Building Comprehension - Grade 5 [1 ed.] 9781773445175

Engaging stories covering famous figures, sports personalities and events, mysteries, disasters, legends and mythology,

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Building Comprehension - Grade 5 [1 ed.]
 9781773445175

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EMP3389i

5

High-Interest Reading

Milliken Publishing Company

Grade 5 (Vocabulary Gr. 3)

Building Comprehension Grade 5 (Vocabulary Gr. 3)

Magic Words.................................................. 1 What is That?................................................. 2 Sweet Talk...................................................... 3 Moscow Circus School..................................... 4 The Russian’s Secret Treasure........................... 5 The Cry of the Banshee................................... 6 Rhonda the Robot........................................... 7 High Diver...................................................... 8 Laura............................................................. 9 Balancing Act............................................... 10 The Pinch-Bug.............................................. 11 The Crown Jewels......................................... 12 Winter Park................................................... 14 Star Gazing.................................................. 16 Caleb and Bertha......................................... 18

Prince William............................................... 20 Jumping Jacks and Jills................................. 22 Toads Cross Here.......................................... 23 Buried Alive.................................................. 24 Flamenco Dancers........................................ 25 Traveling Trees.............................................. 26 The Story of Achilles...................................... 27 Cave Dwellers.............................................. 29 The Ghost Train............................................ 31 The Lucky Cat............................................... 33 The Shanghai Acrobats................................. 35 Jules’ Undersea Lodge.................................. 37 Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea....... 39 Snowshoeing................................................ 40 The Sphynx Cat............................................ 41 In-Line Skating.............................................. 42

Authors Ellen M. Dolan Sue D. Royals Artists Kathy Mitter Lee Brubaker Don O’Connor Copyright © 1999, 2014 Milliken Publishing Company a Lorenz company P.O. Box 802 Dayton, OH 45401-0802 www.LorenzEducationalPress.com

The purchase of this book entitles the individual teacher/purchaser to reproduce copies by any photocopy process for single classroom use. The reproduction of any part of this book for use by an entire school system or for any commercial use is strictly prohibited.

Printed in the USA. All rights reserved. © Milliken Publishing Company

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Teaching Guide All categories are not necessarily represented at the conclusion of each story. Questioning format varies from book to book to avoid predictability. Where space permits, a followthrough activity has been included. These are expected to lead to self-motivated reading or to valuable discussion. The activity also gives the teacher an opportunity to award extra credit. Upon completion of each collection of stories and accompanying skill activities, students should show improvement in the areas practiced; i.e., the ability to locate, evaluate, and predict, as well as to conduct study and research.

Introduction

This book is one of six in a series designed to encourage the reading enjoyment of young students. Subject matter was carefully chosen to correspond to student interests. Skills were selected to reinforce understanding of the readings and to promote confidence in independent reading.

Content

The contents of each book have been drawn from seven specific categories: 1) biography, 2) amazing facts, 3) mystery and intrigue, 4) sports stars and events, 5) visual and performing arts, 6) wonders in science and nature, and 7) excerpts from mythology and literature. The popular biographies, sports figures, and artists give students an opportunity to identify with people who are familiar to them. Those figures who are unknown to the students’ experience give them clues to the wide diversity of society in many countries. A look behind the scenes of a famous life holds a never-ending fascination. In addition to spy stories and tales of ghostly encounters, the mystery selections often offer a puzzling situation to solve or the beginning of a story which must be completed by the reader. Science and nature selections are chosen to generate interest in new and untapped areas of the readers’ knowledge and to encourage them to explore further. Samples of a wide variety of stories from mythology and literature have been included. It is hoped that this brief encounter with some of the great story lines will motivate the student to seek out and read the entire selection.

Readability

The reading level of each book is essentially two years below the interest level. Readability levels were confirmed by the Spache formula for the lower grades and the Dale-Chall formula for the upper grades. Each book is suitable for a variety of students working at a range of reading levels. The lower readability allows older students with reading deficiencies to enjoy high-interest content with minimum frustration. The comprehension activities provide a growth opportunity for capable students as well. The highinterest content should help to motivate students at any level. The teacher should keep in mind that supplying easy-to-read content provides a good setting for learning new skills. Thus, comprehension development can best take place where vocabulary and sentence constraints ensure student understanding. It should be obvious that the concept of main idea, as well as the nature of an inference, can be seen best where the total content of a selection is well within a reader’s grasp. Finally, the material is dedicated to the principle that the more a student reads, the better he or she reads, and the greater is the appreciation of the printed word.

Skills

The skills employed in this series are drawn from traditional educational objectives. The five comprehension areas practiced in this series are: main idea, recognition of significant details, use of context clues for determining word meaning, inference, and drawing conclusions.

© Milliken Publishing Company

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Answer Key Page 1 1. c 2. b 3. a 4. b 5. a 6. a Page 3 1. b 2. c 3. quick 4. c 5. a 6. c Page 4 1. c 2. b 3. c 4. a 5. a 6. a Page 5 1. a 2. c 3. b 4. c 5. Accept reasonable answers. Page 6 1. b 2. banshee 3. a 4. b 5. c

Page 8 1. c 2. a 3. b 4. b 5. c

Page 17 1. c 2. comets 3. b 4. c 5. b

Page 9 1. b 2. c 3. a 4. c 5. She wrote books at 65, or accept reasonable answers.

Page 19 1. a 2. b 3. c 4. b 5. a or b Page 21 1. b 2. a 3. c 4. b 5. b 6. Accept reasonable answers.

Page 10 1. emperor 2. c 3. a 4. b 5. c 6. b

Page 22 1. b 2. b 3. c 4. c

Page 11 1. c 2. b 3. c 4. b 5. a Page 13 1. b 2. Imperial State Crown 3. a 4. b 5. c 6. a 7. c Page 15 1. b 2. b 3. a 4. c 5. a

© Milliken Publishing Company

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Page 23 1. b 2. c 3. b 4. a 5. c 6. a Page 24 1. b 2. b 3. b 4. a

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Page 25 1. b 2. b 3. a 4. c .

Page 26 1. b 2. c 3. c 4. a Page 28 1. b 2. c 3. a 4. c 5. b 6. c 7. c 8. Accept reasonable answers. Page 30 1. b 2. a 3. c 4. a 5. c 6. b 7. b 8. Accept reasonable answers. 9. Answers will vary.

© Milliken Publishing Company

Page 32 1. c 2. b 3. c 4. a 5. a 6. b

Page 39 1. b 2. c 3. c 4. Answers will vary.

Page 34 1. b 2. a 3. c 4. b 5. a 6. c 7. b 8. Accept reasonable answers. Page 36 1. b 2. b 3. b 4. c 5. a 6. b 7. c

Page 40 1. a 2. b 3. a 4. c 5. c Page 41 1. c 2. b 3. c 4. a 5. a 6. a Page 43 1. b 2. c 3. b 4. a 5. a 6. Wheels are in a straight line, which makes them faster and smoother.

Page 38 1. c 2. c 3. a 4. b 5. a 6. b 7. a

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Magic Words Here is a magic trick for you to try. It will amaze your friends. Tell them that you can make words appear on paper without writing a thing. You will have to do some work beforehand to set up this trick. First, get some lemon juice, strips of paper, a thin watercolor paintbrush, and a candle. Dip the paintbrush into the lemon juice. Write words like “Hello” or “How are you?” on the paper with the paintbrush. Be creative and make your own sentences. The writing will be light and hard to see. Write carefully. Put the strips of paper in a bag or in a magician’s black hat. Light the candle. Invite your friends into the room.

Show them the strips of paper. The paper will look blank because the lemon juice “ink” is invisible. Make up your own magical words or sayings. Wave your hand or a magic wand over the papers. Tell your friends to hold their paper up to the candle. Words will appear. The light from the candle will make the lemon juice appear.

Main Idea

Inference

1.

This story tells you how to a. paint with watercolors. b. become invisible. c. do a magic trick.

5. Magic tricks are entertaining because they can _______________ the viewer. a. amaze b. frighten c. burn

Significant Details 2.

Drawing Conclusions

The most important element in the writing is a. good ink. b. lemon juice. c. a black hat.

6. Several things could go wrong with this trick. Perhaps the most dangerous outcome would be a. fire. b. poisoning. c. failure.

Context Clues

3. When writing is invisible, it a. cannot be seen. b. is very dark. c. is all capital letters. 4. A creative person is a. clumsy. b. clever. c. cheery. © Milliken Publishing Company

Following Through

7. Some famous magicians such as Houdini have had many books written about them. Find a book about a magician or a magic act and share an amazing episode.

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What is That? Jim was worried about his friend Michael. On the surface everything was the same. The two boys still rode bikes after school and played ball in Michael’s big backyard. But Jim knew that Michael had something on his mind. At school, he often stared out the window and paid no attention to the lesson. Sometimes he did not even answer Jim’s questions. One afternoon, the two boys were having a snack in Michael’s kitchen. Quietly, Michael put down his glass of milk and said, “Jim, I must show you something. Come with me.” Jim followed Michael up the stairs to the second floor. They went past Michael’s room. They turned the corner and there was another staircase. Michael said, “Shh!” They climbed quietly to the third floor. The space was dusty and full of old boxes. In one corner was a closet. Slowly, Michael opened the closet door. “Look,” he said.

