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NYS ELA Grade 5 study materials
NYS ELA Grade 5 study resources

NYS ELA Grade 5 practice questions

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Question 1Reading for Information

A student reads an article about how honeybees communicate. The article states that a returning forager performs a 'waggle dance' to tell other bees the direction and distance of food. Which sentence best states the main idea of the article?

  1. A waggle dance is performed on the vertical surface of a honeycomb.
  2. Forager bees leave the hive early in the morning to search for nectar.
  3. Honeybees use a special dance to share information about where food is located. Correct answer.
  4. Honeybees are insects that live together in large groups called colonies.

Explanation

A main idea must cover the whole article, not one detail. The article's focus is how bees share information about food through the waggle dance, so the answer that names that idea is broad enough and still specific. The other choices either narrow to a single fact or state a general fact the article only mentions in passing.

Question 2Reading for Information

Read this sentence from an article about recycling: 'Although curbside pickup makes recycling convenient, it also creates a stream of mixed materials that is costly to sort.' What does the word 'stream' most likely mean as it is used here?

  1. A small river of water
  2. A type of sorting machine
  3. A steady flow of items Correct answer.
  4. A mark left on paper

Explanation

Context clues show that 'stream' refers to the continuing supply of mixed materials collected from homes. The sentence contrasts convenience with the difficulty of sorting that constant flow. The other meanings of 'stream' do not fit the topic of recycling.

Question 3Reading for Information

An article about the invention of the bicycle includes these sentences: 'Early bicycles had pedals attached directly to the front wheel. Riders called them bone-shakers because the solid wheels made every bump felt.' Which text structure does the author use in these sentences?

  1. Cause and effect Correct answer.
  2. Comparison and contrast
  3. Chronological order
  4. Problem and solution

Explanation

The second sentence explains a result of the first: solid wheels and direct pedals caused a rough ride, which gave the bicycles a nickname. Linking a design feature to its result is cause and effect. No two things are compared, no problem is solved, and no dates order the events.

Question 4Reading for Information

A student is reading an online science article and wants to find the section that explains how volcanoes form. Which feature of the article would be most useful for locating that information quickly?

  1. The heading for each section Correct answer.
  2. The copyright date at the bottom
  3. The list of sources at the end
  4. The author's short biography

Explanation

Headings label what each section is about, so a reader can scan them to find the part on volcano formation. Source lists, author biographies, and copyright dates do not describe the content of sections. Using headings is a standard way to navigate informational text efficiently.

Question 5Reading for Information

Read this paragraph: 'The city planted 200 trees along Main Street last spring. By summer, shoppers reported that the sidewalk felt cooler. Store owners also said their windows stayed shadier in the afternoon.' What is the main idea of the paragraph?

  1. Trees planted along a street brought cooling benefits to the area. Correct answer.
  2. Shade is important to store owners who sell windows.
  3. The city should plant trees on every street next spring.
  4. Main Street has more stores than any other street in the city.

Explanation

Both supporting details describe a cooling effect that followed the tree planting, so the main idea links the planting to those benefits. The other choices either misread a detail, add an opinion not stated, or focus on an unrelated comparison. A main idea must be supported by all the details in the paragraph.

Question 6Reading for Information

A reader wants to know whether an article about diet and exercise is trustworthy. Which detail from the article would best show that the information is reliable?

  1. The article includes several colorful photographs of athletes.
  2. The article was written by a student in a journalism class.
  3. The article cites a study published in a medical journal. Correct answer.
  4. The article uses many exclamation points to stress its points.

Explanation

Reliability comes from evidence that can be checked, such as a study in a peer-reviewed medical journal. Photographs, punctuation, and the writer's status as a student do not establish that the claims are accurate. A careful reader looks for sources and evidence rather than presentation style.

Question 7Reading for Information

Read this sentence: 'The museum's new exhibit is so popular that visitors often wait two hours to enter.' Which word in the sentence is a clue that the author is describing a result of the exhibit's popularity?

