teacher guide & answers: spinning thunderstorms · pdf fileteacher guide & answers:...

Teacher Guide & Answers: Spinning Thunderstorms

© 2014 ReadWorks®, Inc. All rights reserved.

1

Teacher Guide & Answers Passage Reading Level: Lexile 900 1. What happened to the town of Greensburg in 2007?

A It was destroyed by a fire. B It was destroyed by a tornado. C It was destroyed by a hurricane. D It was destroyed by an earthquake.

2. What does this article explain?

A how scientists use radar to track storms B how the town of Greensburg was rebuilt C how the system of tornado watches and warnings developed D how cool, dry air moves from the Arctic to the middle of the United States

3. Read this sentence from the article: “Kansans are used to tornadoes.” What evidence in the article supports this statement?

A The tornado that destroyed Greensburg was a mile wide and had winds that were moving faster than 200 miles an hour.

B A tornado came through Greensburg and destroyed the town 20 minutes after tornado sirens went off.

C Kansans live in an area of the United States where a lot of tornadoes happen. D “Tornado Alley” has cool, dry air from the Arctic that mixes with warm, wet air from the Gulf of

Mexico. 4. What might be a reason why scientists track tornadoes?

A to encourage more people to use radar technology B to warn people against living in “Tornado Alley” C to lower the number of tornadoes that happen every year D to gather information that is used to warn people that a tornado is approaching

5. What is the main idea of this article?

A Tornadoes are dangerous spinning storms, but storm tracking and a system of watches and warnings can lessen their danger.

B “Tornado Alley” is an area in the middle of the United States where cool, dry air mixes with warm, wet air.

C The tornado that struck Greensburg threw cars and trucks through the air, pulled homes out of the ground, and killed 10 people.

D Radio waves give scientists information about approaching storms by traveling from a radar unit toward a storm and then returning to the radar unit.

Teacher Guide & Answers: Spinning Thunderstorms


2

6. Why might the author use headings such as “How do tornadoes form?” and “How do scientists predict dangerous storms?”

A to make readers think more deeply about the effects of tornadoes B to suggest that there is still a lot to be learned about tornadoes C to provide information about the pictures included with the article D to help organize the information in the article

7. Select the word that best completes the sentence. A tornado warning saved many lives in Greensburg ___________ the town itself was destroyed.

A after B although C because D for example

8. What is a tornado? Suggested answer: A tornado is a swirling, funnel-shaped column of wind. 9. Explain how radar could be used to track a tornado. Support your answer with evidence from the article. Suggested answer: Responses may vary in detail but should reflect the information found in the “How do scientists predict dangerous storms?” section of the article. Radar can be used to track a tornado by sending out a radio wave from a radar unit. The wave can travel toward the tornado, bounce off any precipitation around it, and then return to the radar unit. The amount of time taken by the wave to return tells scientists how far away the storm is. By continuing to send out radio waves, scientists can track the movement of a tornado. 10. Could using radar to track a tornado help save lives? Explain why or why not, using evidence from the article. Suggested answer: Responses may vary, but the information in the text implies that radar tracking is crucial to warning people of impending tornadoes. Because radar technology allows scientists to obtain information about the formation and path of tornadoes, that information can be shared with the public. When people know that conditions are right for a tornado to form or that a tornado has been seen, they can go somewhere safe, such as a basement or storm shelter. Such was the situation in Greensburg on the night in 2007 when the tornado hit. People were alerted to the tornado 20 minutes before it arrived. The alert system “saved many lives” because it gave people time to take shelter.

Teacher Guide & Answers: Building a Bridge


1

Teacher Guide & Answers

Passage Reading Level: Lexile 960 Passage Summary: “Building a Bridge” tells the story of two friends who are eager to play in the water on a warm summer day. The neighborhood park contains a river, but the girls find that the river is too shallow for swimming and is difficult to cross. Alex and Maria spot a fountain across the river, and, in order to get to it, they decide to build a bridge together. 1. What did Alex and Maria want to build?

A a pool B a car C a fountain D a bridge

2. What is the main challenge faced by the characters in this story?

A how to swim in a river so shallow that rocks are poking out of the water in some places B how to get from one side of the river to the other without using the walkway C how to find the distance from one side of the river to the other without measuring tools D how to make sure the log they use for their bridge is secure on both sides of the river

3. Which of the following sentences from the story provides evidence that Maria was deliberate and thoughtful in her actions?

