INTRODUCTION - ClassZone

INTRODUCTION
Standardized testing is a necessary part of today’s curriculum. As educators in this age of
accountability, we need to be ready, willing, and able to prepare our students for these mandated
assessment tests. In Florida, one such test is the FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment
Test). The FCAT was developed to provide a measure of students’ success in the areas of
reading, writing, and mathematics and to judge whether students are meeting the Sunshine State
Standards, which were adopted by the State Board of Education in 1996.
Because helping our students prepare for the FCAT is so important, Language Network FCAT
Connection has been provided as a support to McDougal Littell’s Language Network. We feel
it is a valuable addition to the variety of resource material already provided to Florida teachers,
offering one more option in preparing students for academic success.
Language Network FCAT Connection was written by Florida teachers for Florida teachers. It
is unique in that it is not a separate curriculum, but a way to offer students continued practice all
year long through use of the textbook—simply by asking them the questions provided in this
booklet about the readings and graphics used in the text to teach grammar and writing skills.
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A NOTE TO THE TEACHER ON HOW TO USE THIS BOOKLET
Language Network FCAT Connection was written by Florida teachers for Florida teachers. It
is designed to show middle school teachers how even a grammar and writing book can be used to
teach reading comprehension skills. After using the FCAT practice questions that correlate with
the themes, writing models, and exercises throughout the Language Network, you will be able to
look at printed material with new eyes—FCAT Eyes.
The reading section of FCAT asks students to read and answer comprehension questions about
pieces of informational or literary text, along with graphics such as photographs, charts, graphs,
and maps. Our Language Network offers a wide variety of both literary and informational
passages as well as graphic images for practicing not only writing and grammar skills, but also
reading comprehension skills such as those tested on FCAT. It is filled with well-written,
themed paragraphs, passages taken from longer works, comic strips, charts, and maps—the
perfect fodder for FCAT-styled questions.
So this FCAT Connection booklet is filled with comprehension questions—multiple choice,
short response, and extended response—based on material from cover to cover in Language
Network. Busy teachers can photocopy these ready-made lessons or put them on transparencies
for quick and easy FCAT practice all year long. In addition, teachers can copy the short and
extended response answer boxes in the back of this booklet to give students practice with the
actual FCAT format. These lessons also demonstrate how, once you have FCAT Eyes,
everything is game for an extended or short response question. Of course, not every opportunity
in the Language Network has been exploited, so you are still left with plenty of reading
passages with which to practice creating your own FCAT questions.
For the writing benchmarks we have provided writing prompts based on the themes of the
chapters. The readings in the chapters will serve as background information to enable students to
provide more support for the main ideas in their essays.
We hope you will enjoy using the Language Network as we know it can be used. Use entire
lessons or only a question here and there. We know you will find the Language Network
textbook and the FCAT Connection booklet a joy to use in the classroom.
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Chapter One FCAT Practice
Theme: Storytelling
Comparison and Contrast
1. “Cinderella in Asia” on page 7 and “An Endless Tale” on page 13 are both alike and
different. Support this statement with details from the text. Use the extended response box to
answer this question. (You may want to use a Venn Diagram to help you organize your
thoughts for writing.)
Cinderella Endless Tale
Elements of the Story:
2. Read “The Ant and the Grasshopper” on page 15.
What is the conflict of this story? Support your answer with details from the story. Use the
short response box to answer this question.
Context Clues
3. Read “Arachne” on page 28.
“Arachne was used to being wondered at, and she was immensely proud of the skill that had
brought so many to look on her.” The best meaning of wondered is
A. respected.
B. feared.
C. dishonored.
D. disrespected.
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Elements of the Story
4. Read “The Hare and the Tortoise” on page 29.
A character word that could be used to describe the tortoise is determination. Do you agree?
Support your answer with details from the text. Use the short response box to answer this
question.
Cause and Effect
5. Read the selection “A Storytelling Tapestry” on page 29.
The main reason that the tapestry was made was
A. to pay honor to William of Normandy.
B. to tell the story of the life of William of Normandy.
C. to highlight the kingdom of Normandy.
D. to teach about life in the Middle Ages.
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
Most students have heard stories that have a moral or lesson.
Think about one of these stories and how it could be used to teach your friend a lesson.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to explain your story choice and the lesson that your friend will learn.
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Chapter One Answer Key
1. LA.A.2.2.7 Recognizes the use of comparison and contrast in a text.
-oldest version from
China
-dead gold fish from
wise man
-loses slipper at party
-king searches for her
A top-score response would be similar to the following:
“Cinderella in Asia” and “An Endless Tale” are both alike and different. China’s
“Cinderella” is the oldest version. Cinderella who has a bad home life receives a dead gold
fish from a wise old man. She attends a party and loses her slipper. The king then seeks her.
On the other hand, in “An Endless Tale” it is the princess that is hunting for a husband
who must be a good storyteller. The man she chooses to marry tells a story about a locust
and corn. Both stories are alike because they are tales that have been passed on over time ,
and both have the main character finding a person to marry.
2. LA.E.2.3.2 Recognizes complex elements of plot, including setting, character
development, conflicts, and resolutions.
A top-score response would be similar to the following:
The conflict is hard work vs playtime. The ant worked hard and prepared for the upcoming
cold weather. Meanwhile, the grasshopper played and sang, acts which led to his suffering.
In the end, the ant’s hard work led to success.
3. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
The correct answer is A.
-stories
passed on
-both find
a husband
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-princess searching
for a husband
-man must be a good
storyteller
-marries him
-tell story about locust
and corn

4. LA.E.2.3.2 Recognizes complex elements of plot, including setting, character
development, conflicts, and resolutions.
A top-score response would be similar to the following:
The tortoise could be characterized as determined because the tortoise never stopped. He
went without food and water, and he never rested. He was determined to beat the hare in the
race.
5. LA.E.2.2.1 The student recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts.
The correct answer is D.
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Chapter Two FCAT Practice
Theme: Ancient Civilizations
Author’s Purpose
1. Read the corrected version below of “Garbage In, Knowledge Out” from page 40.
Can you imagine archaeologists going through your trash? People who excavate, or dig up,
lost cities do exactly that! They find artifacts that provide us with echoes of the past. An
artifact is any object men, women, and children use in their daily lives. Today’s scientists
examine pottery, tools, and other objects used by ancient communities. A future scientist
may examine your mattresses, your toothbrushes, or your baby toys! A scientist today may
look at bones to see which animals people ate, such as deer or buffalo. A future excavator
may examine the leftover tomatoes in your salad. Here’s a hint. Keep your old dishes
clean, in case they’re ever seen!