  1. new
  2. wait Correct answer.
  3. museum's
  4. enter

Explanation

The phrase 'so popular that' signals a result, and the result is that visitors must wait. The word 'wait' names that consequence. The other words are descriptive or part of the infinitive phrase and do not mark the result.

Question 8Reading for Information

An article describes how a school garden was started. It begins with the principal's announcement, then tells how students cleared the ground, then explains how they planted seeds. Which organizational pattern does the article follow?

  1. Description by category
  2. Problem and solution
  3. Chronological order Correct answer.
  4. Comparison and contrast

Explanation

The events are presented in the order they happened: announcement, clearing, planting. That sequence of steps in time is chronological order. The article does not compare options, solve a stated problem, or group details into categories.

Question 9Reading for Information

Read this sentence from an article about desert plants: 'Some cacti store water in thick stems, allowing them to survive months without rain.' What does the word 'store' mean in this sentence?

  1. A supply of something
  2. A shop where goods are sold
  3. To put away in a closet
  4. To keep or hold for later use Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence explains that cacti hold water in their stems so they can live through dry periods, so 'store' works as a verb meaning to keep for later. The noun meanings about shops or supplies do not fit the grammar of the sentence. The surrounding words 'survive months without rain' confirm the meaning of saving something for future need.

Question 10Reading for Information

An author writes: 'Plastic straws are convenient, but they often end up in oceans, where they can harm wildlife. Several cities have therefore banned them.' What is the author's point of view about plastic straws?

  1. Plastic straws cause environmental harm that justifies limits on their use. Correct answer.
  2. Plastic straws should be replaced only if they become more expensive.
  3. Plastic straws are the most useful invention of the last century.
  4. Plastic straws are a problem that scientists have not yet studied.

Explanation

The author acknowledges convenience but stresses harm to wildlife and notes that cities have banned straws, which signals support for limits. A point of view is built from the words and examples an author chooses. The other choices contradict or overstate what the passage says.

Question 11Reading for Information

A student reads two articles about homework. One says homework improves study habits; the other says it reduces time for sleep and family. Which statement best describes how the two articles differ?

  1. They present opposing views on the effects of homework. Correct answer.
  2. They both describe the history of homework in schools.
  3. They agree that homework should be given every night.
  4. They explain how teachers should grade homework.

Explanation

The first article emphasizes a benefit of homework, while the second emphasizes drawbacks, so the two present opposing positions. Comparing authors' claims across texts is a key informational reading skill. The other choices describe topics that neither article addresses.

Question 12Reading for Information

Read this paragraph: 'Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. Some species can grow nearly a meter in a single day. Because it grows so quickly, bamboo is used for flooring, furniture, and even bicycles.' Which sentence states the main idea?

  1. Some species of bamboo grow nearly a meter in a single day.
  2. Bamboo is used to make bicycles and furniture.
  3. Bamboo's rapid growth makes it useful for many products. Correct answer.
  4. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth.

Explanation

The paragraph links bamboo's fast growth to its many uses, so the main idea must include both the growth and the usefulness. The other choices capture only one part of the paragraph. A main idea should account for all the supporting details.

Question 13Reading for Information

An article about a new bike path says: 'According to city planners, the path will connect three neighborhoods and reduce car traffic downtown.' How does the author support the claim that the path will reduce traffic?

  1. By describing the author's own daily bike ride
  2. By quoting city planners who studied the plan Correct answer.
  3. By listing the names of nearby streets
  4. By comparing the city to a foreign country

Explanation

The author attributes the traffic claim to city planners, which is a form of expert support. Citing a knowledgeable source strengthens a claim in informational text. The other choices describe details the article does not use as evidence.

Question 14Reading for Information

Read this sentence: 'Unlike the earlier bridge, which was narrow and steep, the new bridge has wide lanes and gentle ramps.' Which words signal a comparison in this sentence?

  1. and gentle
  2. unlike Correct answer.
  3. which was
  4. new bridge

Explanation

The word 'unlike' introduces a contrast between the earlier bridge and the new one, which is a form of comparison. Signal words such as 'unlike,' 'however,' and 'in contrast' help readers follow comparisons. The other choices are descriptive words, not comparison signals.