A “Maria looked around the grassy riverbank and noticed a few logs and branches lying close to the water.”

B “Maria wondered if they could measure the distance from the riverbank they stood on to the other shore.”

C “She ran over to a thick tree branch that looked long enough to be placed across the river.” D “Alex and Maria were frustrated.”

4. Which sentence from the text supports the idea that Alex and Maria used teamwork to build the bridge?

A “Alex and Maria began to sweat as they walked, even though their house was only ten minutes away from the park’s entrance.”

B “Together, she and Alex hefted the branch onto their shoulders and walked it to the water.”

C “‘I know!’ Alex said. She began to gather thinner branches, like the ones they had tied together, which were pliable and easy to bend.”

D “‘Hooray!’ Maria said. ‘Now we know how long the log needs to be.’” 5. What is this passage mostly about?

A the importance of girl power and teamwork B two girls solving a problem together C the benefits of urgency when working toward goals D the difference between two girls’ plans to get across a river

Teacher Guide & Answers: Building a Bridge


2

6. Read this sentence: “Now Alex and Maria had to figure out how to make sure the log was secure on both sides of the bank before they walked across it to reach the other side of the river.” What is the meaning of the word secure in this sentence?

A secure (adjective): self-confident B secure (adjective): fastened, stable C secure (verb): to make safe or lock up D secure (verb): to obtain or get ahold of

7. The question below is an incomplete sentence. Choose the answer that best completes the sentence. The friends placed rocks on either side of the log to hold down the lighter branches; _________, the log was stable enough to walk on.

A before B as a result C especially D meanwhile

8. It was important to measure the distance across the river before putting the log in the water. Use evidence from the story to prove or disprove this statement. Suggested answers:

x It was important to measure the distance across the river. If the distance had not been measured, the log might have gotten stuck or swept away, as Alex realized.

x It was not important to measure the distance across the river. The log was exactly the right length, so the girls could have saved time by putting it in the water before doing anything else.

9. What are two ways Alex helps to solve the problem facing her and Maria? Suggested answer: Alex helps Maria carry the log to the river. She also comes up with an idea for making the log secure. 10. If Alex and Maria had not worked together to solve their problem, what might have happened? Use evidence from the text to support your answer. Suggested answer: Without Alex, Maria might not have secured the log, which could have come loose when she tried to cross it. Without Maria, Alex might not have measured the distance across the river, so she wouldn’t have known whether the log was the right length for a bridge. If the girls had not carried the log together, it might have been impossible for either of them to move it.

�� Ƭ��ǣ��ǡ��


�

1

Teacher Guide & Answers Passage Reading Level: Lexile 1010 1. Who is the mermaid of Kona, Hawaii?

A Hans Christian Anderson B Dana Richardson C a member of the United States National Ocean Service D Christopher Columbus

2. Dana Richardson’s love of the ocean is a cause. What is one of its effects?

A Manatees are common in the Caribbean. B The most famous mermaid story may be “The Little Mermaid.” C Dana Richardson swims like a mermaid. D Whales and sharks need each other to survive.

3. Real mermaids do not exist. What information from the passage supports this statement?

A Mermaid sightings have been reported for centuries. B “The Little Mermaid,” a famous story by Hans Christian Anderson, was adapted into a Disney

cartoon in 1989. C Dana Richardson began making mermaid tails from sequins, fringe, and shiny fabric in 2008. D The United States National Ocean Service stated in 2012 that no evidence of

mermaids has ever been found.

4. What is one reason that Dana Richardson loves the ocean?

A She thinks that watching how the world works in the circle of life underwater is a beautiful thing.

B Mermaids have appeared in folklore from all parts of the world. C Following your dream may seem outlandish. D Many people dream of mythological aquatic creatures with the body of a human and tail of a

fish.

