Workout: Reading Grade 4

Workout
Skills Review & Practice
Reading Grade 4
263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 1 7/9/08 6:00:55 PM

Workout, Reading Grade 4
263NA
ISBN-10: 1-60471-114-0
ISBN-13: 978-1-60471-114-1
Cover Image: © Ralph Voltz/Deborah Wolfe Ltd.; © iStockphoto/John Rodriguez;

© Rubberball/Jupiterimages; © Rubberball/Photolibrary; © Photoalto/Photolibrary;
© Photodisc/Photolibrary.
Triumph Learning® 136 Madison Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10016
Kevin McAliley, President and Chief Executive Officer
© 2009 Triumph Learning, LLC
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, stored
in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher.
Printed in the United States of America.
10 9 7
263NA_ELA_G4_SE_FM_RP.indd 2 8/9/11 3:47 PM

Student,
Dear
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Workout!
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Gettin
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Just comple Work Out!
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This book belongs to _________________________

Table of Contents
Unit 1: Reading for Information
Lesson 1 Features of Nonfiction Texts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Lesson 2 Using Reference Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Lesson 3 Understanding Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Lesson 4 Graphic Organizers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Lesson 5 Context Clues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Lesson 6 Asking Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Lesson 7 Main Idea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Lesson 8 Supporting Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Lesson 9 Making Inferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Lesson 10 Drawing Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Lesson 11 Fact and Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Lesson 12 Summarizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Lesson 13 Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Lesson 14 Cause and Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Lesson 15 Compare and Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Unit 2: Reading Literature

Lesson 16 Genres. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Lesson 17 Author’s Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Lesson 18 Plot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Lesson 19 Character. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Lesson 20 Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Lesson 21 Theme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Lesson 22 Point of View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Lesson 23 Author’s Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Lesson 24 Using Prior Knowledge to Make Predictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Unit 3: Writing and Editing
Lesson 25 Types of Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Lesson 26 Punctuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Lesson 27 Capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Lesson 28 Spelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Lesson 29 Subject-Verb Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Words to Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Reading for Information
LESSON
Features of
1 Nonfiction Texts
WORDS
Heading a word or phrase at the top of a paragraph that tells what the paragraph is about
TO KNOW
2EVIEW)T Read the heading and the paragraph. Use the Hint to understand how
headings help readers.
After-School Classes
Are you looking for something to Hint Text that looks different than the
rest of the page gives special information.
do after school? Then come to the
It tells what different parts of the text are
community center. There are classes for mostly about. Notice the text in dark print.
everyone—art, dance, jazz, chess, and
many more!
4RY)T Read these sections from the community center catalog. As you read, underline the
key words in each paragraph that tell more about the heading.
1 Fitness and Sports

Keep fit! There are classes for parents and babies. Sports for kids meet after school.
Special half-hour stretch classes for seniors meet twice a day.
2 Arts and Crafts
Get your hands dirty in Clay Class. Learn to draw. Learn to paint. Knit a scarf. Weave a
shawl. There are classes for all ages.
3 Music and Dance
Let the music move you! Learn about jazz, country, and rock music. Play an instrument!
Try ballet, tap, or ballroom dancing. Kids’ classes meet after school. Adult classes meet
after 6:00 p.m.
4 Story Hour
Come and listen to wonderful storytellers. Then learn to tell stories of your own. What
tales can you dream up?
Now, use the passage to answer the questions on the following page.

Lesson 1: Features of Nonfiction Texts

1. Under which heading would you look to learn about
storytelling?
!SK
A. Story Hour C. Arts and Crafts 9OURSELF
B. Fitness and Sports D. Music and Dance
2. Where would you find more information about ballet classes 2.

for kids? Which words help you
A. Story Hour C. Arts and Crafts figure out where to find
dance classes?
B. Fitness and Sports D. Music and Dance
3. Which of the following would you find under “Arts 3.

and Crafts”? What skills might you learn
A. information about stretching your back in Art and Crafts class?
B. information about cartooning classes

C. information about listening to music
D. information about city parks
4. Under “Fitness and Sports,” you might find information about

A. sunbathing
B. classes on rocks and minerals
C. rock ‘n’ roll music
D. learning how to rock climb
In Your Own Words
5. Write a new heading and three details for the community 5.

center catalog. What other activities or
classes are offered at your
local community center?

/N9OUR/WN Read the headings and text. Answer the questions that follow.
Things to Do Downtown
Art Galore
What kind of art do you like? Do you read comic books? You can see both art and
comic books at the Comic Book Art show at City Arts. Bold colors make these
works leap off the wall!
Feather and Fur
The Park Zoo was named the best small zoo in the world. On weekends, look for
zoo workers wearing “Ask Me” pins. They can tell you about the animals.
What a Sight!
Visit the city’s tallest buildings on Sunday. Look down on the town from the top
deck of City Tower. See the city as the birds do!
Street Eats
Check City Listings for street fairs. Sip fresh lemonade on Main Street. While you
shop for crafts and plants, listen to the street musicians.
Underground
Visit the Under the Street Show at Main Street Station. Sit in the very first subway
car ever built. It has no roof!
Row and Fish
Row a boat on the lake. Try your luck with a rod and reel. Boats are rented until
5:00 p.m. Fishing gear is free until 3:00 p.m.
1. In this passage, which heading tells 2. For information about fishing on the
about the subway? lake, see the heading
A. Feather and Fur A. Art Galore
B. What a Sight! B. Street Eats
C. Underground C. Feather and Fur
D. Row and Fish D. Row and Fish

Lesson 1: Features of Nonfiction Texts

3. You might find information about 5. If you are afraid of heights, you might
monkeys under the heading skip
A. Underground A. What a Sight!
B. Street Eats B. Underground
C. Feather and Fur C. Row and Fish
D. Art Galore D. Art Galore
4. On a sunny day, which heading might 6. For exercise, you could find
you skip? information under the heading
A. Row and Fish A. Row and Fish
B. Underground B. What a Sight!
C. What a Sight! C. Underground
D. Street Eats D. Street Eats
Write It Out List the headings in the correct columns on the chart.
7.
Animals Food Outdoors Indoors Views

LESSON
2 Using Reference Sources
WORDS Reference sources books and periodicals, such as newspapers and magazines, that provide
TO KNOW facts and information. Parts within reference sources, such as indexes and tables of contents,
make finding information easier.
2EVIEW)T Read the index. Use the Hint to find out where you would find information
about paper Recycling.
Recycling
aluminum, 23 Hint Look at all the entries listed after
Recycling. These are listed in alphabetical
glass, 25, 26
order.
paper, 27
plastic, 28, 39
4RY)T Read the following index from a book about dog behavior and training. As you read,
circle the main subjects included in the index.
1 Behavior and Training, 2–21 expectations, 10

2 agility puppy training, 12, 13
3 classes, 2, 3 sports and recreation
4 competitions, 4 flyball racing, 20
5 behavior hiking, 15
6 correcting of inappropriate, 9 running, 18, 19
7 problems, 7, 8 sled dogs, 16, 17
8 psychology, 5, 6 tracking
9 obedience scent, 21
10 classes, 10, 11
Now, use the index to answer the questions on the following page.
10

Lesson 2: Using Reference Sources

1. What is the first page on which you would find information
about agility?
!SK
A. 2 C. 4 9OURSELF
B. 3 D. 5
2. How many pages are there about obedience? 2.

A. 2 How many entries are
there for obedience?
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
3. The subject that has only one page is 3.

A. agility Should you count the
same page number twice?
B. behavior
C. obedience
D. tracking
4. Which subject can be found on page 20?

A. hiking
B. sled dogs
C. flyball racing
D. running
In Your Own Words
5. Based on the index, write a title and a short sentence to 5.

describe this book. What are most of the
entries about?
11

/N9OUR/WN Read this table of contents. Answer the questions that follow it.
Part I: Muffins
Chapter 1: Apple Muffins 6
Chapter 2: Cherry Muffins 10
Part II: Tarts
Chapter 3: Apple Tarts 16
Chapter 4: Cherry Tarts 22
Chapter 5: Strawberry Tarts 28
Part III: Pies
Chapter 6: Apple Pies 34
Chapter 7: Cherry Pies 40
Chapter 8: Peach Pies 46
Chapter 9: Strawberry Pies 50
Part IV: Crisps
Chapter 10: Apple Crisps 56
Chapter 11: Cherry Crisps 62
Chapter 12: Peach Crisps 66
1. The part that has the fewest chapters is 2. The section of the book on crisps has
A. Muffins A. 1 chapter
B. Tarts B. 2 chapters
C. Pies C. 3 chapters
D. Crisps D. 4 chapters
12

Lesson 2: Using Reference Sources

3. How many chapters contain recipes 5. On which pages would you find
using peaches? recipes for tarts?
A. 1 A. 16–32
B. 2 B. 14–18
C. 3 C. 55–69
D. 4 D. 34–53
4. If you wanted to find a recipe for 6. What would be a good title for this
cherry tarts, you would go to page book, based on the table of contents?
A. 10 A. Fruits Are Healthy
B. 14 B. Cooking with Fruit
C. 18 C. All About Apples
D. 22 D. I Love Peaches
Write It Out What is another chapter you might find in this book’s table of contents? Explain.
7.
13

LESSON
3 Understanding Graphics
WORDS Graphics visual aids that provide information in a clear, short form. Charts, tables, and bar
TO KNOW graphs are examples of graphics. Bar graphs use bars instead of words to compare information.
2EVIEW)T Read the bar graph. Use the Hint to compare information about students’
favorite fruits.
Favorite Fruits
Hint Find the fruit name first. Then check to
6 see the number the bar reaches.
Number of Students
0
Bananas Oranges Berries Apples
4RY)T Read the following table. As you read, circle the three types of information included
in the table.
State State Bird Tree
Georgia brown thrasher live oak
New York bluebird sugar maple
Pennsylvania ruffed grouse eastern hemlock
Texas mockingbird pecan
Now, use the table to answer the questions on the following page.
14

Lesson 3: Understanding Graphics

1. Which state is listed first in the table?
A. Georgia C. Pennsylvania !SK
B. New York D. Texas 9OURSELF
2. Which two state’s official birds have colors in their name? 2.

A. New York and Pennsylvania What are the names of the
state birds?
B. Georgia and Texas
C. Georgia and New York
D. Texas and Pennsylvania
3. The state tree of Texas is 3.

A. the sugar maple Did you look in the row for
Texas and the column for
B. the pecan tree?
C. the eastern hemlock
D. the live oak
4. What is the state bird of Pennsylvania?

A. brown thrasher
B. mockingbird
C. bluebird
D. ruffed grouse
In Your Own Words
5. Use information from the table. Write two sentences about state 5.
birds and trees. What information did you
learn from reading the
table?
15

/N9OUR/WN Read this chart about the planets in the solar system. Answer the
questions that follow.
Planet Position of Planet Fun Fact

from the Sun
On the planet Mercury, there are fewer than 2 Earth
Mercury 1
days in a year.
Venus 2 Venus is the brightest planet in the sky.
Earth 3 Earth’s crust is about 5 miles deep.
Mars is home to the largest volcano found in the

Mars 4
solar system.
A day on the planet Jupiter lasts only 9 hours and
Jupiter 5
55 minutes.
If there were a bathtub big enough to hold it, Saturn
Saturn 6
would float in the water.
Uranus 7 Uranus has been visited by only one spacecraft.
Neptune 8 One year on Neptune lasts 165 Earth years.
1. How many planets are there? 2. This chart shows how far each planet
is away from the
A. 8
B. 9 A. moon
C. 6 B. Earth
D. 7 C. sun
D. Milky Way
16

Lesson 3: Understanding Graphics

3. Which planet has a crust about 5 miles 5. Which of the following is a fun fact
deep? about Venus?
A. Mars A. It is now called a “dwarf planet.”
B. Venus B. It is the brightest planet in the sky.
C. Jupiter C. It has been visited by only one
D. Earth spacecraft.
D. One day lasts only 9 hours and
55 minutes.
4. How many planets from the sun is
Uranus?
6. Which planet’s fun fact is about a
A. 4 B. 5
bathtub?
C. 6 D. 7
A. Mercury B. Pluto
C. Saturn D. Venus
Write It Out Choose one planet and its fun fact from the chart. Explain why it is your favorite.
7.
17

LESSON
4 Graphic Organizers
WORDS Graphic organizers illustrations that make ideas clear with lines and shapes. Graphic
TO KNOW organizers include webs and diagrams.
2EVIEW)T Read the graphic organizer. Use the Hint to find out more information about
Helen Keller.
Helen Keller Hint Be sure to read the information in each

of the ovals.
born in could not

1880 see or hear
learned to talk
with her hands
4RY)T Read the following graphic organizer. As you read, underline three interesting facts
about the Grand Canyon.
The Grand
Canyon
close to
created by the
5 million visitors
Colorado River
each year
one of the first

national parks in the 277 miles long
United States
created over
a period of
6 million years
Now, use the graphic organizer to answer the questions on the following page.
18

Lesson 4: Graphic Organizers

1. How many facts are listed in the graphic organizer?
A. 3 C. 5 !SK
B. 4 D. 6 9OURSELF
2. In which country is the Grand Canyon located? 2.

A. Colorado Can you find two country
names and then decide
B. Mexico which one is correct?
C. Arizona
D. United States
3. How long is the Grand Canyon? 3.

A. 277 miles In which oval did you
find the answer to the
B. 5 million miles question?
C. 6 million miles
D. 377 miles
4. How many visitors does the Grand Canyon receive each year?
A. about 6 million
B. close to 5 million
C. over 5 million
D. less than 4 million
In Your Own Words
5. Based on the graphic organizer, write two sentences that 5.

include facts about the Grand Canyon. What information did you
learn from reading the
graphic organizer?
19

/N9OUR/WN Read this graphic organizer. Answer the questions that follow it.
Easter Island
the statues on the
located in the South island range from
Pacific Ocean 11 to 30 feet tall
archaeologists
covers about
have found almost
64 square miles
900 statues
Europeans first found

the island on Easter
Sunday in 1722
1. This graphic organizer provides 2. When did Europeans first find the
information about island?
A. Easter Sunday A. 1722
B. South Pacific Island B. 1764
C. North Pacific Ocean C. 1700
D. Easter Island D. 1719
20

Lesson 4: Graphic Organizers

3. Who found the statues on the island? 5. An interesting fact about Easter
Island is
A. tourists
B. explorers A. it is located in the Atlantic Ocean
C. archaeologists B. it covers about 64 square miles
D. South Pacific Islanders C. it was discovered in 1776
D. Americans first found the island on
Easter Sunday
4. About how many statues have been
found on Easter Island?
6. According to the graphic organizer, the
A. 64
statues on the island
B. 900
A. are not very tall
C. 1722
B. were carved by Europeans
D. 11 to 30
C. are 11 to 30 feet tall
D. are no longer standing
Use the information in the graphic organizer to help you write a brief answer to the
Write It Out question below.
7. What would you find interesting about visiting Easter Island today?
21

LESSON
5 Context Clues
WORDS Context clues words, phrases, or sentences around or near an unfamiliar word that help you
TO KNOW understand its meaning
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to help you figure out the unfamiliar word.
Manuel worked hard to help his brother

put the boxes in the car. He had just Hint Here, the word leaving and the phrase
go away to college help you to understand
graduated from high school. Now he was
what the word graduated means.
leaving to go away to college. Manuel
would miss his brother, but he would
also get his own room now.
4RY)T Read this passage. As you read, underline unfamiliar words and circle context clues
that help you understand each word meaning.
1 Last summer, I went to visit my grandma and grandpa. My parents drove me to their
2 house, which took about 3 hours. My grandma baked cookies and pies for me. My
3 grandpa planned a fun outing for us. He took me to the train museum. I learned about
4 the history of the locomotive train. The first was made in 1804. Most locomotives
5 were for commercial use. They didn’t start to carry passengers until about 1825.
6 A tourist could travel over 9 miles in one hour. On the train, I saw a model of an
7 engineer in his uniform. I always thought an engineer is a person who helps design
8 and build bridges and roads. At the museum, I learned that an engineer is also a person
9 who drives a train.
22

Lesson 5: Context Clues

1. In line 4, locomotive is another word for
A. passenger C. museum !SK
B. moving D. history 9OURSELF
2. What does commercial mean in line 5? 2.

A. business Which sentence near the
word commercial in line
B. entertainment 5 helps you figure out its
C. television meaning?
D. people
3. In line 5, the word tourist means 3.

A. a person who drives a train If you replace tourist
with each of the answer
B. a person who builds bridges choices, which makes the
C. a person who drives a car most sense?
D. a person who travels for pleasure
4. As used in lines 6–9, how many definitions does the word

engineer have?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
In Your Own Words
5. Rewrite the sentence on lines 7 and 8 in your own words. 5.

What do the words design
and build mean in the
sentence?
23

/N9OUR/WN Read this passage. Answer the questions that follow it.
I love to cook with my dad. He is a chef at a restaurant in town. It took some time
to become accustomed to his cooking. He likes to add a lot of spices. I am used to
it now. It’s delicious! Dad says I have a very healthy appetite. He says I can eat more
than he can!
One of my favorite things to cook is a casserole. Everything gets put into one dish
and then you bake it. Some of the ingredients I like to use are chicken, vegetables,
rice, and cheese. Sometimes I garnish the top with some nice green parsley. It
makes the dish look and taste great.
Dad taught me how to make chicken and dumplings. The dumplings are pretty
easy to make. They look like little pillows. They are made of dough and cooked in
boiling oil. Dad has to do that part. Sometimes we cook them in broth instead.
Chicken broth can be made from boiling chicken in water for many hours. It is like
chicken-flavored water!
The spices I like to use most when I cook are salt and pepper. Dad uses other spices
such as paprika for its red color and basil for its sweet scent. It smells fantastic!
1. In this passage, what does the word 2. The word broth means
appetite mean?
A. a chicken
A. diet B. a dessert
B. desire for food C. a dish made from dough
C. starvation D. a clear soup
D. dinner
24

Lesson 5: Context Clues

3. Read this sentence from the passage. 5. As used in the passage, garnish
means to
Some of the ingredients I like to
use are chicken, vegetables, rice, A. cook
and cheese. B. stir
C. decorate
What does the word ingredients mean?
D. bake
A. types of drinks
B. parts of a chicken
6. Which phrase or sentence helps you
C. parts of a recipe figure out the meaning of scent?
D. types of vegetables A. other spices such as
B. It smells fantastic!
4. The word accustomed means
C. for its red color
A. got used to D. I like to use most
B. disliked
C. tasted
D. turned away
Write the meaning for each word from the passage in the space provided
Write It Out in the chart.
7.
Word Meaning
casserole
parsley
dumplings
paprika
25

LESSON
6 Asking Questions
WORDS Questions can help you better understand what you’re reading. Try questions beginning with
TO KNOW who, what, when, where, why, and how first.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to ask yourself some questions as you
read.
Kyle was excited about the first day

Hint Where is Kyle? What is he thinking?
of camp. He wondered if he would go When does the passage happen? Answering
swimming right away! As the car pulled these questions will help you know what the
into the driveway, Kyle could hardly wait passage is about.
to get out.
4RY)T Read the following passage. Write in the margin who, what, when, where, why, and
how questions that you have.
1 Tamika slowly walked into the doctor’s office with her mother. The symptoms she
2 had were a cough, a runny nose, and a fever. When it was her turn to see the doctor,
3 Tamika was a little nervous. She wasn’t sure what he would tell her. She walked into
4 the room with her mother. The doctor asked Tamika to describe how she was feeling.
5 Then he asked Tamika to get up on the table so he could listen to her heart and lungs.
6 At the end of the appointment, the doctor told Tamika that she had a virus. He told
7 her mother to make sure Tamika drank a lot of fluids and got a lot of rest. He also said
8 that Tamika would start to feel better in a few days. Tamika was relieved to know that
9 she would be feeling better soon.
26

Lesson 6: Asking Questions

1. Who went to the doctor’s office with Tamika?
A. her mother !SK
B. her father 9OURSELF
C. her brother
D. her sister 1.
Who is the other person
mentioned in the passage?
2. How did Tamika walk into the doctor’s office?
A. quickly C. excitedly
B. slowly D. sadly
3. Why was Tamika nervous to see the doctor? 3.

A. She didn’t like the doctor. How do you feel when you
go to see a doctor when
B. She wanted to go home. you’re sick?
C. She thought the doctor was mean.
D. She wasn’t sure what he would tell her.
4. What were Tamika’s symptoms?

A. fever, broken arm, and cough
B. cough, runny nose, and itchy skin
C. cough, runny nose, and fever
D. runny nose, fever, and sneezing
In Your Own Words
5. Write two other questions you can ask yourself about this 5.
passage. What were you curious
about as you read this
passage?
27

Have you ever wondered why cats purr? No one really knows the answer for sure.
Scientists study these animals to learn more about them. When kittens are a few
days old, they learn to purr. Animal doctors called veterinarians think that this is a
way for a kitten to talk to its mother. As a kitten grows, it continues to purr. Cats
purr when they are happy or satisfied. They also purr when injured or in pain. Some
veterinarians believe that purring helps cats heal themselves. Others believe that it
may help repair bones.
A cat can purr when it lets out breath. A cat can also purr when it takes in breath.
House cats are not the only cats that purr. Some big cats such as the bobcat, the
cheetah, and the lynx also purr. Even bigger cats, such as the lion, sometimes make a
sound that is like a purr, but is not actually a purring sound.
1. According to the passage, who studies 2. What does a cat do to make a purring
cats to learn more about them? sound?
A. teachers A. wave its tail
B. scientists B. jump in the air
C. nurses C. breathe in or out
D. children D. scratch its ear
28

Lesson 6: Asking Questions

3. Kittens learn to purr when 5. A cat purrs
A. they are a few days old A. when it is threatened
B. they are a few weeks old B. when it is happy
C. they are a few months old C. when it is hungry
D. they are just born D. when it is playing
4. What are animal doctors called? 6. Which cat does not actually make a
purring sound?
A. scientists
B. surgeons A. a cheetah
C. cheetahs B. a lynx
D. veterinarians C. a lion
D. a bobcat
Write It Out Use the passage to help you write a brief answer to the following question.
7. Do you have questions about cats? Write two questions of your own.
29

LESSON
7 Main Idea
WORDS Main idea what most of the sentences in a passage or story are about. It is also the most
TO KNOW important point that the author makes about a subject.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to find the main idea.
Spring is my favorite season. Everything

seems to come alive. The flowers start Hint Think about what most of the
sentences are about.
to bloom, the birds start singing, and it
starts to get warmer.
4RY)T Read the following passage. As you read, underline words that help you find the
main idea.
1 Lupe couldn’t believe it was the first day of school already. It seemed as if she had just
2 moved into her new neighborhood, but that was three months ago. Sometimes she
3 wished she were back in her old neighborhood. Then she wouldn’t be so nervous
4 about starting school. Being in a new school meant she would be known as the “new
5 kid.” How long would that last? Until someone else new moved here, too? She was
6 afraid she wouldn’t make any friends. Not like Jenna and Kaya anyway. The three girls
7 had been best friends since kindergarten. Now Lupe wouldn’t see them every day, like
8 she used to. She dragged herself up the stairs into school and entered her classroom.
9 She saw a sign that said “Welcome New Students!” Maybe she wasn’t going to be the
10 only “new kid” after all!
30

Lesson 7: Main Idea

1. How long ago did Lupe move?
A. two months !SK
B. three months 9OURSELF
C. four months
D. five months 1.
Which sentence in
the passage has this
2. How did Lupe know she wouldn’t be the only “new kid”
information?
in her class?
A. She saw a sign.
B. She saw another new kid. 2.
C. She asked her teacher. What does Lupe see when
she enters the classroom?
D. She e-mailed her friends.
3. What is this story mainly about?

A. a girl who doesn’t want to make new friends
B. a girl who is excited to go to a new school
C. a girl who didn’t like her old neighborhood
D. a girl who moves to a new neighborhood
4. Another title of this passage could be

A. “Jenna and Kaya Come to Visit” C. “The New Kid”
B. “Lupe’s New Friends” D. “Moving Day for Lupe”
In Your Own Words
5. Using your own words, write 2–3 sentences that tell the main 5.
idea of the passage. What are most of the
sentences about?
31

My family lives in a large city. There are ten children in my family. I am the
youngest, which has its advantages and disadvantages.
The best part about being the youngest child is that I have nine people to look
up to. My oldest sister is a doctor, and she helps children who are sick. One of my
brothers is a teacher. He teaches sixth grade math. Another advantage I have is that I
will always be the youngest. My brothers and sisters tease me about getting older, but
I tell them that I will always be younger than they are!
There are a few disadvantages, though. One disadvantage is leftover clothing. I rarely
ever get any new clothes, because I wear what my brothers grow out of. However,
the worst part about being the youngest is being compared to all of my brothers and
sisters who are good at everything. Teachers, coaches, and even doctors expect me to
be just like my brothers and sisters.
I know I’m not just like them, and I think they know it, too. I’m me, and that’s the
way I like it!
1. According to the passage, what is the 2. According to the passage, one

advantage of being the youngest child? disadvantage of being the youngest of
ten children is
A. always getting leftover clothes
B. always getting teased A. not getting new clothes
C. always being younger than everyone B. looking up to older siblings
else in the family C. always being the youngest
D. always being compared to your sisters D. having to take orders
and brothers
32

Lesson 7: Main Idea

3. What is this story mainly about? 5. Which sentence from the story tells
you that the narrator is happy being
A. the best part about being the
the youngest child?
youngest child
B. the advantages and disadvantages of A. There are ten children in my family.
being the youngest child B. However, the worst part about being
C. the worst part about being the the youngest is being compared to
youngest child all of my brothers and sisters who are
good at everything.
D. the advantages and disadvantages of
being the oldest child C. I’m me, and that’s the way I like it!
D. I am the youngest, which has its
advantages and disadvantages.
4. Another title of this passage could be
A. “My Brothers and Sisters”
6. Which of the following is not a
B. “Getting New Clothes” sentence that helps you find the
C. “My Sister the Doctor” main idea?
D. “The Youngest of Ten” A. I am the youngest, which has its
advantages and disadvantages.
B. My family lives in a large city.
C. Another advantage I have is that I
will always be the youngest.
D. One disadvantage is leftover clothing.
Write It Out Use the passage to help you write a brief answer to the following question.
7. Suppose you are a part of a large family. What might be an advantage of being the
youngest? What might be a disadvantage?
33

LESSON
8 Supporting Details
WORDS
Supporting details pieces of information that tell about the main idea
TO KNOW
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to find the details that support the
main idea.
There are many reasons I love my dog. He

Hint The main idea of the passage is that the
likes to chase the ball when I throw it. He
writer loves his dog. Why does he love his dog?
jumps up for his treats. He sits on command. Think about the reasons or details he gives.
Most of all, my dog loves me, too!
4RY)T Read the following passage. As you read, underline phrases or sentences that
contain details that support the main idea.
1 Porcupines are interesting animals. They live for about seven years. They eat insects,
2 frogs, lizards, mice, and birds’ eggs. One of the most distinctive features of a porcupine
3 is its spines. Porcupines are born with these spines, but at birth they are soft and short.
4 As the porcupine grows, so do its spines. They become longer and sharper. The spines
5 are used to protect the porcupine. When an enemy approaches, a porcupine curls up
6 into a ball. The spines protect it from the enemy. The spines also protect a porcupine
7 when it falls. Sometimes porcupines use their spines as a sort of weapon. Because
8 they are not affected by poisons in some plants, they sometimes eat those plants. The
9 porcupines then lick their spines and spread sticky saliva on them. This sticky poison
10 fends off enemies.
34

Lesson 8: Supporting Details

1. According to the passage, porcupines live for about
A. six years C. eight years !SK
B. seven years D. nine years 9OURSELF
2. Which of the following is not something porcupines eat? 2.

A. insects Which animal is not
included in the sentence
B. frogs about what porcupines eat?
C. squirrels
D. mice
3. When porcupines are born, their spines are— 3.

A. soft and short Which detail helps you
answer this question? Where
B. long and sharp
can you find this detail?
C. soft and long
D. short and sharp
4. According to the passage, how does the porcupine use

its spines?
A. for decoration
B. for entertainment
C. for cleaning
D. for protection
In Your Own Words
5. What main idea are the details in this passage supporting? 5.

What are all the sentences
in the passage telling you
about?
35

Running for class president has taken a lot of hard work. First, I made a lot of
campaign promises. I told my classmates that I would work to help keep the school
grounds free from litter. I also said I would ask the principal to give us one “no
homework day” each month. Then I made a lot of posters, T-shirts, and flyers with
my name on them. My mom, my dad, and my little brother helped. Together we
made 50 posters, 25 T-shirts, and over 100 flyers! Lastly, I went around and talked to
a lot of the kids in my school. I wanted them to remember my name, Kate Hillman.
My slogan was “Vote for Kate! She’s great!”
On the day of the election, I was nervous. I wore my lucky charm and ate a good
breakfast. I held my breath as the results were read over the loud speaker. Our
principal, Mr. Kang, read each name carefully. Finally, he said my name. I had won!
You can now call me “President Hillman.”
1. For which position is Kate running? 3. Kate was going to ask her principal for
A. class president A. help making campaign posters
B. vice president B. litter-free school grounds
C. orchestra president C. one “no homework day” each month
D. band president D. healthier food at the school cafeteria
2. Which of the following is a detail from 4. Who read the results of the election?
the passage?
A. the principal
A. Kate made buttons for her campaign. B. Kate’s mom
B. Kate talked with her teachers about C. Kate’s dad
her campaign.
D. the teacher
C. Kate didn’t have a slogan for her
campaign.
D. Kate made promises for her
campaign.
36

Lesson 8: Supporting Details

5. Which detail from the passage best 6. Which of the following is not a detail
shows you that Kate didn’t have to do that supports the main idea of this
all the work on her own? passage?
A. My mom, my dad, and my little A. First, I made a lot of campaign
brother helped. promises.
B. Running for class president has taken B. I held my breath as the results were
a lot of hard work. read over the loud speaker.
C. I wore my lucky charm and ate a C. Lastly, I went around and talked to a
good breakfast. lot of the kids in my school.
D. My slogan was “Vote for Kate. She’s D. Then I made a lot of posters, T-shirts,
great!” and flyers with my name on them.
Write It Out Use the passage to help you write a brief answer to the below question.
7. The first sentence, “Running for class president has taken a lot of hard work,” is the main
idea of the passage. Can you add one more detail that could support this main idea?
37

LESSON
9 Making Inferences
WORDS Inferences educated guesses based on what you’re reading and what you already know. When
TO KNOW you make an inference, you’re figuring out something which the writer has not told you directly.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to help you understand the inference in
the sentences.
Layla always buckles her seat belt in the

car. She looks both ways before crossing Hint Kayla is careful in everything she does.
You can infer that she wants to stay safe.
the street. She wears a helmet when
riding her bike.
4RY)T Read the following passage. As you read, underline sentences that suggest a
meaning not directly stated in the passage.
1 Brenda is a teacher. Her mother was also a teacher. Sometimes when Brenda was little,
her mother brought her to see her classroom. Brenda liked to sit at her mother’s desk
and pretend that she was a teacher, too.
2 Brenda’s classroom is a fun place to be. She is funny, she helps the students do exciting
projects, and she reads a lot of interesting books to them. Brenda dresses up when she
reads stories. She also uses a different voice for each story character.
3 When the end of the year arrives, Brenda’s students are sad. They know they will miss
their teacher. But they also know that she will be right across the hall.
38

Lesson 9: Making Inferences

1. Based on the information in paragraph 1, what person
probably influenced Brenda to become a teacher?
!SK
A. her teacher C. her principal 9OURSELF
B. her mother D. her friend
2. Based on what you read in paragraph 2, you can infer that 2.

A. Brenda is a popular teacher How does the information
about Brenda’s classroom
B. Brenda does not enjoy teaching help you answer this
C. Brenda’s classroom is boring question?
D. Brenda’s students dislike her
3. What is the most likely reason the students will miss Brenda? 3.
A. They will be moving to another building. How did you feel when you
had to leave your favorite
B. They didn’t like having her as a teacher. teacher’s class? Why?
C. They can’t wait for school to be over.
D. They had fun in her class.
4. Based on the passage, what might Brenda’s students be likely

to do next year?
A. move to another school
B. dislike their teacher
C. visit her classroom
D. not come back to school
In Your Own Words
5. What can you infer about Brenda as a storyteller? 5.

How does Brenda tell
stories? What does
paragraph 2 tell you?
39

Dan’s older brother Pete was a dog trainer. He would often tell Dan about his job.
Sometimes Pete trained dogs to listen to their owners. Sometimes he trained them to
do tricks. One day Pete came home with exciting news. He was going to train a dog
to work with a blind person. Dan got really curious and asked Pete if he could help.
Pete told Dan that he could watch the training and learn.
Dan never forgot that day. He watched Pete carefully work with the dog and its
owner. Soon Dan wanted to start training dogs himself. He first worked with
puppies in his yard. Pete had told him that puppies are a little easier to train than
full-grown dogs. Dan had to be patient, but he finally taught the puppies how to sit,
stay, heel, and fetch. Then he started teaching them tricks. He taught one puppy how
to jump through a hoop. He taught another how to balance a ball on its nose. Dan
made sure he had plenty of treats on hand. Dan was so good with puppies that Pete
asked him if he wanted to work at his company.
“Of course!” said Dan. Dan and Pete decided to name their company “From Puppy
to Dog.”
1. Why does Pete most likely tell Dan 2. You can infer that Dan probably
about his job?
A. doesn’t care about Pete
A. He wants to brag to Dan. B. works hard in school
B. He doesn’t like his job. C. looks up to Pete
C. He doesn’t like working with dogs. D. likes cats better than dogs
D. He is proud of his job.
40

Lesson 9: Making Inferences

3. Based on the passage, you can infer 5. What is the most likely reason Dan
that at first Dan trained puppies kept puppy treats on hand?
A. in an office A. He rewarded the puppies with treats
B. from home while training them.
C. from a farm B. He loved to eat them as a snack.
D. with cats C. He gave them to Pete to use.
D. He often gets hungry while working
with dogs.
4. Why did Dan teach the puppies how
to sit, stay, heel, and fetch?
6. Why did the brothers name their
A. He was asked by the owners to teach
company “From Puppy to Dog”?
these skills to their pets.
B. He didn’t know how to teach them A. They make gifts for puppies and
anything else. dogs.
C. These are basic things a puppy should B. They do not work with puppies.
learn. C. They only work with dogs.
D. These are harder skills for a puppy to D. They work with puppies
learn. and dogs.
Write It Out Use the passage to help you write a brief answer to the question below.
7. Why did Dan want to work for his older brother Pete?
41

LESSON
10 Drawing Conclusions
WORDS Conclusions ideas you get from clues in the passage, your own prior knowledge, and
TO KNOW common sense
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to help you draw a conclusion.
Marcus thought of everything for the

Hint Based on what you read and what you
party. He worked really hard to put it already know, you can draw the conclusion
together for Keisha’s special day. When that Keisha is very happy with Marcus for
Keisha arrived, she broke into a big smile. having planned a great party for her.
4RY)T Read the following passage. As you read, underline sentences that help you draw
your conclusions.
1 The moon always looks different, but the moon itself does not really change. The moon
gives off no light of its own. The white light we see is sunlight that reflects off its surface.
When we see the moon in the sky, the lighted side is facing Earth.
2 The moon moves around Earth in a circle called an orbit. When you can’t see the
moon, this is called a new moon. A new moon occurs when the sun and the moon
are on the same side of Earth. A full moon is seen when the sun and the moon are on
opposite sides of Earth.
3 See if you can spot the moon. Can you tell which phase it is in? Many websites can
show you how it will look each day of the year!
42

Lesson 10: Drawing Conclusions

1. When you see a new moon, you can conclude that
A. the moon is moving away from Earth !SK
B. the sun and moon are on opposite sides of Earth 9OURSELF
C. the moon moves around Earth in an orbit
D. the sun and moon are on the same side of Earth 1.
Which paragraph contains
information on this topic?
2. When you see a full moon, you can conclude that
How can you use this
A. the moon is moving toward Earth information to draw your
conclusion?
B. the sun and moon are on opposite sides of Earth
C. Earth moves around the moon in an orbit
D. the sun and moon are on the same side of Earth
3. Based on the information in paragraph 1, the moon’s surface

A. is warm
B. is hot
C. is cold
D. is reflective
4. Based on the information in the passage, you can conclude that 4.

A. the moon is beautiful to look at Picture the moon going
around Earth. Would it
B. the moon looks different every day look different to you day-
C. the moon changes twice a month to-day? How?
D. the moon changes at the beginning of each month
In Your Own Words
5. What conclusion can you draw about the moon after reading 5.
this passage? What information in the
passage helps you draw a
conclusion?
43

As an actor, Christopher Reeve was best known for his role as Superman. Later in
his life, he also became well known for his efforts to help others. Born in New York
City in 1952, Reeve studied acting at a famous school of drama. At age 26, he starred
in Superman and went on to make three more films about the hero. He was married
to Dana Reeve and they had a son. Reeve also had two children from a previous
relationship.
In 1985, Reeve began horseback riding. By 1989, he was competing. He also
skied, canoed, and played tennis. He loved being outdoors. In 1995, Reeve was in
a competition when he was thrown from his horse. He landed on his head and was
paralyzed. He could not feel or move his body from the neck down. He could only
breathe using a machine.
Reeve’s brain worked just fine though, and he used it to tell people about spinal
cord injuries. Just one year after the accident, the Reeves started a foundation.The
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation helps pay for research on spinal cord injuries.
It also works to improve the lives of people living with these injuries. Christopher Reeve
died of heart failure in 2004. Sadly, in 2006, Dana Reeve also passed away. However, the
foundation they started continues to help people in their honor.
1. Based on the passage, you can 2. Which detail in the passage supports
conclude that Christopher Reeve’s the conclusion that Christopher Reeve
career lasted enjoyed sports?
A. about 10 years A. He also skied, canoed, and played
B. about 20 years tennis.
C. more than 30 years B. Born in New York City in 1952,
Reeve studied acting at a well-
D. less than 5 years known school of drama.
C. He loved being outdoors.
D. He landed on his head and was
paralyzed.
44

Lesson 10: Drawing Conclusions

3. What can you conclude about spinal 5. What conclusion can you draw about
cord injuries? Dana Reeve?
A. They do not hurt people. A. She was not as caring as Christopher.
B. They can do a lot of damage. B. She loved the outdoors as much as
C. They do not happen very often. Christopher.
D. They are fun to have. C. She was not as honest as Christopher.
D. She was just as caring as Christopher.
4. Based on the information in the
passage, how would you describe 6. After reading the passage, what
Christopher Reeve? conclusion can you make about the
Reeves?
A. a trustworthy man
B. a dishonest man A. Christopher and Dana Reeve only
thought of themselves.
C. a caring man
B. The Reeves started the foundation to
D. a selfish man help their son.
C. In spite of their own difficulties, the
Reeves tried to help others.
D. The Reeves lived very happy and
interesting lives.
7. What would the Reeves most likely be doing if they were still alive? Which clues from
the passage help you draw your conclusion about their work?
45

LESSON
11 Fact and Opinion
WORDS Fact a statement that is true and can be proven

TO KNOW Opinion a statement that gives someone’s feelings or beliefs about a topic. An opinion cannot
be proven.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to help you identify facts and opinions.
Fred Rogers was a television personality.

Hint The first two statements are facts.
He hosted a children’s show. He seemed They can be proven. Clue words such as
like such a friendly person. I thought his seemed and thought tell you that the last two
show was very good for little children. statements are opinions.
4RY)T Read the following passage. As you read, circle details and clue words that help
you identify facts and opinions.
1 People say all kinds of things. I think we shouldn’t pay so much attention—most of the
time, these things aren’t true at all!
2 Here’s an example. My cousin told me an ostrich buries its head in the sand when it’s
scared. That’s not possible. If an ostrich buried its head, it wouldn’t be able to breathe. An
ostrich digs a hole for a nest. Sometimes the bird pokes its head in to check on the eggs.
So it looks like it’s burying its head!
3 Recently, my brother told me that touching a frog or toad will give you warts. The
family medical dictionary says you cannot get warts from animals. My brother is so silly!
4 Do your research. Remember: you can’t believe everything you hear.
46

Lesson 11: Fact and Opinion

1. Which sentence from the passage expresses an opinion?
A. An ostrich digs a hole as a nest. !SK
B. If an ostrich buried its head, it wouldn’t be able to breathe. 9OURSELF
C. The family medical dictionary says you cannot get warts from
animals.
D. Do your research.
2. Which of the following statements is a fact? 2.

A. The family medical dictionary says you cannot get warts Which statement can be
from animals. proven? Where can you
check this fact?
B. My brother is so silly!
C. That’s not possible.
D. I think we shouldn’t pay so much attention—most of the time,
these things aren’t true at all!
3. It can be proven that 3.
A. a scared ostrich buries its head in the sand Which statement can you
check in an encyclopedia?
B. an ostrich makes a nest in the water
C. an ostrich doesn’t lay eggs
D. an ostrich pokes its head in the sand to check on its eggs
4. Which of the following statements tells what someone feels?
A. Here’s an example. C. Do your research.
B. My brother is so silly! D. The family medical dictionary
says you cannot get warts from
animals.
In Your Own Words
5. Write one fact and one opinion from the passage. 5.

Which statements can be
proven? Which express how
someone feels or thinks?
47

I’m hoping the city board doesn’t close the Old Oak Theater. It’s the best theater in
town! It is on Oak Street, right behind the library. It has the most comfortable seats
around.There are six different theaters. That means there’s always a good movie playing.
I love it because you can really relax and enjoy yourself at the Oak Theater. For
instance, there’s the big popcorn combo.You get a large popcorn and a large drink
for only three dollars. What a bargain! You even get free refills on your drink. The
theaters show fun previews before each movie. A preview is a sneak peek at a movie
that will be coming out soon. Best of all, they don’t show too many of them. I hate
waiting too long for the movie to start. The perfect place to sit is on the very last
row at the top. That’s where you get the very best view.
The theater is really good about keeping up with new movies coming out. This
week the theater is playing a brand-new movie. It’s a movie my friends and I have
been waiting to see. I would go to the Oak Theater every day if I could. So should
you! So again, I’m hoping the city understands how important this theater is. It’s not
just nice for kids, it’s good for the whole town.
1. Which of the following statements is 2. Which of the following statements

an opinion? is a fact?
A. I love it because you can really A. I hate waiting too long for the movie
relax and enjoy yourself at the to start.
Oak Theater. B. It’s the best theater in town!
B. There are six different theaters. C. That’s where you get the very best
C. It is on Oak Street, right behind the view.
library. D. You get a large popcorn and a large
D. This week the theater is playing a drink for only three dollars.
brand-new movie.
48

Lesson 11: Fact and Opinion

3. In which of the following statements is 5. Which of the following statements
the writer giving a fact? cannot be proven?
A. That’s where you get the very best A. For instance, there’s the big popcorn
view. combo.
B. You even get free refills on your B. What a bargain!
drink. C. There are six different theaters.
C. It has the most comfortable seats D. You get a large popcorn and a large
around. drink for only three dollars.
D. I would go to the Oak Theater every
day if I could.
6. Which of the following statements can
be proven?
4. In which of the following statements is
A. That means there’s always a good
the writer expressing an opinion?
movie playing.
A. A preview is a sneak peek at a movie B. That’s where you get the very
that will be coming out soon. best view.
B. The theaters show fun previews C. It is on Oak Street, right behind
before each movie. the library.
C. This week the theater is playing a D. Best of all, they don’t show too many
brand-new movie. of them.
D. It has the most comfortable seats
around.
7. Have you seen a movie recently at a theater or on TV? Would you recommend it to a
friend? Why?
49

LESSON
12 Summarizing
WORDS Summarizing giving the main idea and important details of the text in your own words
TO KNOW
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to help you summarize it.
I have a lizard. His name is Lenny. He

Hint Think about the details the author
is green and brown. I keep him in an gives about his pet lizard. Which details are
aquarium that has rocks on the bottom. important? Which are not? This will help you
He likes to climb on the rocks. summarize the paragraph.
4RY)T Read the following passage. As you read, underline sentences that tell the main
idea and important details.
1 Most people do not think about taking care of their eyes. We use our eyes every day.
2 Good eye care is important. Here are some tips for caring for your eyes. Have a doctor
3 check your eyes every year. Eye exams do not take long, and they do not hurt. Some
4 parts of the exam can be uncomfortable because you may not be used to them. Wear
5 eyeglasses or contact lenses if the doctor thinks that you need them. Eat right, exercise,
6 and sleep. Never look directly into the sun. The eyes are made to see only certain types
7 of light. The sun is too bright for the eyes to handle, so wear sunglasses on bright days.
8 Make sure there is plenty of light when you read. You only have one pair of eyes. Take
9 care of them, and they will help take care of you!
50

Lesson 12: Summarizing

1. This passage is about
A. going to the eye doctor C. taking care of your eyes !SK
B. eating right D. picking out sunglasses 9OURSELF
2. Which sentence below belongs in a summary of the passage? 2.

A. We use our eyes every day. Which detail is important
and can be found in the
B. Have a doctor check your eyes every year.
passage?
C. You only have one pair of eyes.
D. Eye exams do not take long, and they do not hurt.
3. Which sentence would not help a summary of the passage?

A. Eat right, exercise, and sleep.
B. The sun is too bright for the eyes to handle, so wear sunglasses
on bright days.
C. Make sure there is plenty of light when you read.
D. Eye exams do not take long, and they do not hurt.
4. Which sentence gives the main idea of the passage? 4.

A. Eye exams do not take long and they do not hurt. What is the passage
mostly about?
B. Good eye care is important.
C. Wear eyeglasses or contact lenses if the doctor thinks that you
need them.
D. Here are some tips for caring for your eyes.
In Your Own Words
5. Summarize the passage in your own words. 5.

What is the main idea?
What are the important
details? How can you tell
about them in your own
words?
51

When I think of bees, I picture busy hives and little creatures buzzing around
flowers. Sometimes I think of stingers! But I certainly don’t think about baskets of
pollen. Bees have little baskets to carry pollen. This is very important to nature and
to us. Why?
Bees fly from flower to flower looking for nectar and pollen. Nectar is a food that
gives bees energy. It is also what bees use to make honey. Pollen is a food that helps
bees grow and stay strong. Bees need nectar and pollen to live.
Female honey bees have something on their legs that no other insects have. It’s a
pollen basket. The basket is made of stiff hairs. When a bee visits a flower, she pushes
pollen into the basket, and some sticks to the hairs. Then she carries the pollen back
to the hive.
Pollen falls off the bee’s legs when it visits other flowers. This is an important step
in helping new flowers grow. If pollen was not moved from one flower to another,
some plants would die out. If plants died out, people would die out, too. People need
plants for food, clean air, and clean water. Bees help move pollen, so they help people
and plants to live.
1. What do bees carry on their legs? 2. Pollen is a food that

A. honey A. gives bees energy
B. pollen B. is made of stiff hairs
C. flowers C. helps bees grow
D. nectar D. bees do not like
52

Lesson 12: Summarizing

3. What happens to pollen when a bee 5. Which sentence has important details
visits flowers? that should be included in a summary
of the passage?
A. It becomes dry and stiff.
B. It is lost. A. I picture busy hives and little
creatures buzzing around flowers.
C. It falls off the bee’s legs.
B. If pollen was not moved from one
D. It is dropped on the ground. flower to another, some plants would
die out.
4. Which sentence gives the main idea of
C. This is an important step in helping
the passage?
new flowers grow.
A. When I think of bees, I picture busy D. The basket is made of stiff hairs.
hives and little creatures buzzing
around flowers.
6. A sentence that does not belong in a
B. Bees have little baskets to carry pollen. summary of the passage is
C. Bees help move pollen, so they help A. If plants died out, people would die
people and plants to live. out, too.
D. Pollen falls off the bee’s legs when it B. This is very important to nature and
visits other flowers. to us.
C. Bees help move pollen, so they help
people and plants to live.
D. Sometimes I think of stingers!
7. How would you summarize this passage? Write a 3-4 sentence summary of the passage.
53

LESSON
13 Sequence
WORDS Sequence the order in which events take place. Sequence is also called time order or
TO KNOW chronological order.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to help you figure out the sequence.
Going to the zoo was so much fun!

Hint Look for the word clues first, then, and
First, we saw the lions. Then we saw the after to figure out the order in which the author
giraffes. After lunch, we went to see the saw the different animals at the zoo: lions,
elephants. It was a great day! giraffes, elephants.
4RY)T Read the following passage. As you read, circle word clues that help you figure out
the order in which events take place.
1 I had a lot of fun this summer. In June, I went to day camp. We played games. We swam
2 every day. On the first day of camp, I met Karina. We became good friends. One day, we
3 made friendship bracelets. On the last day, we promised to write to each other! In July,
4 my family went to Oklahoma. We visited my grandmother, who lives on a farm. I got
5 to help her on the farm. First we fed the animals. Then we picked some blueberries and
6 made them into jam. Grandma gave us some of the jam to take home. It tastes great!
7 Now it is August and I am back home and ready to go back to school. I want to meet
8 my new teacher. I’m not sure who will be in my class, but I’m sure I’ll have fun.
54

Lesson 13: Sequence

1. During the summer, where did the author go first?
A. to school !SK
B. to day camp 9OURSELF
C. to her grandma’s house
D. to her friend’s house 1.
Which sentence includes
information about the
2. What did the author do first on her grandmother’s farm? month of June?
A. She made jam.
B. She picked blueberries. 2.
C. She took some jam home. What is the order of
D. She fed the animals. events in July?
3. The last thing the author did at camp in June was

A. go swimming
B. make friendship bracelets
C. promise she would write to her friend
D. play games
4. What did the author do after she left her grandmother’s farm?
A. She went back home. C. She went back to school.
B. She took a trip. D. She visited a friend.
In Your Own Words
5. What did the author do at her grandmother’s farm? List the 5.

events in sequence, or chronological order. What clue words help you
figure out the sequence?
55

On December 1, 1955, an African American woman named Rosa Parks boarded

a bus in Alabama and sat down near the front. At the next stop, some white riders
boarded. One man was looking for a seat. “Hey!” the bus driver yelled to Parks.
“Move to the back!” At that time in Alabama, only white riders got to sit near the
front of the bus. But Parks did not give up her seat.
“Just give him your seat,” the driver urged. Rosa Parks disagreed. She felt that when
African Americans gave in, they were treated worse. “I’ll have you arrested,” the
driver said. “You may do that,” she said. At the next stop, policemen took her to the
city jail.
News of Parks’s arrest spread. African Americans became angry. They had had
enough. Lawyers for Parks wanted to prove that what had happened to her was
illegal. They took her case all the way to the Supreme Court. African Americans
started refusing to ride the buses. Without them, the bus company lost money.
African Americans were pressured to ride the buses again, but they still refused.
The court agreed with Rosa Parks. It said that what had happened to her on the bus
was illegal. All people had the right to ride the buses and sit in any seat they want.
1. According to the passage, what 2. The bus driver yelled at Rosa Parks
happened after Rosa Parks boarded
A. when she got on the bus
the bus and sat down?
B. when she was getting off the bus
A. The bus driver yelled at her.
C. before an African American rider
B. She got arrested. boarded
C. Some white riders got on the bus. D. after some white riders boarded
D. She refused to give up her seat.
56

Lesson 13: Sequence

3. After the bus driver told Rosa Parks 5. After the news of Rosa Parks’s arrest
that he would have her arrested spread
A. some white riders boarded the bus A. African Americans refused to ride the
B. she told him that he could do that buses
C. she got off the bus B. African Americans stood on buses
D. she gave up her seat C. white riders stood on buses
D. white riders refused to ride the buses
4. After the police arrested Rosa Parks,
they took her 6. What happened after the Supreme
Court made its decision?
A. back to her home
B. back to the bus station A. African Americans still had to give up
their seats.
C. to the city jail
B. Rosa Parks led a protest about her
D. to the Supreme Court stay in jail.
C. White riders had to stand when they
rode a bus.
D. All people had the right to sit in any
seat on a bus.
Write It Out Use the information in the passage to fill in the sequence chart.
7.
Rosa Parks boarded a bus and took a seat.
She was arrested.
57
263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 57 10/16/08 3:22:42 AM

LESSON
14 Cause and Effect
WORDS Cause and effect A cause is the reason something happens and the effect is the result
TO KNOW of a cause.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to help you figure out the cause and
effect.
Kelly forgot to set her alarm clock. The

Hint Many things happened to Kelly one
next morning, she woke up late. She morning. What caused them?
missed the bus. She was late for school
and missed her first class.
4RY)T Read the following passage. As you read, circle details that show cause and effect.
1 Christmas Island is in the Indian Ocean. An explorer named the island on Christmas
2 Day in 1643. The Christmas Island National Park covers over 60 percent of the island.
3 The park opened in 1980. Before that, many areas of the island were being damaged
4 because of mining. The government set aside part of the island to help save its natural
5 resources. The park also protects the plants and animals that live on the island. There are
6 over 400 kinds of plants on the island. More than half of them produce flowers. Some
7 of the plants that grow there can be found only on Christmas Island. Over 100 million
8 red crabs also live on the island. Every year, they travel from the forest to the beach to
9 have their babies. They have to travel in the morning or in the evening. If they travel at
10 midday, when it is too hot, they could die.
58

Lesson 14: Cause and Effect

1. How did Christmas Island get its name?
A. People opened presents. !SK
B. It was named on Christmas Day. 9OURSELF
C. It was explored by a man named Christmas.
D. The island is red and green.
2. What caused damage to many areas of the island? 2.

A. mining C. pollution Which clue words help you
find the cause?
B. litter D. weather
3. What causes the red crabs to travel to the beach every year? 3.
A. They don’t like the forest. Which detail helps you find
the cause?
B. They like to travel.
C. They go there to have their babies.
D. They want to swim.
4. Traveling during midday could cause the crabs

A. to be unable to swim
B. to die
C. to have babies
D. to not have babies
In Your Own Words
5. Write one effect of opening the Christmas Island National Park. 5.

Why was the park opened?
59

Long, long ago, spiders weren’t good at spinning webs. They could make sticky
thread, but they weren’t able to make the threads stretch across large spaces. Some
spiders fell and hurt themselves while trying to jump from one place to another.
Well, here’s the story about how that changed.
One day, Grandpa Spider was gazing at a tiny, beautiful leaf. He had just picked it up
when a gust of wind came along. It blew so hard the leaf flew right out of his hand
and across the tree where Grandpa was sitting. It landed on another branch. This
gave Grandpa an idea!
The next day, Grandpa Spider was sitting on a railing. He spun some sticky thread.
He held the thread up in the air and waited for some wind. Then he let go of the
thread. The wind grabbed it and carried it to another part of the railing where it
stuck. His plan worked! He waited for more wind and made a few more spokes for
his web.
From that day forward, spiders knew that if they wanted to build strong, beautiful
webs, they had to wait for a windy day!
1. What caused some spiders to fall and 2. According the second paragraph, why
hurt themselves? did the leaf fly across the tree?
A. They were trying to catch flies. A. Grandpa threw it.
B. They were trying to jump across B. The leaf landed on a branch.
large areas. C. The wind blew.
C. They were trying to spin thread. D. An insect carried it.
D. They were trying to sleep.
60

Lesson 14: Cause and Effect

3. What was the effect of the wind 5. What was the effect of Grandpa’s hard
blowing the leaf off of Grandpa’s work?
branch?
A. The wind blew his web apart.
A. The leaf flew across the tree and B. He found another leaf.
landed on another branch.
C. He spun a strong, beautiful web.
B. The leaf flew out of the tree and
landed on the ground. D. He was blown out of the tree.
C. The leaf flew into the air and landed
in a web. 6. Grandpa Spider’s story explains
D. The leaf flew out of the tree and into A. why spiders spin webs
another spider’s hand. B. why spiders like to jump from tree to
tree
4. Grandpa let go of the thread because C. why spiders like leaves
A. he felt the wind coming up D. why spiders build their webs on
B. he became scared windy days
C. he couldn’t hold on any longer
D. he got really tired
Write It Out Use the story to help you complete the chart below with causes and effects.
7.
Cause Effect
61

LESSON
15 Compare and Contrast
WORDS Compare and contrast show how things are alike and different
TO KNOW
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to help you compare and contrast.
Jade has green eyes and brown hair.

Hint Jade and Danny are both alike and
Her brother Danny has brown eyes and different. Think about the ways they are alike.
brown hair. They both like to ride their What ways are they different?
bikes. Jade’s bike is red and Danny’s bike
is blue.
4RY)T Read the following passage. As you read, underline details that help you compare
and contrast.
1 My sisters are two of my best friends. My older sister Meg is a great role model. She is
2 in college and she gets good grades. She has a part-time job, and she helps my parents
3 pay for her books. My younger sister Ellen is also a great role model. She helps at the
4 local animal shelter. She helps take care of the pets in our neighborhood.
5 Both of my sisters like music. Meg likes to listen to rock music. Ellen likes country
6 music. They both like to watch TV. Ellen watches shows that are funny, while Meg
7 watches the news programs.
8 I enjoy spending time with my sisters. Sometimes the three of us go to a movie. The
9 only problem is deciding who gets to choose which one!
62

Lesson 15: Compare and Contrast

1. What is one way Meg and Ellen are alike?
A. They both go to college. !SK
B. They both like animals. 9OURSELF
C. They both are good role models.
D. They both dislike movies.
2. Both Meg and Ellen like 2.

A. books What is one thing both
sisters like?
B. music
C. animals
D. painting
3. What is one way Meg and Ellen are different? 3.

A. They go to different schools. What kind of television
shows do the sisters like to
B. They live in different states. watch?
C. They like different kinds of TV shows.
D. They like to eat different foods.
4. Meg likes rock music, while Ellen likes

A. opera C. classical
B. pop D. country
In Your Own Words
5. Write how Meg and Ellen are different in the way they help. 5.
Who does Meg help? Who
does Ellen help?
63

Is it better to save money at home or at a bank? Some people prefer to save money
at home. Some people think it is safer to keep money in a bank. At home, some people
save money in a piggy bank or under a mattress. At home, you know exactly where
the money is. When you save money at a bank, you are trusting the bank to keep the
money safe.
One problem with keeping money at home is that it cannot be replaced if something
happens to it. For example, suppose there is a fire. The money will be lost forever.
Money stored in a bank is very safe. It is kept in a giant locked vault. There are also
laws to make sure that a bank will return any money you save there.
A bank might also pay you for saving your money. How can you earn money while
saving money? Here’s how. Banks lend money to people all the time. The money gets
paid back little by little. The total money that people pay a bank is more than the
amount they borrowed. The difference between what customers pay the bank and
what they borrowed is called interest. A bank gives some of the interest to people who
have savings accounts. The larger the account, the more interest you get. No matter
how you choose to save money, it is one way to prepare for the future.
1. What is one thing you know when 2. One problem with saving money
you save money at home that you at home that is not a problem at a
don’t know when you save it at a bank is
bank?
A. you earn interest on your money
A. the amount of money other B. there are laws to protect your money
people have
C. your money cannot be replaced if
B. where it is something happens to it
C. the amount other people invest D. you have to pay money back
D. what other customers think of the
bank
64

Lesson 15: Compare and Contrast

3. Some people save money at home in a 5. Unlike money you save at home, your
piggy bank, while money at a bank is money saved at a bank
stored in
A. will double in a few years
A. a locked vault B. does not earn interest
B. a wooden safe C. is protected by law, in case it is lost
C. a special bag D. will not be safe
D. a large plastic box
6. According to the passage, what is one
4. What is one advantage you have saving way saving money at home and at a
at a bank over saving at home? bank are alike?
A. A bank might charge you fees to save A. Money is safe in both places.
money. B. Both help you prepare for the future.
B. A bank stores your money in a huge C. You can earn interest in both places.
piggy bank.
D. There are piggy banks at both places.
C. A bank might loan your money to
others.
D. A bank might pay you interest on
your money.
Write It Out Use the passage to help you complete the chart below.
7. Saving Money Saving Money

at Home at a Bank
65

LESSON
16 Genres
WORDS Genres different types of literature. The main genres are fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction.
TO KNOW Fiction includes different kinds of made-up stories, such as fairy tales. Poetry has short lines and
is written in stanzas. Sometimes it rhymes. Drama uses dialogue and stage directions.
2EVIEW)T Read the lines below. Use the Hint to figure out the genre.
Roses are red, violets are blue.

Hint Use the rhyming words blue and you at
Sugar is sweet, and so are you!
the end of lines as clues to the genre.
Reading Literature
4RY)T Read the passage. As you read, underline the words or phrases that help you figure
out the genre.
1 Once upon a time, in a castle high above the earth, there lived a good queen. She had
three sons. When the time came, each left home to seek his fortune. To each son, the
queen gave a small gift. She told them that the gift would help them find a great fortune
in riches or in love. The choice was theirs.
2 The princes thanked their dear mother. The two eldest told her they would return with
dazzling fortunes. The youngest told her he hoped not for riches, but for love. Each
prince headed in a different direction. The eldest went north. The middle son went east.
The youngest went west.
66

Lesson 16: Genres
1. What type of passage is this?

A. fiction !SK
9OURSELF
B. drama
C. poetry
1.
D. history
What words and phrases
help you figure out the
2. Which phrase best helps you identify the type of passage? genre?
A. in a castle high above the earth
B. had three sons
C. gave each a small gift
D. youngest went west
3. Which narrows the genre to a more specific kind of writing?

A. news report C. ghost story
Reading Literature
B. biography D. fairy tale
4. A clue that helps you narrow the genre is 4.

A. each son left home Do any words or phrases
look very familiar?
B. the youngest son hoped for love
C. once upon a time
D. each son headed in a different direction
In Your Own Words
5. Write a title for the passage that helps the reader predict what 5.
the story will be about. What kinds of words in the
title will make sure readers
have an idea of what they
will read?
67

Characters
Max, age seven Jane, age five Mother
All are outside in their yard. Jane is digging a hole with a small shovel.
Max: (pointing to Jane) Mother! What is she doing?
Mother: Well, it looks like she is digging holes in the yard.
Max: (looking puzzled) Now what is she doing?
Mother: She appears to be putting ice cubes in the holes.
Max: Why would she do that?
Mother: Let’s find out.You ask her.
Max: Jane, why are you putting ice in the holes?
Jane: My teacher told us Earth is too hot. I thought some ice might help it cool
Reading Literature
down.
Mother: That’s a lovely thought, dear. But that’s not how to we can help Earth cool
down. But there is something we can do. Let’s plant a tree!
1. What is the genre of this writing? 2. Who is the first speaker?

A. fiction A. Mother
B. drama B. Max
C. poetry C. Jane
D. none of the above D. Jane’s teacher
68

Lesson 16: Genres
3. How does the writing help you know 5. Who does most of the action in this
who is speaking? writing?
A. list of characters A. Max
B. quotation marks B. Mother
C. underlined names C. Jane
D. names are in bold type D. Father
4. In the writing, who has the most 6. From the list of characters, you learn
dialogue?
A. only that Jane is older than Max
A. Mother B. only that Max is older than Jane
B. Max C. all the characters are children
C. Jane D. the characters are Jane, Max,
D. Jane’s teacher and Mother
Reading Literature
Which character will speak next? What will he or she say? Write a line of dialogue
Write It Out for that character.
7.
69

LESSON
17 Author’s Purpose
WORDS Author’s purpose the reason or reasons an author has for writing. Authors often write to
TO KNOW entertain, teach or tell something, or affect how a reader feels about something.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences below. Use the Hint to figure out the author’s purpose.
The crazy scientist crossed an ape and a

Hint The word chim-pansy is a pun on
flower. He called it a chim-pansy!
the words chimpanzee, an ape, and pansy, a
flower. If you smiled or giggled when you read
the passage, you know why the author wrote it.
Reading Literature
4RY)T Read this story. As you read, underline the words and phrases that help you figure
out the author’s purpose.
1 The alarm went off at 4:00 a.m. Mom and I got into the van half an hour later. There
were six others in the van. They nodded as we climbed in. It was too early to talk.
2 We drove for half an hour into the desert. It was still dark. It should have been quiet,
but it wasn’t. A loud roar came from the center of the camp. Flames shot out of huge
burners. I thought the yards of fabric would catch on fire, but instead they filled with air
and grew bigger.
3 When everything was ready, we got in. There was standing room only. Then we took
off. We were flying over the desert in a hot air balloon. What a sight below us!
Now, use the story to answer the questions on the following page.
70

Lesson 17: Author’s Purpose
1. From the story, you can tell that the author is

A. the van driver !SK
9OURSELF
B. the mother
C. the person who is telling the story
1.
D. the hot air balloon pilot Which pronoun is used
most often in the passage?
2. What feeling do you think the author wants you to have when
reading the second paragraph?
A. happy C. bored
B. scared D. angry
3. How do you think the author wants you to feel at the end of
the story?
A. bored C. tired
Reading Literature
B. scared D. excited
4. The author’s purpose for writing the passage is to 4.

A. give directions to a hot-air balloon camp Is the author trying to
inform, persuade, or
B. tell about the desert entertain?
C. explain how hot air balloons work
D. entertain by sharing a personal experience
In Your Own Words
5. Write a title for the story that gives the reader a hint to the 5.
author’s purpose. What words in your title
will help readers know the
author’s purpose?
71

You walk toward the playground.You hear, “Apples, berries, grapes, and plums. Tell
us when your birthday comes…” Then you hear a slapping sound. The song is a
jump rope rhyme. The slapping sound is a jump rope hitting the ground.You see the
jumper enter the rope on “comes.” She jumps once for each month.You watch her
jump out after naming her birthday month.
Once, skipping rope was just a game for girls. Not any more. Boxers skip rope as part
of their training. Runners skip rope to warm up for a race. Jumping rope is a good
workout. Jumping gets the heart going.
One jump rope is good. Two jump ropes are even better! The two jump rope game
is called Double Dutch. The spinners turn one rope to the left. They turn the other
rope to the right. The jumper hops over one rope and then quickly over the other.
In 1973 David W. Walker turned the street game of Double Dutch into a world-class
Reading Literature
sport. It is a team sport. The first tournament, in 1974, had 600 boys and girls. More
than 100,000 kids enter Double Dutch meets all over the world.
1. Read these sentences from the passage. 2. Read these sentences from the passage.
“Apples, berries, grapes, and The spinners turn one rope to the
plums. Tell us when your birthday left. They turn the other rope to
comes…” the right. The jumper hops over
one rope and then quickly over
The author might have included these the other.
sentences to
The author included this information to
A. explain who David W. Walker is
B. show that girls are the best jumpers A. name the different positions in
Double Dutch
C. introduce the topic in a way the
reader may know B. tell where the rope spinners stand in
Double Dutch
D. illustrate that boys don’t know how
to play jump rope C. explain what the rope spinners do in
Double Dutch
D. show the reader how difficult Double
Dutch is
72

Lesson 17: Author’s Purpose
3. The author’s purpose for including 5. From the passage, you can tell that the
information about David W. Walker author thinks jumping rope is
is to
A. only for girls
A. tell who founded the Double Dutch B. safe for boxers
sport
C. good exercise
B. name the author of the passage
D. not really a sport
C. introduce a sports writer
D. explain how Walker makes jump
6. The author’s purpose for writing the
ropes
passage is to
A. make the reader laugh
4. The passage is mostly about
B. tell how to make jump rope
A. the history of games girls play
C. get the reader to exercise
B. funny jump rope rhymes
D. give information about jumping rope
C. David Walker’s life
D. the history of jumping rope
Reading Literature
Write It Out Tell what the most interesting or surprising thing you read in the passage was.
7.
73

LESSON
18 Plot
WORDS Plot what happens in a story. A plot includes a problem or conflict that the main character or
TO KNOW characters must try to solve.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences to figure out the plot.
People in the village whispered that the

Hint Here, the phrase had to find out for
house on the hill was haunted. But was
himself helps you understand the problem
it? Juan had to find out for himself. Juan will try to solve.
Reading Literature
4RY)T Read this story. As you read, underline the words and phrases that help you figure
out the plot.
1 Dog was carrying a large bone in his mouth. He was so pleased with himself. “This is
the biggest bone in the world!” he thought. Dog was eager to get home. He decided to
try a shortcut across a stream.
2 “This is indeed my lucky day,” thought Dog at the river’s edge. A thick log reached from
one bank of the stream to the other. As Dog walked on the log, he looked down. There
in the water, staring at him, was another dog with a bone even bigger than his!
3 “I want THAT bone!” cried Dog. He opened his mouth to grab the bigger bone and
his bone fell into the stream and sank. He realized he was looking at his reflection in the
water. Feeling sad, Dog slowly walked home.
74

Lesson 18: Plot
1. The plot in this story begins with Dog

A. carrying a stick C. digging up a huge bone !SK
9OURSELF
B. crossing a stream D. carrying a large bone
1.
2. How does Dog feel at the beginning of the story?
What is the first thing that
A. greedy C. jealous happens in the story?
B. proud D. silly
3. What problem does Dog think he needs to solve?

A. He cannot cross the stream.
B. The bone is too heavy to carry.
C. He needs to get the other dog’s bone.
D. He wants to find a new way home.
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4. Dog tries to solve the problem by 4.
A. grabbing the bigger bone What does Dog do when
he looks down in the
B. not taking the shortcut stream?
C. swimming across the stream
D. floating the bone in the stream
In Your Own Words
5. Explain why Dog feels the way he does at the end of the story. 5.
What happens at the end
of the story?
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/N9OUR/WN Read this story. Answer the questions that follow it.
Old Turtle lived by a lake with two friends, Big Goose and Little Goose. The friends
liked to talk and talk about their life experiences. Then one year, the lake began to
dry up. Old Turtle and the geese could talk of nothing else. One day Big Goose said,
“Old Turtle, we must leave this lake. We have seen great lakes over the mountains
where there is much water.”
Old Turtle said, “Please take me with you!”
But how? The friends talked and talked. Big Goose said, “We will carry a strong stick
between us with our bills. And you must hold onto the stick with your strong jaws.
But if you open your mouth, you will fall to the earth!”
Old Turtle clamped his jaws around the stick. Up, up, flew the three friends. Old
Turtle looked down on the trees and village children playing outdoors. The children
had never seen a turtle fly! “Did you ever see anything so silly?” they laughed.
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“Silly?” said Old Turtle. When he opened his mouth to say this, poor Old Turtle let
go of the stick and fell to the earth.
1. Who are the characters facing the 2. What is the problem the characters
problem in the story? face in the story?
A. Old Turtle A. how to get along
B. Big Goose and Little Goose B. how to live a long time
C. Old Turtle, Big Goose, and Little C. how to learn to fly
Goose D. how to take Old Turtle to the
D. Old Turtle and Big Goose new lakes
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Lesson 18: Plot
3. What idea do the geese have to solve 5. Which of the following is not a part of
the problem? the plot in the story?
A. carry a stick for Old Turtle to A. Old Turtle cannot see the tops of
hold onto trees from the lake.
B. find a path Old Turtle can walk on B. The lake over the mountains is
C. try to teach Old Turtle to fly very deep.
D. leave Old Turtle and fly away C. The geese want to help their friend.
D. The laughing children make Old
Turtle angry.
4. The geese’s solution doesn’t work out
because
6. How does the plot end in the story?
A. the geese do not have strong
enough bills A. The friends live happily ever after in
B. Old Turtle opens his mouth the new lake.
C. Old Turtle has strong jaws B. Old Turtle goes to live with the
village children.
D. Old Turtle gets tired
C. Old Turtle lets go of the stick and
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falls to Earth.
D. The geese walk to the new lake with
Old Turtle.
How can you change the plot so that it has a happy ending? Write a few sentences
Write It Out to tell about the new ending.
7.
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LESSON
19 Character
WORDS Characters the main people or animals in a story. Characters have traits that make them act
TO KNOW and speak in certain ways.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences and identify the main character.
The bus driver smiled as two men,

Hint The bus driver smiles and wants to
followed by three school children,
help the elderly woman. He is the character
boarded his bus. An elderly woman you learn the most about in this story.
appeared at the door. “Let me help you,”
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said the driver offering his hand.
4RY)T Read this story. As you read, underline the names of the characters and circle the
word that help you figure out the characters’ traits.
1 Wendy took good care of Fred and Ginger, her cats. While they ate their breakfast, she
cleaned the litter box. Wendy’s brother Rick never helped out because of his allergies.
2 One spring day, Wendy put on her new jacket, shut the coat closet, and grabbed her
book bag. Ready to leave, Wendy knelt to scratch Fred. Then she looked at her watch
and thought, “I’m going to be late!” But she couldn’t leave yet. Where was Ginger?
“Come on, Fred. Help me find Ginger!” Fred didn’t move. For more than 10 minutes
Wendy looked for Ginger. Fred never moved.
3 Then Wendy stopped and thought. “Thank you, Fred! You knew all along where Ginger
was!” Wendy opened the closet door, and Ginger darted out.
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Lesson 19: Character
1. The main character of this story is

A. Rick C. Fred !SK
9OURSELF
B. Wendy D. Ginger
1.
2. Which word best describes the main character?
Which character does the
A. helpful C. caring story mostly tell about?
B. mean D. shy
3. Why doesn’t Rick help take care of the cats?

A. He is late for school.
B. He likes to sleep later than Wendy.
C. He takes care of the dog.
D. He has allergies.
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4. From the way Fred acts, you might think that he 4.
A. wants to be scratched again Does it look to Wendy like
Fred is helping her?
B. doesn’t care where Ginger is
C. likes Rick better than Wendy
D. likes to wait for Wendy at the front door
In Your Own Words
5. Write a sentence to describe the main character in the story. 5.

Who is the main
character? What does she
or he do or say?
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Once a king had a garden. A bird that lived there sang the sweetest songs. “I must
have that songbird for my own,” said the king to his three sons. The eldest set out
with a bow and arrow. The middle son set out with a slingshot and stones. The
youngest set out with corn in a soft bag.
The eldest shot an arrow at the bird, but missed. The middle son shot three stones
at the bird, but missed. “I tried,” they both said and returned to the palace. The
youngest son opened the bag with the sweet corn inside and left it in the garden.
When the songbird swooped down to eat the corn, the son quickly but gently put
the bird in the bag.
When the youngest son brought the bird to the king, it bird flew up to the rafters.
Then she began to sing a sweet songs. The king ordered that the bird should be
placed in a golden cage. “No, Father,” said the youngest son. “A bird that sings this
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sweetly should not be in a cage.”

“Your brothers may be lazy, but you have disobeyed! Leave the palace!” said the king.
1. The main characters in the story are 2. Which words best describe the king?
A. the king and his three sons A. lazy and dull
B. the king and the youngest son B. spoiled and easily angered
C. the king’s three sons C. kind and patient
D. the king’s eldest and youngest sons D. wise and considerate
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Lesson 19: Character
3. The way the older sons tried to 5. Which word does not describe the
capture the bird tells you that they youngest son?
A. love all animals except birds A. clever
B. don’t want to please their father B. brave
C. are not very clever C. smart
D. care about the bird D. unkind
4. You can tell that the youngest son is 6. Based on the actions and words of the
kind because he three sons, which one would make the
best future king?
A. kneels before his father the king
B. tells his brothers not to shoot the bird A. the middle son
C. captures the bird without hurting it B. the eldest son
D. leaves the palace C. the youngest son
D. none of the above
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Think about the character traits of the youngest son. What do you think he will do
Write It Out next? Write one or two sentences explaining your answer.
7.
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LESSON
20 Setting
WORDS
TO KNOW Setting the time and place in which a story happens
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences and figure out where and when the story takes place.
Mom said, “Turn out the light! You have

to get up early tomorrow!” I turned off Hint The sentences “Turn out the light! You
have to get up early tomorrow !” are clues to
the lamp next to my bed and turned on
the time: night. The phrase the lamp next to
my flashlight so I could read under the my bed tells you the place: a bedroom.
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covers.
4RY)T Read the passage from a story. As you read, underline the words or phrases that
help you figure out the setting.
1 The twins Jack and Jake kissed their mother goodbye on the platform. A mixture
2 of sweat and tears poured down their faces. Record-breaking heat made it look like
3 everyone was crying. The boys climbed aboard with their father. He said this was the
4 start of a great adventure for them. The boys were not so sure. They were excited, but
5 they were also a bit scared. They’d never been away from home for more than one
6 night. Now for one week they wouldn’t see their dog, their bedroom, or the park where
7 they rode their bikes. And they had never been so far away from home. Now they’d be
8 traveling over miles and miles of tracks to get to their grandmother’s house. The boys
9 and their father found their seats. They looked out the window. The boys waved
10 good-bye to their mother.
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Lesson 20: Setting
1. Where does this passage take place?

A. in an airport C. in a lake !SK
9OURSELF
B. in a park D. in a train station
1.
2. What time of year does the passage probably take place?
Which clues in lines 1, 3,
A. spring 8, and 9 tell you where the
B. fall story takes place?
C. summer
D. winter 2.
What words in line 2 help
3. Which of the following is part of the setting? you figure out the when
the story takes place?
A. Jack and Jake’s dog
B. a window
C. the park near their home
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D. the twins’ bedroom
4. Which of the following is part of the setting?