Question 15Reading for Information

A student is writing a report on how a bill becomes a law. Which source would provide the most accurate and current explanation?

  1. A government website explaining the legislative process Correct answer.
  2. A blog post written by a classmate last year
  3. A novel about a senator's family
  4. A picture book about a fictional town council

Explanation

An official government website is written to explain the process accurately and is updated as rules change. Fiction and personal blogs are less reliable for factual explanations. Choosing sources that match the purpose of a report is part of evaluating information.

Question 16Reading for Information

An article states: 'Many towns now hold repair cafes, where volunteers fix broken lamps, toasters, and chairs for free. These events keep usable items out of landfills.' What is the author's main purpose in writing this article?

  1. To entertain readers with a funny story
  2. To explain how to build a lamp from scratch
  3. To persuade readers to buy new appliances
  4. To inform readers about a community practice that reduces waste Correct answer.

Explanation

The article describes repair cafes and explains their effect on landfills, which is informative. The author does not tell a story, give building instructions, or urge readers to buy new items. Recognizing an author's purpose helps a reader interpret the details.

Question 17Reading for Information

Read these sentences: 'The library extended its hours during exam week. As a result, more students used the study rooms in the evening.' Which relationship between the two sentences is shown by the phrase 'as a result'?

  1. The second sentence explains a cause of the first.
  2. The second sentence contradicts the first.
  3. The second sentence describes a result of the first. Correct answer.
  4. The second sentence gives an example of the first.

Explanation

'As a result' introduces an effect, so the second sentence describes what happened because of the longer hours. The first sentence is the cause. The signal phrase tells the reader the direction of the relationship.

Question 18Reading for Information

An article about animal migration includes a map with arrows and a caption. How does the map most likely help the reader understand the article?

  1. It provides the definitions of difficult words.
  2. It lists the names of scientists who study migration.
  3. It explains why the author chose this topic.
  4. It shows the routes and distances animals travel. Correct answer.

Explanation

A map with arrows is a graphic feature that shows movement from place to place, so it helps readers picture migration routes and distances. Authors use maps to make spatial information clear. The other choices describe functions of text features such as glossaries or author's notes.

Question 19Reading for Information

Read this paragraph: 'Some people think spiders are insects. However, spiders have eight legs and two body parts, while insects have six legs and three body parts.' Which sentence best summarizes the paragraph?

  1. Spiders are not insects because their bodies differ from those of insects. Correct answer.
  2. Spiders and insects are actually the same kind of animal.
  3. Insects have three body parts and six legs.
  4. Spiders have eight legs, which makes them faster than insects.

Explanation

The paragraph corrects a common belief by contrasting spiders and insects, so a good summary states that spiders differ from insects. A summary should combine the key ideas in a shorter form. The other choices either repeat one detail or state something the paragraph does not say.

Question 20Reading for Information

An author writes: 'We should think twice before replacing every paper form with a digital one. Not everyone has reliable internet, and some people find paper easier to use.' Which sentence best describes the author's argument?

  1. Paper forms are always better than digital forms.
  2. Digital forms should replace all paper forms immediately.
  3. Digital forms have drawbacks, so paper options should remain. Correct answer.
  4. Only students should be allowed to use paper forms.

Explanation

The author advises caution because some people lack reliable internet or prefer paper, which supports keeping paper options. The argument is balanced rather than absolute. The other choices go beyond what the author claims.

Question 21Reading for Information

A student reads: 'The town council voted to add a crosswalk near the school. Before the vote, parents collected 500 signatures and showed that cars often sped past the building.' Which evidence most strongly supported the parents' request?

  1. The parents collected signatures and documented speeding cars. Correct answer.
  2. The crosswalk would be near a school.
  3. The town council voted on the request.
  4. The parents attended a council meeting.

Explanation

The parents' evidence was the petition and the observation of speeding cars, which directly shows a safety need. Evidence must support the specific claim being made. The other choices describe the request or the decision, not the proof behind it.

Question 22Reading for Information

Read these two sentences: 'The first trains were powered by steam. Today, many trains run on electricity and produce far less pollution.' Which text structure does the author use?

