make her want to sing.
I like to think about how many stars are in the sky.
We hear a baby cry next door. My mother sings.
The baby stops crying. We think he heard my mother’s pretty song.
We all smile.
Questions:
1) Who is Yana?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Sasha's father
Sasha’s mother
Tony's father
Tony’s mother
2) What color is Sasha's house?
A.
B.
C.
D.
red
blue
purple
orange
57
Questions (continued):
3) Who is telling the story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
father
mother
Sasha
the baby
5) How do the stars make Sasha's
father feel?
A.
B.
C.
D.
funny
happy
like counting
like singing
7) What does Sasha like to do when
she sees the stars?
A. She likes to sit in the car.
B. She likes to hold the baby.
C. She likes to sing with her
mother.
D. She likes to guess how many
there are.
4) When does the family sit in the
yard?
A.
B.
C.
D.
in the morning
in the afternoon
in the evening
at night
6) What happens after Mother sings?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A friend comes by.
Father gets sleepy.
Sasha counts stars.
The baby stops crying.
8) What do Mother, Father, and Sasha
do at the end of the story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
They cry.
They laugh.
They smile.
They talk.
Do you ever look at the stars? What do they make you think about?
58
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““T
Taalliiaa’’ss Special Day”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Today is a special day for Talia. She is getting ready for a dinner celebration.
She wants to look very nice for her night out.
First, she gets her hair cut at a salon. A salon is a place where people go to get
their hair and nails done.
Then, she gets her fingernails painted pink. A woman who works at the salon
paints Talia’s nails.
Talia is not happy with the color. She asks the woman to change the color to
purple.
She likes the purple very much.
It is almost time to go out. Talia goes home and looks in her closet.
She tries on a pair of light blue pants with a white shirt.
She tries on a purple dress with a black belt.
She tries on a brown skirt with a green top.
She wears the purple dress.
Many of her friends and family are at the restaurant when she gets there.
She hugs her mother and father.
She gives her grandfather a kiss.
Talia’s sister gives her a big smile.
Her best friend, Asra, gives her a present.
Tomorrow is Talia’s birthday, but she is celebrating it tonight.
“Happy Birthday, Talia,” they say. “You look great!”
“I feel great because all of you are here,” says Talia, “for my last night as a
teenager.”
59
Questions:
1) What is Talia doing for her special
day?
A. She is having a party at home.
B. She is going to her friend's
house.
C. She is making dinner.
D. She is going to a restaurant.
3) What does Talia do first?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She picks out a dress.
She gets her nails painted.
She gets her hair cut.
She goes out to eat.
5) What does Talia wear out?
A.
B.
C.
D.
light blue pants
a brown skirt
a purple dress
a green top
7) Who smiles at Talia?
A.
B.
C.
D.
her mother
her sister
her father
her friend
9) As described in the beginning of the
story, what is a salon?
A. a restaurant
B. a place where people talk about
business
C. a gift shop
D. a place to get hair and nails
done
2) Why does Talia want to look nice?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She is celebrating.
It is a national holiday.
She is going to church.
She is going a dance.
4) Why does Talia change the color of
her nails?
A. It does not match her dress.
B. She is not happy with pink.
C. Her friends tell her to change the
color.
D. She is not happy with purple.
6) What does Talia do when she sees
her parents?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She smiles.
She says hello.
She gives them a hug.
She gives them a kiss.
8) How old is Talia?
A.
B.
C.
D.
15
16
19
21
10) Why does Talia feel great?
A. because she looks great
B. because her friends and family
are there
C. because her hair is cut
D. because her nails are purple
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““T
Thhee 20”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
It is Levi’s birthday.
He has a party at home with his family.
Everyone sings, “Happy Birthday!”
Levi has nine candles on his cake. He blows them out. He opens his presents.
Levi’s mother and father give him a bicycle.
Levi’s little sister gives him a game.
Levi’s uncle gives him a baseball jersey.
Levi’s grandma and grandpa give him 20 dollars!
"Thank you!" he yells to everyone.
Levi is excited. He likes all his presents.
He likes the 20 dollars best.
It means he can go to the store. He can buy anything he wants!
“Can we go to the store now, Mom?” asks Levi.
Mom frowns. “Levi, your guests are still here. I will take you to the store
tomorrow.”
That night, Levi dreams of all the things he might buy with his 20 dollars.