5. What is this story mainly about?

A the reasons some people believe that mermaid sightings have actually been manatee sightings B the United States National Ocean Service C the geography of Kona, Hawaii D a woman who loves the ocean so much that she swims in it like a mermaid

�� Ƭ��ǣ��ǡ��


�

2

6. Read the following sentences: “Dana knows how to swim with sea life because she is a trained marine naturalist. She understands the behavior of sea life and knows how to safely interact with it. What does the word “marine” mean?

A having to do with the wind B having to do with the sea C not having much experience at something D not caring what other people think

7. Choose the answer that best completes the sentence below. Now Dana Richardson is a professional mermaid; ______, she worked as a lifeguard and underwater photographer.

A previously B currently C in closing D as an illustration

8. What is Dana Richardson’s advice about following your heart? Suggested answer: Answers may vary, but all should recognize that Dana Richardson recommends following your heart. She states that by doing so and “offering the world your unique gifts,” you will inspire others to follow their heart as well. 9. Has Dana Richardson followed her heart? Explain why or why not, using evidence from the passage. Suggested answer: Explanations may vary, but students should recognize that Dana Richardson has followed her heart. She has been drawn to the ocean since childhood and pursued her love of it as a lifeguard, underwater photographer, professional mermaid, and more. 10. Based on her own experience, why might Dana Richardson believe it is important to follow your heart? Support your answer with evidence from the passage. Suggested answer: Answers may vary. Students may note that Dana Richardson believes following your heart is important because she has done so herself and is happy with the results. She has loved the ocean since childhood, and by pursuing that love through such activities as free-diving like a mermaid, she has had wonderful undersea experiences.

Teacher Guide & Answers: The Ecosystem of the Forest �


�

1

Teacher Guide & Answers Passage Reading Level: Lexile 1000 1. What is an ecosystem?

A a living being, such as a human, that eats other living beings in order to survive B the process by which the body of a living thing is broken down by decomposers C one particular area where several kinds of organisms interact with each other D an organism that breathes in oxygen and then breathes out carbon dioxide

2. What does this passage explain?

A This passage explains what the difference between plants and fungi is. B This passage explains what an ecosystem is and how it works. C This passage explains how oxygen is used by the human body after it is breathed in. D This passage explains what happens when a decomposer dies in the forest.

3. In an ecosystem, different organisms interact with each other. What evidence from the passage supports this statement?

A Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide in a process called photosynthesis. B Forest ecosystems cover about a quarter, or one-fourth, of the total land surface in the world. C Producers are living things that can make their own energy out of non-living resources. D A deer decomposing in the soil provides food for bacteria and nutrients for plants to

grow.

4. Based on the information in the passage, what do all ecosystems have in common?

A All ecosystems are home to living beings that interact with each other. B All ecosystems are home to trees, deer, humans, rodents, wolves, hawks, and bacteria. C All ecosystems have an equal number of consumers, decomposers, and producers. D All ecosystems have a few consumers that do not interact with decomposers and producers.

5. What is this passage mainly about?

A the differences between oxygen and carbon dioxide B different kinds of consumers and the reasons they are “at the top of the food chain” C different organisms in a forest ecosystem and how they interact D what happens when the ecology of a forest is thrown off-balance

Teacher Guide & Answers: The Ecosystem of the Forest �


�

2

6. Read the following sentence: “Consumers are the living beings who need to eat other organisms to survive.” What does the word “organisms” mean?

A environments B waste matter C categories D living things

7. Choose the answer that best completes the sentence below. Every organism in the forest can be put in one of three categories, _______ producer, decomposer, or consumer.

A namely B although C as a result D earlier

8. What is a decomposer? Suggested answer: A decomposer is a living thing that gets its nutrients from other organisms or the waste matter of other organisms. 9. How do decomposers interact with their ecosystem? Be sure to name one example of them taking from the ecosystem and one example of them giving to the ecosystem. Suggested answer: Decomposers eat dead animals, like bacteria feeding on a deer. They also support plant life by breaking down animals, which makes the soil rich in nutrients. 10. The author writes that each part of the ecosystem is as important as another. Based on the information in the passage, do you agree or disagree? Explain your reasons for agreeing or disagreeing using evidence from the passage. Suggested answer: Students may agree or disagree, provided that they support their answers with evidence from the passage. Those agreeing may point out that organisms in an ecosystem are dependent on one another. Plants need bacteria to enrich the soil by breaking down dead animals. Animals need plants to eat. Bacteria, in turn, need organisms like plants and animals to feed on. Students may also disagree, pointing out that an ecosystem could survive without certain organisms but not without others. For example, an ecosystem might be able to survive the loss of one type of consumer (such as humans) as long as there are other consumers to keep the cycle of life going.

