CBSE Unseen passage for Class 5 English

Stonehenge, located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, is a renowned monument known worldwide. Its massive stones are visible from afar.

The construction of Stonehenge spanned several centuries, beginning in the late Neolithic Age around 3000 BC. Over the next thousand years, numerous alterations were made to the monument, with the final modifications occurring in the early Bronze Age around 1500 BC.

Although the exact purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery, it is believed that people congregated there for religious rituals.

The initial step involved shaping the boulders. Archaeologists theorize that ancient Britons inserted wooden wedges into cracks within the stones. As the wood absorbed water, it expanded, causing the stone to split. Subsequently, chisels and hammers were used to shape the stones.

The stones were then transported to the construction site, likely carried on rafts along rivers and dragged across land by teams of men and oxen. It is thought that the stones were placed on large wooden sledges and pulled along the ground using log rollers.

The builders dug deep trenches for the stones and used ropes to raise them, filling the ditches with rocks to secure the stones in position.

Some theories propose that Stonehenge served as an observatory for tracking the movements of the Sun and Moon, while others suggest it was a place of healing.

The ancient Britons attributed special significance to the Sun and Moon, believing they possessed extraordinary powers affecting their lives. It is highly probable that they conducted special ceremonies at Stonehenge on Midsummer's Day (the longest day of the year) and Midwinter's Day (the shortest day of the year).

Many experts argue that Stonehenge was utilized for funerary purposes. They propose that individuals transported the deceased along the River Avon and proceeded on a grand procession to Stonehenge. The most significant funeral ceremony likely took place on Midwinter's Night, coinciding with the longest night of the year.

Q1) Where is Stonehenge located?

Answer: Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.

Q2) How long did it take to build Stonehenge?

Answer: Stonehenge took several hundred years to build.

Q3) When did the construction of Stonehenge begin and end?

Answer: The construction of Stonehenge began in the late Neolithic Age around 3000 BC and ended in the early Bronze Age around 1500 BC.

Q4) What is the suggested purpose of Stonehenge?

Answer: The purpose of Stonehenge is unknown, but it is believed to have been used for religious ceremonies.

Q5) How did the ancient Britons shape the stones?

Answer: The ancient Britons shaped the stones by hammering wooden wedges into cracks and then expanding them with water. Chisels and hammers were also used for shaping.

Q6) How were the stones transported to the building site?

Answer: The stones were likely carried on rafts along rivers and dragged across land by teams of men and oxen. They may have been pulled on giant wooden sledges using log rollers.

Q7) How did the builders secure the stones in place?

Answer: The builders dug deep trenches for the stones, raised them using ropes, and packed the ditches with rocks to hold the stones in position.

Q8) What are some proposed functions of Stonehenge?

Answer: Stonehenge is thought to have served as an observatory for tracking celestial movements and as a place of healing.

Q9) Which specific days were likely significant for ceremonies at Stonehenge?

Answer: Midsummer's Day (the longest day of the year) and Midwinter's Day (the shortest day of the year) were likely significant for ceremonies at Stonehenge.

Q10) What is the suggested purpose of Stonehenge during funeral ceremonies?

Answer: Many experts believe that Stonehenge was used during funeral ceremonies, particularly on Midwinter's Night, which is the longest night of the year.

Mia had always been plagued by an intense fear of snakes. The mere thought of encountering one would send shivers down her spine. She had even skipped the class field trip to the zoo, fearing that she might come face to face with a slithering creature. It didn't help when James, a classmate, brought his pet snake to math class, causing Mia to run out in tears. As the years went by, her fear only grew stronger. Lately, she had started avoiding the local park, where garden snakes would occasionally appear in the grass.

Jess, Mia's best friend since kindergarten, had a fascination with all things that crawled and slithered. However, she knew about Mia's snake phobia and had always been considerate. In the past, she found Mia's fear amusing, but now it worried her. She could see how Mia's irrational fears were taking a toll on her life. Jess had even taken down a large poster of a boa constrictor from her room because it bothered Mia so much.

One day, Mia visited Jess, excited about playing the new video game, Green Ghosts Gone Wild. But as she entered Jess' room, her excitement turned to fear. Her eyes landed on a massive glass tank, devoid of water, filled with logs, leaves, and stones. Suddenly, a scaly tail emerged from beneath the leaves, causing Mia to let out a shriek and retreat into the hallway. Confused and guilty, Jess asked Mia what was wrong, fully aware of her fear of snakes.

Mia, her eyes darting between Jess and the tank, nodded in acknowledgment. She felt betrayed by her friend's decision to bring a snake into the house, knowing how she felt. Jess, trying to calm Mia, assured her that the snake, named Tiger, was safely contained in the tank and couldn't escape. She understood Mia's fear but also knew how much Mia wanted to play the game. With a mixture of hesitation and determination, Mia agreed to try, on the condition of avoiding any proximity to Tiger.

As they cautiously entered the room together, Mia deliberately averted her gaze from the tank and focused on reaching Jess' computer. It wasn't an easy task for her, but she managed to make it without succumbing to fear. Despite her reluctance, Mia tried to hide her discomfort. Jess, sensing Mia's struggle, tried to lighten the mood by asking if it was as bad as she had imagined. Mia remained silent, not fully agreeing but appreciating Jess' effort.