Finish the story. If necessary, continue on another paper. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ © Milliken Publishing Company

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Sweet Talk For many years, scientists have known that animals can “talk” to one another. Often they signal each other if danger is near. Birds screech and rabbits thump the ground with their large hind feet. Beavers smack the water with their flat tails. But there are other reasons to “talk.” One of the strangest animal conversations is about honey. The communication is between the African ratel, a small animal in the weasel family, and a bird, the honey guide. Most of the time, the ratel eats bugs, frogs, birds, or rats. But it will drop everything if there is a chance for some honey. For this reason, it is also known as the honey badger. Because the ratel is quick, it has little trouble findings bugs or frogs for dinner. But honey is more difficult. The ratel cannot search a big forest on foot to find a honeycomb. The honey guide also likes honey. It is easy for a bird to fly all around the forest to look for bees. But once the bird finds a hive in a tree trunk, it needs help. It is not strong enough to attack a

swarm of bees. So it looks for a honey badger. The bird flaps around a honey badger’s head and chirps loudly. At last the badger notices. Then the honey guide flies ahead and leads the way to the beehive. The honey badger is well protected from bee stings by its heavy fur. It breaks open the hive and eats all the honey it wants. The bird waits until the bees are gone. Then it picks among the rest of the hive for honey and wax.

Main Idea

Drawing Conclusions

Significant Details

Following Through

1.

The main idea of the story is a. rabbits have large hind feet. b. animals can “talk” to each other by signals. c. beehives are found in tree trunks.

6.

2. The honey guide is a a. weasel. b. bee. c. bird. 3. The ratel has no trouble catching frogs because it is _____________________________________.

7. Animals communicate with each other by sound, sight, touch, and smell. Name an animal that sends a message by each of these ways. _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

Context Clues 4.

Another name for ratel is a. honeybee. b. honey guide. c. honey badger.

Inference 5.

The honey badger lives a. in a forest. b. in a river. c. in a tree.

© Milliken Publishing Company

The honey badger cannot a. eat. b. walk. c. fly.

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Moscow Circus School “What did you learn in school today?” A sixth grade student from Russia might answer, “I learned about math, spelling, and juggling.” This student probably goes to Moscow’s School of Circus and Variety Acts. Russia is very proud of its circus performers. The government of Russia has built a special school just for circus training. It is also known as the Moscow Circus School. Many children from around the world would like to go to the Moscow Circus School. However, only a few are chosen. Students must be eleven years old. They must have very high grades and they must be good in sports.

Students at the Moscow Circus School learn the same basic subjects as those in other schools. But here students say that their favorite subjects are the circus subjects. Each child must learn the four circus subjects: acrobatics, gymnastics, balancing, and juggling. This sounds like fun, but it is hard work. It can take years of practice before a student can swing from a trapeze or walk on a high wire. While learning and practicing, students always wear safety belts. Thus, if they make a mistake, they will not get hurt. After seven years, students are ready to leave school and perform on their own. Graduates are given jobs with a circus where they earn a lot of money. With all this special training of its performers, it is easy to see why many people say Moscow’s Circus is the best in the world.

Main Idea

Inference

Significant Details

Drawing Conclusions

1. 2. 3.

The story tells about a. Moscow. b. jugglers. c. a circus school.

5.

While practicing, students must wear a. shorts. b. a safety belt. c. a costume. To enter the Moscow Circus School, a student must be a. in sixth grade. b. seven years old. c. eleven years old.

6. Skill in sports is important at the Circus School because a. sport skills mean good muscle control. b. students play a lot of games. c. everyone trains for the Olympics.

Following Through

7. Make a list of subjects you would like to see taught in your school. Tell why you would like to learn them and what kind of jobs you might get with these skills.

Context Clues 4.

A person who performs a. acts before the public. b. always uses a trapeze. c. is very shy.

© Milliken Publishing Company

The story suggests that in Russia a. schools are run by the government. b. no one learns math. c. everyone chooses what they like best.

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The Russian’s Secret Treasure (Adapted from a Moldavian folktale) They dug all day without stopping, but they didn’t Long ago in Russia, there lived a man who find the gold. They dug up all the weeds in the worked extremely hard. He took care of his home garden and the dead crops in the field. Still they and garden. He planted crops in his field, and when the crops were ready, he harvested them. found only mud. The man worked diligently all day and sometimes The oldest brother looked at the mud and into the night. suggested they plant some vines. So the three brothers planted grapevines. Soon they had a This man had three sons. They were tall and whole vineyard of ripe grapes. When the grapes strong, but they were lazy. They refused to work. They preferred to let their father provide for them. were ready, the sons harvested them and sold As time went by, the man became tired and weak. them for money. The oldest brother smiled and He couldn’t work as he did before. His sons had said, “I think we have found our father’s secret treasure.” grown into young men, but they were still lazy. They wouldn’t help their father. With no one taking care of the fields, the crops began to die. Large weeds grew up in the garden, and the house fell into disrepair. The man became weaker until finally he knew he was going to die. His sons were very upset. Not only would they miss their father, but also there would be no one to take care of them. Just before he died, the man told his sons a secret. He said that long ago he had buried a pot of gold in the yard. The sons thought if they found the gold, they would be rich. Each son took a shovel and began digging in the yard.

Main Idea 1.

Drawing Conclusions

The story tells about a. a farmer and his sons. b. Russia. c. a large family.

5. Do you think the old Russian did a good job rearing his sons? Why or why not? _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

Significant Details 2.

The old Russian’s sons were a. stupid. b. weak. c. lazy.

Context Clues

3. In vineyards, people raise a. vines. b. grapes. c. corn.

Following Through

6. Think about folktales from other countries. Write about one that teaches the same lesson as that of the Russian story.

Inference 4.

The father’s secret treasure was really a. gold and jewels. b. barrels of wine. c. the rewards of hard work.

© Milliken Publishing Company

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The Cry of the Banshee The Irish people have a very special ghost that appears only at particular times. It is called a banshee, and its cry is one of the most fearful things in the countryside. The banshee is usually heard only on wild and windy nights. The cry is high and shrill. Some might think it is only the wind, but those with an ear for ghosts know better. A thin shriek seems to race around and around the chimney and walls of a particular house. The Irish know what it means when the banshee visits. Before the week is over, someone in that house will die. The banshee looks very much like a witch. She wears black, trailing clothes, and her hair streams out behind her. Only a few have caught even a tiny peek at a banshee. The older banshees call only at homes of important people. Some people believe that the banshees are good friends of the phantom Death. One windy, rainy night, Judge O’Hara was walking home. He had things on his mind and had forgotten that his wife had warned him that a banshee visited their house the night before. As the judge trudged along the road, he heard the sound of galloping horses. Suddenly a black carriage pulled by four black horses appeared. The carriage stopped beside the judge. The door blew open.

The judge looked inside. At first he saw nothing. Then, in the corner of the carriage seat, he noticed a wispy figure of a woman dressed in black. A skinny arm reached out from the black clothing and grasped the judge. “Come with me,” shrieked the woman, as she pulled the judge inside. The door slammed and the horses pulled away. Judge O’Hara was never seen or heard from again.

Main Idea 1.

Inference

This story tells about a. Judge O’Hara. b. an Irish ghost. c. an old woman.

4. The woman in the carriage was a sign or symbol for a. rain. b. death. c. night.

Significant Details

Drawing Conclusions

2. The Irish ghost in this story is called a ____________________.

5. From what you learned in the story, the banshee’s shriek is probably a. not very frightening. b. soft. c. the wind.

Context Clues

3. In the last paragraph, the word that is similar to delicate is a. wispy. b. shrieked. c. grasped.

© Milliken Publishing Company

Following Through

6. Irish legends tell about many other kinds of ghosts and fairies. See if you can find three other creatures besides the banshee.

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Rhonda the Robot “Do you remember the science project my sister did last year?” Sarah asked her friend Jane. “Oh, you mean Rhonda the Robot,” said Jane. “Sure, I remember it. Your sister’s robot could walk forward and backward. What a project!” “Don’t tell anybody, but I’ve been learning how to program computers in science class,” said Sarah. “I’ve been practicing on Rhonda.” “That’s great,” said Jane. “Can you still make it walk forward and backward?” “Yes,” answered Sarah, “and that’s not all. She’s programmed to clean my room and wash my dad’s car. But there is a problem. When she saw the car, Rhonda thought it was another robot. She wants to be friends.” “Oh, that’s really funny,” said Jane. “I’ll come over after dinner to see your robot.” When Jane got to Sarah’s house later that evening, Sarah was upset. “Rhonda is gone!” she said. “And that’s not all. My dad’s car is gone, too!”