Teacher Guide & Answers: Honey to the Bee �


�

1

Teacher Guide & Answers Passage Reading Level: Lexile 990 1. What is a bee?

A an insect that lives near water and eats fish B a red-and-black insect that lives under the ground C a flying insect that collects nectar and pollen D a crawling insect with two sets of legs and no wings

2. What does this passage describe?

A wings, legs, mouths, and trees B totem poles and winter weather C different honeybees in a beehive D poison and measurement

3. Different bees in a hive have different duties. What evidence from the passage supports this statement?

A Worker bees gather food; the queen bee lays eggs. B Bee stingers are about 12 millimeters long. C Bees have two sets of wings and three sets of legs. D The honeybee is probably the best known bee species.

4. Which bees are probably the least important bees in a beehive?

A worker bees B the queen bee C female bees D drones

5. What is this passage mainly about?

A honeybees B the bodies of bees C different types of insects D antennae and wings

Teacher Guide & Answers: Honey to the Bee �


�

2

6. Read the following sentences: “There are over 20,000 known bee species in the world. The best known is probably the honeybee.” What does the word “species” most nearly mean in the sentences above?

A colors or shades B orders or levels C kinds or types D duties or jobs

7. Choose the answer that best completes the sentence below. There is less food available for the honeybees in the hive during the winter; _______, the drones are kicked out.

A never B even though C including D consequently

8. What does a bee look like, according to the text? Suggested answer: Answers may vary, but students should identify at least one feature described in the passage. Bees are described as usually black-and-yellow insects with fuzzy hair, bodies with three major sections, two sets of wings, three sets of legs, five eyes, two antennae, and a stinger (unless they’re a drone). 9. What are the main duties of worker bees? Suggested answer: The main duties of worker bees are gathering food, building the hive, and keeping the hive clean.

10. Drones are the first bees to be kicked out of a beehive as the winter months approach. Why might this be? Make sure to consider the role of the drone in the beehive. Use evidence from the text to support your answer. Suggested answer: Answers may vary and should be supported by the text. Students should indicate that other than mating with the queen bee, the drones do not contribute as much to the beehive as the other bees. Thus, they are the least valuable to the well-being of the beehive and the first to be kicked out.

Teacher Guide & Answers: Bring in the Beavers! �


�

1

Teacher Guide & Answers Passage Reading Level: Lexile 950 1. What danger are the people of Leith worried about?

A a fire B a flood C a tornado D an earthquake

2. The river is a problem for the people of Leith because it could overflow and flood their town. How do they solve this problem?

A They solve this problem by cancelling school and having helicopters lift people away. B They solve this problem by building a concrete dam upstream. C They solve this problem by building a high stone wall around their town. D They solve this problem by bringing in beavers to build dams in the river.

3. Anna and her parents are worried about the river flooding their town because of the rain. What sentence from the passage supports this statement?

A “Anna and her parents stayed glued to the television set, nervously listening to the weather reports.”

B “Anna’s father said, ‘That last guy is crazy.’” C “Anna’s mother looked very thoughtful.” D “Since Leith was in the countryside, and everyone in town loved nature and animals, Anna

suspected that the rest of the town might be on her side.” 4. How can the plan to use beavers to prevent flooding in Leith be described?

A foolish B dangerous C impossible D successful

5. What is this story mainly about?

A a girl who watches weather reports on television and reads detective stories during the rain B two parents who are worried about their daughter not being able to attend school because of

the weather C the danger that a town’s citizens face from a river and what they do about that

danger D the reason that there are no longer thousands of beavers roaming the Scottish countryside

Teacher Guide & Answers: Bring in the Beavers! �


�

2

6. Read the following sentences: “The beaver builds dams in the rivers out of sticks, mud, and leaves. These dams are strong enough to stop a river from flooding in heavy rain.” What does the word “dams” mean?

