VDOE READING SOL
SHORT PRACTICE ITEMS
WORD ANALYSIS
1
Determined to research the first mayor of the city, the
student earnestly delved into the newspaper’s
historical records.
What is the meaning of delved?
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2
Kenya tucked the letter from her brother Josh into a large
folder, where she kept all of their correspondence. She took
out the birthday card and the two postcards he had sent
while he was at college. Kenya enjoyed having all of the mail
from her big brother in one place so that she could keep it
safe.
2 Which words or phrases best help the reader
determine the meaning of correspondence in this
paragraph?
tucked
college
letter where she kept
enjoyed all of the mail
two postcards
in one place
3
After convincing her mom to purchase the dry, crumbling
potted fern at the greenhouse, Miya worked tirelessly to revive
the plant. She placed it on a table next to the window in her
room, fed it fertilizer, and watered it often. Finally, the fern
began to look healthier, and Miya felt proud of her efforts.
3The word revive means to –
restore health or vigor
return to an earlier place
cover or shelter
give shine to the surface
Underline the context clues in the paragraph that help
the reader determine the word revive.
4
After seeing a movie preview full of adventure, action,
and special effects, many people rushed to see the
movie but were disappointed by its mediocrity.
4 Select the phrases that define mediocrity as used in
this sentence.
difference from reality
ordinary quality
neither good or bad
lack of enthusiasm
careless construction
5
5
Although he was eager, Louis Braille found the reading system
for the blind a real challenge. At the time, books for the blind were
made by forming the letters of the alphabet from copper wire.
These letters were pressed into the paper, leaving a raised
impression of the letter on the paper’s other side. The blind
student could then read by feeling the raised letters. But even
though they were raised, differentiating between the letters was
intricate and time-consuming. Consequently very few raised-print
books were available because they were tedious to make.
Which words are antonyms for differentiating?
Integrating
Perceiving
Associating
Distorting
Distinguishing
Composing
6
6
The word neutral comes from a Latin root meaning
“neither.” In which statement are Amy’s actions most
accurately called neutral?
a) Amy wants her friend’s favorite team to win.
b) Amy cheers whenever the losing team scores a
point.
c) Amy hopes the most talented team wins.
d) Amy supports the home team.
7
7
In 1813 the famous naturalist John Audubon observed a
vast flock of passenger pigeons as he traveled through
Kentucky. The flock took three days to pass above; in such a
black cloud, they obliterated the sun at times.
Conservatively, he estimated their numbers at 1.1 billion
birds. How could a bird that was the most prolific in North
America become extinct?
Write synonyms for obliterated.
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8
8
During the competition, the lithe gymnast rolled and
tumbled across the mat on the gym floor. Her graceful bends
and nimble acrobatics displayed her exceptional gymnast
abilities. She had clearly spent countless hours practicing her
rigorous routine. The result was a polished performance that
won her first place.
Which two words are antonyms for the word lithe?
flexible
unpliable
exceptional
tall
limber
stiff
Underline the context clues in the paragraph that help
the reader determine the word lithe.
9
9
If Don does not ride the bus home, I understand that I
must make arrangements to have him picked up from
school by 5:00 PM.
Adding the suffix –ment to the word arrange creates the
meaninga) one who will arrange
b) the process of being arranged
c) the ability to arrange
d) a place for arranging items
10
Using words or phrases from the list, complete the chart to
match the word and the meaning of the affix.
WORD
MEANING OF AFFIX
childish
badly
state or quality
malpractice
novelty
having the character
a person who
hospitable
apart
11
Darrian decided to cultivate his musical ability by
practicing his trumpet each night and trying to play
more difficult songs.
Which two words are synonyms of cultivate as it is used in this
sentence?
ponder
submit
contact
improve
document
refine
12
Louise seemed immersed in the lesson, taking notes while her
teacher explained the topic and asking questions when she
wanted more information.
In this sentence, which words or phrases help define
the word immersed?
seemed
the lesson
taking notes
explained the topic
asking questions
information
13
pro-file (proh-fahyl) n. 1. A side view of an object. 2. An outline. 3.
Degree of exposure to public notice. 4. A brief biographical essay.
