GRADE 5

Reading

Administered March 2015

RELEASED

Copyright 2015, Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited without express
written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
 READING

Page 3
 Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

from
Princess for a Week
by Betty Ren Wright

1 You dont even know for sure youre getting a dog, Jacob
grumbled. We might be doing all this work for nothing.

2 I do know for sure, Roddy corrected him. I was there when my

moms friend Linda called this morning. She shows dogs for rich
people, and shes taking one to a show in Philadelphia today. Her
neighbors supposed to come in and look after things when Lindas
away, but the neighbor has the flu. So Linda needs someone to take
care of her own dog, Princess, for a week. My mom said okay. And,
Roddy finished triumphantly, the minute I heard that I remembered
this doghouse.

3 Still a lot of work for one week, Jacob mumbled.

4 Roddy didnt argue. Hed wanted a dog for as long as he could

remember. Now he had a week to prove to his mom that he was old
enough to take care of one himself.

5 You taking that thing to the dump?

6 Both boys jumped. Neither one had noticed the girl coming
toward them.

7 Want some help? she asked coolly. I dont mind.

8 No, thanks, Roddy said.

9 Sure, Jacob said.

10 Ill push, the girl announced, as if she hadnt heard Roddy at

all. She was skinny and brown, with a long, almost white braid and
startling blue eyes. She wore a baggy T-shirt with SAVE THE PLANET
EARTH printed on it.

11 They started up the hill. Roddy pulled, the girl pushed, and Jacob
kept both hands on the doghouse to keep it from slipping.

12 How far to the dump? the girl demanded.

13 Roddy pretended not to hear.

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 14 Were going to Roddys house, Jacob explained. Hes getting a
dog, and its going to need a house.

15 The girl snorted. That poor dog will drown in the first rainstorm,
she said. Look at the roof.

16 The roof will be fine, Roddy snapped. Ive got plans.

17 The wagon began to move faster. Soon Roddy almost had to run
to keep ahead of it. When he looked back he saw that Jacob was
running, too. The girl was out of sight behind the wagon, but when
she spoke again she wasnt panting at all.

18 Id never make a dog sleep in a doghouse, she said. Id have it

in my bedroom. Right on my bed.

19 What a pain she was! Stop pushing, Roddy growled. This is

where I live.

20 The girls head popped up from behind the doghouse. Youre

kidding! she exclaimed. Youre Roddy Hall? I didnt know you were
getting a dog. Thats great!

21 The dog isnt here yet, Roddy told her. Shes coming today.

22 Princess, Jacob added. Thats her name.

23 The girls blue eyes narrowed. She looked at Jacob, then at

Roddy. Then she looked down at the doghouse.

24 You are so not bright, she said. Im Princess. Princess

Thornberry. My stepmother Linda dropped me off an hour ago. And if
you think Im going to sleep in a broken down doghouse, youre
crazy. Your mom said I get the bedroom with all the dinosaur
posters.

25 Roddy blinked. Now just wait, he sputtered. Youre notyou

cantyoure not a dog.

26 Smart kid, the girl said. You should be a detective.

27 Roddy was stunned. Whoever heard of a girl called Princess? I

dont believe you, he said faintly.

28 I do. Jacob sighed. I just knew we were doing all this work for
nothing. He poked Roddy with his elbow. Thats your bedroom shes
talking about, he said. The bedroom with all the dinosaur posters.
Maybe youre the one who gets to sleep in the doghouse tonight.

Copyright 2006 by Betty Ren Wright. Reprinted from PRINCESS FOR A WEEK by permission of Holiday
House.
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 1 What is Roddys reason for moving the doghouse soon after he overhears his
mothers telephone conversation?

A He thinks repairing the doghouse will be a fun project.

B He wants to spend time with Jacob before a new dog keeps him too busy.

C He is expecting to meet Princess on his way home with the doghouse.

D He wants to show that he can be responsible enough to own a dog.

2 In paragraph 25, the word sputtered means

F spoke in a confused way

G acted out in an amusing way

H made a polite suggestion

J moved at a slow pace

3 Which of these is a lesson Roddy learns in the story?

A Teamwork is important when trying to accomplish a goal.