Maybe I will buy a video game!
Maybe I will buy a guitar!
Maybe I will buy a camera!
Maybe I will buy a tool kit!
In the morning, Mom takes Levi and his little sister to the store.
“Will you buy me something, too?” asks Levi’s little sister.
“Maybe,” Levi says. He runs to look around the store.
Ugh!
The guitar costs more than 20 dollars.
The video game costs more than 20 dollars.
The camera costs more than 20 dollars.
The tool kit costs 12 dollars.
Levi buys the tool kit.
He buys his little sister a key chain.
He buys his mom a pack of gum.
“You are a sweet boy,” Levi’s mom tells him.
61
Questions:
1) Who is at Levi's party?
I. his parents
II. his friends
III. his teachers
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
3) What does Levi's sister give him?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a baseball jersey
a bike
a game
money
2) How old is Levi?
A.
B.
C.
D.
4) How does Levi feel about his
presents?
I. He likes all of them.
II. He likes the money best.
III. He likes the game least.
A.
B.
C.
D.
5) Levi dreams about buying a
A.
B.
C.
D.
bike
camera
key chain
baseball jersey
7) When Levi goes to the store, it is
A.
B.
C.
D.
morning
afternoon
evening
night
9
10
11
12
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
6) Levi's mom frowns at Levi because
he
A. is mean to his sister.
B. asks for more money.
C. does not thank everyone for his
gifts.
D. wants to go to the store during
the party.
8) Levi doesn't know that
A. he has received many presents
B. his baseball jersey is too big
C. most things he wants cost more
than 20 dollars
D. his sister has more money than
he does
62
Questions (continued):
9) Levi goes to the store with his
I. sister
II. mother
III. uncle
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
11) Levi buys himself a tool kit. What
else does he buy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a game and a pack of gum
a key chain and a pack of gum
a key chain and a guitar
a game and a key chain
10) Levi buys himself a
A.
B.
C.
D.
pack of gum
key chain
guitar
tool kit
12) Levi's mom call him a sweet boy
because
A. it is his birthday
B. he eats a lot of candy on his
birthday
C. he waits until the next day to go
to the store
D. he buys something for his mom
and little sister
If you had twenty dollars, what would you buy with it? Why?
63
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““T
Thhee Drive”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Gustavo works far away from his home.
He drives a car to work. It takes him 3 hours to get there.
Gustavo drives.
While he drives, he thinks about many things.
He thinks about his little girl. She likes to ride horses.
He thinks about his little boy. He plays fireman all the time.
He thinks about his wife. She milks the cows on the farm.
Gustavo thinks of things he needs to do when he gets home.
He needs to cut the grass. It is too long.
He needs to water the flowers so they will grow.
He wants to read a story to his little girl.
He wants to play a game with his little boy.
He wants to sit with his wife. He wants to tell her about his day.
Questions:
1) How does Gustavo get to work?
A.
B.
C.
D.
by bus
by car
by horse
by train
2) What does Gustavo do while he
drives?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He sings.
He talks.
He thinks.
He works.
64
Questions (continued):
3) What does Gustavo think about
while he drives?
I. his work
II. his wife
III. his little boy
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
4) How long does it take Gustavo to
get to work?
A.
B.
C.
D.
15 minutes
30 minutes
2 hours
3 hours
5) What does Gustavo’s little girl like to 6) What does Gustavo’s little boy like
do?
to do?
A.
B.
C.
D.
milk cows
play fireman
ride horses
water flowers
7) What does Gustavo need to do
when he gets home?
A.
B.
C.
D.
milk cows
play fireman
ride horses
water flowers
8) What does Gustavo want to do
when he gets home?
I. milk the cows
II. cut the grass
III. water the flowers
I. sit with his wife
II. read to his little girl
III. play a game with his little boy
A. I only
A. I only
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
B. I and II
C. II and III
D. I, II, and III
9) Why does Gustavo need to cut the
grass?
A.
B.
C.
D.
So it will grow.
It is too brown.
It is too long.
It is too old.
10) What does Gustavo need to water
when he gets home?
A.
B.
C.
D.
the grass
the cows
the horses
the flowers
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““T
Thhee Interview”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Jethro gets ready for his job interview. He
takes a shower.
He shaves.
He brushes his teeth. He
cuts his fingernails. He
combs his hair.
He puts on the new suit he bought just for today.
Jethro feels confident. He is also very nervous.
Here is why. Jethro graduated at the top of his class in college. Still, Jethro
knows the economy is bad. His dad just lost his job at the bank a few weeks ago! Many
people are interviewing for the very same job. There is a lot of competition.
Jethro is still positive. He thinks he has a good chance of getting the job at the
technology company.
Jethro arrives at his interview at 9:45. He is 15 minutes early. He realizes the
importance of being prompt. He does not want to be late.
“Have a seat. Mr. Stone will be right with you,” the receptionist says.
Jethro sits. He thinks about what he has learned to do in an interview.
Look people in the eye.
Give a firm handshake.
Speak clearly.
Jethro feels ready.
“Mr. Stone is ready to see you now,” the receptionist says. Jethro
takes a deep breath and walks into Mr. Stone’s office.
“Good to meet you, sir,” Jethro says and gives Mr. Stone a firm handshake and a
smile.
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Questions:
1) What kind of job is Jethro
interviewing for?
A.
B.
C.
D.
a college job
a banking job
a technology job
a receptionist job
3) What time is Jethro's interview?
A.
B.
C.
D.
9:30
9:45
10:00
10:15
5) Why might Jethro be nervous?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He did not do well in school.
He is not a very good speaker.
He does not like to wear suits.
Many others are interviewing for
the same job.
7) Why is it good that Jethro gets to
his interview early?
A. It gives Jethro time to think.
B. It helps Jethro speak clearly.
C. Mr. Stone likes people to be
early.
D. The receptionist asks him to be
there early.
2) What is one thing Jethro does to get
ready?
I. He talks to his dad.
II. He calls Mr. Stone.
III. He combs his hair.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
III only
I, II, and III
4) What does it mean to be
confident?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to be early
to be sure
to be worried
to be nervous
6) What is competition?
A. when people get ready to go out
B. when people go for a job
interview
C. when people feel they are not
good enough
D. when many people are going
after the same thing
8) What has Jethro learned to do in an
interview?
A.
B.
C.
D.
be positive
tell good jokes
talk about his college experience
look people in the eye
67
9) Why might Jethro be positive about 10) Which of the following can help
getting this job?
make a good impression at an
interview?
A. The economy is bad.
I. looking people in the eye
B. He did well in school.
II. wearing a new suit
C. Jethro's dad lost his job.
III. being well groomed
D. He knows Mr. Stone well.
A.
B.
C.
D.
11) What has Jethro learned to do in
order to be understood by an
interviewer?
A.
B.
C.
D.
speak clearly
look people in the eye
give a firm handshake
feel confident
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
12) If you are prompt, this means you
are
A.
B.
C.
D.
positive
intelligent
on time
in control
Have you ever felt nervous about doing something new? Explain.
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““T
Thhee Singing Bird”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Ben has two cats.
Their names are Max and Tito.
Max is black.
Max has green eyes.
Max is black with green eyes.
Tito is brown.
Tito has blue eyes.
Tito is brown with blue eyes.
They are fast. They are beautiful. They are fast and beautiful.
Ben also has a bird. Her name is Lilly. Lilly likes to sing. Lilly sings every day.
Sometimes she sings very loud.
Max and Tito try to discover who is singing.
They look everywhere! Finally,
they see who is singing.
It is Lilly!
They sit and watch her sing.
Questions:
1) How many cats does Ben have?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Ben has one cat.
Ben has two cats.
Ben has three cats.
Ben has four cats.
3) Tito's eyes are
A. blue
B. red
C. green
5) What color is Max?
A. Max is orange. B. Max is brown.
C. Max is black
2) What are Max and Tito like?
I. big
II. beautiful
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II
4) What is the name of the bird?
A. Tito
B. Max
C. Lilly
6) Who is singing?
A. Tito B. Max C. Lilly
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““T
Tiim
mee to…”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
It is 6:15 a.m.
It is time to wake up.
It is time to take a shower.
It is time to brush teeth.
It is time to get dressed.
It is time to eat breakfast.
It is time to go to work.
It is time to eat lunch.
It is time to go back to work.
It is time to go home.
It is time to eat dinner.
It is time to go to sleep.
“Billy,” she says.
“What?” Billy says.
"It is time to wake up!"
Questions:
1) What time is it?
A.
B.
C.
D.