Finish the story. If necessary, continue on another paper. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ © Milliken Publishing Company MP3389 7

High Diver Miguel lives in a small house in the hills of Acapulco, Mexico. Most people do not even know his name. Yet, he is one of the most famous young men in Mexico. He is an Acapulco cliff diver. Diving off a high cliff into a sea of boiling waves is not the same as diving off the springboard at the neighborhood swimming pool. It is far more exciting and dangerous. From the time Miguel was about ten years old, he knew he wanted to be a cliff diver. He practiced every day he could. He dove into the sea from small rocks. Then he tried higher places. Many, many times he climbed to the high cliffs of La Quebrada and looked down into the sea. From this famous point, divers have plunged 150 feet into a small channel between rocks for many years. It takes good judgment as well as expert diving skills to make the plunge. The water in the narrow channel is shallow. Only when the tide is washing into the channel are the waves deep enough to be safe for a diver. Miguel must watch each wave as it comes in. Is this one high enough? Or will he miss it and crash among the rocks? People line up along the opposite side of the cliff. Quietly they wait for the big moment. Miguel lets one wave go by. Then another. Then… olé! Miguel makes a perfect dive. He comes up waving and smiling.

Main Idea

Inference

Significant Details

Drawing Conclusions

1. 2.

4.

This story is mainly about a. Acapulco. b. La Quebrada. c. Miguel.

5. From the story, you can conclude that the work of a cliff diver can be a. tiresome. b. done only on holidays. c. dangerous.

Miguel has been diving since he was a. ten. b. fifteen. c. twenty.

Context Clues 3.

Following Through

Narrow is the opposite of a. high. b. wide. c. famous.

© Milliken Publishing Company

It is important for Miguel to have a. a friendly smile. b. good eyesight. c. good hearing.

6. Find out what kind of weather Acapulco has. Estimate how many days each year a diver could perform.

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Laura One of the best historical pictures of the prairies and woods of the pioneer West was given to us by Laura Ingalls Wilder. When she was sixtyfive years old, she finally stopped long enough to write of her experiences on the frontier. Her Little House series of books became well known and well loved. Children everywhere enjoyed reading about the wild adventures of young Laura. A TV series, Little House on the Prairie, later used stories from these books. Laura was born in Wisconsin and moved with her family from place to place in Dakota, Minnesota, and Indian territory. She married Almanzo Wilder, who was from an early American family in northern New York state. Her book Farmer Boy tells the story of his life.

Laura’s diary, On the Way Home, makes good reading. It is a record of a trip that she and her husband took during a hot, dusty summer. They were searching for a new homestead. The two drove in high temperatures, nearly choking on dust and heat, but never giving up the hope that they would find the right place to settle. At last they arrived in a peaceful spot in the Ozarks, which Laura grew to love. There, near Mansfield, Missouri, she got her dream home. It was a white farmhouse. And there she made dreams for all pioneers with her Little House series.

Main Idea

Inference

Significant Details

Drawing Conclusions

1.

4.

This story tells about the history of a a. trip to the Ozarks. b. pioneer woman. c. white farmhouse.

5. How can you tell that Laura had a good memory? _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

2. Which of Laura’s books is about her husband’s life? a. On the Way Home b. Little House on the Prairie c. Farmer Boy

Context Clues 3.

Pioneer means about the same as a. early. b. modern. c. future.

© Milliken Publishing Company

Laura had a lot of a. money. b. sickness. c. courage.

Following Through

6. Read On the Way Home. Write a similar record of one day in a trip you have taken. 9

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Balancing Act Most penguins live on rocky islands in the Antarctic, where the temperature is often as cold as 80˚F below zero. The largest of all the penguins on the rocks is the emperor penguin. An emperor is almost four feet tall and can weigh nearly 100 pounds. While on land, the penguin moves like a clumsy clown. But in the water, it looks graceful and smooth. The emperor penguin can dive very deep. Pushing with its strong wings and stiff tail, it can dive 800 feet below the surface to find fish to eat. Not only does the emperor penguin look like it belongs in a circus, but it also has a trick that any circus performer would like. After the female lays an egg in the middle of winter, she immediately leaves on a fishing trip. Then it is the male who takes care of things. An egg would quickly freeze if it lay uncovered on the ice. So the male holds the egg on his foot under his warm stomach feathers. The big penguin stands on one foot in the constant dark of the Antarctic winter for two months. Once or twice he may gently switch the egg from foot to foot. During the entire time he is balancing the egg, he has nothing to eat.

The female comes back when it is time for the egg to hatch. The male stays for a time to be sure the new chick gets a good start. If, for example, there were only enough fish for one, the male would feed it to the chick and go hungry himself. When all is well, it is the male’s turn to leave. His winter diet is over and he can fill himself with good, fat fish until next year.

Main Idea

Inference 5.

1. This story tells about the ____________________________ penguin.

Significant Details

2. How long does it take an emperor penguin egg to hatch? a. 100 days b. 80 hours c. two months 3. Females lay their eggs in the a. winter. b. summer. c. water.

Drawing Conclusions

6. The story leads you to conclude that the male emperor penguin is a. a small bird. b. a good parent. c. a clumsy swimmer.

Following Through

7. Find out the location of the Antarctic. Find out about other birds or animals that live there. Share a story about one of them.

Context Clues

4. The word in paragraph one that means awkward is a. graceful. b. clumsy. c. strong.

© Milliken Publishing Company

From the story, you can tell that a. the emperor is the only kind of penguin. b. the Antarctic rocks are full of birds. c. there are many kinds of penguins.

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The Pinch Bug (Adapted from a Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain) Each Sunday morning, Aunt Polly made sure Tom thought the dog looked like a woolly that Tom sat as far away from the church’s open comet moving with the speed of light. He saw that the pinch-bug was fastened on the dog’s rear leg windows as possible. This was so Tom would pay and was holding on tightly. At last the suffering attention to the minister instead of to the birds and trees outside. But Tom always had a spare idea. dog bounded into its owner’s lap, then out the One day, when the sermon lasted a bit too long, window and away to the woods. There was not Tom pulled out a small box. Inside was a big, much more to the sermon that day. Soon Tom was free to enjoy the outdoors again. He did wonder, black beetle, which he called a pinch-bug. The though, if he would ever see the pinch-bug again. bug immediately pinched Tom’s finger and he let It had worked better than a stopwatch for timing it drop. The bug lay on its back just out of Tom’s sermons! reach. Other people began to notice. A poodle wandered into the church and also noticed the bug. The dog lay down beside it and sniffed. It pawed and pushed. Then, looking bored, the dog ignored the bug and lay down for a nap. Suddenly there was a terrible yelp! The dog leaped up and raced down the middle aisle of the church. It crossed in front of the minister and flew down the other aisle. Faster and faster went the poor dog, yelping all the time.

Main Idea

Inference

Significant Details

Drawing Conclusions

Context Clues

Following Through

1. 2.

This story tells about a. a dog. b. a boy. c. a funny event.

4.

In a box, Tom had a a. dog. b. bug. c. comet.

5.

3. A spare idea is like a spare tire. It is a. long. b. funny. c. extra.

© Milliken Publishing Company

The dog came into the church because a. it liked Tom. b. its owner was there. c. it was hot outside. Tom will probably a. try to find another pinch-bug. b. chase the dog. c. search the woods for his bug.

6. Find a book on insects. In the section about beetles, pick the one you think is Tom’s pinchbug. What else can you learn about it? Get a copy of Tom Sawyer and read the whole chapter about this event.

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The Crown Jewels Many people like to collect things. Art museums have beautiful paintings in their collections. Perhaps you have your own collection of stickers or posters. One spectacular collection is the jeweled treasure of Britain. This collection is called the Crown Jewels. Centuries ago in England, royal families began collecting beautiful gold and jewel-studded crowns, swords, bracelets, rings, and other pieces. In the fourteenth century, King Henry III had the small Jewel House built in the Tower of London. The royal jewels were put there.

Today the crowns and jewels come out of their glass house only when a new king or queen is named. In England, there is a special ceremony, the coronation, to name a new ruler. Most of the pieces in the collection were made for coronation ceremonies. Among the Crown Jewels are many splendid crowns. But the two most valuable are St. Edward’s Crown and the Imperial State Crown. St. Edward’s Crown is made of gold. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are set in it. It has been used to crown many rulers, but some have used other crowns. For example, a smaller crown was made for Queen Victoria in 1838 because the huge, old crown was too heavy. continued...

© Milliken Publishing Company

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The Imperial State Crown is worn after the ceremony. In this crown, there are nearly 3,000 diamonds. The largest diamond is called the Second Star of Africa. The Black Prince’s Ruby in the middle of the crown has belonged to England since 1367. These crowns are only a small part of the glittering treasure kept in the Tower of London. The Jewel House is now a museum, and people from all over the world travel to England just to see the breathtaking Crown Jewels.

Inference

Main Idea 1.

5. 6.

This story tells about a. coronations. b. a collection of jewels. c. Queen Victoria.

Significant Details

2. Which crown is worn after the coronation ceremony? _________________________________________ _________________________________________ 3.

Drawing Conclusions

7. From the story you can tell that England had kings and queens a. only since 1838. b. only since 1400. c. for more than 600 years.

The Jewel House is in a. the Tower of London b. Africa. c. St. Edward’s.