B Relying on good friends is helpful in difficult situations.

C Drawing conclusions without enough information can lead to mistakes.

D People should not judge others by their appearance.

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 4 In paragraphs 16 and 19, Roddys reaction to Princess shows that Roddy is

F appreciative of her help

G disappointed with her efforts

H inspired by her ideas

J annoyed by her comments

5 How does Jacob know that the girl is telling the truth about being Princess?

A She is excited to hear that Roddy is getting a dog.

B She offers to help the boys without being asked.

C She points out that the doghouse is in need of repairs.

D She is able to describe Roddys bedroom.

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 6 Read these sentences from paragraph 26.

Smart kid, the girl said. You should be a detective.

These sentences suggest that Princess thinks that

F Roddy shouldnt waste his time working on the doghouse

G Roddys observation was obvious

H Roddy is an intelligent person

J Roddy is a good listener

7 Which sentence best foreshadows what happens at the end of the story?

A We might be doing all this work for nothing.

B So Linda needs someone to take care of her own dog, Princess, for a week.

C You taking that thing to the dump?

D Hes getting a dog, and its going to need a house.

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 8 Why does Princess become upset with Roddy?

F She is jealous of Roddys friendship with Jacob.

G She thinks Roddys idea to fix the doghouse is foolish.

H She is offended that Roddy thought she would be a dog.

J She is bothered that Roddy does not offer his room to her.

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 Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

Storytelling Trees
by Micki Huysken

1 Cedar trees grow in the Alaskan forest. A Tlingit (CLING-it) Indian

walks among them searching for the right one. He finds a strong,
straight tree that has been growing long before his grandfathers
grandfather lived there. He marks its rough bark. This is the first step
in making a magnificent storytelling tree.

2 Long ago, before writing was used by

Indians, totem poles were carved to
tell stories of battles or to record
events happening in the tribe.

3 Shapes of bears, wolves, whales,

eagles, and other wild creatures were

Storytelling Trees by Micki Huysken from Hopscotch Magazine, October/November 2010.

carved into soft tree trunks. The tree
was read from top to bottom by a
storyteller. Stories often included
animals with superhuman powers and
stories about the Eagle and Raven
clans. These totem poles were read
again and again like a library of
wooden stories.

4 Have you seen pictures of totem poles

or visited the state of Alaska or
Washington where poles stand? Even
today, totem-pole carving continues in
Ketchikan, Alaska, where Tlingit
Indians still live.

5 Once a stone adze (an ax-like tool) A Tlingit Totem Pole

brought down an 80-foot giant. Today,
chain saws do the work in less time.

6 Thick bark is stripped away; then knots, once burned with hot rocks,
are sanded smooth. At last, the tree is ready for the master carver
chosen by the tribe. Poles that once took a year to carve can be
completed in three months.

7 The carver chants to help his concentration and to keep a cutting

rhythm. It is a chant he learned from his father who learned it from
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 his. Wood chips pepper the air. Animals with beaver tails, whales,
wolves, and birds with oversized beaks are chiseled into the soft
wood. Some carvings have human shapes.

8 Black paint dabbed into pale wooden eyes gives them a look of power.
Long ago, artists mixed salmon eggs with minerals like hematite,
graphite, and copper to make bright-colored paints for the poles.

9 At last, the weary carver puts down his tools. He is ready for a crane
to lift the new pole. He thinks back and remembers stories of his
grandfathers first pole raising. That one took place at the rivers
edge. No crane was used then, just dozens of men holding tightly to
ropes. Their groans rippled like a chorus of bears; sweat beaded on
their brown backs. Drums and voices swelled like thunder when the
pole rose.

10 The old carver blinks away the memories as a ray of sun touches his
sensitive eyes. The steel arm crane is placing his new pole upright
facing the road. Arriving visitors look up in awe. Cheers and laughter
roll forth like water from a bubbling pot. What was once a mighty
cedar growing tall in the Alaskan forest is now a magnificent totem
pole.

Storytelling Trees by Micki Huysken from Hopscotch Magazine, October/November 2010.

People stand among a group of Tlingit totem poles.

11 Think about stories told by your parents and grandparents. If you put
those stories on a totem pole, what would your storytelling tree look
like?