5:30 in the morning
5:30 at night
6:15 in the morning
6:15 at night
3) What is it time to do second?
A.
B.
C.
D.
brush teeth
wake up
take a shower
go home
2) What is it time to do first?
A.
B.
C.
D.
brush teeth
take a shower
wake up
go to work
4) What is it time to do last?
A.
B.
C.
D.
go to sleep
go to work
go to a movie
eat dinner
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Questions (continued):
5) What is it time to do after it is time
to go home?
A.
B.
C.
D.
starts sleeping
starts working
stops sleeping
eats dinner
8) It is time to brush teeth. This
means it is time for Billy to
busy
short
nervous
honest
9) Billy goes back to work. This means
he
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
eat dinner
brush teeth
get dressed
wake up
7) Billy is
A.
B.
C.
D.
6) Billy wakes up. This means he
A.
B.
C.
D.
clean his teeth
chatter his teeth
bite with his teeth
chew with his teeth
10) What is the correct order?
likes work
is late for work
returns to work
stays home
A.
B.
C.
D.
Breakfast – Dinner – Lunch
Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Dinner – Lunch – Breakfast
Lunch – Dinner – Breakfast
Do you dream? What do you dream about?
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““W
Whhaatt Number?”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
Becca and Kai played together all day.
The two friends played outside in the morning. They rode bikes and scooters.
They ate lunch on the porch. Becca’s mom made sandwiches and lemonade.
They played hide-and-seek in the house right after lunch.
Then they did not know what to do.
“I know! Let’s play the number game,” said Becca. “What number am I thinking
of?”
“Is it five?” asked Kai.
“No, it is higher than five,” Becca said.
“Okay, is it one hundred?”
“No, it is lower than one hundred,” Becca said.
“Let’s see,” said Kai. “Is it sixty?”
Becca gave Kai a hint. “It is between twenty and thirty.”
“Hmm, is it twenty-five?”
“No, but you are very close!” Becca said.
“Well, is it higher or lower than twenty-five?”
“It is lower,” Becca said.
“Okay, I think I know. Is it twenty-two?”
“Yeah! You guessed it.” Becca said. “Good job!”
Questions:
1) Where did Becca and Kai play
today?
A.
B.
C.
D.
at school
at the park
at Kai's house
at Becca's house
2) What did Becca and Kai do in the
morning?
I. They rode bikes.
II. They played outside.
III. They played hide-and-seek.
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
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3) Where did Becca and Kai eat
lunch?
A.
B.
C.
D.
in the kitchen
by the swing
at the park
on the porch
5) What was Kai’s second guess?
A.
B.
C.
D.
five
twenty-two
sixty
one hundred
7) Which is correct?
A.
B.
C.
D.
178 is lower than 177
178 is higher than 177
178 is between 177
178 is the same as 177
9) Kai's guess of twenty-five
was close because
A. twenty-five is a big number
B. it is near the number Becca was
thinking about
C. it is far away from the number
Becca was thinking about
D. it is lower than the number
Becca was thinking about
11) What number was Becca thinking
about?
A.
B.
C.
D.
nineteen
twenty
twenty-one
twenty-two
4) Whose idea was it to play the
number game?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It was Kai’s idea.
It was Mom’s idea.
It was Becca’s idea.
It was Kai and Becca’s idea.
6) Why does Kai guess one hundred?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It is lower than twenty-two.
It is higher than sixty.
It is higher than five.
It is lower than sixty.
8) Which is correct?
I. 239 is lower than 247
II. 224 is higher than 256
III. 224 is between 220 and 230
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and III
II and III
I, II, and III
10) What does it mean to give
someone a hint?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to give someone a clue
to make a question hard
to tell someone to give up
to give someone the answer
12) What other number could Becca
have been thinking about?
A.
B.
C.
D.
ten
fifteen
twenty-three
twenty-eight
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““Z
Zaacch
h’’ss Animals”
Reading Com prehens ion –– Short Stories
Directions: Read the story. Then answer the questions below.
My name is Zach.
I have a bird. She flies.
I have a dog. He is white.
I have a pig. He is very dirty.
I have a rabbit. She has a lot of hair.
Sometimes I feel like I live in a zoo.
The name of my bird is Sky.
The name of my dog is Snow.
The name of my rabbit is Fur Ball.
I do not have a name for my pig yet.
I want to have a lamb.