Context Clues

Following Through

4. From the story, you can tell that the root of the word coronation must be a. to rule. b. to crown. c. to grow.

© Milliken Publishing Company

The Crown Jewels are probably a. very well guarded. b. very valuable. c. very well guarded and very valuable. The story suggests that royal rulers are very a. wealthy. b. artistic. c. big.

8. Write about a collection you would like to gather. Tell where you would get items for your collection.

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Winter Park Snow skiing is a difficult and exciting sport. If you have ever watched the Olympic skiers on TV, you have some idea of how much skill and courage it takes to come down a mountain at top speed. On such a mountain, would you expect to see a girl with one leg or a blind boy on skis? In Winter Park, Colorado, you can see the unexpected all the time. The National Sports Center for the Disabled has programs for disabled skiers. There are teachers just for those skiers who need extra help.

Even though blind skiers cannot see the snow, they can feel the cold air and the freedom of a run down the slope. Once these skiers are taught how to manage their poles and skis, they can ski just as anyone else can. But they always have a “spotter” who skis behind them. The spotter “talks” them down the mountain with a few commands. “Turn left” if there is a tree or rock in the way. “Slower” if the hill is getting too steep. But the blind skiers are the ones in control. They can enjoy the fun of steering down the mountain to a safe landing. continued... © Milliken Publishing Company

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Teachers have also found a way for people with one leg to ski. The poles they use are called “outriggers.” They have small skis on the bottom instead of metal points. With a ski on their good leg, skiers have the use of three skis. They actually have better balance and fewer falls than most skiers with two legs. Winter Park has a camp just like a soccer or basketball camp. There are programs and activities for other kinds of disabilities, too. Teachers have used everything from a broom to a T-bar to help a skier. A small paralyzed child can attach his or her arms to a bar held by two teachers. He or she can slide gently down the hill and feel the joy of skiing. With such help, even some who cannot walk can enjoy winter sports, such as skiing.

Inference

Main Idea

Significant Details

4. From the story, you can tell that the spotter acts as ___________ for the skier. a. ears b. a third leg c. eyes

Context Clues

5.

1. 2.

This story tells about a. Olympic skiing. b. special ski instruction. c. people with one leg.

Drawing Conclusions

A ski pole that has a small ski on its bottom is a. heavy. b. an outrigger. c. bent.

Following Through

3. In paragraph two, the word commands is similar to a. orders. b. snowstorms. c. shouts. © Milliken Publishing Company

The teachers at Winter Park a. have a lot of patience. b. always use outriggers. c. are just learning.

6. Read about the last Winter Paralympic records. How fast were the winning skiers? How did they train? 15

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Star Gazing Have you ever taken a walk on a clear night and looked at the stars? If you live in the city where there are lights everywhere, you can’t see many stars. If you live in the country where it is darker, you will see many more stars. And if you use a telescope, you will see stars you did not even know were there. A telescope magnifies the stars, or makes them appear larger. It does this by means of a lens, a tube, and often some mirrors that catch and focus light. School science labs sometimes have telescopes for students to use. Observatories have larger and more complicated telescopes. These can be focused on planets that you wish to observe. A motor moves the large telescope slowly at the same rate as the turning of the earth. With adjustment, the telescope can move to the revolving of the building. In this way, the telescope is always focused on your planet. Around some of the planets, you can see rings and moons. Observatory telescopes are based on land. There are also telescopes in space that can show us even more interesting sights. The space telescopes are sent up in satellites. These satellites launch the telescopes into orbit when they get beyond the earth’s atmosphere, a thick layer of air that covers the earth. Space telescopes have picked up signs of new comets and have relayed the information back to earth. From their places in the sky, these telescopes can “see” much more clearly. continued...

© Milliken Publishing Company

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and other space agencies have sent many telescopes into space. Sometimes, astronauts are sent to fix broken parts or update the telescopes. This keeps them working longer. What wonders are still waiting to be discovered?

Main Idea

Drawing Conclusions

Significant Details

Following Through

1.

5.

This story tells about a. motors. b. satellites. c. telescopes.

6. Read more about how a telescope works. Discover as much as you can about different lenses and how they work. What part does light play in a telescope? _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

2. Space telescopes have picked up signs of new ________________________________________ .

Context Clues

3. An observatory is a building with a __________ for seeing stars. a. satellite. b. telescope. c. planet.

Inference

4. While the story does not say, you can guess that the most powerful telescopes are very a. pretty. b. lightweight. c. heavy.

© Milliken Publishing Company

Reading the story makes us realize that a. stars are impossible to see. b. many people are interested in stars. c. all telescopes are alike.

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Caleb and Bertha (Adapted from a The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens) Caleb Plummer and his blind daughter Bertha But Bertha knew nothing of the rotting walls lived in a small wooden house. The house was and peeling paper. She could not see that her next to the large brick toy store where Caleb sold father’s few hairs were turning grayer, or that his his work. His worked day and night making clever shoulders were stooped and he was thin from toys for the store owner to sell. His pay, however, lack of food. She believed that the toy store owner was so small that the wooden house had very little was good to them. But it was not so. Bertha’s in it. father kept her believing that they lived in a snug, comfortable home. Bertha did not know what an effort it was for the poor man to carry on. At last, Caleb decided he must tell his daughter the truth. But he waited until Wednesday, the day when their friend Dot came to visit, always bringing a picnic basket. When Dot arrived, Caleb sadly confessed the truth to his daughter. Bertha gave one cry and then turned to Dot. She reached out for her friend’s hand and asked, “Is this really true?” continued...

© Milliken Publishing Company

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Dot answered, “Yes, it is true. The walls are rotting, your father is getting older, and there is scarcely enough to eat. His fine clothes that he tells you about are little more than rags. He has worked so hard, but there is not much to show for it. But do not be sad. I have a wonderful surprise.” Bertha said, “I am not sad and I need no surprise. I just need to talk to my father. Where are you, Father?” Caleb had crouched in a corner on a chair. He turned hopefully to his daughter. “Here I am, my dear.” “Oh, Father, I have truly been blind before. I did not know what efforts you were making for me. Now I know, and my love for you has grown so much that I feel my heart will burst! You are the best of fathers.”

Caleb was ready to disagree when carriage wheel were heard at the door. “Here is my surprise,” said Dot. The door opened and a young man walked in. It was Caleb’s only son, whom he thought was lost at sea. The son hugged his father and sister. Then he gave an extra hug to Dot, who had found him and brought them all together again. From then on, things became truly snug in Caleb’s little house.

Main Idea

Inference

1.

4. Caleb waited for Dot because a. she would tell the truth for him. b. she would comfort Bertha when she learned the truth. c. he was hungry on Tuesday.

This story tells about a. a poor family. b. a blind man. c. a wooden house.

Significant Details

2. Bertha did not know the walls were rotten because she was a. deaf. b. blind. c. young.

Drawing Conclusions

Context Clues

Following Through

5.

6. Write a story of your own about a family with problems that were solved unexpectedly. Or write a follow-up to this story and tell what might happen in years to come.

3. When the story says, his shoulders were stooped, it means they were a. thick. b. broken. c bent over.

© Milliken Publishing Company

It is possible to guess that Caleb’s son a. was very poor. b. had done well. c. was selfish.

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Prince William As a child, Prince William’s life was a balance between royalty and boyhood. He was born with the royal name Prince William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor. But his parents, Prince Charles and Princess Diana of Wales, quickly gave him the boyish nickname, Wills. Prince William’s young life was spent in his family’s palaces and large estates. There were many servants and guards at his home. William was even driven to school by a chauffeur. But William didn’t take these things for granted. He liked to do things for himself. Growing up in a castle might make it hard to live in a tiny bedroom at boarding school, but William didn’t mind. He was very active with his friends, studies, and sports at school. Eton College, the same school his father attended as a young boy, is a very strict boarding school. Each morning William had to dress in his school uniform. He wore a formal jacket with tails, a tie, and striped trousers. William spent most of his day in classes or on the playing fields. But William made up for this strict life when he went on vacation. He would go snow skiing in the Swiss Alps or hunting in Scotland. His favorite sports were rugby, soccer, water polo, and tennis. When he was younger, some thought he might be a swimming champ. He also enjoyed horseback riding, shooting, and rowing. But, as a young boy, William enjoyed some “un-princelylike” activities such as dirt-biking and go-cart racing. He thought of himself as a regular boy. He liked to watch action movies, play video games, and eat junk food, just like other kids.

© Milliken Publishing Company

Life turned hard for William when he lost his mother, Princess Diana. She died in an automobile accident. William was very close to his mother, and he seems to have learned many lessons from her. Princess Diana wanted her sons, William and his younger brother, Harry, to have a very normal life. She wanted her sons to have fun, but she also wanted them to help others. William often went with his mother to visit the sick and homeless people. He learned to be considerate and thoughtful. continued...

