Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System English Language Arts — Grade 5

Read this passage: Elena spent weeks trying to build a birdhouse. Her first two attempts collapsed when the wood split, but on her third try, she reinforced the joints with wood glue and extra screws, creating a sturdy home for local wrens. What is the main theme of this passage?

• APersistence and problem-solving lead to success.
• BBirds prefer store-bought birdhouses over handmade ones.
• CBuilding wooden structures is too difficult for students.
• DWood glue is always better than screws when building.

Read this passage: When Leo lost his favorite bracelet on the playground, Maya helped him search through the grass for nearly an hour until they found it, willingly missing most of her recess. Which statement best summarizes the theme of the passage?

• ATrue friends show kindness and support each other in difficult moments.
• BPlaygrounds are dangerous places to wear jewelry.
• CRecess is the least important part of the school day.
• DFinding lost objects is impossible without adult help.

Read this fable excerpt: In the fable, the Ant worked all summer gathering grain, while the Grasshopper sang and rested in the warm shade. When winter arrived, the Grasshopper had no food, but the Ant shared a small portion and advised him to prepare for next year. Which sentence best states the central theme?

• AHard work and preparation ensure safety during difficult times.
• BSinging during the summer guarantees a comfortable winter.
• CAnts are selfish creatures that refuse to help neighbors.
• DWinter is the best season for gathering food in fields.

Read this passage: Maya hoped to win the lead role in the school play, but she was assigned to be a backstage stagehand instead. Rather than moping, she learned lighting design and saved the opening night performance when the main spotlight failed. What theme is demonstrated by Maya's actions?

• AEvery role is important when working toward a shared team goal.
• BStagehands are more talented than actors in theater productions.
• CFailing to get the lead role means you should leave the club.
• DSpotlights break during every theater performance.

Read this passage: Grandfather showed Sam an old brass pocket watch that had survived three generations. "It doesn't tick as fast as a digital watch," he smiled, "but it carries our family's memory and history." What is the main theme of the story?

• AFamily history and heritage possess deep, lasting value.
• BDigital watches are completely useless compared to older watches.
• CGrandfathers always dislike modern electronic gadgets.
• DPocket watches must be repaired every three generations.

Read this passage: Nora felt self-conscious that her family made traditional braided bread instead of buying packaged bread from the grocery store. When her classmates tried a piece at lunch, they eagerly asked to trade their lunches for hers. What is the central theme of the passage?

• ACultural traditions and personal differences are sources of pride and connection.
• BStore-bought bread is healthier than homemade bread.
• CCafeteria lunches should always be traded between friends.
• DStudents should hide their family traditions at school.

Read this passage: Two travelers crossed a desert expanse. One carried extra water bladders despite the weight, while the other packed light to travel quickly. When a fierce dust storm stranded them for two extra days, the prepared traveler shared his water, allowing both to reach the coastal town safely. Which statement provides the best summary of the theme?

• AThorough preparation and generosity help people overcome unforeseen hardships.
• BTraveling light is always the best strategy for long desert trips.
• CDust storms occur only when travelers pack heavy supplies.
• DDeserts cannot be crossed without electronic navigation systems.

Read this passage: An ancient oak tree stood at the meadow's edge. Young saplings growing under its wide canopy grew slowly in the shade, but when a severe gale struck the valley, the old oak blocked the fierce gusts until the saplings' roots grew deep enough to anchor them. Which theme is best developed in the passage?

• AProtection and guidance from older generations allow the young to grow strong and resilie…
• BYoung trees should never be planted near mature trees.
• CGales only cause damage to saplings standing in open fields.
• DOak trees grow faster than any other tree species in New England.

Read this passage: Mateo always relied on his older sister to fix his bicycle. When she moved away to college, Mateo spent three hours examining the manual, adjusting tools, and re-aligning the chain until he successfully repaired the bicycle himself. What is the main theme of Mateo's experience?

• ATrue self-reliance develops when we face challenges independently.
• BBicycle manuals are too complicated for young students to read.
• COlder siblings should remain at home to assist their family.
• DRepairing bicycle chains requires expensive automated equipment.

Read this excerpt: "I held my breath as I reached for the top shelf. If I could just touch the blue ribbon, all my weeks of practice would be worth it." From which point of view is this passage narrated?

• AFirst-person point of view
• BThird-person objective point of view
• CThird-person omniscient point of view
• DSecond-person point of view

Read this sentence: "You step onto the auditorium stage, look out at the bright spotlights, and feel butterflies flutter in your stomach." Which point of view does the narrator use in this sentence?

• ASecond-person point of view
• BFirst-person point of view
• CThird-person limited point of view
• DThird-person omniscient point of view

Read this passage: David watched the rain trickle down the windowpane, wondering if the baseball game would be postponed. Across the classroom, Sarah secretly smiled because she had not completed her reading project. Which point of view is used in this passage?

• AThird-person omniscient point of view
• BFirst-person point of view from David's perspective
• CFirst-person point of view from Sarah's perspective
• DThird-person limited point of view

Read this passage: Liam adjusted his helmet strap and checked his tire pressure. He felt confident that weeks of practice would help him conquer the steep climb up Jerimoth Hill. How does the third-person limited point of view influence what the reader learns?

• AThe reader learns Liam's personal thoughts and feelings, but not those of other cyclists.
• BThe reader receives a direct first-hand account told by Liam using "I" and "me".
• CThe reader gains insight into the thoughts of every cyclist participating in the ride.
• DThe reader receives step-by-step instructions on how to repair bicycle tires.

Compare these two passages: Passage A: "I couldn't believe my brother took the last piece of cornbread without asking me!" Passage B: "Oliver took the final slice of cornbread, completely unaware that his sister had been saving it for dinner." How does the difference in point of view change the reader's perspective?

• APassage A highlights the sister's immediate frustration, while Passage B provides a neutr…
• BPassage A presents an unbiased report, while Passage B shows intense anger.
• CPassage A uses third-person narration, while Passage B uses first-person narration.
• DBoth passages are told directly from Oliver's personal perspective.

Read this passage: We packed our tent into the trunk of the station wagon. My mother promised that once we reached the campsite near the bay, we would watch the sunset over the ocean. Which set of words proves this passage is written in the first-person point of view?

• A"We" and "My"
• B"Tent" and "Trunk"
• C"Campsite" and "Ocean"
• D"Promised" and "Sunset"

Read this passage: Captain Harris stood on the quarterdeck, studying the gathering storm clouds. He was confident his crew could outrun the squall. Below deck, young Thomas shivered in his berth, terrified that the wooden hull would spring a leak. Why is this passage classified as third-person omniscient rather than third-person limited?

• AIt reveals the internal thoughts and feelings of both Captain Harris and Thomas.
• BIt includes spoken dialogue between the captain and the crew.
• CIt is narrated by a sailor who is actively participating in the voyage.
• DIt focuses exclusively on physical actions taking place on the ship's deck.

Read this passage: I explained to the science fair judge that my dog had chewed up my poster board. She peered over her reading glasses, her expression showing she was doubtful of my story. How would the narrative shift if retold from the judge's point of view?

• AThe narrative would focus on the judge's thoughts, evaluation, and skepticism regarding t…
• BThe student would describe the dog's breed and feeding habits in greater detail.
• CThe passage would become an instructional guide on pet training.
• DThe tone and perspective would remain completely unchanged.

Read this passage: She adjusted her glasses and stepped up to the microphone. Though her heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird, her voice sounded calm as she delivered her presentation. What effect does the third-person limited narrator create in this passage?

• AIt creates tension by contrasting her outward composure with her internal anxiety.
• BIt informs the reader about the opinions of the audience members listening to the speech.
• CIt allows the speaker to address the audience directly using first-person pronouns.
• DIt explains the history of public speaking in elementary schools.

Read this poem excerpt: The morning breeze begins to blow, (Line 1) Across the fields where clover grow. (Line 2) The morning sun begins to rise, (Line 3) And paints gold ribbons in the skies. (Line 4) How many lines form this single stanza?

• A4 lines
• B2 lines
• C6 lines
• D8 lines

Read this poem: Stanza 1: The autumn leaves drop from the tree, And swirl around in golden glee. Stanza 2: The chilly wind whispers a song, As winter shadows stretch out long. How is this poem structured?

• ATwo stanzas, each containing two rhyming lines (couplets).
• BOne continuous stanza containing four unrhymed lines.
• CThree stanzas with four lines in each stanza.
• DA single prose paragraph split into two sentences.

Read this poem: Stanza 1: The waves crash hard against the shore, With thunderous sound and mighty roar. Stanza 2: The seagulls circle high above, In skies as soft as velvet glove. What shift occurs between Stanza 1 and Stanza 2?

• AStanza 1 focuses on the noisy ocean below, while Stanza 2 shifts attention to peaceful bi…
• BStanza 1 takes place in winter, while Stanza 2 takes place in mid-summer.
• CStanza 1 uses free verse, while Stanza 2 is written as a news article.
• DStanza 1 is narrated by a fish, while Stanza 2 is narrated by a gull.

Read this stanza: I run across the grassy hill, (Line 1) Where summer air is warm and still. (Line 2) I pause beside the quiet stream, (Line 3) And drift into a peaceful dream. (Line 4) What is the rhyme scheme of this four-line stanza?

• AAABB
• BABAB
• CABCB
• DABBA

Read this poem: Stanza 1: The seed lies sleeping in the dark ground, Without a movement or rustle of sound. Stanza 2: The warm rain falls and the sun shines bright, As green stems push up into the light. How does the stanza structure reflect the poem's topic?

• AStanza 1 describes dormant life underground, while Stanza 2 shows growth emerging into th…
• BStanza 1 describes harvesting crops, while Stanza 2 describes winter freezing.
• CBoth stanzas describe night time in an abandoned orchard.
• DStanza 1 takes place in a desert, while Stanza 2 takes place in an ocean.

Read this stanza: Silver moon in starry night, (Line 1) Shining down a gentle light. (Line 2) Sleep, little sleepy head, (Line 3) Tucked inside your cozy bed. (Line 4) What is the role of Line 4 in completing the stanza?

• AIt completes the rhyming pattern (head/bed) and provides a comforting conclusion.
• BIt introduces a conflict between the moon and the stars.
• CIt shifts the setting from a bedroom to an outdoor forest.
• DIt changes the poem's point of view to third-person omniscient.

Read this poem: Stanza 1: The train chugs out along the track, With heavy freight upon its back. Stanza 2: It climbs the mountain steep and high, Beneath the wide and stormy sky. Stanza 3: At last it rests inside the station, Greeting the cheering population. How does the three-stanza structure develop the narrative?

• AEach stanza represents a phase of the train's journey: departure, mountain climb, and arr…
• BThe three stanzas repeat the exact same event using different action verbs.
• CStanza 1 describes a car, Stanza 2 describes a boat, and Stanza 3 describes a train.
• DThe stanzas move backward in time from arrival to departure.

Read this poem: Stanza 1: Cold frost sparkles on the glass, Winter claims the frozen grass. Stanza 2: Green shoots poke through melting snow, Warm south winds begin to blow. Stanza 3: Golden sunshine fills the days, Summer sets the fields ablaze. How does the poet use stanza breaks to organize time?

• AEach stanza break signals a transition to a new season (Winter to Spring to Summer).
• BThe stanza breaks separate dialogue between three different characters.
• CThe stanza breaks divide three different rooms inside an old house.
• DStanza breaks are placed randomly without connection to time.

Read this passage: When Maya's dog ran out of the open gate, she did not panic. She immediately picked up his leash, called her neighbor to watch the corner, and walked down the sidewalk shaking a treat bag until he trotted back. How does Maya respond to the challenge of her escaped pet?

• AShe remains calm and takes practical steps to safely attract her dog.
• BShe sits on the steps and cries until her dog returns.
• CShe shouts at her neighbor for leaving the gate open.
• DShe gives up looking and searches for a new pet online.

Read this passage: Toby struggled to read the sheet music for his trumpet solo. Instead of quitting the band, he stayed after school every Tuesday for three weeks to practice with his music teacher until he mastered the piece. What character trait does Toby demonstrate when facing this challenge?

• APerseverance and dedication to improvement
• BImpatience and anger toward band members
• CIndifference toward musical performance
• DDishonesty regarding his musical abilities

Read this passage: During a heavy storm, the power failed while Sofia was studying for her social studies exam. She placed two flashlights on her desk pointing upward to bounce light off the ceiling, allowing her to keep reading her study guide. What does Sofia's reaction reveal about her?

• AShe is resourceful and committed to her studies.
• BShe is afraid of the storm and cannot focus.
• CShe prefers studying in complete darkness.
• DShe decides to skip studying and go to sleep.

Read this passage: Carlos dropped his lunch tray in front of the crowded cafeteria, sending soup across the floor. Hearing a few students chuckle, he smiled, took a bow, and said, "Thank you for the applause!" before helping the custodian sweep up. How does Carlos handle the embarrassing situation?

• AHe uses humor and self-confidence to ease his embarrassment.
• BHe yells at the chuckling students and runs outside.
• CHe pretends someone pushed him intentionally.
• DHe refuses to help clean up the spilled lunch.

Read this passage: Hannah's relay team lost their race because she dropped the baton during the handoff. That weekend, Hannah set up practice markers in her driveway and invited her teammate to practice handoffs until their timing was seamless. How does Hannah respond to her setback?

• AShe takes responsibility and works with her teammate to correct her mistake.
• BShe blames her teammate for standing in the wrong lane.
• CShe quits the track team so she won't drop the baton again.
• DShe argues that the race judge miscounted the laps.

Read this passage: When a sudden downpour flooded their campsite tent, Marcus suggested moving sleeping bags into the park shelter nearby while his brother quickly bagged their clothing to keep it dry. How do Marcus and his brother respond to the challenge?

• AThey collaborate quickly to protect gear and stay dry.
• BThey argue about who forgot to secure the rainfly.
• CThey pack up completely and drive home in the dark.
• DThey leave their belongings in the mud and sleep in the rain.

Read this passage: Julia was paired on a science project with a partner who was frequently absent and struggled to finish assignments. Rather than complaining to the teacher, Julia drafted a clear task checklist, emailed manageable steps, and set up short work sessions during homeroom. What does Julia's response demonstrate about her leadership skills?

• AShe displays proactive organization, empathy, and constructive problem-solving.
• BShe completes the whole project herself without giving her partner a chance to participat…
• CShe relies on authority figures to resolve basic group difficulties.
• DShe avoids responsibility by assigning all difficult tasks to her partner.

Read this passage: Farmer Oakwood noticed beetles damaging his squash plants. Instead of applying chemical sprays that would harm local pollinators, he researched companion planting, introducing marigolds and natural netting to protect his crop. What does Farmer Oakwood's choice demonstrate about his problem-solving approach?

• AHe seeks solutions that address immediate pest issues while safeguarding the environment.
• BHe acts recklessly without considering long-term effects on his farm.
• CHe prefers synthetic chemical sprays over organic methods.
• DHe abandons squash farming to focus entirely on raising bees.

Read this passage: Ben spent weeks crafting a wooden sailboat model. Just as he glued the final sail, his dog bumped the table, cracking the main mast. Ben paused, took a deep breath, and gathered wood glue and support clamps to rebuild the mast even stronger than before. How does Ben's emotional self-control assist him in overcoming this setback?

• ABy taking a moment to calm himself, he approaches the repair with patience and a clear pl…
• BBy ignoring the damage, he convinces himself that the broken mast looks fine.
• CBy giving in to anger, he finishes the repair faster.
• DBy asking someone else to fix it, he avoids dealing with the problem.

Compare these two accounts: Passage 1 (Journal): "May 12: The ferry trip across Narragansett Bay was thrilling! Large waves rocked our vessel, but seeing the lighthouse brought cheers from everyone on deck." Passage 2 (News Report): "May 12: The local ferry carried 45 passengers across Narragansett Bay during high afternoon winds, arriving safely in Newport on schedule." How do these two accounts differ in their presentation?

• APassage 1 shares personal emotional reactions, while Passage 2 presents objective factual…
• BPassage 1 describes boat manufacturing, while Passage 2 provides travel warnings.
• CPassage 1 claims the ferry sank, while Passage 2 claims it was canceled.
• DBoth passages use identical technical language.

Compare these two passages: Passage A: An astronaut describes feeling awe while watching sunrise over Earth from the space station observatory. Passage B: A flight controller explains the orbit calculations and solar panel adjustments required to maintain space station power. What is the main difference between these two accounts?

• APassage A gives a personal, reflective perspective, while Passage B offers a technical op…
• BPassage A argues that space research is wasteful, while Passage B promotes space tourism.
• CPassage A focuses on historical dates, while Passage B is a poem.
• DBoth passages present step-by-step instructions for launching rockets.

Compare these two sources: Account 1 (Witness): "I heard a sharp pop and saw grey smoke pouring from the bakery door right before the fire trucks pulled up." Account 2 (Fire Department Incident Log): "At 14:05, Engine Company 3 responded to an electrical outlet short circuit at 142 Main Street. Situation controlled in eight minutes." Which detail is contained in Account 2 that is missing from Account 1?

• AThe specific cause of the fire and the exact time of response
• BThe visual description of smoke pouring from the door
• CThe sound of the sharp pop when the short occurred
• DThe feelings of bystanders watching from across the street

Compare these two biographies: Text 1: A biography of Thomas Edison highlighting his persistence through thousands of filament experiments before perfecting the incandescent lightbulb. Text 2: An autobiography by Nikola Tesla describing his professional debate with Edison regarding direct current versus alternating current systems. How do these two texts differ in their depiction of Thomas Edison?

• AText 1 portrays Edison as a dedicated inventor, while Text 2 presents Edison as an indust…
• BText 1 claims Edison never created working inventions, while Text 2 praises him as Tesla'…
• CText 1 focuses on Edison's childhood, while Text 2 focuses on Tesla's poetry.
• DBoth texts describe Edison solely as a political leader.

Compare these two sources: Account 1 (Student Memoir, 1880): "We gathered around the potbelly stove in our one-room schoolhouse, sharing slate pencils and taking turns stoking the firewood on freezing mornings." Account 2 (Historical Analysis): "Nineteenth-century New England towns established district schoolhouses to provide basic literacy and arithmetic instruction across rural communities." What unique perspective does Account 1 offer?

• AA first-hand sensory account of daily classroom life and physical conditions
• BGovernment data regarding school district funding across New England
• CArchitectural floor plans of historical school buildings
• DA comparison between 19th-century schools and modern digital classrooms

Compare these two texts: Source A: A park ranger's log describing a multi-hour effort to assist a disoriented hiker during an unexpected autumn snowstorm. Source B: A state park brochure listing mandatory equipment, emergency contact numbers, and safety guidelines for trail hikers. How does the primary purpose of Source A differ from Source B?

• ASource A narrates a specific real-life rescue event, while Source B aims to inform visito…
• BSource A promotes hotel reservations, while Source B criticizes trail upkeep.
• CSource A explains tree identification, while Source B forecasts ocean tides.
• DBoth sources provide cooking recipes for wilderness camping.

Read these two historical records from an 18th-century voyage: Passage 1 (Captain's Logbook): "October 14: Encountered heavy seas off the point. The crew executed orders with swift discipline, securing the rigging without incident." Passage 2 (Sailor's Journal): "October 14: The captain sent us up into freezing spray in pitch darkness to mend rotten canvas. We were exhausted and near frozen." Why do these accounts present different viewpoints of the same night?

• AThe captain's official record emphasizes order and performance, while the sailor's person…
• BPassage 1 describes a calm summer day, while Passage 2 describes a winter storm on land.
• CPassage 1 was written by a medical doctor, while Passage 2 was written by a lighthouse ke…
• DThe sailor's journal states that the ship remained anchored in harbor.

Compare these two articles about ocean life: Text 1: A report by a marine biologist analyzing data on water temperature changes and coral bleaching rates in New England waters. Text 2: A travel article describing a snorkeling excursion along colorful coastal reefs, emphasizing vibrant fish species and clear blue waters. How do the authors' perspectives shape their writing?

• AText 1 uses scientific analysis to highlight environmental concerns, while Text 2 highlig…
• BText 1 encourages tourist travel, while Text 2 presents chemical equations.
• CText 1 is a personal poem, while Text 2 is a textbook chapter.
• DBoth authors agree that coral reefs are artificial man-made structures.

Compare these two historical sources: Account X: A national news article published in 1903 summarizing the Wright brothers' early flight tests. Account Y: Orville Wright's private diary entry written on December 17, 1903, immediately following the first powered flight. Which primary advantage does Account Y offer over Account X?

• AIt provides immediate firsthand observations of thoughts, vehicle controls, and weather c…
• BIt includes interviews with dozens of spectators watching from miles away.
• CIt provides an objective historical overview written decades after the event.
• DIt details manufacturing financial records from aircraft factories.

Read this passage: Elementary schools should extend morning recess. Research shows that physical movement improves students' focus and memory during instruction. In schools that increased recess to 30 minutes, reading and math performance improved noticeably. What claim is the author making?

• AElementary schools should provide longer morning recess periods to enhance student learni…
• BReading and math are the only subjects taught in elementary schools.
• CRecess should be replaced with computer practice.
• DStudents prefer remaining indoors during winter months.

Read this passage: Using reusable water bottles helps protect ocean life. Every year, millions of disposable plastic containers enter marine habitats. Towns that encouraged reusable bottle use saw a 40% reduction in plastic litter along local shorelines. Which detail best supports the claim that reusable bottles protect marine habitats?

• ATowns encouraging reusable bottle use saw a 40% reduction in plastic litter along shoreli…
• BReusable water bottles come in many bright colors and sizes.
• CChilled tap water tastes refreshing on warm summer days.
• DMarine habitats host fish, sea turtles, and whales.

Read this passage: Neighborhoods benefit significantly from establishing community gardens. Gardens provide fresh vegetables for families and create green spaces that absorb summer heat. Furthermore, survey results showed that 85% of residents felt more connected to their neighbors after participating in a garden project. How does the author support the claim that community gardens strengthen neighborhood connections?

• ABy citing survey results showing 85% of residents felt more connected to neighbors.
• BBy describing the chemical process of plant photosynthesis.
• CBy listing the retail prices of gardening tools at local stores.
• DBy contrasting flower beds with vegetable plots.

Read this passage: Installing solar panels on school roofs is a wise financial decision. Last year, Green Valley Elementary reduced its electricity bill by $12,000 after installing rooftop solar panels. The school redirected those savings into buying new science lab materials and library books. Which evidence directly supports the author's argument that solar panels make financial sense?

• AGreen Valley Elementary saved $12,000 on electricity, which funded books and science gear.
• BSolar panels absorb sunlight using silicon photovoltaic cells.
• CRooftops receive direct sunlight during summer afternoons.
• DElementary school libraries require quiet areas for reading.