IREAD-3 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which sentence uses context clues to help define the underlined word? 'The parched, or extremely thirsty, hikers drank all their water.'

'Parched' means extremely thirsty, as explained in the sentence (Correct answer)
The hikers were tired
The hikers were lost
The hikers drank water

Correct answer: 'Parched' means extremely thirsty, as explained in the sentence

The phrase 'or extremely thirsty' directly defines 'parched,' making it a context clue in the form of an appositive.

Question 2: When is the IREAD-3 assessment typically administered?

At the beginning of the school year in August
At the end of the school year in May
During the summer months
During the spring, usually in March (Correct answer)

Correct answer: During the spring, usually in March

The IREAD-3 assessment is typically administered in the spring of the third-grade school year, usually in March. This timing allows students to have received most of their third-grade reading instruction before being assessed. It also provides enough time for intervention and retesting opportunities before the end of the academic year.

Question 3: What is a STATIC character?

A character who tells the story
A character who changes greatly during the story
A character who does not change throughout the story (Correct answer)
A character who causes the main conflict

Correct answer: A character who does not change throughout the story

A static character remains the same from the beginning to the end of the story.

Question 4: A nonfiction article has a heading that reads 'How Seeds Travel.' The BEST main idea for this section would be —

Flowers produce seeds inside their petals.
Seeds can spread through wind, water, and animals. (Correct answer)
Farmers plant seeds every spring.
Seeds need water and sunlight to sprout.

Correct answer: Seeds can spread through wind, water, and animals.

The heading 'How Seeds Travel' signals that the main idea is about the methods seeds use to move from place to place.

Question 5: A student visualizes a beach scene while reading a description. How does this strategy help comprehension?

It identifies the author's purpose
It speeds up word recognition
It creates a mental image that aids understanding and memory (Correct answer)
It helps spell difficult words

Correct answer: It creates a mental image that aids understanding and memory

Visualizing creates mental images from text details, which deepens understanding and makes content more memorable.

Question 6: Which passage structure makes supporting details HARDEST to identify?

A passage where the main idea is implied but never stated. (Correct answer)
A passage with bold headings for each section.
Paragraphs with clear topic sentences.
A bulleted list with each point labeled.

Correct answer: A passage where the main idea is implied but never stated.

When the main idea is implied rather than stated, readers must infer it, making it harder to know which details support it.

Question 7: What type of skills does the IREAD-3 test primarily assess?

Creative writing and storytelling
Advanced grammar and syntax
Mathematical problem-solving
Foundational reading skills like phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Foundational reading skills like phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension

The IREAD-3 test specifically assesses a range of foundational reading skills critical for third graders. These include phonics (decoding words), vocabulary (understanding word meanings), and reading comprehension (understanding the meaning of text). These skills are fundamental for academic success across all subjects.

Question 8: Which detail does NOT belong in a paragraph with the main idea 'Exercise helps keep your body healthy'?

Stretching keeps your muscles flexible.
Running strengthens your heart and lungs.
Some people prefer to exercise in the morning. (Correct answer)
Exercise can help you sleep better at night.

Correct answer: Some people prefer to exercise in the morning.

When people prefer to exercise is a preference, not a detail about health benefits, so it does not support the main idea.

Question 9: Which detail from a nonfiction passage about dolphins BEST supports the main idea that dolphins are intelligent animals?

Dolphins swim in groups called pods.
Dolphins live in the ocean.
Dolphins breathe air through a blowhole.
Dolphins can learn tricks and solve puzzles. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Dolphins can learn tricks and solve puzzles.

Learning tricks and solving puzzles directly supports the idea that dolphins are intelligent.

Question 10: A passage reads: 'During the drought, crops failed across the state. As a result, food prices rose sharply.' The BEST title for this passage would be —

How Droughts Affect Food Prices (Correct answer)
Types of Droughts in the US
Steps Farmers Take During Dry Weather
How Droughts and Floods Are Different

Correct answer: How Droughts Affect Food Prices

The passage shows that a drought caused crop failure which caused food prices to rise, so a cause and effect title fits best.

Question 11: Read this sentence: 'Maria trudged through the deep snow, her boots sinking with every step.' What does the word 'trudged' most likely mean?

Skipped happily
Walked slowly and with effort (Correct answer)
Stopped and waited
Ran as fast as she could

Correct answer: Walked slowly and with effort

'Trudged' means to walk slowly and with great effort, which matches walking through deep snow.

Question 12: Read: 'Ancient Egyptians built massive pyramids. Thousands of workers moved giant stone blocks. Engineers planned every detail carefully. The pyramids still stand today, thousands of years later.' The detail that BEST supports the main idea that pyramid building required great effort is —

Egypt is located in Africa near the Nile River.
Ancient Egyptians lived thousands of years ago.
Thousands of workers moved giant stone blocks. (Correct answer)
The pyramids still stand today.