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His father, Prince Charles, taught him the lessons of royalty. Every Sunday, William would spend the afternoon with his grandmother, the Queen of England. She, too, taught him what was expected of a young prince. After finishing school, William joined the Royal Military and became a Lieutenant in the Household Cavalry. In 2011, His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, married Miss Catherine Middleton. They became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Their first son, Prince George, was born in July 2013. After his father, William will be next in line to serve as His Royal Highness, the King of England. Perhaps the tailcoats and striped trousers of Eton’s uniform will help him adjust to wearing a crown. William has learned much from his parents. He is kind, sensitive, and knows a lot about his people in England. He will make a fine king.

Main Idea 1.

Inference

William Windsor may someday be a. a teacher at Eton College. b. King of England. c. King of Wales.

4. You can tell that William wanted to be like other young men because a. he took the bus to school. b. he played video games and ate junk food. c. he moved out of the palace. 5. His mother, Princess Diana, taught him a. to drive a car. b. to be considerate of others. c. to play rugby and tennis.

Significant Details 2. 3.

William spends most of his time in a. England. b. Spain. c. the Swiss Alps. William has a younger brother named a. Philip. b. Charles. c. Harry.

© Milliken Publishing Company

Drawing Conclusions

6. What are some qualities that would make a good king? _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ 21

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Jumping Jacks and Jills Go to any playground in the country and you might see children turning jump ropes. Rhymes are chanted as the players jump until they miss. In gyms, football and basketball players use the jump rope, too. They build up strength and muscles by using the rope. But jumping rope is not just a playground game or an exercise. It is a serious sport of its own. There are teams, leagues, rules, tournaments, coaches, scholarships, and trips to other countries. Double Dutch jumping is popular. The “turners” keep two ropes spinning inside each other. First the right hand turns, then the left. The ropes move like the beaters on a kitchen mixer. The jumper jumps, leaps, does backspins, or somersaults as the ropes turn.

A single team member may do push-ups while the ropes are moving. But more often, a group performs an entire routine, or set of tricks. Gymnastics combines well with ropes in this sport. There are many flips, handstands, and acrobatic tricks in a routine. But no mat is under the performers—just the turning ropes! Faster and faster turns are always done in double Dutch. One of the events is a speed test. The person who completes the most jumps in two minutes is the winner. Some have made over 350 jumps in that time. That’s about three jumps in a second! People compete all over the country. Audiences end up on their feet, clapping loudly. The sport has spread to other countries. There are world championships, but organizers of double Dutch jumping hope that someday it will be included in the Olympic games. Then even more people will have the chance to watch these clever, jumping Jacks and Jills.

Main Idea

Context Clues

Significant Details

Drawing Conclusions

1. 2.

This story is mainly about a. a boy named Jack. b. double Dutch. c. gymnastics.

3. A popular person a. plays basketball. b. wins contests. c. is well liked.

Some speed contestants can do a. 350 somersaults. b. 350 jumps in two minutes. c. 350 jumps a second.

© Milliken Publishing Company

4. From the story, you can tell that double Dutch jumpers are also a. good students. b. good coaches. c. good athletes. 22

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Toads Cross Here The grand opening took place in Hambelden, England, a town 35 miles from London. Lord Skelmersdale, a member of Parliament, was on hand to say a few words. He thanked the local Fauna and Flora Preservation Society for “getting this project under the ground.” And what project was important enough to bring a Lord of the land? It was a tunnel for toads! The tunnel is toad-sized—only ten inches around. It runs under a road near Hambelden. Each spring, toads from the woods go to lay their eggs at a nearby lake. But many of the toads do not make it. The road between the woods and the lake is very busy. Cars whiz by and often leave smashed toads behind. The tunnel was built to save their lives.

In other parts of England, people have built “toad crossings” near ponds. When a toad tries to get to the pond, it bumps into a clear plastic fence. It then turns and hops along the fence until it finds an opening. Helpers are waiting at the opening. They catch the toads in buckets and carry them safely across the road. Road signs warn drivers of a toad crossing. A big picture of a toad reminds drivers to slow down and look out for small, hopping creatures. The United States, too, has a large toad population and wants to keep it. In areas with large toad populations, there are sometimes crossing sings, detours, and volunteers standing by with buckets. The local police may help, too, by stopping traffic for the toads. Some areas have tunnels for toads, and others plan to build tunnels. But in this case, England was one jump ahead.

Main Idea

Context Clues

1.

This story is mainly about a. giving speeches in Parliament. b. making life safer for toads. c. sending toads to England.

4. When toads make a detour, they a. go around. b. hop straight ahead. c. paint a crossing sign. 5. A project is something a person a. eats. b. jumps over. c. makes or does.

Significant Details 2. 3.

Helpers catch toads in a. ponds. b. their hands. c. buckets. The toads lay their eggs a. in the woods. b. in the spring. c. in traffic.

© Milliken Publishing Company

Drawing Conclusions 6. 23

From the story, you can tell that a. English and American people like toads. b. English people like to build roads. c. the United States has many police officers. MP3389

Buried Alive Fourteen-year-old Jerry and his cousin Paul were on a camping trip. They had come with their families to Yosemite National Park. One morning, the two boys got up early. Some of the group were going fishing. But Jerry and Paul were going up the mountain. They wanted to stand at the top and look down at everything. The first part of the trail was easy for the two boys. But the climb became harder and harder as they went up the mountain. They had to stop and rest often. Jerry was leading the way. He needed to catch his breath and rest his legs. Near the path he saw a big rock. It was a perfect place to sit. Jerry decided to rest there and wait for Paul. Suddenly, Jerry heard a noise like thunder! The “thunder” got louder and louder. A few rocks began to slide down the path. Jerry did not know what was happening! More and more rocks were racing down the hill. Jerry jumped off his big rock and crouched behind it. He held on to it tightly. He called for help and for Paul. But, the roar of the rocks covered his cries. A heavy blanket of rocks, mud, and branches swept over Jerry. He lost his hold on the rock. He was being carried down the hill! He tumbled over and over as the rocks pushed him along. Everything was dark. Jerry was very frightened.

Jerry thought the crashing and sliding would never end. Then suddenly, everything became very still. Jerry was totally covered. He could not see or move. He could just barely breathe. Jerry called and called. No one answered him. At last he heard the sound of digging above him! Soon his head was free and he could see his cousin Paul! Paul and two hikers behind him had escaped the slide. They had been moving rocks and digging for hours. Jerry had several broken bones and a lot of bruises. But he was very glad that Paul and the two hikers had found him. He knew he was lucky to be alive.

Main Idea

Context Clues

1.

This story is mainly about a a. steep mountain trail. b. dangerous rock slide. c. fishing trip.

3. A trail is a a. group of hikers. b. path. c. camping trip. 4. When Jerry crouched, he a. stooped down low. b. raced up the hill. c. rolled over and over.

Significant Details 2.

Jerry heard a. a call for help. b. a noise like thunder. c. Paul’s voice.

© Milliken Publishing Company

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Flamenco Dancers Every spring, there is a large fair in Seville, Spain. Dressed in bright costumes, the people of Seville parade on horseback, visit friends, or listen to music. A bullfight usually takes place in the afternoon. In the evening, the fair really turns into a party. The dancing contest begins. Dancers from all over the south of Spain come to do the famous flamenco dance. One year, the winners of the dance contest were two children. Eleven-year-old Elena Cortes Loreto and nine-year-old Gabriel Lerida Diaz were very excited. They had danced their way to first place. Almost everyone in Seville dances the flamenco. They learn at home when they are young. Some dancers, like Elena and Gabriel, go to dancing schools, or academies. They study not only the flamenco, but also ballet and tap. The art of the flamenco has been practiced in Spain for many years. Some say the gypsies brought the dance from India. Dancers place their hands in a way that looks like the hooded cobra of India. Then they move their arms to show the snake moving across India. Hand-clapping and tricky foot-tapping stand for drummers. Over the years, Spanish people have made the dance their own.

The gypsy flamenco is bright and happy. But the true flamenco of Spain is sad. The dancers’ movements tell a story of a hard life. They show a poor family working in hot fields. The dance tells of a mother who searches for food. The Spanish people are proud of their background. With flamenco dancers to tell the story, their proud past will never be lost. 3.

Main Idea 1.

The flamenco is a a. tall bird. b. folk dance. c. town in Spain.

Context Clues 4.

Significant Details 2.

Some say the flamenco came from a. Spain. b. India. c. Seville.

© Milliken Publishing Company

The true Spanish flamenco tells a. a sad story. b. about a bullfight. c. about a fair.

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At an academy, you could a. eat dinner. b. pick flowers. c. learn something.

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Traveling Trees Native Americans called them “trees that walk.” People in Florida call them “lifesavers.” And scientists call them “mangroves.” The American, or red, mangrove tree grows in shallow saltwater along the coasts of Florida and the West Indies. In Florida, the mangrove is usually about 20 feet tall. In the tropics, it can grow to 100 feet. Its leaves are thick and leathery. Each year the mangrove blooms with yellow flowers that turn into berries. The reddish bark of this tree is used in “tanning,” making leather from rawhides.