The author’s purpose for writing this selection was
A. to educate the reader about what an archaeologist studies and does.
B. to inform that an artifact is really a daily life item.
C. to suggest what objects could be studied from the past.
D. to amuse the reader with a joke about doing dishes.
Supporting Details
2. Read the corrected version below of “Risen from a Watery Grave” from page 42.
The Mary Rose was one of England’s finest warships. She sank to the Portsmouth Harbor’s
seabed during a battle with the French fleet in 1545. Many eyewitnesses’ accounts told of
her sad end. The Mary Rose quickly became covered with the seabed’s mud and sand.
Alexander McKee located the wreck’s position in 1965. In 1982 the ship was raised and
stored in the city’s dry dock. Bows, arrows, and other archers’ equipment were found on the
gundeck. Other weapons were found in the sailors’ cabins. Netting kept the Mary Rose’s
sailors from escaping when the ship sank. The Mary Rose and its artifacts tell us about the
seamen’s lives onboard the ship.
The raising of the Mary Rose was like finding a treasure chest for archaeologists. Support
this statement with details from the text. Use the following organizer to help you with
writing an extended response.
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Use the extended response box to answer the question.
Inference
3. Read all the statements about the Aztecs on pages 43 and 44.
Why did the Spanish attack the Aztecs? Support your conclusion with details from the text.
Use the short response box to answer this question.
NOTE: Writing Practice located on page 47 is written in the form of a cause-and-effect FCAT
question.
Comparison and Contrast
4. Read “Nouns and Their Jobs” on page 48.
Mary Rose is like a treasure chest for archaeologists.
The dinosaur and the other animals of that time were alike but different. Support this
statement with details from the text. Use the short response box to answer this question.
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Author’s Purpose
5. Read the selection on page 49.
The author’s purpose for writing this text was
A. to inform who the Croatoans really were.
B. to suggest why the colonists wrote Croatoan.
C. to educate about the early English colonists.
D. to draw a conclusion about the colonists’ disappearance.
Main Idea and Supporting Details
6. Write a title for the selection about the English colonists on page 49, and support your title
with details from the text. Use the extended response box to answer this question.
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
By the sixth grade students are aware of the problems of too much garbage.
Think about some ways trash disposal could be improved.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to convince your local government officials to use your ideas to improve garbage
disposal in your area.
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Chapter Two Answer Key
Note to the teacher: The graphic organizer located in this section is a good way to help your
students with finding three to four details from the text to support their answers. Detailed
answers will receive a top score on the extended response portions of the FCAT.
1. LA.A.2.3.2 Identifies the author’s purpose and/or point of view in a variety of texts
and uses the information to construct meaning.
The correct answer is C.
2. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies the
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top score would be similar to the following:
The finding of the Mary Rose was like a treasure chest because many artifacts were found.
These artifacts were the weapons used during that time period. Because of the netting, the
weapons were not washed away, and the archaeologists could see that the men had been
fighting using archery equipment. Other weapons were found in the cabins. This discovery
also gave insight into what the life of a seaman was like at that time.
3. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
A top-score response should be similar to the following:
The Aztecs had many precious metals including gold and silver. Thus, the Aztecs had
enemies who wanted to steal their riches. The Spanish attacked the Aztecs during the
Spanish conquest of Mexico and defeated their empire.
4. LA.A.2.2.7 Recognizes the use of comparison and contrast in a text.
A top-score response should be similar to the following:
The dinosaur and the other animals of that time were different. The dinosaurs were very
huge , only survived 160 million years, but became extinct without a sure reason why. On
the other hand , the other animals were mammals, and they had a much easier time finding
food because of their smaller size. The only thing that the dinosaur and the other animals
had in common was the fact that both were life forms of that time.
5. LA.A.2.3.2 Identifies the author’s purpose and/or point of view in a variety of texts
and uses the information to construct meaning.
The correct answer is D.
6. LA.A.2.3.1 The student determines the main idea or essential message in a text and
identifies the relevant details and facts and pattern of organization.
Answers will vary, but students must have details from the selection to support their title.
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Chapter Three FCAT Practice
Theme: Friendships
Main Idea and Supporting Detail
1. Read the corrected version below of “Revising: Substituting Pronouns for Nouns” from
page 56.
In ancient times, the idea of friendship was foreign to many people. They didn’t even
have a word for “friend.” In Old English, though, the word friend did exist. It first
appeared in English in A.D. 1018.
Most ancient people lived in close communities. They had litle contact with outsiders.
These people did have a word for “stranger.” It meant “enemy.”
Today, we meet “strangers” all the time. Are these strangers enemies? Most of them
are not. In fact, many strangers will become our friends.
Write a title for this passage and support your title with details from the text. Use the
extended response box to answer this question.
Inference
2. You can conclude from the previous passage that our language has grown and changed.
Support this statement with details from the text. Use the short response box to answer this
question.
Context Clue
3. The following statement came from “The Sailors’ Friend” on page 60.
“Pelorus Jack guided ships through the dangerous Cook Strait near New Zealand. The best
meaning for strait is
A. distress.
B. channel.
C. isle.
D. narrow.
Cause and Effect
4. Read the Student Model selection on page 62.
An active volcanic eruption can have a chain of effects. (This is similar to a
cause-and-effect chain where a cause produces an effect which then becomes a cause to
produce another effect.) Support this statement with details from the selection. Use the short
response box for your answer.
Main Idea
5. Read “All for One and One for All” on page 65.
What is the main idea for this selection?
A. Imitate the way the pros play to be good at the sport.
B. “Don’t worry about how well you play; just enjoy it.”
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C. Your best friends will be those with whom you play sports.
D. Team players think of others and not just themselves.
Author’s Purpose
6. Read “Writing: Science Questions and Answers” on page 68.
The author’s purpose for writing this selection was
A. to share Penny’s personal experience with Koko.
B. to show how sign language can be taught to animals.
C. to inform inform the reader about animals and their training.
D. to entertain with an animal’s ability to communicate.
Elements of the Story
7. Read the selection ”Number the Stars” on page 71.
What is the conflict in this selection? Support your answer with details from the text. Use
the short response box to answer this question.
Reading charts, graphs, etc.
8. Read the selection “Drafting from a Timeline” on page 79.
Why was Harriet Tubman nicknamed Moses? Support your answer with details from the
text. Use the short response box to answer this question.