Correct answer: Thousands of workers moved giant stone blocks.

Thousands of workers moving huge stones gives a concrete picture of the massive effort required.

Question 13: Read the story below. Leo found a small blue wallet on the playground. He looked inside and saw five dollars. He thought about the candy he could buy. Then, he thought about how sad the person who lost it must be. Leo took the wallet to his teacher, Mrs. Davis, and gave it to her. Which word best describes Leo?

Funny
Shy
Honest (Correct answer)
Angry

Correct answer: Honest

The correct answer is 'Honest'. Leo chose to do the right thing by returning the wallet he found, even though he was tempted to keep the money. This action shows he is truthful and does not steal.

Question 14: A story's narrator says: 'I felt my heart beat faster as I stepped onto the stage.' What point of view is the story told from?

Second person
First person (Correct answer)
Third person limited
Third person omniscient

Correct answer: First person

First-person point of view uses 'I' and tells the story from inside one character's experience.

Question 15: Which story element describes the series of events that happen from beginning to end?

Theme
Plot (Correct answer)
Mood
Setting

Correct answer: Plot

The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story's action.

Question 16: A nonfiction article has a bold word 'photosynthesis' in the text. Where would a reader look to find a definition of that word?

Glossary (Correct answer)
Title page
Table of contents
Index

Correct answer: Glossary

A glossary provides definitions of important vocabulary words used in the text.

Question 17: A student writes a summary of a nonfiction passage and includes only details, leaving out the main idea. The summary will most likely —

give readers the most important information about the topic.
be easier to understand without the main idea stated.
confuse readers because they won't know what point the details prove. (Correct answer)
be longer and more helpful than a summary with a main idea.

Correct answer: confuse readers because they won't know what point the details prove.

Without the main idea, a list of details has no clear point, leaving readers unsure what the passage was trying to communicate.

Question 18: A passage about penguins explains: 'Unlike most birds, penguins cannot fly. However, they are excellent swimmers.' What text structure is used?

Sequence
Problem and solution
Compare and contrast (Correct answer)
Cause and effect

Correct answer: Compare and contrast

'Unlike' and 'however' signal that the author is comparing penguins to other birds, which is compare and contrast structure.

Question 19: A passage says: 'Bees visit flowers to collect nectar. They carry pollen from flower to flower. This helps plants grow new seeds. Many crops depend on bees to survive.' What is the main idea?

Bees are important for helping plants reproduce. (Correct answer)
Crops need seeds to grow.
Flowers produce pollen.
Bees collect nectar from flowers.

Correct answer: Bees are important for helping plants reproduce.

The whole passage explains how bees help plants by moving pollen, making them essential to plant reproduction.

Question 20: When a character in a story learns an important lesson and changes their behavior, this is called:

Character development (Correct answer)
Rising action
Foreshadowing
Setting

Correct answer: Character development

Character development refers to the way a character grows or changes throughout a story.

Question 21: In a story, Ben's best friend moves away. Ben feels sad, but he decides to write letters and plan visits. What does Ben's response to the conflict reveal?

Ben causes most of the problems in the story.
Ben is resourceful and does not let problems stop him. (Correct answer)
Ben does not care about his friend.
Ben gives up easily.

Correct answer: Ben is resourceful and does not let problems stop him.

Finding positive ways to stay connected shows Ben is resourceful and resilient.

Question 22: A nonfiction text about the American Revolution includes a timeline showing key events from 1770 to 1783. What is the PURPOSE of the timeline?

To show the order in which events happened over time (Correct answer)
To replace the main text
To compare the American and French Revolutions
To list important people alphabetically

Correct answer: To show the order in which events happened over time

Timelines are text features that show the sequence of events in chronological order, helping readers understand when things happened.

Question 23: Which clue from a story BEST supports the inference that a character is hiding a secret?

She smiled and nodded as her friend spoke.
She talked loudly about everything she had done that day.
She looked away quickly and changed the subject whenever it came up. (Correct answer)
She immediately agreed to answer every question.

Correct answer: She looked away quickly and changed the subject whenever it came up.

Looking away and changing the subject are behaviors associated with trying to hide or avoid something.

Question 24: A student reads: 'After years of practicing piano, Ana finally played her piece perfectly at the recital.' Which plot element does this sentence MOST LIKELY represent?

rising action
conflict
exposition
resolution (Correct answer)

Correct answer: resolution

Ana achieving her goal after years of practice shows the conflict has been resolved.

Question 25: Which question would help a reader identify the MAIN IDEA of an informational passage?

What is this passage mostly about? (Correct answer)
What is one detail the author includes?
How many paragraphs are in this passage?
Who wrote this passage?

Correct answer: What is this passage mostly about?

Asking 'What is this passage mostly about?' helps a reader find the central or main idea that all the details support.