Most trees have roots that grow under the ground. But the mangrove tree is very different. It grows roots on its trunk and branches. The roots grow out of the trunk on all sides. Then they turn and reach down for the water. More roots grow on older roots. These stretch far out into the water. The roots look like strange legs. A mangrove tree looks like it is “walking” away from the shore and into the sea. That is why Native Americans called them “walking trees.” People of Florida see the mangrove in a different way. Twigs, leaves, shells, and other floating things get caught in a mangrove’s huge roots. A mound of sandy dirt begins to form around the tree. During the regular hurricane season in this area, the groups of mangroves keep the land from washing away. Strong winds may tear off most of the mangroves’ leaves. But the strong roots keep the trees and the soil firmly in place. Mangrove seeds are also very strange. While they are still on the tree, the seeds begin to grow roots. Sometimes these roots are several feet long. A seed finally drops from the tree and begins to float. It may go a long way before a root touches some mud under the water. Then the root digs in and a new tree begins to grow. It may be miles away from the “parent” tree by this time. This is one tree family that truly “branches out.”

Main Idea

3.

1.

This story is mainly about a. strong hurricanes. b. strange trees. c. Indian leather.

Context Clues 4.

Significant Details 2.

The American mangrove tree has a. yellow leaves. b. twenty branches. c. reddish bark.

© Milliken Publishing Company

A mangrove grows roots a. in shells. b. under the ground. c. above the ground.

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Hurricanes are a. storms with high winds. b. a football team. c. saltwater birds.

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The Story of Achilles (Adapted from Greek mythology) Achilles was the most famous of all the One day the head of the Greek army took warriors of ancient Greece. His father was Achilles’ slave girl. He would not give her back. Achilles sat in his tent and would not fight. His mortal. But his mother was one of the sea nymphs. Because Achilles was part mortal, he best friend, Patroclus, led the Greeks into battle would someday have to die. His mother was very in his place. Patroclus was not as good a warrior unhappy about this. She decided to dip her baby as Achilles. In a very short time, he was killed into the magic River Styx. The touch of its water by Hector, son of the Trojan king. When Achilles would make her son live forever. But his mother heard this, he was very angry. He put on new armor and went to find Hector. Hector met Achilles held Achilles by his heel. That part of him was not touched by the water. The heel was Achilles’ weak outside the city gates of Troy. They fought fiercely. spot forever. Achilles was the better warrior and soon Hector lay dead. Achilles had another weakness—a quick temper. When he was very angry, he became wild. continued... Achilles fought many battles as a young man. He fought bravely in the long Trojan War between Greece and Troy. Many of the enemy fell before Achilles’ sword.

© Milliken Publishing Company

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But that was not enough for Achilles. He was still angry about his friend’s death. Achilles sent for his fastest chariot. He tied Hector’s body behind the chariot. Then he dragged the body three times around the walls of Troy. He finally let Hector’s father take his son’s body for a proper funeral. Paris, one of Hector’s brothers, discovered the secret of Achilles’ heel. Paris took careful aim and shot a poison arrow straight into that heel. Achilles fell to the ground. His friends carried him to his tent. They tried to remove the poison. But it was too late. Achilles, the greatest of all the Greek warriors, died from a tiny wound in his heel.

Main Idea

Drawing Conclusions

Significant Details

Following Through

1. 2. 3.

This story is mainly about a. a famous battle. b. a famous warrior. c. a famous river.

7.

Achilles’ mother wanted him a. to learn to swim. b. to be unhappy. c. to live forever. Who killed Achilles? a. Paris b. Hector c. Patroclus

8. Look up the term “Achilles’ heel.” What does it mean today? Where did it get its name? Write a paragraph and include your answers to these questions. _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

Context Clues

4. A warrior is a a. friend. b. baby. c. soldier. 5. A mortal is a a. dead person. b. human. c. mythical god. 6. A chariot is a a. helpful organization. b. great wall. c. horse-drawn battle cart. © Milliken Publishing Company

Paris, Hector’s brother, was a a. great warrior. b. poor shot. c. clever man.

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Cave Dwellers Caves certainly do not cost much money. There is no cost for building materials like wood or brick. There are no leaking roofs or sagging walls to repair. And no one pays rent. All of these things make a cave home very appealing. The inside walls of a cave home are often whitewashed. This makes them look neat and clean. Most cave dwellers build doors in the entrance of their caves. The entrance is usually the only source of light in a cave. But some families have cut windows in the rock. One family has a two-story cave home with a balcony on the second floor. continued...

A Spanish legend tells of a mountain king named Boabdil. For many years, King Boabdil ruled over the town of Granada, near the Sierra Nevada. Then King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella sent their army to take over Boabdil’s land. There was a great battle, and King Boabdil lost. Boabdil was sad and called on his wise men for help. The wise men said the kingdom was not lost forever. They cast a spell on Boabdil. He was put to sleep in a secret cave in a nearby mountain. The king was to sleep until a stranger came and spoke three magic words. Then the king could rise and rule the land of Granada once more. According to the legend, King Boabdil still sleeps in the secret cave. But he is not alone. Although they have been told to leave for safety reasons, many people in the south of Spain feel safe and continue to live in the caves. Spanish cities are busy and crowded. Cave homes in the mountain ranges offer a simple way of life. These homes have many built-in benefits.

© Milliken Publishing Company

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Most caves have a fireplace inside. The chimney runs up through the cave and out the top of the rock. A fire generally provides all the heat that is needed. Cave homes stay warm in winter and cool in summer. Today, many of these cave homes have electricity and even running water. But most of the people keep their caves simple. Then the full beauty of the cave can be enjoyed. Modern cave dwellers have come a long way from the days of King Boabdil. What would he say if he came back now?

Main Idea 1.

Drawing Conclusions

For some people in Spain, caves make ideal a. hideouts. b. homes. c. mountains.

7. Would you think that most cave homes have much furniture? a. Yes. Cave homes need a lot of furniture to make them warm and cheery. b. No. Cave homes are very simple and do not need many things. c. No. It would be too hard to carry furniture up the mountains and into a cave.

Significant Details 2. 3. 4.

The legend of King Boabdil tells of how he a. was put to sleep in a cave. b. was killed in battle. c. conquered the land of Grenada. Caves make good houses because a. no one can find them. b. they are close to many schools. c. they do not cost much. Caves would make nice summer homes because they a. stay cool inside. b. are near lakes. c. have windows.

Following Through

8. Locate Granada on the map of Spain. How far is it from the city of Seville? How close is it to the Sierra Nevada? Which sea is closest to Grenada? _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

Context Clues

5. A cave dweller a. climbs mountains. b. explores caves. c. lives in a cave. 6. Caves have built-in benefits. a. windows. b. blessings. c. furniture.

© Milliken Publishing Company

9. On another piece of paper, design your own cave dwelling. What things would you include? Could you have running water? Would electricity be a problem? How many people could live in your cave? 30

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The Ghost Train One day, Mr. Wench jumped on a train, just like he always did. But this train was different. There were no wealthy passengers on it. One old woman sat on the train and she had no money or jewels. Mr. Wench hurried past her to the baggage car. There he found only blankets and bottles of milk. Mr. Wench was furious. He rushed back to the old woman. He waved his gun at her and demanded to know what was happening. The old woman explained, “I am taking supplies to the poor orphan children on the other side of the woods. If you hurt me,” she went on, “you will be sorry for the rest of your life.” But Mr. Wench just laughed at her warning. He fired his gun and killed the old woman. Then he threw her body off the train. That night Mr. Wench heard a train whistle. He was surprised at the sound because the trains never ran at night. In the morning, Mr. Wench noticed that some of his fine paintings were gone. Who could have stolen them? No one knew where his hideout was. Mr. Wench was shocked and puzzled. The next night he heard a train whistle again. He ran to his window and saw the shadow of a train passing by the woods. The next morning most of Mr. Wench’s furniture was gone. Who could be doing this? On the third night, Mr. Wench decided to stay awake all night. But he could not keep his eyes open. He had just dropped off to sleep when a whistle woke him. He ran down to the track and saw the dark engine of a train. Driving the train was the woman from the orphanage! “How can that be? I killed that woman days ago,” he thought. The next morning, all of Mr. Wench’s clothes and jewels were gone.

Long ago, there lived an evil old man named Mr. Wench. He stayed in a hideout deep in the woods. Thick bushes, trees, and branches covered the hideout and made his home almost invisible. The inside of Mr. Wench’s home looked like a palace. It was filled with fine furniture, rare paintings, and silk rugs. His closets were full of beautiful, expensive clothes. Gold and jewels filled the drawers of his chests. Mr. Wench was a very rich man. He was rich because he robbed trains! At the edge of the woods, there lay a railroad track. Trains crowded with wealthy passengers passed along this track. Every few weeks Mr. Wench waited in the bushes near the track. When he heard a train coming, he pushed a huge boulder onto the track. When the train screeched to a halt, Mr. Wench leaped on board. Before anyone could stop him, he took everyone’s money and jewels. Then he made his way to the baggage car, where he took as much money as he could. This evil man killed anyone who got in his way. So no one ever tried to stop him. Many policemen wanted to find and capture Mr. Wench. But since his home was so well hidden, no one could catch him.

continued...

