Fifth Grade Science
End-Of-Grade Test Preparation
Test-Taking Strategies per NCDPI Released Form E (2008-2009)
Note to Teacher: Use the following test-taking strategies to prepare for the fifth grade End-Of-Grade
Science Test. When reviewing these questions, model and demonstrate specific techniques. Apply your
classroom science experiences to the Standard Course of Study and unit objectives. Adapt and personalize
as needed. Questions are numbered per Released EOG – Form E (2008-2009).
LANDFORMS
Test-Taking Strategies: Skip Confusing Problems First – Then Go Back & Answer Later
46. When hiking, what is the best reference material to use to determine elevation?
A a globe of the world
B a topographic map of the area
C a road map of the state
D an atlas of the country
Maura: “I have no idea what the answer is! I have Reread for Details, I have Double-Checked, and I even
Underlined Key Words! Now what do I do? I think I’m going to skip it for now, and come back to it later.”
50. What has caused the formation of most of the valleys that exist on Earth?
A rivers and glaciers
B wind and rain
C lakes and rivers
D canyons and plateaus
Maura: “I remember watching a video about how running water and glaciers can form valleys. In fact, most
of those glaciers started on mountaintops. We even pushed ice cubes down our mountains in the stream
tables to remember this one. Since real life glaciers are so heavy, they leave deep holes in the soil, carving
out valleys as they melt and descend. It was really fun studying mountains, especially when we constructed
a model mountain out of blue foam layers... OH YEAH! Now I remember the Mallard Peak assessment, and
how I had to design a trail for William and his uncle to hike from the base to the peak, and back again! That
was a TOPOGRAPHIC MAP! WOOHOO! Back to question #46 I go!”
46. When hiking, what is the best reference material to use to determine elevation?
A a globe of the world
B a topographic map of the area
C a road map of the state
D an atlas of the country
Maura: “I’m positive about my answer now! The closer the lines – the steeper the slope! My Mallard Peak
Trail needed so much improving, because in some places on the mountain hike, I would have needed a rope
to climb down (or so my teacher said).”
Test-Taking Strategies: Process of Elimination, Current Events, Make an Educated Guess
9. All of the landforms on Earth are constantly changing shape. What is most responsible for the changes in
the landforms?
A earthquakes
B water erosion
C pollution
D oceans
DeSean: “This question sure is tricky. All of these can change landforms. I remember hearing about
earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. I know we talked about water erosion in our stream tables, like the Colorado
River shaping the Grand Canyon. Oceans are involved in tsunamis. I don’t know how pollution changes
landforms. I’m crossing pollution.
9. All of the landforms on Earth are constantly changing shape. What is most responsible for the changes in
the landforms?
A earthquakes
B water erosion
C pollution
D oceans
DeSean: “Oceans are big, but I only hear about them once in a while in hurricanes and tsunamis. I’m
crossing it off.”
9. All of the landforms on Earth are constantly changing shape. What is most responsible for the changes in
the landforms?
A earthquakes
B water erosion
C pollution
D oceans
DeSean: “I heard so much about the horrible bad earthquakes lately, that I don’t know how anyone could
say it’s not most responsible for changing the land. I would cross off water erosion, but Mrs. Gonzalez
talked about it sooooo much in class – it must be important! I don’t know what to do. I’m going to make an
educated guess right now, and then double check it later.
9. All of the landforms on Earth are constantly changing shape. What is most responsible for the changes in
the landforms?
A earthquakes
B water erosion
C pollution
D oceans
Test-Taking Strategies: Current Events, Remembering Classroom Experiences
27. Which factor causes a mud slide?
A the amount of rain in an area
B the amount of carbon dioxide in an area
C the amount of pollution in an area
D the amount of wind in an area
Emily: “I remember my teacher, Ms. Bailey, talking about this during social studies and science classes.
She said that the California Mudslides were caused by a tremendous amount of precipitation, especially
rain. After all, it takes water and dirt to make mud. I remember that we had to add some water to our sand
and clay before we were able to mold it into landforms in our stream tables.”
27. Which factor causes a mud slide?
A the amount of rain in an area
B the amount of carbon dioxide in an area
C the amount of pollution in an area
D the amount of wind in an area
Emily: “Ms. Bailey also predicted that California Mudslides and the Interstate 40 Rockslide near the North
Carolina-Tennessee border were very similar events, because both were caused by gravity pulling massive,
moist earth materials down an inclined plane.”
Teacher Background Information:
Interstate 40 Rockslide
http://www.wral.com/traffic/story/6278952/
http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=102739
http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20091028/NEWS01/910280311/3-months-for-I-40-rock-slidecleanup-%E2%80%98unrealistic%5CCalifornia Mudslides
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/california-storms-500-evactuated-mudslide-threat-raincontinue/story?id=9613215
Test-Taking Strategies: Cross off Silly Answers, Remembering Classroom Experiences
30. Which will most likely be the result of a flood?
A Rock and soil will be deposited on a floodplain.