The next day, Mia headed to Jess' house on her bike for another gaming session. Mixed feelings of enthusiasm and apprehension swirled within her as she approached the house. Jess greeted her excitedly, seemingly oblivious to Mia's fear. Mia couldn't help but feel that Jess had forgotten or didn't care about her feelings. Suppressing her annoyance, Mia followed Jess into the bedroom, stealing uneasy glances at Tiger's cage. She mustered her courage and focused on the game, wanting to escape the thought of the oversized worm.

They played the video game every day after school, and gradually, Mia's discomfort around the snake lessened. While the sight of Tiger still bothered her, it no longer churned her stomach with fear. On Friday, as they completed the final segment of the game, they celebrated their success. The girls laughed and relaxed, sipping lemonade.

Suddenly, Jess exclaimed that she had a surprise for Mia and asked her to close her eyes. With a mixture of anticipation and anxiety, Mia complied. When she opened her eyes, she was met with Tiger squirming in Jess' arms. Jess proudly showcased the calm and gentle nature of the snake. Although hesitant, Mia couldn't refuse Jess' enthusiasm.

Q1) Why did Mia skip the class field trip to the zoo?

a) She had a fear of snakes.

b) She didn't like the zoo.

c) She was busy with other activities.

Q2) What caused Mia to run into the hallway with tears in her eyes?

a) James brought a pet snake to their math class.

b) She saw a snake at the zoo.

c) She had an argument with her friend.

Q3) Why did Mia start avoiding playing in the local park?

a) She was scared of snakes in the grass.

b) She didn't like playing outside.

c) The park was too far from her house.

Q4) Jess had hung a huge poster of a ________ on her bedroom wall.

a) tiger b) boa constrictor c) snake

Q5) Mia felt betrayed when Jess brought a snake into her house because she knew about Mia's snake ________.

a) collection b) fascination c) phobia

Q6) Mia decided to be brave and play the game despite her fear, but she asked Jess not to let her go anywhere near ________.

a) the computer b) the aquarium c) Tiger's home

Q7) Mia felt relaxed and happy after playing the video game with Jess.

a) True b) False

Q8) Jess bought the snake, Tiger, to scare Mia and make her face her fears.

a) True b) False

Q9) Mia was initially angry with Jess for buying Tiger but later understood that Jess was trying to help her overcome her fear.

a) True b) False

Q10) How did Jess try to help Mia overcome her fear of snakes?

Answers - passage 2 

A1) a. She had a fear of snakes.
A2) a. James brought a pet snake to their math class.
A3) a. She was scared of snakes in the grass.
A4) b. boa constrictor
A5) c. phobia
A6) b. the aquarium
A7) a) True
A8) b) False
A9) a) True
A10) Jess researched and chose a small, harmless snake named Tiger to help Mia gradually get more comfortable with snakes.

The Kingly Lion: In a field and forest, the animals had a wise and just Lion as their King. Whenever they faced problems or disputes, they sought the Lion's counsel and he helped them find solutions. The Lion King always acted in the best interests of every animal, never prioritizing his own desires. His sole aim was to ensure the well-being and harmony of his subjects.

One day, the Lion King gathered all the animals, who came from far and wide, to deliver a Royal Order. Standing on a hilltop, he addressed them with his commanding voice. He proclaimed a new way of living, where the Wolf and the Lamb, the Panther and the Goat, the Tiger and the Deer, and even the Dog and the Rabbit would coexist peacefully and harmoniously. The animals rejoiced at the prospect of a world where the weak would stand fearlessly beside the strong.

However, the Rabbit, overwhelmed with joy, couldn't contain himself and uttered his desire for such a day to come. Yet, as soon as he spoke, fear gripped him, and he quickly ran away for his own safety.

The Elderly Lion: There once lived a very Elderly Lion who had grown weak with age and past injuries. His hunting abilities had faded, leaving him unable to procure his own food. Surviving on grass and berries made him even weaker. Determined to survive, the Elderly Lion decided to use his cunning and intelligence to secure his sustenance.

The Elderly Lion lay down in his den and spread the news of his grave illness among the animal community. Hearing about the Lion's condition, one by one, animals and birds came to visit him, bringing fresh grasses and berries as offerings. However, to everyone's surprise, those who entered the Lion's den never returned.

The clever Fox, aware of the disappearing animals, approached the Elderly Lion but maintained a respectful distance. He inquired about the Lion's health, to which the Lion responded with a plea for the Fox to come inside and spend some time with him. Sensing the danger, the Fox politely declined, pointing out the absence of footprints leading out of the den.

Q1) Which story features a Lion as the main character?

A. "The Kingly Lion" only B. "The Elderly Lion" only C. Both stories D. Neither story

Q2) In which story is the main character known for being kind?

A. "The Kingly Lion" only B. "The Elderly Lion" only C. Both stories D. Neither story

Q3) Which story involves the main character tricking other characters?

A. "The Kingly Lion" only B. "The Elderly Lion" only C. Both stories D. Neither story

Q4) In which story does the main character take advantage of the kindness of others?

A. "The Kingly Lion" only B. "The Elderly Lion" only C. Both stories D. Neither story

Q5) Which story includes the main character wanting to become the King of the Forest?

A. "The Kingly Lion" only B. "The Elderly Lion" only C. Both stories D. Neither story

Q6) Which story showcases the main character having a plan that involves the other animals?

A. "The Kingly Lion" only B. "The Elderly Lion" only C. Both stories D. Neither story

Q7) In which story is the main character chased out of the forest in the ending

A. "The Kingly Lion" only B. "The Elderly Lion" only C. Both stories D. Neither story

Q8) In which story does one character disagree with the main character's plan in the ending?

A. "The Kingly Lion" only B. "The Elderly Lion" only C. Both stories D. Neither story

Answers - Passage 3 

Answer 1: C. Both stories 
Answer 2: A. "The Kingly Lion" only
Answer 3. B. "The Elderly Lion" only
Answer 4: B. "The Elderly Lion" only
Answer 5: D. Neither story 
Answer 6: C. Both stories 
Answer 7: D. Neither story 
Answer 8: C. Both stories 

Experiencing a natural disaster firsthand is very different from reading about weather in books. Although the flood wasn't severe, I wasn't prepared for the reality of it all.

The events unfolded two days ago. It was a typical rainy day, much like any other I can recall. However, I noticed the growing anxiety among the adults. I started paying closer attention to the news, whether at home or in public places. Meteorologists repeatedly emphasized that the rain had been relentless and showed no signs of stopping. I didn't fully comprehend what it meant for us, as my mom always emphasized the benefits of rain for plants. However, the next morning brought clarity.

When I woke up and went downstairs for breakfast, neither of my parents were at the kitchen table, and the entire house was devoid of light. Puzzled, I reached for the milk, only to find a note on the refrigerator instructing me not to open it. As I contemplated my breakfast options, the sound of rain persisted, and peculiar noises emanated from the basement. Curiosity propelled me to investigate. Peeking through the basement door, I was taken aback. Water had flooded the basement, albeit not excessively. Toys and various objects were floating amidst the water. I could hear my parents' voices from below.

"Hello? What's happening down there?" I called out.

"Good morning, Alex. The continuous rain has caused some problems. The entire town is grappling with power outages, flooded basements, and waterlogged roads. Many houses are also affected," Dad responded.

The minor flooding didn't appear too alarming, considering previous power outages. I assumed my parents were handling the situation. Overhearing their conversation about using a pump to remove the water, I retreated to my room to play.

After a while, Mom and Dad returned upstairs, changed their clothes, and sanitized their hands. I approached them, seeking an explanation.

"Well, we managed to manually pump out the water, but the basement sustained some damage. Once the power is restored, we'll try to dry it using fans. However, we might need to replace the drywall and some items that got wet. It's quite a mess," Mom explained. "We also need to look into getting a generator, as it seems the power will remain out for the rest of the day."

Curious about the situation in our town, we embarked on a drive to assess the conditions. Numerous roads were closed due to flooding, preventing us from reaching the store. One bridge over the river was shut down as water gushed over it. Houses near the river appeared submerged. We stopped to assist people filling sandbags to protect their properties. They informed us that neighbors across the street had sought refuge in another town with relatives until their house could be repaired. The flood's far-reaching impact astonished me.

Once we finished helping with the sandbags, we headed back home.

"I can't believe those people lost all their belongings. We should go through our things and see what we can donate. We're fortunate that our basement had only a few inches of water; it could have been much worse," Dad remarked. Mom and I agreed. Despite the lack of power and potential expenses to repair the basement, we considered ourselves lucky.

Q1) What was the unusual thing the narrator noticed about the rainy day?

a) The rain didn't stop for a long time. b) The adults seemed anxious. c) The news was constantly on at their house. d) The meteorologists were predicting a flood.

Answer: b)

Q2) What did the narrator find in the basement?

a) Toys and objects floating in water. b) A pump to remove the water. c) Damaged drywall. d) Fans to dry out the basement.

Answer: a)

Q3) Why did the narrator and their family drive around town?

a) To buy supplies from the store. b) To help people fill sandbags. c) To assess the impact of the flood. d) To find a generator.

Answer: c) 

Q4) What action did the narrator's family consider taking after witnessing the devastation caused by the flood?

a) Donating their belongings to those in need. b) Repairing the damaged drywall in the basement. c) Moving to another town with relatives. d) Buying a generator for future emergencies.

Answer: a) 

Q5) What was the overall feeling of the narrator and their family despite the challenges they faced?

a) Relief and gratitude. b) Fear and panic. c) Frustration and anger. d) Resignation and disappointment.

Answer: a)

Q6) What does the word "relentless" mean in the passage?

a) Continuous and unyielding. b) Calm and soothing. c) Sudden and unexpected. d) Brief and sporadic.

Answer: a)

Q7) What does the phrase "waterlogged roads" imply?

a) Roads blocked by sandbags. b) Roads submerged in water. c) Roads damaged by the flood. d) Roads covered in mud.

Answer: b)

Q8) What does the word "far-reaching" mean in the passage?

a) Limited and localized. b) Extensive and widespread. c) Temporary and fleeting. d) Predictable and expected.

Answer: b)

Q9) True/False - The flood caused significant damage to the narrator's house.

Answer - False

Q10) Fill in the Blanks - The narrator's parents suggested finding _________ to dry out the basement once the power comes back.

a) a pump b) a generator c) fans d) sandbags

Answer: c) 

"What is that?" someone exclaimed, pointing at an unusual object.

"It appears to be a fossil," another person remarked.

"It looks like it has human characteristics," someone else added.

The archaeologists engaged in a lively discussion, debating whether the fossil resembled an animal or a human. Half of them argued for its animal-like features, while the other half saw it as human-like.

Amidst the chatter, I offered a different perspective. "What if it doesn't fit into either category? What if it belongs to something unknown, maybe even from another world..."

A moment of silence followed as my colleagues pondered my words.

Frank broke the silence, saying, "You might be onto something. It doesn't resemble any known animals or humans. What else could it be?"

The other scientists resumed their conversations, discussing possible tests and researching animal species to compare the fossil with. They retreated to their laptops to delve into further investigation.

Frank and I stayed behind, examining the fossil in detail. It was challenging to describe the creature preserved in the fossil. Smaller than a human, it seemed to have stood on two legs instead of four. It had a large head, six fingers on each hand, and eight toes on each foot.

"Do you think it could have been a human from a long time ago?" Frank inquired.

"Maybe, but I have never seen a human with that many fingers and toes," I replied. "It could be a new species of animal. Perhaps its appearance of standing on two legs is a result of the fossilization process. I truly don't know."

We returned to our rooms, hoping to gain more insights and rest our minds.

The following morning, I hurried to the fossil site, only to find my fellow archaeologists wearing perplexed expressions. As I approached, I understood why. The fossil had changed overnight! Now it resembled a small bear.

"What happened?" I asked, bewildered. No one had an explanation. None of us could comprehend how a fossil we had excavated the previous day could have transformed. We thoroughly examined it again, capturing photographs and videos. We searched for any information about similar phenomena but found no helpful answers. What kind of fossil was this?

As night fell, we established a rotation to ensure that two of us would be present with the fossil at all times. We wanted to rule out the possibility of someone playing a prank or switching fossils. My shift passed uneventfully, occurring in the middle of the night.

When morning arrived, I found my colleagues once again pondering over the fossil. It had changed once more! Nobody had witnessed or heard anything during their watch. How and why did it continue to change? To this day, the mystery remains unsolved, but the evolving creatures within the fossil continue to captivate our curiosity.

Q1) What were the archaeologists debating about the fossil?

a) Whether it was a plant or an animal b) Whether it was human or animal c) Whether it belonged to an unknown world or not d) Whether it was a rock or a fossil

Answer: b)

Q2) Why did the scientists start researching and discussing tests?

a) They wanted to find similar fossils. b) They wanted to compare it to known animal species. c) They were interested in testing new methods. d) They wanted to discover its origin.

Answer: b)

Q3) How did the fossil change overnight?

a) It transformed into a dinosaur. b) It changed into a small bear. c) It turned into a plant. d) It disappeared completely.

Answer: b)

Q4) Why did the archaeologists set up a rotation to guard the fossil?

a) They wanted to protect it from damage. b) They thought someone might be playing a prank. c) They wanted to ensure it wouldn't get stolen. d) They needed more people to study it.

Answer: b)

Q5) What is the main theme of the passage?

a) The discovery of a mysterious fossil. b) The evolution of humans and animals. c) The importance of archaeological research. d) The impact of fossils on scientific knowledge.

Answer: a) 

Q6) What does the word "pondering" mean in the passage?

a) Exchanging ideas b) Discussing quietly c) Contemplating deeply d) Arguing passionately

Answer: c)

Q7) What does the word "excavated" mean in the passage?

a) Destroyed b) Investigated c) Uncovered d) Repaired

Answer: c) 

Q8) What does the word "captivate" mean in the passage?

a) Repel b) Bore c) Charm d) Threaten

Answer: c) 

Q9) True or False: The fossil transformed into a different creature each day.

Answer: True

Q10) - Fill in the Blanks: The fossil's changing appearance baffled the archaeologists, and despite their efforts to solve the ____________, the mystery remained unsolved.

a) enigma b) riddle c) conundrum d) quandary

Answer: a) 

Winter break was quickly approaching, and all Max wanted was to go snowboarding. Unfortunately, Max's parents had different plans. They had booked a week-long tropical cruise. Max despised warm weather and asked if he could stay at his best friend Jake's house so he could snowboard every day with his buddies at the local mountain. His parents were not open to the idea. Max continued to argue with them, but they remained firm. Family time was important to them, and it had been a tradition to spend winter break together.

The week of the cruise arrived, and Max continued to grumble as he and his family left their house to head south. Max's dad reminded him that he would only make the vacation worse for himself if he didn't change his attitude and embrace a new experience. Despite this, Max couldn't stop thinking about the snow he was leaving behind.

Upon arriving at the port to board the ship, Max reluctantly admitted that he was actually impressed with the size of the vessel. Seeing the ship in person surpassed what he had seen in the brochures. He remembered reading about a surfing pool in the brochure. Maybe surfing would be somewhat similar to snowboarding since it involved riding a board. With his parents, Max boarded the ship and took the opportunity to explore. The accommodations were extravagant, the dining room resembled a royal hall, the game room had all his favorite games and more, and the ship's deck had various swimming pools for different purposes. Then Max spotted the surfing pool. It was incredible. Although not large, it had big waves, and the girl demonstrating how to ride the waves made it seem like a ton of fun.

Max asked his parents if he could change into his swim shorts to try surfing. They agreed and decided to put on their swimwear as well, surprising Max. They also wanted to give surfing a try.

With their swimwear on, Max and his parents returned to the surfing pool. There was a short line. Max's dad went first but wiped out after about five seconds. Then it was his mom's turn, and she managed to ride the wave longer than his dad did. When it was Max's turn, he felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. He positioned himself on the board, adopting a stance similar to snowboarding. The waves began, and it felt somewhat similar but also different from snowboarding. On his first ride, Max surfed for almost 30 seconds before wiping out. He was hooked.

Although many passengers tried surfing on the first day of the cruise, only around eight people truly enjoyed it. Consequently, for the rest of the trip, the lines were short, allowing Max to get to know the regular surfers well.

By the time the week-long cruise ended, Max had made new friends whom he planned to stay in touch with. He had discovered a new hobby and created wonderful memories. Max apologized to his parents for initially complaining and admitted that it was his best vacation ever.

Q1) Why did Max's parents book a tropical cruise for winter break?

a) Max wanted to go snowboarding. b) They wanted to try a new hobby. c) It was a family tradition. d) They wanted to escape the warm weather.

Answer: c)

Q2) What caught Max's attention when he saw the ship in person?

a) The size of the ship. b) The number of swimming pools. c) The extravagant accommodations. d) The surfing pool.

Answer: d)

Q3) Why did Max's dad warn him about having a negative attitude?

a) Max wanted to stay at his friend's house. b) Max disliked warm weather. c) Max was upset about leaving the snow. d) Max was hesitant to try surfing.

Answer: c)

Q4) How did Max feel after his first surfing ride?

a) Disappointed and bored. b) Excited and hooked. c) Anxious and scared. d) Relieved and satisfied.

Answer: b)

Q5) What changed Max's perspective about the cruise vacation?

a) Making new friends. b) Trying different games. c) Exploring the ship's deck. d) Learning to surf.

Answer: d) 

Q6) What does the word "despised" mean in the passage?

a) Disliked strongly b) Enjoyed immensely c) Ignored completely d) Regarded lightly

Answer: a)

Q7) What does the word "extravagant" mean in the passage?

a) Simple and plain b) Lavish and luxurious c) Ordinary and average d) Sparse and minimalistic

Answer: b)

Q8) What does the word "reluctantly" mean in the passage?

a) Willingly and eagerly b) Briskly and quickly c) Hesitantly and unwillingly d) Courteously and politely

Answer: c) 

Q9) True or False: Max's parents wanted to try surfing before Max suggested it.

Answer: False

Q10) Fill in the Blanks - Max's dad warned him that having a negative attitude would make the vacation ____________ for himself.

a) better b) worse c) exciting d) relaxing

Answer: b) 

The most popular teen band was coming to town, and both Ethan and his twin sister Emily were eager to attend the concert. However, their parents had a rule that one must be in sixth grade to go to a concert, and Ethan and Emily were only in fifth grade. They pleaded with their parents, promising to do anything if they were allowed to go. Their older sisters had already been to concerts and raved about the experience.

Alex shared the excitement, explaining to their parents that the concert was known for its amazing production and special effects. The band's performance was expected to be the best yet, and they wouldn't be touring again for three years. Amanda chimed in, mentioning that all their friends were going. Their parents asked for time to consider the request and asked Ethan and Emily not to bring it up again until they had made a decision.

After a week, their parents brought up the concert during dinner. They expressed that they would reconsider their rule under certain conditions. Ethan and Emily were thrilled and hugged their parents, but their dad reminded them to listen to the conditions first.

Their dad explained the conditions: first, they had to work hard and get an A on their next book report; second, they had to pay for the concert tickets themselves; and third, they had to find a responsible adult to accompany them since their parents had a charity dinner that night. Ethan and Emily smiled at each other, confident that they could meet the first two conditions. The only challenge was finding an adult to go with them. Amanda had an idea and looked at their oldest sister, Mia.

Mia, being 18 years old and responsible, seemed like the perfect choice. Ethan and Emily made the proposal, and Mia agreed to go with them, but she had her condition too. She asked Ethan and Emily to pay for her ticket and an extra ticket for her friend to join them. Ethan and Emily thought it was fair and agreed to Mia's stipulation.

The day of the concert arrived, and Mia, Ethan, and Emily got into the car to pick up Mia's friend, Olivia. Everyone in the car was excited. They listened to the band's latest release as they drove to the concert, singing and having fun.

Upon reaching the arena, they headed straight to the concession stand to grab snacks so they wouldn't have to leave their seats during the show. They also stopped at another stand to buy t-shirts, fully prepared for the concert. Mia and Olivia gave Ethan and Emily the best seats for the best view. They settled in, eagerly waiting for the band to take the stage.

As the music began, it was so loud that they couldn't hear each other, but it didn't bother them. They finally understood what their older sisters meant by experiencing live music. Watching the band members play the piano, guitar, and drums, and hearing the harmonious blend of music and vocals was incredible.

The band performed all of Ethan and Emily's favorite songs. The show lasted nearly two hours, featuring breathtaking special effects they had never seen before. It was the most amazing experience for Ethan and Emily. Mia and Olivia agreed that it was a spectacular show too.

On the drive home, Ethan and Emily expressed their gratitude to Mia and Olivia repeatedly. Mia jokingly reminded them that they owed her, and Olivia joined in, adding her agreement. The only downside was having to wait another three years to see the band perform live again.

Q1) Why couldn't Ethan and Emily attend the concert initially?

a) They were too young. b) Their parents disliked concerts. c) They were in sixth grade. d) The band didn't allow younger fans.

Answer: a) 

Q2) What was the condition set by Ethan and Emily's parents to reconsider their rule?

a) Pay for the concert tickets themselves. b) Get A grades on their book reports. c) Find a responsible adult to accompany them. d) All of the above.

Answer: d)

Q3) Who did Ethan and Emily ask to accompany them to the concert?

a) Their parents b) Their older sisters c) Their friends d) Their teacher

Answer: b)

Q4) What did Ethan and Emily do to fulfill Mia's condition?

a) Mow lawns and babysit to make money. b) Save their allowance for tickets. c) Borrow money from their parents. d) Find a sponsor for the extra ticket.

Answer: a)

Q5) What did Ethan and Emily learn about the band's future plans?

a) They were going on a world tour. b) They would be touring again in three years. c) They were retiring after the concert. d) They were starting a new band.

Answer: b) 

Q6) What does the word "pleaded" mean in the passage?

a) Complained b) Begged earnestly c) Demanded d) Argued

Answer: b) 

Q7) What does the word "raved" mean in the passage?

a) Spoke excitedly b) Complained c) Criticized d) Ignored

Answer: a)

Q8) What does the word "stipulation" mean in the passage?

a) Requirement or condition b) Violation or wrongdoing c) Cooperation or collaboration d) Confusion or misunderstanding

Answer: a)

Q9) True or False: Mia's friend Olivia joined them for the concert without any conditions.

Answer: False

Q10) Fill in the Blanks - Ethan and Emily were willing to work hard and ____________ to pay for the concert tickets.

a) save money b) borrow money c) ask their parents d) get sponsorships

Answer: a) 

Mrs. Thompson was the beloved teacher at Washington Elementary School. She was renowned for her engaging teaching methods. One day, she entered the classroom and announced to the students that they would be exploring the wonders of the night sky. She asked if anyone knew what astronomy was.

Emily raised her hand and replied, "It's about stars and planets, right?"

Mrs. Thompson nodded and explained that while astrology and astronomy both involve celestial bodies, they are different. Astrology focuses on how the location and movement of stars and planets supposedly influence events on Earth, leading to horoscopes based on astrological signs. On the other hand, astronomy is a scientific field that studies celestial bodies, the universe, and space. She informed the class that they would be diving into astronomy in the upcoming unit.

"I love stargazing at night," exclaimed Emily.

As Mrs. Thompson inquired who else enjoyed stargazing, every student eagerly raised their hand. She distributed star charts and instructed them to observe the visible constellations in the night sky and record their findings.

The following day, the class was brimming with excitement to share their observations.

"I spotted Ursa Minor!" Andrew exclaimed enthusiastically.

"I saw it too," added Emily. "It looks like a ladle in a dot-to-dot puzzle."

Mrs. Thompson acknowledged their findings and informed them that Ursa Minor is also known as the Little Dipper because it resembles a ladle. Tim then asked about the Big Dipper.

"Yes, there is a Big Dipper as well, and it's called Ursa Major," Mrs. Thompson replied.

Mrs. Thompson then proposed a unique idea to the class: becoming part of the galaxy. The students eagerly agreed and wondered how it would work. She revealed that she would assign each student a constellation, and they would create a poster board illustration of their assigned constellation over the weekend. It would remain a surprise until then. Each student received a poster board and a glow-in-the-dark marker, and Mrs. Thompson wished them a great weekend.

On Monday morning, the students arrived at school filled with anticipation. Mrs. Thompson demonstrated how to punch two holes at the top of the poster boards and thread a string through them, creating necklaces to wear their constellations.

Once the students finished making their wearable constellations, they put them on and waited for the next step. Mrs. Thompson arranged the students in a manner that mirrored the constellations on the chart. She closed the blinds and turned off the lights. As they circled the classroom, each student mimicked the motions associated with their assigned constellation. They became the dancing constellations in the night sky.

"This is amazing! We can see each other glowing and moving just like the stars," the students exclaimed together.

All the students agreed that it was their favorite lesson of the year so far. They particularly appreciated Mrs. Thompson's recording of their constellation dance, which they could rewatch and share with their parents.

Q1) What is the main difference between astrology and astronomy?

a) Astrology deals with celestial bodies, while astronomy studies the universe. b) Astrology is based on scientific research, while astronomy relies on beliefs. c) Astrology focuses on the location and movement of celestial bodies, while astronomy explores their physical characteristics. d) Astrology predicts events on Earth, while astronomy predicts events in space.

Answer: c)

Q2) What did Mrs. Thompson assign the students to do over the weekend?

a) Create wearable constellations. b) Memorize the names of all constellations. c) Record their observations of the night sky. d) Complete a book report on astronomy.

Answer: a)

Q3) What is Ursa Minor commonly known as? a) The Big Dipper b) The Little Dipper c) The Ladle d) The Dot-to-Dot Puzzle

Answer: b) 

Q4) What does the word "renowned" mean in the passage?

a) Unknown and unfamiliar b) Common and ordinary c) Famous and well-known d) Simple and unimportant

Answer: c)

Q5) What does the word "brimming" mean in the passage?

a) Empty and lacking b) Overflowing and filled c) Disappointed and discouraged d) Silent and quiet

Answer: b)

Q6) What does the word "mimicked" mean in the passage?

a) Imitated and copied b) Ignored and avoided c) Disturbed and annoyed d) Completed and finished

Answer: a)

Q7) True or False: Mrs. Thompson assigned the students to observe the constellations during the daytime.

Answer: False

Q8) Fill in the Blanks - The students were excited to ____________ their wearable constellations and become part of the galaxy.

a) observe b) create c) memorize d) share

Answer: b) 

I had my school bag on my back and a leash in my hand. It was "Pets at School" day! My dog Max was happily walking beside me as we made our way to the bus stop. The other kids in my neighborhood were also bringing their pets. Lily had a fishbowl with her Siamese fighting fish, Sparky. Jake had a crate with his cat, Whiskers, inside. Sarah had a birdcage with her parakeet, Bluebell, perched on a small swing. We were all excited to have our furry and feathered friends with us.

Once we boarded the bus, things took a turn for the worse. The bus was filled with noise! The usual chatter of the kids was mixed with the sounds of the animals, who seemed to have forgotten their inside voices. The smell was overwhelming too. Max's nose was going crazy, trying to sniff all the new scents, and it was a challenge to get him settled in a seat. When we finally found seats, another dog came up to us, her leash trailing behind her. Max and the other dog started sniffing each other and playing.

"Fluffy! Come back here!" shouted one of the third graders. The dog ran toward the voice. The bus driver's voice came through the speaker, reminding everyone to hold on to their pets and keep them from running around the bus.

Finally, we arrived at school. As we exited the bus, I stepped in a small puddle. "Ew, someone's pet made a mess..." I muttered to myself. I wiped my shoes on the grass and glanced at the schoolyard.

It looked like a zoo! Animals were everywhere! Dogs of different shapes and sizes, colorful birds in cages, rabbits, chinchillas, and hedgehogs in small carriers. And some animals were running freely on the grass and sidewalks, with kids chasing after them in every direction!

They were causing chaos. Food and bedding were scattered across the grass. Some kids weren't cleaning up after their pets when they went to the bathroom. Fur was floating in the air. If the outside looked like this, I didn't even want to imagine what the inside would be like, I thought to myself.

Then, something astonishing caught my attention. I saw a kangaroo hopping around the grass! And a peacock strutting up the stairs! I had no idea people could have them as pets...

I walked into the school building and the hallways smelled even worse than the bus. Animals were still running wild, and there were messes everywhere. My classroom was no exception. Mrs. Johnson, my teacher, looked overwhelmed as she instructed us to keep our pets in their cages or keep them leashed to our desks during class. While she was talking, she slowly started transforming into a parrot...

And then I woke up, snug in my bed. No wonder our school doesn't have a "Pets at School" day! I realized. As much as I love Max, I was relieved that I didn't have to worry about him or his messes all day at school.

Q1) What was the main event happening at school?

a) Pets at School day b) Bring Your Pet to School day c) Animal Day at School d) Zoo Day at School

Answer: a)

Q2) Who was Max?

a) A bird b) A fish c) A cat d) A dog

Answer: d) A dog

Q3) Why did the bus ride become challenging?

a) The bus broke down. b) The bus was too noisy. c) The bus smelled bad. d) The pets were misbehaving.

Answer: b)

Q4) What did the students see when they arrived at school?

a) Animals running free and causing messes. b) A zoo with different animal exhibits. c) Pets playing together peacefully. d) Teachers handling the pets efficiently.

Answer: a)

Q5) Why was the main character relieved in the end?

a) The school didn't have a Pets at School day. b) The pets were well-behaved during the day. c) The main character's pet didn't make a mess. d) The main character didn't have to bring their pet to school.

Answer: a) 

Q6) What does the word "overwhelming" mean in the passage?

a) Exciting and enjoyable b) Satisfying and fulfilling c) Surprising and astonishing d) Intense and overpowering

Answer: d)

Q7) What does the word "chaos" mean in the passage?

a) Order and organization b) Peace and tranquility c) Confusion and disorder d) Harmony and balance

Answer: c)

Q8) What does the word "astonishing" mean in the passage?

a) Boring and uninteresting b) Common and ordinary c) Amazing and surprising d) Scary and frightening

Answer: c) 

Q9) True or False: The main character enjoyed the chaos caused by the animals at school.

Answer: False

Q10) Fill in the Blanks - The main character stepped in a small ________ on their way out of the bus.

a) mess b) puddle c) cage d) leash

Answer: b) 

"Hey, Eric, are you ready?" Shane asked. "We're about to embark on a long adventure!"

"I'm totally prepared!" I responded. We were all getting ready for our annual journey to the south. With shorter days and colder weather, we felt it was time to relocate. Instinctively, we knew that migrating south would offer us more food and a more comfortable environment for the winter.

This was the first time Shane and I would be migrating. We were a bit nervous, but the rest of the flock assured us that we would know what to do when the time came. We had many questions about why we migrate, what happens during the journey, and how we determine our destination. Although we received different answers, we were still uncertain about what to expect.

"Let's get going!" Shane exclaimed. We joined the rest of the flock, with Shane's mother leading the way. Flying in a "V" formation made it easier for everyone to follow the leader. Each goose would take turns being the point to prevent exhaustion. Shane's mother took off, and we all followed suit.

We flew higher and higher until we leveled off, maintaining our "V" formation. Flying always felt exhilarating, with breathtaking views below and the freedom to stretch our wings. The purpose of the "V" formation became evident as we flew for a long time—it was less tiring than flying alone. The chilly air was bearable but not exactly enjoyable.

We continued flying without any notable events. Communication was challenging, so we simply followed the leader. Hunger grew, and we eagerly awaited a break. Finally, we began descending for a landing. Although this wasn't our final destination, a break was much-needed.

As soon as we landed, I sought out Shane. However, my parents intercepted me to check on my well-being. "I'm fine," I assured them. "Migration isn't as exciting as I anticipated."

"Be thankful for that, Eric," my mom said. "Excitement often means problems. It's better to have a peaceful migration without any difficulties."

Dad agreed. "Alright, go find Shane," he said.

I found Shane near the water, nibbling on some plants.

"How's the migration going for you so far?" I asked.

"I'm relieved we have a break. We needed it. I'm still shaken up!" he replied.

"Shaken up? Why? It's been pretty uneventful," I said.

"Didn't you see the eagle? It was chasing after us! It nearly caught Lucy!" Shane exclaimed.

"What? I missed that! What happened?"

"Well, I must have been flying behind you. We were flying peacefully when my dad spotted the eagle. We gathered closer, but Lucy didn't notice. The eagle circled above her and swooped down! Thankfully, we all honked, and Lucy managed to avoid it. It was a close call! I can't wait for this migration to be over," Shane recounted.

Imagining Lucy's terror, I realized I would have been just as shaken up if I had witnessed it. I was relieved that I hadn't seen it.

"Let's hope that was the only thrilling event during this migration," I said. "We should rest now. We have another busy day of flying ahead."

Q1) Why do the geese migrate south every year?

a) To escape the cold weather b) To find more food c) To explore different environments d) To meet new friends

Answer: b)

Q2) In what formation do the geese fly during migration?

a) A straight line b) A circular pattern c) A "V" shape d) A zigzag pattern

Answer: c)

Q3) Why did Shane feel shaken up during the migration?

a) He saw an eagle trying to attack one of the geese. b) He got lost and separated from the rest of the flock. c) He experienced extreme cold weather during the flight. d) He realized he had forgotten something important.

Answer: a)

Q4) Why did the main character feel relieved after the migration?

a) They had successfully completed their first migration. b) They had witnessed a thrilling event during the journey. c) They had found a new friend among the flock. d) They had reached their final destination.

Answer: b)

Q5) What did the main character's parents say about a boring migration?

a) Boring migrations are the most enjoyable. b) Exciting migrations are more adventurous. c) Boring migrations are less stressful. d) Exciting migrations make for better stories.

Answer: c)

Q6) What does the word "migrate" mean in the passage?

a) To stay in one place b) To fly long distances c) To explore new territories d) To build nests

Answer: b)

Q7) What does the word "exhilarating" mean in the passage?

a) Boring and uninteresting b) Scary and dangerous c) Exciting and thrilling d) Calm and peaceful

Answer: c)

Q8) What does the word "terrified" mean in the passage?

a) Happy and excited b) Annoyed and frustrated c) Sad and disappointed d) Scared and fearful

Answer: d) 

Q9) True or False: The main character was disappointed by the migration because it was too exciting.

Answer: False

Q10) Fill in the Blanks - The geese flew in a "V" shape during the migration to make it __________ for everyone to fly behind the leader.

a) enjoyable b) easier c) adventurous d) challenging

Answer: b)