© Milliken Publishing Company

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Night after night he heard the train whistle. Every morning, something else was missing from the house. Mr. Wench decided to stop that night train. After dark, he pushed a boulder onto the track. He heard the train whistle. Mr. Wench was shaking as he got ready to get on. But the train did not stop! It went right through the boulder!

“It’s a ghost train!” Mr. Wench whispered. In the front car sat the old woman from the orphanage. She stared at Mr. Wench as the train passed by. The last car to pass was the baggage car. Its doors were open. Inside were Mr. Wench’s paintings, furniture, clothes, and all the things he had stolen! Mr. Wench, helpless and shivering, just stood there and watched his things disappear into the night. He returned to his empty hideout. Never again did a train pass on the tracks near the edge of Mr. Wench’s woods.

Main Idea

Context Clues

1.

What did Mr. Wench do for a living? a. He worked for the railroads. b. He got money from orphans. c. He robbed trains.

5. A boulder is a a. huge rock. b. trap. c. mountain. 6. Mr. Wench made his way to the baggage car. a. part of the train that carries automobiles. b. part of the train that carries luggage. c. part of the train that carries stolen goods.

Significant Details 2. 3.

The outside of Mr. Wench’s home a. looked like a palace. b. was covered with trees and bushes. c. was neatly painted. Mr. Wench would rob the passengers on the train a. every night. b. with a gang. c. and kill anyone who tried to stop him. 4. The woman on the train was carrying a. supplies for orphans. b. orphans from the next town. c. gold and jewels.

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The Lucky Cat (Adapted from Dick Whittington and His Cat)

The story of Dick Whittington and His Cat was published in London over 350 years ago. Based on a legend, this story is still enjoyed today. Long ago in England, there lived a poor orphan boy, Dick Whittington. He worked as a servant for Mr. Fitzwarren, a merchant in London. The other servants at the merchant’s home were mean to Dick. They beat him and made him sleep in the attic. All night long, mice crawled all over Dick’s bed. It was impossible for him to sleep. Taking his only penny, Dick went to town and bought a cat. The cat happily killed all the mice, and Dick was able to sleep. Soon after this, one of the merchant’s ships was getting ready to sail from England. The captain of the ship heard about Dick’s wonderful cat. He told Dick to send it on the voyage. He said it might bring Dick some good luck.

The ship sailed for Africa. When it landed on the coast, the captain was invited to have dinner with the king of Barbary. When the captain arrived, he found the king very angry. There was no dinner. Mice had eaten it all. The king was having a terrible time with mice and rats. The captain went to the ship and got Dick’s cat. The cat pounced on the mice and rats and solved the king’s problem. The king was so thankful that he gave the captain a fortune in jewels and gold. The captain couldn’t wait to tell Dick the good news! He put the treasure on the ship and sailed back to England in search of Dick. “See,” said the captain, “that cat did bring you luck.” continued...

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Dick was thrilled with his fortune, but he did not keep it all for himself. He shared it with everyone, even the mean servants. Dick bought a new, clean suit for himself. He looked very handsome in it. Mr. Fitzwarren’s daughter, Alice, fell in love with this fine young man. Dick and Alice were soon married. Not long after, Dick became Lord Mayor of London. He continued to be very generous until the day he died. If you look back in history, you will find a real Dick Whittington. He did not make his fortune from a cat. His father was wealthy Sir William Whittington of Gloucestershire. Dick did marry a girl named Alice Fitzwarren, and he was Lord Mayor of London three times. Although some of the story seems to be make-believe, the tale of Dick Whittington’s cat is still very popular.

Main Idea

Drawing Conclusions

1. In the tale, Dick Whittington made his fortune by a. selling mice. b. the work of his cat. c. working hard at the Fitzwarren home.

6. After Dick became Lord Mayor of London, what did he probably do with his money? a. build the House of Parliament in London. b. build a palace for his wife. c. build a hospital for the poor. 7. What kind of man was the captain? a. mean b. honest c. selfish

Significant Details 2. 3. 4.

To buy the cat, Dick had to pay a. a penny. b. more money than he had. c. all his jewels. Dick was rewarded with treasure because a. he was a good servant. b. his cat helped the captain. c. his cat helped a king. In real life, Dick’s father was a. Mr. Fitzwarren, a merchant. b. Sir Whittington of Gloucestershire. c. king of Barbary.

Following Through

8. Look up the real Dick Whittington, Lord Mayor of London. How do you think the story of Dick and his cat started? On another piece of paper, write a paragraph about what you found.

Context Clues 5.

Dick’s cat went on a voyage. a. a trip. b. a job. c. a dinner with the king.

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The Shanghai Acrobats Students practice for a few hours every day. Then they spend time on regular school subjects like history and math. The school is very demanding. Many children drop out and return to regular school. The hard work really shows when the acrobats perform. Imagine balancing a tower of crystal wine glasses and oil lanterns on your nose! Now imagine balancing this same tower while climbing a ladder and playing a musical instrument! The Shanghai Acrobats can do it. Try lying on your stomach and bending your legs over your back and head until your feet touch the floor in front of your face. The Shanghai Acrobats can do that, too!

Have you seen anything like this before? Jugglers toss heavy jars; dancers bend and twist; daring acrobats perform flips from a pole twenty feet in the air. These are just some of the amazing feats performed by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe of China. The ancient art of acrobatics has been popular in China since 200 BCE. The famous Troupe now tours the U.S. and shares a little of its Chinese culture. Each member of the Troupe is a true professional. It takes many years of hard work before these performers are ready to put on a show. The training starts at a very young age. Many children in China would like to be a part of the Troupe, but only a few are chosen. Those selected must be young, often between the ages of eight and twelve. They must be strong, slim, and in good health. Children who are chosen begin training at the Shanghai Acrobatic School.

© Milliken Publishing Company

continued...

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These Chinese acrobats may be the best in the world. It is a great honor to be a Shanghai Acrobat. Acrobatics may have started in the farming towns of northern China. During the harvest, the farmers would gather to celebrate a good crop. They would entertain each other by juggling farm tools and balancing tables and chairs. Soon Emperors of China heard about these farmers and invited them to perform at their palaces. Since then, the Chinese people have respected and admired acrobats. Now, people around the world have the chance to admire the breathtaking performers of the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.

Main Idea

Context Clues

1. At a performance of the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, you would see a. animal trainers and circus acts. b. juggling and balancing acts. c. thirty young children.

5. The Shanghai Acrobatic School is very demanding. a. expects a lot from students b. expensive to attend c. easy in history and math 6. They perform amazing feats. a. paws b. stunts c. songs

Significant Details

2. Students at the Shanghai Acrobatic School practice a. farming. b. balancing and math. c. circus acts and farming. 3. A Shanghai Acrobat must be a. from northern China. b. strong and slim. c. able to play a musical instrument. 4. Why haven’t many Americans enjoyed the Troupe in the past? a. The Chinese do not like Americans. b. Acrobatics in China started only a few years ago. c. The Troupe has been performing in the United States for only a short time.

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Drawing Conclusions

7. If you were a Shanghai Acrobat in China, you would probably a. have to hold two jobs because of the low pay. b. have to pay a lot of doctor bills because of injuries. c. be very well known by your fellow countrymen.

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Jules’ Undersea Lodge How would you like to spend your vacation at the bottom of the ocean? You could if you stayed at Jules’ Undersea Lodge. This first undersea hotel in the world is located at the bottom of a lagoon in Key Largo, Florida. The lodge is named for Jules Verne. He wrote the great underwater adventure story Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Getting to the hotel is a great underwater adventure itself. Guests must scuba dive over twenty feet to reach the hotel. A guest cannot take suitcases to the underwater hotel. Everything must fit into airtight, two-gallon containers. There is not much room at the Lodge. It only holds six guests at a time.

Although it is small, the Lodge is really quite comfortable. Years ago, the Lodge was built as a scientific laboratory. It was redone with light beige carpeting on all the floors and walls to make the rooms seem soft and cozy. The hotel has a DVD player and telephone. The kitchen has a microwave and a refrigerator filled with good food. You can watch movies on the large screen in the dining room while you eat. But guests do not spend much time watching movies at Jules’ Undersea Lodge. The real show takes place outside the windows. In Jules Verne’s book, the people lived on a floating submarine in the ocean. They loved to look out the windows and watch the passing sea creatures. At the Undersea Lodge, groups of brightly colored fish constantly swim by the hotel. Scuba divers enjoy watching fish in their natural setting. continued...

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A guest may also go swimming with the fish. A pool in the bottom of the hotel drops open to the ocean. By breathing through an air hose, a diver can swim out and explore the ocean around the hotel. Because the water in the lagoon is always about 75 degrees, a wet suit is not needed. A swimming suit will do. A person must be a licensed scuba diver to stay at Jules’ Undersea Lodge. The Lodge is also very expensive. If you’re ready to do a little underwater exploring, grab your flippers and get in the water. Jules’ Undersea Lodge might be the spot for you.

Main Idea

Context Clues

Significant Details

Drawing Conclusions

1. 2. 3. 4.

What type of lodge is told about in this story? a. a ski resort b. a hotel for tennis players. c. a hotel under the water.

