Grade 5. Practice Test. The Eruption of Mount Shasta

Transcription

1 Name Date The Eruption of Mount Shasta

2 Today you will read the following passage. Read this passage carefully to gather information to answer questions and write an essay. Excerpt from The Eruption of Mount Shasta by William Harryman 1 It is four o clock in the morning, and Kyle Strong is sleeping. Oz, his dog, is curled up on the floor. Oz s tail is wagging a bit and his legs are twitching, which means he is dreaming about chasing rabbits again. Kyle is dreaming, too, but his dream is about changing into a werewolf while standing in front of his class giving a speech about George Washington. Kyle doesn t like this dream. 2 In the corner of the room, a large black bird sits in a nest built snugly in the top shelf of a bookcase. The bird is a crow. But Kyle named him Raven, which has created a great deal of confusion for Raven. You see, throughout history, ravens have been seen as smarter, stronger, and wiser than crows. Crows have always aspired to be ravens. So Raven, being a crow, is more than a little confused. But not as confused as Kyle, who doesn t know a crow from a raven. 3 Kyle found Raven when he was still a baby. The mother crow had been killed by an eagle while protecting her nest. Raven was the only survivor. Kyle s dad caught the small bird and brought it home with them. After talking to some wildlife experts, they were given a permit to keep the crow as a pet. 4 So, where was I? Oh yes, four o clock in the morning and everyone is sleeping. Mostly, this is just like any other night. Some sleeping, some snoring, a little dreaming, nothing out of the ordinary. So, what follows is a surprise a surprise that was getting a little too common during the last few weeks. 5 The shaking is mild at first, and Raven opens one eye to see what is happening. Quickly, though, the slight shaking becomes a full earthquake, with things bouncing on the floor, books falling from shelves, and a window shattering from its pane. Kyle jumps from his bed, opens the window to let Raven outside, and takes Oz downstairs. 1 of 5

3 6 Kyle can barely keep his balance as he runs. The coat rack falls across the bottom of the stairs, so he and Oz jump over it and the pile of jackets. Kyle slips and falls, but he is not hurt. They make it downstairs just as the shaking stops. 7 His younger sister, Janet, and his parents are already downstairs standing in the main entrance, where the ceiling beams are the strongest. 8 Is everyone okay? Kyle s mom asks. Her voice is shaky, and she is holding onto Kyle s father. Kyle s father reaches out and pulls the whole family into his arms everyone except Oz. Poor Oz always feels left out. He sneaks into the tangle of feet and rubs against any leg that is near him. He is scared, too, and wants to feel safe and loved like everyone else. 9 Wow, says Kyle, that was cool. He likes the excitement of an earthquake, but not until after it is over and he feels safe. I m going to call Justin. Kyle races back up to his room, with Oz close behind. 2 of 5

4 1. Part A What is the meaning of the word aspired as it is used in paragraph 2? A wanted to accomplish a goal B disliked something C felt confused D acted lazy Which piece of evidence from the text helps readers understand the meaning of aspired? A In the corner of the room, a large black bird sits in a nest built snugly in the top shelf of a bookcase. B You see, throughout history, ravens have been seen as smarter, stronger, and wiser than crows. C So, Raven, being a crow, is more than a little confused. D But not as confused as Kyle, who doesn t know a crow from a raven. 2. Part A What event is the main turning point in the story? A Kyle has a bad dream that upsets him. B Kyle s family decides to keep Raven as a pet. C Kyle and his family wake up to an earthquake. D Kyle decides to call his friend Justin after the earthquake. Which two details from the story support the correct answer to Part A? A Kyle is dreaming, too, but his dream is about changing into a werewolf while standing in front of his class... B After talking to some wildlife experts, they were given a permit to keep the crow as a pet. C So, what follows is a surprise a surprise that was getting a little too common during the last few weeks. D... the slight shaking becomes a full earthquake, with things bouncing on the floor, books falling from shelves, and a window shattering... E Kyle s father reaches out and pulls the whole family into his arms everyone except Oz. F Kyle races back up to his room, with Oz close behind. 3 of 5

5 3. What is the best explanation for why Kyle s family gathers in the main entrance? A It is the closest place to the door. B It is the safest place in the house. C It is a place that all of the pets can easily find. D It is the only part of the house that is not destroyed. 4. Part A Which of the following traits describe Kyle? Choose all that apply. A has vivid dreams B feels left out C is scared D wants to be around people E likes excitement Which of the following traits describe Kyle s dog Oz? Choose all that apply. A has vivid dreams B feels left out C is scared D wants to be around people E likes excitement 5. The story shows how a family reacts to a disaster situation. What is the story s main theme, or message about life? Use details about how the family interacts with each other to help you write a brief response. 4 of 5

6 : Answer Sheet 1. Part A A B C D A B C D 2. Part A A B C D A B C D E F 3. A B C D 4. Part A A B C D E A B C D E 5. Constructed Response 5 of 5