A. a scary house
B. record-high heat
C. strong wind
D. middle of the night
In Your Own Words
5. Write a title for the passage that would help the reader figure 5.
out the setting. What words in your title
would help readers know
the setting?
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Jane put down the book she was reading and took a sip of hot tea. She held onto the
mug with both hands. Then she buttoned up a second sweater over the one she was
already wearing. Jane wondered if she should put on another pair of socks.
She looked out the window. Storm clouds were rolling across the late afternoon sky.
There would be no thunder or lightning. However, there would most certainly be at
least another foot of snow, according to the car radio.
She and her dad had cut wood for the fireplace just two days earlier. Two feet of
snow fell yesterday and knocked out power lines. The TV went blank. The stove
didn’t work. Mom had taken out the camping gear and was making soup in the
fireplace. As she smelled the delicious soup, Jane began to wonder what the morning
would bring. In an instant, she knew the answer—no school!
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1. Where does the story take place? 2. What time of year does the story take
place?
A. in the desert
B. in a house A. winter
C. in a school B. fall
D. in a tent C. summer
D. spring
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Lesson 20: Setting
3. Which is not part of the setting? 5. Read the sentence from the story.
A. grocery store However there would most
B. window certainly be at least another foot of
C. rolling storm clouds snow, according to the car radio.
D. house The sentence gives a clue that the
story takes place
4. The setting includes A. long ago
A. a working TV B. on the ocean
B. Jane’s school C. in modern times
C. thunder and lightning D. in a kingdom
D. snow
6. What time of the day is it?
A. early morning
B. late afternoon
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C. evening
D. late at night
Write It Out How could the setting change in order for Jane to be reading outdoors?
7.
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LESSON
21 Theme
WORDS
TO KNOW Theme the lesson or message the author wants the reader to learn
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to figure out what lesson the author
wants you to learn in the story.
Grasshopper played all summer long. He

Hint What does Grasshopper do all
didn’t store food for the winter as Ant
summer ? What about Ant ? What happens in
did. When winter came, Grasshopper the winter helps you figure out the theme, or
was hungry. lesson, of the story: You have to prepare for
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hard times.
out the theme.
1 Henny and Penny sat on a tree branch talking. They had flown south each winter
together many times. Now back north, they waited for their friends to join them. As
they waited, they smoothed their dull, thin feathers. In the next tree, they saw a pretty
newcomer. “Welcome!” said Henny.
2 “Hello! I’m Penny, and this is my friend Henny,” said Penny. The pretty bird looked the
two birds up and down and turned her back on them.
3 Just then, Henny and Penny’s friends arrived. Instead of joining Henny and Penny on
their branch, they crowded around the pretty bird. They admired her beautiful sleek
feathers. The pretty bird began pecking at them. “Stay back! Don’t touch my beautiful
feathers!” she snapped.
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Lesson 21: Theme
1. Based on paragraphs 1 and 2, which word best describes how

Henny and Penny act? !SK
A. proud C. welcoming
9OURSELF
B. indifferent D. unfriendly 1.
Which words in paragraph
2. From the pretty bird’s actions, you can tell she 1 tell you about Henny and
Penny?
A. thinks she is better than Henny and Penny
B. is busy playing with her own friends
C. is too shy to say hello
D. wishes she had friends like Henny and Penny 2.
Has anyone you know
3. Which sentence best states the theme of this passage? acted this way? If yes, how
would you describe the
A. You should not be friendly to newcomers. person?
B. You should always be loyal to your friends.
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C. Friends in need are friends indeed.
D. You should not be fooled by looks.
4. What is the message the author wants to give you?

A. Birds of a feather should stick together.
B. If you are beautiful, you can be unkind.
C. Don’t choose your friends by their looks.
D. Friends in need are friends indeed.
In Your Own Words
5. What is the lesson Henny and Penny probably learn in the 5.

story? How do Henny and Penny
act toward the pretty bird?
Why do they act this way?
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“Let’s ride!” said Sam as soon as Lee arrived. “Here!” he said. “Try these on. I bet
they’ll fit!” Sam said as held out a pair of cowboy boots.
They did fit. Now Lee was ready to ride. At least he was dressed to ride. But Lee had
never been on a horse before. Sam had been riding nearly every day since his family
moved out to the country last year. It was a big change from the city where the
two boys grew up together, playing cowboys and riding the painted horses on the
carousel in the park.
Sam was eager to show off his cowboy skills. Lee wanted to try a real horse. The
friends walked to the corral. Sam helped Lee into the saddle. “Whoa!” said Lee with
a nervous laugh. “This feels nothing like the carousel!” Sam mounted his own horse
with ease.
Before long, Sam turned his horse back toward the corral. The horse Lee rode
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followed. “Why are we going back?” asked Lee, disappointed.

“Wind,” said Sam. “Horses hate the wind. And the last thing I want is for my best
friend to fall off a horse on his first day here!”
1. Sam and Lee are 2. How does Sam feel about Lee’s visit?
A. classmates A. excited
B. brothers B. annoyed
C. neighbors C. nervous
D. best friends D. disappointed
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Lesson 21: Theme
3. How does Lee feel about riding? 5. From what Lee says, you can tell
that he
A. confident
B. nervous A. wishes he were home in the city
C. angry B. wants to pretend he is a cowboy
D. indifferent C. would rather be on the carousel
D. really wants to ride a horse
4. From Sam’s actions, you can tell that he
6. Which of the following best describes
A. knows a lot about horses
the theme of this passage?
B. is sorry he moved away from Lee
A. Friends stay friends no matter where
C. likes to show off his horses they live.
D. wants Lee to stay away from riding a B. Friends share their clothes and shoes.
horse
C. Friends take good care of friends.
D. Friends like to do the same kinds
of things.
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7. Suppose the boys had continued to ride in the wind, the horses got nervous, and Lee fell
off the horse. How would the story’s theme change?
89

LESSON
22 Point of View
WORDS Point of view the perspective from which the narrator tells the story. Point of view tells you
TO KNOW who the narrator is and how much he or she knows. Most narrators are either first-person or
third-person narrators.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to figure out the point of view of the
narrator in the story.
The rabbits wandered too far into the

woods. Crouching behind the bushes, Hint The narrator knows what the wolf
thinks. Think about what kind of narrator
the wolf waited. As the rabbits came
knows what characters think or feel.
closer, he smiled and thought, “Hello,
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lunch!”
out the point of view of the narrator.
1 Evan, Pat, and I met outside the movie theater. It was one of those huge theaters that
2 show a dozen movies. We had passes for the Blasts from the Past Movie Festival. There
3 were so many films to choose from! Honey, I Shrunk the Kids was on Screen 1. On
4 Screen 2, they were showing the first King Kong. On Screen 3, they were showing The
5 Shaggy Dog, a film about a dad who gets turned into a dog. The first Star Wars movie
6 was on Screen 3. I thought it would be hard to choose. Evan likes funny films. Pat loves
7 special effects. Me? I like everything! I said, “This one is so old the special effects will
8 probably be funny.” My friends agreed. Can you guess which film we went to see?
Now, use the passages to answer the questions on the following page.
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Lesson 22: Point of View
1. Who is the narrator in the passage?

A. “I” C. Evan !SK
9OURSELF
B. Pat D. Evan and Pat
1.
2. In line 2, the pronoun we refers to
Who is telling the story?
A. Evan and Pat What pronoun is used?
B. Evan and the narrator
C. Evan, Pat, and another friend
D. Evan, Pat, and the narrator
3. The point of view of the narrator in this story is 3.

A. first-person Who is telling the story? Is
the person telling the story
B. second-person a character in the story?
C. first-person and third-person
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D. third-person
4. The reader learns the thoughts of

A. Pat
B. Evan
C. the first-person narrator
D. the third-person narrator
In Your Own Words
5. Rewrite the first sentence of the passage, changing the point 5.

of view. What word in the sentence
must you change in order
to change the point of
view?
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Beth and her mother had spent two weeks traveling all over the country. They got
up before dawn to fly in a helicopter. They rode a camel. They fed deer by hand.
Beth thought, “I am so lucky my mother likes to travel!”
They arrived on the island, the next stop on their trip, in time for dinner. Her
mother said, “It will be good to stay in one place for a couple of days.” While her
mother rested, Beth ran down to the beach to sign up for sailing lessons. A woman
in a bathing suit was just locking the office door. “Not to worry,” said the woman,
smiling. “Hi, I’m the sailing teacher. I’ll open up for you.”
By the time Beth and her mother finished eating dinner, it was dark. The sky was
filled with stars. On the walk back to their cabin, Beth’s mother pointed up. “Look!”
she cried, “A comet!”
“That’s good luck, Mom,” said Beth happily, “Maybe I’ll have terrific weather for my
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first sailing lesson tomorrow!”
1. The point of view is 2. Read this sentence from the story.

A. first-person They got up before dawn to fly in
B. second-person a helicopter.
C. third-person The pronoun they refers to
D. none of the above A. Beth and her mother
B. Beth and the sailing teacher
C. Beth and the helicopter pilot
D. Beth’s mother and the helicopter
pilot
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Lesson 22: Point of View
3. Read this sentence from the story. 5. Which is a correct statement about
the story?
Her mother said, “It will be good
to stay in one place for a couple of A. The narrator is a character in
days.” the story.
In this sentence, the pronoun her B. Beth’s mother is not part of the story.
refers to C. The narrator is not part of the story.
A. the sailing teacher D. Beth, but not the sailing teacher, is a
B. Beth’s mother part of the story.
C. Beth
6. The narrator of the story knows
D. the narrator
A. what the characters do, and say only
4. Read these sentences from the story. B. what the characters do, say, and
think
Beth’s mother pointed up. “Look!”
she cried, “A comet!” C. what only the main character does
and says
In this sentence, the pronoun she
D. what some of the characters do
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refers to
and say
A. Beth’s mother
B. Beth
C. the sailing teacher
D. the narrator
Write It Out Use the passage to write a brief answer to the question below.
7. Add a sentence to the end of the story, using the same point of view.
93

LESSON
23 Author’s Perspective
WORDS
Author’s perspective what the author feels and thinks about a topic
TO KNOW
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to figure out the author’s perspective on
the topic of pet dogs.
My parents got an adorable puppy as a

Hint What is the author trying to
wedding gift. A year later, I was born. persuade you to do? Think about the words
I grew up with wonderful dogs and he uses such as believe, adorable, wonderful,
learned to take care of them. I believe and every.
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every child should have a dog.
out the author’s perspective.
1 Yes, school uniforms can be boring. To wear the same thing every single day is no fun.
Our uniform colors are gray, white, and navy. We can wear gray pants or a skirt and a
white blouse or shirt. We can wear a blazer or a sweater, but it must be navy.
2 However, school uniforms do make getting dressed in the morning easy. Once a month
we don’t have to wear the uniform. It’s great to wear “real” clothes to school, but hard
to put together the perfect outfit. Some kids show off the expensive clothes they have.
I know that makes other kids feel bad. That’s why I think school uniforms, although
dull, are good. When we all wear the same thing, we spend more time thinking about
learning.
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Lesson 23: Author’s Perspective
1. The writer of the passage

A. wears a uniform on Fridays !SK
9OURSELF
B. wears only the blazer of a uniform
C. does not wear a uniform to school
1.
D. wears a uniform to school
What clues tell you that
the author has personal
2. Read this sentence from the passage. experience with school
uniforms?
However, school uniforms do make getting dressed in the
morning easy.
This sentence shows that the writer sees that a school uniform
A. can be a good thing C. is sometimes boring
B. is never a good thing D. makes it difficult to get dressed
3. The author thinks that a bad thing about school uniforms is
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that they can be
A. hard to put together C. hard to find in the stores
B. expensive D. no fun to wear
4. Which of the following does not express the author’s 4.

perspective on school uniforms? What does the author think
A. They are good because they help kids to think about school work. and feel about wearing a
uniform to school?
B. They are bad because kids can’t show off their clothes.
C. They are good because it is easy to get dressed in the morning.
D. They can be dull because kids have to wear the same clothes
every day.
In Your Own Words
5. What is your perspective on school uniforms? Tell what you 5.

think and why. What words and phrases
are you using to help
explain your perspective?
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Every neighborhood park should have a dog run. A dog run is a big playpen for
dogs. Big dogs and small dogs all run and play together without having to be on
leashes.
Most dog runs have water for dogs to drink. In the summer, some dog runs even
have little wading pools. In a dog run, owners can easily clean up after their pets.
That’s good for dog owners as well as other people enjoying the park.
Dog runs are even good for people who don’t have dogs. There are many reasons
people don’t have a dog. Some people are allergic to certain animals. Some buildings
in the city don’t allow dogs. At the dog run in my neighborhood, Mr. Fields sits on
a bench inside the run every afternoon. He doesn’t have a dog. He told me he’s too
old to take care of a pet dog. Here in the dog run he can enjoy other people’s dogs.
The dogs all seem to know him. They all run over to say hello to him. Mr. Fields
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pats the dogs. Sometimes he gives them small doggie treats.
1. Read this sentence from the passage. 2. One reason the author thinks some
non-dog owners like dog runs is that
A dog run is a big playpen
for dogs. A. they are not allergic to dogs
B. they are afraid of dogs
From this sentence, you can tell the
C. they want to play with dogs but not
author feels that dog runs are for the
clean up after them
neighborhood dogs like a
D. owners can easily clean up after
A. children’s playground their pets
B. ball field
C. basketball court
D. fountain
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Lesson 23: Author’s Perspective
3. From this passage, you can tell that the 5. According to the author,
author has
A. dog runs are only good for old men
A. talked to Mr. Fields in the market like Mr. Fields
B. heard about the dog run from a B. dog runs are good to have in all
neighbor neighborhoods
C. been to the dog run himself C. dog runs are needed only in the city
D. filled a water bottle in the dog run D. dog runs are best for large parks but
not small ones
4. From the passage, you can tell that the
author’s perspective on dog runs is 6. Which of the following does the
author not use to support his
A. not positive perspective?
B. very negative
A. Dogs can run and play together
C. very positive without having to be on leashes.
D. not positive nor negative B. Dog owners can easily clean up after
their pets.
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C. People who can’t own dogs can enjoy
them at the dog run.
D. Dog runs cost little money to the city.
Write It Out Use the passage to write a brief answer to the question below.
7. What is your perspective on dog runs? Explain your perspective.
97

LESSON
Using Prior Knowledge
24 to Make Predictions
WORDS Prior knowledge what you already know before you read
TO KNOW Prediction a guess about what will happen, based on what you read and what you
already know
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to figure out what will happen next.
Maya rounded the bend. Her legs

Hint If you have ever run a race or watched
burned, her back ached, and her feet felt
one, the clues run and finish line can help
like lead. Keep going, Maya told herself. you predict that Maya will finish the race and
Just run! The finish line was just ahead.
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probably win it.
4RY)T Read the passage. As you read, underline things you already know that will help
you make predictions.
1 Sara looked down and was surprised to see that her hands were not shaking. “Breathe!”
2 she said to herself. Sara closed her eyes. She counted to ten and slowly inhaled. She held
3 the breath and pictured herself playing. In her mind, Sara saw herself seated on stage.
4 She watched herself open the sheet music and adjust the bench to the right height.
5 She saw her fingers glide across the keys. Then she let the air out, exhaling slowly and
6 counting to twenty. Good. She felt calmer. Sara opened her eyes. She was ready. Then
7 she heard, “The next piece will be played by Sara Blanton.” Sara smiled and walked out
8 on stage.
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Lesson 24: Using Prior Knowledge to Make Predictions
1. What might you have experienced or seen on TV that would

help you make a prediction about this passage? !SK
A. playing the violin C. being an actor
9OURSELF
B. performing D. listening to music
2. Read this sentence from the passage. 2.

Sara looked down and was surprised to see that her hands Have you ever given a
were not shaking. performance in front of an
audience? How did you
The word that best describes how Sara feels is feel?
A. happy C. excited
B. lonely D. nervous
3. Based on what you already know, why does Sara probably take
long, slow breaths?
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A. It calms her nerves. C. She likes to use her imagination.
B. She enjoys doing yoga. D. It helps her asthma.
4. What will Sara most likely do next? 4.

A. play the piano C. sing a song What clues do you read in
the passage that help you
B. not go out on stage D. do a dance make a prediction about
what Sara will do next?
In Your Own Words
5. Make a prediction about what kind of performance Sara will 5.

give. Use what you know already and what you read in the What does Sara do to get
passage. ready? How does she feel
just before she walks out
on stage?
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Jason got up and started getting ready for school. His big sister, Julie, didn’t say
anything. “Have a happy day at school, kids,” his mother said as she left for work.
“Happy day?” thought Jason, “Just a happy day? Isn’t she forgetting something?”
“Jason, please return this library book on your way home,” Dad said. Where were the
cards, the presents?
At school Jason’s teacher, Mr. Evans, didn’t say anything. His friends didn’t say
anything. It was just an ordinary day at school!
After school, Jason went to the library to return Dad’s book. On his way home, he
couldn’t help thinking about how no one remembered. When he opened the front
door, everything was quiet and dark. “I guess no one’s even home,” he thought.
Suddenly the whole house lit up. Camera flashes went off and Jason’s whole family
and all his friends jumped out yelled, “Surprise!” Even Mr. Evans was there!
Reading Literature
Jason’s mother carried in a huge cake with candles, and everyone sang. Dad brought
out wrapped gifts.
1. Your prior knowledge helps you 2. Read this sentence from the passage.
predict that this story is going to be
about “Just a happy day?”
A. Jason’s teacher’s birthday What day is Jason thinking of?
B. Jason’s birthday A. Thanksgiving
C. Jason’s special day in school B. the next day
D. Jason’s sister’s birthday C. his birthday
D. Easter
100

Lesson 24: Using Prior Knowledge to Make Predictions
3. Based on your past experience, how 5. Which of the following will Jason not
does Jason probably feel before going do next?
to school?
A. blow out the candles
A. happy B. read the cards
B. disappointed C. fall asleep
C. amused D. open the presents
D. jealous
6. Based on what you already know, you
4. Using your prior knowledge, how do can predict that Jason’s friends will
you think Jason will feel at the end of
A. go to school
the day?
B. go to the mall
A. relieved
C. do homework
B. happy
D. share the cake
C. angry
D. sad
Reading Literature
7. What do you predict Jason will say to his friends and family at the end of the story?
101
263NA_ELA_G4_SE_C2_RP.indd 101 8/9/11 3:45 PM

LESSON
25 Types of Sentences
WORDS Simple sentence a group words that has a subject and a predicate. Sentence fragment a
TO KNOW group of words that lacks a subject or a predicate. Compound sentence a combination of
two sentences that are independent from each other. Appositive phrase a phrase used to
describe a subject. Participial phrase a phrase that describes a predicate.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to identify the different kinds of
sentences the writer uses.
Dripping wet, Josh hoisted himself out

Hint Which sentence has a subject and
of the pool. Tess, the assistant coach,
predicate? Do you see a sentence that has
stopped the timer, and she smiled. “You two sentences put together ? Think about
did it!” she said. “A new record!” which sentences contain phrases that describe
nouns.
4RY)T Read the passage. As you read, use different marks to identify different kinds
of sentences.
1 Amy, my little sister, loves animals. One day Amy took a slice of bread, and she headed
2 outside. Just then, Mom walked into the kitchen. “Hungry?” she asked Amy. “Would
3 you like some butter on that? A bit of jam?”
4 “No,” said Amy. She went out. From the window my twin sister, Ann, Mom, and I
5 watched. Bending down, Amy stared at the seam between two slabs of concrete. Then
6 she tore off bits of bread, but she didn’t put any of them in her mouth.
7 When Amy walked in the door, Mom asked, “Who ate the bread?”
8 Amy said, “The ants.”
Writing and Editing
102

Lesson 25: Types of Sentences
1. Which of the following is a simple sentence?

A. She went out. C. “The ants.” !SK
B. “A bit of jam?” D. One day, Amy took a slice of 9OURSELF
bread, and she headed out.
1.
2. Which of the following is a compound sentence?
Which group of words
A. Amy, my little sister, loves animals. has one subject and one
B. From the window, my twin sister Ann, Mom, and I watched. predicate?
C. Just then, Mom walked into the kitchen.
D. Then Amy tore off bits of bread, but she didn’t put any of them
in her mouth.
3. Which of the following is a sentence fragment?

A. She went out. C. “The ants.”
B. “Who ate the bread?” D. “Would you like some butter
on that?”

Which phrase describes
Bending down, Amy stared at the seam between two slabs of
a noun?
concrete.
The appositive phrase in this sentence is

A. Bending down C. of concrete
B. the seams between D. Amy stared at the seam
In Your Own Words
5. Use a sentence fragment from the passage to write a simple 5.

sentence. What does this fragment
need to become a
sentence, a subject or a
predicate?
Writing and Editing
103

Housebreaking a dog is not that hard. All you need is a crate. The dog sleeps in it at
night. Dogs won’t relieve themselves in the space where they sleep. First thing in the
morning, you take them outside. That’s how dogs learn not to go in the house. Once
dogs are housebroken, they no longer need the crate.
Spot, my little dog, really liked his crate. Loved it, in fact. Long after Spot was
housebroken, he still wanted to sleep in it. So I let him.
When I started housebreaking Spot, I tied a piece of rope around the outside latch
on the door. I also tied a loop of rope around one of the bars on the inside of the
door. It was the same kind of rope we use to play tug, one of Spot’s favorite games.
Seeing the rope on the crate door, Spot rushed over and tugged. The door opened,
and Spot walked in. Once inside, Spot grabbed the other rope between his teeth and
closed the door. Then he circled around and around on his pillow before lying down
for a nap.
Now when I say, “Time for bed!” Spot puts himself to bed!
1. Which sentence from the passage is a 2. Which sentence from the passage is a
simple sentence? compound sentence?
A. It opened, and Spot walked in. A. The door opened, and Spot
B. Loved it, in fact. walked in.
C. Time for bed! B. Housebreaking a dog is not that hard.
D. All you need is a crate. C. I tied a piece of rope around the
outside latch on the door.
D. The dog sleeps in it at night.
Writing and Editing
104

Lesson 25: Types of Sentences
3. A group of words that is a sentence 5. Which sentence from the passage has
fragment is an appositive phrase?
A. The dog sleeps in it at night A. It was the same kind of rope we use to
B. So I let him. play tug, one of Spot’s favorite games.
C. Loved it, in fact. B. I also tied a loop of rope around one
of the bars on the inside of the door.
D. Spot puts himself to bed!
C. Housebreaking a dog is not that hard.
D. That’s how dogs learn not to go in
4. Read this sentence from the passage.
the house.
Spot, my little dog, really liked his
crate. 6. Which sentence from the passage has a
participial phrase?
Which group of words is an appositive
phrase? A. When I started housebreaking Spot,
I tied a piece of rope around the
A. Spot
outside latch on the door.
B. my little dog
B. The door opened, and Spot
C. really liked walked in.
D. liked his crate C. Then he circled around and around
on his pillow before lying down
for a nap.
D. Seeing the rope on the crate door,
Spot rushed over and tugged.
7. Choose a compound sentence in the passage. Write it as two simple sentences.
Writing and Editing
105

LESSON
26 Punctuation
WORDS Punctuation marks in printed text that help make reading easier
TO KNOW End marks marks such as a period, question mark, or exclamation point that show
where sentences end and signal different kinds of sentences
Comma mark that appears between the day and year, between the names of
regions in a location, and between items in a series
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to figure out where the missing commas
belong.
Ed was born on March 7 1998. For

Hint The day and year need to be separated
his birthday dinner, Ed wants salad
with a comma: March 7, 1998. The three
made with carrots tomatoes and onions vegetables also need to be separated with
that were grown locally in Springfield commas: carrots, tomatoes, and onions. Use a
Indiana. comma to separate city and state: Springfield,
Indiana.
4RY)T Read the passage. As you read, look for places with missing punctuation and make
a mark. Circle incorrect punctuation.
1 What might school vacations 100 years from now be like They could be a lot longer
2 than they are today. Imagine it is December 20 2110. A family that just left to visit
3 cousins on the Moon might leave this message on their answering machine.
4 “You have reached the Suarez family’s answering machine We are spending the holiday
5 on Lunar Lake Moontown. If you would like to leave a message for Joe, please press 3
6 now. Press 4 for Jay press 6 for Jim and press 8 for Jan. We’ll return on February, 2 2111.
7 Happy New Year!”
Writing and Editing
106

Lesson 26: Punctuation
What might school vacations 100 years from now be like !SK
9OURSELF
The correct end punctuation is
A. period (.) C. exclamation point (!) 1.
B. question mark (?) D. comma (,) Does this sentence tell
or ask something? Does
2. Which sentence uses a comma correctly? it begin with a question
word?
A. Imagine it is, December 20 2110.
B. Imagine, it is December 20 2110.
C. Imagine it is December, 20 2110.
D. Imagine it is December 20, 2110.
3. Which of the following sentences is missing a comma?

A. We are spending the holiday on Lunar Lake Moontown.
B. We’ll return on February 2, 2111.
C. Happy new year!
D. You have reached the Suarez family’s answering machine.
4. Commas are used correctly in 4.

A. Press 4 for Jay press 6 for Jim and press 8 for Jan. What are the three items
in the series? What is the
B. Press 4 for Jay, press 6 for Jim and, press 8 for Jan. rule for separating items in
C. Press 4 for Jay, press 6 for Jim, and press 8 for Jan. a series?
D. Press 4 for Jay, press 6 for, Jim and press 8 for Jan.
In Your Own Words
5. Write a message you might leave for the Suarez family. Use 5.
correct end punctuation and at least one comma. What kinds of sentences
are you using in your
message? What words
or word groups in your
Writing and Editing
sentences need commas?
107

We left home on December 24 2008 for two weeks of vacation. We began our
trip in San Jose Costa Rica. We spent the first week, on the beach. My little sister
collected pink, white, brown, and dark blue shells. My older brothers went scuba
diving, surfing, and deep-sea fishing with Dad. Mom and I walked on the beach,
swam, and surfed. I forgot to put sun block on a few spots. I got sunburned on my
neck knees and the backs of my legs. It really hurt I was glad that we left for the
rainforest the next day.
The rainforest was awesome Can you guess what happens in the rainforest every
single day That’s right It rains. The top layer of the rainforest nearly blocks out
the sun. We wanted to see a few of the thousands of animals that live high up in
the trees. Cables and pulleys took us up to a platform high off the ground. Cables,
and pulleys connect platforms from tree to tree. Wearing helmets, we sat in safety
harnesses and zipped from platform to platform It’s called a zip line. It was so cool!
We got home to the United, States on January 7, 2009. It was the Simon family’s
best trip ever
1. Read this sentence from the passage. 2. Which sentence has the correct end
punctuation?
The rainforest was awesome
A. Can you guess what happens in the
The correct end punctuation is rainforest every single day?
A. period (.) B. Can you guess what happens in the
rainforest every single day!
B. question mark (?)
C. Can you guess what happens in the
C. exclamation point (!)
rainforest every single day.
D. comma (,)
D. Can you guess what happens in the
rainforest every single day,
Writing and Editing
108

Lesson 26: Punctuation
3. Read this sentence from the passage. 5. Which sentence has a comma in the
wrong place?
We left home on December
24 2009 for two weeks of vacation. A. The top layer of the rainforest nearly
blocks out the sun.
The sentence needs a comma B. My little sister collected pink, white,
A. after December brown, and dark blue shells.
B. before December C. My older brothers went scuba diving,
surfing, and deep-sea fishing.
C. after 24
D. I got sunburned on my neck, knees,
D. after weeks
and the backs, of my legs.
4. Which sentence uses the comma

6. Which sentence uses end punctuation
correctly?
and commas correctly?
A. Cables, and pulleys connect platforms
A. It was the Simon family’s best
from tree to tree.
trip, ever?
B. We spent the first week, on the
B. Mom and I walked on the beach,
beach.
swam, and surfed.
C. We got home to the United, States
C. I got sunburned on my neck, knees
on January 7, 2010.
and the backs of my legs
D. We began our trip in San Jose, Costa
D. Can you guess what happens, in the
Rica.
rainforest every single day!
7. What three activities would you like to do with the Simon family on their vacation?
Use correct punctuation in your sentences.
Writing and Editing
109

LESSON
27 Capitalization
WORDS Capitalization uppercase letters used for important words

TO KNOW
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to figure out which words should be
capitalized.
my mother had to go to dr. park’s office.

Hint Think about the rules for capitalization.
I went with her because i wanted to
Which words in the sentences do not follow
get some books from the library right these rules? Are the proper nouns capitalized?
next door. Is the personal pronoun capitalized?
4RY)T Read the passage. Circle the letters that should be capitalized.
1 on my way to school one morning, i saw that Poppa’s perfect pizza was dark. That
2 was odd, i thought. I like to think about mr. poppa tossing and stretching the dough
3 to make a perfect pizza for my after-school snack. Right next door, i saw that tap
4 with tina, the dance school my sister goes to, was also dark. The City was changing
5 so quickly. I remembered the meeting my mother went to last night at the town hall.
6 People wanted to know how they could help protect small stores in the neighborhood.
7 big developers were buying up whole city blocks and raising rents so high that small
8 store owners had to shut down their stores. my Sister will be so upset when she hears
9 about tap with tina. I’ll talk to ms. maribelle, my teacher. I’m sure she will know what
10 kids can do to help.
Writing and Editing
110

Lesson 27: Capitalization
on my way to school one morning, i saw that Poppa’s perfect !SK

pizza was dark. 9OURSELF
The words that should be capitalized are
1.
A. on, school, i, pizza, C. school, i, perfect, pizza
What words are proper
B. i, that, perfect, pizza D. on, i, perfect, pizza nouns? Do you see the
pronoun I ?
2. Which sentence uses capital letters correctly?
A. my Sister will be so upset.
B. My Sister will be so upset.
C. My sister will be so upset.
D. My Sister will be SO upset.
3. Capital letters are correctly used in which of the

following phrases?
A. Poppa’s Perfect pizza C. Tap with Tina
B. tap with Tina D. Ms. maribelle
4.
4 Which of the following sentences is missing one capital letter? 4.
A. I’ll talk to ms. Maribelle, my teacher. What is the capitalization
rule about the title before a
B. The City is changing so quickly. person’s name?
C. I remembered the meeting my mother went to last night at the
town hall.
D. My Sister will be so upset when she hears about tap with tina.
In Your Own Words
5. Suppose you are the narrator. Write a note to your teacher 5.

asking about how you could help the pizza shop and dance What proper nouns will
school to stay open. you use in your note?
Which letters should be
Writing and Editing
capitalized?
111

Sue wandered around the library. she didn’t need a book because she borrowed three
just yesterday. today she was meeting her little cousin janet at the library to help her
with her homework.
“Hi,” whispered janet, remembering to speak softly in the library. “sorry i am late.
My teacher was reading to us, and we wanted him to finish the chapter.”
Sue smiled. mr.Vans had been Sue’s teacher, too. he sure did love to read. He made
her want to read. All it took was one book. That’s all any kid needs to find out how
much fun reading can be. for sue, that one special book was about a doctor. This
doctor used to treat people, but people stopped going to see him. they thought
He was odd. His house was filled with animals, and he talked to them. sue loved
dr. doolittle! That one book led her to all the other dr. doolittle adventures written
by hugh lofting.
Janet tugged on Sue’s sleeve. “can we get started with my homework now? I just
started dr. Doolittle goes to the moon, and i want to find out what happens next!”
1. Read this sentence from the passage. 2. Which sentence uses capital letters
correctly?
today she was meeting her little
cousin janet at the library to help A. sorry i am late.
her with her homework. B. Sorry I am late.
C. sorry I am late.
The words that should start with a
capital letter are D. Sorry I am Late.
A. today, cousin
B. cousin, janet
C. today, janet
D. she, library
Writing and Editing
112

Lesson 27: Capitalization
3. Which sentence uses capital letters 5. Which of the following sentences is

correctly? missing one capital letter?
A. “hi,” whispered Janet, remembering A. sue loved dr. doolittle!
to speak softly in the library. B. mr. Vans had been sue’s teacher, too.
B. “Hi,” whispered Janet, remembering C. he sure did love to read.
to speak softly in the library.
D. He made her want to read.
C. “hi,” whispered janet, remembering
6. Which sentence uses capital letters
D. “Hi,” whispered janet, remembering
correctly?
A. The dr. Doolittle adventures were
written by Hugh Lofting.
4. Which book title is correctly
capitalized? B. The Dr. doolittle adventures were
written by hugh Lofting.
A. Dr. Doolittle Goes to the Moon
C. The Dr. Doolittle Adventures were
B. dr. Doolittle Goes to the Moon written by Hugh lofting.
C. Dr. doolittle goes to the Moon D. The Dr. Doolittle adventures were
D. dr. Doolittle Goes to the moon written by Hugh Lofting.
7. What is your favorite storybook? Write a few sentences that include the title, the
author’s name, and a short summary of the story’s plot. Use capital letters correctly in
your answer.
Writing and Editing
113

LESSON
28 Spelling
WORDS Spelling patterns of letters in English words. It helps you to sound out words carefully and to
TO KNOW remember some general rules to follow: For example, use i before e except after c; for words
ending in y with two or more syllables, change the y to i before adding a suffix.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to figure out how to spell the underlined
words correctly.
Lane pointed to the read-headed kids

Hint Which spelling rule can you use for
on the swings. She had never seen them
each underlined word? The correct spellings
before. So she askd Jose if they were his are red, asked, and friends. The words read
freinds. and red sound the same, so you need to
figure out which spelling makes sense in the
sentence.
4RY)T Read the passage. As you read, circle the words that are misspelled.
1 The morning after the snoustorm was so beautyful! Tara felt lucky becawse school
2 wus closed! Tara helped her too-year-old brother, Bobby, into his knew snowsuit. She
3 tyed his hood under his chin, laced up his boots, and helped him put on his mittens.
4 Then she put on her own parka, hat, scarf, and gluves. Tara checkt her watch. It was
5 getting late. They hurryed to the park at the end of the block. When they got their,
6 Bobby sat down in the snow. Tara sat down next to him. “Let’s make snow angels!” she
7 said waveing her arms and legs. But Bobby did’nt move. Tara sat up and looked at her
8 little brother. He was fast asleep! “Geting dressed for winter sure is tiring!” Tara pickd
9 Bobby up and carryed him home.
Writing and Editing
114

Lesson 28: Spelling
Tara felt lucky becawse school was closed. !SK

9OURSELF
The misspelled word is
A. felt C. closed
B. becawse D. was
2. Which sentence has a spelling error?

A. Tara checkt her watch.
B. It was getting late.
C. Tara sat down next to him.
D. “Let’s make snow angels!”

Is the spelling of their
When they got their, Bobby sat down in the snow. correct? Does it make
sense in the sentence?
The correct spelling of the underlined word is
A. they’re C. there
B. thare D. thier
4. Which sentence does not have a spelling error? 4.

A. She tyed his hood under his chin and laced up his boots. What is the spelling rule
for adding a suffix to words
B. They hurryed to the park at the end of the block. that end in y ?
C. The morning after the snowstorm was so beautyful!
D. Tara sat up and looked at her little brother.
In Your Own Words
5. Rewrite the first sentence of the passage using correct spelling. 5.

What kind of spelling
Writing and Editing
errors do you see in the

sentence? What spelling
rule can help you?
115

Kenny lives in the big city. There are huge skyscrapers in every direction. Kenny’s
“city,” however, is quite small. His hole world can be found on just two city blocks.
Kenny goes to school around the corner from his apartment building. His for best
friends live across the street. Happily, the buddys are in the same class. They play ball
in the park won block west. The park has a brand-new baseball feild. Their’s a new
playground for little kids, too.
The supermarket is one block east. Kenny nose the manager, Mr. Green. Mr. Green
sometimes givs Kenny odd jobs to do around the store.
Kenny’s big sister hangs out at the bookstore. It is two blocks north of there building.
The bookstore is next door to a movie theater. His mother likes the coffee shop
on the other side of the theater. Two doors from the coffee shop is Kenny’s favorite
store. Its an old-fashioned toy store. The coolest wind-up toies sit in the display
window.
Kenny likes to say, “Its a big city, but everything I need is write here in my
nieghborhood.” Kenny wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
1. Read this sentence from the passage. 2. Read this sentence from the passage.
His for best friends live across the They play ball in the park won
street. block west.
The misspelled word is The correct spelling of the underlined

word is
A. across
B. friends A. on
C. live B. wun
D. for C. one
D. wan
Writing and Editing
116

Lesson 28: Spelling
3. Which sentence has a spelling error? 5. Which sentence does not have a
spelling error?
A. Kenny’s “city,” however, is quite small.
B. The bookstore is next door to a A. Kenny wouldn’t want to live
movie theater. anywhere else.
C. It is two blocks north of there B. Kenny nose the manager, Mr. Green.
building. C. The park has a brand new baseball
D. Kenny’s big sister hangs out at the feild.
bookstore. D. His hole world can be found on just
two city blocks.
4. Which sentence has a spelling error?
6. Which sentence has two spelling
A. Kenny goes to school around the
errors?
corner from his apartment building.
B. The coolest wind-up toies sit in the A. Its an old-fashioned toy store.
window. B. Their’s a new playground for little
C. Two doors from the coffee shop is kids, two.
Kenny’s favorite store. C. Kenny likes to say, “Its a big city.”
D. His mother likes the coffee shop on D. Happily, the buddys are in the
the other side of the theater. same class.
7. What is your neighborhood like? Write 2-3 sentences to tell what you like about it.
Check your sentences to see if you have spelled your words correctly.
Writing and Editing
117

LESSON
29 Subject-Verb Agreement
WORDS Subject-verb agreement using the right verb with the subject of a sentence. Look to see if
TO KNOW the subject is singular or plural to decide which verb to use.
2EVIEW)T Read these sentences. Use the Hint to determine if the subject and the verb
agree in each sentence.
The Santos twins go to the same school.

Hint Notice that the first sentence has a
After school, Luis plays soccer. Rico
plural subject so the verb go is correct. The
takes his guitar lesson. second and third sentences have singular
subjects and verbs that agree with them.
4RY)T Read the passage. As you read, circle the subjects. Underline the verbs. If the
subject and verb do not agree, draw a box around the verb.
1 On the first Monday of each semester, Mr. Wilson posts the list of after-school
2 clubs. He also send the list by e-mail. All the kids looks for their favorite teachers
3 or activities. The art teacher, Ms. Mindy, are new. The list say she will teach a class
4 in watercolors on Mondays. Mr. Lee has a cooking club on Tuesdays. The list also
5 says that the soccer team meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The library is open for
6 homework help every day until 5:30 p.m.
7 Miranda plans to join the Homework Helpers club. She like to read to the little kids.
8 Sam sing beautifully. He is always the first to sign up for the glee club. Jen and Ken is
9 excited about the new dance club. They wants to learn to cha-cha-cha.
Writing and Editing
118

Lesson 29: Subject-Verb Agreement
Mr. Lee has a cooking club on Tuesdays. !SK

9OURSELF
The subject and verb are
A. Mr. Lee, club C. Mr. Lee, has 1.
B. Club, has D. Tuesdays, cooking What is the sentence
about? Is the subject
2. Which sentence is written correctly? singular or plural?
A. On the first Monday of each semester, Mr. Wilson posts the list
of after-school clubs.
B. The art teacher, Ms. Mindy, are new.
C. He also send the list by e-mail.
D. Mr. Lee have a cooking club on Tuesdays.
3. Which sentence is written correctly?

A. She like to read to the little kids.
B. The list also says that the soccer team meets on Tuesdays and
Thursdays.
C. Jen and Ken is excited about the new dance club.
D. They wants to learn to cha-cha-cha.
4. Which sentence is written incorrectly? 4.

A. The library is open for homework help every day until 5:30 p.m. Read all the sentences
carefully. In which
B. He is always the first to sign up for the glee club. sentence do the subject
C. Miranda plans to join the Homework Helpers club. and verb not agree?
D. All the kids looks for their favorite teachers or activities.
In Your Own Words
5. Rewrite an incorrect sentence from the passage using 5.

subject-verb agreement. What is the subject of the
sentence? What is the
Writing and Editing
correct verb form to use?
119

The big news story are about the Museum of Natural History. Starting in June,
the museum is open on Saturday nights. The photograph in the news story show
grown-ups in pajamas holding stuffed animals! They are in the Main Hall next to the
elephant. Each one of them sits on his or her sleeping bag. They look like they are
at a slumber party. They are! And the parties are in the Museum of History! These
parties looks like the most fun.
At the Native American all-night party, kids learns Native American dances and
songs. They also listen to folktales. Some of the tales are funny. Others is scary.
At the Space party, kids tries on space suits. Kid also gets to taste freeze-dried ice
cream that astronauts eat in space!
The Forest party take place in the Hall of Plants. There is almost 100 different kinds
of plants, and owls hoots all night long as kids try to sleep.
Water, Water, Everywhere is the name of the ocean all-night party. Kids meets in
the Hall of Oceans. Kids learn about how pearls are made. They watch a movie that
show how coral grows.
1. Read this sentence from the passage. 2. Read this sentence from the passage.
They are in the Main Hall next to The photograph in the news
the elephant. story shows grown-ups in pajamas
holding stuffed animals!
Another subject that correctly
completes this sentence is Another verb that correctly completes
this sentence is
A. The people
B. A man A. picture
C. An adult B. have
D. A woman C. are
Writing and Editing
D. has
120

Lesson 29: Subject-Verb Agreement
3. Which sentence is written correctly? 5. The sentence that is written

incorrectly is
A. Kid also gets to taste freeze-dried ice
cream that astronauts eat in space. A. They also listen to folktales.
B. Kids meets in the Hall of Oceans. B. Some of the tales are funny.
C. At the Native American all-night C. Others is scary.
party, kids learn Native American D. Kids learn dances and songs.
dances and songs.
D. They watch a movie that show how
6. Which sentence is written correctly?
coral grows.
A. These parties looks like the most fun.
4. Which sentence is written correctly? B. The Forest party takes place in the
Hall of Plants.
A. The big news story are about the
Museum of Natural History. C. There is almost 100 different kinds of
plants, and owls hoots all night long
B. Starting in June, the museum is open as kids try to sleep.
on Saturday nights.
D. At the Space party, kids tries on
C. Kids meets in the Hall of Oceans. space suits.
D. At the Space party, kids tries on
space suits.
7. Which party at the Museum of Natural History sounds most interesting to you? Explain.
Use correct subject-verb agreement in your answer.
Writing and Editing
121

Words to Know
A
appositive phrase phrase that
describes a subject (Page 102) C context clues words, phrases, or
sentences around or near an unfamiliar
word that help you understand its
author’s perspective what meaning (Page 22)
the author feels and thinks about
a topic (Page 94)
author’s purpose the reason or

reasons an author has for writing. Authors
often write to entertain, teach, or
tell something, or to affect how a reader
E end marks marks such as a period,
question mark, or exclamation point that
show where sentences end and signal
feels about something. (Page 70)
different kinds of sentences (Page 106)
C capitalization uppercase letters

used for important words (Page 110) F fact a statement that is true and can
be proven. An opinion is a statement
cause and effect A cause is the that gives someone’s feelings or beliefs
reason something happens and the effect about a topic. An opinion cannot be
is the result of a cause. (Page 58) proven. (Page 46)
characters the main people or animals in a

story. Characters have traits that make them
act and speak in certain ways. (Page 78)
comma a mark that appears between G genres different types of literature.

The main genres are fiction, poetry,
the day and year, between the names of drama, and nonfiction. Fiction includes
regions in a location, and between items in different kinds of made-up stories, such
a series (Page 106) as fairy tales. Poetry has short lines and is
written in stanzas. Sometimes it rhymes.
compare and contrast show how
Drama uses dialogue and stage
things are alike and different (Page 62)
directions. (Page 66)
compound sentence two simple
graphic organizers illustrations that
sentences put together (Page 102)
make ideas clear with lines and shapes.
conclusions ideas you get from clues Graphic organizers include webs and
in the passage, your own prior knowledge, diagrams. (Page 18)
and common sense (Page 42)

G graphics visual aids that provide
information in a clear, short form.
P point of view the perspective from
which the narrator tells the story. Point
Charts, tables, and bar graphs are of view tells you who the narrator
examples of graphics. Bar graphs use is and how much he or she knows.
bars instead of words to compare Most narrators are either first-person or
information. (Page 14) third-person narrators. (Page 90)
prediction a guess about what will
happen, based on what you read and what
you already know (Page 98)
H heading a word or phrase at the

top of a paragraph that tells what the
prior knowledge what you already know
before you read (Page 98)
paragraph is about (Page 6) punctuation marks in printed text that
help make reading easier (Page 106)
I inferences educated guesses

based on what you’re reading and Q questions can help you better
understand what you’re reading.
what you already know. When you
Try questions beginning with who,
make an inference, you’re figuring
what, when, where, why and how
out something which the writer has
first. (Page 26)
not told you directly. (Page 38)
M main idea what most of the sentences R reference sources books and
periodicals, such as newspapers and
in a passage or story are about. It is also magazines, that provide facts and
the most important point that the author information. Parts within reference
makes about a subject. (Page 30) sources, such as indexes and tables
of contents, make finding information
easier. (Page 10)
P participial phrase a phrase that

describes a predicate (Page 102)
plot what happens in a story. A plot includes
a problem or conflict that the main character or
S sentence fragment a group
of words that lacks a subject or a
predicate (Page 102)
characters try to solve. (Page 74)
sequence the order in which events take
place. Sequence is also called time order or
chronological order. (Page 54)

S setting the time and place in which a
story happens (Page 82) T theme the lesson or message the author
wants the reader to learn (Page 86)
simple sentence a group of words
that has a subject and a predicate (Page
102)
spelling patterns of letters in English
words. It helps you to sound out words
carefully and to remember some general
rules to follow: For example, use i before e
except after c; for words ending in y with
two or more syllables, change the y to i
before adding a suffix. (Page 114)
subject-verb agreement using the
right verb with the subject of a sentence.
Look to see if the subject is singular or
plural to decide which verb to use—A bird
sings. Many birds sing. (Page 118)
summarizing giving the main idea and
important details of the text in your own
words (Page 50)
supporting details pieces of information
that tell about the main idea (Page 34)
124

W
M ords
y
125

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What activities are offered at the community center?

What activities are offered at the community center?

What skills might you learn in an Art and Crafts class?

What skills might you learn in an Art and Crafts class?

Workout

Skills Review & Practice

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 1 7/9/08 6:00:55 PM

Cover Image: © Ralph Voltz/Deborah Wolfe Ltd.; © iStockphoto/John Rodriguez;

© 2009 Triumph Learning, LLC

Printed in the United States of America.

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_FM_RP.indd 2 8/9/11 3:47 PM

ou will be when you use

This book belongs to _________________________

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 3 7/9/08 6:01:04 PM

Unit 2: Reading Literature

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Words to Know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 5 7/9/08 6:01:11 PM

1 Fitness and Sports

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 6 7/9/08 6:01:11 PM

Reading for Information

2. Where would you find more information about ballet classes 2.

3. Which of the following would you find under “Arts 3.

B. information about cartooning classes

4. Under “Fitness and Sports,” you might find information about

In Your Own Words

5. Write a new heading and three details for the community 5.

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 7 7/9/08 6:01:15 PM

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 8 7/9/08 6:01:21 PM

Reading for Information

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 9 7/9/08 6:01:23 PM

2 Using Reference Sources

1 Behavior and Training, 2–21 expectations, 10

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 10 7/9/08 6:01:24 PM

Reading for Information

2. How many pages are there about obedience? 2.

3. The subject that has only one page is 3.

4. Which subject can be found on page 20?

In Your Own Words

5. Based on the index, write a title and a short sentence to 5.

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 11 7/9/08 6:01:27 PM

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 12 7/9/08 6:01:32 PM

Reading for Information

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 13 7/9/08 6:01:34 PM

State State Bird Tree

Georgia brown thrasher live oak

New York bluebird sugar maple

Pennsylvania ruffed grouse eastern hemlock

Texas mockingbird pecan

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 14 7/9/08 6:01:35 PM

Reading for Information

2. Which two state’s official birds have colors in their name? 2.

3. The state tree of Texas is 3.

4. What is the state bird of Pennsylvania?

In Your Own Words

263NA_ELA_G4_SE_PDF.indb 15 7/9/08 6:01:39 PM

Planet Position of Planet Fun Fact

Venus 2 Venus is the brightest planet in the sky.

Earth 3 Earth’s crust is about 5 miles deep.