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FAST ELA Grade 4 study materials
FAST ELA Grade 4 study resources

FAST ELA Grade 4 practice questions

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Question 1English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence from a story about a girl preparing for a storm. "Maya stacked the sandbags along the doorway, and she checked the weather radio every hour." Which word from the sentence best shows that Maya is being careful and prepared?

  1. hour
  2. stacked
  3. checked Correct answer.
  4. doorway

Explanation

The verb "checked" shows Maya repeatedly taking action to make sure she knows what is happening, which is evidence of careful preparation. "Stacked" describes one physical action, not a habit of caution.

Question 2English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

A passage says: "The old bridge groaned whenever the wind pushed against it, and its boards sagged in the middle like a tired hammock." What does the figurative phrase "like a tired hammock" help the reader understand about the bridge?

  1. It sags from age and use. Correct answer.
  2. It is painted a strange color.
  3. It is used for sleeping.
  4. It is new and strong.

Explanation

A hammock sags in the middle when it hangs loosely, so the comparison shows that the bridge's boards droop. The word "tired" adds the idea that this drooping comes from long use and age.

Question 3English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this paragraph. "Elena opened her lunchbox and sighed. Her sandwich was gone, and only an apple rolled around inside. Across the table, her friend Jonah held two sandwiches and grinned." Which detail best supports the idea that Elena is disappointed?

  1. Her sandwich was gone. Correct answer.
  2. An apple rolled around inside.
  3. Jonah grinned.
  4. Elena opened her lunchbox.

Explanation

The missing sandwich explains why Elena sighs, which is the clearest sign that she is disappointed. The other details describe actions or objects but do not directly show her feeling.

Question 4English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Which sentence uses the word "current" correctly as it is used when talking about a river?

  1. The current of the river was very hungry.
  2. The current of the river was painted blue.
  3. The current of the river pulled the canoe downstream. Correct answer.
  4. The current of the river was a kind of fish.

Explanation

In this context, "current" means the flow of water moving in one direction, which can pull a canoe. The other sentences give the word meanings that do not fit a river's flow.

Question 5English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "After the concert, the audience clapped and cheered for several minutes." Which word in the sentence tells the reader that the audience enjoyed the performance?

  1. cheered Correct answer.
  2. minutes
  3. several
  4. concert

Explanation

Cheering is a sound people make to show strong approval and excitement, so it signals that the audience liked the show. Clapping works too, but "cheered" is the strongest clue among the choices.

Question 6English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

A story says: "Luis tiptoed past the sleeping dog, held his breath, and eased the door shut behind him." What does Luis's behavior suggest about how he feels?

  1. He is looking for the dog.
  2. He is angry at the dog.
  3. He is late for school.
  4. He wants to avoid making noise. Correct answer.

Explanation

Tiptoeing, holding his breath, and closing the door slowly all show that Luis is trying to stay quiet. These actions are clues about his caution, not about anger or searching.

Question 7English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The kitten batted the yarn across the floor, chased it under the chair, and pounced on it again." What is the main purpose of this sentence in a story?

  1. To show what the kitten is doing Correct answer.
  2. To describe where the story happens
  3. To explain why yarn is useful
  4. To tell how the story ends

Explanation

The sentence lists a series of actions by the kitten, so its purpose is to describe the kitten's behavior. It does not explain a reason, give a lesson, or reveal the ending.

Question 8English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Which sentence uses commas correctly to separate items in a series?

  1. We packed water sandwiches and, a map for the hike.
  2. We packed water, sandwiches and a map, for the hike.
  3. We packed water, sandwiches, and a map for the hike. Correct answer.
  4. We packed, water sandwiches, and a map for the hike.

Explanation

In a series of three or more items, commas go between the items, and a comma before "and" is also acceptable. Only the first sentence places commas between the listed items correctly.

Question 9English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this short passage. "The science fair was on Friday. Sam had worked on his volcano for three weeks. On Thursday night, he tested it one last time. A puff of white foam rose from the top, and Sam smiled." What can the reader infer about Sam's project?

  1. It failed the final test.
  2. It was built in one day.
  3. It is ready for the fair. Correct answer.
  4. It needs more time to dry.

Explanation

Sam has worked for weeks and smiles when the final test works, so the reader can infer the project is ready. The successful foam and his smile support this conclusion.

Question 10English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

A passage describes a character: "Devon promised to feed his neighbor's fish every morning. By Wednesday, the water in the tank was cloudy and the fish flakes were still unopened." What do these details reveal about Devon?

  1. He is very generous with food.
  2. He is afraid of the neighbor.
  3. He is an expert fish keeper.
  4. He is forgetful about his promise. Correct answer.

