All Practice Exams
100+ Free MAAP ELA Grade 5 Practice Questions
Prepare for the MAAP English Language Arts — Grade 5 exam with instant access — no signup required.
✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
Published annually by Mississippi MDE in statewide assessment reports Pass Rate
100+ Questions
100% Free
Loading practice questions...
Same family resources
Explore More Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP)
Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.
2026 Statistics
Key Facts: MAAP ELA Grade 5 Exam
Grade 5
Tested Grade / Subject Level in Mississippi Public Schools
Mississippi MDE
Free
State-Funded Assessment for Public School Students
Mississippi MDE
MS CCRS
Aligned to MS College- and Career-Readiness Standards
Mississippi MDE
5 Levels
Minimal, Basic, Passing, Proficient, Advanced
Mississippi MDE Scoring Guide
Mississippi MAAP ELA Grade 5 is a free statewide MDE assessment testing grade-level standards and academic proficiency under MS CCRS.
Sample MAAP ELA Grade 5 Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your MAAP ELA Grade 5 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Read the passage below before answering the question. Sunset on the Ridge (1) The trail through Tishomingo State Park climbed steadily upward, and the ancient pines stood like silent sentinels along both sides of the path. Maya checked her watch: 4:20. Aunt Susan had promised that anyone who reached the sandstone outcrop before five o'clock would see golden sunlight pour straight across Bear Creek Valley, and Maya did not intend to miss it. (2) Behind her, Leo stopped again. "My legs feel like sacks of lead," he groaned, dropping onto a mossy boulder. "How much farther do we have to go?" He tugged at his shoelaces and stared at the ground instead of the trail ahead. (3) Maya doubled back. She unclipped her water bottle and held it out to him. "Drink," she said. "You have already made it past the steepest part. The outcrop is just beyond that bend, and I can see the gap in the trees." She sat beside him while he caught his breath, then stood and offered her hand. (4) Leo took it. They walked the last stretch together, slower than Maya would have liked, but steadily. When they stepped out onto the wide sandstone shelf, the valley opened below them, and the low sun turned every treetop the color of honey. Leo's tiredness seemed to fall away. "Okay," he admitted, grinning. "That was worth it." Why is Maya determined to reach the sandstone outcrop before five o'clock?
A.She wants to view the golden sunset across Bear Creek Valley.
B.She needs to meet Aunt Susan at the visitor center before it closes.
C.She is trying to beat Leo in a race to the summit of the mountain.
D.She wants to find a safe campsite before dark settles over the forest.
Explanation: Maya specifically references her aunt's advice about seeing the golden sunlight across Bear Creek Valley if they reach the outcrop before five o'clock.
2Read the passage below before answering the question. Sunset on the Ridge (1) The trail through Tishomingo State Park climbed steadily upward, and the ancient pines stood like silent sentinels along both sides of the path. Maya checked her watch: 4:20. Aunt Susan had promised that anyone who reached the sandstone outcrop before five o'clock would see golden sunlight pour straight across Bear Creek Valley, and Maya did not intend to miss it. (2) Behind her, Leo stopped again. "My legs feel like sacks of lead," he groaned, dropping onto a mossy boulder. "How much farther do we have to go?" He tugged at his shoelaces and stared at the ground instead of the trail ahead. (3) Maya doubled back. She unclipped her water bottle and held it out to him. "Drink," she said. "You have already made it past the steepest part. The outcrop is just beyond that bend, and I can see the gap in the trees." She sat beside him while he caught his breath, then stood and offered her hand. (4) Leo took it. They walked the last stretch together, slower than Maya would have liked, but steadily. When they stepped out onto the wide sandstone shelf, the valley opened below them, and the low sun turned every treetop the color of honey. Leo's tiredness seemed to fall away. "Okay," he admitted, grinning. "That was worth it." In the story, what does the simile 'The ancient pines stood like silent sentinels' suggest about the trees?
A.They seemed tall, quiet, and watchful like guards along the trail.
B.They were swaying wildly and making loud noises in the heavy storm.
C.They were small, delicate saplings newly planted along the path.
D.They blocked the sun completely and made the forest pitch black.