  1. Description of a single train
  2. Chronological list of train types
  3. Comparison of past and present Correct answer.
  4. Problem and solution

Explanation

The author places early steam trains beside modern electric trains to show a change and a contrast, which is a comparison of past and present. The sentences do not propose a solution, list events in order, or describe one train. Noticing time words like 'first' and 'today' helps identify this structure.

Question 23Reading for Information

An article states: 'Scientists studying coral reefs found that bleached reefs recovered faster when nearby fish populations were healthy.' A reader wants to use this finding in a report. Which statement best explains why the finding is useful?

  1. It connects the health of fish populations to the recovery of coral reefs. Correct answer.
  2. It proves that all reefs will recover within one year.
  3. It describes how scientists measure water depth.
  4. It shows that coral reefs are not affected by ocean temperature.

Explanation

The finding links healthy fish populations with faster reef recovery, which is a relationship a report could use as evidence. Accurate use of a source means representing its claim without overstating it. The other choices add claims the sentence does not make.

Question 24Reading for Information

Read this paragraph: 'Advocates say later school start times help teenagers get more sleep. Critics worry that later starts would disrupt bus schedules and after-school jobs. Both sides agree that student health matters.' Which statement best evaluates how fairly the author presents the issue?

  1. The author supports only the advocates and ignores the critics.
  2. The author favors the critics because bus schedules are mentioned first.
  3. The author gives no evidence and therefore takes no position on the issue.
  4. The author presents both sides and notes a shared concern, which makes the paragraph balanced. Correct answer.

Explanation

The paragraph includes the advocates' claim, the critics' concern, and a point both sides share, which is a balanced presentation. Fair treatment of an issue means giving space to more than one view. The other choices misread which side, if any, the author favors.

Question 25Reading for Information

Two articles describe a city's new recycling program. Article A reports the program's costs and tonnage of materials collected. Article B tells the story of one family learning to sort their trash. How do the two articles differ in their approach?

  1. Article A opposes recycling, while Article B supports it.
  2. Both articles rely mainly on interviews with city officials.
  3. Article A is fiction, while Article B is a news report.
  4. Article A uses data, while Article B uses a personal example. Correct answer.

Explanation

Article A presents numbers such as costs and tonnage, which is a data-driven approach, while Article B follows one family, which is a personal example. Authors can treat the same topic with different kinds of evidence. Recognizing these approaches helps readers compare texts.

Question 26Reading for Information

A student is reading an informational article about how honeybees communicate. Which text feature would most directly help the reader locate the section explaining the waggle dance?

  1. A photograph of a beekeeper
  2. A heading titled 'The Waggle Dance' Correct answer.
  3. A glossary entry for the word 'nectar'
  4. A caption under a picture of a hive

Explanation

Headings are text features that label sections and signal what each part of an article is about, so a heading naming the waggle dance points the reader straight to that section. A photo, caption, or glossary entry supports understanding of specific terms but does not organize or locate a whole section.

Question 27Reading for Information

An article about volcanoes includes the sentence: 'Magma, which is molten rock beneath the surface, can rise through cracks in the crust.' Based on this sentence, what does the word 'molten' most likely mean?

  1. Broken into pieces
  2. Hidden from view
  3. Melted by heat Correct answer.
  4. Hardened over time

Explanation

The sentence defines magma as molten rock found beneath the surface, and magma is known to be rock heated until it becomes liquid. The context clue 'beneath the surface' plus the idea of rock rising through cracks supports the meaning 'melted by heat.'

Question 28Reading for Information

An article about the invention of the bicycle is organized in time order. Which set of signal words would most likely appear in this article?

  1. However, although, instead
  2. First, next, then, finally Correct answer.
  3. Because, therefore, as a result
  4. For example, such as, including

Explanation

A text organized in time order uses sequence words that show the order in which events happened, such as first, next, then, and finally. The other sets signal contrast, examples, or cause and effect rather than a chronological sequence.

Question 29Reading for Information

Read this sentence from an article about city trees: 'Trees along busy streets trap dust and absorb noise, making neighborhoods cleaner and quieter.' What is the main idea of this sentence?

