WY-TOPP Summative English Language Arts — Grade 5

Read the passage below: Maya wiped the sweat from her forehead as she took another steep step up the Grand Teton trail. Her legs throbbed, and her backpack felt heavier with every mile. She wanted to turn back, but when she finally reached the ridge, the glowing sunset over the valley took her breath away. "I'm so glad I didn't quit," she whispered to herself. What is the central theme of this passage?

• APersevering through difficulty leads to rewarding experiences.
• BHiking in the mountains is too dangerous for young people.
• CBackpacks should always be kept as light as possible.
• DMountain weather can change without warning.

Read the passage below: Young Caleb searched the rocky slope of the Wind River Range for his family's lost calf. Dark clouds were rolling in, and the wind blew chilly gusts across the meadow. Instead of heading home to safety, Caleb wrapped his jacket tighter and kept calling into the canyon until a faint bleat answered him. Which detail from the text best shows Caleb's dedication to finding the calf?

• AInstead of heading home to safety, Caleb wrapped his jacket tighter and kept calling.
• BDark clouds were rolling in across the sky.
• CThe wind blew chilly gusts across the meadow.
• DUntil a faint bleat answered him from the canyon.

Read the poem excerpt below: The autumn leaves are golden coins, That shower from the aspen tree; They carpet all the forest floor, A blanket spun for you and me. In line 1, what does the phrase "golden coins" describe?

• AThe bright yellow and gold color of falling aspen leaves.
• BReal money that dropped out of a hiker's pocket.
• CShiny rocks found near the river bank.
• DTreasures buried deep under the forest soil.

Read the passage below: Leo spent three weeks carving a wooden sled runner with his grandfather's chisel. Every evening after chores, he sanded the oak until it was smooth as glass. On the morning of the first heavy snow, he handed the finished sled to his younger sister, Sara, with a proud smile. Why did Leo spend so much time crafting the sled?

• AHe wanted to give a special gift to his younger sister.
• BHe planned to sell the sled at the town market.
• CHe was trying to win first place in a woodworking competition.
• DHis grandfather ordered him to finish it as a daily chore.

Read the fable snippet below: A swift rabbit bragged to all the prairie animals that no one could beat him in a footrace. A quiet tortoise accepted his challenge. The rabbit leaped ahead quickly, but grew overconfident and took a long nap under a sagebrush plant. Meanwhile, the tortoise kept walking step by step without stopping until he crossed the finish line first. What is the main summary of this fable?

• AA slow tortoise wins a race against a fast rabbit who stops to nap.
• BA rabbit teaches a tortoise how to run faster across the prairie.
• CAll prairie animals gather to watch a sleeping rabbit.
• DA tortoise loses a race because he moves too slowly.

Read the paragraph below: I stepped onto the wooden porch of our Wyoming ranch and breathed in the crisp morning air. My dog, Barnaby, bounded down the steps ahead of me. I knew today would be hard work, but I was ready to help round up the horses. From which point of view is this story told?

• AFirst-person point of view, using pronouns like "I" and "my".
• BSecond-person point of view, using pronouns like "you" and "your".
• CThird-person objective, using pronouns like "he", "she", and "they".
• DThird-person omniscient, revealing thoughts of all characters.

Read the passage below: During play rehearsal, Oliver noticed that Clara was trembling and clutching her script tightly. He walked over, offered her a glass of water, and whispered, "You've practiced your lines fifty times. You are going to do great!" Which adjective best describes Oliver's character in this scene?

• AEncouraging and thoughtful
• BImpatient and loud
• CSelfish and distracted
• DStrict and demanding

Read the lines from the poem: The summer storm danced across the open plain, It sang a wild song of thunder and rain. Which literary device is used in the line "The summer storm danced across the open plain"?

• APersonification, giving human actions like dancing to a storm.
• BSimile, comparing two things using "like" or "as".
• CAlliteration, repeating the same vowel sound in every word.
• DOnomatopoeia, using words that imitate natural sounds.

Read the passage below: Snow stacked high against the windowpanes of the cozy log cabin. Inside, the fire crackled warmly in the hearth. Grandma poured hot cocoa into blue mugs while outside the mountain blizzard howled across the valley. How does the setting influence the mood of the passage?

• AIt creates a contrast between the harsh cold outside and the cozy warmth inside.
• BIt makes the characters feel frightened and panicked by the storm.
• CIt shows that log cabins are uncomfortable during the winter.
• DIt suggests that hot cocoa is impossible to make during blizzards.

Read the passage below: Liam and Noah both wanted to play with the red sled. "I found it first!" shouted Liam. "But it's my turn today!" argued Noah. Seeing the argument, their mother suggested they ride down the hill together on the double sled. The brothers agreed, laughed all the way down, and forgot their fight. How is the conflict between the brothers resolved?

• AThey agree to ride down the hill together on a double sled.
• BLiam takes the red sled and leaves Noah behind.
• CNoah goes inside and refuses to play in the snow.
• DTheir mother takes all the sleds away for the day.

Read the informational paragraph below: Yellowstone National Park is home to one of America's largest wild bison herds. These massive mammals can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Despite their size, bison are agile runners that can reach speeds of 35 miles per hour. During winter, they use their heavy heads like snowplows to push aside snow and reach buried grass. What is the main idea of this paragraph?

• AYellowstone bison are large, fast, and adapted for surviving winter.
• BBison are the only animals that live in Yellowstone National Park.
• CBison run fast because they are constantly hunted by wolves.
• DHeavy snow makes it impossible for bison to find grass in winter.

Read the text below: Solar panels capture energy directly from sunlight and turn it into electricity. Because the sun shines brightly across Wyoming's high plains for over 200 days a year, solar power is becoming a popular energy source. Solar energy is clean because it creates electricity without producing harmful air pollution. Which detail from the text explains why solar energy is considered clean?

• AIt creates electricity without producing harmful air pollution.
• BWyoming gets over 200 days of sunlight each year.
• CSolar power is becoming a popular energy source in Wyoming.
• DSolar panels are installed across high plains regions.

Read the paragraph below: Beavers are natural engineers that build dams in rivers. First, they chop down small trees and branches using their sharp teeth. Next, they push logs and mud into the river current to block the flow of water. Finally, they plaster the structure with mud and stones until a calm pond forms behind the dam. Which text structure is used in this paragraph?

• ASequence / Chronological order, showing steps in order.
• BCompare and contrast, highlighting similarities and differences.
• CProblem and solution, explaining how a conflict was resolved.
• DCause and effect, showing why an event happened.

Read the excerpt below: In 1860, the Pony Express began delivering mail across the American West. Young horseback riders galloped across rugged trails, changing horses at relay stations every 10 to 15 miles. Stations were located throughout Wyoming, including Fort Laramie. The system cut travel time for news between Missouri and California down to just ten days. What was the main purpose of the Pony Express?

• ATo deliver mail quickly across the western territory.
• BTo build historic forts throughout Wyoming.
• CTo train young riders for horse racing competitions.
• DTo sell wild horses to western settlers.

Read the passage below: Honeybees play a crucial role in agriculture through pollination. As bees collect sweet nectar from flowers to make honey, pollen grains stick to their fuzzy bodies. When they fly to the next blossom, they transfer the pollen. This process allows plants to produce seeds and grow fruits like apples, cherries, and melons. Based on the passage, what is the meaning of the domain-specific word "pollination"?

• AThe transfer of pollen from flower to flower so plants can produce seeds and fruit.
• BThe process of bees building honeycomb inside a wooden hive.
• CThe method farmers use to harvest ripe apples in autumn.
• DThe sweet liquid bees drink from flower blossoms.

Read the passage below: School cafeterias should replace single-use plastic utensils with reusable stainless steel cutlery. Every day, thousands of plastic forks and spoons are thrown into trash cans, ending up in landfills where they take hundreds of years to decompose. Swapping to reusable silverware would greatly cut down on school waste. What is the author's main claim?