Main Idea and Supporting Details
9. Read the selection “Writing: Using Pronouns in Dialogue” on page 81.
Clifton Davis had loyal friends. Support this statement with details from the text. Use the
short response box to answer this question.
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
Most teens are familiar with peer pressure.
Think about peer pressure and decide whether it is a good thing or a bad thing.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write giving your opinion on peer pressure.
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Chapter Three Answer Key
1. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies the
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
The title chosen must be supported with details from the selection.
2. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use content and word structure clues, and regular organizational patterns.
A top-score response would be similar to the following:
Our language has grown because we have had to add new words to name things. For
example, the word friend was added in 1018. The word stranger also had to be added
because people lived in close communities and did not encounter many new people. Also,
words changed their meanings as society changed; for example, stranger once meant enemy.
3. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
The correct answer is B.
4. LA.E.2.2.1 Recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts.
A top-score response should be similar to the following:
A volcanic eruption at sea causes the formation of a tsunami wave that heads toward land.
This wave can move at a rate of 500 miles per hour and reach a height of 170 feet. When
this tsunami hits land, it destroys anything in its path. Thus, an eruption at sea will lead to
devastating effects on land.
5. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
The correct answer is D.
6. LA.A.2.3.2 Identifies the author’s purpose and/or point of view in a variety of texts
and uses the information to construct meaning.
The correct answer is B.
7. LA.E.2.3.2 Recognizes complex elements of plot, including setting, character
development, conflicts, and resolutions.
A top-score response would be similar to the following:
The conflict is the Nazis vs the Jews or man vs man. This conflict is what changed the lives
of Annemarie and Ellen. Ellen must go into hiding, and Annemarie supports her friend.
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8. LA.A.2.3.5 Locates, organizes, and interprets written information for a variety of
purposes, including classroom research, collaborative decision making, and
performing a school or real-world task.
A top-score response would be similar to the following:
Harriet Tubman was nicknamed Moses because between 1849 and 1860 she helped lead
people from slavery to freedom like Moses. She helped over three hundred people escape
by showing them the way on the Underground Railroad.
9. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top-score response would be similar to the following:
Clifton Davis’s friends were very loyal. When Clifton was denied entrance to the Glenn
Echo Amusement Park due to his color, his friends refused to go also. They all really
wanted to go, but they decided to stand up for their friend’s rights.
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Chapter Four FCAT Practice
Theme: Transportation
Supporting Details
1. Read “They Got Around” on page 90.
Many forms of transportation were developed thousands of years ago, yet they are still in use
today. Support this statement with details from the text. Use the extended response box to
answer this question.
Cause and Effect
2. Read “The First Accidents” on page 93.
Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot became famous for several reasons. Support this statement with
details from the text. Use the short response box to answer this question.
Use the following graphic organizer to help you prepare a written response.
Cause
Cause
Cause
Cause and Effect
3. Read a “A Flying First” on page 95.
Bessie Coleman became the first African-American pilot because
A. she learned to fly from WW II pilots.
B. she studied flying in France.
C. she studied flying in Texas.
D. she studied to overcome poverty.
Author’s Purpose and Reading Charts, Graphs, Timelines
4. Read the corrected version below of “Moving Through History” from page 100.
Transportation began before civilization. For centuries, people walked and ran everywhere.
They first rode in dugout canoes and reed boats nearly 10,000 years ago. They began using
animals to carry their loads by 4000 B.C. They drove chariots with solid wheels by 2500
B.C. They dug canals for ship traffic soon thereafter. Spoked wheels made their appearance
around 2000 B.C., and the Greeks built light fast ships around 400 B.C. The Roman Empire
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Effect

saw advances in road building, and in A.D. 80, Roman gladiators in the Coliseum were
raised to the arena on elevator-like lifting platforms.
The author’s purpose for writing this selection was
A. to inform us about how people traveled 10,000 years ago.
B. to educate us about travel developments as history progressed.
C. to explain how the Roman gladiators made it to the Coliseum.
D. to urge people to walk and run more today.
5. Use this selection to create a timeline that shows the development of transportation.
8,000 B.C.
.
Main Idea and Supporting Details
6. Read the corrected version of “It’s Off to Work They Go” from page 110.
Commuters have used mass transit since the 1800’s. The first electric subway was opened in
Budapest, Hungary, in 1893. In 1897 Boston became the first U.S. city with a subway.
After subways had run for a few decades, they improved. They ran faster and were better
ventilated. Now many cities enjoy computer-controlled trains. These automatic commuter
trains carry millions of people every day. Bullet trains like those in Japan now travel around
190 miles per hour over long distances. The next generation of subway trains will move
without engines or rails. These “maglev” trains will float on a magnetic cushion at 300 miles
per hour.
Mass transit has improved over time. Support this statement with details from the text. Use
the extended response box to answer this question.
Context Clues
7. Reread the section above, paying careful attention to the word ventilated. The best
definition for “maglev” is
A. heavy.
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B. computer-controlled.
C. strange.
D. floating.
Author’s Purpose
8. Read the corrected version below of the Mastery Test on page 117.
We are now living in the age of the automobile, but some people have worried about that fact
for awhile. Cars give us freedom and mobility, but they also give us pollution, accidents, and
road rage. Before the automobile age, there had been almost no pavement in the United
States. Now we have 2.4 million miles of paved roads, which cost $200 million per day to
keep up and add to. Some futurists believe that as roads get more crowded, more people will
turn to mass transit. Even now, subways, trains, and buses pollute less per person than
automobiles do. Other people predict that communities will become more self-sufficient.
After people finally work near their homes, they will abandon their cars. The air will be
cleaner, and people will be healthier.
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The author’s purpose for writing this selection was
A. to educate about the unwelcome results of the automobile.
B. to explain how we can help with getting cleaner, healthier air.
C. to urge communities to become more self-sufficient .
D. to explain the high costs of roads and their upkeep.
Context Clues
9. “Cars give us freedom and mobility, but they also give us pollution, accidents and road
rage.” The best definition for mobility could be
A. permanence.
B. changeability.
C. trailer.
D. movability.
Context Clues
10. “Other people predict that communities will become more self-sufficient.” The best
meaning for self- sufficient is
A. independent.
B. dependent.
C. helpless.
D. conceited.
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
By the time they are in sixth grade, most students are aware of the negative effects of the car
used as transportation.
Think about the car and some ways you think the country could improve transportation.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now, write to convince the government to use your ideas to improve the transportation system.