I want to have a kitten.
I want to have a duck.
Mom says, “Not yet.”
I can’t live without my animals.
Questions:
1) Why is Snow a good name for
Zach's dog?
A.
B.
C.
D.
because he is cold
because he is white
because he eats snow
because he plays in snow
3) Zach’s pig is
A.
B.
C.
D.
fat
dirty
sweet
cute
2) Which animals does Zach want?
I. a pig
II. a duck
III. a kitten
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
4) Zach says, "I can't live without my
animals." What does he mean?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He will die without animals.
He loves his animals a lot.
He has lost all his animals.
He wants his animals in the house.
74
Questions (continued):
5) What can we say about Zack?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He is a man.
He likes clean animals.
He lives in a zoo.
He wants more animals.
7) Which animals does Zach have?
I. a rabbit
II. a lamb
III. a duck
A.
B.
C.
D.
I only
I and II
II and III
I, II, and III
9) Why is Sky a good name for Zach's
bird?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She is blue.
That is where she lives.
That is where she flies.
That is where Zach found her.
6) What can be said about Zach from
this story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He lives in a zoo.
He wants a horse.
He likes animals.
He has six animals.
8) Zach's pig is very dirty. What could
be a good name for him?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Muddy
Oink
Pinkie
Porky
10) How many animals does Zach
have?
A.
B.
C.
D.
two
four
six
seven
Do you like animals? Do you have any pets? Why or why not?
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Name
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Beginning Dialogues – “Country Life City Life”
Henry: Hi Henry! How is life in the country?
Davie: Hey Davie. Life in the country is fine. How is life in the city?
Henry: It’s great. I love the trees, flowers, birds, and insects.
Davie: Insects!? Eww, that’s gross.
Henry: Well, how is life in the city?
Davie: It’s great. I love the buildings, cars, streets, and bright lights.
Henry: Bright lights!? I hate bright lights!
Davie: Yeah but in the city I can take the subway to work. I don’t even have to drive.
Henry: That’s nice. But, in the country I work on a farm near my house so I don’t have to
drive either. I walk to work.
Davie: Doesn’t that hurt your feet?
Henry: Sometimes, but its worth it because I get to eat food the comes straight from the
farm.
Davie: Mmmm, food from the farm sounds good. I wonder if it is better than the food
you can eat at restaurants in the city!
76
Questions:
Vocabulary:
1) Who lives in the city?
1) If something is gross, it is…
A.
B.
C.
D.
Henry
Davie
Both Henry and Davie
Neither Henry nor Davie
2) What does Davie think is gross?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Birds
Insects
Flowers
Trees
3) What does Henry hate?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Buildings
Cars
Streets
Bright lights
4) How does Davie get to work?
A.
B.
C.
D.
She drives a car
She takes the bus
She takes the subway
None of the above
5) How does Henry get to work?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He drives a tractor
He rides a horse
He drives a lawn mower
None of the above
A.
B.
C.
D.
tasty.
disgusting.
ready.
A and B.
2) If a light is bright, it is…
A.
B.
C.
D.
dark.
low.
strong.
none of the above.
3) When Henry says, “I don’t have to
drive either,” he means that…
A. he likes to drive.
B. he also has to drive to work.
C. he also does not have to drive to
work.
D. none of the above.
4) If an action is worth it…
A. the value of doing that action is
high enough.
B. the action has no value.
C. the action is old.
D. the action is boring.
5) When you wonder, you…
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
play.
think.
imagine.
B and C.
None of the above.
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Name
Date
Beginning Dialogues – “How are You”
Julia: Hi Anita. How are you?
Anita: I am fine, thanks. How are you?
Julia: I feel bad. I think I am sick.
Anita: Hmm, that is not good.
Julia: Yes, I know.
Anita: Well, I think you should try to relax.
Julia: Okay.
Anita: I hope you feel better soon.
Julia: Yeah, I do too!
Questions:
Vocabulary:
1) How does Julia feel?
1) Relax means
A.
B.
C.
D.
Good
Bad
Sick
B and C
2) What does Anita think Julia should
do?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Exercise
Eat something
Drink something
Relax
A.
B.
C.
D.
exercise.
rest.
study.
none of the above.
2) Soon is
A.
B.
C.
D.
.
.
now.
a long time from now.
a short time from now.
never.