5. A graph, table, or list of scores representing the extent to which
a person, field, or object exhibits various tested characteristics or
tendencies (Italian prof (f) ilo, noun derivative of profilare to
delineate, outline)
In this dictionary entry, profile comes from a word meaning -
A side view of an object
An outline
Degree of exposure
A brief biographical essay
A graph, table, or list of scores
To delineate, outline
14
MAKING INFERENCES AND
DRAWING CONCLUSIONS
Jack wanted to take a guitar class at school, but he
knew his mother would not let him since he was
already learning to play the violin.
The author assumes the reader already knows that
a) children require limits
b) music lessons are rewarding
c) studying music requires dedication
d) learning two things at once can be confusing
15
from Collecting Rocks by Rachel M. Barker*
Starting a Collection
…The collection can be as large or as small as its owner wishes…A rock
collection might begin with stones picked up from the ground near your
home. These stones may have limited variety and can be replaced later by
better specimens.
*Public Domain
Based on this paragraph, what may the reader infer
about a rock collection?
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16
from A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett*
“Here we are, Sara,” said Captain Crewe, making his voice sound as cheerful as
possible. Then he lifted her out of the cab and they mounted the steps and rang the bell.
Sara often thought afterward that the house was somehow exactly like Miss Minchin. It
was respectable and well furnished, but everything in it was ugly; and the very armchairs
seemed to have hard bones in them. In the hall everything was hard and polished—even
the red cheeks of the moon face on the tall clock in the corner had a severe varnished
look. The drawing room into which they were ushered was covered by a carpet with a
square pattern upon it, the chairs were square, and a heavy marble timepiece stood upon
the heavy marble mantel.
*Public Domain
Why does Captain Crewe make “his voice seem as cheerful as
possible”?
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What words or phrases help the reader infer that the setting is not
a place for children?
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from A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett*
“Here we are, Sara,” said Captain Crewe, making his voice sound as cheerful as
possible. Then he lifted her out of the cab and they mounted the steps and rang the bell.
Sara often thought afterward that the house was somehow exactly like Miss Minchin. It
was respectable and well furnished, but everything in it was ugly; and the very armchairs
seemed to have hard bones in them. In the hall everything was hard and polished—even
the red cheeks of the moon face on the tall clock in the corner had a severe varnished
look. The drawing room into which they were ushered was covered by a carpet with a
square pattern upon it, the chairs were square, and a heavy marble timepiece stood upon
the heavy marble mantel.
*Public Domain
What can the reader infer about Miss Minchin from the
description of the setting?
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What words best describe how Sara feels about Miss Minchin?
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18
WORD CHOICE
Aaron looked at the homework pass in his hand, then at Bailey quickly
walking away. Bailey stopped a few times to get a better grip on the lunchbox
and instrument case she carried and to adjust her backpack, which was
hanging open. Aaron thought Bailey would not notice the missing homework
pass until she was already on the bus. As Aaron moved the crumpled paper
he held in his fist toward his pocket, he sighed like a deflating balloon. He
looked at Bailey again. She had dropped her lunchbox and was collecting the
empty containers that had rolled out. Aaron felt his grip on the homework
pass loosen as he began walking toward her.
Underline the sentence that best shows that Aaron is hesitant to
return Bailey’s homework pass.
19
Aaron looked at the homework pass in his hand, then at
Bailey quickly walking away. Bailey stopped a few times to get a
better grip on the lunchbox and instrument case she carried and
to adjust her backpack, which was hanging open. Aaron thought
Bailey would not notice the missing homework pass until she
was already on the bus. As Aaron moved the crumpled paper he
held in his fist toward his pocket, he sighed like a deflating
balloon. He looked at Bailey again. She had dropped her
lunchbox and was collecting the empty containers that had
rolled out. Aaron felt his grip on the homework pass loosen as
he began walking toward her.
Underline how the author shows that Aaron finally decides
to return Bailey’s homework pass.
20
Aaron looked at the homework pass in his hand, then at
Bailey quickly walking away. Bailey stopped a few times to get a
better grip on the lunchbox and instrument case she carried and
to adjust her backpack, which was hanging open. Aaron thought
Bailey would not notice the missing homework pass until she
was already on the bus. As Aaron moved the crumpled paper he
held in his fist toward his pocket, he sighed like a deflating
balloon. He looked at Bailey again. She had dropped her
lunchbox and was collecting the empty containers that had
rolled out. Aaron felt his grip on the homework pass loosen as
he began walking toward her.