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Chapter Four Answer Key
1. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
Thousands of years ago several forms of transportation were invented. First, they learned to
use animals to help with transporting goods. Next, in 5000 BC they invented sledges to help
carry heavy loads. Later in 500 BC the wheel was designed. Yet, all of these transportation
forms can still be seen in use today.
2. LA.E.2.2.1 Recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts.
A top-score response would be similar to the following:
Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot became famous for several reasons. First, he invented the first car,
which had three wheels and only moved about three mph. He also was the first man to be
involved in a car accident when he hit a wall. These two effects made Cugnot famous.
3. LA.E.2.2.1 Recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts.
The answer is B.
4. LA.A.2.3.2 Identifies the author’s purpose and/or point of view in a variety of texts
and uses the information to construct meaning.
The answer is B.
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5. LA.A.2.3.5 Locates, organizes, and interprets written information for a variety of
purposes, including classroom research, collaborative decision-making, and performing
a school or real-world task.
10,000 B.C. dugout canoes and reed boats
4000 B.C. animals and carrying
2500 B.C. solid wheeled chariots
canals for better shipping
2000 B.C. spoked wheels
400 B.C. Faster sailing vessels
80 A.D. Road construction/elevator
6. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
Mass transit has been improved over time. In1893 the first electric subway was started.
Then improvements to the subway led to better ventilation and more speed. Later came the
computer-controlled trains, which led to the bullet train that can reach speeds of 190 miles
per hour. Next will be the “maglev” which will reach speeds of 300 miles per hour. Thus,
mass transit has been improving over time.
7. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
The answer is D.
8. LA.A.2.3.2 Identifies the author’s purpose and/or point of view in a variety of texts
and uses the information to construct meaning.
The answer is A.
9. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
The answer is D.
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10. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
The answer is A.
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Chapter Five FCAT Practice
Theme: Vacation Spots
Main Idea and Supporting Detail
1. Read the Diagnostic Test on page 121.
Yellowstone is considered an American treasure. Support this statement with details from
the text. Remember to organize your thoughts, using the graphic organizer to prepare your
response. Use the extended response box to answer this question.
Yellowstone- an American treasure
Inference
2. Read “Why It Matters in Writing” on page 125.
You can infer that Mama’s childhood made a major impact on her adult views. Support this
statement with details from the text. Use the short response box to answer this question.
Cause and Effect
3. Read “Look Out” on page 126.
Volcanic eruptions can cause serious effects. Support this statement with details from the
text. Use the extended response box to answer this question.
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Inference
4. Mt. St. Helen’s previous volcanic activity was in
A. 1850s.
B. 1860s.
C. 1870s.
D. 1880s.
Context Clue
5. Read “Climb Every Mountain” on page 129.
Urban climbers scale city buildings. The best definition for urban is
A. community.
B. country.
C. capitol.
D. city.
Author’s Purpose
6. Read the Mastery Test on page 143.
The author’s purpose for writing this selection was
A. to entertain the reader about an influential biologist.
B. to explain the harmful effects of the pesticide DDT.
C. to inform the reader how Carson got DDT banned.
D. to urge for more careful use of harmful pesticides.
Context Clues
7. The pesticide DDT was finally banned in 1972. The best definition for banned is
A. permitted.
B. allowed.
C. prohibited.
D. sanctioned.
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FCAT WRITING PROMPT
WRITING SITUATION
Most students have had an opportunity to visit a local or national park.
Think about parks and whether you feel they are needed or not.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to explain your opinion on parks and why we need them.
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Chapter Five Answer Key
1. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
Details for graphic organizer and for use in the response:
-hot springs, mud pots, geysers like Old Faithful
-Grand Prismatic Spring’s rainbow due to algae growth
-wildlife like elk, buffalo, bighorn sheep
-millions of tourists yearly
2. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
Since Mama grew up poor and lonely, as an adult she was concerned about others and
wanted to help out. She also taught her children that indifference is a character fault so that
they would learn to be kind and caring.
3. LA.E.2.2.1 Recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
Volcanic eruptions have serious effects. They cause widespread damage due to fires that are
sparked form the hot ashes. Second, mud slides cover the forests and make them appear
flat. The eruption also pollutes the air with smoke and ash. Thus, volcanic eruptions have
serious effects
4. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
The correct answer is B.
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5. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
The correct answer is D.
6. LA.A.2.3.2 Identifies the author’s purpose and/or point of view in a variety of texts
and uses the information to construct meaning.
The correct answer is C.
7. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
The correct answer is C.
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Chapter Six FCAT Practice
Theme: Dragons
Context Clue
1. Read about prepositional phrases and the examples on page 149.
Fifty people walk under the enormous dragon. The best definition for enormous is
A. tiny.
B. vast.
C. small.
D. immense.
Comparison and Contrast
2. Read “Dragon Tales” on page 150.
Eastern dragons are very different from the Western dragons. Support this statement with
details from the text. Use the extended response box to answer this question.
Eastern dragon Western dragon
Cause and Effect
3. Read the selection “The Largest Lizard” on page 153.
The best reason to fear the Komodo lizard is that
A. its saliva has bacteria in it.
B. its teeth can tear up animal.
C. it is the largest lizard in the world.
D. it runs twelve and one-half miles an hour.
Supporting Details/Comparison and Contrast
4. Read the selection “Crocodiles and Alligators” on page 156.
The best way to tell the difference between the crocodile and the alligator is
A. snout differences.
B. hunting differences.
C. teeth differences.
D. climate differences.
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Supporting Details
5. Read the corrected version below of “Famous Dragons” from page 160.
Dragons are famous around the world. The Eastern Spiritual Dragon-- Shen-Lung -- controls
the wind and the rain. The Chinese Yellow Dragon gave the knowledge of writing to
Emperor Fu Hsi. People fear but respect the European dragons. The Vikings put dragon
figureheads on their ships. They believed the dragons would give them keen sight and skill.
Beowulf confronted a dragon in the epic poem Beowulf. The dragon has become an official
part of the Prince of Wales’s armor. Sea serpents are dragons from the seas. “Nessie,” the
Loch Ness Monster, is a sea serpent , but she lives in a lake in Scotland.
Some cultures give dragons credit for helping mankind. Support this statement with details
from the text. Use the short response box to answer this question.
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
People have strong feelings about the value of zoos.
Think about zoos and whether you feel they are a good or bad thing.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to give your opinion of zoos.
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Chapter Six Answer Key
1. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
The correct answer is D.