Explanation: A sentinel is a guard who stands watch silently. Comparing the ancient pines to silent sentinels emphasizes their majestic, tall, and steady presence along the trail.
3Read the passage below before answering the question. Sunset on the Ridge (1) The trail through Tishomingo State Park climbed steadily upward, and the ancient pines stood like silent sentinels along both sides of the path. Maya checked her watch: 4:20. Aunt Susan had promised that anyone who reached the sandstone outcrop before five o'clock would see golden sunlight pour straight across Bear Creek Valley, and Maya did not intend to miss it. (2) Behind her, Leo stopped again. "My legs feel like sacks of lead," he groaned, dropping onto a mossy boulder. "How much farther do we have to go?" He tugged at his shoelaces and stared at the ground instead of the trail ahead. (3) Maya doubled back. She unclipped her water bottle and held it out to him. "Drink," she said. "You have already made it past the steepest part. The outcrop is just beyond that bend, and I can see the gap in the trees." She sat beside him while he caught his breath, then stood and offered her hand. (4) Leo took it. They walked the last stretch together, slower than Maya would have liked, but steadily. When they stepped out onto the wide sandstone shelf, the valley opened below them, and the low sun turned every treetop the color of honey. Leo's tiredness seemed to fall away. "Okay," he admitted, grinning. "That was worth it." Which sentence best states the central theme of the story?
A.Encouragement and perseverance can help people overcome difficult challenges.
B.Exploring state parks alone is safer than hiking with family members.
C.Younger siblings should always follow instructions without asking questions.
D.Physical strength is more important than mental determination when hiking.
Explanation: Maya offers Leo water, encouragement, and kind words, helping him push past his physical tiredness so they can reach their goal together.
4Read the passage below before answering the question. Sunset on the Ridge (1) The trail through Tishomingo State Park climbed steadily upward, and the ancient pines stood like silent sentinels along both sides of the path. Maya checked her watch: 4:20. Aunt Susan had promised that anyone who reached the sandstone outcrop before five o'clock would see golden sunlight pour straight across Bear Creek Valley, and Maya did not intend to miss it. (2) Behind her, Leo stopped again. "My legs feel like sacks of lead," he groaned, dropping onto a mossy boulder. "How much farther do we have to go?" He tugged at his shoelaces and stared at the ground instead of the trail ahead. (3) Maya doubled back. She unclipped her water bottle and held it out to him. "Drink," she said. "You have already made it past the steepest part. The outcrop is just beyond that bend, and I can see the gap in the trees." She sat beside him while he caught his breath, then stood and offered her hand. (4) Leo took it. They walked the last stretch together, slower than Maya would have liked, but steadily. When they stepped out onto the wide sandstone shelf, the valley opened below them, and the low sun turned every treetop the color of honey. Leo's tiredness seemed to fall away. "Okay," he admitted, grinning. "That was worth it." Which of the following provides the most accurate summary of the passage?
A.While hiking in Tishomingo State Park, tired Leo wants to stop, but Maya encourages him with water and kind words so they can reach the ridge in time to see the sunset.
B.Maya and Leo get lost in a dark forest while searching for Aunt Susan and must use an old map to find their way back to the visitor center.
C.Leo racing ahead of Maya up a steep trail hurts his legs on a boulder and decides he will never go hiking in the mountains again.
D.Aunt Susan guides Maya and Leo on a long journey through Bear Creek Valley while teaching them how to read pine needles.
Explanation: This summary captures the main characters, the setting, the central conflict (Leo's fatigue), Maya's encouraging response, and their shared goal (reaching the ridge for sunset).
5Read the passage below before answering the question. Sunset on the Ridge (1) The trail through Tishomingo State Park climbed steadily upward, and the ancient pines stood like silent sentinels along both sides of the path. Maya checked her watch: 4:20. Aunt Susan had promised that anyone who reached the sandstone outcrop before five o'clock would see golden sunlight pour straight across Bear Creek Valley, and Maya did not intend to miss it. (2) Behind her, Leo stopped again. "My legs feel like sacks of lead," he groaned, dropping onto a mossy boulder. "How much farther do we have to go?" He tugged at his shoelaces and stared at the ground instead of the trail ahead. (3) Maya doubled back. She unclipped her water bottle and held it out to him. "Drink," she said. "You have already made it past the steepest part. The outcrop is just beyond that bend, and I can see the gap in the trees." She sat beside him while he caught his breath, then stood and offered her hand. (4) Leo took it. They walked the last stretch together, slower than Maya would have liked, but steadily. When they stepped out onto the wide sandstone shelf, the valley opened below them, and the low sun turned every treetop the color of honey. Leo's tiredness seemed to fall away. "Okay," he admitted, grinning. "That was worth it." How does Leo's perspective about the hike differ from Maya's perspective?