Underline the sentences which show that Bailey is
distracted.
21
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
from The Bridge by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow*
And like those waters rushing
Among the wooden piers,
A flood of thoughts came o’er me
That filled my eyes with tears.
*Public Domain
In the simile in this stanza, which two items are being
compared?
In this stanza, how are the waters and thoughts
alike?
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22
Which sentences use figurative language?
• The softball flew higher and higher until finally it began to fall
down toward Taylor’s open glove.
• In a dish on the table, the candy was a glittering pile of jewels.
• The rain laughed against the window, reminding Cecil that his
trip to the zoo was cancelled.
• Ray thought he heard a loud, scary noise in the garage.
• Most of the chalk drawings on the sidewalk were a bright blue.
23
Which phrase in this sentence is an example of
figurative language?
In a dish on the table, the candy was a glittering pile
of jewels.
Which phrase in this sentence is an example of
figurative language?
The rain laughed against the window, reminding
Cecil that his trip to the zoo was cancelled.
24
from The Busy Blue Jay by Olive Thorne Miller*
He was a timid little fellow. Wind or storm outside the windows made
him wild. He would fly around the room, squawking at the top of his
voice; and the horrible tinhorns the boys liked to blow at Thanksgiving
and Christmas drove him frantic. Once I brought a Christmas tree into
the room to please the birds, and all were delighted with it except my
poor little blue jay, who was much afraid of it. Think of the sadness of a
bird being afraid of a tree!
*Public Domain
Complete this cause-and-effect chart.
Jakie is
inside the
house.
Jakie makes
the narrator
sad.
Cause:
Jakie hears
the boys
playing horns
during the
25 holidays.
Jakie is a
timid bird.
Effect:
Jakie
squawks
during
storms.
Effect:
Jakie is
frightened
by a
Christmas
tree.
Did you know that scientists have a special name for creatures that live deep in
caves? Named “troglobites,” these creatures are very unique and very rare. One
example of a troglobite is the olm. The olm is also classified as an amphibian. The
olm resembles a dragon from storybooks, but it is small--less than one foot long--and
completely white. The olm has a long, slender head and small limbs. It eats other
cave-dwelling creatures such as tiny snails, which it swallows whole! There is
something else that makes the olm an interesting creature. Because the olm lives
deep in dark caves, it does not necessarily need eyes to see. Even though the olm’s
eyes are underdeveloped, its other senses are very strong; therefore, the unique olm
uses its senses of hearing and smell to “see” the world around it.
Complete this cause-and-effect chart.
The olm relies on
its senses of
hearing and
smell.
The olm’s eyes
are
underdeveloped.
Effect:
The olm looks like
a small white
dragon.
The olm swallows
tiny snails whole.
Cause: The
olm lives
only in dark
caves.
Effect:
26
MAIN CONFLICT
Aaron looked at the homework pass in his hand, then at Bailey
quickly walking away. Bailey stopped a few times to get a better grip
on the lunchbox and instrument case she carried and to adjust her
backpack, which she must not have noticed was open. Aaron thought
Bailey would not notice the missing homework pass until she was
already on the bus. As Aaron moved the crumpled paper he held in his
fist toward his pocket, he sighed like a deflating balloon. He looked at
Bailey again. She had dropped her lunchbox and was collecting the
empty containers that had rolled out. Aaron felt his grip on the
homework pass loosen as he began walking toward her.
What is the main conflict in this paragraph?
A. Aaron has to decide whether to return the homework pass or keep it for himself.
B. Bailey loses her homework pass because she is distracted walking to the bus.
C. Aaron has to return the homework pass, although Bailey was not careful with it.
D. Bailey loses her homework pass, and then she drops her lunchbox.
27
As Victoria walked toward the lunchroom, she realized she’d forgotten something important –
her book report. She could picture it sitting on the kitchen table, where she had left it to remind
herself. She had even written herself a note and stuck it to the bathroom mirror. No luck. She had
forgotten the most important assignment of the whole year.
“Mr. Tyler, may I go to the office to call my mom?” Victoria asked her teacher.
“Why do you need to call your mom?” Mr. Tyler asked, but Victoria did not want to admit that
she had left an assignment at home again. “Why don’t you eat lunch first, then go to the office on
your way back to class,” Mr. Tyler said.
After lunch, Victoria stopped by the front office, and Mrs. White let her use the phone. It rang
many times before she hung up and looked at the clock. It was 12:05. Victoria’s mom left the house
every day at 12:00 to go for a walk and would not return home for some time.
The author includes the first paragraph to establish the –
conflict
resolution
setting
main idea
What is the main conflict in these paragraphs?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Victoria has forgotten her assignments before.
Victoria’s teacher will not let her use the phone until after lunch.
Victoria has left her book report at home.
Victoria’s mother cannot bring her book report to school.
28
MAIN IDEA AND SUPPORTING DETAILS
Complete this web.
Comfortable
Clothing
Bagged
Lunch
Provided
Dunking
Booth
Scavenger
Hunt
Early
Dismissal
Ribbons
Awarded for
First - Third
Place
Relay
Races
.
Ways to
Participate
in Field Day
.
Flag
Football
29
Did you know that scientists have a special name for creatures that live deep in
caves? Named “troglobites,” these creatures are very unique and very rare. One
example of a troglobite is the olm. The olm is also classified as an amphibian. The
olm resembles a dragon from storybooks, but it is small--less than one foot long--and
completely white. The olm has a long, slender head and small limbs. It eats other
cave-dwelling creatures such as tiny snails, which it swallows whole! There is
something else that makes the olm an interesting creature. Because the olm lives
deep in dark caves, it does not necessarily need eyes to see. Even though the olm’s
eyes are underdeveloped, its other senses are very strong; therefore, the unique olm
uses its senses of hearing and smell to “see” the world around it.
Complete this web.
A
Troglobite’s
Appearance
How to Live
in a Dark
Cave
How
Creatures
Adapt to
Cave Life
The Olm’s
Features
Less than
one foot
long
Small
limbs
.
White skin
Underdeveloped
eyes
30
Complete this cause-and-effect chart.
Effect:
The olm relies on
its senses of
hearing and
smell.
The olm’s eyes
are
underdeveloped.
31
The olm looks like
a small white
dragon.
The olm swallows
tiny snails whole.
Cause: The
olm lives
only in dark
caves.
Effect:
from Collecting Rocks by Rachel M. Barker
Rocks are continually changing. Wind and water wear them down
and carry bits of rock away; the tiny particles accumulate in a lake
or ocean and harden into rock again. The oldest rock that has ever
been found is more than 3.9 billion years old. The Earth itself is at
least 4.5 billion years old, but rocks from the beginning of Earth’s
history have changed so much from their original form that they
have become new kinds of rock. By studying how rocks form and
change, scientists have built a solid understanding of the Earth we
live on and its long history.
Which is the best heading for this paragraph?
Rocks Tell the Story of the Earth
Tiny Particles Make the Earth
Types of Rocks that Change
Identifying a Rock’s Age
Why Scientists Study Earth’s Rocks
32
from The Busy Blue Jay, a narrative nonfiction essay by Olive Thorne Miller*
Many things which Jakie did were very funny. For instance, he made it his business to clear up
the room. When he had more food than he could eat at the moment, he did not leave it around,
but put it away carefully,—not in the garbage pail, for that was not in the room, but in some safe
nook where it did not offend the eye. Sometimes it was behind the tray in his cage, or among
the books on the shelf. The places he liked best were about me,—in the fold of a ruffle or the
loop of a bow on my dress, and sometimes in the side of my slipper. The very choicest place of
all was in my loosely bound hair. That of course I could not allow, and I had to keep a very close
watch of him for fear I might have a bit of bread or meat thrust among my locks. In his clearing
up he always went carefully over the floor, picking up pins or any little thing he could find, and I
often dropped…buttons, and other small things to give him something to do. These he would
pick up and put nicely away.
*Public Domain
Complete this web.
On the
book
shelf
Over
the
floor
In the
garbage
pail
In the
ruffle
of a
dress
Inside
the
wall
In the
narrator’s
hair
Behind
the tray in
the cage
Where
Jakie Hides
Extra Food
In the
narrator’s
slipper
33
FACT AND OPINION
Which statement is a fact and which one is an opinion?
The recipe calls for less cinnamon than sugar, and salt is used
the least. Fact Opinion
The 87% student participation in our Read-a-thon last year
was not impressive enough. Fact Opinion
Which words from the opinion statement make it a
feeling or belief that can be argued?
34