• ASchools should switch from single-use plastic utensils to reusable silverware.
• BPlastic utensils decompose in landfills in just a few days.
• CStudents prefer eating with plastic spoons rather than metal ones.
• DSchool cafeterias should stop serving meals that require utensils.

Read the paragraph and diagram caption below: [Diagram Caption: Map showing the Continental Divide trail winding south from Canada through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.] The Continental Divide is a natural ridge of mountains that splits North America. Rivers on the west side flow toward the Pacific Ocean, while rivers on the east side flow toward the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. According to the text and diagram caption, which state does the Continental Divide trail pass through?

• AWyoming
• BCalifornia
• COregon
• DFlorida

Read the passage below: Fossil Butte National Monument in southwestern Wyoming contains some of the world's best-preserved freshwater fossils. Millions of years ago, a massive lake covered the region. Today, scientists discover fossilized palm leaves, ancient freshwater fish, and early mammals buried in layers of limestone rock. Why is Fossil Butte important to scientists?

• AIt contains exceptionally well-preserved freshwater fossils from millions of years ago.
• BIt is the largest active volcanic park in North America.
• CIt provides scientists with living specimens of ancient palm trees.
• DIt is the only place in North America where gold is mined.

Read the passage below: Wyoming is one of the windiest states in the nation. Strong gusts blow consistently across its wide plains. Because of this natural resource, power companies have constructed wind farms with giant turbines. As wind spins the turbine blades, clean electricity is generated for thousands of homes. What causes wind turbine blades to spin and generate electricity in Wyoming?

• AStrong, consistent wind gusts blowing across the plains.
• BHeat generated from underground volcanic geysers.
• CFast-moving water flowing from mountain rivers.
• DSolar radiation warming the surface of the turbines.

Read the passage below: Bald eagles are majestic birds of prey found near lakes and rivers. They have keen eyesight that allows them to spot fish swimming beneath the water from hundreds of feet in the air. Once an eagle spots a target, it dives at high speed and uses its sharp talons to scoop the fish from the water. What is the primary purpose of this passage?

• ATo inform readers about bald eagle physical traits and hunting habits.
• BTo persuade people to keep bald eagles as household pets.
• CTo explain step-by-step how to catch fish with a fishing rod.
• DTo tell a humorous fictional story about a bird.

Read the sentence below: Either Marcus _____ his brother will bring the tent for our camping trip. Which correlative conjunction correctly completes the sentence?

• Aor
• Band
• Cnor
• Dbut

Read the sentence below: The herd of elk trotted gracefully _____ the open prairie toward the mountains. Which preposition best completes the sentence to describe direction across a space?

• Aacross
• Bunder
• Cinside
• Dbetween

Read the sentence below: Wow, that sunset over the Big Horn Mountains is stunning! Which word in the sentence is an interjection?

• AWow
• Bsunset
• Cstunning
• Dmountains

Read the sentence below: By five o'clock yesterday, the snowplow _____ cleared the main highway. Which verb phrase correctly uses the past perfect tense?

• Ahad
• Bhas
• Cwill have
• Dis

Read the sentence below: Before heading to school, Nora packed her lunch checked her homework and tied her shoes. Where should commas be added to separate items in a series?

• Apacked her lunch, checked her homework, and tied her shoes.
• Bpacked, her lunch checked her, homework and tied her shoes.
• Cpacked her, lunch checked her homework, and tied her shoes.
• Dpacked her lunch checked, her homework and, tied her shoes.

Which book title shows correct capitalization rules for titles?

• AThe Secrets of Yellowstone National Park
• Bthe secrets of yellowstone national park
• CThe secrets Of yellowstone National park
• DThe Secrets Of Yellowstone National Park

Read the sentence below: Be very careful when holding the fragile porcelain tea set, as it can shatter easily if dropped. What does the word "fragile" mean in this sentence?

• ADelicate and easily broken
• BHeavy and solid
• CBright and colorful
• DExpensive and ancient

Read the word below: UNPREDICTABLE What is the root word of "unpredictable"?