Question 26: Read the passage. At the beginning of the story, Tim was nervous about speaking in front of the class. His hands felt sweaty and his voice was quiet. But when he started sharing his report about dinosaurs, he saw his friends smiling. He took a deep breath and spoke louder. By the end, he was proud of himself. How did Tim change from the beginning of the story to the end?

He went from feeling nervous to feeling proud. (Correct answer)
He decided he didn't like dinosaurs.
He became more angry.
He wanted to sit down right away.

Correct answer: He went from feeling nervous to feeling proud.

The story shows a clear change in Tim's feelings. It starts by describing him as 'nervous' and ends by stating he was 'proud of himself.' This demonstrates character development.

Question 27: An author ends a story with, 'And they all lived happily ever after.' This ending is a clue that the author's purpose was to —

entertain readers with a fairy tale (Correct answer)
persuade readers to be kind
explain how to solve a problem
inform readers about a historical event

Correct answer: entertain readers with a fairy tale

'Happily ever after' is a classic fairy tale ending, signaling that the purpose was to entertain.

Question 28: Which word is spelled correctly using the 'drop the e before adding -ing' rule?

makking
makeing
maaking
making (Correct answer)

Correct answer: making

When adding '-ing' to a word ending in silent 'e,' drop the 'e' first: 'make' becomes 'making.'

Question 29: A story's narrator says, 'Carlos never gave up, no matter how many times he fell.' What does this tell the reader about Carlos?

Carlos is determined. (Correct answer)
Carlos is clumsy.
Carlos is afraid of failing.
Carlos does not listen to others.

Correct answer: Carlos is determined.

Not giving up no matter what shows determination and persistence.

Question 30: Which of the following scenarios represents an unintended negative consequence that policymakers should monitor regarding IREAD-3?

Teachers receiving too much professional development in reading instruction
Parents becoming too involved in their children's reading development
Schools providing too many reading resources to struggling students
Schools narrowing their curriculum to focus exclusively on IREAD-3 test preparation at the expense of other learning (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Schools narrowing their curriculum to focus exclusively on IREAD-3 test preparation at the expense of other learning

A known risk of high-stakes testing is curriculum narrowing, where schools reduce time on non-tested subjects to focus on the tested skill.

Question 31: After reading a nonfiction passage, a student makes a chart with two columns: 'Cause' and 'Effect.' What text structure did the passage MOST likely use?

Description
Cause and effect (Correct answer)
Sequence
Compare and contrast

Correct answer: Cause and effect

A cause-and-effect chart is the matching graphic organizer for cause and effect text structure.

Question 32: Which sentence from a story is an example of INDIRECT characterization?

Maria was a very kind girl.
Jake was known for being funny.
Tom was the tallest boy in class.
Without saying a word, Priya handed her lunch to the hungry stray cat. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Without saying a word, Priya handed her lunch to the hungry stray cat.

Indirect characterization shows personality through actions rather than telling the reader directly.

Question 33: In a fable, the fox tries many times to reach grapes but fails and finally walks away saying the grapes were probably sour anyway. What does this tell the reader about the fox?

The fox truly believed the grapes were sour.
The fox makes excuses to avoid admitting defeat. (Correct answer)
The fox is honest about his failure.
The fox is generous and kind.

Correct answer: The fox makes excuses to avoid admitting defeat.

Blaming the grapes rather than admitting failure shows the fox is making excuses.

Question 34: A student reads a recipe for making a fruit salad. What is the author's purpose for writing the recipe?

To persuade readers that fruit is better than vegetables
To inform readers how to make a fruit salad (Correct answer)
To describe the author's favorite fruit
To entertain readers with a cooking adventure story

Correct answer: To inform readers how to make a fruit salad

A recipe gives instructions to help readers complete a task, which is an informational purpose.

Question 35: A passage about recycling says: 'Too much trash is filling up landfills. One way to help is to recycle paper, glass, and plastic.' What structure is this?

Sequence
Problem and solution (Correct answer)
Compare and contrast
Description

Correct answer: Problem and solution

The passage identifies a problem (full landfills) and offers a solution (recycling), which is problem and solution structure.

Question 36: A story told by a character using the words 'I,' 'me,' and 'my' is written in:

Second-person point of view
First-person point of view (Correct answer)
Third-person point of view
Omniscient point of view

Correct answer: First-person point of view

First-person point of view uses 'I' and 'me,' meaning the narrator is a character in the story.

Question 37: Which signal word indicates a CAUSE AND EFFECT relationship?

First
However
Because (Correct answer)
For example

Correct answer: Because

'Because' signals a cause-and-effect relationship by explaining why something happened.

Question 38: A text about the IREAD-3 test explains what topics are covered and how students can prepare. What is the author's purpose?

To persuade students that the test is too hard
To entertain students with test-day stories
To describe what the test room looks like
To inform students about the IREAD-3 test and preparation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To inform students about the IREAD-3 test and preparation

Explaining test topics and preparation strategies is the purpose of informational writing for students.