Storytelling Trees by Micki Huysken from Hopscotch Magazine, October/November 2010.

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 9 Which sentence from the selection shows that totem poles were important for
teaching Tlingit history?

A These totem poles were read again and again like a library of wooden stories.

B At last, the tree is ready for the master carver chosen by the tribe.

C Animals with beaver tails, whales, wolves, and birds with oversized beaks are
chiseled into the soft wood.

D Long ago, artists mixed salmon eggs with minerals like hematite, graphite, and
copper to make bright-colored paints for the poles.

10 Read the dictionary entry below.

strong \ stro\ adjective
1. muscular 2. consisting of solid
material 3. determined
4. moving rapidly or with force

Which definition best fits the way the word strong is used in paragraph 1?

F Definition 1

G Definition 2

H Definition 3

J Definition 4

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11 What conclusion can the reader make about the Tlingit totem poles?

A Specialized carving machines are required to make totem poles.

B The carvers selected to make totem poles must be good singers.

C The meanings of the figures carved on totem poles have changed.

D The process of carving totem poles has changed over time.

12 The author uses questions in paragraph 4 and paragraph 11 as a way to

F show that American Indian art is similar to other types of art

G establish a connection between the readers experiences and totem poles

H encourage the reader to reflect on what is considered art

J help the reader understand why totem poles attract visitors

13 The author organizes paragraph 9 in a compare-and-contrast pattern to illustrate

A how the images carved into totem poles have changed over time

B which carvers in the tribe are the most talented

C the way that modern machinery has made raising a totem pole easier

D how the totem pole has changed during the carving process

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14 The language the author uses in paragraph 10 emphasizes

F the emotional responses people have toward the totem poles

G that the new totem poles are more important than totem poles from the past

H how quickly the new totem pole was raised using the crane

J that the types of trees used to make the totem poles affect their beauty

15 In paragraph 9, the word weary means

A amused

B confused

C worried

D tired

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16 Read this sentence from paragraph 4.

Even today, totem-pole carving continues in Ketchikan, Alaska,

where Tlingit Indians still live.

In this sentence, what does the author help the reader understand about the culture
of the Tlingit people?

F Their master carvers are highly skilled.

G Their carvers use special tools to make each totem pole.

H Their history is told through images on the totem poles.

J They have maintained their tradition of making totem poles.

17 Which sentence from the selection is best supported by the photographs?

A Shapes of bears, wolves, whales, eagles, and other wild creatures were carved
into soft tree trunks.

B Once a stone adze (an ax-like tool) brought down an 80-foot giant.

C Thick bark is stripped away; then knots, once burned with hot rocks, are sanded
smooth.

D Drums and voices swelled like thunder when the pole rose.

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 Read the next two selections. Then choose the best answer to each
question.

The Dishonest Merchant

A Romanian Legend
retold by David Roper

1 Once upon a time, a prince known for his intolerance of

dishonesty ruled in Romania. During his reign, a greedy merchant
from another country traveled through the land.

2 During one journey, the merchant lost a bag containing one

thousand Romanian coins called lei. Each time the merchant came to
a crossroads, he told everyone that he would give one hundred lei to
anyone who found the money.

3 Not long afterward, a peasant found the bag. He was an honest

man, and he hastened to find the merchant.

4 I found this bag behind the fish market at the crossroads near
my home, the peasant said to the merchant.

5 The merchant trusted no one, so he went aside to count the

money. To his surprise, all one thousand coins were still in the bag.
He was happy to have his money back, but he was also saddened by
the thought of giving some of it away. He wondered how he could get
out of his promise and still appear to be fair.

6 At last he went back to the peasant. I thank you for returning

my money, he said. I notice that you have already taken your
reward, for there were only nine hundred coins in the bag.

7 The peasant protested. But I did not even open the bag before I
gave it to you!

8 The merchant ignored the peasants words. I hope you enjoy

your reward, he said. Thank you again and good-bye. He quickly
departed.

9 The peasant was upsetnot just because he had received no

reward but because he had been accused of taking money without
permission. He hurried to the palace and requested to see the prince.
He told his sad story, and the prince promised that he would uncover
the truth.