• Apredict
• Bable
• Cun
• Ddict

Read the draft paragraph below: Building a campfire requires safety steps. _____, clear a 10-foot area of dry leaves and twigs. Next, build a ring using heavy rocks. Finally, keep a bucket of water nearby before lighting the wood. Which transition word best fills the blank at the start of the instructions?

• AFirst
• BHowever
• CIn conclusion
• DSimilarly

Read the draft paragraph below: Regular physical exercise strengthens muscles and improves heart health. Playing sports or riding a bicycle also helps reduce stress and boosts daily energy levels. Which sentence provides the best concluding statement for this paragraph?

• AOverall, staying active every day is essential for a healthy body and mind.
• BBicycles come in many different colors, sizes, and styles.
• CSome people prefer watching television after a long day at school.
• DMuscles are made of long fibers that contract and relax.

Read the passage below: In her dusty attic, Clara discovered a faded leather journal written by her great-great-grandmother in 1888. The entries described traveling by covered wagon through Wyoming's South Pass. "The dust fills our throats," Grandma Amelia had written, "yet when the snow-capped mountains come into view, our hearts swell with hope." Reading the handwritten words made Clara feel as if she were standing right beside Amelia on the bumpy trail. How does the inclusion of the journal entry affect the passage?

• AIt provides a first-hand historical perspective that helps Clara connect deeply with her…
• BIt proves that Clara's attic is the oldest building in Wyoming.
• CIt shows that Amelia regretted moving west and wanted to go back.
• DIt explains why modern roads were built through South Pass.

Read the excerpt below: Young Julian stood before his canvas on the edge of the canyon. The sunset spilled across the rocks like melted strawberry jam, streaking the red cliffs with ribbons of purple and gold. He dipped his brush in paint, eager to catch the fading light before twilight swallowed the landscape. Which imagery technique does the author use in the phrase "spilled across the rocks like melted strawberry jam"?

• AA simile comparing the sunset's rich color and movement to melted jam.
• BA metaphor stating that the rocks were actually made of fruit.
• CPersonification giving human thoughts to the canyon cliffs.
• DAlliteration repeating consonant sounds at the start of words.

Read the fable excerpt below: A proud hawk perched atop a tall pine tree, looking down at a small burrowing owl. "You spend your life hiding in the dirt," mocked the hawk. "Look how close I soar to the sun!" Later that day, a sudden hail storm battered the mountain peak. The hawk suffered in the freezing wind, while the owl rested safely underground in its cozy burrow. How do the hawk and owl differ in their response to their environment?

• AThe hawk boasts about high flight but suffers in bad weather, while the owl seeks practic…
• BThe hawk builds strong shelters, while the owl flies high into storms.
• CBoth birds agree that living in trees is safer than underground burrows.
• DThe owl envies the hawk's ability to stay warm during winter storms.

Read the passage below: At the annual town festival, Jonah entered his handmade paper lantern into the contest. Last year, his lantern had torn before judging, leaving him crushed. This year, he reinforced the paper seams with thin wooden reeds. When the judges awarded him second place, Jonah smiled broadly. He knew he hadn't won top honors, but improving his craft meant everything to him. Which sentence best highlights Jonah's personal growth?

• AHe knew he hadn't won top honors, but improving his craft meant everything to him.
• BAt the annual town festival, Jonah entered his handmade paper lantern into the contest.
• CLast year, his lantern had torn before judging, leaving him crushed.
• DWhen the judges awarded him second place, Jonah smiled broadly.

Read the script excerpt below: [SCENE START] SETTING: A windy prairie outpost, 1875. (ELENA stands near the window, pacing nervously and checking a pocket watch every few seconds. SAM sits calmly at the wooden table, whittling a piece of pine.) ELENA: (Voice trembling) The stagecoach is two hours late, Sam. What if the river crossing flooded? SAM: (Without looking up, carving smoothly) The coachman knows these trails better than anyone, Elena. Panicking won't lower the water. [SCENE END] How do the stage directions contribute to the reader's understanding of the characters?