Question 39: A passage describes the giant panda. It details its black and white fur, its diet of bamboo, and its habitat in the mountains of China. The author's main purpose is to give the reader facts and information about this animal. What is the text structure?

Cause and Effect
Problem and Solution
Sequence
Description (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Description

The text is organized by description. It provides various characteristics and facts about a specific topic, the giant panda, to help the reader create a mental picture.

Question 40: At the end of a story, a character realizes that being honest is more important than being popular. Where does this lesson MOST LIKELY appear?

In the story's setting
In the story's opening description
In the story's rising action
In the resolution and theme (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In the resolution and theme

The resolution reveals the outcome of the conflict, and the theme conveys the story's overall lesson.

Question 41: An author writes several paragraphs describing the size, color, habitat, and diet of a bald eagle. What text structure is MOST likely being used?

Description (Correct answer)
Problem and solution
Sequence
Cause and effect

Correct answer: Description

Listing features and characteristics of one topic is description text structure.

Question 42: A story introduces a boy named Leo in chapter one. He appears only to deliver a message to the main character and is never mentioned again. Leo is BEST described as a:

minor character (Correct answer)
antagonist
dynamic character
protagonist

Correct answer: minor character

A minor character plays a small, limited role in the story.

Question 43: Why is it helpful to identify the text structure of a nonfiction passage before reading?

It helps you predict how information will be organized (Correct answer)
It tells you who wrote the passage
It tells you whether the passage is fiction or nonfiction
It shows you what pictures to look for

Correct answer: It helps you predict how information will be organized

Knowing the text structure helps readers predict how ideas will be arranged, making the passage easier to understand.

Question 44: Read the story below. Ana wanted to bake cookies, but she saw the flour jar was empty. She remembered her neighbor, Mr. Henderson, loved to bake. Ana went next door and asked if she could borrow a cup of flour. Mr. Henderson smiled and gave her the flour, and later Ana brought him a plate of warm cookies to say thank you. How was the problem in the story solved?

Mr. Henderson baked the cookies for Ana.
Ana decided not to make cookies.
Ana went to the store to buy more flour.
Ana asked her neighbor for flour and then thanked him. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ana asked her neighbor for flour and then thanked him.

The solution is how the main problem is fixed. Ana's problem was that she had no flour. She solved it by asking her neighbor to borrow some.

Question 45: What does research suggest about the relationship between third-grade reading level and fourth-grade academic performance?

There is no measurable relationship between the two
Students who struggle in third grade always catch up by fourth grade without intervention
Students who read proficiently by third grade are better positioned for success in content-area reading in fourth grade (Correct answer)
Fourth-grade performance depends entirely on fourth-grade teachers, not prior reading ability

Correct answer: Students who read proficiently by third grade are better positioned for success in content-area reading in fourth grade

Proficient third-grade reading skills are foundational for the shift to reading-to-learn in fourth grade, where content-area texts become more complex.

Question 46: In a nonfiction text, a supporting detail usually —

gives specific information that explains the main idea. (Correct answer)
summarizes the entire passage.
states the author's opinion about the topic.
introduces a completely new topic.

Correct answer: gives specific information that explains the main idea.

Supporting details provide specific facts or examples that explain and back up the main idea.

Question 47: The word 'bat' can mean a flying mammal or a piece of equipment used in baseball. What is the relationship between these two meanings?

They are antonyms.
They are synonyms.
They are homographs. (Correct answer)
They are rhymes.

Correct answer: They are homographs.

Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings. The word 'bat' is a classic example of a homograph.

Question 48: In a story, events that build up to the climax are called:

Rising action (Correct answer)
Resolution
Falling action
Exposition

Correct answer: Rising action

Rising action includes all the events that build tension and lead up to the climax.

Question 49: A passage says, 'First, the caterpillar hatches from an egg. Next, it grows into a caterpillar. Then, it forms a chrysalis. Finally, it becomes a butterfly.' What text structure is this?

Problem and solution
Description
Sequence (Correct answer)
Compare and contrast

Correct answer: Sequence

The words first, next, then, and finally signal that events are listed in order, which is sequence structure.

Question 50: A character changes from being afraid of the water to becoming a confident swimmer by the end of the story. Which plot element helped bring about this change?

setting
the resolution only
conflict and rising action (Correct answer)
exposition

Correct answer: conflict and rising action

The challenges built through conflict and rising action push characters to grow and change.

Question 51: A school administrator is planning the IREAD-3 schedule. The spring administration window typically falls in which months?

Late February and March (Correct answer)
September and October
May and June
November and December

Correct answer: Late February and March

The IREAD-3 spring administration window is typically scheduled in late February and March each academic year.

Question 52: A school that consistently improves its IREAD-3 pass rate over three years would most likely see which secondary outcome?