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 10 The prince sent word for the merchant and the peasant to appear
before him on a certain day. He told the merchant to bring the bag of
money.

11 When the day arrived, the merchant told his side of the story and
the peasant told his. As the prince listened, it became obvious to him
that the peasant was telling the truth.

12 When they had finished, the prince said to the merchant, You
lost a bag with one thousand coins. Is that correct?

13 Yes, said the merchant.

14 The prince took the money bag, which now held only nine
hundred lei. And when you were handed this bag, it contained only
nine hundred coins?

15 That is true, said the merchant, trying to look sincere.

16 I am sure that you are telling the truth, said the prince, for
nothing is punished so severely in this court as dishonesty. However,
these facts present me with a problem.

17 The prince held up the bag for all to see. It was an ordinary
leather bag, like thousands of others. He asked the merchant, If
your bag contained one thousand coins and this bag has only nine
hundred, then how do you know this is your bag?

18 The merchant had trouble speaking. I . . . I, he stammered.

Then he was silent.

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 19 The prince continued. It is obvious that this is not your bag. My
verdict therefore is that you should continue to inquire at crossroads
until you find your bag with one thousand lei. I wish you well in your
quest.

20 The prince turned to the peasant. And I decree that you take
care of this bag of nine hundred coins until the rightful owner comes
forth. If we do not find the owner within three months, then the
money will be yours as a reward for your honesty.

21 There was nothing more to say, since there could be no appeal

regarding the princes verdict. The dishonest merchant and the
honest peasant left the princes chamber, the first very sad and the
other very happy.

22 Thus was dishonesty treated in the days of the prince.

Copyright 2000 Highlights for Children, Inc., Columbus, Ohio.

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 Guilty
Its not fair.
My little sister glows
She has a reputation that reaches out to others,
Shakes their hand,
5 And lets them know she can do no wrong.

I told them,
Mom and Dad both,
That she took it from the pan
When they noticed the void,
10 Like a pothole in the middle of the street
One cookie gone from the cookie sheet.
My father shook his head at me.
My mother gave her a hug.

They sent her off to play

15 To enjoy the day.
My free time was taken away,
Sent to my room to stay.

I felt frustrated with their frowns.

Why was she always blameless?
20 I thought while Mom wiped my hands
With a wet paper towel,
Browning with each stroke
From chocolate on my fingertips.

I stomped to my room,
25 My feet crashing like thunder.
Its not fair.

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 Use The Dishonest Merchant (pp. 1618) to answer
questions 1821. Then fill in the answers on your
answer document.

18 Why does the peasant want to meet with the prince?

F To help the merchant find his bag of money

G Because the merchant implies that the peasant is a thief

H To convince the prince to let him keep all the merchants money

J Because the prince calls for the peasant to appear before him

19 Which sentence from the story hints that the merchant plans to trick the peasant?

A Each time the merchant came to a crossroads, he told everyone that he would
give one hundred lei to anyone who found the money.

B The merchant trusted no one, so he went aside to count the money.

C To his surprise, all one thousand coins were still in the bag.

D He wondered how he could get out of his promise and still appear to be fair.

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20 Which word or words from paragraph 8 help the reader understand the meaning of
the word departed?

F hope you enjoy your reward

G ignored the peasants words

H Thank you again

J good-bye

21 What is the best summary of the story?

A A peasant finds a bag of money behind a fish market and returns it to a merchant
for a reward. The merchant refuses to pay the reward. The peasant goes to the
prince and tells his story. The merchant also tells his story. The bag is supposed to
have 1,000 coins but has only 900. The prince listens to both the peasant and the
merchant.

B After losing a bag of money, a merchant promises a reward of 100 coins for its
return. When the bag is returned by a peasant, the merchant tries to avoid paying
the reward by saying the peasant took some of the money. They both go before a
Romanian prince. The prince uses the merchants statements against him to
reward the peasant.

C One day a Romanian prince asks a peasant and a merchant to appear in his
chambers to talk about a bag of money. The merchant says the peasant took
some money out of the bag. The prince can tell that the merchant is greedy. He
holds up the money bag. It is made of leather just like other money bags. The
prince says the bag does not belong to the merchant.

