Study Island
Copyright © 2014 Edmentum - All rights reserved.
Generation Date: 12/10/2014
Generated By: Cheryl Shelton
Title: 5th Grade Blizzard Bag 2014-2015 - ELA - Day 2
Passage 1
Amir was a great singer and dancer. He wanted to become famous, so he entered a singing
contest at the local mall. The prize was a recording contract and a concert tour across the
United States. Amir practiced his song and dance day and night. He did not have much time to
spend with the people he cared about. On the day of the concert, all of his friends and family
came to cheer for him. Amir impressed the judges and the audience. He was very happy when
he won the contest. The music producers started working with Amir immediately. He made a
number-one selling album, and his concerts were sold out in every city. Amir’s wish to be
famous came true. However, Amir was not happy anymore. He was so busy traveling and
recording his music that he hardly ever saw his friends or family. Amir discovered that being
famous was lonely and tiring.
Passage 2
Basal loved to eat candy. On his 11th birthday, he wished that everything he touched would
turn to candy. Basal blew out all of the candles on his cake with one breath. His wish came true.
Basal picked up his fork, and it turned into a sweet tart. He touched his plate, and it turned
into taffy. Basal touched the table, and it turned into chocolate. He was thrilled with his new
power. Then, the puppy that Basal’s parents had given him for his birthday ran and jumped into
his lap. Basal reached out to pet his pup and turned him into a gummy dog.
“Oh no, I didn’t want my puppy to turn into candy. Maybe, I should not have wished for this
candy power,” Basal cried.
Basal’s mom ran and got some gloves for him to wear. The gloves turned into a licorice
material, but they stopped the magic from working on anything else. Basal had to wear gloves
all of the time so that he would not turn everything into candy.
On his 12th birthday, Basal wished that the candy power would go away. He took a deep
breath and blew out all of the candles with one blow. Then, he took off his gloves and touched
a chair. The chair did not change into candy. Everyone let out a sigh of relief. Basal was very
happy to have his normal life back, and he never ate candy again.
1. The common theme in both stories could be described as
A. hard work always pays off.
B. be careful what you wish for.
C. it is important to eat healthy.
D. family should come first.
2. The difference between the two stories is that
A. Basal has great control over his wish, but Amir cannot control his wish.
B. Basal uses his wish to help others, but Amir is very selfish with his wish.
C. Amir works to accomplish his wish, but Basal's wish is granted by magic.
D. Amir enjoys his wish at first, but Basal never gets to enjoy his wish.
Alison was terrified of swimming. Every summer when the other girls from her class went to
the city pool, Alison sat on a beach towel and watched them have fun. They encouraged her to
wade into the shallow part of the pool, but Alison was afraid that she would float into the deep
end and not be able to get out.
One summer, Alison finally decided to get over her fear. Her friends were traveling to the
lake for a birthday party. For weeks, Alison tried to convince herself that she had no reason to
be afraid. On the drive to the lake, Alison’s stomach grumbled and she felt dizzy.
She changed into her swimsuit and headed to the lake’s edge with everyone else. Alison took
a few steps into the water and breathed deeply. She was calmer than she expected. Alison
walked farther into the lake until the water was at her knees. She kept wading until she could
no longer stand on the bottom of the lake. Alison’s friends watched her carefully. She smiled
brightly at them and dove under the surface.
3. Which lesson can be learned from this story?
A. People overcome their fears by facing them.
B. Do not go swimming if you are alone.
C. Birthday parties can be scary for some kids.
D. Lakes are easier to swim in than city pools.
4. Which of the following might be a story with a similar theme to this one?
A. a story about a man who likes to race small boats in a nearby lake
B. a story about a woman who gets the chance to swim at the Olympics
C. a story about a man who buys an airplane ticket to overcome his fear of flying
D. a story about a woman who throws a birthday party for her daughter
Karrah’s favorite time of the year was Christmas because it was the only time her entire
family was able to get together. Cousins and aunts and uncles came from as far as Europe and
Canada to her great grandparents’ house in Florida. Since they lived so far away, they hardly got
a chance to see each other during the year. Karrah felt surrounded by love every time they got
together.
“I can’t wait until we get to Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa’s house!” Karrah said
excitedly, gazing out of the car window.