B Sand dunes will form along the river.
C The land around the river will be less able to grow plants.
D Nutrients will be picked up and flow back to the river’s source.
Tyler: “I remember creating flash floods in our stream tables. The flood source cup allowed so much water
into our stream bed, that it overflowed its banks. Water went everywhere on both sides of the stream. Our
river never went backwards though, so I’m going to cross off answer D.”
30. Which will most likely be the result of a flood?
A Rock and soil will be deposited on a floodplain.
B Sand dunes will form along the river.
C The land around the river will be less able to grow plants.
D Nutrients will be picked up and flow back to the river’s source.
Tyler: “Sand dunes are created by wind. Our teacher, Mr. Brown, showed us so many pictures of Jockey’s
Ridge State Park in Nags Head, North Carolina, that I began to feel a sea breeze on my face! That wasn’t
enough – we even saw pictures from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Chesterton, Indiana, and also
some pictures from Sahara Desert. It was awesome – these science lessons are blowing me away!”
30. Which will most likely be the result of a flood?
A Rock and soil will be deposited on a floodplain.
B Sand dunes will form along the river.
C The land around the river will be less able to grow plants.
D Nutrients will be picked up and flow back to the river’s source.
Tyler: “In our stream table flash flood, we had sediments and earth materials everywhere. Mr. Brown said
that we now had fertile floodplains on both sides of the stream. Fertile means that producers can grow there.
Answer C is false, and the correct answer is A.”
30. Which will most likely be the result of a flood?
A Rock and soil will be deposited on a floodplain.
B Sand dunes will form along the river.
C The land around the river will be less able to grow plants.
D Nutrients will be picked up and flow back to the river’s source.
Test-Taking Strategies: Underline Key Words, Choose the Best Possible Answer
8. Which human activity will most likely increase the amount of soil erosion?
A growing crops
B mowing grass
C planting flowers
D clear-cutting wooded areas
Shana: “Underlining Key Words in the question will help me figure out what I’m supposed to answer.”
8. Which human activity will most likely increase the amount of soil erosion?
A growing crops
B mowing grass
C planting flowers
D clear-cutting wooded areas
Shana: “Okay, which one will increase soil erosion. I remember going to
Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina, and seeing this sign. I asked my mom
why we couldn’t play in the beach grass, and she said it was to protect the
plants so they wouldn’t die. My teacher, Ms. Miller, said my mom was right.
Ms. Miller also added that the plants’ roots would help hold the sand in place
so the dunes won’t blow away. I didn’t know my Saturday of fun would turn
into a science lesson! So, answers A and C could grow roots, but answers B
and D could harm producers.”
8. Which human activity will most likely increase the amount of soil erosion?
A growing crops
B mowing grass
C planting flowers
D clear-cutting wooded areas
Shana: “It’s my job to mow the lawn at home. After I cut the grass, it always grows
back right away, (unless we’re in a drought). That means that the grass’ roots are still
alive, anchoring the soil in place. I don’t know what clear-cutting wooded areas
means, but it sounds permanent, like it would damage a habitat forever. I’m choosing
D as the best possible answer.”
8. Which human activity will most likely increase the amount of soil erosion?
A growing crops
B mowing grass
C planting flowers
D clear-cutting wooded areas
Resource created by Kyle G. Hamstra
Note to Teacher: The following “science” Think Aloud strategies reflect integrated skills across disciplines.
For example, some skills may be initially classified as reading or math skills. Personalize, customize, adapt,
integrate, and apply per student needs.
Think Aloud Strategies: SQ3R, (Survey, Question, Read, Recite/Write, Review)
Test-Taking Strategies: Underlining Key Words, Taking Your Time, Remembering Classroom
Experiences, Double-Checking
Simon: Survey: “Before I read, I’m going to skim and scan the entire reading selection. Hmm…The title
says it’s going to be about topographic maps. I see that there are seven paragraphs. It looks like I’ll need to
answer four questions at the end. I see some key words written sideways (italicized) – I bet they’re
important words! I love the color-coded legend, the maps with lines, and all the diagrams and pictures. That
helps me put into context what I’m about to do.”
Topographic Maps
Simon: Question: “’What in the world’ do I need to do here? What do the lines on the maps stand for? Did
we go over this in class? I can’t remember right now. What does topographic mean? I’m going to read all
four questions at the end before I read the selection. This way, I’ll know what I’m supposed to answer…
Still, this reading selection is over-whelming. I’m going to take a deep breath, and then begin reading.”
A.
B.
C.
D.
“The contour lines show the various walking trails on the mountain.”
“Contour lines that are close together represent gradual slopes.”
“If contour lines are farther apart, you have a large hill.”
“Contour lines that are close together show steep areas.”
Simon: Read: “I’m going to read this selection word-for-word, at my own pace. I’ll make sure to take my
time. If I rush, I might miss some important details. In fact, I’m going to underline key words to be sure that
I don’t miss any details that might help me answer the questions.”
topographic maps
contours
contour index
contour interval
Simon: Recite/Write: “(nonverbal) Oh yeah… I remember looking at maps in social studies, and I
remember Mrs. Hernandez teaching us about maps, models, and aerial photographs in science. ‘Top’
means like an aerial view… like I’m looking down on a mountain from way up on top of it. If I’m traveling,
I’d rather have a map. But if I’m presenting my project to the class, I’d rather use a
model. I remember Mr. Vasan teaching us that ‘interval’ means ‘space between,’
especially when making the x-axis and y-axis scales on graphs in math class. ‘Contour
interval’ means the space between the lines. In our weather unit, I remember that the
closer together the isobar lines on a weather map, the more changing there is in pressure,
creating more wind. So… the closer together the contour lines on an elevation map, the
steeper the slope! I even remember making these blue foam layered mountains in our
Landforms unit. Oh, yeah, and my Mallard’s Peak quiz, when I drew the hiking trail on a mountain map for
William and his Uncle… Now that’s topographic! I’m ready to answer the questions.”
Contour Interval = 20 Feet
1. Your school principal wants to use this map to plan a safe hike with her family. What accurate
information do you provide to help her plan the hike?
A. “The contour lines show the various walking trails on the mountain.”
B. “Contour lines that are close together represent gradual slopes.”
C. “If contour lines are farther apart, you have a large hill.”
D. “Contour lines that are close together show steep areas.”
2. Which statement best describes how to determine the contour interval of Science Mountain?
A. The lowest elevation is the contour interval, which is 20 ft. If you locate the contour line on the
bottom of the page, you have located the contour interval.
B. The contour interval is 20 ft. because the first line is 20 ft., the second line is 40 ft., the third line
is 60 ft., and so on.
C. If you find the greatest number listed on the map, you have determined the contour interval. The
greatest number is 100 ft., so it is the contour interval.
D. If you subtract the highest elevation from the lowest elevation, you have calculated the contour
interval. The contour interval is 80 ft. because 100-20 = 80.
3. According to the reading selection, the standard scale of many topographic maps is 1:24,000, which
means one inch equals 24,000 inches or 2,000 ft. If you traveled 3 ½ inches on the map, how many
ft. did you travel?
A. 2,000 ft.
B. 6,500 ft.
C. 7,000 ft.
D. 24,000 ft.
4. How are symbols and colors used on a topographic map?
A. to represent structures and other natural landforms
B. to show the differences in elevation
C. to highlight contour lines to make them easier to read
D. to illustrate the standard scale used on the map
Simon: Review: “Woohoo! Now that I’m finished with the test, I’m going to double-check… I feel really
confident in questions #1, #2, and #3, but I’m not too sure about question #4. I think there could be two
right answers. I know the contour lines actually show the differences in elevation… so what about the
symbols and colors? Let me review… well, the colors in the pictures show different landforms… and…. Oh
yeah! Check out the last paragraph! The answer should be A! Good thing I double-checked all my questions
and answers"
4. How are symbols and colors used on a topographic map?
A. to represent structures and other natural landforms
B. to show the differences in elevation
C. to highlight contour lines to make them easier to read
D. to illustrate the standard scale used on the map
Answer Key:
1.
2.
3.
4.
D
B
C
A
Resource pages 4-5 created by Kyle G. Hamstra
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Use the information from the reading selection and the topographic map of Science Mountain to answer the
following questions:
1. Your school principal wants to use this map to plan a safe hike with her family. What
accurate information do you provide to help her plan the hike?
A. “The contour lines show the various walking trails on the mountain.”
B. “Contour lines that are close together represent gradual slopes.”
C. “If contour lines are farther apart, you have a large hill.”
D. “Contour lines that are close together show steep areas.”
2. Which statement best describes how to determine the contour interval of Science
Mountain?
A. The lowest elevation is the contour interval, which is 20 ft. If you locate the contour
line on the bottom of the page, you have located the contour interval.
B. The contour interval is 20 ft. because the first line is 20 ft., the second line is 40 ft., the
third line is 60 ft., and so on.
C. If you find the greatest number listed on the map, you have determined the contour
interval. The greatest number is 100 ft., so it is the contour interval.
D. If you subtract the highest elevation from the lowest elevation, you have calculated the
contour interval. The contour interval is 80 ft. because 100-20 = 80.
3. According to the reading selection, the standard scale of many topographic maps is
1:24,000, which means one inch equals 24,000 inches or 2,000 ft. If you traveled 3 ½
inches on the map, how many ft. did you travel?
A. 2,000 ft.
B. 6,500 ft.
C. 7,000 ft.
D. 24,000 ft.
4. How are symbols and colors used on a topographic map?
A. to represent structures and other natural landforms
B. to show the differences in elevation
C. to highlight contour lines to make them easier to read
D. to illustrate the standard scale used on the map