2. LA.A.2.2.7 Recognizes the use of comparison and contrast in a text.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
Eastern dragons are very different from Western dragons. The Eastern
dragons protect the waters, have no wings, hold a fan with their tails, and eats swallows. On
the other hand, the Western dragons are associated with evil and have wings to fly above
their enemies. They also can change shapes and are usually in a struggle with a knight. The
only thing that these two dragons have in common is that they are dragons.
3. LA.E.2.2.1 Recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts.
The correct answer is B.
4. LA.A.2.2.7 Recognizes the use of comparison and contrast in a text.
LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
The correct answer is C.
-holds fan with tail
-has no wings
-protects waters
-eats swallows
5. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
Some cultures give dragons credit for helping mankind. For example, the Chinese Yellow
Dragon helped by giving writing ability to the emperor. Also, The Vikings believed that a
dragon symbol on their ships would enable them to have keen sight and skill.
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-is associated with evil
-has wings to fly above
enemies
-changes shapes
-is usually in conflict with
a knight

Chapter Seven FCAT Practice
Theme: Team Participation
Supporting Details
1. Read the corrected version below of “Meet the Beatles” from page 168.
Rock critics consider the Beatles one of the most important groups in rock and roll history.
Their musical development shows constant growth and exploration. In the late 1950s they
were playing other people’s songs in clubs. However, their own compositions were
changing popular music. Beatle songs attract listeners who like great melodies and clever
lyrics. By the mid-1960s they were performing to huge crowds in stadiums. Adults
remember mobs of young fans screaming at Beatles’ concerts. The Beatles were considered
wild in their day. Such popular groups affect clothing and hair styles. Today their music still
plays around the world.
The Beatles were considered important to rock and roll for several reasons. Support this
statement with details from the text. Use the short response box to answer the question.
Context Clues
2. Read the corrected version below of the Student Model on page 168.
Do you dislike order and discipline? Then you probably don’t belong in a marching
band. The band members must follow precise directions. A music director plans out every
movement? Often the musicians form words and patterns as they walk. Even their
uniforms match perfectly. Many schools hav e formed marching bands. The bands play at
sporting events and other special occasions.
“The band members must follow precise directions. A music instructor plans out every
movement . Often the musicians form words and patterns as they walk.” The best meaning
for precise is
A. wrong.
B. exact.
C. loose.
D. inaccurate.
Author’s Purpose
3. Read the corrected version below of “Guiding Lights” from page 175.
Everyone has heard of seeing eye dogs. Few know the term hearing dogs. All of these
dogs alert their owners to sounds of danger. Several of the dog breeds are especially suited
for work with visually challenged people. Some of the best dogs include German
shepherds, Labrador retrievers, and golden retrievers. Most of the states guarantee access
rights to guide-dog users. No one in these states is allowed to keep people with guide-dogs
from public places. Everyone recognizes a seeing-eye dog by its special harness and Ushaped
handle. Many know that hearing dogs have a bright yellow or orange collar and
leash. Both of the canine helpers give visually challenged and hearing-impaired people
more independence.
The author’s purpose for writing this selection is
A. to urge people to allow guide dogs into public places.
B. to educate us about the two types of helping dogs and their jobs.
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C. to entertain us with a story about helping dogs and their duties.
D. to inform the reader of the colors used for hearing dogs’ leashes.
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
As sixth graders, many of you have already played on a team.
Think about that team and decide some ways a team helps you.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to explain how being on a team has helped you.
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Chapter Seven Answer Key
1. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
The Beatles’ music changed and grew as they played together, and their development began
to change popular music. People were drawn to their songs because of the lyrics and the
great melodies, which led to their performing huge concerts in stadiums. Their music is still
played worldwide today.
2. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
The correct answer is B.
3. LA.A.2.3.2 Identifies the author’s purpose and/or point of view in a variety of texts
and uses the information to construct meaning.
The correct answer is B.
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Chapter Eight FCAT Practice
Theme: Names
Author’s Purpose
1. Read the corrected version below of “Middle Names” from page 188.
Not long ago, I found a book of baby names in the attic that tells about how middle names
originated. It was written by Jonathan P. Algeron, Jr. Mom said it was the book she and
Dad used to pick my name. The book says that the Spanish began using middle names
about 1000 A. D. Even though the early Americans did not give their children middle
names, by the mid-1800s German immigrants to the United States had made the practice
popular. President John Quincy Adams was the first president to use a middle name. The
most unusual middle name was chosen by a 13-year-old girl in 1965 who admired the folk
song “Don’t Ya Weep, Don’t Ya Mourn.” Her name -Mary Dontyaweepdontyamourn
Schulz.
What was the author’s purpose for writing this selection?
A. to explain how middle names began in the USA
B. to persuade everyone to use their middle name
C. to share a girl’s choice of a strange middle name
D. to relate middle name facts and their popularity
Context Clues
2. Reread the above passage. What is the best definition for originated?
A. ended
B. concluded
C. commenced
D. started
3. Read the sentence with immigrants. What do immigrants do?
A. They come into a country.
B. They leave from a country.
C. They stay within a country.
D. They live in a country.
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Supporting Details
4. Read the corrected version below of “Naming the Land” from page 195.
In the early 1700s, French explorers began to colonize parts of what is now the South. Near
the Gulf of Mexico, the French founded a fort in an area settled by a Native American group
called the Mauvila. The French translated that name to mobile. Around a nearby river, the
French encountered the Alibamons (for whom the state of Alabama is named). Two
centuries later, paddle wheel boats with names like the Delta Queen would travel the
Mississippi River, but in the 1700s French explorers made their way upriver in canoes. Near
the Great Plains, the French encountered a river called Ni (river) Bthaska (something flat and
spread out). The French called it the Rivère Platte. Ni Bthaska became the name of the state
Nebraska.
Several places in the United States were named for American Indians. Support this
statement with details from the text. Use the extended response box to answer this question.
Charts, Graphs, Etc.
5. Read and complete the assignment in “Concept Check: Capitalization in Graphs and Tables”
on page 199.
Create a line graph using the same information that you used to create the bar graph. Which
graph relates the information the best? Support your answer with details from your graphs.
Use the short response box to answer this question.
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
Many items have strange names.
Think of something that has an odd or unusual name.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to explain how the name should be changed and your reasons for the change.
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Chapter Eight Answer Key
1. LA.A.2.3.2 Identifies the author’s purpose and/or point of view in a variety of texts
and uses the information to construct meaning.
The correct answer is A.
2. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
The correct answer is D.
3. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
The correct answer is A.
4. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
Several places in the United States got their names from the American Indian. For example,
Alabama was named for the Alibamons, who were Indians living in that area. Even Mobile,
Alabama, got its name from the Native Americans who lived there. They were called the
Mauvila, which was translated by the French to mobile. Another example is the state of
Nebraska that was named for a river the Indians named Ni for river and bthaska for
something flat and spread out.
5. LA.A.2.3.6 Uses a variety of reference materials including indexes, magazines,
newspapers, and journals, and tools, including card catalogs and computer catalogs, to
gather information for research projects.
The students should prepare a line graph and answer the question using information from
the two graphs.
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Chapter Nine FCAT Practice
Theme: Mistakes and Their Results
Cause and Effect
1. Read the corrected version below of “Oil Takes Its Toll” from page 211.
In 1989, an oil tanker, the Exxon Valdez, went aground off the coast of Alaska. Eleven
million gallons of smelly, sticky oil spilled out of the tanker. Spread by the ocean current,
the oil slick soon coated 1,300 miles of Alaska’s shoreline. The magnificent, sparkling
beaches of Alaska turned oily and black. The spill killed approximately 5,000 otters, 300
seals, 150 bald eagles, and 250,000 other birds.
Ten years later, there were signs of recovery. A council was established after the spill to
help restore wildlife. Molly McCammon, its director, indicated that things were looking
better. The numbers of bald eagles and pink salmon were strong. She added, however, that
more work needed to be done to improve the numbers of seals, herring, and ducks.
Human disasters in nature can cause terrible effects. Support this statement with details
from the text. Use the extended response box to answer this question.
Cause and Effect
2. Read the corrected version of “Breaking a Promise to the Wrong Woman” from page 221.
Isabella Baumfree was born into slavery in the late 1790’s (the exact date is not known).
John Durmont, Baumfree’s owner, promised to give her freedom if she worked extra hard.
However, Durmont -- scoundrel that he was -- refused to honor his word. In a bold move,
Baumfree walked off Durmont’s farm in search of freedom. She found safety in the home
of neighbors -- they were peaceful Quakers -- who bought out the remainder of her time as a
slave. At the age of about forty-six, Baumfree renamed herself Sojourner Truth and began
to speak publicly about her suffering. Truth was an eloquent preacher although she could
not read or write (she never had a formal education). She traveled all over the country -even
the White House -- speaking about abolishing slavery. Truth was an extremely tall
woman (over six feet tall), which helped her get an audience’s attention quite easily. Her
quick wit and self-confidence helped Sojourner Truth become one of the nation’s most
popular public figures.
Sojourner Truth became a popular public figure for several reasons. Support this statement
with details from the text. Use the short response box to answer this question.
Context Clues
Reread the above passage paying careful attention to the underlined words.
3. “Truth was an eloquent preacher although she could not read or write.” The best definition
for eloquent is
A. stammering.
B. articulate.
C. inarticulate.
D. persuasive.
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4. “However, Durmont -- scoundrel that he was -- refused to honor his word.” The best
definition for scoundrel is
A. villain.
B. thief.
C. comedian.
D. bumpkin
Author’s Purpose
5. Read the corrected version below of “Mistakes Turn to Triumph” from page 223.
A series of mistakes came just before the 1996 Olympic Games’
most memorable moment. It was July 23, the last night of team competition in women’s
gymnastics. Dominique Moceanu fell on both of her vaults. The U. S. team’s chances for a
gold medal looked bad. Keri Strug’s turn came next. Keri fell, too -- badly. She thought
maybe she’d broken her ankle. She didn’t know if she should take her second vault. Keri’s
coach, Bela Karolyi, left the decision up to her. Keri didn’t think her team would win if she
didn’t try again; so she did. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on her as she sprinted down the
runway, vaulted -- and landed perfectly. Seconds later, after gently lifting her aching foot,
she crumpled to the mat. Her courage lifted a nation’s heart, and the women’s team won
gold.
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What was the author’s purpose for writing this selection?
A. to show the reader how the U.S. won the gold medal
B. to relate Keri’s personal struggle to help the U.S. win
C. to urge the reader to be as courageous as Keri
D. to educate the reader about women’s gymnastics
Author’s Purpose
6. Read the poem, “The Quarrel,” on page 226.
What was the author’s purpose for using the line “The afternoon turned black?”
A. to show how color can be used in poetry
B. to relate how intensely they disliked each other
C. to urge the reader not to let arguments build
E. to explain how easily a disagreement can build
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
Most teenagers have gotten into an argument with a brother, a sister, or a friend.
Think of some ways the argument got started and was then resolved.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to explain to your peers how to resolve an argument before it develops.
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Chapter Nine Answer Key
1. LA.E.2.2.1 Recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
Human disasters can have terrible effects on nature. For example, 11,000,000 gallons of oil
were spilled due to human error. This oil then covered 1,300 miles of shoreline and caused
this shoreline to be black with oil. Much of the wildlife, such as eagles, otters, and seals,
died because of this. Ten years after the spill, there are still species of wildlife trying to
make a comeback, such as seals, ducks, and herring. This disaster caused numerous horrible
effects on nature.
2. LA.E.2.2.1 Recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
Sojourner Truth became a popular public figure because she was witty and had
confidence in herself. She also was an extremely tall woman and could get an audience’s
attention quickly. In addition, she spoke about slavery and her own personal experiences
and her suffering from it. She traveled all over the country and became a popular public
figure.
3. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use content and word structure clues, and regular organizational patterns.
The correct answer is B.
4. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use content and word structure clues, and regular organizational patterns.
The correct answer is A.
5. LA.A.2.3.2 Identifies the author’s purpose and/or point of view in a variety of texts
and uses the information to construct meaning.
The correct answer is B.
6. LA.A.2.3.2 Identifies the author’s purpose and/or point of view in a variety of texts
and uses the information to construct meaning
The correct answer is B.
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Chapter Ten FCAT Practice
Theme: Steps to Great Writing
Supporting Details
1. Read the selection about the trap-door spider on page 270.
The trap door spider’s home serves several purposes for the spider. Use the short response
box to support this statement with details from the text.
Supporting Details
2. The trap door spider has learned to protect itself from enemies. Support this statement with
details from the text. Use the short response box to answer this question.
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
By the time they are in the 6th grade, most students are familiar with book reports.
Think about book reports and whether you feel that they are a good or bad assignment.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to give your opinion of book reports.