D A merchant travels to Romania, where he loses a bag of money. He says that he

will give 100 coins to the person who finds it. A peasant finds the bag and returns
it to the merchant. The merchant tells the peasant that the bag is missing the
reward money. The peasant says that he did not take any money out of the bag.
The prince gives the bag of money to the peasant.

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 Use Guilty (p. 19) to answer questions 2224.
Then fill in the answers on your answer document.

22 Based on the poem, what can the reader conclude about the speakers past behavior?

F The speaker usually acts in a way that pleases the parents.

G The speaker has tried a similar approach to get out of trouble before.

H The speaker defends the little sister even when she is wrong.

J The speaker has difficulty remembering the family rules.

23 Why does the poem begin and end with the same line?

A To emphasize the speakers feelings about the situation

B To foreshadow a problem the speaker has

C To show the frustration of the speakers family members

D To highlight a change in the way the speaker feels about the little sister

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24 Read these lines from the poem.

My father shook his head at me.

My mother gave her a hug.

These two lines reveal that the speakers parents

F can be easily tricked by their children

G believe they know the truth about what happened

H are surprised that a cookie is missing

J are glad to see their children

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 Use The Dishonest Merchant and Guilty to answer
questions 2528. Then fill in the answers on your
answer document.

25 How are the merchant in The Dishonest Merchant and the speaker in Guilty
similar?

A Both of them are disappointed in themselves for what they did.

B Both of them are confused about why they have been punished.

C Both of them try to blame others in order to get what they want.

D Both of them are forced to keep their promises.

26 The actions of the prince in the story and the parents in the poem are based on

F fairness

G courage

H loyalty

J kindness

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27 How is the point of view in the poem different from that of the story?

A Only the poem focuses on the thoughts of just one character.

B Only the poem describes the motivation of a main character.

C Only the poem shows the actions of just one character.

D Only the poem explains how each character becomes involved in the situation.

28 How are the prince in the story and the speakers parents in the poem alike?

F They know the people they speak with.

G They realize who is at fault.

H They find a clever way to solve a problem.

J They are asked to help other people.

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 Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

A Remarkable Road Trip

1 On the evening of May 19, 1903, Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson accepted
a challenge to do something that nobody had done before. The terms
of this challenge included driving from San Francisco, California, to
New York City in 90 days. If he succeeded, he would win $50.

2 Although today it is not unusual to drive across the country in just a

few days, this was not always the case. The automobile was a new
product in 1903, and cars were not as advanced as todays vehicles.
In 1903 many people believed that cars were a luxury and a source
of entertainment rather than a useful means of transportation. Horse-
drawn carriages were considered more dependable. Jackson,
however, wanted to prove that cars could be just as useful and
reliable.

Preparing for the Trip

3 Jackson hired mechanic Sewall K. Crocker to join him on the cross-

country drive. Crocker suggested that Jackson buy a Winton touring
car for the journey. Jackson took Crockers
suggestion under advisement and bought Some of
the car used from a banker in San Jacksons Supplies
Francisco.
Cooking equipment
4 Because gas stations did not exist in those Sleeping bags
days, Jackson decided to carry tanks of A car cover
gasoline, which would be refilled at Warm clothing
general stores along the way. Jackson also
Tools
bought other supplies and equipment for
the journey. To make room for supplies, Rope
Crocker removed the cars backseat. A camera
A spare tire
A Difficult Journey

5 On May 23, 1903, in the early afternoon, Jackson and Crocker left
San Francisco. They had driven only 15 miles when a rear tire
became flat. Luckily, they were able to use the spare tire for the rest
of that days journey.

6 Another problem Jackson and Crocker encountered was getting

accurate directions. In 1903 there were no road maps, and travel
guidebooks were published for only certain parts of the country.
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 Advice from strangers, a compass, and landmarks such as railroad
tracks and mountains helped guide the men. Sometimes the
directions they received were incorrect, and they had to turn around
and locate the correct route. At other times Jackson was forced to
change course to avoid flooded or snow-covered land.