“I know exactly what you mean.” Her older sister Rihanna responded. “I am so excited about
going to the beach! The South Florida sun is my favorite part of the holidays.”
“Rihanna!” Karrah said. “I’m excited about Christmas because everyone will be there. I love it
when our whole family is together under one roof. We get to spend time catching up with each
other’s lives.”
“You know, you’re right!” Rihanna said. “I hope Aunt Marlene brings some of that delicious
maple syrup and snow candy from Canada. Ooh! And I can’t wait to see what beautiful clothes
Cousin Sarah brings me from the United Kingdom. You know fashion there is so much better
than here. I’m going to be the best dressed girl in school!”
Karrah rolled her eyes and sighed. She hoped that Rihanna wouldn’t find a way to suck all of
the fun out of Christmas by talking about herself the whole time like she did last year. I just
want to spend quality time with all of the people I love, Karrah thought as she stared out the
window. I don’t care about presents or the beach or anything else.
Karrah’s mom noticed how sad Karrah looked. She reached over the seat and took Karrah’s
hand in hers. “Honey, you have the right idea. The most important thing about Christmas and
the holidays is spending time with loved ones,” her mom said. “Rihanna, you should listen to
your little sister.”
Mom always understands. Karrah thought as she smiled to herself.
5. Which of the following words best describes Rihanna?
A. caring
B. lonely
C. friendly
D. selfish
6. How does Karrah feel at the beginning of the story?
A. She is worried about her family making it to Florida safely.
B. She is annoyed because her older sister talks too much.
C. She is excited about the trip to Florida for the holidays.
D. She is confused about why they have to go to Florida this year.
George Washington Carver’s Dream
"I want to learn! I want to learn!" George Washington Carver said these words to himself
everyday as he worked on the Carvers' farm.
George was a sponge, absorbing information from everywhere. However, his greatest dream
and secret wish was to go to school. His aunt Sue taught him new words, but that was not
enough for him. He wanted to read, write, and know the names of the flowers and birds he saw
every day. He wanted to learn about writers and painters. His dream was to go to school. He
wanted to know everything!
George could not go to school near his family’s farm, which was on the outskirts of Diamond
Grove, Missouri. That school was only for white children. So, at ten years of age, George
decided to leave Diamond Grove.
Early one morning, dressed in his best clothes, George said goodbye to his family. Then, he
left the only home he had ever known and set out, all alone. George knew that in Neosho there
was a school that would allow him to attend classes. Neosho was eight miles away.
He arrived there after the school had already closed for the day, so he had to sleep in a barn
near the school. The shuffling of the horses' feet and the soft sound of their breathing
comforted the lonely, frightened child. The following morning, he woke up and was very
hungry.
He left the barn and was discovered by Mariah Watkins, who was going to the barn to collect
wood for her stove. She invited George in for breakfast. Mariah and her husband, Andy,
believed in George’s dream of getting an education. They invited him to live with them.
George went to school in Neosho. When the other kids left for recess, he would stay behind
and fix fences, cut the grass, or sweep and clean until the bell that told the students to come
back rang. He gladly did his chores because his dream had come true. He was in school!
7. How does the setting change from the beginning to the end of the story?
A. The setting changed from George's old school to his new school in the Watkins' barn.
B.
The setting changed from George's elementary school to his high school on the Carver's
farm.
C.
The setting changed from the Watkins' farm in Diamond Grove to the Carver's farm in
Neosho.
D. The setting changed from the Carvers' farm to the Watkins' farm and George's school.
8. Which word describes the Watkins' barn?
A. frightening
B. empty
C. gross
D. safe
Moment of Decision
by T. Herlinger
Somehow the roller coaster looked far more dangerous when you were standing right
beneath it. That's what Marta was thinking as she lined up with her friends Charlene and Paul
to buy tickets. She stared up into the midday sun and watched the train of cars whipping
around the track, and her palms began to sweat. At that moment, there were a million other
things at the state fair that she'd rather be doing, like eating cotton candy or riding the merrygo-round.
Just then, Paul nudged her with his elbow. "Looks awesome, doesn't it?" He was grinning
and pointing up at the cars that had just zipped straight down from the highest point on the
ride. Kids were screaming and yelling as the train sped straight downward.
