Free Renaissance Star Reading Test 5th & 6th Grades Practice and Info

The correct answer is A. The meaning of the prefix hetero- is "different / other." Therefore, to answer the question, you need to search for the answer that contains this idea. Answer (A) includes the word diverse, which means, “differing from one another.” Therefore, this is the correct answer. Answer (B) is incorrect because "of the same color," contradicts the idea of heterochromatic as it suggests that the object is composed of only one color. Answer (C) is incorrect because if something is described as heterochromatic, it suggests that it contains or displays a range of different colors, rather than being limited to a unique color.

The correct answer is B. The underlined word surreptitiously primarily implies secrecy or sneaky behavior with the intention to avoid detection or observation. In the first sentence, the thief sneaked into the house to steal jewelry without being noticed. Similarly, in the second sentence, the student attempted to cheat by discreetly looking at his neighbor's paper during the exam, to avoid getting caught. Therefore, the correct answer is (B). Answers (A) and (C) are incorrect because the core meaning of surreptitiously does not necessarily emphasize intricacy or extensive planning, nor something that is done impulsively.

The correct answer is C. This passage is about two friends, Simon and Steve, who have been drifting apart. The two have been best friends since elementary school and have always been there for each other. Problems first occurred as the boys became teens; each changed and liked spending his time doing different things. Simon was an extravert and adventurous, and Steve was an introvert and liked his routine activities. Their relationship was on the rocks and reached a crisis point when Simon told Steve he was frustrated with him for not wanting to try new things. Steve was frustrated as well, feeling that Simon was trying to change him. However, unlike his friend, Steve did not voice his thoughts. Steve’s inability to communicate with Simon when feeling uncomfortable with his behavior further emphasizes the difficulties they face with each other. Therefore, the correct answer is (C). Answer (A) is incorrect because there is no indication that Simon and Steve are in any competition, rather that they “have been drifting apart”. Answer (B) is incorrect because although this can be understood about Simon and Steve’s past relationship, it is only briefly mentioned at the beginning of the passage. The main focus in the passage is on the change each had been through and how his change negatively affected their relationship.

The correct answer is B. This question requires you to distinguish factual information from opinion. A fact is an objective statement that can be verified (proven) and relies on observation or research. An opinion is a subjective statement that expresses a person’s thought, perspective, position or belief on a particular topic. Unlike a fact, an opinion cannot be proven or checked. This passage presents some of the ways hugs improve our overall health, both physically and emotionally. It goes into detail about the role of two hormones: Oxytocin that is released when we give or are given a hug, and cortisol—a stress hormone that is reduced due to the emotional effects of a hug. This information is based on research conducted in 2005, so it is proven scientific information. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Answers (A) and (C) are incorrect because they are subjective opinions rather than facts. Each expresses the author’s personal belief, and the role hugs play in the author’s life; they cannot be proven and universally accepted as true. The author says: “I believe hugs are much more than that; they provide a sense of comfort and security, which help alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression.” Note that the use of the phrase "I believe" indicates that this is the author’s subjective opinion that is based on personal feelings and experiences rather than an objective fact.

The correct answer is C. A theme is the main idea of a story. The theme of this story is the bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter. The story tells about a special gift Charlotte received from her beloved grandmother Erica for her 12th birthday, which symbolizes the connection between the two. Charlotte was very happy with the silver necklace that had a small heart-shaped locket with Erica’s photograph inside. It is clear the two were close, since upon gifting the necklace, the grandmother said that it represented her pride and love for Charlotte, and Charlotte’s responded: “I shall cherish it forever and ever!” Charlotte still wears the necklace on special occasions, which demonstrates the sentimental value that the necklace holds for her. Therefore, the correct answer is (C). Answer (A) is incorrect because, although it is true that once polished, the silver necklace shines, it is of secondary importance and does not contribute to our understanding of the theme. Note that it is the act of polishing the necklace that makes Charlotte think about her grandmother and not the fact that the silver necklace shines. Answer (B) is incorrect because although it is true that Charlotte cherished the necklace and wore it on occasion, it does not capture the significance of the necklace to the theme of the story. Hence, this answer is confusing and misleading.

The correct answer is B. This passage tells us about Nika, a schoolgirl who arrives home and faces a problem: She has a lot of homework and little time to do it. In addition, she finds it unfair that she cannot spend the afternoon playing with her friends because of all the school assignments she has. Being overwhelmed, she decides to take a walk with her dog and heads to the park. The change of scenery and the breath of fresh air help her calm down, think reasonably and productively, and find a solution to her problem. Therefore, answer (B) is the correct answer.  Answer (A) is incorrect because while Nika takes her dog for a walk, she does not reach the conclusion that her assignments will not be time-consuming, nor that she will manage without her sister’s help. In fact, we are told that she would do whatever she could on her own to make progress until her sister returned home.   Answer (C) is incorrect because there is no indication that Nika finished her homework. In addition, while finishing her homework would be a potential outcome, it does not help her resolve the problem of having a lot of homework and little time to do it.  

The correct answer is B. The main idea of a passage is the point that it wishes to make. A statement of the main idea will function as a summary of the most important things that are written. To figure out the main idea of a passage it is advisable to ask yourself the following questions:  • What is the passage mostly about?  • What is being said about the topic?  • Which words or ideas repeat themselves?  From the opening sentence, we are exposed to the main idea: The author advises the readers to buy a few issues of a teen magazine before subscribing to it. We know this is the main idea because the rest of the passage is designed to explain why this advice should be followed. Therefore, the correct answer is (B). Answer (A) is incorrect because the author states his opinion about the topic of buying a few issues of a teen magazine before subscribing to it and does not include facts about it. In other words, the author does not use facts to support his arguments, rather reasons why his suggestion would be beneficial. Answer (C) is incorrect because the author does not present himself as a subscriber, nor does he provide insights based on his own experience.

The correct answer is C.  A tense mood is the feeling of tension and suspense conveyed to the readers. In this passage, the tense mood creates the atmosphere. It tells about five friends who went hiking in the mountains and entered a cave they were not allowed to enter. The tension continues as the five search for a hidden treasure in the Skeleton Cave (pay attention to the connotation of the name that adds to the tense mood). Soon it starts to rain, and the kids understand they are trapped underground in a dangerous situation. An additional indication of the tense mood is revealed when we are told that the cave was known for going “from innocuous to extremely dangerous in a matter of minutes” and for people who went searching for its treasure and never came back. The passage spends almost all of its time describing tense situations and building tension in the way it reveals these scary elements one by one in increasing fashion. Therefore, the correct answer is (C).  Answer (A) is incorrect because a brave mood is characterized by having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. Answer (B) is incorrect because a melancholic mood is characterized by intense sadness and hopelessness.

The correct answer is B. This passage discusses chocolate chip cookies and the debate about their best toppings and texture. The author concludes that while there may be different opinions on the ingredients used in chocolate chip cookies, the texture of the cookie is the most important factor and that a chewy texture is the best option according to the author. Therefore, the correct answer is (B). (Note: “Gooey” has a similar connotation as “chewy” and “melt-in-your-mouth.") Answer (A) is incorrect because it is not an argument that the author makes. These toppings are mentioned as a topic of debate and the author does not take either side. Answer (C) is incorrect because this is not the main point of the passage. This claim is made as an introduction to the topic. We can say that since the rest of the passage does not serve to support it, but rather discusses the debates about the cookie. Additionally, although chocolate chip cookies are described as delicious and popular, there is no indication in the passage that they are the most delicious dessert.

The correct answer is B. Supporting details demonstrate the importance of the main idea by providing information to clarify, prove or explain it. Answer (B) is correct because it is the detail that does not support the topic of the presentation, as it does not address the main reasons why cookery lessons are valuable. While it is true that students may have the opportunity to eat during the lessons, the primary purpose of adding cookery lessons to school curricula is to have a long-lasting and meaningful impact on students' lives. Answers (A) and (C) support the topic of the presentation. Therefore, they can be ruled out. They highlight the potential long-term benefits of teaching cookery lessons in schools.