Free Renaissance Star Reading Test - 5th & 6th Grade Practice

The question is asking about a word that uses a prefix meaning "together" or "with" to complete the sentence about scientists working on a research project.

The correct answer is B) cooperate. Let's break this down:

1. The prefix "co-" means "together," "with," or "joint." It comes from the Latin prefix "com-" which has the same meaning.
2. "Operate" means to function, work, or be in effect.
3. When we combine "co-" and "operate," we get "cooperate," which means to work together or collaborate.

The other options are incorrect because:
A) "Deoperate" is not a real word. The prefix "de-" usually means "remove" or "reverse."
C) "Unoperate" is not a standard word. The prefix "un-" typically means "not" or reverses the meaning of a word.
D) "Misoperate" is not a common word. The prefix "mis-" means "wrongly" or "incorrectly."
In the context of the sentence, "cooperate" makes the most sense:

The correct answer is B. 

Why B is correct: The word "surreptitiously" means doing something secretly or sneakily to avoid being noticed. Looking at our examples:

The thief entered "surreptitiously" - sneaking in without being detected
The student looked "surreptitiously" at another paper - trying to cheat without being caught

Both examples show actions being done in a hidden, secretive way to avoid detection!
Why the other answers don't work:

Answer A includes careful planning, but "surreptitiously" focuses primarily on secrecy, not complexity or planning

Answer C  is incorrect because the word "surreptitiously" does not relate to the speed of an action or a lack of planning.

Word Study Tips for "Surreptitiously"

Break it down: The root comes from Latin "surripere" meaning "to snatch secretly"
Remember with a story: Imagine a "secret reptile" (sounds like surreptitious) that hides very well!
Create a personal connection: Think of a time when you tried to do something without being noticed

Vocabulary Building Strategy
When learning new vocabulary words:

Write the word in a sentence of your own
Find synonyms (sneaky, covert, stealthy, secretive)
Look for the word in your reading materials
Try to use the new word in conversation this week

Challenge: Can you think of three situations where someone might act "surreptitiously"?

The correct answer is C. 

When we look at Simon and Steve's relationship, we can see that they used to be super close ("best friends since elementary school"), but now they're having problems. The passage gives us clues that their friendship is changing in a negative way:

They're starting to "clash more frequently"
Simon gets annoyed with Steve
Steve feels "terrible" about their interactions
Steve can't even communicate his feelings to Simon
Steve feels Simon is "always dragging me out of my comfort zone"

All these clues point to friends who are growing in different directions and having trouble staying connected - they're drifting apart!

Answer A isn't right because the passage doesn't show them competing with each other. They have different interests, but they're not trying to beat each other at anything.
Answer B isn't right either. While they might have "completed each other" in the past with their different personalities, the passage is mainly showing how these differences are now causing problems, not how they balance each other out.

Helpful tips for future questions:

Look for the relationship pattern: Notice how relationships change throughout a passage. Does it start positive and end negative? That's a clue!
Track feelings: Characters' emotions (like Steve feeling "terrible") are big clues about relationships.
Notice communication problems: When characters can't talk to each other ("the words didn't come out of my mouth"), that usually signals relationship troubles.
Find the main conflict: The heart of this passage is about how Simon and Steve's different personalities are creating tension, not how they complement each other.

Remember, good readers look for evidence in the text that supports their answer choice!

The correct answer is B. 

Let's figure out why B is the correct answer by understanding the difference between facts and opinions.
Facts are statements that can be proven true through research or evidence. Opinions are personal beliefs that may vary from person to person.
In this passage:

Answer B is stated as a research finding: "Research conducted in 2005 found that daily hugs help improve our overall health." This is presented as scientific information backed by a study, making it a fact.

The other options are opinions:

Answer A: "Hugs provide a sense of comfort and security." This appears after the author says "I believe hugs are much more than that," showing it's their personal view.
Answer C: "Hugs alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression." This is also part of what the author believes rather than what the research specifically proved.

The key clue is in how the statements are presented. Facts are often connected to research or evidence (like the 2005 study), while opinions are connected to personal beliefs (like when the author says "I believe").
Helpful tips for future questions:

Look for evidence words: Terms like "research found," "studies show," or specific dates often signal factual information.
Watch for opinion signals: Phrases like "I believe," "I think," or "in my opinion" usually introduce opinions.
Check if it can be measured: Facts can typically be measured or verified objectively.
Find author attribution: When the author claims something as their own thought, it's likely an opinion.
Test it: Ask yourself, "Could someone reasonably disagree with this statement?" If yes, it's probably an opinion.

Remember, good readers carefully separate what can be proven from what someone believes!

The correct answer is C. 

When we're looking for the theme in a story, we're trying to find the big idea or message. In this short passage, the relationship between Charlotte and her grandmother is at the heart of everything.
The necklace is special because:

It was a gift from her "beloved grandmother Erica"
It contains her grandmother's photograph
Her grandmother said it "represents my pride and love for you"
Charlotte promised to "cherish it forever and ever"
Even though the photo has faded and the silver needs polishing, Charlotte still wears it on special occasions

All these details show us that the necklace isn't just a pretty piece of jewelry - it's a symbol of the love and connection between Charlotte and her grandmother!
Answer A focuses only on the physical appearance of the necklace (its shine when polished). While this detail is mentioned, it doesn't connect to the emotional importance of the necklace.
Answer B states something that happens in the story (Charlotte cherishes and wears the necklace), but it doesn't explain the deeper meaning of why she cherishes it - because it connects her to her grandmother.
Helpful tips for future questions:

Look for emotional significance: Notice how characters feel about objects or people in the story.
Find symbolic meaning: Ask yourself, "What does this object represent beyond its physical description?"
Connect actions to motivations: Charlotte polishes the necklace not just to make it shine, but because she values what it represents.
Track relationships: Stories often revolve around connections between characters.
Notice what endures: The fact that Charlotte still wears the necklace despite its physical changes shows its lasting importance.

Remember, good readers look beyond the surface details to find the deeper meaning in stories!

The correct answer is B. 

Let's figure out why B is the correct answer by looking at how Nika's conflict gets resolved.
First, let's identify Nika's conflict: She feels overwhelmed by homework, especially her science and math assignments, and she's upset that she can't play with her friends. This is the problem that needs resolving.
Looking at our answer choices:

Answer B correctly describes how Nika resolves her conflict. When feeling stressed and overwhelmed, she decides to "take her beloved dog Rocky for a walk around the neighborhood park." This break helps her clear her mind, which leads to a solution.

The other options aren't accurate:

Answer A is incorrect because the passage doesn't say Nika realizes her assignments would take less time than expected. In fact, the passage tells us she still needs help from her sister with science and math homework.
Answer C is incorrect because the passage doesn't show Nika finishing her homework. It only shows her planning how she'll approach it after her walk.

The key insight is that the fresh air and change of scenery during her walk helps Nika calm down and think clearly. This allows her to come up with a plan to tackle her homework more effectively.
Helpful tips for future questions:

Identify the main conflict: Always start by clearly understanding what problem the character faces.
Track the turning point: Look for the moment when things change for the character (in this case, during the walk).
Look for immediate solutions: The answer is about how Nika resolves her feelings of being overwhelmed right now, not what might happen later.
Check for evidence: Make sure your answer is supported by specific details in the text.
Distinguish between plans and actions: Nika plans to organize her homework, but the resolution to her immediate stress was taking the walk.

Remember, good readers pay attention to how characters respond to challenges and what helps them move forward!

The correct answer is B. 

Let's figure out why B is the correct answer by analyzing how the author supports their main claim.
First, let's identify the main claim: "If you are interested in subscribing to a teen magazine, it is advisable to buy it a few times prior to subscribing."
The author then supports this claim by listing several practical advantages of following this advice:

"You will be able to decide if the various articles are for your liking"
You can check "if the health and fitness suggestions it offers interest you"
You can determine "if it covers your favorite celebrities and tv shows"
You can see "if the stories inspire you"

These are all practical benefits that readers would enjoy if they followed the advice. The author is showing how this approach helps readers make a better decision about subscribing.
Answer A is incorrect because the passage doesn't provide actual facts about purchasing individual copies (like statistics or research). Instead, it offers reasons why this approach is beneficial.
Answer C is incorrect because the author never mentions their own personal experience as a subscriber. There's no "I tried this and here's what happened" in the passage.
Helpful tips for future questions:

Identify the main claim first: Look for what the author wants you to believe or do.
Look for supporting evidence: Pay attention to how the author backs up their main point.
Check for personal experience: Notice whether the author uses their own experiences or keeps things general.
Watch for facts vs. reasoning: Facts include statistics and research findings, while reasoning explains potential benefits or logical outcomes.
Notice the structure: Often, a main claim comes first, followed by supporting details.

Remember, good readers identify not just what an author is saying, but how they try to convince us it's true!

The correct answer is C.  

Let's figure out why C is the correct answer by looking at how the author creates mood in this passage.
Mood refers to the feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader. When we read this passage, we feel a growing sense of danger and anxiety - that's tension!
Evidence that creates a tense mood includes:

"Suddenly it started to rain, and we all knew we were in serious trouble"
The cave is called "Skeleton Cave" (what a scary name!)
Stories about people who "entered the cave and never came back"
The cave could go from "innocuous to extremely dangerous in a matter of minutes"
"We kept scrambling, barely managing to keep our heads above water"
The final situation: trapped, lost, "tired, hungry, wet, and freezing" for four hours

All these details build a feeling of danger and suspense. The whole passage makes us worry about what will happen to these characters!
Answer A (brave) is incorrect because the passage doesn't focus on courage or bravery. The characters make a risky decision to enter the cave, but the passage emphasizes their dangerous situation, not their courage.
Answer B (melancholic) is incorrect because melancholy means a feeling of sadness or depression. This passage creates anxiety and suspense, not sadness.
Helpful tips for future questions:

Look for emotional words: Words like "serious trouble," "dangerous," and "forbidden" create tension.
Notice the situation: Characters being lost, trapped, or in danger usually creates tension.
Pay attention to setting: Places with scary names (like "Skeleton Cave") often signal the mood.
Track how characters feel: The characters are worried and frightened, which helps create a tense mood.
Consider the threat level: The more danger characters face, the more tense the mood typically is.

Remember, good readers pay attention to how authors make us feel when we read their stories!

The correct answer is B. 

Let's figure out why B is the correct answer by identifying the author's main argument.
When we look for the main claim or argument, we're searching for the central point the author is trying to make - their position on the topic.
In this passage, the author presents several debates about chocolate chip cookies:

Type of chocolate (white, milk, or dark)
Toppings (nuts, marshmallows, or raisins)
Texture (chewy or crispy)

But the author only takes a clear position on one of these debates - texture! The key sentence is: "A chocolate chip cookie that has a melt-in-your-mouth texture is better in every way imaginable." This is their main claim - they believe soft, chewy cookies are best.
Answer B correctly captures this main point. The word "gooey" is similar in meaning to "melt-in-your-mouth" texture that the author prefers.
Answer A is incorrect because while the passage mentions nuts, marshmallows, and raisins as possible toppings, the author never says these are the best options - they just present them as options people debate about.
Answer C is incorrect because although the passage starts by saying chocolate chip cookies are "delicious," it never claims they are "the most delicious dessert." This would be an overstatement of what the author actually says.
Helpful tips for future questions:

Look for opinion signals: Phrases like "the choice is clear to me" and "better in every way" signal where the author is taking a position.
Distinguish between topics and claims: The passage mentions many topics (types of chocolate, toppings) but only makes a claim about texture.
Watch for strong language: "Better in every way imaginable" shows strong conviction - a clue to the main argument.
Separate facts from opinions: "Most people agree cookies are delicious" is presented as a general fact, not the author's main argument.
Find what the author feels most strongly about: The author feels strongly enough about texture to declare a winner in that debate.

Remember, good readers identify not just what topics an author discusses, but what position they take on those topics!

The correct answer is B. 

Let's figure out why B is the correct answer by understanding what makes a supporting detail.
The presentation topic is "Cooking for Life: The Importance of Adding Cookery Lessons to Schools Curricula Nationwide." This means Shannon and Julie need to focus on why cooking lessons are important and beneficial enough to be added to school curricula across the country.
Looking at our options:

Answer A supports the topic because it shows an important benefit: "Adding cookery lessons will lead students to make healthier food choices in life." This is a significant long-term benefit that explains why cooking lessons matter.
Answer C supports the topic because it highlights valuable skills students will develop: "Adding cookery lessons will develop students' essential life skills, such as planning, following instructions, and time management." These are meaningful educational outcomes.
Answer B does NOT support the topic because "Adding cookery lessons will give students the opportunity to eat during the lessons" is just an incidental feature of cooking classes, not an important reason to add them to curricula nationwide. Getting to eat during class might be fun, but it's not a significant educational benefit that justifies adding cooking to the national curriculum.

Helpful tips for future questions:

Identify the purpose: First understand what the main topic or argument is trying to accomplish.
Look for significant benefits: Strong supporting details usually highlight important, lasting benefits.
Watch for trivial details: Details that are minor, temporary, or incidental usually don't make good supporting evidence.
Consider relevance: Ask if each detail actually helps explain why the main idea matters.
Think long-term: Good supporting details often focus on lasting impacts rather than immediate, small benefits.

Remember, good readers can tell the difference between details that truly support a main idea and details that are just related to the topic but don't strengthen the argument!