7 In addition, in 1903 there were only about 150 miles of paved roads
across the country. Most roads were dirt paths that had been used
mainly for horse-drawn carriages. In remote areas where roads did
not exist at all, Jackson drove through muddy cow pastures and even
over mountains. The bumpy ride sometimes jarred equipment loose
and caused it to fall off the car. They also experienced many flat tires
and dead batteries.

8 Finding tires and other car parts for repairs was difficult. In 1903
there were only 850 Winton vehicles in the country. Replacement
parts had to be ordered directly from the Winton car factory and
delivered by stagecoach or train. Jackson wisely ordered new car
parts ahead of time so that they would be waiting for him when he
arrived in the next town. Then he would have to find a blacksmith to
install parts. Some generously worked overnight to help the men.

The Positive Side

9 Jackson and Crockers

journey was not entirely
filled with difficulties. One

Transportation Collection, Division of Work and Industry, National Museum of American History,
thing that kept the trip
enjoyable was Bud, a
bulldog Jackson had
bought in California. Bud
became the teams
mascot, traveling with the
men wherever they went.
Jackson even put goggles
on Bud to keep the dust
out of his eyes. The dog
was a source of joy to
Jackson and Crocker, who
would gaze over and see
a happy Bud riding
Smithsonian Institution.

alongside them. By the

journeys end Bud was a
celebrity.

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Page 27
 10 Local newspapers reported on the teams progress as they passed
through each town, and neighboring towns became aware of the
teams upcoming arrival. Residents came to see the men and their
Winton, greeting them with cheers. The event was especially exciting
since many people had never before seen a car.

Bettmann/CORBIS
Jackson, Crocker, and Bud in the Winton Touring Car

Mission Complete

11 Jackson, Crocker, and Bud reached New York City on July 26, 1903.
The team completed the journey in 63 days, 12 hours, and
30 minutes.

12 It is estimated that the team had driven more than 5,600 miles.
Although Jackson won $50, he spent a total of $8,000 on the trip.

13 Was it worth the cost? Jackson believed so. Jackson and Crockers
success changed American driving forever. The idea that people could
travel long distances in a vehicle became a reality. Jackson was able
to see many beautiful parts of the country and dreamed that one day
others would be able to experience Americas landscape just as he
had. Today Jacksons Winton is displayed in the Smithsonians
National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., taking its
rightful place in history.

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29 The author informs the reader about Jacksons journey mainly by

A sharing Jacksons thoughts as he traveled

B listing the supplies that Jackson loaded into his car

C describing the difficulties and successes of Jacksons trip

D explaining how much money Jacksons trip cost

30 The reader can conclude that people came to see Jackson and Crocker during their
trip because people were

F interested in hearing news about nearby towns

G curious to see what the vehicle looked like

H eager to sell them supplies for their trip

J hoping to join them on their trip

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31 The photograph of Bud next to paragraph 9 helps the reader understand that the
dog

A was a rare breed at that time

B had traveled for most of its life

C became famous as a result of the trip

D guided Jackson and Crocker on their trip

32 What is the main idea of the selection?

F In 1903 paved roads were rare in the United States, but they became more
common after Jackson and Crocker drove across the country.

G In 1903 Jackson and Crocker drove a car across the United States and found that
cars had many problems.

H In 1903 many Americans had never before seen a car until Jackson and Crocker
drove across the country.

J In 1903 Jackson and Crocker drove a car across the United States, which was a
great accomplishment at that time.

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33 A compare-and-contrast pattern is used to organize the ideas in paragraph 2 mainly
to

A explain how the problems of car travel were different from other methods of travel
in 1903

B describe the differences regarding car travel between 1903 and today

C show differences between Jacksons decisions and those made by Crocker

D emphasize how the events of 1903 affected Jacksons trip

34 The subheadings help the reader understand that the selection focuses mainly on

F the progress of Jacksons trip across the country

G the reason Jackson was interested in cars

H the purpose of the challenge Jackson accepted

J the way that cars changed during Jacksons lifetime

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35 What effect did Jacksons trip have on American society?

A Sales of Winton cars increased.

B Newspapers became more popular.

C People changed their ideas about the usefulness of cars.

D People traveled to many unexplored parts of the country.