A.Leo focuses on his physical tiredness and wants to rest, while Maya focuses on their goal of reaching the sunset view.
B.Leo is excited to explore new trails, while Maya is fearful of getting lost in the woods.
C.Leo wants to study the moss on the boulders, while Maya only cares about finishing the hike quickly.
D.Leo feels confident about the map, while Maya doubts that Aunt Susan gave them accurate directions.
Explanation: Leo complains that his legs feel like sacks of lead and asks how much farther they must go, whereas Maya keeps her eye on the clock and the reward of the sunset view.
6Read the passage below before answering the question. Sunset on the Ridge (1) The trail through Tishomingo State Park climbed steadily upward, and the ancient pines stood like silent sentinels along both sides of the path. Maya checked her watch: 4:20. Aunt Susan had promised that anyone who reached the sandstone outcrop before five o'clock would see golden sunlight pour straight across Bear Creek Valley, and Maya did not intend to miss it. (2) Behind her, Leo stopped again. "My legs feel like sacks of lead," he groaned, dropping onto a mossy boulder. "How much farther do we have to go?" He tugged at his shoelaces and stared at the ground instead of the trail ahead. (3) Maya doubled back. She unclipped her water bottle and held it out to him. "Drink," she said. "You have already made it past the steepest part. The outcrop is just beyond that bend, and I can see the gap in the trees." She sat beside him while he caught his breath, then stood and offered her hand. (4) Leo took it. They walked the last stretch together, slower than Maya would have liked, but steadily. When they stepped out onto the wide sandstone shelf, the valley opened below them, and the low sun turned every treetop the color of honey. Leo's tiredness seemed to fall away. "Okay," he admitted, grinning. "That was worth it." The story is told from a third-person point of view focusing primarily on Maya. How would the story be different if it were narrated by Leo in the first person?
A.The reader would gain direct insight into Leo's internal physical struggle and doubt before Maya offered encouragement.
B.The reader would learn how Aunt Susan felt while waiting for the children at the bottom of the ridge.
C.The story would include historical facts about how Tishomingo State Park was established decades ago.
D.The dialogue between Maya and Leo would be completely removed from the text.
Explanation: A first-person narrative from Leo's perspective ('I') would center on his feelings of exhaustion, his impulse to quit, and his emotional reaction when Maya offered him water.
7Read the journal entry below before answering the question. From the Journal of Sam Whitfield, Greenville, Mississippi, April 1927 (1) Rain has pounded the tin roof of our porch for seven straight days. Pa came inside at dawn, his boots caked in thick black mud. He told us what the men at the landing were saying: The Mississippi River is rising fast, pressing against the earthen levees like a giant monster trying to burst through a wooden cage. (2) At nine o'clock the emergency siren went off, and fear cold as ice gripped my stomach. Pa said the levee north of town had given way. He and I began hauling crates up the narrow staircase, jars of peaches, sacks of flour, quilts, and the family Bible. My arms ached after the third trip, but I did not stop. (3) Ten o'clock: the water reached the fence line. Eleven o'clock: six inches deeper. Within two hours, murky brown water swept across our front yard, swallowing the vegetable garden. Ma had planted that garden in March. By noon the water was climbing the porch steps, one plank at a time. (4) Emma is only five, and she kept asking why the yard had turned into a lake. I told her we were going upstairs for an adventure, and I carried her up myself so she would not see Ma crying. We are all on the second floor now. Pa says the water will crest tonight. I am scared, but we are together, and we have what we need. Based on the journal entry, which two words best describe Sam?