Explanation

The unopened food and cloudy water show that Devon has not been feeding the fish as promised, which suggests he forgot. The details point to neglect of his responsibility.

Question 11English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence from an article about honeybees. "A single honeybee may visit hundreds of flowers in one day, carrying pollen from bloom to bloom." What is the main idea of this sentence?

  1. Honeybees visit only one flower each day.
  2. Honeybees are larger than other insects.
  3. Honeybees sleep in flowers.
  4. Honeybees help flowers by moving pollen. Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence explains that bees travel to many flowers and carry pollen between them, which is how they help plants. The number of flowers is a detail that supports this main idea.

Question 12English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The stadium was a roaring ocean of color as fans waved their team's flags." Which two things are being compared in this metaphor?

  1. Colors and waves
  2. A stadium and a team
  3. The stadium crowd and an ocean Correct answer.
  4. Fans and flags

Explanation

The sentence calls the stadium "a roaring ocean of color," so the crowd's movement and sound are compared to an ocean. The comparison does not involve flags, teams, or colors as separate objects.

Question 13English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this paragraph. "The museum's new exhibit opened last month. Visitors can touch real fossils and hear recordings of dinosaurs. The exhibit also includes a model of a dinosaur nest with eggs inside." Which sentence best states the main idea of the paragraph?

  1. Dinosaur eggs were very large.
  2. The museum has a new exhibit about dinosaurs. Correct answer.
  3. Fossils are hard to find.
  4. Recordings are played in museums.

Explanation

All the details describe parts of the museum's new exhibit, so the main idea is that a new dinosaur exhibit has opened. The other choices are details or unrelated statements.

Question 14English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

In the word "unhelpful," what does the prefix "un-" mean?

  1. again
  2. before
  3. very
  4. not Correct answer.

Explanation

The prefix "un-" means "not," so "unhelpful" means not helpful. Recognizing common prefixes helps readers figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words.

Question 15English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read these two sentences. "The path was steep. We reached the top by noon." Which word best connects the two sentences to show the relationship between them?

  1. So the path was steep, we reached the top by noon.
  2. Because the path was steep, we reached the top by noon.
  3. Although the path was steep, we reached the top by noon. Correct answer.
  4. Unless the path was steep, we reached the top by noon.

Explanation

"Although" signals a contrast: the climb was hard, but the hikers still arrived by noon. This linking word correctly shows the surprising relationship between the two ideas.

Question 16English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

A story says: "The first day at the new school, Priya's hands were cold and her voice shook when she said her name." What do these details suggest about Priya?

  1. She is nervous about the new school. Correct answer.
  2. She is angry with her teacher.
  3. She is sick with a cold.
  4. She is bored by the lesson.

Explanation

Cold hands and a shaking voice are physical signs of nervousness, especially on a first day at a new school. The details reveal her feelings about the situation.

Question 17English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Which sentence uses "their," "there," and "they're" correctly?

  1. They're going to the park, and there dog is their.
  2. They're going to the park, and their dog is there. Correct answer.
  3. Their going to the park, and they're dog is there.
  4. There going to the park, and their dog is they're.

Explanation

"They're" means "they are," "their" shows possession, and "there" indicates a place. Only the third sentence uses all three words according to these meanings.

Question 18English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The chef tasted the soup, frowned, and reached for the salt." What does the chef's action suggest?

  1. The soup was too salty.
  2. The soup needed more flavor. Correct answer.
  3. The chef had finished cooking.
  4. The chef did not like the recipe.

Explanation

The chef frowns after tasting and then reaches for salt, which suggests the soup needed more seasoning. Adding salt would not make sense if the soup were already too salty.

Question 19English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this paragraph from a report. "Recycling paper saves trees. It also uses less water than making new paper. Many schools now place recycling bins in every classroom." What is the author's main purpose in this paragraph?

  1. To persuade readers to recycle paper Correct answer.
  2. To explain why trees grow slowly
  3. To tell a story about a school
  4. To describe how paper is made

Explanation

The paragraph lists benefits of recycling and notes that schools are adding bins, which aims to convince readers that recycling is good. It gives reasons rather than telling a story or explaining paper-making steps.

Question 20English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read these sentences. "The wind howled through the trees. Branches scraped against the window. Somewhere in the dark, a shutter banged." What mood do these details create?

  1. tense and eerie Correct answer.
  2. silly and playful
  3. cheerful and bright
  4. calm and peaceful

Explanation

Howling wind, scraping branches, and banging shutters in the dark create a spooky, uneasy feeling. Word choice like "howled" and "dark" builds this tense mood.