• AThey show Elena's anxiety through pacing and watch-checking, while Sam's steady carving s…
• BThey indicate that Elena is angry at Sam for breaking the wooden table.
• CThey prove that Sam is eager to ride the stagecoach across the flooded river.
• DThey reveal that both characters are terrified of the storm outside.

Read the poem excerpt below: Across the mesa, wild hoofbeats thrum, Like distant thunder on a wooden drum. They crest the ridge in freedom's flight, And disappear into the amber night. What effect does the rhyme scheme (AABB) and rhythm produce in this stanza?

• AIt creates a fast, galloping rhythm that matches the movement of wild horses.
• BIt makes the poem sound slow and somber like a funeral march.
• CIt confuses the reader by changing topics in every line.
• DIt forces the reader to pause after every single word.

Read the passage below: Grandmother Rose guided Kimi's fingers across the leather moccasin pattern. "Each bead color tells a story," Rose explained softly. "Blue represents the sky above our ancestors, yellow represents the sunshine, and red represents strength." Kimi carefully threaded a tiny blue bead onto her needle. She felt a warm connection to generations of weavers who had sat in this exact spot. What central idea about culture is reflected in this passage?

• ATraditional crafts help pass down cultural stories and connect young people to their ance…
• BBeadwork is a quick craft that requires very little practice to master.
• CModern footwear is superior to traditional hand-stitched leather moccasins.
• DColor choices in art are completely random and carry no special meaning.

Read the passage below: While hiking in the Shoshone National Forest, Ethan dropped his map into a roaring creek. As he watched the paper wash away, panic surged through him. He paused, took a deep breath, and recalled his scout leader's advice: "If lost, stay put near a visible landmark." Ethan sat down beside a giant granite boulder and blew his emergency whistle every few minutes. Less than an hour later, his hiking group found him. What was the direct cause of Ethan staying beside the granite boulder?

• AHe remembered his scout leader's advice to stay put after losing his map.
• BHis hiking group ordered him to wait at the boulder before the hike started.
• CHe hurt his ankle while trying to chase the paper down the creek.
• DA sudden thunderclap forced him to take cover under the rock.

Read the dialogue below: "Keep your eyes peeled on the water, Matey," Captain Vance barked, gripping the wheel as whitecap waves slammed the hull. "This river doesn't forgive careless steering!" "Aye, Captain," replied Toby, leaning over the rail. "Sandbar ahead to starboard!" What tone is created by the word choices "barked", "slammed", and "doesn't forgive"?

• AA tense and urgent tone highlighting the danger of navigating the river.
• BA peaceful and relaxing tone describing a calm boat ride.
• CA humorous and playful tone suggesting a silly game.
• DA sad and lonely tone describing an abandoned ship.

Read the passage below: The heavy blizzard knocked out electrical power across the valley at 8:00 PM. Inside the house, shadows stretched long across the walls as the wind howled like a hungry wolf against the shutters. Nora huddled under three wool blankets, listening to the floorboards creak with every gust. Which sensory detail best builds a feeling of suspense in the scene?

• AListening to the floorboards creak while the wind howled like a hungry wolf.
• BCounting the three wool blankets on the bed.
• CNoticing that it was 8:00 PM on the wall clock.
• DKnowing that the valley was located near mountains.

Read the passage below: When faced with a complex escape-room puzzle, Sam rushed around the room grabbing every key and lock box he could find. "We need to try everything right now!" he yelled. In contrast, Priya sat quietly at the desk, carefully reading the clues printed on the ancient map. "If we analyze the pattern first," Priya said calmly, "we won't waste time on wrong locks." How do Sam's and Priya's perspectives on solving the puzzle compare?

• ASam favors fast, impulsive action, while Priya values thoughtful analysis and planning.
• BSam believes reading clues is essential, while Priya wants to smash the lock boxes.
• CBoth characters agree that rushing is the only way to win escape rooms.
• DPriya is frustrated by the game, while Sam has already solved the riddle.

