RISE English Language Arts — Grade 5

Read the passage: 'As the sun began to drop behind the Wasatch Mountains, Leo adjusted his backpack straps. The cool evening breeze carried the scent of pine and damp earth. He looked back at his little sister, who was lagging behind on the trail. "Keep moving, Sam," Leo called out gently. "If we reach the ridge before dusk, we can see the lake glow red in the sunset."' What is the main setting described in this passage?

• AA busy city street during morning rush hour
• BA mountain hiking trail in the late afternoon
• CA crowded campsite next to a river
• DA desert canyon during the middle of the night

Read the sentence from a story: 'When Clara heard that her project won first place at the science fair, her smile was a beam of bright sunlight across the entire room.' What type of figurative language is used in this sentence?

• ASimile
• BMetaphor
• CPersonification
• DHyperbole

Read the paragraph: 'Great Salt Lake is one of the most unique body of water in North America. Because it has no outlet rivers to the ocean, minerals and salt accumulate over time as water evaporates. As a result, the lake is far saltier than the ocean, allowing brine shrimp and alkali flies to thrive while keeping most fish from living in its waters.' What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• ABrine shrimp are the only creatures that live in Utah rivers.
• BGreat Salt Lake is extremely salty because water evaporates without an outlet, creating a…
• CWater from the ocean flows directly into Great Salt Lake every spring.
• DFish thrive in Great Salt Lake due to high salt levels.

Read the excerpt: 'I couldn't believe my eyes when the drone lifted into the air. I held the remote control tightly, my thumb trembling as I pushed the joystick forward. Next to me, Carlos cheered loudly, holding up his tablet to record our first successful flight.' Which point of view is used in this passage?

• AFirst-person point of view
• BSecond-person point of view
• CThird-person limited point of view
• DThird-person omniscient point of view

Read the sentences: 'First, clean the soil around the seedling roots. Next, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Finally, place the plant carefully into the hole and pack the soil firmly around its base.' Which text structure is used in this passage?

• ACause and Effect
• BCompare and Contrast
• CChronological / Chronological Order
• DProblem and Solution

Read the text: 'Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells. When photon particles from sunlight strike the silicon layers within the panel, electrons are set in motion, producing an electrical current.' What is the meaning of the word 'convert' as used in the passage?

• ATo measure precisely
• BTo change from one form into another
• CTo hide underground
• DTo break down into waste

Read the paragraph: 'Wild turkeys were once nearly extinct in Utah due to overhunting and habitat loss. However, wildlife biologists introduced conservation programs in the 1980s, relocating healthy birds to protected forest areas. Today, wild turkey populations across Utah are thriving and stable.' Which sentence provides the best evidence that conservation efforts succeeded?

• AWild turkeys were once nearly extinct in Utah due to overhunting.
• BToday, wild turkey populations across Utah are thriving and stable.
• CBiologists relocated healthy birds to protected forest areas.
• DHabitat loss damaged turkey habitats in earlier decades.

Read the short poem: 'The ancient oak stands tall and proud, Its branches touch the passing cloud. In winter frost and summer heat, It guards the meadow at our feet.' What is the main theme of this poem?

• AThe danger of sudden summer storms
• BThe enduring strength and presence of nature
• CThe difficulty of planting trees in meadow soil
• DThe fun of climbing old trees in winter

Read the passage: 'Although both operate on electricity, electric cars and gasoline-powered cars function very differently. Electric cars store energy in large rechargeable batteries and produce zero tailpipe emissions. In contrast, gasoline cars rely on internal combustion engines that burn liquid fuel, releasing exhaust gases into the air.' What structural pattern is used to organize this passage?

• AChronological sequence
• BCompare and Contrast
• CCause and Effect
• DProblem and Solution

Read the passage: 'Elena paced back and forth near the stage curtain. Her palms were sweaty, and her stomach felt like it was full of fluttering butterflies. When the director whispered "Two minutes until curtain up," Elena took three deep breaths and repeated her opening line in her head.' How is Elena feeling in this scene?

• ABored and uninterested
• BAnxious and nervous
• CAngry and resentful
• DConfident and relaxed

Read the sentence: 'The archaeologists conducted an extensive excavation at the ancient village site, carefully digging up pottery fragments and tools that had been buried for centuries.' Using context clues, what does the word 'excavation' mean?