A.Responsible and brave
B.Rebellious and stubborn
C.Careless and forgetful
D.Impatient and boastful
Explanation: Sam immediately takes charge of his sister Emma, carries heavy supplies upstairs despite aching arms, and stays calm to keep his family safe during a crisis.
8Read the journal entry below before answering the question. From the Journal of Sam Whitfield, Greenville, Mississippi, April 1927 (1) Rain has pounded the tin roof of our porch for seven straight days. Pa came inside at dawn, his boots caked in thick black mud. He told us what the men at the landing were saying: The Mississippi River is rising fast, pressing against the earthen levees like a giant monster trying to burst through a wooden cage. (2) At nine o'clock the emergency siren went off, and fear cold as ice gripped my stomach. Pa said the levee north of town had given way. He and I began hauling crates up the narrow staircase, jars of peaches, sacks of flour, quilts, and the family Bible. My arms ached after the third trip, but I did not stop. (3) Ten o'clock: the water reached the fence line. Eleven o'clock: six inches deeper. Within two hours, murky brown water swept across our front yard, swallowing the vegetable garden. Ma had planted that garden in March. By noon the water was climbing the porch steps, one plank at a time. (4) Emma is only five, and she kept asking why the yard had turned into a lake. I told her we were going upstairs for an adventure, and I carried her up myself so she would not see Ma crying. We are all on the second floor now. Pa says the water will crest tonight. I am scared, but we are together, and we have what we need. Which sentence from the passage contains a simile?
A.The Mississippi River is rising fast, pressing against the earthen levees like a giant monster trying to burst through a wooden cage.
B.Within two hours, murky brown water swept across our front yard, swallowing the vegetable garden.
C.Pa came inside at dawn, his boots caked in thick black mud.
D.Rain has pounded the tin roof of our porch for seven straight days.
Explanation: The sentence uses 'like' to compare the rising river to a giant monster trying to burst through a wooden cage, which is a simile.
9Read the journal entry below before answering the question. From the Journal of Sam Whitfield, Greenville, Mississippi, April 1927 (1) Rain has pounded the tin roof of our porch for seven straight days. Pa came inside at dawn, his boots caked in thick black mud. He told us what the men at the landing were saying: The Mississippi River is rising fast, pressing against the earthen levees like a giant monster trying to burst through a wooden cage. (2) At nine o'clock the emergency siren went off, and fear cold as ice gripped my stomach. Pa said the levee north of town had given way. He and I began hauling crates up the narrow staircase, jars of peaches, sacks of flour, quilts, and the family Bible. My arms ached after the third trip, but I did not stop. (3) Ten o'clock: the water reached the fence line. Eleven o'clock: six inches deeper. Within two hours, murky brown water swept across our front yard, swallowing the vegetable garden. Ma had planted that garden in March. By noon the water was climbing the porch steps, one plank at a time. (4) Emma is only five, and she kept asking why the yard had turned into a lake. I told her we were going upstairs for an adventure, and I carried her up myself so she would not see Ma crying. We are all on the second floor now. Pa says the water will crest tonight. I am scared, but we are together, and we have what we need. How does the setting of the Mississippi Delta during the flood of 1927 drive the main action of the story?
A.The rapidly rising floodwaters force the family to move supplies upstairs and seek safety on the upper floor.
B.The severe heat of the Delta causes the family's crops to wither, forcing them to sell their farm.
C.The dense Delta forest hides wild animals that attack the livestock, forcing Pa to build a fence.
D.The lack of rain in Greenville causes the well to dry up, forcing Sam to fetch water from town.
Explanation: The swelling river and broken levee directly create the emergency, driving Sam and his father to move crates upstairs and protect Emma.