Chapter Eleven FCAT Practice
Theme: Changes
Inference
1. Look at the photo on page 277. What can you infer about a transformation? Support your
answer with details from the picture. Use the short response box to answer this question.
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
As a sixth grader, you have already made a change in friends.
Think about this change and why it happened.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to explain why you made a change in friends.
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Chapter Ten Answer Key
1. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top score response would resemble the following:
The trap door spider’s home serves several purposes. First, it is waterproof and is six to
twelve inches deep to serve as protection from enemies. Also, the home serves as a trap for
the spider to catch its food.
2. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
The trap-door spider has learned to protect itself from enemies. It uses its home as a refuge
from enemies. The spider uses its jaw and legs to hold the door shut to keep enemies from
entering its home. It also will spin silk to secure the door even more strongly from enemies.
Chapter Eleven Answer Key
1. LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions,
use context and word structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
A top score response would resemble the following:
The picture has a caterpillar forming a cocoon and then emerging as a butterfly. Thus, a
transformation must be taking place.
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Chapter Twelve FCAT Practice
Theme: Improving Your Writing
Cause and Effect
1. Read the Professional Model on page 293.
The climate caused extreme difficulty in the discovery of the North Pole. Support this
statement with details from the text. Use the extended response box to answer this question.
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
Most teens are familiar with the idea of extraterrestrial life.
Think about extraterrestrial life and whether it is possible or just a hoax.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to explain your opinions about extraterrestrial life.
Chapter Fourteen FCAT Practice
Theme: Tornado Effects
Cause and Effect
Read all the student models on pages 315, 317, and 318 before answering question 1.
1. Tornadoes are acts of nature that can produce strange events in life. Support this statement
with details from the text. Use the extended response box to answer this question.
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
As a teen you have heard of a strange or bizarre happening in nature.
Think about this event and whether it was real or imaginary.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to give your opinion of this event.
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Chapter Twelve Answer Key
1. LA.E.2.2.1 Recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
The climate caused problems with discovery of the North Pole. First, the temperature was
fifty degrees below zero, causing frostbite and exhaustion for the explorers. The extreme
temperatures also caused freezing water and thin ice conditions, leading to an explorer’s
falling through the water and drowning.
Chapter Fourteen Answer Key
1. LA.E.2.2.1 Recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
Tornadoes have caused strange events to happen. First, in one town the people saw, flying
through the air, chimneys that had been torn away from homes. Next, frogs were lifted into
the air from their ponds and later due to gravity came down like rain. Another instance was
when a family lost all of their business papers, but the tornado dropped them in a town 150
miles away. Also, chickens have had their feathers plucked by tornado winds and have not
been harmed. Another example is that people and their homes have been moved without
harm to nearby areas. These are just a few examples of how tornadoes can cause strange
events.
44

Chapter Twenty-two FCAT Practice
Theme: Problem-Solving
Author’s Purpose
1. Read “How Racism Affects Children” on page 391.
What was the author’s purpose for writing this selection?
A. to explain to the reader how racism is learned by children
B. to inform the reader how racism can be passed to others
C. to demonstrate to the reader ways to stop racism from happening
D. to suggest to the reader that parents should not model racism
FCAT Writing Prompt
WRITING SITUATION
Everyone has experienced different problems in life.
Think about a problem that you have faced and how you handled it.
WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to explain the problem and how you resolved it.
Chapter Twenty-two Answer Key
Author’s Purpose
1. LA.A.2.3.2 Identifies the author’s purpose and/or point of view in a variety of texts
and uses the information to construct meaning.
The correct answer is C.
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Chapter Twenty-four FCAT Practice
Theme:Short Story and Poems
Read “The Lion and the Peculiar Purple Peach” on page 407 to answer the following questions.
Elements of the Story
1. What is the conflict of this story? Support your answer with details from the text. Use the
short response box to answer this question.
2. How would you describe the tigress’s character? Support your answer with details from the
text. Use the short answer box to answer the question.
Main Idea and Supporting Details
3. Read “Who” on page 412.
Martin Luther King Jr. made a stand for equal rights. Support this statement with details
from the text. Use the graphic organizer to gather details; then use the extended response
box to answer the question.
FCAT Writing Prompt
Martin Luther King Jr. stood for equal rights.
WRITING SITUATION
You have heard that your school district is considering year round school.
Think about year round school and whether it is a good or a bad thing.
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WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
Now write to explain your opinion on year round school.
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Chapter Twenty-four Answer Key
1 LA.E.2.3.1 Understands how character and plot development, point of view, and tone
are used in various selections to support a central conflict or story line.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
The conflict of this story is that the lion is in a struggle with the other animals. He is intent
on stealing their goods. This can be seen when he takes the blackberries from the panther,
the bananas from the lion, the coconuts from the monkey, the fox’s strawberries, and the
other fruits from the various animals.
2. LA.E.2.3.1 Understands how character and plot development, point of view, and tone
are used in various selections to support a central conflict or story line.
A top score response would resemble the following:
The tigress was sly because she watched what the lion was doing and set a trap for him to
get all the fruit back to its original owner. She was also honest since she could not let the
lion do all this stealing, and she was helpful because she got all the fruit back to the rightful
owner.
3. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
Answers for chart:
stood up for rights
speeches said “Let freedom ring.”
judge a person by his character not his color
said let all be free
These details can be used to complete the extended response.
LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top-score response would resemble the following:
Martin Luther King Jr. stood for equal rights. He made many speeches that said, “Let
freedom ring.” He also made it known that you should not judge a person by his color but
by his character. He also stated that all should be free. Thus, he stood up for the rights of
all.
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Student Resources FCAT Practice
Supporting Details
1. Read “What Is a Noun?” on page 533.
Archaeological discoveries have been found by accident. Support this statement with details
from the text. Use the short response box to answer this question.
Supporting Details/Cause and Effect
2. Read “What Is an Adverb?” on page 547.
Because Sacajawea was a Native American, she became a valuable member of the Lewis
and Clark exploration team. Support this statement with details from the text. Use the short
response box to answer this question.
Main Idea
3. Read the corrected version below of “Commas in Sentences,” from pages 557 – 558.
In 1928, Alexander Fleming, a British scientist, accidentally discovered a solution to a
serious medical problem. While working at a London hospital, Fleming had begun to study
staphylococci, a strain of bacteria. His research involved preparing bacteria cultures,
examining any changes in the cultures, and recording any important findings.
One day Fleming noticed something strange while cleaning his laboratory equipment.
Inside one dish, a small patch of mold grew. Fleming wondered how this could be. After
all, the bacteria were known to harm most living things. He realized almost instantly that
this mold held the answer to the great medical problem. In time Fleming and other
scientists used the mold to develop penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic drug. Today, when
patients recover from pneumonia, peritonitis, and other serious infections treated with
penicillin, they have Fleming to thank.
Give the reading a title. Support your title with details from the text. Use the short response
box to answer this question.
Supporting Details
4. The corrected version below of “Semicolons and Colons” from page 559.
In 1609, Galileo Galilei built his own telescope to study the night sky. Using this device,
he made the following observation: spots on the sun, crags on the Earth’s moon, and moons
circling Jupiter. Galileo’s discoveries were remarkable; they eventually led to greater
advances in astronomy and physics. At the time, however, his work was widely criticized
by authorities.
Leaders were particularly upset by Galileo’s view of the Earth and its relationship to the
sun. They believed that the Earth was the center of the universe. Galileo, however,
supported an entirely different opinion; it caused him a great deal of trouble. Galileo
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observed scientifically that planets, including the Earth, all revolved around the sun. Galileo
published his theory in 1632; as a result, he was punished. Galileo experienced many
hardships at the hands of his enemies: trials, isolation, and house arrest. Through it all, he
remained true to his beliefs and to science.
A good title for this selection could be “Galileo Sticks by Theory.” Support this title with
details from the text. Use the short response box to answer this question.
Supporting Detail
4. Read the corrected version below of “Apostrophes” from page 560.
Have you ever wondered how some places were named? Well, there’s an amusing story
behind Greenland’s name. Contrary to what you might think, Greenland, the largest island
in the world, was not named for its rich green fields. In fact, only the coasts of Greenland
turn green, and this change occurs only during the island’s summers. No, the name comes
from an ancient trick.
According to historians, the Vikings’ interest in settling new areas prompted the naming
of Greenland. The Vikings are said to have called this frigid place Greenland in order to
entice people to move there, far away from their homes. Apparently, the Vikings’ trick was
successful in attracting some families to Greenland.
Today, Greenland is populated almost entirely by Inuit and Danish people. Though
they’re able to farm in the country’s southwestern coastal areas, Greenlanders spend more
time fishing, hunting, or sheep herding.
Even though they were duped into moving to Greenland, Greenland’s inhabitants have
learned to live on this island. Support this statement with details from the text. Use the short
response box to answer this question.
Comparison and Contrast
6. Read the “Comparison-and-Contrast Essay” on page 565 to prepare a Venn Diagram to
compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy.
potential kinetic
Main Idea and Supporting Details
7. Title this article and support your title with details from the text. Use the short response box
to answer this question.
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Student Resources Answer Key
1. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top-score response would be similar to the following:
Archaeological discoveries have been found by accident. For example, a young girl and her
father in Spain accidentally discovered 12,000-year-old paintings of animals in a cave in
Spain. Another example is that of a Palestinian boy who was looking for his lost goat and
stumbled upon a cave that held ancient biblical scrolls.
2. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
LA.E.2.2.1 Recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts.
A top-score response would be similar to the following:
Because Sacajawea was a Shoshone Indian, she was very familiar with Native American
culture. This helped her to translate for the exploration to the Northwest and to reassure the
different tribes along the way of their intent. She also was able to help the expedition with
finding food.
3. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
An acceptable title must be supported with details from the selection.
4. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top-score response would be similar to the following:
Galileo did stick by his theory. As a result of its publication, he was punished by trials,
isolation, and arrest. His enemies caused him a great deal of trouble, but none of this trouble
made him change from his findings.
5. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
A top-score would be similar to the following:
Greenland’s people have learned to live on the island. Since it is an island, they have
learned to fish for food. Also, even though Greenland is not really green, the islanders have
learned to farm along the southwestern coast during the summer. They also hunt and herd
sheep to make a living.
6. LA.A.2.2.7 Recognizes the use of comparison and contrast in a text.
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Student responses for the Venn Diagram must be details taken from the text.
7. LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies
relevant details and facts and patterns of organization.
The title given for the selection must be supported with details from the text.
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FCAT BENCHMARKS
Context Clues/Inferences
LA.A.1.3.2. Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text, draw conclusions, use context and word
structure clues, and recognize organizational patterns.
Comparison and Contrast
LA.A.2.2.7 Recognizes the use of comparison and contrast in a text.
Main Idea and Supporting Details
LA.A.2.3.1 Determines the main idea or essential message in a text and identifies relevant details and facts and
patterns of organization.
Author’s Purpose
LA.A.2.3.2 Identifies the author’s purpose and/or point of view in a variety of texts and uses the information to
construct meaning.
Classroom Research
LA.A.2.3.5 Locates, organizes, and interprets written information for a variety of purposes, including classroom
research, collaborative decision-making, and performing a school or real-world task.
Reference materials
LA.A.2.3.6 Uses a variety of reference materials including indexes, magazines, newspapers, journals, and tools,
including card catalogs and computer catalogs, to gather information for research projects.
Synthesizing Information
LA.A.2.3.7 Synthesizes and separates collected information into useful components using a variety of techniques,
such as source cards, note cards, spreadsheets, and outlines.
Cause and Effect
LA.E.2.2.1 Recognizes cause-and-effect relationships in literary texts.
Strong Vs Weak / Fact and Opinion
LA.A.2.3.8 Checks the validity and accuracy of information obtained from research, in such ways as differentiating
fact and opinion, identifying strong vs. weak arguments, and recognizing that personal values influence the
conclusions an author draws.
Literary Devices
LA.E.2.3.1 Understands how character and plot development, point of view, and tone are used in various selections
to support a central conflict or story line.
LA.E.2.3.2 Recognizes complex elements of plot, including setting, character development, conflicts, and
resolutions.
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SHORT RESPONSE ANSWER BOXES
READ
THINK
EXPLAIN
READ
THINK
EXPLAIN
Short Response: Use details and information from the reading to explain
your answer.
Short Response: Use details and information from the reading to explain
your answer.
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EXTENDED RESPONSE ANSWER BOX
READ
THINK
EXPLAIN
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
Extended Response: Use details and information from the reading to
explain your answer.
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READ
THINK
EXPLAIN
__________
__________
__________
__________
__________
READ
THINK
EXPLAIN
Extended Response: Use details and information from the reading to
explain your answer.
Short Response: Use details and information from the reading to explain
your answer.
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