Section 1: Literary Reading Comprehension
The Little Seed's Big Dream
Once there was a tiny seed that lay hidden in the dark, cold earth. All around it, other seeds were beginning to sprout, pushing their green heads up towards the warm sun. But this little seed felt scared. "What if I can't grow?" it worried. "What if I'm not strong enough?"
One day, a kind drop of rain fell upon the seed. "Don't be afraid, little one," whispered the rain. "Just drink me up, and you'll feel better." The seed drank the water, and a tiny root began to push down.
Then, a ray of sunshine peeked through the soil. "Hello there!" chirped the sun. "Reach for me! I'll help you grow tall and strong." The seed stretched towards the light, and soon, a tiny green sprout popped out of the ground.
Day by day, with the help of the sun and rain, the little seed grew taller and stronger. Its stem became thick, and leaves unfurled. One morning, a beautiful red flower bloomed where the tiny seed had been. It stood tall and bright, no longer afraid, but proud and happy. It had learned that even the smallest dream can come true with a little help and courage.
What is the main lesson the little seed learns in the story? (2 points)
At the beginning of the story, how does the little seed feel? (2 points)
What causes the little seed to start growing a root? (2 points)
Why do the sun and rain help the little seed? (2 points)
By the end of the story, the little seed is proud and happy. This shows it has become: (2 points)
What color was the flower that bloomed from the little seed? (2 points)
In the beginning, the little seed felt scared and worried. What specific words from the story tell you this? (4 points)
Imagine you are the little seed. What advice would you give to another small seed that is afraid to grow? (4 points)
Section 2: Informational Reading Comprehension
The Amazing Monarch Butterfly
Monarch butterflies are one of the most beautiful insects in the world. You can spot them by their bright orange and black wings. These butterflies are famous for their amazing migration.
Most monarch butterflies live in North America. When winter comes and the weather gets cold, they fly thousands of miles south to warmer places like Mexico or California. This long journey can take many weeks! They fly in large groups, sometimes millions of butterflies together.
Monarch butterflies eat nectar from flowers. But their babies, called caterpillars, only eat milkweed plants. Milkweed is very important because it is the only food monarch caterpillars can eat to grow big and strong. Without milkweed, monarch butterflies cannot survive.
When a caterpillar is ready, it forms a chrysalis. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar changes into a butterfly. After about two weeks, a beautiful monarch butterfly emerges! We can help monarch butterflies by planting milkweed and other nectar-rich flowers in our gardens.
What is the main topic of this passage? (2 points)
What do monarch caterpillars eat? (2 points)
Why do monarch butterflies fly south in the winter? (2 points)
The passage talks about caterpillars changing into butterflies. What is the special case they form to change inside? (2 points)
How long does a caterpillar usually stay inside its chrysalis? (2 points)
According to the passage, what would happen if there were no milkweed plants? (2 points)
What are two ways the passage says we can help monarch butterflies? (4 points)
Why is the monarch butterfly's journey called an "amazing migration"? Use details from the passage in your answer. (4 points)
Section 3: Multi-Paragraph Writing
Section 3: Multi-Paragraph Writing Instructions: For this section, you will write a short essay. Your essay should be 2-3 paragraphs long.
Prompt: What is your favorite season of the year? Write about why it is your favorite. Be sure to include details about what you love to do, see, or feel during that season. Use complete sentences and organize your ideas clearly.
Scoring Rubric (15 points total):
- 13-15 points (Excellent): Essay is 2-3 paragraphs with clear organization. Ideas are well-developed with many specific details. Sentences are complete and easy to understand.
- 9-12 points (Good): Essay is mostly 2-3 paragraphs. Ideas are generally clear with some details. Most sentences are complete.
- 5-8 points (Developing): Essay has some organization, but ideas may be unclear or lack enough details. Some sentences may be incomplete or hard to understand.
- 0-4 points (Beginning): Essay is very short or disorganized. Ideas are difficult to understand, and sentences may be incomplete or unclear.
Write your essay about your favorite season here.