• AA musical performance
• BAn unearthing or digging up of items
• CA quick building construction
• DA written story or myth

Read the text: 'Honeybees play a vital role in agriculture. As they fly from flower to flower gathering nectar, pollen grains stick to their fuzzy bodies and transfer to other blossoms. This process, called pollination, allows plants to produce fruits, seeds, and vegetables that humans and animals rely on for food.' According to the text, why is bee pollination important to humans?

• AIt helps honeybees build larger wax hives.
• BIt allows plants to produce fruits, seeds, and vegetables for food.
• CIt prevents weeds from growing in farm fields.
• DIt keeps rainwater from evaporating off plant leaves.

Read the stanza: 'The winds of winter howl and bite, They dance across the frozen night. They blow the snow in whirling rings, And whisper tales of icy kings.' Which human action is given to the winter wind in this poem?

• ADancing and whispering tales
• BFreezing water into ice
• CFlying south for the season
• DMelting snow in springtime

Read the text: 'In 1869, the Golden Spike ceremony took place at Promontory Summit, Utah. This historic event marked the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, connecting the eastern and western coasts of the United States by rail for the first time.' What was the main outcome of the Golden Spike ceremony?

• AThe discovery of gold in northern Utah mountains
• BThe connection of the eastern and western United States by railroad
• CThe creation of Utah's first state park
• DThe invention of the steam locomotive

Read the sentences: 'Heavy downpours soaked the steep hillside throughout the afternoon. Because the dirt was oversaturated and lacked deep tree roots to anchor it, a massive mudslide slid down into the valley below.' What caused the mudslide according to the text?

• AStrong canyon winds
• BHeavy downpours oversaturating loose dirt on a steep hillside
• CAn earthquake under the valley floor
• DConstructing a new concrete highway

Read the fable excerpt: 'The tortoise kept moving forward, taking slow and steady steps without stopping to rest. Meanwhile, the hare, confident in his speed, fell fast asleep under a shady oak tree. When the hare woke up, he saw the tortoise crossing the finish line ahead of him.' What moral or lesson does this fable teach?

• ASpeed is the only thing that matters in a race.
• BConsistency and steady effort can overcome overconfidence.
• CTaking long naps outdoors is always beneficial.
• DFast animals should never compete against slower ones.

Read the paragraph: 'Volcanoes are formed when magma from deep within the Earth rises toward the surface. As magma accumulates in a chamber beneath the crust, pressure builds up until gas bubbles expand rapidly. Eventually, the magma erupts through a vent, releasing lava, ash, and volcanic gases into the surrounding environment.' Which choice best summarizes the process described?

• AVolcanoes erupt when rising magma creates pressure underground that forces lava and ash o…
• BLava turns into solid rock as soon as it cools near ocean water.
• CScientists predict volcanic eruptions by measuring gas bubbles in lakes.
• DEarthquakes cause magma to freeze into thick layers underground.

Read the sentence: 'The old wooden chest was hidden under a mountain of dusty blankets in the dark corner of the attic.' Which word in the sentence is a preposition showing location?

• Awooden
• Bunder
• Chidden
• Dblankets

Read two viewpoints on year-round schooling: Text A: 'Year-round schooling helps students retain knowledge by breaking up summer into shorter, frequent breaks across the calendar year.' Text B: 'Traditional summer breaks give children essential time for family travel, outdoor camps, and mental relaxation away from school pressures.' How do these two texts differ in perspective?

• AText A supports year-round schooling for academic retention, while Text B highlights bene…
• BText A argues schools should close permanently, while Text B wants shorter school days.
• CBoth texts agree that summer breaks should be extended to five months.
• DText A focuses on outdoor sports camps, while Text B focuses on math test scores.

Read the story excerpt: 'Mateo grabbed his drawing pad and pencils. Even though it was raining outside and soccer practice was canceled, he smiled. A quiet afternoon indoors was the perfect opportunity to finish his comic book illustration.' What does this passage reveal about Mateo's character?

• AHe dislikes indoor activities.
• BHe is creative and optimistic when plans change.
• CHe gets easily frustrated by bad weather.
• DHe prefers playing soccer over drawing.