A high stone walls that go all the way around a town B structures that hold back the flow of water C pools used by beavers to play in and trap fish D high levels of water that sometimes cause flooding

7. Choose the answer that best completes the sentence below. Bringing in beavers turns out to prevent the river from flooding _______ the idea seems crazy to some of the citizens of the town at first.

A although B because C before D especially

8. What is the first idea for preventing the river from flooding that is shared at the Mayor’s meeting? Suggested answer: The first idea shared at the Mayor’s meeting is to build a concrete dam upstream to block the river’s path. 9. What are two reasons that Anna’s mother gives in support of beaver dams over a concrete dam? Suggested answer: Anna’s mother says that one concrete dam will be less useful than several dams built by beavers. She also says that concrete dams are not nearly as beautiful as beaver dams. 10. Think about the danger of flooding that the people of Leith faced. Would building a concrete dam have been a better or worse solution to that problem than bringing in beavers to build dams? Support your answer with evidence from the passage. Suggested answer: Multiple answers are acceptable, provided they are supported by evidence from the passage. Students may argue that a concrete dam would have been a worse solution, citing the points Anna’s mother makes about it being less useful and uglier. Conversely, students may argue that a concrete dam would have been a better solution because it might not have taken as long as two years to build (the amount of time it took scientists to bring in beavers) and could not be washed away as easily as the sticks, mud, and leaves used by beavers could. (Additional points can be made on both sides of the question, assuming, as always, that they have textual support.)

Teacher Guide & Answers: It’s Opening Day

Teacher Guide & Answers

Passage Reading Level: Lexile 840 1. What does Matthew like to do every April?

A go for a bike ride in the sunshine and blue skies B eat ice cream and watch a movie at home C see the Crickets play on opening day D see his sister perform in a school play

2. What is the climax of the action in this story?

A Matthew eats ice cream at the ballpark. B Matthew’s father says that he cannot go to opening day. C Matthew commits Willie Carney’s statistics to memory. D Matthew talks to Willie Carney.

3. Matthew is excited to meet Willie Carney. What evidence from the story supports this statement?

A “During the second and fifth innings, Matthew bought hot dogs from the hot dog vendor.” B “Each opening day, Matthew was shocked to see that Willie was still playing for the Crickets.” C “One of the things that he could only learn at the ballpark is that there’s no crying in baseball,

so Matthew didn’t cry.” D “‘Hey kid,’ said a voice, and Matthew’s heart leapt. It was Willie Carney.”

4. Based on what Willie says, how does he feel about playing baseball for the Crickets?

A Willie is happy about playing baseball for the Crickets. B Willie is tired of playing baseball for the Crickets. C Willie is worried about playing baseball for the Crickets. D Willie does not care much about playing baseball for the Crickets.

5. What is a theme of this story?

A the pleasures of winter B the pleasures of baseball C the damage that war can cause D the damage that nature can cause

6. Read the following sentence: “Doesn’t it drive you crazy to be stuck down here, in this crummy old ballpark, playing for nobody?”


1

Teacher Guide & Answers: It’s Opening Day What does the phrase playing for nobody mean in the sentence above?

A not caring about how well a baseball team plays B not playing in a baseball game on opening day C not playing for very many people or anyone important D playing in a ballpark that does not have any seats

7. Choose the answer that best completes the sentence below. Willie looks hurt _______ Matthew asks him whether playing in a crummy old ballpark drives him crazy.

A after B before C for instance D however

8. For Matthew, what is the best holiday of the year? Suggested answer: As far as Matthew is concerned, opening day for the Crickets is the best holiday of the year. 9. When Matthew asks Willie whether playing for nobody in a crummy old ballpark drives him crazy, what does Willie say? Suggested answer: Willie asks, “Are you nuts, kid?” Students may include the remarks that follow (“I get to play baseball…”) as well.

10. What do Matthew and Willie have in common? Support your answer with evidence from the passage. Suggested answer: Answers may vary, as long as they are supported by the story. One of their principal similarities is their love of baseball. For Matthew, going to see the Crickets on opening day is the best holiday of the year, and he memorizes the stats of the Crickets over the winter. Willie is happy to be playing baseball for a living.


2

teacher guide & answers: spinning thunderstorms · pdf fileteacher guide & answers:...

Documents