  1. Trees grow more quickly on busy streets.
  2. Noise is impossible to reduce in cities.
  3. Street trees improve the quality of city neighborhoods. Correct answer.
  4. Dust is the biggest problem in cities.

Explanation

The sentence names two benefits of street trees, trapping dust and absorbing noise, and sums them up as making neighborhoods cleaner and quieter. That summary statement is the main idea, while the details about dust and noise support it.

Question 30Reading for Information

An article explains that a town built raised wooden walkways through a wetland so visitors could enjoy the area without trampling rare plants. Which sentence best states the author's purpose for writing the article?

  1. To explain how a town protected a wetland while letting people visit it Correct answer.
  2. To describe the appearance of rare plants in detail
  3. To entertain readers with a funny story about a walkway
  4. To persuade readers to move to a town near a wetland

Explanation

The article presents information about a solution, raised walkways, and the problem it addresses, protecting rare plants while allowing visits. That combination of problem and solution signals an explanatory purpose.

Question 31Reading for Information

A student reads an article about the water cycle and wants to remember the three main stages. Which strategy would best help the student identify the most important information?

  1. Summarizing each paragraph in one sentence Correct answer.
  2. Reading only the title and stopping
  3. Copying every sentence word for word
  4. Memorizing the page numbers of each section

Explanation

Summarizing each paragraph forces the reader to decide what the key point is and to state it briefly, which highlights the most important information. Copying everything or memorizing page numbers does not require the reader to sort important ideas from details.

Question 32Reading for Information

An article about a science fair includes a bar graph showing how many students entered projects in each category. What information does the graph most likely provide?

  1. The date the science fair took place
  2. The steps for building a project
  3. The number of projects in each category Correct answer.
  4. The names of the students who won awards

Explanation

A bar graph compares quantities across categories, so a graph of entries by category shows how many projects fall into each one. Names, procedures, and dates would appear in the text, not in a comparison graph of category totals.

Question 33Reading for Information

Read this sentence from an article: 'The bridge was built in 1932, and although it has been repaired several times, it still carries thousands of cars each day.' What does the sentence suggest about the bridge?

  1. It was rebuilt completely in 1932.
  2. It has remained useful for a long time. Correct answer.
  3. It was designed for trains, not cars.
  4. It is no longer used by drivers.

Explanation

The sentence says the bridge was built in 1932 and still carries thousands of cars daily despite repairs, which shows it has stayed useful over many decades. The mention of repairs shows upkeep, not that it stopped being used.

Question 34Reading for Information

An article about a new library program states: 'The reading buddies program pairs fifth graders with kindergarten students for thirty minutes each week.' Which detail from this sentence is a fact rather than an opinion?

  1. Kindergarten students are adorable.
  2. Thirty minutes feels much too short.
  3. The program lasts thirty minutes each week. Correct answer.
  4. The program is the best in the district.

Explanation

A fact is a statement that can be checked or proven, such as the length and frequency of a program session. Opinions express a judgment or feeling and cannot be verified as true or false by evidence alone.

Question 35Reading for Information

A student is comparing two articles about school uniforms. Article A is written by a school principal, and Article B is written by a clothing store owner. How might the author's point of view affect each article?

  1. The principal will refuse to state an opinion.
  2. The store owner will avoid mentioning uniforms at all.
  3. The principal may focus on student behavior, while the store owner may focus on sales. Correct answer.
  4. Both articles will present exactly the same evidence.

Explanation

An author's role shapes which details seem important, so a principal is likely to emphasize effects on students and a store owner effects on business. Comparing authors' viewpoints helps a reader notice how the same topic can be framed differently.

Question 36Reading for Information

An article about honeybees states: 'When a scout bee finds flowers, it returns to the hive and performs a waggle dance that tells other bees the direction and distance of the food.' Which conclusion is best supported by this detail?

  1. Bees dance to keep warm in the hive.
  2. Bees cannot travel far from the hive.
  3. Bees find food only by accident.
  4. Bees can share information about where food is located. Correct answer.