Improved fourth-grade academic performance as more students enter with strong reading skills (Correct answer)
A state mandate to increase IREAD-3 difficulty the following year
Automatic recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School
A reduction in the number of students eligible for reading support services

Correct answer: Improved fourth-grade academic performance as more students enter with strong reading skills

Consistent IREAD-3 improvement signals stronger early literacy instruction, which typically leads to better academic outcomes in the grades that follow.

Question 53: The part of the story where the characters are introduced and the setting is described is called the...

Solution
Ending
Problem
Beginning (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Beginning

The beginning of a story, also known as the exposition, is where the author introduces the main characters and establishes the setting. This sets the stage for the events that will follow.

Question 54: Read this: 'Volcanoes erupt hot lava. The lava cools and forms new rock. Over time, this rock builds up to create new land.' Which detail is LEAST important to the main idea about how volcanoes create land?

Volcanoes erupt hot lava.
Lava cools and forms new rock.
Rock builds up to create new land.
Volcanoes can be found near the ocean. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Volcanoes can be found near the ocean.

The location near the ocean is not mentioned in the passage and does not support how volcanoes create land.

Question 55: Read the sentences. Jamal practiced kicking the soccer ball every single day after school. He wanted to be the best player on his team and help them win the championship. Why does Jamal practice soccer every day?

Because he does not like playing other games.
Because his friends make him practice.
To become a better player and help his team win. (Correct answer)
To avoid doing his homework.

Correct answer: To become a better player and help his team win.

The text explicitly states that Jamal's motivation is 'He wanted to be the best player on his team and help them win the championship.' This is the reason for his actions.

Question 56: What is one documented long-term outcome associated with early reading proficiency by the end of third grade?

Automatic college admission
Exemption from standardized testing in later grades
Guaranteed employment in reading-intensive careers
Higher likelihood of high school graduation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Higher likelihood of high school graduation

Research consistently shows that students who read proficiently by third grade are significantly more likely to graduate from high school.

Question 57: A student reads: 'Heavy rain caused the river to overflow. As a result, many roads were flooded.' What text structure is used?

Sequence
Compare and contrast
Description
Cause and effect (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cause and effect

'Caused' and 'as a result' are signal words showing that the rain led to flooding, which is cause and effect.

Question 58: Read the sentence: 'After the argument, the two friends decided to reconcile; they shook hands and promised to be friends again.' What does reconcile mean?

make up and restore friendship (Correct answer)
end a friendship forever
start a new argument
ignore each other

Correct answer: make up and restore friendship

Shaking hands and promising to be friends again shows reconcile means to make up after a conflict.

Question 59: A passage says: 'Unlike cats, dogs must be taken for walks every day.' What does the word 'unlike' signal?

Dogs and cats are both mentioned.
The author likes dogs more than cats.
The two animals are the same.
The two animals are being compared and contrasted. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The two animals are being compared and contrasted.

The word 'unlike' is a signal word that shows the author is pointing out differences between two things.

Question 60: The word 'unhappy' can be broken into 'un-' and 'happy.' What is 'un-' called?

Prefix (Correct answer)
Base word
Root word
Suffix

Correct answer: Prefix

'Un-' is a prefix — a word part added to the beginning of a base word that changes its meaning.

Question 61: Read the paragraph below. Giraffes are the tallest mammals on Earth. Their long legs and necks help them reach leaves high up in trees, which are their favorite food. A giraffe's coat has a unique pattern of spots, much like a human's fingerprint. These spots help them blend in with their surroundings to hide from predators. Even with their great height, giraffes can run very fast when they need to. What is the main idea of this paragraph?

Giraffes are tall mammals with special features. (Correct answer)
Giraffes can run very fast.
Giraffes like to eat leaves from tall trees.
Giraffes have unique spot patterns.

Correct answer: Giraffes are tall mammals with special features.

The correct answer is that giraffes are tall mammals with special features. The other sentences are supporting details that describe these features, such as their height for reaching food, their spot patterns for camouflage, and their speed. The main idea is the most general statement that all the other sentences support.

Question 62: A reader sees a Venn diagram in a nonfiction article. Which text structure does this graphic organizer BEST match?

Sequence
Compare and contrast (Correct answer)
Description
Problem and solution

Correct answer: Compare and contrast

A Venn diagram shows similarities and differences between two subjects, which matches compare and contrast structure.

Question 63: In a story, the SETTING includes which two things?

The problem and the solution
The time and place of the story (Correct answer)
The characters and their feelings
The beginning and the ending

Correct answer: The time and place of the story

The setting describes where and when a story takes place.

Question 64: Which group of students is specifically targeted by IREAD-3 retention policy?

Students who have been retained once previously in any grade
Third-grade students who do not demonstrate sufficient reading proficiency on IREAD-3 (Correct answer)
Students who score below grade level on any reading assessment
All students in grades K-3 who read below grade level

Correct answer: Third-grade students who do not demonstrate sufficient reading proficiency on IREAD-3

The IREAD-3 retention policy applies specifically to third-grade students who do not achieve a passing score on the IREAD-3 assessment.

