TAKS Reading Daily Warm Ups

4th Grade, 2009Objective 4

Maxine MontagueELA Specialist

http://www28.studyisland.com

There is enough information in this passage to show that the author believes that-

Recycling means taking something that has been used and turning it into something new. For example, white paper can be recycled into notebook paper. Notebook paper can later be recycled into newspaper.

Recycling keeps trash from going to a landfill. A landfill is an area of land in which a city puts its garbage. If we did not recycle, landfills would fill up quickly. Then we would have to find more spaces for landfills. That is not easy to do. Nobody wants to live next to a landfill. People think that landfills stink.

You can recycle paper at your own house. The paper will not look perfect, and it is messy, but it can be done. Plastic recycling has to be done in a factory. Special machines are needed to melt the plastic.

Author perspective-

• A. it is easy to make landfills.• B. recycling is harmful to people.• C. everyone should recycle.• D. recycling is not important.

C

According to the selection, which statement is true?

The Haynes family cleaned their house from top to bottom. They set the table with their best dishes. Mrs. Haynes gathered some flowers and put them in a vase. Everyone took a bath and put on their best clothes. Wonderful smells came from the kitchen. Everything in the house looked perfect. The family gathered in the living room. There was a knock on the door.

Inference and conclusion

• A. The family cleans their house every day.

• B. No one knows what to eat for dinner.

• C. Everyone is getting ready for bed.

• D. The family is expecting important guests.

D

Read to find out what the author really loves- I really wish that I were a cat. I’d love nothing more than

to trade in my freckle-covered skin and brown hair for a calico cat’s soft fur. My boring blue eyes would look much better as a beautiful mix of yellow and green. Instead of going to school, I could sleep and play with cat toys any time of day. Being a “fraidy cat” would be expected, so people wouldn’t bother me about being shy and scared all of the time. I’d also get plenty of attention because cats demand attention. Even when my mom is busy working at her computer, our black cat, Licorice, still gets lots of pets because Licorice won’t take "no" for an answer. However, food could be a problem for me. I once tried some of Licorice’s wet cat food, and it was gross. Begging for table scraps would work, though. Licorice does this, too. When I feel like being naughty, I might catch a mouse and let it go inside the house. Licorice has done this, and she never gets in trouble for being naughty! Mom says that punishing her won’t do any good because she won't understand why she is being punished. If I were a cat, I could curl up by my parents’ feet at night and we would sleep soundly. Yes, cats sure do have it made!

There is enough information to show that the author really loves-

• A. school.

• B. her parents.

• C. mice.

• D. her freckles.

B

Readers can tell that Connie most likely-

Lizette Bronson is a spoiled girl who treats people like dirt, especially me. Yesterday when I walked into the classroom, she loudly said, “Connie, did you find that dress in a dumpster? It is so ugly!”

My mom made that nice dress for me, so I immediately responded, “If you think it's so ugly, maybe you should borrow it. It would match your face.” After saying that, I felt bad. I shouldn’t have let Lizette's insults bring out the worst in me.

Author perspective

• A. agrees that the dress is really ugly.

• B. likes the dress that her mom made her.

• C. really wants to lend Lizette her dress.

• D. dug the dress out of a dumpster.

B

What is most likely true about Lacey's dream?

Two days ago, Lacey made a wish. Actually, she had a dream about making a wish, but that is not important. Now, Lacey's dream had come true.

On Monday, Lacey's parents told her she would be starting a new school across town. Lacey knew what that meant. Her family was moving. She had to leave her friends. She screamed and cried and slammed her bedroom door. She fell asleep, forgetting about dinner. That was when she had her dream.

On Tuesday, Lacey told Bindi the bad news. Bindi cried, too. Lacey wished she did not have to tell anyone. She thought about her dream. If only it would come true!

Now, on Wednesday, Lacey could not believe her ears. She laughed and told her parents about the dream. Lacey's dream changed everything!

Inference and conclusion

• A. Lacey dreamed that Bindi was moving, too.