Explanation

The detail says the dance communicates direction and distance to food, which directly supports the conclusion that bees share location information. A supported conclusion must follow from the stated evidence rather than add ideas the text does not give.

Question 37Reading for Information

Read this paragraph: 'Many people believe bats are blind. In fact, bats can see, and most also use echolocation, sending out sounds and listening for echoes to navigate in the dark.' What is the author's main purpose in this paragraph?

  1. To correct a common misunderstanding about bats Correct answer.
  2. To persuade readers to protect bats
  3. To tell a story about a bat
  4. To describe how to build a bat house

Explanation

The paragraph opens with a common belief and then uses facts to show it is wrong, which is the structure of correcting a misconception. The author's aim is to set the record straight about bats' senses.

Question 38Reading for Information

An article about recycling says: 'Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for about three hours.' Why does the author most likely include this comparison?

  1. To help readers understand the value of recycling in familiar terms Correct answer.
  2. To prove that aluminum is rare
  3. To explain how televisions are manufactured
  4. To suggest that readers watch less television

Explanation

Comparing saved energy to a familiar activity like watching television makes an abstract amount concrete and meaningful for readers. This kind of comparison helps the audience grasp the benefit of recycling.

Question 39Reading for Information

A student reads an article with a sidebar titled 'Fast Facts About the Moon.' How does this sidebar most likely help the reader?

  1. It replaces the main article with a story.
  2. It lists sources for further reading only.
  3. It presents key facts in a short, easy-to-scan format. Correct answer.
  4. It gives the author's personal opinion about the moon.

Explanation

A sidebar labeled 'Fast Facts' is a text feature that condenses important information into a brief, scannable list. It supports the main article by highlighting details a reader can find quickly.

Question 40Reading for Information

Read these sentences: 'The city planted 200 trees along the river. Three years later, the riverbank no longer crumbled during heavy rains.' Which relationship between the two sentences does the reader need to understand?

  1. The rains stopped completely after three years.
  2. The trees caused the riverbank to become more stable. Correct answer.
  3. The city removed the trees to protect the river.
  4. The trees were planted after the riverbank failed.

Explanation

The second sentence reports a change that followed the planting, and tree roots are known to hold soil in place, so the reader should connect the planting to the strengthened riverbank. Recognizing cause and effect helps the reader see why the author included both sentences.

Question 41Reading for Information

An article about the invention of the telephone includes a timeline. Which question would the timeline best help a reader answer?

  1. In what year did the telephone first work? Correct answer.
  2. Why did people prefer letters to phone calls?
  3. Who wrote the article about the telephone?
  4. How does a modern phone make a call?

Explanation

A timeline arranges dates and events in order, so it is best suited to answering questions about when something happened. Questions about reasons, mechanisms, or authorship are answered by the text itself, not by a date sequence.

Question 42Reading for Information

An article states: 'Some deserts receive less than one inch of rain per year. Plants there must survive long dry periods, so many store water in thick stems or have roots that spread wide to catch rare rainfall.' Which idea do these details support?

  1. Desert plants grow faster than plants in forests.
  2. Desert plants have adaptations that help them survive with little water. Correct answer.
  3. Desert rainfall has increased in recent years.
  4. Most desert plants need daily watering.

Explanation

The details describe features such as water storage and wide roots that help plants cope with very little rain, which are adaptations. Grouping these details under that idea shows how the author supports the main point.

Question 43Reading for Information

A student reads: 'The school cafeteria began offering a salad bar this fall. Since then, students have eaten more vegetables at lunch.' Which statement best evaluates how well the evidence supports the claim?

  1. The evidence supports the claim because it shows a change that followed the new salad bar. Correct answer.
  2. The evidence proves that salad bars are the best lunch option.
  3. The evidence is irrelevant because it mentions vegetables.
  4. The evidence is too detailed to support any claim.

Explanation

The second sentence reports a change in student behavior that occurred after the salad bar opened, which is relevant support for the claim that the salad bar affected vegetable eating. Evaluating evidence means judging whether it is connected to the claim and actually backs it up.