Question 65: A student reads a long article and cannot find the main idea. The BEST strategy is to —

read only the middle paragraphs.
skip to the last word in the article.
circle every noun in the passage.
ask what most of the details have in common. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: ask what most of the details have in common.

Finding what the details share in common leads to identifying the central message of the passage.

Question 66: A passage ends with: 'By following these steps, you can stay safe during a thunderstorm.' What text structure was MOST likely used?

Compare and contrast
Sequence (Correct answer)
Cause and effect
Description

Correct answer: Sequence

The phrase 'following these steps' suggests the passage listed actions in order, which is sequence structure.

Question 67: Read the passage below. Leo the lion cub blinked in the bright light. The sun was hot on his fur, and the tall, yellow grass of the savanna stretched for miles. In the distance, a tall acacia tree offered the only shade. Which of the following describes the setting of the story?

Leo is feeling tired
A lion cub named Leo
Leo needs to find some shade
A hot, grassy savanna in Africa (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A hot, grassy savanna in Africa

The setting of a story is where and when it takes place. The passage describes a 'hot' and 'grassy savanna' with an 'acacia tree,' which are all details about the location.

Question 68: Which sentence uses a word that means the OPPOSITE of 'ancient'?

The old bridge needed repair.
He found an aged coin.
The ancient ruins were fascinating.
She wore a modern outfit. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She wore a modern outfit.

'Modern' means new or current, which is the opposite of 'ancient,' meaning very old.

Question 69: What does it mean when an author uses FORESHADOWING?

The author gives hints or clues about what might happen later (Correct answer)
The author reveals the theme of the story
The author describes the setting in great detail
The author tells the reader exactly what will happen next

Correct answer: The author gives hints or clues about what might happen later

Foreshadowing uses clues or hints early in the story to suggest events that will happen later.

Question 70: How many syllables are in the word 'celebration'?

3
5
4 (Correct answer)
2

Correct answer: 4

'Cel-e-bra-tion' has four syllables.

Question 71: The 'r-controlled vowel' in the word 'bird' makes which sound?

/ā/ as in 'pay'
/ō/ as in 'go'
/ûr/ as in 'her' (Correct answer)
/ĭ/ as in 'sit'

Correct answer: /ûr/ as in 'her'

In 'bird,' the vowel 'i' is controlled by the 'r,' producing the /ûr/ sound heard in words like 'her' and 'fur.'

Question 72: A fairy tale ends with 'and they all lived happily ever after.' This ending is an example of what type of text?

Informational text
Biography
Literary or fiction text (Correct answer)
News article

Correct answer: Literary or fiction text

Fairy tales are a type of literary or fiction text that tells an imaginary story, often with a happy ending.

Question 73: A nonfiction passage uses the words 'similarly' and 'both' several times. What text structure is MOST likely being used?

Problem and solution
Cause and effect
Compare and contrast (Correct answer)
Sequence

Correct answer: Compare and contrast

'Similarly' and 'both' are signal words for compare and contrast, showing how two things are alike.

Question 74: A nonfiction article opens with a question: 'Have you ever wondered why leaves change color in fall?' What is the purpose of this opening?

To give the conclusion of the article
To grab the reader's attention and introduce the topic (Correct answer)
To compare fall to other seasons
To define a key vocabulary word

Correct answer: To grab the reader's attention and introduce the topic

Opening with a question is a hook strategy that engages the reader and introduces the article's topic.

Question 75: A passage describes a boy watching the finishing line with wide eyes as a runner sprints toward it. The boy is biting his nails. What can you infer about the boy?

The boy is unhappy the race is happening.
The boy is calm and relaxed.
The boy has no interest in the race.
The boy is tense and anxious about the race. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The boy is tense and anxious about the race.

Wide eyes and nail-biting are signs of tension and anxiety, indicating the boy is nervously watching the race.

Question 76: A reader finishes a passage about recycling and wants to check the main idea. The BEST way is to —

reread the first and last sentences to find the central message. (Correct answer)
list every fact mentioned in the passage.
count how many times the word 'recycling' appears.
find the longest sentence in the passage.

Correct answer: reread the first and last sentences to find the central message.

The first and last sentences often contain the topic introduction and the concluding main idea statement.

Question 77: Which entity is primarily responsible for overseeing IREAD-3 administration across Indiana?

The U.S. Department of Education
The Indiana State Legislature directly
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) (Correct answer)
The local school principal

Correct answer: The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE)

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) oversees and manages the statewide administration of IREAD-3.

Question 78: A nonfiction article has the heading 'Effects of Air Pollution on Health.' What text structure does this heading MOST suggest?

Description
Cause and effect (Correct answer)
Compare and contrast
Sequence

Correct answer: Cause and effect

The word 'effects' in the heading signals that the article will explain what results from air pollution, pointing to cause and effect structure.