Read the summary of an Indigenous legend below: According to Indigenous tradition, seven young sisters were pursued across the plains by a giant bear. Seeking safety, they climbed onto a low rock and prayed to the Great Spirit for protection. The earth responded by raising the rock high into the sky, towering above the trees. The bear clawed frantically at the stone sides, carving deep vertical grooves into the monolith, but could not reach the girls, who were lifted safely into the heavens to become the Pleiades stars. What phenomenon does this origin story explain?

• AThe formation of the vertical grooves on Devils Tower and the creation of the star conste…
• BHow giant bears learned to swim across western rivers.
• CWhy prairie grass turns yellow during autumn months.
• DHow early settlers constructed wooden forts on the plains.

Read the poem lines below: Grandpa's brass watch ticks upon the shelf, A quiet keeper of the passing years. It counted hours of joy and quiet tears, And holds the memory of time itself. What does the brass watch symbolize in the poem?

• AThe passage of time and precious family memories across generations.
• BA valuable item that should be sold for money.
• CAn annoying noise that keeps people awake at night.
• DA broken tool that no longer functions properly.

Read the passage below: When unexpected late May frost was predicted for the valley, Lucas looked out at his newly planted tomato seedlings. He was tired after a long day of school and chores, and his favorite movie was about to start. However, knowing his plants would die overnight, he grabbed old blankets and buckets, spending an hour carefully covering every single row in the garden. What inference can be made about Lucas based on his choice?

• AHe is responsible and willing to make sacrifices to protect his hard work.
• BHe prefers watching movies over eating fresh vegetables.
• CHe is lazy and avoids outdoor responsibilities whenever possible.
• DHe does not understand how cold weather affects young plants.

Read the passage below: During the science fair trials, Daniel's model volcano failed to erupt because he mixed the wrong measurements of baking soda and vinegar. Disappointed, he watched his classmates celebrate their working projects. Instead of quitting, Daniel stayed late, re-read his chemistry instructions, adjusted his formula, and successfully triggered a dramatic foam eruption during the evening showcase. Which moral lesson is best demonstrated by Daniel's experience?

• AFailure can be a stepping stone to success if you learn from your mistakes.
• BScience fair projects should always be completed by adult helpers.
• CWinning first prize is the only reason to participate in school events.
• DIt is better to hide your mistakes than to try fixing them.

Read the passage below: The old county library was a sanctuary of silence. Dust motes drifted lazily in sunlight streams through high arched windows, and the scent of aged paper filled the quiet air. In contrast, step outside onto Main Street and your ears were filled with honking pickup trucks, clattering wooden boots on boardwalks, and barking farm dogs. How does the author create contrast in this passage?

• ABy contrasting the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of the library with the noisy energy of Mai…
• BBy showing that main street shops sell more books than the county library.
• CBy proving that dust in old libraries makes visitors sneeze.
• DBy describing how high arched windows keep street noises out completely.

Read the paragraph below: Three miles into the cross-country race, Sofia's side ached and her throat felt parched. She saw two runners pass her on the incline. Closing her eyes for a brief second, she repeated her coach's motto: "Pace your stride, stay in the fight." Sofia lengthened her steps, focused on her breathing, and steadily regained her position before the final turn. Which sentence provides the strongest evidence of Sofia using mental focus to overcome physical discomfort?

• AClosing her eyes for a brief second, she repeated her coach's motto: "Pace your stride, s…
• BThree miles into the cross-country race, Sofia's side ached.
• CShe saw two runners pass her on the incline.
• DHer throat felt parched during the run.

Read Passage A and Passage B below: Passage A: When a sudden hailstorm ruined Mrs. Gable's garden crops, her neighbors gathered with rakes and seeds. Working together until dusk, they replanted her entire plot so she would have food for winter. Passage B: Lost in the snowy woods, Tom found a small wooden shelter stacked with dry firewood left behind by previous campers. Grateful for their foresight, Tom built a fire to stay warm overnight. Which theme is shared by BOTH passages?

• AActs of kindness and community support help people overcome difficult challenges.
• BNature is always peaceful and never causes trouble for humans.
• CLiving alone in the mountains is better than living in towns.
• DWinter storms only happen to unprepared travelers.