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Name
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Beginning Dialogues – “Tie Your Shoes!”
Dad: Tie your shoes! Michael:
Okay, Dad. I will. Mom: Tuck
in your shirt! Michael Okay,
Mom. I will. Sister: Empty the
trash! Michael: Okay, Sis. I
will. Grandmother: Make your
bed!
Michael: Okay, Grandma. I will.
Grandfather: Do your homework!
Michael: Okay, Grandpa. I will. Hey, Little Brother!
Little Brother: Me?
Michael: Yes, you! Tie your shoes!
Questions:
Vocabulary:
1) What does Mom want Michael to do?
1) Tuck in your shirt means…
A.
B.
C.
D.
Tie his shoes
Make his bed
Tuck in his shirt
Do his homework
2) Who is probably the youngest person?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Michael
Sister
Little Brother
Grandma
A. put the bottom of your shirt inside
your pants.
B. button the top of your shirt around
your neck.
C. wear a clean shirt.
D. fold your shirt.
2) When something is empty, it …
A.
B.
C.
D.
is full.
has nothing in it.
is heavy.
none of the above.
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Name
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Beginning Dialogues – “What time is it?”
Julio: Hey Yoko. Do you know what time it is?
Yoko: No, sorry. Ask Bob.
Julio: Hey Bob. Do you know what time it is?
Bob: No man, sorry. Ask Roger.
Julio: Okay. Hey Roger, do you know what time it is?
Roger: Well, I did this morning, but then I forgot. Sorry. Ask Lola.
Julio: Okay, fine. Hey Lola, what time is it?
Lola: I do not know. That is a good question. Let me know if you find out please.
Julio: Gosh! Does anybody know what time it is?
Questions:
Vocabulary:
1) What time is it?
1) If you ask someone, you
A.
B.
C.
D.
10:30
11:00
Nobody knows
Noon
2) How many people are in this story?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Two
Three
Four
Five
A.
B.
C.
D.
.
question someone.
answer someone.
A and B.
none of the above.
2) Roger forgot the time. So, Roger
the time now.
A.
B.
C.
D.
knows
used to know
does not know
B and C
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Name
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Beginning Dialogues – “Where Are My Glasses?”
Ahmad: I can’t find my glasses.
Uli: Have you looked on the kitchen table?
Ahmad: Yes, I’ve looked there.
Uli: Have you checked your desk?
Ahmad: Yes, I’ve checked there.
Uli: Have you looked next to the computer?
Ahmad: They’re not there.
Mo: Hi Dad.
Ahmad: Hi Mo. I’m looking for my glasses.
Mo: Have you checked on top of your head?
Ahmad: Oh! There they are!
Vocabulary:
Questions:
1) What is Ahmad doing?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Looking for his checks
Working in the kitchen
Looking for his glasses
Working at his desk
2) Who is Mo?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Ahmad’s dad
Ahmad’s son
Uli’s friend
Uli’s dad
1) Uli asks if Ahmad has checked his
desk. Checked means…
A. helped out.
B. cleaned up.
C. worked on.
D. looked over.
2) Another way of saying next to is…
A.
B.
C.
D.
under.
above.
beside.
between.
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Name
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Beginning Dialogues – “Where are my keys?”
Vanka: Hey Oni, do you know where my pen is?
Oni: Yes, it is on your desk.
Vanka: Okay thanks. Hey Roger, do you know where my hat is?
Roger: Yeah, it is on your bed.
Vanka: Okay thanks. Hey Dillan, do you know where my purse is?
Dillan: Yeah, it is on the couch.
Vanka: Okay thanks. Hey Jonas, do you know where my belt is?
Jonas: Yeah, it is in your room.
Vanka: Okay thanks. Now I have everything I need. Now I can go to work.
Oni: Hey Vanka, do you know where your car keys are?
Vanka: No. Where are they? I need them!
Questions:
Vocabulary:
1) Where is Vanka’s purse?
1) Yeah and
thing.
A.
B.
C.
D.
On her bed
On the couch
In her room
None of the above
A.
B.
C.
D.
mean the same
no
please
yes
A and B.
2) What is the last thing Vanka needs?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Her pen
Her hat
Her purse
Her belt
Her keys
2) If Vanka has everything she needs,
she has…
A.
B.
C.
D.
all of the things she needs.
none of the things she needs.
almost all of the things she needs.
none of the above.
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