• B. Lacey dreamed her family would not move.

• C. Lacey did not really have a dream at all.

• D. Lacey dreamed that her parents left her.

B

From the passage, the reader can tell that Nebraska-

Corn is the number one field crop in the United States. That means more farmers grow corn in their fields than any other food. Twelve states make up the “Corn Belt.” The Corn Belt is the part of the country where all the corn is grown. The states make a thick, belt-like shape across a U.S. map. More than half the corn is grown in Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, and Minnesota.

Many people like to eat corn on the cob, but they eat corn in other ways, too. Corn can be made into cereal, corn bread, corn syrup (sugar), popcorn, and corn chips. The green parts of the plant, or cornstalks, are fed to chickens and cows. Those animals make milk, eggs, and meat. Corn can also make the world a cleaner place.

Corn can be turned into fuel called ethanol. It does not make the air and water dirty like coal.

Inference and conclusion

• A. has dirty air and water.

• B. has a popcorn factory.

• C. needs more corn fields.

• D. is in the Corn Belt.

D

Which of these best expresses the author's point of view?

More than once, members of the Leeville City Council have come to the aid and defense of our small neighborhood. Their good judgment and strong support can be relied on in many situations. This is especially true when our city and its neighborhoods are threatened.

Come election time, I will be supporting all members up for re-election. I want to keep our helpful and open City Council team whole and ready to roll.

LEE SLOAN

Author perspective

• A. Leeville citizens have to self-govern their neighborhoods to keep them safe.

• B. The city council has not done a good job protecting the city's neighborhoods.

• C. The city council needs to get some new members and new ideas on board.

• D. Voters should vote to keep the same members on the city council.

D

What clue best tells the reader that this is an informational passage?

Arbor Day is the time for planting new trees in yards, parks, and communities. It is also a time to appreciate trees for their beauty and usefulness. National Arbor Day is on the last Friday in April. You can celebrate Arbor Day all year round by making an arm tree!

You need brown paint, green paint, green paper, sponges cut in the shape of leaves, and a big piece of white paper. You also need old clothes that can get messy. First, have someone help you paint one of your arms brown from your elbow to your fingertips. Then, set your hand firmly on the white paper. Hold it there for about a minute. Take your arm off and wash off the paint. Next, take the green paint and sponges to make leaves. You can also use the green paper to make leaves and even grass to go under your tree. Let all of the paint dry for a few hours. Finally, enjoy your arm tree!

Adapted from: http://childfun.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=24

Author’s purpose

• A. The author thinks an arm tree is a good craft.

• B. The second paragraph is organized by steps.

• C. The passage is about celebrating a holiday.

• D. The author suggests using paper for grass.

D

Why did the author most likely write this passage?

• A. to persuade the reader to not celebrate Arbor Day

• B. to share a story about a tree with the reader

• C. to explain to the reader how Arbor Day started

• D. to teach the reader how to make an arm tree

D

What is the main purpose of this writing?I started running in 1985. Soon after I started, I knew I

wanted to improve my running. I wanted to learn more about running from experts. I wanted to meet others who also loved to run. I had heard about "running camps" and decided to go to one that same year.

Soon after going to that first camp, I entered and won my very first race. It was only a 5 mile race. I did not expect to even place in the top ten. I didn't expect a prize at all! But when I crossed the finish line, I realized that no one else was ahead of me. I had won! I was so surprised and so happy!

My parents and sister and brother crowded around me at the finish line. We all jumped up and down. None of us could believe what had happened!

This year will mark twenty years of running and of running camp for me. Though I don't run races anymore, I still go to running camp each year. And each year, when I leave the camp, I feel excited all over again about this sport I love so much.

Author’s purpose

• A. to persuade the reader

• B. to share a poem with the reader

• C. to share a story with the reader

• D. to teach the reader

C

What is one clue that lets you know the writer is just telling a story?

• A. He or she is teaching the reader about running.

• B. He or she is trying to convince you to start running.

• C. He or she is sharing personal memories.

• D. He or she includes words in the paragraphs rhyme. C

What is the main purpose of this text?

You Should Not Go to the Circus!

Circus animals are treated very badly. They have to do scary tricks. The tricks can even be painful. The trainers often hit the animals.

Circus animals move from city to city. They are moved in trucks. These trucks are often too cold or too hot. These trucks are usually very dirty, too. The animals are chained up for many hours.

At the circus, kids watch wild animals do scary tricks. This does not teach children to love animals. Instead, children learn that it is okay to treat animals badly. We must make sure that this does not continue.

adapted from http://www.api4animals.org/188.htm

Author’s purpose

• A. to give us facts about the circus• B. to convince us not to go to the circus• C. to describe life as a circus trainer• D. to share a story about the circus

B

What clues tell you that this writing is persuasive?

• A. words like "should" and "must"

• B. The trucks are hot and dirty.

• C. words like "scary" and "painful"

• D. Animals have to move from city to city.

A

Passage 1 Corn was discovered about 7,000 years ago. Corn looks different today than it did about 7,000 years ago. Native Americans made corn into the way it looks now. The Native Americans planted kernels of corn into the ground and harvested the corn. Sometimes, they would grind it up into corn meal. Any leftover corn would be stored underground. When Christopher Columbus landed in the West Indies, the Native Americans gave him corn to take back to Spain. The popularity of this food spread throughout Europe. Years later, Native Americans introduced corn to the settlers in America. They showed them how to use corn to make bread, soup, cakes, and pudding. Corn helped many settlers get through the cold winters.Passage 2 Corn is used in many products today. Many soft drinks are sweetened with corn syrup. Corn oil is found in the ink used for printing books. Things like glue, shoe polish, and ice cream have corn in them. Corn is also used to make ethanol. Ethanol is used to power cars. Did you know corn is good for you? It has vitamin C, which keeps you from getting sick. Scientists are trying to find ways to make corn even healthier.

In what way are the two passages different?

Compare and contrast textsA. Passage 1 is nonfiction and talks about people eating corn; passage 2 is fiction and talks about

planting corn.

B. Passage 1 contains only opinions about corn; passage 2 contains only facts about corn and its history.

C. Passage 1 would most likely be found in a story book; passage 2 would most likely be found in a book of poetry.

D. Passage 1 would most likely be found in a history book; passage 2 would most likely be found in a science book.

D

In what way are the two passages the same?

• A. They are both about the history of corn.

• B. They both can be found in science books.

• C. They both contain facts about corn.

• D. They are both about Native Americans.

C

Based on the passage, the reader can tell that exercise usually-

Exercise helps your muscles, your heart, and your lungs. Everyone should exercise every day, but be careful in the summer. The hot weather can give you a sunburn. Sunburns are not good for the skin. People who get too many sunburns can ruin their skin. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water. The hot weather can make you dehydrated. That means your body loses its natural liquids. Remember to drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Don’t wait for your body to feel bad before you drink water. During the summer, try to find indoor places to exercise. Many communities have gyms that kids can go to. If you want to exercise outside, go out in the early morning or early evening when it is cooler. Take care of your body when the weather is hot.

Inference and conclusion

• A. is more fun in the summer.

• B. helps someone get a sunburn.

• C. improves someone's health.

• D. must be done at a gym.

C

According to the selection, which statement is true?

• A. Kids should exercise outside.

• B. Hot summers can be dangerous.

• C. Sunburns look and feel good.

• D. Water tastes better in the summer.

B

Which sentence shows that people may not realize when their bodies need more

water?• A. "Exercise helps your muscles, your

heart, and your lungs."

• B. "Remember to drink water even if you don't feel thirsty."

• C. "During the summer, try to find indoor places to exercise."

• D. "People who get too many sunburns can even get cancer."

B

How are both boys similar (compare)?

1. Junior looked at his watch. He was late for school again! He threw his leg over his bicycle and furiously rode down the street, vowing never again to stay up late at night. He thought to himself, "I'm always late! I really hate being late to school!"

2. Calvin looked over at his alarm clock. It read 7:05. Rubbing his eyes, he hurried over to his dresser to grab his clothes. As he put on his shirt, he thought to himself, "It's a good thing I always get to school early! I hate being late to school!"

Compare and contast

• A. Both boys are already late.

• B. Both boys do not like being late to school.

• C. Junior likes to show up late; Calvin likes to show up early.

• D. Both boys take the bus to school.

B

How are both boys different (contrast)?

• A. Junior is late for school; Calvin is late for piano practice.

• B. Both boys are late for school.

• C. Junior has already been late to school; Calvin, on the other hand, is always early.

• D. Calvin rides his bike to school; Junior takes the bus.

C

Hippos

Many people think hippos are cute. People line up to watch the hippos play in the water at the zoo. However, hippos are tough when it comes to protecting their homes and their babies. Hippos are not afraid of humans. If a person gets too close to a hippo’s home, he or she may getan up-close view of the hippo’s enormous mouth. Hippos have large teeth. When they fight, they slash their enemies with those long teeth. Hippos will fight until somebody dies. Hippos live in the water and eat water plants. If they ever feel threatened on the land, they will runto the water. Don’t ever block a hippo from getting into its favorite water home. You will quickly become the hippo’s new enemy. A wild hippo can weigh up to 5,800 pounds. The only animals that are bigger than hippos are elephants and rhinos. Because of their great size, hippos do not have many natural enemies. Hunters are the only real threat to hippos, but even hunters don’t always win. Hippos can run as fastas humans. If the hunter misses a shot, he may get run over by an angry, three-ton hippo.

What is the most important job of a hippo's teeth?

• A. finding the nearest water

• B. hurting enemies in fights

• C. eating hard water plants

• D. feeding the babies

B

What does the mother do that suggests she cares about the girls?

It was only 3:00 in the afternoon, but the sky was dark. Ramey and Angelica raced from the school bus to Ramey's house. They reached the porch and pounded on the door. Angelica was shivering. Both kids were soaking wet after only a minute outside. Ramey's mother answered the door with towels and helped them both get dry. Then, she made Ramey and Angelica some soup and put on a movie. Ramey and Angelica relaxed and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon. They watched the movie and played some board games. They were glad to be inside!

Inference and conclusion

• A. She answers the knock at the front door.

• B. She picks the girls up from school.

• C. She walks home in the heavy rain.

• D. She helps the girls get dry and relax.

D

What kind of weather is in the story?

• A. It is windy outside.

• B. There is a bad rainstorm.

• C. The sprinklers are on.

• D. It is a nice summer day.

B

Eric looked in the hallway for classroom number 25. When he found the room, he saw a large panda bear poster covering the door. He walked in and saw his teacher standing just inside the door. “My name is Mrs. Joyner,” she said. “Welcome to my classroom.” She gave Eric a panda bear pencil and sticker. Eric went to talk to a group of boys that were in his class last year. Then, he noticed a boy standing alone and looking at the noisy room with wide eyes. Eric had never seen him before, so he went up to introduce himself. The boy’s name was Jason, and he had moved all the way across the country over the summer. “Do you want to sit with me and my friends?” Eric asked. Jason nodded and followed Eric back to the group of boys. When the bell rang, Mrs. Joyner started class. After explaining the classroom rules, she started the first lesson. Eric got out one of his textbooks and started reading about George Washington, the first president of the United States. Eric thought the article was not long enough. He wanted to know more about Washington’s life.

What event from the story shows that Eric is a friendly boy?

Inference and conclusion

• A. He asks Jason to sit with him.

• B. He reads about Washington.

• C. He gets a new pencil and sticker.

• D. He looks for his classroom.

A

Which sentence from the selection shows that Eric likes to learn?

• A. "She gave Eric a panda bear pencil and sticker."

• B. "Eric went to talk to a group of boys that were in his class last year."

• C. "He wanted to know more about Washington's life."

• D. "Eric looked in the hallway for classroom number 25." C