Read the passage: 'Beavers are nature's engineers. Using their sharp teeth, they fell aspen and willow trees to build sturdy wooden dams across streams. These dams slow water flow, creating ponds that protect beaver lodges from predators such as wolves and bears.' Why do beavers build dams according to the passage?

• ATo dry up forest streams completely
• BTo create ponds that protect their lodges from predators
• CTo trap fish for winter food storage
• DTo build bridges for other forest animals

Read the sentence: 'The detective made a cautious inspection of the dimly lit room, scanning every corner before stepping inside.' What is the base word of 'inspection'?

• Ainspect
• Bspec
• Csection
• Dion

Read the excerpt: 'The old clock in the hallway chimed midnight with twelve slow, resonant strikes. Outside, the night sky was clear and full of shimmering stars.' Which sensory domain is appealed to by 'chimed midnight with twelve slow, resonant strikes'?

• ASight
• BSound / Hearing
• CTaste
• DTouch

Read the paragraph: 'Recycling aluminum cans saves significant energy compared to manufacturing new ones from raw bauxite ore. Producing recycled aluminum uses 95% less energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving valuable natural resources.' What is the author's main purpose in writing this paragraph?

• ATo entertain readers with a story about a soda factory
• BTo inform readers about the environmental and energy benefits of recycling aluminum
• CTo persuade readers to stop drinking canned beverages
• DTo explain how bauxite ore is mined from underground

Read the passage: 'Grandma's attic was a treasure trove of history. Old leather trunks held vintage quilts, silver pocket watches, and handwritten letters tied with faded velvet ribbons.' What does the idiom 'treasure trove' mean in this context?

• AA dangerous chest filled with traps
• BA collection of valuable, interesting, or meaningful items
• CA completely empty room covered in dust
• DA map leading to buried pirate gold

Read the story snippet: 'Oliver tried to fix the broken bike chain himself, but the links kept jamming. Disappointed, he sat on the curb. Just then, his neighbor Mr. Ramirez walked over with a tool set and showed Oliver how to align the gears step by step.' What is the main conflict in this story?

• AOliver does not want to ride his bicycle anymore.
• BOliver struggles to repair his broken bicycle chain on his own.
• CMr. Ramirez refuses to share his tools with Oliver.
• DA rainstorm ruins Oliver's afternoon ride.

Read the text: 'In wetlands, cattails serve as vital habitat components. Red-winged blackbirds weave their nests among the sturdy stalks, while small fish find refuge from predators beneath the submerged root structures.' Which detail supports the idea that cattails help wetland wildlife?

• AWetlands are flooded areas found near lakes and rivers.
• BRed-winged blackbirds nest in cattails and fish hide in their roots.
• CCattails can grow up to ten feet tall in summer.
• DPredators prefer open water over shallow marshes.

Read the sentence: 'The sudden silence in the auditorium was absolute; not a single shoe scuffed and not a single chair creaked.' What does the word 'absolute' mean in this sentence?

• ATemporary and fleeting
• BComplete and total
• CNoisy and chaotic
• DUncertain and doubtful

Read the text: 'Because monarch butterflies cannot survive harsh freezing temperatures, millions migrate over 2,000 miles south each autumn to wintering grounds in central Mexico.' What is the relationship between the two ideas in this sentence?

• AThe cold weather is a problem solved by migrating south for winter.
• BMigration causes monarch butterflies to freeze.
• CThe butterflies migrate south to find snow and ice.
• DCentral Mexico experiences freezing temperatures in winter.

Read the story excerpt: '"I will never give up on finding our lost puppy," Sophie declared, shining her flashlight into the dark bushes along the trail.' What trait does Sophie demonstrate in this excerpt?

• ADetermination
• BCarelessness
• CFearfulness
• DSelfishness

Read the passage: 'In 1911, two competing exploration teams raced to become the first humans to reach the South Pole. Roald Amundsen of Norway led one team, selecting cross-country skis and trained sled dogs adapted to severe cold. Meanwhile, Robert Falcon Scott of Britain relied on motorized sleds and ponies. Scott's motorized sleds broke down quickly in the deep snow, and the ponies struggled in icy winds. Amundsen reached the South Pole first on December 14, 1911, returning safely, whereas Scott's team suffered extreme hardship.' Which factor contributed MOST directly to Amundsen's success compared to Scott?

• AAmundsen brought larger motorized vehicles than Scott.
• BAmundsen selected transportation methods better suited for polar environments.
• CScott had better weather conditions during his journey.
• DScott started his expedition six months before Amundsen.

Read the paragraph from a narrative: 'As the sailboat leaned sharply into the wind, Captain Jonah kept his gaze fixed on the stormy horizon. He had navigated these treacherous rocky waters for thirty years, and he knew that panic was a sailor's worst enemy. "Hold the main sheet tight, Caleb!" he shouted above the roaring waves. "She'll steady once we clear the headland."' How does Captain Jonah's past experience influence his reaction to the storm?

• AIt causes him to abandon the vessel in fear.
• BIt allows him to stay calm and give confident instructions to his crew.
• CIt makes him regret becoming a sailor.
• DIt leads him to ignore the wind and fall asleep.

Read the passage: 'Coral reefs occupy less than one percent of the ocean floor, yet they support nearly 25 percent of all marine species. These vibrant underwater structures are built by tiny organisms called coral polyps that secrete calcium carbonate skeletons. However, rising sea temperatures cause corals to expel the beneficial algae living in their tissues, a damaging process known as coral bleaching. Without these algae, corals lose their vibrant color and primary food source, putting the entire reef ecosystem at risk.' Which statement best synthesizes the relationship between coral polyps and reef ecosystems?

• ACoral polyps are harmful organisms that destroy ocean habitats.
• BCoral polyps build the foundation of reefs that sustain a quarter of marine life, making…
• CRising ocean temperatures help coral polyps produce more algae.
• DCalcium carbonate skeletons prevent fish from swimming near coral reefs.

Read the excerpt from a story: '"I can't believe we have to move away from all my friends," Nora muttered, staring out the car window at the rain-streaked highway. Her mother turned from the front seat with a gentle smile. "I know it feels overwhelming right now, Nora, but living near the mountains will bring exciting new adventures for our family."' How does Nora's perspective about moving differ from her mother's perspective?

• ANora feels excited about the move, while her mother feels sad about leaving friends.
• BNora feels upset about leaving her friends, while her mother feels hopeful about new oppo…
• CBoth Nora and her mother think moving to the mountains is a terrible mistake.
• DNora wants to move immediately, while her mother wants to stay.

Read the passage: 'Drip irrigation is an agricultural technique that delivers water directly to plant roots through a network of narrow tubes and emitters. Unlike traditional sprinkler systems that spray water into the air—where much of it evaporates before reaching the soil—drip irrigation minimizes water loss. Farmers using drip systems can reduce water usage by up to 50 percent while maintaining healthy crop yields.' What is the primary text structure used in this passage?

• AChronological order detailing the history of farming tools
• BProblem and Solution comparing drip irrigation to traditional sprinklers to solve water w…
• CSpatial description of a farm layout
• DFictional narrative about a farmer

Read the paragraph: 'The old lighthouse stood like a lonely sentinel on the jagged cliff, guarding the dark harbor against unseen reefs.' What does the simile 'like a lonely sentinel' suggest about the lighthouse?

• AIt was surrounded by many busy buildings.
• BIt stood solitary and watchful over the dangerous waters.
• CIt was falling apart and completely abandoned.
• DIt was brightly painted for a summer festival.

Read the text: 'Although both renewable energy sources generate clean electricity without fossil fuels, wind turbines and solar panels function under different natural conditions. Wind turbines rely on kinetic energy from moving air currents to turn massive blades connected to a generator. Solar panels, on the other hand, absorb sunlight using semiconductor materials to create an electrical current. Consequently, wind farms operate effectively day or night when breeze is present, whereas solar panels generate power exclusively during daylight hours.' Which statement accurately highlights a key difference described in the text?

• ASolar panels require strong winds to generate power at night.
• BWind turbines generate power day or night if wind blows, while solar panels only operate…
• CBoth technologies burn fossil fuels to start their generators.
• DWind turbines use semiconductor materials to capture sunlight.

Read the poem snippet: 'The autumn leaves fall whispering down, In robes of yellow, red, and brown. They carpet all the forest floor, And knock upon the cabin door.' What mood is created by the description in this stanza?

• AFrightening and chaotic
• BPeaceful and reflective
• CHumorous and silly
• DTense and argumentative

Read the passage: 'Archaeologists working in the Great Basin region uncovered ancient duck decoys woven from tule reeds, dating back over 2,000 years. These artifacts demonstrate that early Indigenous inhabitants possessed sophisticated knowledge of waterfowl behavior and weaving techniques, using lifelike decoys to attract real birds during hunting expeditions.' What inference can be made about the early Indigenous inhabitants based on the passage?

• AThey did not hunt birds for food.
• BThey were skilled craftspeople who understood animal behavior.
• CThey imported plastic decoys from distant traders.
• DThey lived exclusively in deep ocean waters.

Read the excerpt: 'Gabriel stared at the math problem for ten minutes, his eyebrows knit together. He tried multiplying the fractions, but the numbers didn't make sense. Instead of closing his workbook in frustration, he raised his hand and asked, "Ms. Lin, could you explain how to find the common denominator again?"' What does Gabriel's action reveal about his approach to learning?

• AHe gives up easily when tasks become difficult.
• BHe prefers to let others do his work for him.
• CHe is willing to ask for help to overcome a learning struggle.
• DHe dislikes math class and wants to leave.

Read the text: 'Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. It occurs as a result of a chemical reaction involving a light-emitting molecule called luciferin and an enzyme called luciferase. Deep-sea creatures such as anglerfish use bioluminescent lures to attract prey in the pitch-black ocean depths.' What is the function of luciferase in bioluminescence?

• AIt acts as an enzyme involved in the light-producing chemical reaction.
• BIt absorbs sunlight during the day to glow at night.
• CIt acts as a camouflage shield against large sharks.
• DIt cools the organism's blood temperature in deep waters.

Read the story segment: 'The wind howled through the canyon, rattling the wooden shutters of the cabin. Inside, Sam wrapped the wool blanket tighter around his shoulders. He looked at the empty woodbox by the hearth and knew he would have to step out into the freezing storm to fetch more logs.' What creates tension in this passage?

• ASam's desire to cook a large meal
• BThe choice Sam faces between staying cold inside or braving the harsh storm outside for f…
• CA disagreement between Sam and his brother
• DThe arrival of a unwanted guest at the cabin door

Read the text: 'The Pando aspen clone in Fishlake National Forest, Utah, is considered one of the world's largest living organisms. Spanning over 100 acres, Pando appears to be a massive forest of individual trees, but it is actually a single giant root system that produces thousands of genetically identical stems.' What makes Pando unique according to the text?

• AIt consists of thousands of different tree species planted by early settlers.
• BIt is a single living organism connected by one massive underground root system.
• CIt grows exclusively on desert sand dunes.
• DIt loses its leaves every week throughout the year.

Read the sentence: 'The speaker's eloquent words captivated the audience, holding their complete attention for over an hour.' What does the word 'eloquent' mean in this sentence?

• AFluent, persuasive, and beautifully spoken
• BConfusing and difficult to hear
• CShort and rushed
• DHarsh and angry

Read the passage: 'Before starting a campfire, clear a ten-foot circle of dry leaves and twigs. Next, ring the area with rocks to contain the embers. Finally, ensure a bucket of water and a shovel are nearby before lighting the wood.' What is the purpose of the transition words 'Before', 'Next', and 'Finally'?

• ATo compare campfires with gas stoves
• BTo organize safety instructions into a clear chronological order
• CTo explain the chemical causes of fire
• DTo describe the scenery around a campground

Read the story excerpt: 'As Maya stepped up to the home plate, the crowd roared. She glanced back at her coach, who gave a firm nod. Maya gripped the bat tighter, focused her eyes on the pitcher's arm, and waited for the ball.' What is the narrator's perspective in this passage?

• AFirst-person perspective of Maya
• BThird-person perspective observing Maya's actions and surroundings
• CSecond-person perspective speaking to the reader
• DFirst-person perspective of the coach

Read the passage: 'Photosynthesis is the fundamental biological process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Sunlight strikes chlorophyll within plant cells, driving a reaction between carbon dioxide absorbed from the air and water pulled from the soil. This reaction yields glucose for plant nutrition and releases oxygen back into the atmosphere.' Which two ingredients must plants absorb to perform photosynthesis?

• AGlucose and oxygen
• BCarbon dioxide and water
• CSoil and nitrogen gas
• DChlorophyll and sugar