5. A lagoon is more like a. a big pond. b. a river. c. an ocean.

How do you get to the lodge? a. Take a small fishing boat. b. Take an elevator. c. Scuba dive over 20 feet. The best show at the lodge is a. outside the windows. b. on the DVD player. c. on a large screen. Why don’t you need a wet suit when diving in the lagoon? a. You are really not that deep. b. The water is always warm. c. They are too hard to put on.

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6. An expensive hotel is a. cheap. b. high priced. c. free. 7. Why do you think it is expensive to stay at Jules’ Undersea Lodge? a. It is expensive to build a safe, comfortable place under water. b. It is expensive to scuba dive. c. There are many lodges under water.

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Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea In 1869, when Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea was published, there were no submarines in the ocean. Yet Jules Verne wrote this story about a fantastic submarine, the Nautilus, which traveled all the oceans of the world. The Nautilus was a huge, underwater home complete with living rooms, bedrooms, and a library. The inside of the Nautilus was beautiful. But its outside was dark and ugly. Solid steel plates on the outside protected the Nautilus from any dangers in the sea. Captain Nemo was the pilot of the submarine. He was a strange man who had cut himself off from the rest of the world. He said that he did not need the land. He could get everything he wanted or needed from the ocean. His meals were made from the best fish in the sea. His milk was from sea creatures, and his juice was squeezed from sea plants.

The Nautilus ran on electric power from the sea. The author was surely ahead of his time. Edison had not yet invented the electric lamp. Electricity made the Nautilus very powerful. It could move faster than any other ship. The Nautilus could be near China one day and India the next. Because of this, Captain Nemo could go many places that no one else could. It took the captain to the South Pole, which no one had yet visited. Through the thick windows in the living room, the captain could see hundreds of creatures in all shapes and sizes. The steel plates on the Nautilus battled giant sea monsters that attacked the submarine. Captain Nemo traveled through underwater forests, past schools of sharks, and over beautiful coral gardens. Each day aboard the Nautilus brought the captain new adventures. For the reader of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, each turn of the page brings a new adventure.

Main Idea

Drawing Conclusions

1.

This story is mainly about a. the invention of electricity. b. a storybook submarine captain. c. giant sea monsters.

3. From what you have read, what do you think a league is? a. an underwater ship b. a passenger on a submarine c. a sailor’s method of measurement

Significant Details

Following Through

2. The Nautilus was a. the tip of the South Pole. b. the name of a book. c. a fantastic submarine.

© Milliken Publishing Company

4. Write your own adventure story about an undersea voyage. Include as much modern technology as you can.

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Snowshoeing Snowshoeing is a hot sport in cold weather. When the thick, white snow falls, snowshoers are ready to hike across it. Long ago, people from Asia made big, basketlike shoes and strapped them to their feet. The baskets spread out their weight and kept them on top of the snow. That way, the people didn’t sink into huge snowdrifts. Native Americans used the basket-shoes when they went hunting and trapping. They made their baskets from wood and twigs. They strapped them to their shoes with leather. Later explorers learned from the Native Americans and they were able to explore big areas of snowy land. Today people strap on their snowshoes and head out for fun. Some people like the old fashioned, basket-type shoes. Others like the new kind of snowshoes made of lightweight aluminum. Both types of snowshoes keep you gliding on top of the snow.

Snowshoeing is a good sport for families. Children and adults both have fun on snowshoes. The sport is easy to learn and is good exercise. Some people like to snowshoe to see the newest snow. Others like to hike where cars and bikes cannot go. Many northern states have snowshoe clubs. They provide parks and trails just for snowshoers. Some snowy states hold snowshoe races. Whether hiking, exploring, or racing, the snowshoe sport has something for everyone.

Main Idea

Context Clues

1.

Snowshoeing has become a. a popular sport. b. very dangerous. c. the only way to travel.

4. Some like snowshoes made of lightweight aluminum. a. gives off light b. made for weightlifters c. does not weigh much

Significant Details

Drawing Conclusions

2. The earliest snowshoers made basketlike shoes from a. baskets. b. wood and twigs. c. aluminum and plastic. 3. Snowshoes keep you on top of the snow because a. the basketlike shoe spreads out your weight. b. the basketlike shoe sticks to the snow. c. the basket is snow proof.

© Milliken Publishing Company

5. Why are most snowshoe clubs located in northern states? a. Southern states do not allow clubs. b. Northern states have more people. c. Northern states have more snow.

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The Sphynx Cat There are wildcats and bobcats, tabbies and Calico cats. But the strangest cat of all is the Sphynx cat. This cat has no fur, wrinkled skin, and deep-set, golden eyes. This cat is very unusual. It is the first known breed without fur. It has a long, pointed tail that swishes from side to side. The skin of the Sphynx cat looks and often feels like suede. Its ears are large, and its legs are much longer than those of other cats. Owners of Sphynx cats say they need special care. The cats catch colds very easily. Even with a sweater on, they cannot stand the cold. They are definitely house cats. Their bodies cannot store fat, so they need to eat more than other cats. Owners love them for several reasons. Many cats go their own way and will not come when they are called. But the Sphynx is always ready to be held. It purrs constantly and is a very loving pet.

There are very few of these delicate animals. Owners are not willing to sell them. More people are trying to breed them. They hope there will be more Sphynx cats for other cat lovers. But even if more cats are bred, they will still be very rare.

Main Idea

Inference

Significant Details

Drawing Conclusions

1. 2.

This story tells about a. wild cats. b. how to breed cats. c. an unusual cat.

5.

On a Sphynx cat, the tail is a. short and stubby. b. long and pointed. c. soft and furry.

6. If Sphynx cats were for sale, they would probably a. cost a lot of money. b. be too sick to leave home. c. to be used in space experiments.

Context Clues

Following Through

3. Suede is a. fur. b. a knitted sweater. c. soft leather. 4. A delicate animal is a. not very strong. b. good to eat. c. short.

© Milliken Publishing Company

Owners of Sphynx cats a. spend time with their pets. b. are selfish. c. catch colds easily.

7. Find a recent encyclopedia of cats. Look up the Sphynx breed. Try to discover its ancestry (parents). Discover why there are so few Sphynx cats.

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In-Line Skating But, whatever form of skating is tried, practicing first is very important. Practice should start in the grass. Falling down should be the first trick a skater learns. All skaters wear pads on their elbows, wrists, and knees. And every skater wears a helmet.

Long ago, people attached smooth animal bones to their boots so they could travel across ice. Today, people attach wheels to their boots and are having fun! In-line skating has become an international sport. Some cities have their own in-line skating arenas. Many towns have skating paths through their parks. In-line skating takes many forms. Families enjoy skating together for recreation. Many skaters like to have speed races. Others like to play hockey on in-line skates. More experienced skaters like to try extreme skating. They skate down ramps and stairs. They do jumps and tricks in the air.

© Milliken Publishing Company

continued...

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In-line skating started with some brothers in Minnesota. The two were ice-hockey players and wanted to practice during the summer. But the oldfashioned roller skates were not good for hockey. The boys came across a skate with its wheels all in one straight line. This single line of wheels makes the skates go faster and smoother. The boys improved the skates. They were perfect for playing hockey outdoors in warm weather. The brothers started their own company called Rollerblade, Inc. They began making many kinds of in-line skates. There are skates with three wheels for the smaller skater. There are skates with five wheels for speed skaters. In-line skating became even more popular when it was seen as an exhibition sport in the 1996 Summer Olympics. Since then, clubs and teams have been formed. There are training sessions and strict rules. But this popular sport has not yet been added as an actual Olympic sport.

Main Idea 1.

Drawing Conclusions

This story is mainly about a. skating on ice. b. skating on wheels. c. skating rules.

5. 6.

Significant Details 2.

Before skating, people should always a. buy a good pair of in-line skates. b. know how to play ice hockey. c. practice in the grass.

Context Clues

3. A helmet is protection for your a. knee. b. head. c. arm. 4. In-line skating was seen as an exhibition sport in the Summer Olympics. a. showing an exhibit of skating b. medal-winning sport c. for students only

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Your first trick to practice should be a. falling. b. jumping. c. twisting on a ramp. Why are in-line skates more like ice skates than they are like roller skates? _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ MP3389

Notes

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Build better reading skills with inspirational stories! These captivating stories feature topical and diversified subject matter including:

• Famous figures • Sports personalities & events • Mysteries • Visual & performing arts • Disasters • Excerpts from legends & mythology • Amazing facts & wonders in science & nature

A controlled vocabulary averaging two readability levels below content helps to ensure understanding and promotes confidence in reading. Follow-up questions reinforce key comprehension skills. MP3388 MP3389 MP3390 MP3391 MP3392 MP3393

Building Comprehension Grade 4 Building Comprehension Grade 5 Building Comprehension Grade 6 Building Comprehension Grade 7 Building Comprehension Grade 8 Building Comprehension Grade 9

ISBN: 978-1-4291-0906-2

Milliken Publishing Company, a Lorenz company, P.O. Box 802, Dayton, OH 45401-0802 www.LorenzEducationalPress.com