36 What does the word remote mean in paragraph 7?

F Lacking tourist attractions

G Far from populated areas

H Difficult to see from a distance

J Familiar to a particular group of people

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37 What is the best summary of the section titled A Difficult Journey?

A Jackson and Crocker left San Francisco and after only 15 miles of driving, their
rear tire went flat. They were able to use a spare tire for the rest of that day. They
had trouble getting accurate directions at times, and bad weather was also an
obstacle to completing their journey.

B Jackson and Crocker encountered many difficulties on their trip. Sometimes they
got lost, their car frequently needed repairs, and they encountered harsh weather.
They planned well, though, and received help when they needed it.

C When Jackson and Crocker left San Francisco, they could not predict what would
happen to them in the next three months. During their journey they drove on
many dirt paths. People helped the two men repair their car when it broke down
from the rough travel.

D When Jackson and Crocker drove across the country, the land was difficult to
cross. The roads were bumpy, and fields were often muddy. Bad weather made
travel even more difficult and caused the car to break down at times.

38 Based on information in the selection, what can the reader infer about American
society in 1903?

F Most people did not travel far from the towns in which they lived.

G Many people disliked the changes brought about by new inventions.

H Many people opposed the idea of the government building roads.

J The automobile had replaced the need for most farm animals.

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39 Which idea is supported by the photograph after paragraph 10?

A Jackson had to make many repairs to the car as he traveled.

B Jackson refilled his gasoline tanks at general stores along his trip.

C Jackson traveled a great distance between stops along his trip.

D Jackson was welcomed by crowds when he arrived in a new town.

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 Read the selection and choose the best answer to each question.
Then fill in the answer on your answer document.

Lights Out
Characters
DEXTER: Younger brother
LEO: Older brother

1 [Night. A boys bedroom with two beds. A nightstand with a lamp is

by each bed. Dexter is in the stage-right bed. Leo is in the stage-left
bed. The lights are out. The curtain opens.]

2 DEXTER: Leo. [Long pause.] Leo? [Pause.] Leo, you awake?

3 LEO: No.

4 DEXTER: Yes, you are.

5 LEO: No, Im not. Go to sleep, Dexter.

6 DEXTER: Maybe were forgetting something. Im going to go check.

7 LEO: Stay in bed! Dad made a list. We packed everything except our
bathroom stuff and Mr. Snowball.

8 DEXTER: [Sits up in bed and turns on his lamp.] We have to pack

Mr. Snowball! I cant go without Mr. Snowball!

9 LEO: You cant sleep without Mr. Snowball either! Hes in bed with
you right now, goof!

10 DEXTER: [Picks up a stuffed polar bear and strokes its head.]

Mr. Snowball doesnt like it when you call me a goof.

11 LEO: Dont worry. Well put the bear in the backpack you are going
to take on the bus. Now turn the light off! [Dexter turns off light.]
Good night, Dex.

12 DEXTER: [After a long pause.] Leo, are you going to miss Chloe
Barnett as much as Id miss Mr. Snowball if I left him behind?

13 LEO: [Sits up in bed and turns on his lamp.] What? What makes you
ask that?

14 DEXTER: Well?

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 15 LEO: The only reason she was here was to work on a science project.
Thats it.

16 DEXTER: Oh, right. So why was she laughing at all your dumb
jokes?

17 LEO: Why shouldnt she laugh? Im a funny guy.

18 DEXTER: [With an insincere tone.] Yeah, and Im president of the

United States.

19 LEO: We were just doing a science project.

20 DEXTER: So are you going to miss her?

21 LEO: [Turns off light.] Just go to sleep.

22 DEXTER: Leo, why cant Dad go with us?

23 LEO: He has to work. You know that.

24 DEXTER: [Turns on light.] What if we get lost?

25 LEO: Well be on a bus. The bus driver travels the same route every
day. Hows he going to get lost?

26 DEXTER: But weve never been on a trip without Dad or Mom

before.

27 LEO: Dad says Mrs. Jackson is going to chaperone us. You know
that. Shell stay with us until Grandma meets us at the bus station in
Dallas. What could go wrong?

28 DEXTER: We might have to eat those terrible sandwiches

Mrs. Jackson makes.