Question 79: A student finishes reading a story and asks, 'Why did the author write this story?' The student is thinking about the author's:

Purpose (Correct answer)
Character traits
Plot events
Setting

Correct answer: Purpose

Author's purpose refers to the reason an author writes a text — to entertain, inform, or persuade.

Question 80: Gloves are to hands as boots are to ___.

shoes
legs
feet (Correct answer)
socks

Correct answer: feet

Gloves are worn on hands, just as boots are worn on feet.

Question 81: In a poem, the poet writes: 'The stars are diamonds scattered across a velvet sky.' What literary device is the poet using?

Rhyme
Metaphor (Correct answer)
Alliteration
Repetition

Correct answer: Metaphor

Calling stars 'diamonds' is a metaphor because it compares two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as.'

Question 82: After reading a passage about clean energy, a student says the main idea is 'Solar power is one type of clean energy.' The teacher says this is too narrow. This means the student —

read the wrong passage about energy.
chose an idea that is too broad for the passage.
identified a supporting detail instead of the main idea. (Correct answer)
found the main idea of the whole passage.

Correct answer: identified a supporting detail instead of the main idea.

A statement about only solar power captures one detail, not the broader main idea about clean energy overall.

Question 83: Which detail would MOST LIKELY appear in a description text structure passage about rainforests?

Scientists are working to save rainforests from destruction
Rainforests receive more than 80 inches of rain each year (Correct answer)
Rainforests appeared before grasslands on Earth
Cutting down rainforests causes animals to lose their homes

Correct answer: Rainforests receive more than 80 inches of rain each year

Stating that rainforests receive 80 inches of rain is a descriptive detail about what rainforests are like.

Question 84: What specific skill is the focus of IREAD-3?

Solving algebraic equations
Learning scientific concepts
Developing reading proficiency (Correct answer)
Writing persuasive essays

Correct answer: Developing reading proficiency

IREAD-3 is explicitly designed to assess a third-grader's mastery of foundational reading skills. This includes decoding words, understanding vocabulary, reading fluently, and comprehending text. The assessment focuses solely on reading to ensure students have the necessary literacy skills to progress in their education.

Question 85: Which event is MOST LIKELY part of a story's exposition?

The lost dog finally finds its way home.
A young boy moves to a new town and meets his neighbors for the first time. (Correct answer)
The friends argue about who should lead the team.
The hero defeats the dragon.

Correct answer: A young boy moves to a new town and meets his neighbors for the first time.

The exposition introduces the characters, setting, and background at the beginning of the story.

Question 86: In an informational text about butterflies, the heading says 'How Butterflies Eat.' What information would most likely appear under this heading?

How butterflies use their tongues to drink nectar. (Correct answer)
Where butterflies lay their eggs.
How long butterflies live.
Why butterflies have colorful wings.

Correct answer: How butterflies use their tongues to drink nectar.

A heading tells the reader what topic will be explained in that section, so 'How Butterflies Eat' would describe the feeding process.

Question 87: What happens during the RISING ACTION of a story?

The story comes to a peaceful ending.
The main problem is solved.
Events build up tension and make the conflict worse. (Correct answer)
The characters and setting are introduced.

Correct answer: Events build up tension and make the conflict worse.

Rising action includes the events that build tension leading up to the climax.

Question 88: Which event would MOST LIKELY come right before the resolution in a story?

The main character is introduced.
The setting of the story is described.
The main character solves the problem.
The conflict grows to its most intense point. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The conflict grows to its most intense point.

The climax, where conflict reaches its peak, comes just before the resolution.

Question 89: In a folktale, the wolf pretends to be kind to trick the animals. What character trait does the wolf display?

generosity
courage
honesty
deceitfulness (Correct answer)

Correct answer: deceitfulness

Pretending to be kind in order to trick others shows that the wolf is deceitful.

Question 90: A passage about penguins says: 'Penguins cannot fly, but they are excellent swimmers. Their wings act like flippers in the water. They can dive deep to catch fish.' What detail supports the idea that penguins are well suited to water?

Penguins live in cold climates.
Penguin wings work like flippers in the water. (Correct answer)
Penguins eat fish for their diet.
Penguins cannot fly like other birds.

Correct answer: Penguin wings work like flippers in the water.

Wings acting like flippers directly shows a physical feature that makes penguins suited to swimming.

Question 91: Which of the following accommodations is permitted for eligible students during IREAD-3 administration?

Extended time, since the test is effectively untimed for all students (Correct answer)
Use of a dictionary to look up vocabulary words
Having someone read all text aloud to the student
Submitting answers verbally instead of in writing

Correct answer: Extended time, since the test is effectively untimed for all students

While IREAD-3 is untimed for all students, eligible students with documented needs (IEP/504) may receive additional approved accommodations such as extended time or other support.