But Marta wasn't thinking "awesome" at that moment; she was thinking of more like
"terrifying."
The shiny metal train had come to a halt just beyond the ticket booth and kids were
climbing out, some looking excited and others looking scared. Marta tried to picture herself
getting on the ride, and it only made her feel sick. She and her friends were nearing the ticket
booth now. Marta knew she had to say something, but she was afraid her friends would think
she was a chicken. She took a deep breath.
"Umm, guys," she said finally, staring down at the sawdust around her feet, "I think I'll skip
this one, if you don't mind."
Charlene and Paul turned to look at her. Then Charlene laughed. "What a relief!" she said.
"This ride is way too scary for me."
Paul chimed in. "Yeah, it looks awesome, but I'd kind of rather watch it than ride it."
"I thought you wanted to ride it!" Charlene said when she heard Paul's comment.
"Nah, I was only going because you two seemed so excited about it."
"Excited?" Marta laughed. "How about scared to death? C'mon. I can think of something
much more fun to do that doesn't involve dropping from great heights."
And with that, the three friends happily went off to eat their fill of cotton candy.
9. How is the setting important to this story?
A. It shows how the friends first meet.
B. It creates a mood of mystery.
C. It suggests that Marta hates crowds.
D. It helps explain Marta's fear.
10.
The Morning Drive
by Tirzah Tyler
Michael Jackson sang "Billie Jean" over the radio while Christopher rode in the passenger
seat. Christopher's mom was singing along loudly with the radio as she drove.
Christopher didn't know the words, so he smiled as he looked out his window and watched
the houses as he rode past them. He liked this town, and he felt safe in it. He was glad to be on
his way to school because he liked his school, his teacher, and his class. Maybe this weekend,
Mom and I can go to the movies, he thought.
Suddenly, the car screeched to a halt. A cat was crouched in the middle of the road with its
eyes wide open. "Go on, scat!" Christopher's mom exclaimed as she motioned to the animal
with her hand. The cat sprinted to the nearest sidewalk, and Christopher's mom sighed with
relief. "Whew!" she exclaimed with a laugh as the car started to move forward again. "That was
close."
I love Mom, and I'm glad that she takes care of me, Christopher thought as he turned to look
at her. The radio started to play a Paula Abdul song, but Christopher didn't know the words to
this tune, either.
Which statement best describes Christopher?
A. He is a happy and quiet person.
B. He is an outgoing and friendly person.
C. He is an angry and mean person.
D. He is a confused and worried person.
Passage 1
Mr. Fierro lived by himself in a house on the corner of Mulberry and Elm. Mr. Fierro was very
old. He walked with a cane and wore an eye patch over his right eye. The children in the
neighborhood thought he looked scary. They told stories about how Mr. Fierro ate dogs and
cats. One day, Jodi knocked on Mr. Fierro’s door. After a lot of knocking, Mr. Fierro finally
answered the door. He did not say a word; he only looked at Jodi with his left eye.
“Hello, Mr. Fierro, I am Jodi Walkins. I live next door. I am selling cookies to raise money for
my class field trip. Will you please buy a box of cookies?” Jodi asked.
Mr. Fierro still did not say a word. Jodi held out a piece of paper showing the different kinds
of cookies. Mr. Fierro smiled and pointed at a picture of sugar cookies. He got out his wallet and
handed her five dollars.
“Thank you, Mr. Fierro,” Jodi said with a smile. “I will deliver your cookies next week.”
Mr. Fierro smiled at her again. Then, he closed the door.
Jodi told her friends in the neighborhood about how she sold Mr. Fierro some cookies. They
realized that he was not as scary as they thought he was.
Passage 2
Willy was very small for his age. During recess, the children played soccer. Willy’s classmates
did not want him on their team.
“You’re too small. You won’t be able to kick the ball hard enough,” the bigger children said.
“Let me play. I will show you how good I am,” Willy urged them.
“We will give you a chance, but if you do not play well, you will have to find something else
to do,” the team captain said.
As soon as the game started, Willy rushed to get the ball. He was so quick and light on his
feet that no one could keep up with him. He scored goal after goal. Willy was also great at
passing the ball. His team was very happy to have him as a member!
