OSAS English Language Arts — Grade 5

Read the passage below before answering the question. The Tide Pool Discovery (1) Lena crouched on the slippery rocks at Yaquina Bay and peered into a shallow pool. Sunlight sparkled on the water, and tiny green anemones waved their soft tentacles like fingers reaching for food. (2) A purple sea star clung to the far wall of the pool, its arms slowly curling around a mussel. Lena held her breath and watched. She had read that sea stars can pull open shells with their tube feet, but she had never seen it happen. (3) 'Don't touch it,' her older brother Marco warned from behind her. 'They're more fragile than they look.' Which sentence from the passage best shows that Lena is seeing something new to her?

• ASunlight sparkled on the water, and tiny green anemones waved their soft tentacles like f…
• BA purple sea star clung to the far wall of the pool, its arms slowly curling around a mus…
• CShe had read that sea stars can pull open shells with their tube feet, but she had never…
• D'Don't touch it,' her older brother Marco warned from behind her.

Refer to the passage 'The Tide Pool Discovery' from Question 1. What can the reader infer about Marco based on his warning?

• AHe is bored and wants to leave the tide pools.
• BHe cares about protecting the sea creatures in the pool.
• CHe thinks Lena is too young to explore the bay.
• DHe has never visited Yaquina Bay before today.

Read the passage below before answering the question. The Garden Project (1) Every Saturday, Devon helped his grandmother tend the community garden in their Salem neighborhood. One morning, he noticed the tomato plants in Plot 4 were drooping and yellow while the ones in Plot 9 stood tall and green. (2) 'Why are those sad?' Devon asked, pointing. (3) His grandmother knelt beside him. 'Soil, water, and sunlight, Devon. Every plant needs the right balance. We've been giving Plot 4 too much water and not enough sun.' (4) Together they transplanted the tomatoes to a sunnier spot and cut back the watering schedule. Within two weeks, the plants stood tall and green, and Devon grinned every time he walked past. Which statement best expresses the theme of the passage?

• ACommunity gardens are difficult to maintain without help.
• BPatience and the right care can help living things thrive.
• CTomatoes grow best in Oregon's summer weather.
• DGrandparents enjoy teaching grandchildren how to cook.

Refer to the passage 'The Garden Project' from Question 3. Which sentence is the best summary of the story?

• ADevon plants tomatoes in his grandmother's garden and waits for them to grow.
• BDevon and his grandmother fix the care for struggling tomato plants, and the plants recov…
• CDevon visits the community garden every Saturday because he likes being outdoors.
• DDevon learns that tomatoes need sunlight more than they need water.

Read the passage below before answering the question. The Science Fair Partners (1) Priya liked to plan everything weeks ahead. Her partner, Jonah, preferred to build first and worry about the display board later. (2) When their teacher assigned a project on beaver dams, Priya made a checklist and labeled each step with a due date. Jonah grabbed popsicle sticks and glue and started building a model dam before reading the directions. (3) By the third day, Jonah's model kept collapsing. Priya's checklist sat untouched. Their teacher sat them down and said, 'You each have a strength. Use them together.' (4) Priya reorganized the steps into a clear plan, and Jonah followed her plan while building. On fair day, their model stood strong, and their board was neat and complete. How are Priya and Jonah most alike in the passage?

• AThey both want the project to succeed.
• BThey both prefer to follow a checklist.
• CThey both ignore their teacher's advice.
• DThey both build models before planning.

Refer to the passage 'The Science Fair Partners' from Question 5. How does the classroom setting most affect the story?

• AIt gives the partners a place to compete against each other.
• BIt creates the project deadline and the teacher's guidance that push them to cooperate.
• CIt allows Jonah to build alone without any help.
• DIt prevents Priya from finishing her checklist on time.

Read the passage below before answering the question. The Long Hike (1) I pulled my jacket tighter as the wind swept across the Cascade Mountain trail. My friend Tomas hurried ahead, his boots crunching on the gravel path. (2) 'Come on, slowpoke!' he called over his shoulder. (3) I wanted to complain that my legs were shorter, but I swallowed my words and picked up my pace. The view from the top would be worth it, I told myself. From which point of view is this story told?

• AFirst person, with the narrator using 'I' to tell the story
• BSecond person, with the narrator speaking directly to the reader
• CThird person limited, focusing on Tomas's thoughts
• DThird person omniscient, showing both hikers' thoughts

Refer to the passage 'The Tide Pool Discovery' from Question 1. Which sentence from the passage contains a simile?

• ALena crouched on the slippery rocks at Yaquina Bay and peered into a shallow pool.
• BSunlight sparkled on the water, and tiny green anemones waved their soft tentacles like f…
• CA purple sea star clung to the far wall of the pool, its arms slowly curling around a mus…
• DLena held her breath and watched.

Read the sentence below. 'The classroom was a beehive the morning of the science fair.' What does the metaphor suggest about the classroom?

• AIt was quiet and empty.
• BIt was busy and full of buzzing activity.
• CIt was full of insects that had flown in through the window.
• DIt was cold and uncomfortable.

Read the sentence below. 'The wind whispered through the Douglas fir trees.' Which figure of speech is used in this sentence?

• ASimile
• BMetaphor
• CPersonification
• DHyperbole

Read the sentence below. 'The hiker was careful to step lightly on the moss, but her companion was careless, leaving dark, muddy footprints behind.' Which word relationship is the same as the relationship between 'careful' and 'careless'?

• Ahelpful / helpless
• Bhappy / happier
• Cwalk / walked
• Dmoss / muddy

Read the sentence below. In 'The Garden Project,' Devon's grandmother explains that the tomato plants need the right balance of 'soil, water, and sunlight.' Which quotation from the passage is written accurately?

• ASoil, water, and sunlight, Devon.
• B'Soil, water, and sunlight, Devon.'
• Csoil, water, and sunlight, Devon.
• D'Soil Water and sunlight Devon'

Read the two short passages below. Text A: When the school library flooded, students carried books to the gym and dried each one with paper towels. Text B: After a storm damaged the town park, volunteers arrived with rakes and rebuilt the playground over the weekend. What do the events in both texts have in common?

• ABoth describe people working together to repair damage caused by water or weather.
• BBoth describe a celebration held after a storm ended.
• CBoth describe a contest to see who could finish first.
• DBoth describe a person working alone to solve a problem.

Refer to the passage 'The Long Hike' from Question 7. The narrator 'swallowed my words' instead of complaining. What does this detail most likely suggest about the narrator?

• AThe narrator is too tired to speak.
• BThe narrator is choosing to stay positive and keep going.
• CThe narrator has lost his or her voice on the trail.
• DThe narrator dislikes Tomas and wants to ignore him.

Read the passage below before answering the question. Oregon's Douglas Fir Forests (1) Oregon is famous for its towering Douglas fir trees, one of the most common trees in the Pacific Northwest. These evergreen giants can grow more than 200 feet tall and live for hundreds of years. Their thick bark helps them survive small fires, and their cones provide food for birds and squirrels. Douglas firs also provide strong wood that people use to build houses and furniture. Because they grow well in Oregon's wet, mild climate, these trees support both wildlife and people across the state. What is the main idea of the passage?

• ADouglas fir trees grow tall because Oregon receives a lot of rain.
• BDouglas fir trees are important to Oregon because they support wildlife and people.
• CBirds and squirrels eat the seeds from Douglas fir cones.
• DDouglas fir bark is thicker than the bark of other trees.

Refer to the passage 'Oregon's Douglas Fir Forests' from Question 15. Which detail best supports the idea that Douglas firs help wildlife?

• ATheir thick bark helps them survive small fires.
• BTheir cones provide food for birds and squirrels.
• CDouglas firs provide strong wood for houses.
• DOregon has a wet, mild climate.

Refer to the passage 'Oregon's Douglas Fir Forests' from Question 15. Which sentence best summarizes the passage?

• ADouglas firs are tall evergreen trees that grow in Oregon and help both wildlife and peop…
• BDouglas fir trees are sometimes damaged by small fires but usually survive.
• CMany people in Oregon build houses using Douglas fir wood.
• DOregon has a wet, mild climate that is good for growing trees.

Read the sentence below. 'Because Oregon receives plenty of rain in the winter, its forests stay green all year.' Which text structure does this sentence use?

• ACause and effect
• BCompare and contrast
• CChronological order
• DProblem and solution

Read the passage below before answering the question. Two Oregon Rivers (1) The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest. It flows more than 1,200 miles and forms part of the border between Oregon and Washington. In contrast, the Deschutes River is much shorter, running about 252 miles through central Oregon before joining the Columbia. Unlike the wide, slow-moving Columbia near its mouth, the Deschutes rushes through canyons and rapids. Both rivers, however, are popular for fishing and boating. Which word in the passage best signals a compare-and-contrast structure?

• Aforms
• BIn contrast
• Cbefore
• Dpopular

Read the passage below before answering the question. How a Salmon Grows (1) First, a salmon hatches from an egg in a gravel bed beneath a clear stream. Next, the young fish, called a fry, swims downstream to a lake or estuary where it finds more food. Then, as it grows into a smolt, it migrates to the ocean and spends several years feeding in salt water. Finally, the adult salmon swims back upstream to the very stream where it was born to lay its own eggs. Which text structure does this passage use?

• AChronological order
• BCause and effect
• CCompare and contrast
• DProblem and solution

Refer to the passage 'How a Salmon Grows' from Question 20. Based on the passage, what does the word 'migrates' most likely mean?

• AStays in one place
• BTravels from one place to another
• CChanges color
• DLays eggs

Read the passage below before answering the question. Why Beavers Matter (1) Beavers are more than just large rodents with flat tails. They are one of Oregon's most helpful animals. (2) First, beaver dams create ponds that give shelter to young fish and frogs. Second, these ponds slow down streams, which helps prevent flooding during heavy rains. Third, beaver wetlands store water that plants and animals use during dry summer months. (3) For all these reasons, beavers play an important role in keeping Oregon's streams and wetlands healthy. What point is the author making, and what kind of evidence does the author use?

• ABeavers are harmful; the author uses stories about beaver damage.
• BBeavers help wetlands; the author uses several reasons that show how beavers benefit stre…
• CBeavers are pests; the author uses opinions without evidence.
• DBeavers build dams; the author uses only one example.

Read the two sources below. Source A (a park website): Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, formed when an ancient volcano collapsed. Source B (a science article): Crater Lake's deep blue color comes from its great depth and the way sunlight scatters in the water. What can a reader learn by putting both sources together?

• ACrater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, and its depth also helps create its…
• BCrater Lake was formed by a volcanic eruption but is no longer deep.
• CCrater Lake's blue color comes from pollution in the water.
• DCrater Lake is shallow and warm in summer.

Read the sentence below. 'The salmon swam swiftly, while the lamprey moved slowly.' Which pair of words has the same relationship as 'swiftly' and 'slowly'?

• Aloudly / quietly
• Bswim / swam
• Csalmon / lamprey
• Dswiftly / swift

Read the passage below before answering the question. The Beaver's Lodge (1) A beaver lodge looks like a messy pile of sticks from the outside, but inside it is a careful structure. Beavers build with branches, mud, and stones, packing them tightly so predators cannot get in. (2) The lodge has an underwater entrance that lets beavers slip in and out without being seen. Above the water, a dry chamber gives the family a place to rest, groom, and stay warm. (3) A lodge is more than a home. It is a safe fortress that helps beavers survive winter in Oregon's streams. What is the main idea of the whole passage?

• ABeavers use branches, mud, and stones to build.
• BA beaver lodge is a carefully built structure that protects beavers and helps them surviv…
• CBeavers have an underwater entrance to their lodge.
• DA lodge is a messy pile of sticks from the outside.

Refer to the passage 'The Beaver's Lodge' from Question 25. What can the reader infer about beavers from the description of the lodge?

• ABeavers are careless builders that gather sticks at random.
• BBeavers are skilled builders that design their homes for safety.
• CBeavers prefer to live in open meadows away from water.
• DBeavers build lodges only during the summer.

Read the sentence below. 'Beavers build dams across streams, so the water rises and forms a pond.' What is the effect in this sentence?

• ABeavers build dams across streams.
• BThe water rises and forms a pond.
• CStreams flow quickly through canyons.
• DBeavers cut down trees with their teeth.

Refer to the passage 'Why Beavers Matter' from Question 22. A student writes: 'Beavers help prevent flooding.' Which quotation from the passage best supports this claim?

• ABeavers are more than just large rodents with flat tails.
• BThese ponds slow down streams, which helps prevent flooding during heavy rains.
• CBeaver wetlands store water that plants and animals use during dry summer months.
• DFor all these reasons, beavers play an important role in keeping Oregon's streams and wet…

Listen to the scenario: A student gives a speech to the class about recycling at school. The student says, 'Our school throws away hundreds of plastic bottles every week. If each classroom placed a recycling bin next to the trash can, we could keep thousands of bottles out of the landfill by the end of the year. It only takes one small bin to make a big difference.' What is the speaker's main idea?

• APlastic bottles are the most common item thrown away at school.
• BAdding recycling bins to classrooms would greatly reduce waste at school.
• CSchools should stop selling drinks in plastic bottles.
• DTrash cans should be removed from classrooms.

Listen to the scenario: In a class debate, a student argues that the school day should start later. The student says, 'First, scientists have found that older students naturally stay awake later at night and need more sleep in the morning. Second, schools that started just thirty minutes later reported fewer students falling asleep in class. Third, students who get more sleep earn higher grades.' Which piece of evidence does the speaker use to support the claim?

• ASchools that started later reported fewer students falling asleep in class.
• BThe school bus schedule would have to change.
• CMost students prefer to go home earlier in the afternoon.
• DTeachers would have less time to plan lessons.

Listen to the scenario: A guest speaker tells the class, 'Our volunteer center serves over 500 families each month. We offer a food pantry on Tuesdays, free homework help on Wednesdays, and a clothing closet on Thursdays. Last year, more than 200 volunteers gave their time to keep these programs running.' Which statement is the main idea, not just a supporting detail?

• AThe food pantry is open on Tuesdays.
• BThe volunteer center offers many programs that serve the community.
• COver 200 volunteers helped last year.
• DHomework help takes place on Wednesdays.

A student is researching how Oregon students can reduce waste at school. Which source would most likely give useful information for this research?

• AA website from an Oregon school district about its recycling and composting program
• BA novel about a talking raccoon who lives near a school
• CA magazine ad for a new brand of backpack
• DA travel guide about beaches in Florida

A student finds two sources about beaver behavior. Source A is a page on a university wildlife program's website written by a biologist. Source B is a personal blog post by someone who saw a beaver once while camping. Which source is more credible for a research report?

• ASource A, because it is written by an expert and published by a university program
• BSource B, because personal stories are always more interesting
• CBoth sources are equally credible because both mention beavers
• DNeither source is credible because both are online

Read the original sentence below. Original: 'Beavers build dams that create ponds, which provide habitat for fish, frogs, and birds.' Which option is the best paraphrase of this sentence?

• ABeavers build dams that create ponds, which provide habitat for fish, frogs, and birds.
• BBeavers construct dams that form ponds, and these ponds give homes to fish, frogs, and bi…
• CBeavers are animals that live in ponds.
• DFish, frogs, and birds all live in Oregon.

Read the passage below before answering the question. Saving the Salmon Stream (1) For years, salmon struggled to swim up Mill Creek because an old concrete dam blocked their path. Fewer salmon returned each season, and the nearby bears and eagles had less to eat. (2) A group of neighbors teamed up with a wildlife biologist and the city to solve the problem. Workers carefully removed the dam and added a rocky ramp that let salmon swim past the remaining rocks. (3) Within a year, salmon returned in larger numbers, and the stream hummed with life again. Which text structure does this passage mainly use?

• AProblem and solution
• BCompare and contrast
• CChronological order only
• DCause and effect only

Read the poem below before answering the question. The Old Douglas Fir I stand where the wind blows cold and strong, my roots grip the rocky earth. Seasons spin, the years roll on, and I have watched them all from birth. The saplings lean upon my shade; I hold them through the storm. Though winter bites and branches sway, I will not bend or fall or harm. Which statement best expresses the theme of the poem?

• AOld trees cannot survive winter storms.
• BStrength and patience help us protect others through hard times.
• CSaplings grow faster than old trees.
• DWind is dangerous to forests.

Read the two sources below. Source A (museum exhibit label): The Oregon Trail stretched about 2,000 miles, and families walked much of the way to save their oxen's strength. Source B (a pioneer diary): 'My feet ached every evening, but we could not ride in the wagon because the oxen were already tired from pulling our food and supplies.' What combined idea do both sources support?

• APioneers walked much of the Oregon Trail to keep their oxen strong for pulling heavy load…
• BPioneers rode in wagons for most of the journey west.
• CThe Oregon Trail was less than 1,000 miles long.
• DOxen were not used on the Oregon Trail.

Refer to the poem 'The Old Douglas Fir' from Question 36. Read this line: 'Seasons spin, the years roll on.' What does 'Seasons spin' suggest?

• AThe seasons are turning in a circular, repeating pattern.
• BThe tree is literally spinning in place.
• CThe seasons are falling down.
• DThe seasons are angry.

Read the passage description below. A brochure titled 'Visit the Oregon Coast' includes photos of beaches, a list of family-friendly tide pools, hours for state parks, and tips for safely watching sea lions. What is the author's most likely purpose for this text?

• ATo persuade people to visit and enjoy the Oregon coast safely
• BTo teach the history of Oregon's first coastal towns
• CTo argue that sea lions should be removed from beaches
• DTo explain how tides are caused by the moon

Read the two short descriptions below. Story A: In the cool, foggy forests of the Coast Range, Ana tracked elk prints through damp moss and listened to the drip of water from ferns. Story B: In the dry, sunbaked high desert east of the Cascades, Ana searched for arrowheads among sagebrush and watched a hawk circle above the dust. How do the settings of Story A and Story B most differ?

• AStory A is wet and forested, while Story B is dry and desert-like.
• BStory A takes place in a desert, while Story B takes place in a forest.
• CBoth stories take place in the same kind of wet forest.
• DStory A is set in summer, while Story B is set in winter.

A student is writing an opinion essay about the best school lunch. Which sentence would be the strongest topic sentence for the first body paragraph?

• APizza is the best school lunch because it is tasty, easy to eat, and popular with most st…
• BI like lunch.
• CSome people like pizza, and some people like tacos.
• DLunch is at noon.

A student is writing an informative report about how beavers change their habitat. Which sentence would be the best topic sentence for the first body paragraph?

• ABeavers change their habitat in several important ways, starting with building dams.
• BI think beavers are the coolest animals ever.
• CBeavers are either brown or black.
• DYou should learn more about beavers.

Read the sentence below. 'A student plants a seed. ______, the seed sprouts. ______, the plant grows leaves and flowers.' Which pair of linking words best fits the blanks to show order?

• AFirst / Then
• BHowever / Therefore
• CAlthough / Because
• DFor example / In contrast

Read the sentence below. 'Salmon can travel thousands of miles during their lifetime. ______, some trout spend their whole lives in one stream.' Which linking word or phrase best fits the blank?

• AIn contrast
• BFor example
• CSimilarly
• DFirst

A student is planning an informative essay about Oregon's state symbols. The student lists these facts: (a) the state bird is the western meadowlark, (b) the state animal is the beaver, (c) the meadowlark sings from fence posts in grasslands, (d) the beaver appears on the state flag, and (e) beavers build dams in streams. Which grouping best organizes related ideas for two body paragraphs?

• AParagraph 1: (a) and (c) about the meadowlark; Paragraph 2: (b), (d), and (e) about the b…
• BParagraph 1: (a) and (b) about state symbols; Paragraph 2: (c), (d), and (e) about where…
• CParagraph 1: (a), (d), and (e); Paragraph 2: (b) and (c)
• DParagraph 1: (c) and (e); Paragraph 2: (a), (b), and (d)

A student writes this claim: 'Recess should be longer because students focus better after a break.' Which piece of evidence best supports this claim?

• AA study found that students who had a 30-minute recess paid more attention in class after…
• BMost students like the swings more than the slide.
• CThe cafeteria serves pizza on Fridays.
• DSome students prefer indoor recess when it rains.

Read the student paragraph below. (1) Beavers are helpful animals in Oregon's wetlands. (2) Their dams create ponds that shelter young fish. (3) These ponds also slow streams and reduce flooding. (4) My uncle has a small boat he uses on the Willamette River. (5) Beaver wetlands store water for dry summers too. Which sentence should be removed because it is off topic?

• ASentence 4
• BSentence 1
• CSentence 2
• DSentence 5

Read the two sentences below. 'Beaver dams create ponds that shelter young fish. These ponds slow streams and reduce flooding.' Which transition word or phrase best connects the two sentences?

• AIn addition
• BFor example
• CHowever
• DFirst