Question 92: On the IREAD-3 assessment, questions that ask 'What can you conclude from this passage?' or 'What does the character most likely feel?' are testing a student's ability to ___.

count the paragraphs in the text
recall exact sentences from the text
make inferences and draw conclusions (Correct answer)
identify the author's name

Correct answer: make inferences and draw conclusions

Questions asking what can be concluded or what a character 'most likely' feels require students to go beyond stated facts and make inferences.

Question 93: According to the Indiana Academic Standards for grade 3, students should be able to identify how a nonfiction text is structured to show events in a specific order. What is this text structure called?

Compare and Contrast
Problem and Solution
Chronological Order (Correct answer)
Cause and Effect

Correct answer: Chronological Order

The Indiana Academic Standard 3.RN.3.2 specifies that students should be able to identify when a text puts events in chronological order, which is another term for sequence.

Question 94: Read the sentence: 'Jake's story was so implausible that no one believed it — dragons living in the school cafeteria just doesn't seem possible.' What does implausible mean?

well-written
hard to believe (Correct answer)
easy to believe
very exciting

Correct answer: hard to believe

The context says 'no one believed it' and 'doesn't seem possible,' showing implausible means hard to believe.

Question 95: After reading a passage titled 'Why Forests Matter,' a student writes: 'Forests give animals homes, clean our air, and prevent floods.' This statement is MOST LIKELY the —

main idea of the passage. (Correct answer)
a supporting detail about animals.
an example that does not belong.
the author's opinion about trees.

Correct answer: main idea of the passage.

The statement covers all the main points of the passage, making it the main idea, not a single detail.

Question 96: A health pamphlet explains the steps for brushing teeth correctly and includes pictures. What is the author's purpose?

To entertain readers with dental jokes
To persuade readers to visit the dentist more
To inform readers how to brush teeth properly (Correct answer)
To tell a story about a child who lost a tooth

Correct answer: To inform readers how to brush teeth properly

Step-by-step instructions with pictures in a pamphlet are used to teach readers how to do something correctly.

Question 97: In a story, the author describes a character who is always the first to help others and never asks for anything in return. What trait does this character show?

jealousy
selflessness (Correct answer)
impatience
selfishness

Correct answer: selflessness

Always helping others without expecting anything back is the trait of selflessness.

Question 98: Read the story below. Leo found a small puppy huddled under a bush in the park. It had no collar. Leo gently picked up the puppy and took it home. He gave it some water and then made posters that said, 'Found Puppy.' He put the posters up all around his neighborhood. The next day, a girl called and said the puppy was hers. She was very happy to get her pet back. Based on Leo's actions, which word best describes him?

Lazy
Shy
Angry
Responsible (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Responsible

Leo's actions, such as taking the lost puppy home, caring for it, and making posters to find its owner, demonstrate that he is a responsible person who does the right thing.

Question 99: Which of the following best describes the intended societal impact of Indiana's third-grade reading law?

To shift reading instruction responsibility from schools to families
To build a stronger workforce and citizenry by ensuring broad foundational literacy (Correct answer)
To reduce state education spending by identifying students who will not succeed
To increase competition between schools for higher IREAD-3 rankings

Correct answer: To build a stronger workforce and citizenry by ensuring broad foundational literacy

The broader goal of Indiana's third-grade reading law is to ensure all students develop the literacy skills necessary for lifelong learning, civic participation, and workforce readiness.

Question 100: A passage about the Moon says: 'The Moon has no air or water. Its surface is covered with craters. Temperatures on the Moon can be very hot or very cold.' This paragraph is MOSTLY about —

the distance between Earth and the Moon.
how craters are formed on rocky surfaces.
the harsh and extreme conditions on the Moon. (Correct answer)
why humans have not visited the Moon.

Correct answer: the harsh and extreme conditions on the Moon.

No air, no water, craters, and extreme temperatures all describe harsh conditions on the Moon's surface.

Question 101: A student reads a passage and notices that every sentence gives a fact about how spiders spin webs. The main idea is MOST LIKELY —

Spiders live in forests and fields.
All insects build nests.
Spiders are dangerous to humans.
Spiders spin webs in interesting ways. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Spiders spin webs in interesting ways.

When all details focus on web-spinning, the main idea must be about how spiders spin webs.

Question 102: Which signal words BEST indicate a cause and effect text structure?

Because, as a result, therefore (Correct answer)
For example, such as, including
First, second, then, finally
However, on the other hand, but

Correct answer: Because, as a result, therefore

Words like because, as a result, and therefore show that one event caused another, signaling cause and effect structure.

Question 103: Which text structure would BEST help a reader understand the steps for planting a garden?

Cause and effect
Sequence (Correct answer)
Compare and contrast
Description

Correct answer: Sequence

Planting a garden involves following steps in a specific order, so sequence text structure works best.

IREAD-3 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination Assessment

The IREAD-3 is Indiana's statewide summative reading assessment administered to Grade 3 students, measuring foundational reading skills including phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension of literary and informational texts. Students must pass to demonstrate reading proficiency.

103

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds