SBAC - Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium ELA Grade 5 Informational Text 1

Question 1

A student reads an article about the water cycle.
The article states that evaporation, condensation, and precipitation all work together to move water around Earth.
Which of the following best describes the main idea of this article?

Accepted Answer

The water cycle is a continuous process that moves water through Earth's systems.

Answer

Water is found in oceans, lakes, and rivers.

Answer

Rain falls from clouds when water droplets become heavy enough.

Answer

Evaporation happens faster on hot, sunny days.

Question 2

While reading a science article, a fifth grader encounters the word 'arid' in this sentence: 'The desert is an arid environment where very little rain falls each year.' What is the most likely meaning of 'arid'?

Accepted Answer

Very dry

Answer

Extremely cold

Answer

Highly polluted

Answer

Densely populated

Question 3

An author writes an article comparing wolves and dogs. She describes how wolves hunt in packs while dogs are domesticated pets, but notes that both have similar physical features and are closely related species. Which text structure is the author most likely using?

Accepted Answer

Compare and contrast

Answer

Cause and effect

Answer

Problem and solution

Answer

Chronological order

Question 4

A student reads an article about how deforestation leads to soil erosion, which then causes rivers to become muddy and harm fish populations. What text structure does this article most likely use?

Accepted Answer

Cause and effect

Answer

Compare and contrast

Answer

Description

Answer

Sequence

Question 5

A student wants to find the meaning of a technical term used in an informational text about the human body. Which text feature would be MOST helpful?

Accepted Answer

The glossary

Answer

The table of contents

Answer

The index

Answer

The bibliography

Question 6

An author writes: 'Many experts believe reducing plastic waste is the most important step we can take to protect ocean wildlife.' What should a careful reader do to evaluate this claim?

Accepted Answer

Look for specific evidence, data, or expert quotes that support the claim.

Answer

Accept the claim because the author included it in the article.

Answer

Skip the claim and focus only on facts with numbers.

Answer

Assume the claim is false because it uses the word 'believe.'