10Read the journal entry below before answering the question. From the Journal of Sam Whitfield, Greenville, Mississippi, April 1927 (1) Rain has pounded the tin roof of our porch for seven straight days. Pa came inside at dawn, his boots caked in thick black mud. He told us what the men at the landing were saying: The Mississippi River is rising fast, pressing against the earthen levees like a giant monster trying to burst through a wooden cage. (2) At nine o'clock the emergency siren went off, and fear cold as ice gripped my stomach. Pa said the levee north of town had given way. He and I began hauling crates up the narrow staircase, jars of peaches, sacks of flour, quilts, and the family Bible. My arms ached after the third trip, but I did not stop. (3) Ten o'clock: the water reached the fence line. Eleven o'clock: six inches deeper. Within two hours, murky brown water swept across our front yard, swallowing the vegetable garden. Ma had planted that garden in March. By noon the water was climbing the porch steps, one plank at a time. (4) Emma is only five, and she kept asking why the yard had turned into a lake. I told her we were going upstairs for an adventure, and I carried her up myself so she would not see Ma crying. We are all on the second floor now. Pa says the water will crest tonight. I am scared, but we are together, and we have what we need. What central theme is expressed through Sam’s experiences during the flood?
A.Preparation, courage, and family unity help people endure unexpected disasters.
B.Natural disasters can easily be prevented if people build stronger walls.
C.Moving away from rivers is the only way to avoid danger during heavy rain.
D.Children should allow adults to handle all work during emergency situations.
Explanation: Sam's quick actions to gather supplies, stay calm for Emma, and work alongside his father show how preparation and family solidarity overcome crisis.
About the MAAP ELA Grade 5 Exam
The Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) MAAP English Language Arts — Grade 5 measures student achievement on the Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards (MS CCRS). OpenExamPrep provides 100 practice questions aligned to Mississippi standards.
Assessment
Two timed online sessions on the DRC INSIGHT platform: Session 1 (Reading Literature 38-46%, Reading Informational Texts 38-46%, Language 15-19% of Session 1 points) and Session 2 (two short writing prompts). The sessions are combined into a single total score.
Time Limit
180 minutes for the Session 1 multiple-choice session plus 90 minutes for the Session 2 writing session (two 45-minute prompts)
Passing Score
Scale score 550 or higher (Level 3, Passing) on the 501-599 Grade 5 ELA scale; Level 4 (Proficient) begins at 565 and Level 5 (Advanced) at 582
Exam Fee
No fee for public school students (Mississippi Department of Education (MDE))
MAAP ELA Grade 5 Exam Content Outline
30-35%
Reading Literary Text
Analyzing theme, summarizing, comparing characters/setting/event, narrator point of view, and figurative language (metaphors, similes).
30-35%
Reading Informational Text
Two or more main ideas, text structures (chronology, cause/effect, compare/contrast), author reasoning/evidence, and integrating multiple texts.
15-20%
Writing and Research
Opinion, informative, and narrative text structure; transition phrases; revising/editing; synthesizing evidence from multiple sources.
15-20%
Language and Vocabulary
Conjunctions, prepositions, interjections; verb tenses; punctuation (commas, titles); Greek/Latin roots and context clues.
How to Pass the MAAP ELA Grade 5 Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scale score 550 or higher (Level 3, Passing) on the 501-599 Grade 5 ELA scale; Level 4 (Proficient) begins at 565 and Level 5 (Advanced) at 582
- Assessment: Two timed online sessions on the DRC INSIGHT platform: Session 1 (Reading Literature 38-46%, Reading Informational Texts 38-46%, Language 15-19% of Session 1 points) and Session 2 (two short writing prompts). The sessions are combined into a single total score.
- Time limit: 180 minutes for the Session 1 multiple-choice session plus 90 minutes for the Session 2 writing session (two 45-minute prompts)
- Exam fee: No fee for public school students
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
MAAP ELA Grade 5 Study Tips from Top Performers
1Practice comparing and contrasting two characters, settings, or events in stories.
2Analyze how authors use evidence and text structures in informational articles.
3Review Grade 5 language conventions including correlative conjunctions and verb tenses.
4Use Greek and Latin affixes and roots to figure out academic vocabulary words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mississippi MAAP ELA Grade 5 test?
The MAAP ELA Grade 5 is Mississippi's annual statewide assessment measuring student achievement on the MS CCRS for MAAP English Language Arts — Grade 5.
Is the MAAP test free for Mississippi public school students?
Yes. The MAAP assessment is funded by the state of Mississippi and administered at no cost to public school students.
Are these practice questions official MAAP items?
No. These 100 practice questions are original study aids created by OpenExamPrep, aligned directly to the Mississippi standards.