29 LEO: And thats the only thing that could go wrong. Now sleep!

30 DEXTER: Im nervous . . . and I miss Mom.

31 LEO: Moms tour of duty1 is over in two weeks. And Grandmas going
to take us to meet her at Fort Dix as soon as she gets off the plane.

32 DEXTER: What do you miss most about Mom?

33 LEO: I miss her telling you to go to sleep. Turn off the light, Dexter.
We have a big day tomorrow!

1
A tour of duty is a military assignment to a specific location.

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 34 DEXTER: [Lies back down but leaves light on.] Do you miss Mom
reading bedtime stories to us?

35 LEO: You can read to yourself now.

36 DEXTER: Its not the same.

37 LEO: And youre too old for bedtime stories anyway.

38 DEXTER: Mr. Snowball isnt too old for them.

39 LEO: Hes even older than you are. He used to be mine before I gave
him to you. [Gets out of bed, turns off Dexters lamp, and gets back
in bed.] Good night, Dex.

40 DEXTER: Goodnight comb. Goodnight brush. Goodnight . . .

[Dexter sniffles as if he is about to cry.]

41 LEO: . . . little old lady whispering hush. [Long pause.] Dexter?

42 DEXTER: Huh? [Dexter sniffles.]

43 LEO: That was my favorite book, too. You still have it?

44 DEXTER: Yep.

45 LEO: Ill read it to you. If you want.

46 DEXTER: Really? [Turns on light, gets out of bed with his stuffed
bear, gets a book off the shelf, and gets into bed with Leo.]

47 LEO: [Reads.] In the great green room there was a telephone, and
a red balloon, and a picture of . . . Dexter? [Dexter is asleep. Leo
gets out of bed and turns off lamp.]

48 [The curtain closes.]

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40 Why is Dexter awake during most of the play?

F He is nervous about traveling without his parents.

G He has difficulty falling asleep without his mother reading to him.

H He is anxious about staying with Grandma.

J He is worried about forgetting Mr. Snowball.

41 This play has just one scene because

A only two characters speak

B the setting is indoors

C the setting does not change

D no new characters are introduced

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42 Which of these is an important idea explored in this play?

F Taking a trip can be a rewarding experience.

G Children often find comfort in things that are familiar.

H It is sometimes difficult to live far away from grandparents.

J Family members often disagree with each other.

43 The prefix in- helps the reader know that the word insincere in paragraph 18
means

A without understanding

B with careful thought

C explaining what is meant

D not meaning what is said

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44 Read paragraph 10.

DEXTER: [Picks up a stuffed polar bear and strokes its

head.] Mr. Snowball doesnt like it when you call me a goof.

By having Dexter refer to Mr. Snowballs emotions, the playwright is

F emphasizing that Leo does not understand Dexters actions

G suggesting that Dexter is quite young

H showing that Mr. Snowball used to belong to Leo

J showing that Dexter is ignoring his brother

45 Which of these is the best summary of the play?

A Leo is trying to sleep, but his younger brother Dexter keeps talking to him about a
bus trip the boys will be taking the next day. Leo finally reads Dexter his favorite
book, and Dexter falls asleep.

B Leo and Dexter are about to go on a bus trip without their mom or dad, and
Dexter keeps talking about it. Dexter asks Leo whether he is going to miss a girl
who came over to work with him on a science project for school.

C Dexter and Leo have a conversation about missing their mom and about how they
will take a bus trip to Dallas the next day. Leo says Dexter is too old for bedtime
stories but admits that he used to like the same story.

D Dexter, Leos younger brother, wakes Leo up to ask whether theyve packed
everything and whether they might get lost when they go on a bus trip the next
day. Leo tells Dexter that nothing will go wrong.

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46 Dexters lines throughout the play suggest that he

F doesnt think Leo listens to him

G depends on Leo to help him feel secure

H does not approve of Leos friendship with Chloe Barnett

J likes to annoy Leo whenever possible

BE SURE YOU HAVE RECORDED ALL OF YOUR ANSWERS

ON THE ANSWER DOCUMENT.
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 STAAR
GRADE 5
Reading
March 2015

867228 1 2 3 4 5 A B C D E Printed in the USA ISD7233