Question 21English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The hikers were exhausted, so they rested under the shade of a large oak tree." Which word in the sentence is a cause of the hikers' resting?

  1. shade
  2. tree
  3. large
  4. exhausted Correct answer.

Explanation

The word "so" signals a cause-and-effect relationship: being exhausted caused the hikers to rest. "Exhausted" names the condition that led to the action.

Question 22English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this paragraph. "The octopus can change the color of its skin in less than a second. It can also squeeze through openings the size of a coin. These abilities help it escape predators and surprise prey." Which sentence best summarizes the paragraph?

  1. Coins are small and round.
  2. Octopuses live in the ocean.
  3. Predators are larger than octopuses.
  4. Octopuses have unusual abilities that help them survive. Correct answer.

Explanation

The paragraph describes two special abilities and explains how they help the octopus survive. A good summary states this main point in one sentence.

Question 23English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

A story says: "Though the crowd shouted his name and reporters pushed forward, Marcus kept his eyes on the finish line." What does this sentence reveal about Marcus?

  1. He has already finished the race.
  2. He is angry at the crowd.
  3. He enjoys giving interviews.
  4. He is focused on his goal. Correct answer.

Explanation

Marcus ignores the noise and attention and keeps looking at the finish line, which shows his focus on the race. The contrast between the crowd and his attention supports this idea.

Question 24English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read these two texts about homework. Text 1: "Homework gives students extra practice and helps them remember what they learned in class." Text 2: "Many students have activities after school, and too much homework leaves little time to rest." How do the two texts differ in their points of view?

  1. Both texts agree that homework should be banned.
  2. Text 1 supports homework, while Text 2 raises concerns about it. Correct answer.
  3. Both texts say homework is too easy.
  4. Text 1 describes homework, while Text 2 describes sports.

Explanation

Text 1 lists a benefit of homework, while Text 2 points out a problem with too much of it. Comparing the two shows they take different positions on the same topic.

Question 25English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The scientist's discovery was a small stone that unlocked a giant door of knowledge." What does the metaphor "unlocked a giant door of knowledge" most likely mean?

  1. The discovery led to many new ideas and questions. Correct answer.
  2. The discovery took place inside a school.
  3. The discovery was hidden behind a real door.
  4. The discovery was not important to anyone.

Explanation

A door opening suggests access to something new, so the metaphor means the discovery led to a great deal of new understanding. It is not describing a literal door.

Question 26English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence from a story about a boy at a swim meet. "Jonah's stomach flipped when the official raised the whistle to her lips, and he gripped the starting block until his knuckles went white." What does the sentence show about Jonah?

  1. He is bored by the meet.
  2. He is proud of his swimsuit.
  3. He is angry at the official.
  4. He is nervous about the race. Correct answer.

Explanation

A writer shows feelings through actions and body details rather than naming them outright. A flipping stomach and white knuckles are physical signs of fear or nerves, so the sentence reveals that Jonah is anxious about starting the race.

Question 27English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "Maya packed her backpack, checked the map twice, and filled her water bottle before the hike." Which sentence follows the same pattern of verbs in a series?

  1. Because it rained, the game was canceled.
  2. Eli washed the dishes, dried them, and stacked them in the cupboard. Correct answer.
  3. The dog barked loudly at the mail carrier.
  4. The bright red kite flew high above the park.

Explanation

The model sentence lists three actions in a row, separated by commas, with "and" before the last one. Only the sentence about Eli lists three actions in that same series pattern.

Question 28English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this paragraph from a report about city trees. "City trees do more than look pretty. They cool streets on hot days and clean dust from the air. Studies show that shoppers spend more time on blocks with shade trees." What is the main idea of the paragraph?

  1. Shade trees cost cities too much money.
  2. City trees help people in several ways. Correct answer.
  3. Shoppers prefer stores without windows.
  4. Hot days are the only reason to plant trees.

Explanation

The main idea is the point the whole paragraph supports. Each detail describes a different benefit of city trees, so the paragraph as a whole explains that trees help people in several ways.

Question 29English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The classroom was a beehive of activity before the science fair opened." What does the comparison suggest about the classroom?

  1. It was quiet and nearly empty.
  2. It was messy and disorganized.
  3. It smelled strongly of honey.
  4. It was full of busy, buzzing movement. Correct answer.

Explanation

A metaphor compares two things without using "like" or "as." Calling the room a beehive borrows the idea of many bees moving and working at once, so the comparison suggests a crowded, busy scene.

Question 30English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

In the word "preview," what does the prefix "pre-" mean?

  1. Before Correct answer.
  2. Across
  3. Not
  4. Again

Explanation

A prefix is a word part added to the beginning of a base word that changes its meaning. The prefix "pre-" means "before," so a preview is a look before everyone else sees something.

Question 31English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The rain stopped. The game began." Which word best combines the two sentences into one clear sentence?

  1. Unless the rain stopped, the game began.
  2. The rain stopped, so the game began. Correct answer.
  3. Although the rain stopped, the game began.
  4. The rain stopped, but the game began.

Explanation

The two ideas are linked by cause and result: the game could start because the rain ended. The conjunction "so" signals that second event follows from the first.

Question 32English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this paragraph. "The old lighthouse stood at the edge of the cliff. Its paint had peeled away in long gray strips. One window was cracked, and the door hung open on a single hinge." What mood does the description create?

  1. Bright and new
  2. Busy and crowded
  3. Cheerful and welcoming
  4. Abandoned and worn Correct answer.

Explanation

Mood is the feeling a description creates in the reader. Peeled paint, a cracked window, and a broken hinge all suggest neglect and age, which creates a worn, abandoned feeling.

Question 33English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "Their going to visit there new house on Friday." Which version corrects the underlined words so the sentence is written correctly?

  1. Their going to visit they're new house on Friday.
  2. They're going to visit there new house on Friday.
  3. They're going to visit their new house on Friday. Correct answer.
  4. There going to visit they're new house on Friday.

Explanation

"They're" is the contraction of "they are" and fits before "going." "Their" shows possession and correctly describes whose new house it is.

Question 34English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The crowd surged forward, and the rope fence swayed like a blade of grass in a storm." What does the simile show about the fence?

  1. It was bending under great pressure. Correct answer.
  2. It was made of strong metal bars.
  3. It was taller than the crowd.
  4. It was painted a bright green color.

Explanation

A simile compares two things using "like" or "as." Comparing the fence to grass in a storm shows it was swaying and bending because of the pushing crowd.

Question 35English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this paragraph. "Bats look like mice with wings, but they are not rodents. They are mammals that can truly fly. Most bats eat insects, and a single bat can catch hundreds in one night." Which sentence states the main idea of the paragraph?

  1. A single bat can catch hundreds of insects.
  2. Bats are flying mammals with useful eating habits. Correct answer.
  3. Most bats eat insects at night.
  4. Bats look like mice with wings.

Explanation

The main idea must cover all the details in the paragraph. The paragraph explains what bats are and how they eat, so a statement about flying mammals and their eating habits is broad enough to include every detail.

Question 36English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The coach studied the tired runners, then handed the water bottles to Tomas and me." Which pronoun case is used correctly in the sentence?

  1. "me" because it is the subject of the sentence
  2. "Tomas and me" because it comes before the verb
  3. "me" because it follows a preposition as an object Correct answer.
  4. "me" because it shows possession of the bottles

Explanation

A pronoun that follows a preposition such as "to" must be in the object case. "Me" is the correct object pronoun, while "I" would be wrong after "to."

Question 37English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read these two sentences from a story. "Nia read the instructions three times. Then she picked up the wrench and began to work." What do the sentences suggest about Nia?

  1. She is careful and wants to do the job right. Correct answer.
  2. She is careless with tools.
  3. She is impatient to finish.
  4. She is confused by the instructions.

Explanation

Readers infer character traits from actions. Reading instructions three times before starting shows that Nia takes care and wants to get the job right.

Question 38English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence from an article about volcanoes. "Scientists monitor volcanoes closely; therefore, thousands of people can be warned before an eruption." What is the effect of monitoring volcanoes?

  1. People can be warned in time to stay safe. Correct answer.
  2. Volcanoes erupt more often than before.
  3. Scientists can stop eruptions from happening.
  4. Scientists learn nothing useful from the data.

Explanation

The word "therefore" signals a cause-and-effect relationship. The cause is close monitoring, and the stated effect is that thousands of people can be warned before an eruption.

Question 39English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this paragraph. "Some deserts are covered in sand, but others are rocky and cold. The Gobi Desert can drop below freezing at night. The Atacama is one of the driest places on Earth." What is the author's main point about deserts?

  1. The Gobi is the coldest place on Earth.
  2. The Atacama is the only dry desert.
  3. Deserts differ from one another in important ways. Correct answer.
  4. Deserts are all hot and sandy.

Explanation

The paragraph uses "but" to show contrast and then gives examples of very different deserts. These details support the point that deserts are not all alike.

Question 40English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The auditorium erupted in applause when the final note faded." What does the word "erupted" suggest about the applause?

  1. It came from only a few people.
  2. It was quiet and polite.
  3. It ended before the song finished.
  4. It started suddenly and with great energy. Correct answer.

Explanation

Writers choose words for their shades of meaning. "Erupted" suggests something bursting out all at once, which shows that the applause was sudden and forceful.

Question 41English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The hikers were exhausted, so they rested under the shade of a large oak tree." Which word in the sentence is a preposition?

  1. under Correct answer.
  2. exhausted
  3. large
  4. rested

Explanation

A preposition shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word, often showing place or time. "Under" relates "the shade" to where the hikers rested.

Question 42English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this short passage. "The octopus can change the color of its skin in less than a second. It can also squeeze through a hole the size of its eye. These abilities help it hide from predators." What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. Octopuses have very large eyes.
  2. Octopuses live only in deep water.
  3. Octopuses have unusual abilities that help them survive. Correct answer.
  4. Octopuses are the smartest sea animals.

Explanation

Both details describe remarkable abilities, and the final sentence explains that these abilities help the octopus survive. The main idea should tie all the details together.

Question 43English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence from a story. "Though the crowd shouted his name and reporters pushed forward, Marcus kept his eyes on the finish line." What does the sentence show about Marcus?

  1. He is easily distracted by noise.
  2. He stays focused on his goal. Correct answer.
  3. He wants to talk to the reporters.
  4. He is angry at the crowd.

Explanation

The word "though" sets up a contrast between the distractions and Marcus's behavior. By keeping his eyes on the finish line, he shows that he stays focused on his goal.

Question 44English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read these two texts about homework. Text 1: "Homework gives students extra practice and helps them remember what they learned in class." Text 2: "Many students have busy evenings, and too much homework can leave them tired the next day." How do the two texts differ?

  1. Text 1 is a story, while Text 2 is a poem.
  2. Both texts argue that homework should be banned.
  3. Text 1 supports homework, while Text 2 points out its problems. Correct answer.
  4. Text 1 is about sports, while Text 2 is about music.

Explanation

Comparing two texts means looking at how their ideas relate. Text 1 gives a benefit of homework, and Text 2 gives a drawback, so they take different sides of the issue.

Question 45English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The scientist's discovery was a small stone that unlocked a giant door of knowledge." What does the metaphor mean?

  1. The discovery was not important to anyone.
  2. The scientist built a door out of stone.
  3. The discovery was a real stone found in a door.
  4. The discovery was small but led to big new understanding. Correct answer.

Explanation

A metaphor describes one thing as if it were another to make a point. The small stone stands for a small discovery, and the giant door stands for the large amount of knowledge it opened up.

Question 46English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The library was so quiet that Aiden could hear the clock ticking across the room." What does the sentence help the reader understand?

  1. The library was very crowded.
  2. The clock was broken.
  3. The library was extremely quiet. Correct answer.
  4. Aiden was bored and sleepy.

Explanation

Writers often show a quality through a detail instead of naming it. Hearing a clock from across a room is possible only in near silence, so the detail shows how quiet the library was.

Question 47English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The ancient bridge sagged in the middle, and moss covered its crumbling stones." Which word from the sentence best helps the reader picture the bridge's condition?

  1. sagged Correct answer.
  2. middle
  3. bridge
  4. ancient

Explanation

Descriptive words help readers form a picture. "Sagged" shows the bridge bending downward, which reveals its weak, worn condition more clearly than the other words.

Question 48English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this paragraph from a story. "The letter sat on the table all morning. Ana walked past it four times without opening it. At lunch, she finally slid her finger under the flap." What does Ana's behavior suggest?

  1. She has already read the letter.
  2. She does not know how to open envelopes.
  3. She feels unsure about what the letter says. Correct answer.
  4. She thinks the letter is a bill she paid.

Explanation

Repeatedly walking past the letter and waiting until lunch suggests hesitation. Her slow approach shows she is uneasy about the news inside.

Question 49English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence. "The team practiced every afternoon, and their hard work paid off in the final game." Which relationship between ideas does the sentence show?

  1. Hard work led to success in the final game. Correct answer.
  2. The team practiced only once.
  3. The team did not enjoy practicing.
  4. The final game was canceled.

Explanation

The phrase "paid off" signals that the practice produced a good result. The sentence connects steady effort with success in the final game.

Question 50English Language Arts (ELA) Reading aligned with the Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) Standards

Read this sentence from a story. "The wind howled through the trees, branches scraped against the window, and somewhere in the dark a loose shutter banged." What mood does the sentence create?

  1. Calm and peaceful
  2. Silly and playful
  3. Warm and cozy
  4. Eerie and tense Correct answer.

Explanation

Mood is the feeling created by word choice and details. Howling wind, scraping branches, and banging shutters in the dark all work together to create an eerie, tense feeling.