Question 44Reading for Information

An article about a local election reports: 'Candidate Ruiz said the new park would cost too much. However, the city's budget office estimated the park would cost less than the current playground's yearly repairs.' How does the word 'however' affect the reader's understanding?

  1. It signals that the next sentence will contrast with Candidate Ruiz's claim. Correct answer.
  2. It shows that the two sentences agree completely.
  3. It tells the reader that the article is ending.
  4. It introduces a list of steps in a process.

Explanation

The transition word 'however' signals a contrast, so the budget office's estimate is presented as a counterpoint to Ruiz's statement about cost. Recognizing contrast words helps readers track how an author weighs competing claims.

Question 45Reading for Information

An article about the Great Barrier Reef describes both its great variety of coral and fish and the rising ocean temperatures that harm it. Which statement best summarizes the article's overall message?

  1. The reef contains only a few kinds of coral.
  2. The reef is rich in life but faces a serious threat from warming water. Correct answer.
  3. The reef is located in the deepest part of the ocean.
  4. Ocean temperatures have no effect on coral.

Explanation

A good summary combines the article's main ideas rather than repeating a single detail. This statement captures both the reef's diversity and the danger described, which are the two central points.

Question 46Reading for Information

A student reads two articles about a proposed bike lane. Article A quotes shop owners who fear losing parking. Article B quotes cyclists who say the lane will make commuting safer. What should the student do to build a balanced understanding?

  1. Accept Article A because shop owners are adults.
  2. Ignore both articles and rely on personal opinion.
  3. Accept Article B because cyclists ride bikes.
  4. Consider the evidence and concerns from both articles before forming a judgment. Correct answer.

Explanation

When sources present different perspectives, a careful reader weighs the evidence and concerns from each side rather than choosing based on who is speaking. This approach produces a balanced understanding of the issue.

Question 47Reading for Information

An article states: 'The new dam was designed to prevent flooding. Since it was completed, downstream flooding has decreased, but fish populations in the river have declined.' Which conclusion is best supported by this information?

  1. The dam had no effect on the river at all.
  2. Fish populations declined before the dam was built.
  3. The dam has solved every problem in the river.
  4. The dam has benefits and drawbacks that must be weighed together. Correct answer.

Explanation

The article reports one positive result, less flooding, and one negative result, fewer fish, which supports a conclusion that both gains and costs exist. A careful reader weighs multiple effects instead of focusing on only one.

Question 48Reading for Information

An article about a school's recycling drive says: 'Last year the school threw away 4,000 pounds of paper. This year, after adding recycling bins in every classroom, it threw away 2,500 pounds.' Which statement best interprets these numbers?

  1. Waste paper dropped by nearly 40 percent after recycling bins were added. Correct answer.
  2. The recycling bins had no measurable effect.
  3. Waste paper increased by 1,500 pounds.
  4. The school threw away no paper this year.

Explanation

The decrease from 4,000 to 2,500 pounds is 1,500 pounds, which is about 37.5 percent of the original amount, close to 40 percent. Interpreting data means comparing the figures and describing the size and direction of the change accurately.

Question 49Reading for Information

An article claims: 'Students who read for fun every day earn higher grades.' A reader wants to judge whether this claim is well supported. Which additional information would be most useful?

  1. A description of the school's library layout
  2. A list of popular fiction titles for students
  3. The number of pages in the article
  4. Details about how the claim was studied and whether other factors were considered Correct answer.

Explanation

To judge a claim, a reader needs to know how the evidence was gathered and whether other explanations were ruled out. Information about the study's methods helps the reader decide whether the conclusion is trustworthy.

Question 50Reading for Information

An article about a hurricane describes how forecasters use satellites, radar, and computer models to predict a storm's path. Why does the author most likely include all three tools?

  1. To explain how satellites are built
  2. To show that predictions rely on several kinds of evidence combined Correct answer.
  3. To argue that one tool is useless
  4. To describe the history of a single hurricane

Explanation

Listing several tools shows that forecasting draws on multiple sources of data that are used together to make predictions. The author's purpose is to explain a process, not to rank or dismiss the tools.