11. What is the common theme in both of these stories?
A. Even mean people like to buy cookies.
B. Do not judge people by the way they look.
C. Always give people a chance to play sports.
D. If at first you do not succeed, keep trying.
12. What is different between these stories?
A.
In the first story, Mr. Fierro is very cheerful and talkative. In the second story, Willy is very
sad and lonely.
B.
In the first story, Mr. Fierro turns out to be a mean person. In the second story, Willy turns
out to be a sickly person.
C.
In the first story, Mr. Fierro is believed to be a scary person. In the second story, Willy is
believed to be a weak person.
D.
In the first story, Mr. Fierro learns that he should never give up. In the second story, Willy
learns that making friends is easy.
Compassion at the Shoe Store
by Tirzah Tyler
The Shoe Palace was noisy and getting louder by the minute as the Saturday crowd shoved
through the store. Mr. Doyle was relieved to finally be standing in line to check out. Mission
accomplished, he thought wearily as he clutched the box that carried his new shoes. He was
looking forward to getting out of the store, meeting his buddy Mr. Easton for lunch, and
relaxing for the rest of the weekend.
After a couple of minutes, Mr. Doyle noticed that the line remained at a standstill. For some
reason, the girl at the cash register was taking a long time to check out another customer.
Mr. Doyle heard a baby scream behind him. He turned around and saw a woman and four
kids scurrying around her. A little boy whined that he wanted a hamburger as he tugged on the
woman’s arm. A little girl kept saying “pizza” to the woman over and over again.
Another little boy, who was probably the children’s brother, walked up to the woman. He
was carrying a pacifier. “I saw this fall on the ground over there, Mama,” he said.
“Oh, thank you, Pedro,” the mother said as if she were out of breath. “I didn’t even know I
had lost it, so I’ll have to wash it off later.” She bounced her baby girl up and down in her arms
a little bit.
The girl at the cash register motioned for the next customer, and the line moved forward.
Mr. Doyle was about to step forward also, but he got an idea and turned back to the mother
instead. “Uh, excuse me, Ma’am,” he called to her. “You all can go ahead of me.”
“Are you sure?” the mother asked with a surprised look on her face.
Mr. Doyle nodded and extended his hand to the empty space ahead of him in line.
The mother breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, thank you so much,” she said as she and her
family moved past Mr. Doyle. Pedro and his siblings just stared at Mr. Doyle without saying
anything.
They probably know it’s wrong to talk to strangers, Mr. Doyle thought. He waved at Pedro
and grinned.
Pedro waved and grinned back.
13. What does the story tell the reader about Pedro?
A. He uses a pacifier.
B. He is responsible.
C. He screams loudly.
D. He is very hungry.
The Machine of the Future
I sat at the kitchen table trying to concentrate on my writing assignment. I squirmed in my
chair and eagerly looked out the window every few minutes. I was much too excited to
concentrate on my essay. I was supposed to write about our new president, Woodrow Wilson.
Instead, all I could think about was my dad bringing home a “machine of the future” as he
called it. He was out buying a car.
It is 1913, so I’ve seen many cars puttering down the city streets. However, I always thought
they were meant for only the rich folks. I never thought my family would be able to afford one.
As I looked around our small three-room home, I couldn’t help but feel that it looked very
humble. Our farmhouse had plain wood floors and simple wood furniture. Curtains, made from
scraps of old clothes, hung over every window. Worn-out pillows and quilts made the living
room look old and tired. Overall, it looked plain, but soon, a shiny, black Model T was going to
be parked outside. Everyone in our neighborhood would be impressed and want a ride. I
couldn’t wait to go for my first car ride into town with my family.
14. Why is it important for readers to know that this story takes place in 1913?
A. to provide a reason for the narrator's excitement for cars
B. to explain the many duties of the newly elected president
C. to show why the family was too poor to afford a new car
D. to show how students had to write essays for homework
15. Which detail from the passage describes the setting?
A. “I couldn’t wait to go for my first car ride into town with my family.”
B. “However, I always thought they were meant for only the rich folks.”
C. “Everyone in our neighborhood would be impressed and want a ride.”
:“Our farmhouse had plain wood floors and simple wood furniture.”:“Curtains, made from
D. scraps of old clothes, hung over every window.”:“Worn-out pillows and quilts made the
living room look old and tired.”: