Just Rewards Publications Letterkenny Co. Donegal www.justrewards.ie © Just Rewards 2022 First published in 2013 by Shell Education Publishing ISBN 978-1-913137-57-1
Author: Suzanne Barchers Editor: Niamh O’Carroll (O’Carroll Editorial) Design: Audrey Kavanagh
Titles available in this series: 180 Days of English – Book A 180 Days of English – Book B 180 Days of English – Book C 180 Days of English – Book D 180 Days of English – Book E 180 Days of English – Book F 180 Days of English – Book G
Images from Shutterstock. See www.justrewards.ie for full credits. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the written permission of the publishers or else under the terms of any licence permitting limited copying issued by the Irish Copyright Licensing Association.
WEEK 1
Seán was going on a plane to visit his uncle. He was flying with his older sister. It was the first time they had ever been on a plane without their parents. Seán’s
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
sister was old enough to fly by herself and she would look after Seán. Their mother had packed a bag with games and snacks for the short flight. Seán watched as the flight attendants shut the overhead cabins. He smiled with satisfaction as he heard the engines start up. He was ready to go!
1. What is this text about?
4. What is the definition of attendants?
a This is a story about a plane carrying
a servants
only two passengers. b This is a story about a child travelling with his sister on a plane.
b workers who serve or help the public c people who sell tickets d people who fly planes
c This is a story about feeling lonely on a plane trip. d This is a story about a passenger wanting to be left alone on a plane.
5. Which word is a synonym for
satisfaction? a happiness b sadness
2. What is the setting?
a Seán’s house.
c loneliness d grumpiness
b a park c a supermarket d an airport
3. Which word has the same vowel sound
as plane ? a upload b plan c gate d plot
3
TUESDAY
WEEK 1 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Sasha really wanted to buy a present for her sister’s birthday. She had saved up money in her jar. She knew her sister wanted a stuffed bear. Sasha rode her bike to a nearby shop. She looked around. Finally, she found a friendly-looking bear that was perfect. Sasha gave it to her sister. Her sister’s face lit up like fireworks.
1. Which title would best fit this text?
4. Which word from the text means close?
a Saving money
a aside
b A special birthday gift
b perfect
c Happy sisters
c nearby
d Riding my bike
d buy
2. What is one setting for this text?
5. W hich phrase is an example of a simile
in this text? a a playground b a shop c a restaurant d a birthday party
3. W hich word has the same vowel sound
as bike? a bit b type c tick d bring
4
a set it aside b lit up like fireworks c bear that was perfect d to a nearby shop
WEEK 1
Brian keeps all of his sports gear in order in his room. He has jerseys for all three sports that he plays. These include basketball, football and hurling. He has practice clothes for these sports too. Brian is also in charge of the equipment. He
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
has a ball, water bottles and shin guards for football. He also has a hurling stick and a sliotar. These sports require a lot of items!
1. W hich title would tell a reader what
this text is about?
4. W hich of these words mean the same
thing?
a Staying organised
a all and includes
b Sports gear
b keep and order
c Brian’s dilemma
c require and need
d Jerseys
d items and sports
2. What is the setting for this text?
a a playing field b at football practice c Brian’s room d a sports shop
3. W hich word has the same vowel
sound as room?
5. W hich word best describes the
language used in this text?
a love
a dramatic
b food
b fancy
c took
c conversational
d roam
d informative
5
THURSDAY
WEEK 1 Sending thanks 10th May 2022 Dear Grandma, thank you for my present. It I wanted to write you a note to say before my bir thday. I love the came in the post yesterday, the day s reading the series on Ancient books! How did you know that I wa am interested in that topic? Egy pt? Did my dad tell you that I next season starts in a few I also loved the football clothes. My s for my weekly football practice. weeks and I can wear these clothe season. I’m going to work really I really hope I score a few goals this hard to try to make that happen.
e? I miss you so much and When will you be able to visit me her I know the flight can be a long hope we can see each other soon. . one but I really hope that I see you ost finished third class? I have Did my mum tell you that I am alm mer holidays, and I can’t wait only six more weeks until the sum g at the river. I am so excited to for the break. We are going campin swing. That is the best! jump into the water with the rope I love you, Grandma. Thanks again Love from, Gráinne
6
for my bir thday presents.
WEEK 1
1. U sing just the title Sending thanks,
what would you predict the letter is about?
a A character has to say thank you but does not want to. b This is a thank-you letter to someone far away. c A character sends thank-you flowers instead of a card. d A character tells another person thank you in person.
4. W hich statement is true about
Gráinne?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Sending thanks’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
a She loves her grandma. b She likes Ancient Egypt. c She has good manners. d all of the above
5. W hat lesson could a reader learn
from this letter? a Sending a thank-you note to a grandparent is a kind thing to do.
2. W hat message is the author sending
to readers? a Summer holidays always include camping. b Grandmothers live far away. c Thank-you notes are important. d Football is a brutal competition.
b Birthdays involve lots of presents. c Grandchildren are spoiled. d Summer holidays are a time to relax.
6. W hat other type of text would be most
like this text? a a biography about the Taoiseach b a non-fiction text about Ancient Egypt
3. W ho might make a connection to
Gráinne’s experience? a a person who loves summer
c a newspaper article about rope swings d a fictional story about a young girl who makes cards for her friends.
b a child who does not like camping c a child who has to write thank-you notes after Christmas d a person who plays football
7
FRIDAY
WEEK 1
8
Reread the text ‘Sending Thanks.’ Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about a gift that someone has given you. Write a short thank-you note to that person. Make sure to write about why you liked the gift.
WEEK 2
Getting sick is part of life. Yet it does not have to happen all the time! Some people get vaccinated to help them stay healthy. They get special injections
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
called vaccines. Vaccines help the body’s immune system to fight illnesses. People can boost their immune systems too. They do this by eating well, getting rest and exercising.
1. What is the text about?
4. W hich word means the same as boost?
a The text is about life.
a prescribe
b The text is about protecting ourselves from illness..
b improve
c The text is about being apart from someone you love.
d knock
c blow
d The text is about injuries. 5. W hat does the phrase fight illness
mean? 2. W hich title best describes the main
idea in this text? a Getting vaccinated to stay healthy b Going to the doctor c How to eat well
a have surgery b keep healthy c go to the doctor d be cured
d A mother’s advice
3. W hich word is the root word in healthy?
a eal b health c stealth d heal
9
TUESDAY
WEEK 2 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. To stay healthy we need to give our body the vitamins it needs. Vitamins are found in healthy foods like fruit and vegetables. Vitamins help our bodies to work well. It is always best to get vitamins from food. Some vitamins are not found in food. Our bodies make vitamin D from sunshine. We don’t get a lot of sunshine in Ireland, so we can take a vitamin D supplement.
1. Which word best summarises this text?
a vitamins
4. W hich word or phrase is the antonym
of make?
b doctor
a organise
c foods
b take apart
d inside
c draw d cause
2. What is the main idea of the text?
5. W hy is vitamin D known as ‘the
sunshine vitamin’? a Vitamins are only found in food. b Vitamins help you stay healthy.
a When you take it the sun appears.
c Doctors want you to take vitamins.
b You can only get it with a tan.
d Vitamins are only for adults.
c You can only get it on holidays. d Our bodies make it from sunshine.
3. H ow many syllables are in the word
supplement ? a three b two c one d four
10
WEEK 2
Believe it or not, not all bacteria are bad. Some bacteria are good for us. Some forms of bacteria live in our intestines. They help our bodies to absorb the healthy food we eat. Other types of bacteria are used to make vaccines.
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
Vaccinations help our bodies learn how to fight illnesses.
1. W hich title would tell a reader more
about this text?
4. W hich two words from the text are
similar in meaning?
a Vaccinations
a type and form
b Body health
b fight and learn
c Good bacteria
c make and rid
d Flu symptoms
d good and bacteria
2. W hich index entry would lead
5. W hy is the phrase good bacteria
readers to this text?
interesting?
a childhood vaccines
a because bacteria are alive
b helpful bacteria c forms of exercise
b because bacteria are only for doctors to worry about
d body organs
c because bacteria are unpredictable d because bacteria are usually thought to be bad
3. W hich word or phrase has the same
meaning as the word absorb? a increase b use up c need d learn
11
THURSDAY
WEEK 2 Cover that sneeze! Ahhh . . . ahhhhh . . . aaahhhhchoooo! That sneeze is uncovered, and so the germs fly through the air. It is pretty disgusting to think about but have you ever wondered about the germs in your body? They are very small organisms that live inside us. An organism is a living thing. Germs are alive and they can cause us to get sick. It is impossible to keep germs out of our bodies. They are so tiny that we do not even know they are there. The only way we know that germs have made us sick is when we begin to feel symptoms. We might get a fever or a sore throat. We might have a runny nose or a headache. Germs are usually spread through the air. They spread in a sneeze, a cough or a breath. They can also be spread by saliva, sweat or blood. Sometimes, they can be spread by touching something. For example, a person can touch his or her nose and then touch a doorknob. If someone else touches that doorknob right away, he or she can pick up those germs. How can you protect yourself from germs? The most important way to do this is to wash your hands. Soap and water are a germ’s enemies. They wash the germs away. This is why it is so important to wash your hands throughout the day. A quick splash will not work. You should wash your hands for about thirty seconds. Staying healthy also keeps germs away. This means getting enough rest and not being too tired. It also means eating good foods and exercising. These are germfighting secrets!
12
WEEK 2
1. Why would you read this text?
4. How is this text organised?
a to learn about important events
a It gives the history of a problem.
b to compare two things
b Two problems are compared.
c to be informed
c It tells about a problem and a few
d to be persuaded
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Cover that sneeze’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
solutions. d It gives a situation that some people think is a problem and others don’t.
2. Which opinion matches the author’s?
a Germs do not spread very easily. b Not wearing a coat in the cold will make you sick. c Hand-washing is an important way to stay healthy. d Eating healthy food does not keep germs away.
5. W hat is the most important point
about germs? a Doorknobs are always dirty. b Hand-washing must last for five minutes. c Germs are easily spread, but there are ways to protect ourselves from them. d Germs are only spread through
3. W hich prior experience would best
sneezing.
help a reader understand this text? a putting on a bandage b asking a doctor about the source of an illness c taking cough medicine d taking a bath
6. W hich detail does NOT support the
text’s theme? a Germs are usually spread through the air. b You might have a runny nose. c Germs can be spread by touch. d Soap and water are a germ’s enemies.
13
FRIDAY
WEEK 2
14
Reread the text ‘Cover that sneeze!’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about a time when you were sick. How did you feel and what did you do to make yourself feel better?
WEEK 3
The snow was so beautiful to watch as it fell. It covered everything around us. We wondered how long it would last. One garden nearby had three snowmen in
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
it. We imagined those snowmen coming to life, just like Frosty. What would they say, and how would they sound? We wished the snow would never melt. Winter scenes like this one are just stunning.
1. W hich sentence gives an accurate
summary of the text?
4. W hich word is a synonym for stunning?
a cold a It covered everything around us.
b spectacular
b Winter scenes like this one are just
c white
stunning.
d confusing
c One garden nearby had three snowmen in it. d What would they say, and how would they sound?
5. W hich sense is used in this text?
a taste b hearing
2. W hat is the main idea?
c sight d touch
a Frosty could come to life. b Winter is beautiful. c Snow covers everything. d Snowmen are cute.
3. W hich word has the same vowel
sound as snow? a through b one c so d how
15
TUESDAY
WEEK 3 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. I wonder which season my dog enjoys the most. I know he loves summer. He loves to race down the beach and chase the seagulls. I think he enjoys jumping in the leaves with me in autumn. Springtime means taking longer walks in the sunshine. Winter days with my dog are slow and relaxing. We stay cosy by the fire. Maybe my dog is just a happy boy all through the year!
1. W hich response is the best
prediction of this text?
4. W hich word is an antonym for the
word cosy?
a I think it is about seagulls.
a warm
b I skimmed and saw the word dog many
b uncomfortable
times. c The text describes an animal enjoying
c quiet d tired
the different seasons. d I noticed the narrator tells the story in first person.
2. W hich title best describes the main
idea? a Running on the beach b A dog for all seasons c Cosy dogs d Happy pets
3. W hich definition of slow is used in
this text? a not fast b taking too much time c restful d sluggish
16
5. W hat is interesting about the narrator
calling the dog a happy boy? a The dog is very unhappy. b It is a metaphor for himself. c It sounds like he is talking about a human. d It is the dog’s name.
WEEK 3
Joshua cycles to work each day, rain or shine. He wears waterproof gear so that he stays dry on wet mornings. He believes that cycling is a great way to start the day. He enjoys the ride home too. It gives him time to think and reflect on
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
his day. The roads are usually quiet. It makes him wonder why more people are not cycling each day.
1. W hich title would tell a reader more
4. W hich words in the text are synonyms?
about this text? a wonder and reflect a Cycling to work
b cycles and wears
b Cycling rain or shine
c day and morning
c Racing bikes
d think and quiet
d Reflecting 5. W hat does rain or shine mean? 2. W hy does Joshua enjoy cycling?
a raining very hard
a because he can reflect on his day
b warm rain
b because he can enjoy the quiet roads
c no matter what the weather is
c because he has time to think
d drying off after rain
d all of the above
3. W hich word has the same root word
as cycling? a circle b cyclist c side d siding
17
THURSDAY
WEEK 3 Coming in from the cold The two boys knew it was time to go inside. Their fingers were almost turning blue from making so many snowballs. They had built two big snowmen and had an epic snowball fight. But now their bodies were tired and cold. Fergus and Jack were both home because school had been cancelled. The storm had brought more than eight centimetres of new snow and the cold temperatures had frozen much of the roads. There was no way the school bus could make it up the hill to their house. With no transport, the brothers had been able to stay home. Fergus was twelve and Jack was nine. They were young but they were responsible boys. Their parents both had to go to work that day, so they made a decision to let the boys stay home alone. The Pattons next door were home for the day too, in case the boys needed any help. The boys came in and immediately changed their clothes. It felt so much better to be dry and inside, but they both still needed to warm up. Fergus suggested they make a fire. Jack thought that a fire was a bad idea. They had promised their parents to be safe while they were gone. Jack worried that a fire could grow big and get out of control. He definitely did not want to burn the house down! Finally, the boys agreed. A fire was not a good idea. Yet how could they warm up? Fergus suggested turning up the heat. Jack suggested getting under some warm blankets. So that is what they did. Both boys followed their own advice.
18
WEEK 3
1. W hich is NOT a good prediction based
on the text’s title? a This is a story about a person who has a cold b This story is about going inside to get warm.
4. W hich word best describes Fergus
and Jack?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Coming in from the cold’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
a tired b responsible c silly d careless
c This story takes place somewhere cold. d This story happens in the winter. 5. W hich theme applies to this text?
2. W hat is the author’s opinion about
staying home alone? a No child should ever be alone. b Children cannot make good decisions on their own.
a A snowy day at home is boring. b School buses cannot move very well on snowy roads. c Brothers can help each other to be responsible and follow rules. d A fire is safe at home.
c Children should not be alone at night. d Children can stay home when they can follow the house rules.
6. W hich type of text is this story similar
to? a an adventure story about two children 3. W hich statement shows a connection
to the text? a I hate fire drills at school. b I like summer. c I follow the rules in my house when my
using a time machine b a non-fiction text about snow c a fictional story about making the right choice d a poem about brothers
parents are gone. d I had a fire when my family went camping.
19
FRIDAY
WEEK 3
20
Reread the text ‘Coming in from the cold’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about a time when you were playing in the snow. How did you feel? How did you get warm when you came inside?
WEEK 4
Sir Edmund Hillary was an amazing man. He was the first person to reach the top of Mount Everest. He did this in 1953. Edmund was very curious about this
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
part of the world. He returned to the area after his climb. He raised funds for small towns near Mount Everest. This money helped people to build bridges, schools and hospitals. He worked hard to make a better world.
1. W hich image would tell a reader
more about this text?
4. W hat is the definition of funds as it
is used in this text?
a a photograph of a school
a supplies
b a picture of money used in this part of the world
b accounts
c a chart showing the number of homes that were built
d money
c treasures
d a photograph of Sir Edmund Hillary
2. W hich title reflects the main idea?
a Up to the peak b The amazing Sir Edmund c Building bridges d Parts of the world
3. W hat do you think raised means in
this text?
5. W hat is the author’s opinion of Sir
Edmund Hillary?
a collected
a The author doubts his achievements.
b built
b The author respects him.
c high
c The author does not understand him.
d lifted
d The author is confused by him.
21
TUESDAY
WEEK 4 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. It is on the border of Tibet and Nepal. It is part of the Himalayan mountain range. There are many tall summits in the Himalayas. The ten tallest peaks in the world are there. The peaks are very old. Mount Everest was formed sixty million years ago. It is still growing! It grows about five centimetres every year.
1. W hat topic is the main focus of this
text?
4. W hich word or phrase is a synonym
for peaks?
a Tibet
a trees
b Nepal
b curves
c Mount Everest
c mountain tops
d old peaks
d plants
2. W hich word would most likely be
5. W hat type of text would include
found in the glossary of this text? a years
language similar to what is used in this text?
b summits
a a geography book
c ten
b a joke book
d still
c a letter d a thank-you note
3. W hich two words from the text have
the same vowel sound? a grows and old b ten and tall c on and old d are and peaks
22
WEEK 4
Mountain climbers have to wear special gear that protects them from the snow and cold. This includes gloves, hats and glasses. They wear a lot of layers to help them to stay warm. They also have to use special tools. An ice axe helps to break
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
up the ice. A regulator is a tool that provides oxygen to climbers. Climbers need this at the top of the peak where the air is low in oxygen. Climbers also need a radio in case they need to call for help.
1. W hich words would help a reader to
make a prediction about this text?
4. W hich of these words has the root
word ice?
a warm clothes
a icicle
b climbing gear
b nice
c provides oxygen
c rice
d ice axe
d incident
2. W hich image would help a reader
5. W hat is the author’s purpose?
understand this information? a a photograph of a mountain b a photograph of a climber wearing special gear c a photograph of ice and snow d a picture of a climber’s face
a The author uses facts to teach about a mountain climber’s gear. b The author uses jokes to make people laugh about tools. c The author compares mountain climbers to rock climbers. d The author uses facts to share a biography of a famous climber.
3. W hich can be added to protect to
make another word? a –ly b –ed c un– d dis–
23
THURSDAY
WEEK 4 Mount Everest Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. It is over 8,848 metres tall. It is in the central Himalayas. Mount Everest is on the border of Tibet and Nepal. People are very interested in this amazing peak. The mountain has become a challenge
Mt. Everest
for some. People train to climb it, but getting to the top of Mount Everest is not easy. The altitude requires special attention. There is not a lot of oxygen in the air up there. People’s bodies have to adjust. Climbing takes time. Bodies have to get used to the low oxygen levels. The Mount Everest base camps are where climbers begin to climb. These camps are on opposite sides of Mount Everest. They are also very high. They are more than 4,870 metres high. Climbers rest at the base camps. They pack and get their supplies ready before they begin climbing. There are other camps on the way to the peak. It takes a while to reach each camp. Climbers spend time at the camps. This is where climbers stop to adjust to the elevation. The highest part of the mountain is called the summit. It is covered with deep snow. The snow stays there all year. It is very cold up there! The wind can also blow very hard. This makes the climb risky. Climbers have to be really safe. They wear special gear to help them stay warm. They have equipment to keep them safe. There are people who work to help climbers. They are called Sherpas. They carry tents. They also cook food. They work at this job to support their families. Sherpas often get help from yaks. Yaks are strong animals. They help transport goods up the mountain. Reaching the summit is an amazing feat. Not many people achieve it. Sadly, not everyone survives the trek up Mount Everest. More than 200 people have died climbing the mountain. This sad fact reminds people of the danger of climbing. It is a dream of many to stand on the top of Mount Everest. People claim that they feel on top of the world. It takes bravery and hard work to do it.
24
WEEK 4
1. What is the author’s purpose?
4. T he first paragraph of the text . . .
a to be entertained
a introduces the topic.
b to be persuaded to climb a mountain
b describes a problem.
c to learn about Mount Everest and moun-
c compares and contrasts two famous
tain climbing
mountains.
d to learn about climate change
d does not fit with the rest of the text.
2. W hich statement would the author
5. W hat is the main idea?
be most likely to agree with? a Climbing is too dangerous to try. b Everyone should try to climb Mount Everest. c Climbing Mount Everest is an amazing adventure.
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Mount Everest’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
a Mount Everest is an amazing place, and people who climb it are brave and strong. b People have died climbing Mount Everest. c Sherpas make the climb worth it. d There are two base camps.
d Travelling that far to climb a mountain is silly. 6. W hy are climbers brave? 3. W hich statement reflects a prior
experience related to the text? a My mother trained for months to run a marathon. b It is snowy today. c I can see a hill from my back garden.
a because they help Sherpas earn a living b because they do good things for Earth c because climbing is a dangerous hobby d because they do not know what they are doing
d I saw a cat climb a tree.
25
FRIDAY
WEEK 4
26
Reread the text ‘Mount Everest’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Climbing Mount Everest is a huge task. It requires special planning and a lot of courage. Would you like to climb Mount Everest? Why or why not?
WEEK 5
“Planning a birthday party is hard,” thought Siobhan. She could not pick which friends to invite. Siobhan was having a sleepover party, so her parents thought
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
she should only have a few guests. It was hard to narrow down her list. Siobhan had friends at school. She had friends on her camogie team. She had friends from summer camp. She did not know how to include just a few in one event.
1. W hich word tells the reader most
about this text?
4. W hat is the definition of narrow as it
is used in this text?
a summer
a slender
b friends
b thin
c sleepover
c to make smaller
d camogie
d close-minded
2. W hich title describes the main idea?
5. W hich sentence best describes this
a Making lists
text?
b A hard choice
a The text describes a funny situation.
c Siobhan’s day
b The text describes an event.
d Planning the party
c The text describes a problem. d The text lists steps in a certain order.
3. W hich word has the same vowel sound
as have? a happy b haze c frame d paid
27
TUESDAY
WEEK 5 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. The class decided to make a graph. They wanted to find out what was the most popular season. They made a bar graph. It had a section for each of the four seasons. The teacher helped to tally up the votes. She organised the data. Then, the class heard the results. Summer was the favourite season!
1. W hat does the first sentence tell the
reader about this text?
synonym for data?
a The text is about a maths test.
a bar
b The text is about making graphs.
b students
c The text is about hating maths.
c information
d The text is about science.
d date
2. W hat is the main event?
5. W hat type of text would include
a The class made drawings of their favourite animals. b The class made a graph of their favourite seasons. c The class likes summer the most. d There is no plot.
3. W hich word begins with the same
sound as show ? a hope b share c how d now
28
4. W hich of the following words is a
vocabulary similar to what is used in this text? a an encyclopedia b a book of poetry c a letter d a maths textbook
WEEK 5
Joe was not a competitive boy. He did not like to win and he did not like to lose. He really did not like to compete against anyone for anything. For this reason, Joe did not like most sports. He did not enjoy team sports either. He still liked
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
to move his body and exercise. There was no competition. It was just Joe in the water, moving and pushing forward.
1. W hich question about the text would
help readers to focus their reading?
4. W hich of these words has the same
root word as swimming?
a How do you swim?
a swish
b How do you play football?
b timing
c How does Joe exercise?
c winning
d Where are swimming lessons?
d swimmer
2. What is Joe’s problem?
a Swimming is too difficult for Joe. b Joe does not enjoy most sports, but he likes to exercise. c Joining the basketball team is too expensive.
5. W hich simile describes Joe’s
experience while swimming? a quick as a flash b swims like a fish c surprising like a shooting star d loud as a firecracker
d Joe missed football trials.
3. W hich word makes a new word by
adding the prefix dis–? a play b win c forward d move
29
THURSDAY
WEEK 5 The pool party dilemma
Michael wanted to have a pool party for his birthday. He made a list of friends he wanted to invite. His mum told him that six friends would be a good number. She wanted to be able to watch all the children safely while they played in the pool. Michael made his six invitations at home. Then, he brought them to school the next day. He handed one to each of his friends. Max, Sam, Orla, Emma and Felix were all excited. They each told Michael that they were sure they would come. Michael gave an invitation to his final guest, Aidan. Aidan hesitated. He smiled and was clearly happy to come. Yet something was wrong. Michael was not sure what it was, but he could tell something was not quite right. That night, Michael’s mum got a phone call. It was Aidan’s mum. The mums talked and then said goodbye. Michael’s mum came to talk to Michael. She knew why Aidan had hesitated. She told Michael, “Aidan wants to come to your party. He likes you so much. He thinks you are a good friend.” “So what is wrong then, Mammy?” Michael wondered. “Aidan is not a great swimmer,” Mammy said. “He gets nervous in the water. He thinks he will feel embarrassed if all the boys see him scared in the water.” Now Michael understood why Aidan was acting funny when he got the invitation. “OK, Mammy. I would never want Aidan to feel bad, especially if he comes to my party,” said Michael. Michael and his mum talked and decided that they would help Aidan out during the party. The children would only swim in the shallow end of the pool. That way, no one would know that Aidan was nervous in deeper water. Aidan could still come to the party and have a good time. The solution was a good one. Everyone was happy, and Michael’s party was a success.
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WEEK 5
1. W hat is the main problem in the text?
4. W hich word would you use to describe
Michael? a deciding what to serve at a pool party b deciding where to swim
a active
c a guest who cannot swim well
b spoiled
d using sun cream at the pool
c kind
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘The pool party dilemma’. Then read the questions and circle the answers.
d annoyed
2. H ow would this author likely feel
about friendship? a Good friends buy large birthday presents for each other. b A good friend makes sure a guest is happy and comfortable. c Sometimes good friends tease each other. d Good friends always keep secrets.
3. W hich sentences shows a personal
connection to the text? a I prefer to go to the beach rather than a pool. b I have been to a water park. c I had a sleepover and helped my friend who was scared to be away from home.
5. W hat is the theme of this text?
a No one likes a person who complains. b If you can’t keep up with the group, it’s tough luck. c You can ignore your friend if it is your birthday. d Treat friends as you would want to be treated.
6. W hat type of text is closely related
to the theme of this story? a a how-to book about making invitations b a cookery book c an encyclopedia d a poem about a friend helping another friend
d My family likes cupcakes.
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FRIDAY
WEEK 5
32
Reread the text ‘The pool party dilemma’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about how Michael handled the problem with Aidan in this story. Do you think you would have done the same thing? Why or why not?
WEEK 6
Seamus O’Connor is a famous snowboarder. He has won many contests in his sport. He has represented Ireland three times at the Winter Olympics, first
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
in 2014, then in 2018 and again in 2022. He was born in California, where he began snowboarding when he was just four years old. He went to his first snowboarding competition when he was five years old. His grandparents were Irish citizens so he qualified to represent Ireland at the Olympics.
1. W hat question about the text would
4. W hich word is an antonym for famous?
help readers to focus their reading? a young a Who is Seamus O’Connor?
b real
b What is a snowboard?
c unknown
c Could I represent Ireland at the
d funny
Olympics? d When was Seamus born? 5. W hich word describes the tone of
this text? 2. W hich title best fits the text?
a informative
a Snowboarding is fun
b angry
b Gold medals
c funny
c Seamus O’Connor
d persuasive
d The Winter Olympics
3. W hich word has the same vowel sound
as won? a win b fund c hot d snow
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TUESDAY
WEEK 6 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Snowboarders like to take risks and enjoy the thrill of a fun ride on the snow. Many fans of the sport like to snowboard in a half-pipe, which is a U-shaped bowl. Snowboarders can move from one side of the bowl to the other. They jump and do tricks inside the half-pipe. The half-pipe was originally used in skateboarding. Now snowboarders enjoy it. It takes a lot of practice to do some snowboarding tricks, but it really is lots of fun!
1. W hat does the first sentence tell the
reader about this text?
meaning as risks?
a The text is about snowboarders.
a choices
b The text is about going for a ride.
b chances of something going wrong
c The text is about safety in the snow.
c gears
d The text is about a risk.
d speeds
2. W hich chapter title would help a
5. W hat type of text is most similar to
reader find this information in a table of contents?
this text? a a book about world records
a Doing tricks
b a book of poetry
b The thrill of snowboarding
c a list of directions
c Jump and spin
d a story about thrilling sports
d A fun day
3. W hich two words from the text have
the same vowel sound? a takes and fans b thrill and ride c ride and pipe d some and sure
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4. W hich of the following has the same
WEEK 6
People who enjoy snow sports have to be safe. Snowy and icy conditions can be dangerous, especially on steep slopes. One thing that can happen on a snowcovered mountain is an avalanche. These are rare, but they can happen. An
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
avalanche is a quick flow of snow down a hill. Avalanches occur on very steep slopes.
1. W hich type of image would tell a
reader more about this text?
4. W hich of these words has the root
word safe?
a a list of what to take on a snow trip
a safety
b a river
b saffron
c a photograph of an avalanche
c cafe
d a picture of a mountain in the summer
d sale
2. W hich word from the text would
5. W hich statement about the text is
most likely be found in the glossary? a happen b sports c avalanche d people
true? a The author uses facts to teach about avalanches. b The author uses funny words to entertain readers. c The author compares avalanches and volcano eruptions.
3. W hich word from the text is NOT a
noun?
d The author uses facts to teach people how to ski.
a avalanche b conditions c slopes d rare
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THURSDAY
WEEK 6 Hitting the slopes Visit any ski resort around the world and you will definitely see a lot of skiers on the slopes. You will also see quite a few snowboarders. These two sports did not always share space so happily. It took a while for people to embrace snowboarding. Today, it is one of the most popular winter sports. Many people think that snowboarding is a recent sport. That is not true. There is evidence from the 1920s of people snowboarding. They used wood or boards from barrels. They would use horse reins or another type of tie to attach the board to their feet. These early fans of the sport would ride through the snow. Many years later, others were inspired to try something similar. In 1965, a picture was taken of an American skier’s unique idea. He had tied two skis together. He put a rope in front to make it easy to steer. The skier called it a Snurfer. He thought of it as a snow surfboard. The idea took off. Throughout the 1970s more and more skiers became interested in snowboarding. It was hard to find a place to go and snowboard, however. Some resorts only allowed skiing. This began to change in the 1980s. Soon the rest of the world began to learn about snowboarding. It debuted at the Olympics in 1998 and grew in popularity. The younger kids who first started to snowboard became great snowboarding athletes. There were more snowboarding competitions. The top competitors were able to do amazing things. People were captivated. Today, snowboarding still remains popular. A lot of young kids try it. Older fans still hit the slopes too.
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WEEK 6
1. W hich prediction is most accurate
4. H ow is the text organised?
based on the title of this text? a This text is about snowboarding. b This text is about skateboarding. c This text is about water skiing. d This text is about surfing.
a a comparison of snowboarding and
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Hitting the slopes’. Then read the questions and circle the answers.
skateboarding b a chronological history of snowboarding c a list of steps for how to get up on your snowboard d a chronological history of winter sports
2. W hat is the author’s purpose?
in the Olympics
a to compare skiing and snowboarding b to share facts about the life of a famous skier c to teach people how to snowboard d to share the history of snowboarding
5. W hat is the main idea?
a Snowboarding is becoming more rare. b Snowboarding is a popular sport with an interesting history. c Snowboarding is too dangerous to try.
3. W hich statement reflects a prior
d Snowboarding is a secret to most people.
experience related to the text? a I hate the snow.
6. W hy is snowboarding popular?
b I took lessons and went snowboarding last winter. c I played on my football team in second class. d I want to visit the mountains.
a Young kids try it. b Older fans enjoy it. c Most ski resorts allow it now. d all of the above
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FRIDAY
WEEK 6
38
Reread the text ‘Hitting the slopes’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. This text describes the history of snowboarding. What are your opinions of this sport? Would you like to try it? Why or why not?
WEEK 7
Anna was having a hard year because she did not have a lot of friends in her class. She was not sure why. She knew that her classmates liked her, but she
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
really wanted a best friend. “Will you be my best friend?” she asked Niamh one day. “What about Nina or Sara?” Niamh asked. “They tell everyone that they are your best friends but they say that you never play with them.” Anna saw the problem immediately. She was so busy looking for a best friend that she was missing out on just being a friend.
1. W hich words would help a reader to
make a prediction about this text?
4. W hich word is an antonym for
immediately ?
a Nina or Sara
a closely
b busy days
b at once
c making friends
c later
d play dates
d never
2. W hat problem does Anna have?
a She doesn’t know what to play. b She wants to find a best friend. c She has lost her school bag. d She doesn’t know that her classmates like her.
5. H ow is the language in the text best
described? 3. W hich word part could you add to the
root word miss to make a new word? a –er b –ly
a persuasive b formal c technical d informal
c dis– d un–
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TUESDAY
WEEK 7 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Cathal wanted to learn a new sport. His brother played football and his sister was a good swimmer. Cathal loved to draw, but he also wanted to be better at sports. He was not sure what to do. He worried that he was as slow as a tortoise, but Cathal knew he had a good eye for the ball. Cathal had a perfect idea! He decided to try tennis. He knew he would be good at tracking that ball and he would not have to run up and down a huge field.
1. W hich is the best prediction after
reading the first sentence of the text? a The story is about joining a football team. b The story is about giving up when something is too hard.
4. W hat is the meaning of a good eye in
this story? a good vision b talented at watching the ball c smart d sunny
c The story is about learning a new sport. d The story is about doing a sport to be with your friend.
5. W hat is an example of a simile used
in this text? a good eye
2. W hat is the main problem in the text?
a Cathal wants to learn a new sport but doesn’t know which sport is right for him. b C athal’s brother is better at sports than he is. c Cathal wants to become an artist, but his parents won’t let him. d There is no problem.
3. W hich word has the same vowel
sound as draw? a rap b fog c drove d ran 40
b run up and down c a good swimmer d as slow as a tortoise
WEEK 7
Mr Kelly was always confusing the names of his students. He was a great teacher and all the children liked him. He made a lot of jokes and made learning fun, but he often called students by the wrong name. “Ella, will you collect the workbooks?” he would ask.
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
“Mr Kelly, I am not Ella. I am Chloe!” “Oh, of course you are,” he would say, and all the students would laugh. No one minded the mix-up because being in Mr Kelly’s class was a lot of fun.
1. W hich type of image would tell a
reader more about this text?
4. W hich of these words is a verb?
a great
a a picture of Mr Kelly
b collect
b a picture of the classroom door
c workbooks
c a list of the teachers in the school
d fun
d a calendar showing the day’s timetable
2. W hat is the setting?
5. W hich word describes the tone of
this text?
a Mr Kelly’s house
a factual
b Ella’s house
b angry
c playground
c funny
d Mr Kelly’s classroom
d persuasive
3. W hich word from the text makes a
new word by adding the prefix pre–? a called b because c are d made
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THURSDAY
WEEK 7 Seeing double Cara and Clodagh were twin sisters. They loved being together. They were very similar in many ways. They also had their own interests. In third class, the girls were put in the same class. This had never happened before. The girls were usually in different classes. They were very excited. Cara and Clodagh came to school together each day with their brother, Andrew. They liked to sit near each other. They also loved to be on the same rounders team at break time. All of this meant that the girls spent a lot of time together. They did not mind but others started to notice that the two girls were together all the time. Children started to refer to Cara and Clodagh as ‘The Twins’. Sometimes, other students actually got the girls confused. They called them by the wrong name. Their teacher actually did the same thing one day! This bothered the girls. They began to wonder when people would see them as individuals. The girls decided to make some changes. They asked to have separate playdates. They wanted to find a few friends of their own. It was not so bad. They always had each other at home. They got to spend a lot of time together outside of school. They also decided to try new activities. Cara played basketball. Clodagh took piano lessons. They really enjoyed that. It took some time and effort. Eventually, the two girls felt they had made some good changes. They were still best friends. They still loved each other. Yet they each had a new, separate life. Each girl had found new friends. They both loved their new hobbies. Other children stopped calling ‘The Twins’. They were called Cara and Clodagh, just as they should be.
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WEEK 7
1. W hich prediction based on the title
and picture is the most accurate?
4. H ow do Cara and Clodagh change in
this story?
a This text is about two people who wear the same thing.
a They find their own interests.
b This text is about twins.
c They begin arguing.
c This text is about someone who needs glasses.
d They have a sleepover.
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Seeing double’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
b They lose friends.
d This text is about having bad vision. 5. W hat is the theme of this text?
2. W hat is the author’s opinion about
twins? a Twins like to play piano and play basketball.
a Twins are lucky. b Each person is unique. c Sisters fight a lot. d People who look alike usually act alike.
b Twins should always dress alike. c Twins should be seen as two different people. d Twins fight a lot.
6. W hat other title indicates a text with
a similar theme? a My best friend and I b A new talent
3. W hich statement reflects a personal
connection to this text?
c Learning to be me d A new nickname
a I like to play the violin. b It is OK to have interests different from my best friend’s. c My basketball coach can be strict. d I sit by myself at lunch.
43
FRIDAY
WEEK 7
44
Reread the text ‘Seeing double’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Cara and Clodagh want to be thought of as individuals. Why do you think it is important for all of us to be viewed as individuals?
WEEK 8
Swimming in the ocean is fun. It can also be dangerous. Some waves can pull swimmers underwater. A riptide can do this. It is also called a rip current. This is
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
a strong channel of water. It can drag people away from the beach. Even strong swimmers can struggle to swim against a rip current. Instead, swimmers should swim parallel to the beach to get out of a rip current. This is very important to know!
1. W hich question is answered in this
text?
4. W hat is the definition of drag as it is
used in this text?
a How do you get sand out of your shoes?
a moving slowly
b How did I get this rip in my trousers?
b a nuisance
c Why can swimming in the ocean be
c pulling something or someone
dangerous?
d effort
d What do children learn in swimming lessons?
2. Which title best fits the text?
a Beach fun b Safety in the water c Playing with beach balls d Swimming in the pool
3. W hich word from the text is NOT a
verb?
5. W hich word describes the tone of
this text?
a pull
a warning
b drag
b sad
c away
c funny
d struggle
d historical
45
TUESDAY
WEEK 8 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Sharks may seem scary to think about when you are at the beach. Watching a film about a shark attack may make people think twice about swimming. Some people may not even want to go in the water. The truth is that shark attacks are very rare, especially in Europe. Sharks eat plankton, seals, and other fish. They do not hunt humans.
1. W hat does the first sentence tell the
reader about this text? a The story is about scary programmes on TV. b The story is about sharks.
4. W hich word is a synonym for rare ?
a each month b never c always d uncommon
c The story is about going to the beach. d The story is about swimming. 5. W hat type of text would use similar 2. W hich chapter title would help a
reader find this information in a table of contents? a Sharks are everywhere! b The truth about sharks c Learning to swim d Danger at the beach
3. W hich two words have the same vowel
sound? a seal and hunt b scary and rare c twice and think d beach and news
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language to what is used in this text? a a geography book b a book of animal poems c a menu d an article about ocean wildlife
WEEK 8
Litter on the beach is troubling. Some litter is left on the beach by beachgoers. Leaving rubbish on the sand pollutes the water because the rubbish makes its way into the ocean. Some of the rubbish actually washes back up from the
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
ocean onto the sand. Litter pollution is harmful to marine life. People can work together to clean up our beautiful beaches. Clean beaches are nicer places to visit. It is better for the wildlife that live there too.
1. W hich type of image would tell a
reader more about this text?
4. W hich of these words is the root word
of pollution?
a a list of wildlife found on the beach
a revolution
b a photograph of a fishing boat
b pollute
c a photograph of litter on a beach
c poll
d a photograph of a ‘No Swimming’ sign
d Polly
2. W hich word from the text would
5. B ased on the text, which statement is
most likely be found in the glossary? a work b pollution c rubbish d sand
true? a The author wants to teach people about keeping beaches clean. b The author thinks all beaches are filthy. c The author compares air pollution and
3. W hich word from the text makes a
new word by adding the prefix re–?
water pollution. d The author uses facts to tell the history of pollution.
a visit b place c work d all of the above
47
THURSDAY
WEEK 8 Staying safe on the beach A day at the beach can be wonderful. The coast is quiet and peaceful. The view of the water is very soothing. It is important to be aware of the dangers too. The ocean is very powerful. Respecting the ocean and making safe choices will help people avoid injury in the waves or on the sand. The beach flag warning system is used all over the world. It lets people know if there is a lifeguard on duty. It also warns people when it is unsafe to go into the water. Here are the flags that you might see on some beaches: •A double red flag means the water is closed to the public. The entire beach is closed. People must stay out of the water. This is used for severe weather or currents. Water pollution, lightning or shark sightings nearby will also get this flag. •A red flag means there is a high hazard. A high hazard may be high surf and/or strong currents. •A yellow flag means there is a moderate hazard. A moderate hazard may be strong surf and/or currents. •A green flag means there are safe conditions. This means that conditions on the beach are safe, but beachgoers should always use caution. Lifeguards also help with beach safety. They watch swimmers and surfers. They keep a close eye on people in the water. They will even watch people on the sand who are near the waves. Lifeguards are trained to help rescue people. They know first aid in case someone gets hurt. They can also call other rescuers to help a person who is in serious trouble. Not all beaches have lifeguards. Most beaches are public property. People can visit them when they choose. They can enter the water if they choose to. That is why it is important to know about the risks for yourself. Never take risks in the water. A perfect day on the beach is always a safe day on the beach!
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WEEK 8 answers.
1. W hat is the purpose of reading this
text?
4. W hich information in the text is given
in a list?
a to be entertained
a who hangs the flags
b to be persuaded to avoid the beach
b where the flags are hung
c to learn about beach safety
c what the flags mean
d to learn about flags
d the beaches that use this flag system
2. W hich statement is the author most
5. What is the main idea?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Staying safe on the beach’. Then read the questions and circle the
likely to agree with? a People can behave however they want to at the beach. b Stay out of the water when lifeguards tell you to do so.
a Beach safety is important. b The beach is a safe place. c Lifeguards are not properly trained. d Flags come in pretty colours.
c There are no rules at the beach. d Strong swimmers are never in danger.
6. How can we stay safe at the beach?
a Stay out of the water when there is a 3. W hich statement makes a connection
to the text? a Our car has hazard lights in case it breaks down.
hazard. b Follow the directions of lifeguards. c Pay attention to the beach flags. d all of the above
b We fly a flag on St. Patrick’s Day. c I stay safe at the beach by staying near to my family and being aware of hazards. d I like the colour red.
49
FRIDAY
WEEK 8
50
Reread the text ‘Staying safe on the beach’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Beach flag warnings help us to stay safe at the beach. What would you do if you saw a double red flag on the beach? How would you explain the flags to your friends?
WEEK 9
Fionn had been a dancer since he was three. He had tried all the different dance styles but he recently started to focus more on ballet. Fionn enjoyed the quiet
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
way to tell a story. The music and the movement gave him so much energy. He did not listen to people who told him that boys don’t do ballet. He did ballet and he loved it. Fionn had a mind of his own.
1. What is this text about?
a having a lot of energy b a ballet dancer c being quiet d music and movement
2. Which is the best description of Fionn?
a Fionn loves to dance but he does not like ballet. b Fionn loves ballet, even though some people believe boys don’t do ballet. c Fionn has a lot of energy. d Fionn is three years old.
4. W hich of these words means the
same as recently? a always b tomorrow c lately d never
5. W hat does the phrase had a mind
of his own mean in this text? a Fionn did not behave well. b Fionn was torn between two hobbies. c Fionn decided things for himself. d Fionn could not make a decision.
3. W hich definition of focus is used in
this text? a a point on a cone b a clear image c effort d to concentrate
51
TUESDAY
WEEK 9 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Phoebe loved having pets at home to love and care for each day. She had two dogs and one cat. The strangest thing was that the three of them were very good friends. Phoebe knew that cats and dogs were supposed to be enemies, but her pets were definitely not enemies. They certainly did not fight like cats and dogs!
1. Which title best fits this text?
a Not your typical cats and dogs
4. W hich words from the text are
antonyms?
b Phoebe’s pets
a pets and dog
c Phoebe’s cats
b love and care
d Pet friends
c friends and fight d friends and enemies
2. What is the setting?
a the pet shop b Phoebe’s house c the park d the kennel in Phoebe’s garden
5. W hich phrase is an example of a
simile? a not enemies b love and care c fight like cats and dogs d pets at home
3. W hich word has the same vowel
sound as fight? a crib b tie c ought d bit
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WEEK 9
Hughie walked to school each morning with his neighbour, James. The two boys had been friends for many years. One morning, Hughie met James at the corner, and they began walking. “Where is your umbrella?” James asked Hughie. “The
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
sky looks so dark.” “It’s not going to rain,” declared Hughie. “I watched the weather forecast this morning.” “Don’t believe everything you hear,” replied James as the first drops started to fall. 1. W hich picture would tell a reader
4. Which word means declared ?
more about this text? a cried a a picture of two cats sleeping next to each other b a picture of two friends wearing a PE
b stated c yelled d argued
uniform c a picture of two friends playing d a picture of an umbrella
5. What is the tone of this text?
a factual 2. Who are the main characters?
a Hughie and his brother
b accusing c cautioning d excited
b James and his brother c Hughie and his father d Hughie and his neighbour
3. U sing clues from the text, what is the
definition of forecast ? a guess b research c essay d prediction
53
THURSDAY
WEEK 9 A different kind of princess Princess Emma lived in a castle with her mother and father, the king and queen. She had no brothers or sisters. As she grew up, her parents began to talk to her about whom she might marry. Her marriage would be very important. This new spouse would be an heir to the throne. Many princesses wait for the day they can marry a handsome prince. Yet this was no usual princess. She preferred her hunting clothes to any fancy dress. She wore her hair in a ponytail instead of having long waves topped with a tiara. She hated spending her days in the castle. She did not like to just sit around and do nothing. The princess always tried to find someone to take her out to the forest. She would ride a horse and feel the wind blow through her hair. She loved adventure. Today, the day of her eighteenth birthday, the princess did not want to talk about a marriage. She was not going to marry anyone that her parents had in mind for her. She was not even sure she wanted to be married at all. Today, she just wanted to ride her horse. She walked around the castle. Finally, she found a servant boy. She asked him to help her get a horse ready to ride. They talked a lot. The princess really enjoyed his company. The servant boy was surprised by the princess. He expected her to be a bit snooty. He liked talking to her, too. The princess wondered why she could not spend more time with boys like him. Why did her parents only introduce her to the sons of their friends? All this princess knew was that things were going to change. She was going to make her own decisions. She was going to be a different kind of princess.
54
WEEK 9 answers.
1. W hich prediction makes the most
sense after reading the title? a This is a tale of a princess who is not a human. b This tale is about a princess who cannot meet a prince.
4. W hich qualities of this princess makes
her a different kind of princess?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘A different kind of princess.’ Then read the questions and circle the
a She does not like wearing a tiara. b She does not want to marry. c She likes to talk to servants. d all of the above
c This is a tale of a princess who behaves in an unusual way. d This tale is set in a faraway land.
5. W hy is the theme of this fairy tale
different from many traditional fairy tales? 2. W hich opinion is most likely to match
the author’s? a A story set in a castle must have a happy ending. b A princess with no magic is sad. c Princesses can be strong-willed and independent.
a Most fairy tales do not include horse riding. b Most fairy tales include a princess who is looking for a handsome prince. c Most fairy tales include wicked stepsisters. d Most fairy tales do not include servants.
d All princesses want to find a handsome prince. 6. W hich fairy tale is the opposite of this
story? 3. W hich statement shows a personal
connection to this text?
a Cinderella b The Little Mermaid c Jack and the Beanstalk
a I like to go on adventures, even if my par-
d Goldilocks and the Three Bears
ents hate it when I get dirty. b I saw a castle in a film. c I have four sisters. d I read a book about a family that has servants.
55
FRIDAY
WEEK 9
56
Reread the text ‘A different kind of princess’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. The character in this story is not a typical fairy tale princess. In what ways are you not a typical primary school student? What makes you unique and special?
WEEK 10
Rome has many famous buildings. Many are from ancient times. The Forum is one of the most famous places. At one time, it was the centre of Rome. Tourists
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
can still visit the Forum and see the ruins. They stand amid the modern city. The Pantheon is another famous building. It still stands in Rome. It was a temple dedicated to the gods.
1. What is the text about?
4. What is the definition of amid ?
a Roman gods
a within
b buildings in Rome
b next to
c modern cities
c in front of
d centres of cities
d far
2. Which title best fits the text?
5. W hich word describes the tone of
this text?
a A temple b Ancient Roman buildings
a factual
c Tourist spots
b silly
d The forum
c funny d comparing
3. W hich word from the text is a proper
noun? a Rome b tourists c city d gods
57
TUESDAY
WEEK 10 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. The Ancient Romans invented many things that are still in use today. One thing that came from Roman times is our calendar. The first calendar in Rome was based on lunar months. The Romans found it confusing. Caesar, the Roman leader, asked for a new one. It had 365 days in a year. There is an extra day in February every four years. It is called a leap year. We still use this calendar today.
1. W hat does the first sentence tell
about this text? a The text is about Ancient Roman inventions.
4. W hich word has the same root word
as invented? a vent b inventor
b The text is about how to be an inventor.
c invite
c The text is about using something for a
d provide
long time. d The text is about visiting Rome.
2. W hich image would help a reader
understand this text? a a map of Ireland b a picture of a Valentine card c a photograph of an old calendar d a list of February bank holidays
3. W hich two words from the text have
the same vowel sound? a leap and many b thing and year c day and based d from and four
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5. W hat other type of text is most similar
to this text? a a history book b a book of poetry c a menu d a thank-you note
WEEK 10
Water was important to Ancient Romans. Rome gets very hot. People needed water to stay cool. Many Romans liked to bathe in clean, fresh water. Romans built a good water system. Some homes even had fresh water inside. Towns were
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
often built near a clean water supply.
1. W hich question is answered in this
text?
4. W hich word from the text is NOT
an adjective?
a How hot is it in Greece?
a clean
b What can I drink for lunch?
b liked
c How did Romans use fresh water?
c good
d Where is the hottest city on Earth?
d fresh
2. W hich index entry would help a
reader find this information? a water in Ancient Rome b town names c city government d all of the above
5. W hich statement about this text is
true? 3. W hich word makes a new word by
adding the prefix re–? a water b hot c inside d built
a The author uses facts to teach about bathing. b The author uses funny statements to make people laugh about clean water. c The author compares baths and showers. d The author uses facts to teach about Ancient Rome’s water supply.
59
THURSDAY
WEEK 10 Julius Caesar Julius Caesar is an important person in history. He was a leader of Ancient Rome. Caesar was born in 100 BCE. He grew up in a simple home. His family belonged to an old Roman family. They were not rich or poor. Most boys like Caesar did not go to school. They had tutors. Caesar’s tutor taught him how to read and write in Latin. Caesar also became a good public speaker. These skills would help him later in life. Caesar fell in love with a girl named Cornelia. They were married. They had a daughter. They all lived together in Rome. Caesar rose to power as time went on. He was given important jobs. People started to see him as a leader. Caesar had joined the army at a young age. He quickly became a leader in the army. The troops liked him a lot. People respected him. They also started to pay attention to him. He won many battles for Rome. The Roman army was very powerful. Having the respect of that army was very important. Later on, there was trouble in Rome. The leaders of the republic – the Senate – were arguing. Finally, the Senate was forced to change. Three men took over as leaders. One was Caesar. Soon after, Caesar was fighting the other two men power. He took over as the only leader in Rome. He made himself a dictator. This made people upset. Romans did not want a king. A dictator was too much like a king. They wanted Rome to be a republic governed by a group of people – not a dictatorship led by one man alone. Some members of the Senate decided to kill Caesar. He was stabbed to death. The day he was killed is known as the Ides of March. Many men ruled over Rome after Caesar. Even so, Caesar is remembered most because of the changes he brought and because he was an important leader.
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WEEK 10
1. W hat is the purpose for reading this
text? a to read a biography of Julius Caesar b to be entertained by facts about Roman life
4. H ow is this text organised?
a as a comparison of Julius Caesar and
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Julius Caesar.’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
Cornelia b as a chronological history of Julius Caesar’s life
c to learn about Roman army strategies
c as a list of steps for how to join the army
d to learn how to be a good leader
d as a chronological history of Roman battles
2. W hich statement is the author most
likely to agree with? a Caesar should never have married. b Caesar was a brave leader who tried to get too much power for himself. c Caesar was a better soldier than a leader.
5. W hat alternative title reflects the
main idea of the text? a The leader of the army b The success and struggles of Julius Caesar c A smart marriage
d Caesar didn’t know how to lead.
d Betrayed by the king
3. W ho did Caesar fight for power?
6. W hat mistake led to Caesar’s death?
a Cornelia
a He did not know how to lead.
b his tutor
b He was not smart enough.
c the Roman army
c The army did not respect him.
d the two other men who were also
d He tried to have too much power and
leaders
made too many enemies.
61
FRIDAY
WEEK 10
62
Reread the text ‘Julius Caesar’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Julius Caesar had a life of ups and downs. Do you think he was a smart leader? Why or why not?
WEEK 11
It is not easy living in space. I miss the feeling of grass on my feet and sun on my skin. I wish that I felt comfortable with the others on this ship. It is hard to have
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
any loyalty for any nation. Life has been hard since the Nations War in 2430. No one knows what the future holds. I just hope that some day I can go home to Earth.
1. Which word would tell a reader the
most about this text while previewing it?
a grass b space c home
4. What does sun mean in the text?
a warmth from sunrays b a male child c a large star d expose something to rays
d ship 5. What does the phrase the future
holds mean?
2. Which clue(s) tells you that this text
takes place in the future?
a It takes place on a spaceship. b The year 2430 is mentioned. c It talks about the future.
a magical powers b holding a globe c the solar system d what will happen in the future
d all of the above
3. Which word has the same vowel sound
as hard ?
a hare b air c tort d recharge
63
TUESDAY
WEEK 11 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. The animals in the forest were meeting. They wanted to discuss the newest resident. They were not sure if they trusted this fox. He moved into the neighbourhood very quietly. He kept to himself. He seemed to be alone. What was he trying to do? The animals were going to get to the bottom of it.
1. What is true about a story that
has animal characters who act like humans?
a b c d
It will be funny. It must be non-fiction. It is a fantasy story. It will have good and bad animals.
4. Which word is a synonym for discuss?
a explain b command c argue d talk about
5. What does the phrase get to the 2. Which title best fits this text?
bottom of it mean in the text?
a burrow a The neighbourhood
b find out more
b Fox on the run
c hide
c An animal meeting
d look underneath
d Alone time
3. Using clues from the text, which word
means the same as newest?
a recent b resend c recant d restart
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WEEK 11
The six aliens landed on the mountain and left the spaceship. They were on a mission. What is essential to life on Earth ? That was the question they were trying to answer. The leaders on their home planet were trying to find out. The
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
aliens tried to work in secret. Little did they know that they had landed right next to a campsite full of people.
1. Which picture would tell a reader more
4. Which of these words means the
a a picture of an alien
a basic
b a picture of a tent
b required
c a picture of Earth
c unnecessary
d a picture of a mountain
d living
about this text?
opposite of essential?
2. What is the setting?
a a spaceship b a campsite on a mountain c another planet d a home
3. Which word begins with the same
5. Where do you think this paragraph
a patter
a at the end
b splatter
b at the beginning
c pattern
c in the middle
d platter
d It is the entire text.
blend as planet?
would fit within a longer text?
65
THURSDAY
WEEK 11 A magical discovery time From a young age, Eoghan knew he was different. He had a feeling inside that he had special powers. Eoghan knew this, yet he decided to keep it a secret. He was not sure how his family would feel or whether his friends would understand. Children do not always want to feel different from others, and Eoghan was no exception. The first clue came when he was four years old. He was playing in his sandpit in the back garden when he saw a beautiful butterfly in the sand. He put it on his hand. Then he realised the butterfly was dead. Eoghan felt so sad about the butterfly that he began to cry, and his tears started to fall down his face. A tear fell on the butterfly and, in an instant, the butterfly came to life! Eoghan could not believe his eyes. Another time, when Eoghan was five years old, he decided to climb a tree. He climbed so high that he felt stuck. He was not sure how to get down. He suddenly had the urge to let go of the branch and see what would happen. Eoghan was amazed. He sailed gently through the breeze and flew right down to the ground. Eoghan flew! He wondered what other secret powers he might have. It took Eoghan years to figure out what made him special. By the time he was eight, he knew all of his powers. He could bring small creatures back to life, he could fly, he could see through walls, and he could hear things from a great distance. These skills excited him. Yet he also felt very alone. No one else could know about these powers. He didn’t know anyone else who had them. Then one day, he walked into his third class classroom. He was early. He was the first student there. Then, Fiona walked in. She seemed to appear out of nowhere. When she came into the room, she stopped and looked at the wall. “I see fourth class has a substitute teacher today,” she said. Eoghan stopped in his tracks. How did she know that? Fourth class was next door. Could Fiona see through the wall? He was puzzled. Then he saw the smile on Fiona’s face as she stared at him. He knew he had found a partner in magic.
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WEEK 11
1. Which prediction makes sense after
4. How does Eoghan feel about his
a This story must have a happy ending.
a He feels lucky.
b This story includes magic .
b He feels excited but also alone.
c This story happens during a single day.
c He feels frightened.
d This story takes place at the circus.
d He feels special.
2. What is the author’s purpose?
5. Which theme applies to this text?
a to compare Eoghan and Fiona
a Keeping secrets can keep you safe.
b to engage readers and have them use
b Having a friend makes life less lonely.
reading the title?
their imaginations c to teach readers how to use magic
magical powers?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘A magical discovery time’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
c Grown-ups do not understand children. d Substitute teachers are scary.
d to explain about substitute teachers
6. What other type of text is similar to 3. Who might have the closest connection
to this text?
this one?
a a fantasy about aliens
a a student who likes to fly in aeroplanes
b a how-to book on magic
b a child who often feels different and
c a realistic fiction story about being
alone but suddenly finds a good friend c a person who does not believe in magic
different and finding friendship d a non-fiction adventure
d an adult with very good vision
67
FRIDAY
WEEK 11
68
Reread the text ‘A magical discovery time’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about the special powers that Eoghan has and is able to use. What is a super-power you would like to have? What would you do with your power?
WEEK 12
An atlas is a book of maps that may show countries or cities. The maps are often shown on a grid. A grid of lines is drawn over each map, and the lines form
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
square cells. The cells are labelled with letters and numbers. People can use these letters and numbers to find exact locations on the map.
1. Which question about the text would
4. What is the definition of cells as it
a What numbers are in my address?
a basic unit of living things
b What letters are in my name?
b small rooms
c What book did I get from the library?
c producing electricity
d What is inside an atlas?
d the space in a table or grid
2. Which title best fits the text?
5. Which word describes the tone of this
help readers monitor their reading?
a Finding locations b Letters and numbers c All about atlases d Map of the world
is used in this text?
text?
a factual b angry c funny d persuasive
3. Which word is used as a verb in this
text?
a often b form c cells d exact
69
TUESDAY
WEEK 12 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. A person who makes maps is called a cartographer. Cartographers used to draw maps by hand. Today, people use computers to draw maps. Cartographers have to change maps often. Borders move. Places change. Some countries even get new names! Maps have to be updated constantly.
1. What does the first sentence tell about
4. Which word is a synonym for
a It is about cartographers.
a each month
b It is about road maps.
b never
c It is about carts.
c always
d It is about cartons.
d every day
2. Which title best fits this text?
5. What type of text would include
this text?
a Borders b Computer work c Changing names d A cartographer’s job
constantly ?
language similar to what is used in this text?
a a maths book b a book of poetry c a letter d an SESE textbook
3. Which two words from the text have
the same vowel sound?
a maps and makes b have and move c maps and hand d be and new
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WEEK 12
People often think of road maps when they talk about maps. Yet there are many different kinds of maps. One type is a population map. It shows the number of people who live in an area. A land use map is another type. It shows how an area
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
of land is divided by use. Each section of the map is coded to show how it is used.
1. Which type of image would tell a
4. Which of these words is a form of
a a list of what is on a map
a video
b an example of a population map and a
b division
reader more about this text?
land use map c a photograph of a cartographer
divided ?
c vided d voided
d a picture of a street sign
2. Which index entry would help a reader
find this information?
a population maps b land use maps c maps d all of the above
5. Which statement about the text is
true?
a The author uses facts to teach about maps. 3. Which word from the text makes a new
word by adding sh-?
a are b used c maps d map
b The author uses jokes to make people laugh about maps. c The author compares maps and compasses. d The author uses facts to tell the history of maps.
71
THURSDAY
WEEK 12 Navigating with maps A map is a detailed image of an area. Maps show us where things are, and they also show us how to get somewhere. They show places that are large and small. There are maps of buildings and parks. There are maps of the entire world. All maps show a large area as a small drawing. Maps are much smaller than the areas they represent. Maps have scales. These show how the distance on a map relates to the real distance. Some maps have scales written as a ratio. It shows how one langth compares to another length. A centimetre on a map might equal a certain number of metres or kilometres on land. Maps include symbols for real things. The symbols depend on what the map is showing. For example, a large map of a country might have symbols for cities, motorways and rivers. A smaller map of a town may have symbols for hospitals, schools and libraries. These symbols are all listed in one part of the map. It is called the key. The key shows each symbol and what it stands for on the map. People have been using maps for thousands of years. At one time, people used only paper maps. They would have to carry the map around if they were using it to find places. Today, people use a computerised type of map. It is called a global positioning system. A GPS uses satellites that orbit Earth. They send signals to GPS receivers. It can show location, speed and direction. Instead of a paper map, people use GPS receivers or satnavs, or phones. A map shows up on a screen. The map will point people in the right direction by showing the route as you move along. GPS receivers are also found on ships and aeroplanes. They help pilots and captains navigate as they travel. They show distance between locations. GPS is used with many other instruments.
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WEEK 12
1. What is the purpose for reading this
4. The fourth paragraph would work
a to be entertained
a history
b to be persuaded to buy a map
b art
c to learn about maps and GPS
c maths
d to learn about direction
d how-to
2. Which statement would the author
5. What is the main idea?
text?
likely agree with?
a Maps are only for people who need to go places. b Maps are better than satnavs. c Maps are not useful. d Maps may look different but have the same purpose.
3. Which statement shows a prior
experience related to the text?
a I don’t think maps are helpful. b I am curious about how keys unlock doors. c I want to be a pilot when I grow up. d I used a map to help my dad find my
best in a
book.
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Navigating with maps’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
a Maps are interesting, and they change over time. b Maps do not always tell you what you need to know. c Maps are made by pilots. d A GPS receiver is not a map.
6. Why do maps have to change?
a because map companies want to make money b because the world is changing c so that cartographers can keep their jobs d because maps are usually wrong
friend’s house.
73
FRIDAY
WEEK 12
74
Reread the text ‘Navigating with maps’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Maps are important tools that are used by many different kinds of people. When have you used a map or seen someone else use a map? How has a map helped you?
WEEK 13
Lucy was a friendly Martian. She always made sure to smile at Earthlings. She would never hurt anyone. She liked to have fun and be silly, but she would not
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
scare someone. It was difficult to be a nice Martian. All Martians were thought to be dangerous and scary. Lucy had to convince everyone that she was different.
1. What is the text about?
4. What is the definition of convince?
a This is a story about someone being
a explain slowly and carefully
afraid of a Martian.
b to persuade someone to do something
b It is a story about a nice Martian.
c break up an argument
c It is a story about why Martians are
d work together
never nice. d This is a story about how to draw a Martian.
2. What is the main problem?
a Lucy doesn’t want to be a Martian anymore.
5. What other type of text is most
similar to this text?
a a poem about scaring your friends b a mystery story about ghosts c a history book d an essay about making friends
b Lucy is scared of the Martians she meets. c Most people think Martians are dangerous and scary, but Lucy wants to convince everyone she is friendly. d No one believes Lucy is a Martian.
3. Which blend would NOT make a new
word when added to all?
a sh– b sm– c ch– d st– 75
TUESDAY
WEEK 13 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. The scientist had built the robot. Now he was not sure what to do about it. The robot was getting smarter each day. How did this happen? The scientist had checked his programming. It was as if the robot was developing a brain. He was beginning to outsmart the scientist. This was a very scary thought indeed.
1. Which title best fits the text?
4. Which of the following is a definition
for outsmart?
a A very smart robot b A scientist’s dream
a walk outside
c A new brain
b become smarter than someone
d Not too smart
c be smarter than your mother or father d doing something smart outside
2. What is the main problem?
a The scientist could not make another robot. b The robot was going to hurt the scientist. c The scientist built a robot that was becoming too smart. d The scientist needed new parts for the robot.
3. Which word from the text is an
adjective?
a smarter b checked c beginning d thought
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5. Which phrase shows that the narrator
is surprised?
a checked his programming b the robot was developing a brain c How did this happen? d a very scary thought
WEEK 13
“What is that?” Barry wondered. He spotted the odd car in front of his house, but it was not like any other car he had ever seen. He walked over to the car. It did not even have a steering wheel. Instead, it had a digital calendar inside. Barry
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
considered that it might be a time machine. He found the year 1900 and pushed the button. The car took off in the air, and Barry was off on an adventure.
1. Which word or phrase summarises the
topic of the text?
a steering wheel b button c time machine d calendar
4. Which of these words are synonyms?
a spotted and found b odd and adventure c wondered and off d front and seen
5. What other type of text would use 2. Which title best describes the main
idea of this text?
language similar to this text?
a an instruction manual for a car
a No way to steer
b a biography
b Travelling through time
c an adventure novel
c Underwater adventure
d a book about clocks
d An odd button
3. Which word has the same vowel sound
as air?
a around b share c tack d aim
77
THURSDAY
WEEK 13 The war in space The Rebels were fighting in the Royal Guard. It was a bad war. This was probably the worst battle in 100 years. Wars used to be fought on the ground. People used tanks and guns. Now, life had moved to space. People were setting up colonies, and no one could agree on one ruler. Two groups were fighting with spacecraft. The Rebels were not happy with the Royal Guard. They thought their leader was evil. The Rebels were trying to restore good in the galaxy. These young fighters did not even remember another type of war. They were all born in space. Their lives took place in a large spacecraft. Entire cities could live on them. The spacecraft travelled through the darkness of outer space. It was quiet in space, and things were still. It helped keep people calm so they could forget about the past. All the survivors wanted to go back to life on Earth, but it was impossible. Earth would never be the same again. As the Rebels fought, people followed the news on the screens. They could see which fighter planes were still out to battle and which had come back safe and sound. The Rebels were winning. Maybe there was a chance after all. The Royal Guard began to retreat. They flew away from the battle, leaving the Rebels and their supporters to celebrate. That battle was a victory! The next step was to take back control of the colonies. The Rebels wanted an honest, trusting leader. They were willing to fight to the end to make that happen.
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WEEK 13
1. Which is the best summary of the text?
a There is a war among students over playground space. b A war takes place in space . c A war occurs over who travels to space first. d Two countries fight over visiting the
4. Which statement about the Rebels is
true?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘The war in space’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
a They are winning the fight. b They are trying to restore good in the galaxy. c They are fighting the Royal Guard. d all of the above
Space Station.
5. What is a theme of this text? 2. Who is trying to restore good for the
people in space?
a the people b the leader of the Royal Guard c the Rebels d the Royal Guard
a Be safe in space. b Pay attention to authority, even if you disagree. c Find a good group of people to help you in life. d Fight for what you believe in.
3. Who could make a connection to the
6. What other type of text is related to
a a teacher who is trying to teach
a a poem about space
Rebels?
students about historical events b a child who wants to join a karate class c a child who is disappointed with a new, scary principal who changes the rules d a pilot who is curious about space flight
this story?
b a non-fiction text about a space shuttle c a science-fiction novel about living in space in the future d a fictional story about Earth being polluted
79
FRIDAY
WEEK 13
80
Reread the text ‘The war in space’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about what it would be like to live in space. What would you miss most about living on Earth, and why?
WEEK 14
Is soccer the same as football, or are they two different sports? Well, it depends on whom you ask. Irish people know soccer as a kicking game where players
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
are not allowed to use their hands. Players score goals by kicking the ball into the net. In football, players can hand-pass the ball as well as kicking it. They can score a point by kicking the ball over the crossbar, or a goal if it goes into the net. But sometimes the kicking game is called football and the Irish version Gaelic. It can be confusing!
1. Which chapter title would help a
4. What is the antonym of the word
a Kicking the ball
a quick
b Soccer or football?
b dark
c Irish sports
c obvious
d Scoring goals
d difficult
2. Which index entry would point a
5. What does the phrase it depends on
a soccer rules
a Some people will not know the answer.
b names of games
b Some people will be confused if you ask
reader who is previewing this text?
reader to this text?
c sports heroes d football injuries
confusing?
whom you ask mean in the text?
them. c You will get different answers from different people. d People agree on the answer.
3. Which word from the text is NOT a
compound word?
a football b crossbar c sometimes d confusing
81
TUESDAY
WEEK 14 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. The offside rule in soccer is good to know. A player can be called offside. This happens when a player stands closer to an opponent’s goal than the ball and a defending player. A player cannot receive a pass when they are beside the goal and the goalie. This rule makes the soccer game fair. It keeps players from hanging out by the goal and waiting for a pass.
1. Which statement summarises the text?
4. What is the antonym of opponent ?
a This text explains how referees make
a friend
calls about rules. b This text explains how children learn soccer skills.
b teammate c coach d teacher
c This text explains what rules are easily broken during a soccer game. d This text explains what the offside rule is.
5. What does the phrase makes the soccer
game fair mean in the text?
a slowing people down 2. Which chapter title best fits this text?
a Scoring a goal b Soccer fans c Soccer rules d Breaking the rules
3. Which two words from the text have
the same vowel sound?
a good and know b not and goal c keeps and receives d ball and pass
82
b prevents people from cheating c makes the game fun to watch d keeps coaches happy
WEEK 14
Where can a fan watch the best male soccer players in the world? At the World Cup, of course. The World Cup is the biggest soccer competition in the world. It happens every four years. There are 32 teams that compete for the winning title.
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
Brazil has won the most titles, winning five times.
1. Which sentence gives the main idea?
4. How many syllables in competition?
a the first sentence
a two
b the second sentence
b three
c the third sentence
c four
d the last sentence
d five
2. Which title best fits in this text?
5. The sentence At the World Cup, of
a The ultimate champion b Playing to win c The World Cup d Match tickets
course shows that the author . . . a dislikes the World Cup. b thinks most readers know about the World Cup. c is going to the World Cup. d is a football player on a World Cup team.
3. Which two words have the same root
word?
a compete and competition b male and most c team and title d compete and course
83
THURSDAY
WEEK 14 Way to go, Mo! Many young boys and girls grow up with a dream. It might be to become a film star, a singer or an athlete. For Mohamed Salah it was to become a world-famous soccer player. Not so long ago, his dream came true. Mohamed, known as ‘Mo’, grew up in the North African country of Egypt. As a boy, he would play soccer on the streets of his hometown. He worked hard on his skills. He trained to run faster and faster. People who knew him saw that he had the potential to be successful. When he was 17, Mo made his debut in the Egyptian Premier League. At the age of 21, he was signed by Chelsea FC to play in the English Premier League. A few years later, he started to play as a forward for Liverpool FC, which is when Mo Salah became a world-famous soccer Mohamed Salah
player. He broke many records in his first season with Liverpool. He scored 32
goals in 38 games – the most any player has ever scored in the Premier League. In 2018, Salah did what so many boys and girls dream of. He played for his home country in the World Cup. Although he was injured at the tournament, he still managed to score two goals. This made the people of Egypt cheer for him even more. Today, Mo Salah is still scoring lots of goals for Liverpool and for Egypt too. He never stops training. This fan favourite is sure to break lots more records.
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WEEK 14
1. Which question shows a purpose for
reading this text?
a How much is a professional soccer player paid? b How did Mo Salah become a great soccer player? c Which soccer team has won the most championships?
4. Which event happened first?
a Salah scored at the World Cup.
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Way to go, Mo!’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
b Salah scored the most goals in the English Premier League. c Salah joined Liverpool FC. d Salah made his debut in the Egyptian Premier League.
d What are the rules for soccer? 5. What is the most important point
about Salah’s life?
2. Which sentence shares the author’s
opinion?
a He made his debut at 17. b He worked hard on his skills.
a Many young boys and girls grow up with a dream.
c He grew up in Egypt. d He played as a forward
b He broke many records in his first season with Liverpool. c He played for his home country in the World Cup. d This fan favourite is sure to break lots more records.
6. How many English soccer teams are
mentioned?
a one team b two teams c three teams
3. Which statement shows a connection
d four teams
to this text?
a This reminds me of being a fan of a film star. b This reminds me of reading a story like ‘Hansel and Gretel’. c This reminds me of playing at the beach. d This reminds me of working hard to play tennis.
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FRIDAY
WEEK 14
86
Reread the text ‘Way to go, Mo!’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about how Mo Salah worked hard to become very good at his sport. Describe something that you work hard at and practise. What motivates you to keep practising?
WEEK 15
The bank teller counted money each day. He helped customers who waited in the queue. He had to use all different forms of cash and coins. Some people had
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
cheques to deposit, others wanted to exchange money for a foreign holiday. Each customer was different. The teller never knew what to expect. Working in a bank was like a juggling act.
1. What is the text about?
a It is about someone who robs a bank.
4. What word has the same root word as
needed ?
b It is about a storyteller.
a needle
c It is about a bank teller’s job.
b needs
d It is about banks around the world.
c knee d Ned
2. What did the bank teller do at his job?
a counted money b helped customers in the queue c used different forms of cash and coins d all of the above
3. The word helped is . . .
5. What is the simile in this text?
a a noun
a counted money each day
b an adjective
b never knew what to expect
c a verb
c each customer was different
d an adverb
d working in a bank was like a juggling act
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TUESDAY
WEEK 15 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Sam’s mammy pulled out her credit card to pay for the groceries. “Mammy, why do you use a card to pay for things?” Sam asked. His mammy explained how a credit card works. She still pays money for their food, but she just puts charges on her credit card. Then, she pays the credit card bill at the end of the month. This helps her stay on a budget. It also means she does not have to carry money around. Now Sam understands that everything is bought with money, even if you use a credit card at a shop.
1. Which title would tell a reader more
about this text?
a Sam’s discussion b A lesson about credit cards c Carrying cash d A trip to the shop
4. Which is a synonym for budget?
a charge b money plan c expensive d coin
2. What is the setting of the text?
a a bank b an airport c a dinner table d a supermarket
5. Then and Now are words that tell the 3. Which word in the text has the same
first sound as the word change?
a carry b charges c card d credit
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reader . . .
a the importance of information presented in the text. b the order of events. c to reread the sentence. d the solution to the problem.
WEEK 15
Sammy and Justin had been inside all day. It was pouring rain outside. Hurling was cancelled. The two brothers were bored. “Make something interesting,” their mum told them. The boys thought about it. They decided to build a fort. It was
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
so much fun to play inside! Then, the fort started to collapse. There were pillows and blankets everywhere. “Let’s clean up. We can work together,” their mum said. “Teamwork helps everyone carry a lighter load.”
1. Which picture would tell a reader more
4. Which of these words mean the same
a a picture of a blanket fort
a bored and interesting
b a picture of a sliotar
b load and fort
c a picture of a pillow
c inside and outside
d a picture of a brother and sister
d work together and teamwork
2. Which title best fits the main idea of
5. A lighter load is an example of . . .
about this text?
this text?
thing?
a a joke. a Pillows and blankets
b a metaphor.
b Rainy day fun
c a theme.
c Brothers
d a simile.
d Clean-up
3. Which word is the root word in
decided ?
a cide b decide c ded d cided
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THURSDAY
WEEK 15 Money in the bank
I have been doing chores around my house since I was very little. I like to help my parents. I also like to get pocket money. My dad gives me some money each month after my chores are done. Part of me wants to run out and spend my money right away. I always have my eye on some kind of game or gadget. But I don’t just spend my money. My dad helps me to divide my money equally. My money goes into three categories: I put some money in my savings, I set some of my money aside for donating, and I keep some money for spending. This way I can spend, save and donate all at the same time. I have watched my savings grow over the years. I have new ideas all the time about how to spend my savings. For now, it stays in the bank. The donated money goes to different places. This is where I can help those who need it. One place I really like to help is the Animal Rescue Centre. I love animals of all kinds. The Animal Rescue Centre takes care of unwanted pets. They need donations to help buy food and supplies for the animals. They even send me a thank-you card after I make a donation. I think my parents are teaching me good lessons about money. I have learned how to say no to myself! I often see things I want to buy. Sometimes my friends will get new games, and I want something, too. But I always think about how much something costs. I wonder if it is worth it. Should I dip into my savings? Do I have enough to spend? These are good ways to practise being responsible with money.
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WEEK 15
1. Which is the text about?
a This is about having no money in the bank. b This is about spending and saving money wisely. c This is about visiting a bank. d This is about stealing.
4. Which statement is true about the
narrator?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Money in the bank’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
a She spends too much money on silly things. b She wants to spend all the money right away but does not. c She likes to donate money to her school. d She does not understand how to save money.
2. What is the author’s opinion?
a Pocket money is not important for most children. b It is important to save and donate money, too. c The Animal Rescue Centre needs donations. d A parent is in charge of a child’s money.
5. What is a theme of this text?
a Learning about money is important at any age. b Saving a little bit of money is not worth it. c Dividing your money is very difficult. d Donations should only go to places that help animals.
3. Who would best relate to the narrator’s
experience?
a someone who donates old clothes to people in need b a child who is learning about coins and notes c someone trying to save money for a new house d someone who wants to adopt a pet
6. What other type of text is similar to
this text?
a a letter asking for a donation b a non-fiction text about being smart with money c a story about a child who loses money on a school tour d a non-fiction text about printing new euros
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FRIDAY
WEEK 15
92
Reread the text ‘Money in the bank’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about how the narrator divides up her pocket money. Does this system make sense to you? Why or why not?
WEEK 16
Female athletes have not always been respected. Some sports only allowed men to play. Many people ignored female sports. The Olympics used to do this, too. At
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
first, no women were allowed to compete in the Olympic Games. This changed in 1900. This was when women were allowed to compete. Today, female athletes win a lot of medals! Women’s sports are exciting to watch in the Games.
1. Which question about the text would
help readers monitor their reading?
a When were women allowed to play in the Olympics? b What sport should I play at break time? c Who is respected at our school?
4. What is a synonym for allow?
a count b loud c let d hear
d What happened in 1920? 5. Which word describes the tone of this
text?
2. Which title best fits the text?
a factual
a The Events of 1900
b funny
b Women in sports
c personal
c The first Olympic Games
d persuasive
d Changes to come
3. Why does Olympics have a capital
letter?
a It is at the start of a sentence. b It is a proper noun. c It is the name of a place. d It is a mistake in the text.
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TUESDAY
WEEK 16 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Many fans enjoy watching Olympic events. Some people have a favourite sport. They watch the athletes and root for them. They hope that a favourite athlete will win a medal. It is fun to watch people who are at peak fitness. The athletes work hard for the Olympic Games. They train for years. The Olympic Games help people’s dreams come true.
1. What is the main focus of this text?
a dreams b Olympic events c medals d hard work
2. Which title best fits the text?
a Rooting for the team
4. Which word is a synonym for root as it
is used in this text?
a source b plant c search d cheer
5. What other type of text is most similar
to this text?
b Olympic athletes and events
a a maths book
c Getting in shape
b a story about frogs
d Too much hard work
c a menu d an article about training for sports
3. Which two words from the text have
the same vowel sound?
a win and their b games and fans c true and root d hope and come
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WEEK 16
The Olympic Games have a special symbol. It is five rings that are connected. The rings are blue, yellow, black, green and red. They are shown on a white background. These five rings represent the idea that all countries are welcome
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
to join the Games. The colours were chosen to include the colours of every nation’s flag. This symbol is shown on flags that are flown at the Olympic Games.
1. Which type of image would tell a
4. Which of these words has the same root
a a picture of a blank flag
a designer
b a timeline showing 1912
b sing
c a picture of the Olympic symbol
c describe
d a photograph of an athlete
d danger
2. Which title best fits in this text?
5. What is true about the Olympic
reader more about this text?
a Many colours b Flag colours c The big games d The symbol of the Olympics
word as designed ?
symbol? a The symbol’s design includes countries from around the world. b The symbol needs to be redesigned. c The symbol represents only a few countries.
3. What is the meaning of the word
d The symbol is rarely seen.
connected as it is used in this text?
a related b linked c coloured d big
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THURSDAY
WEEK 16 The history of the Olympics The Olympics are games played every two years. Countries from around the world compete. Athletes win medals. Gold is for first place. Silver is for second place. Bronze is for third place. The Games move from place to place. It is an honour for any city to host the Olympic Games. They are a tradition that people from all over the Lighting Olympic Flame, Athens
world enjoy watching.
The Olympics are divided into Winter Games and Summer Games. They alternate, so every two years, one of the games is played. The Winter Games host winter sports. These include skating and skiing. They also include the bobsled and luge. There are 15 winter sports. The Summer Games host summer sports. Swimming is a popular summer sport. So are cycling and track events. There are 42 summer sports. There have been a few rare times when there were no Olympics. World War I and World War II forced people to cancel the games. This happened in 1916, 1940 and 1944. The 2020 Olympic Games were postponed for a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and were held in Tokyo in 2021. The Olympic Games have been around for thousands of years. They began in Greece. They started in ancient times. Ancient Greeks liked competitions. They took the Games seriously. Over the years, sports that are played in the Games have changed. In fact, the first Games had only one sport. It was called the stade. It was a foot race. Today’s sports change every once in a while. There used to be a boating competition. Polo was also played at the games. These two sports are no longer part of the Olympics. The Olympics are a part of history. They are a symbol of goodwill. They bring people together from all over the world. People are happy to see who will win or lose. Yet the Olympics are about more than winning. They are about being a part of a tradition. They are about celebrating the global community.
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WEEK 16 swers.
1. What is a reasonable prediction based
4. The fifth paragraph would work best
a This is a fictional story about attending
a changes in Olympic events.
on the title?
the modern Games. b This is a non-fiction text about the history of the Olympics.
in a text about . . .
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘The history of the Olympics’ Then read the questions and circle the an-
b the Olympics in 2008. c life in Ancient Greece. d the Olympic medals.
c This is a text about the history of a family named the Olympics. d This is a non-fiction text about a town named Olympics.
5. What is the main idea?
a The Olympics are special games that bring people around the world together. 2. What is the author’s purpose?
a to describe who won the most gold medals
b The Winter Games include skiing. c The Summer Games include swimming. d The Olympics are played every four years.
b to persuade others to buy tickets to the Games c to teach about the history of the Olympic Games d to teach about World War I
6. Why are people from around the world
involved with the Olympics?
a because it is on television everywhere b because athletes from all countries can 3. Which statement makes a connection
to the text?
a I like playing in soccer tournaments.
compete c because the winners become very rich d because everyone wants to be an Olympic athlete
b I watched some of the Tokyo Olympics events. c I won first place in a chess tournament. d I don’t enjoy watching sports.
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FRIDAY
WEEK 16
98
Reread the text ‘The history of the Olympics’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. The author shared many facts about the Olympic Games. Which facts were the most interesting to you? Why?
WEEK 17
“Peter, did you walk Lucky today?” his mum asked. Peter was in charge of taking his dog for a walk. Lucky needed a walk every day. Even if it was a short walk,
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
she needed her exercise. Peter had agreed to take care of Lucky when he asked for a puppy. He knew that pets were a lot of work. He did not care. Peter loved Lucky like a best friend.
1. What is the text about?
4. What is the definition of exercise?
a exercising
a companionship
b a boy and his dog
b a physical workout
c pets
c food
d friends
d fetch
2. Who is the main character?
5. Which phrase is a simile from this
text?
a Lucky b Peter’s mum
a in charge of
c Lucky’s mum
b agreed to take care of
d Peter
c like a best friend d a lot of work
3. Which word part could you add to the
root ask to make a new word?
a –es b –ly c –ing d –ful
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TUESDAY
WEEK 17 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. A talking parrot can be a very funny pet. Sometimes it may even scare you a bit. One night, I came home with my parents, and the living room was dark. Before we could turn on a light, we heard a voice call out our names. We were so scared because we thought there was a burglar in our house. It turned out to be our parrot greeting us. We laughed for a long time after that happened.
1. Which title would tell a reader more
about this text?
a Pirates and their birds b Scared by a parrot c Is that a burglar? d A true story
4. Which word is a synonym for greeting?
a pecking b yelling c welcoming d talking
2. Who is the narrator?
a a child b a mother c a father d a parrot
3. Which word has the same vowel
5. Which word describes the tone of this
a score
a informative
b spare
b serious
c cane
c funny
d rack
d false
sound as scare?
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text?
WEEK 17
Rian could barely sit still at school. All he could think about was what was going on at his house right now. Rian’s mind was on his sweet dog, Mabel. Mabel was due to have puppies any minute. Rian’s family had homes for all the babies
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
already. The new owners were just waiting. Rian wondered if Mabel would deliver today. He thought about his pet the entire way home on the bus.
1. Which picture would tell a reader more
about this text?
a a picture of a dog with puppies b a picture of a baby c a picture of a school d a picture of a school bus
4. Which of these words are synonyms?
a barely and think b wondered and thought c sit and still d minute and today
5. Which is an example of alliteration 2. Which title best fits the text?
from the text?
a Mabel’s secret
a sit still at school
b Waiting for puppies
b his house
c Getting ready
c was what was
d Hard to wait
d all of the above
3. Which word is NOT a verb?
a think b mind c wondered d thought
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THURSDAY
WEEK 17 The cutest face in the world The O’Donnell family did not think they were going home with a pet that day. Annie wanted to visit the animal shelter. She wanted to see the cats and dogs. She had wanted a pet for years. Her parents were waiting for the girls to be old enough. Annie was seven. Her sister Lily was only three. Lily was still learning how to act around animals. She had a lot of energy! Annie and Lily were excited to see the animals. A shelter volunteer gave the O’Donnells a tour. The volunteer talked about why animals came to the shelter. Some were found by the road. Others were dropped off by families who could not care for them. Finally, the O’Donnells got to see the animals. There was a cat section and a dog section. They were all so cute! Some of the animals looked scared. This made Annie sad. The volunteer explained that animals need time to get used to a new place. She assured Annie that all the people caring for these animals were kind. The O’Donnell family walked through the dog section. They started talking. A dog just felt like the right choice. Annie’s mum could not take her eyes off an older black dog with kind eyes. Annie’s dad was interested in a large, energetic dog. Annie had found her own favourite. He was a young puppy. He was brown and white. He had been found near the railway track with six other puppies. Annie could not take her eyes off this dog. She thought he had the cutest face in the world. Annie pleaded with her parents. They did not want to make a quick decision. Pets are a big responsibility. But they could see in Annie’s eyes that she had found her companion. The volunteer talked about what a good breed the dog was and that he would be kind with children. That was what the family needed to hear. They had made up their minds! The little one was coming home!
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WEEK 17 swers.
1. Which statement summarises the text?
4. What was the big change for the
characters?
a Annie meets another child who has a cute face. b Annie has the cutest face in the world. c Annie meets her new dog, and he has the cutest face in the world. d Annie’s family argues over who has the cutest face in the world.
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘The cutest face in the world’ Then read the questions and circle the an-
a Annie and her mother finally agree on a pet. b The O’Donnell family decided to volunteer at the shelter. c They wanted to wait to get a pet, but they met the right one on the tour. d They wanted a cat but chose a dog.
2. The author would likely agree that . . .
a an animal shelter can be a good place to find a pet. b any pet can live with any family. c pets are easy to care for. d people should only adopt puppies.
5. What message does this text share
about adopting pets?
a Finding the right pet for your family is important. b There are more cats up for adoption than dogs. c Adopting a pet is difficult. d Shelters do not have sweet animals for families.
3. Which statement shows a personal
connection to the text?
a My brother is allergic to dogs. b My family adopted our cat from a shelter. c Snakes make good pets. d I volunteer at my school.
6. Which title below indicates a similar
text?
a Falling in love with a stray cat b Preparing for a baby c Moving to a new house d Opening presents
103
FRIDAY
WEEK 17
104
Reread the text ‘The cutest face in the world’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about how happy Annie must feel when she sees her future dog for the first time. When have you felt happy when something in your life was about to change? How would you describe that feeling?
WEEK 18
Can you imagine a world with no biscuits? Some of the most popular biscuits in Ireland are made by a company called Jacobs. They have been making biscuits
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
for over 150 years. Two brothers called William and Robert Jacob opened a small bakery in Waterford in 1851. Nowadays, Jacob’s biscuits can be bought in shops all over the country. Some people like chocolate biscuits best. Others prefer biscuits with raisins, coconut or other flavours. Which is your favourite?
1. Which question about the text would
4. What word has the same root word
a What would happen if there were no
a factory
help readers monitor their reading?
biscuits?
as bakery?
b back
b How do you bake raisin biscuits?
c baking
c When were Jacob’s biscuits invented?
d batch
d How many people like chocolate?
5. Which word describes the tone of this 2. Which title best fits the text?
a Mixing it up b The first biscuit bakery c William & Robert d Biscuits for everyone
text?
a factual b serious c funny d persuasive
3. Which word has the same vowel sound
as two? a top b twine c shoe d snow
105
TUESDAY
WEEK 18 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Do you like to try new food? You could earn money doing that for a job! A food taster is a real career that some adults pursue. It is not as easy a job as you would think. Food tasters have to think a lot about how things smell, taste and feel in their mouths. They have to be able to describe all of these sensations. Companies hire them to check their products before they go on supermarket shelves.
1. Which type of image would tell a
reader more about this text?
a a picture of food b a picture of a food taster at work c a list of ingredients in a recipe d a picture of a plate and fork
4. Which word is a synonym for pursue?
a hunt b go after c trail d follow
2. Which chapter title would help a
reader find this information in a table of contents?
a Yummy! b The work of a food taster c Easy work d A full stomach
3. Which word is the root word in tasters?
a toast b taster c taste d ster
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5. Which other type of text is most
similar to this text?
a a maths book b a book of information about jobs c a cookery book d a writing textbook
WEEK 18
Everyone prefers certain foods. We all have likes. We all have dislikes. Some people always taste food in a different way. These people are super tasters. They have a very intense sense of taste. Super tasters are very sensitive to certain
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
tastes. Bitter things taste even more bitter. Salty foods taste saltier. Sweet things may taste too sweet. Comparing food tastes certainly is a mystery!
1. What does the first sentence tell you
4. Which word has the same root word as
a It is a text about food preferences.
a paring
b It is a text about food allergies.
b comparison
c It is a text about eating healthily.
c computer
d It is a text about food throughout
d pare
about this text?
comparing?
history.
2. Which image would help a reader
understand this information?
a a picture of a fork b a picture of a salt cellar c a picture of a person tasting food d none of the above
5. Which word describe the tone of this
text? a factual b serious c funny d persuasive
3. Which word from the text makes a new
word by adding the prefix dis-?
a sweet b sure c taste d mystery
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THURSDAY
WEEK 18 The invention of crisps Some inventors spend time trying to get an invention just right. They work hard on samples. The process can be long and detailed. Other inventions happen almost by accident. Something surprising happens. This is how crisps were invented. One day in the 1850s, a chef in America was frying potatoes for his customers. One customer complained that the potatoes were too thick. The chef made thinner potatoes, but his customer still wasn’t happy. Now the chef was annoyed! He sliced the potatoes as thinly as he possibly could, hoping to teach the fussy customer a lesson. However, the customer loved them! The potato chip, or crisp, was born. Crisps became a popular snack across the USA and England. For years they were only flavoured with salt, or not at all. An Irish man called Joe Murphy, known as ‘Spud’, had an idea. Joe Murphy thought that if people liked these plain crisps so much, they would really love crisps with seasoning added. In 1954, he opened a crisp factory in Dublin. It was here that seasoning was added to crisps for the first time. The three first flavours were cheese and onion, salt and vinegar, and smoky bacon. The brand name for the crisps was Tayto. Tayto crisps were a huge success. In fact, they became so popular in Ireland that the company even opened a theme park in Co. Meath, called Tayto Park. Today, countries around the world use the technique for adding seasoning to crisps that was invented by Joe Murphy at his factory in Dublin.
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WEEK 18
1. What is the purpose for reading this
text?
a to learn how to make crisps b to be persuaded to buy crisps c to learn about how crisps were invented d to learn about all inventions
4. Which event happened first?
a Joe Murphy opened a crisp factory.
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘The invention of crisps’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
b Cheese and onion seasoning was added to crisps. c Tayto Park was opened in Co. Meath. d A chef in America sliced potatoes as thinly as he could.
2. Which advice would the author most
likely offer to inventors?
a Work many years until you are ready to share an invention. b Keep trying things because you never know when you will invent something. c Do not share your inventions with
5. What is the main idea?
a Inventions happen in all sorts of ways. b Inventions take a lot of time. c Inventions require a lot of hard work. d Inventors are usually lucky.
anyone. d Be safe while you practise your inventions. 6. How does this text describe the
invention of crisps?
3. Who would likely make a connection to
this text?
a a teacher who is interested in different
a It was a long experiment. b It was a scientific breakthrough. c It was a happy accident. d It was a mistake.
countries b a child who loves to see what will happen in science experiments c a child who doesn’t like crisps d an adult who works at a theme park
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FRIDAY
WEEK 18
110
Reread the text ‘The invention of crisps’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Have you ever discovered something by accident? If so, what was it? If not, what do you hope you could invent or discover?
WEEK 19
June was always telling stories. She talked about her family. They went on a lot of adventures. Her family loved her stories. Sometimes she would exaggerate. “It
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
didn’t happen quite like that,” her mum said. “Where do your stories come from?” “I have a wild imagination!” June would say.
1. Which title best fits this text?
4. Which word has the root word happen?
a June’s family
a happy
b Exaggerated stories
b hap
c Imaginations
c happened
d Storytelling
d open
2. June has a conversation with . . .
5. What does the phrase wild
imagination mean?
a her mother. b herself.
a pretending to be an animal
c her teacher.
b thinking about wild animals
d her brother.
c having a good imagination and coming up with lots of ideas d having little imagination
3. Which word from the text is NOT a
noun?
a family b lot and loved c exaggerate d imagination
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TUESDAY
WEEK 19 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. The Strong Man in the circus was amazing to watch. He could lift very heavy things, sometimes with just one hand! The crowd was in awe of his strength. He would lift huge weights as though they were as light as a feather. People wondered how a person got to be so strong. The Strong Man was definitely one of the best acts of the show.
1. Which title would tell a reader more
about this text?
a A circus b The Strong Man c Lifting weights d Amazing strength
4. What is a definition of the word awe?
a fear b admiration c invisible d hurt
2. What is the text about?
a being as light as a feather b a crowd pleaser c the Strong Man’s popular circus act d a crowded circus
3. Which word has the same vowel
sound as powder?
5. Which phrase from the text is a simile?
a amazing to watch a show
b as light as a feather
b awe
c lift huge weights
c how
d one of the best acts
d watch
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WEEK 19
The Fianna were a band of great hunters and warriors. To join the Fianna, a series of tests had to be passed. Anyone who wanted to join had to run through a forest at speed without breaking a single twig. They had to jump over a
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
branch as tall as themselves and run under a branch at the height of their knee. There were other tests too, which were equally difficult!
1. Who are the main characters?
a the Fianna b a band c hunters d fast runners
2. Which word best describes the
Fianna?
4. Which word has the same root word
as passed ?
a pleased b pasted c parting d passing
5. Which title best fits the text?
a careful
a Running through the forest
b dangerous
b Tests of the Fianna
c adventurous
c How to be a warrior
d frightened
d Hunting for food
3. Which word from the text makes a new
word by adding the suffix -er?
a band b series c jump d difficult 113
THURSDAY
WEEK 19 The Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway
Fionn Mac Cumhaill was a great warrior in Irish myths and legends. Stories about him have been told for many years. Some facts may be true. Some have been exaggerated. In one of the stories, Fionn is a giant! According to this story, Fionn was the biggest and strongest giant in Ireland. He lived with his wife on the Antrim coast. A giant named Benandonner lived across the water on the Scottish coast. He wanted to fight Fionn to prove that he was greater than any giant in Ireland. Fionn agreed to fight Benandonner. He started to build a path to Scotland. With his enormous hands, Fionn tore up chunks of rock and threw them into the sea to build a causeway. Benandonner started to build a path from Scotland to meet it. One morning, Fionn’s path met Benandonner’s. Fionn was about to cross to find the Scottish giant when he saw him coming over the hill. Fionn was shocked! Benandonner was twice his size! Fionn ran back to his house before being seen. He asked his wife to help him hide. She thought of a plan. She disguised Fionn as a baby and put him into a huge cradle. Benandonner knocked on the door and Fionn’s wife invited him in. When Benandonner saw the size of the baby in the cradle he was terrified. If the baby was that big, his father must be enormous! Benandonner turned and ran, ripping up the causeway behind him so that Fionn could not follow. Today in Antrim you can still see a piece of the Giant’s Causeway. The legend of Fionn Mac Cumhaill lives on.
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WEEK 19
1. According to the text, which statement
about Fionn Mac Cumhaill is NOT correct?
4. Which word best describes
Benandonner?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘The Giant’s Causeway’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
a great a Fionn lived on the coast.
b disguised
b Fionn was larger than most people.
c exaggerated
c Fionn fought the Scottish giant.
d enormous
d Fionn built part of the Giant’s Causeway.
2. What is the author’s purpose?
5. What does this text tell you about
myths and legends?
a to compare famous giants
a They are easily forgotten.
b to explain how to build a path
b They are about giants.
c to inform readers what Fionn Mac
c They are stories passed down through
Cumhaill looked like d to share a story from our myths and
generations. d They are told at Christmas.
legends
3. Which statement shows a connection
to the text?
a I watched a film about two knights preparing to fight. b My mother bought a cradle for the baby.
6. Which other story features a giant?
a ‘Sleeping Beauty’ b ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ c ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ d ‘The Children of Lir’
c My cousins live near the coast. d I saw the council workers repairing a pothole.
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FRIDAY
WEEK 19
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Reread the text ‘The Giant’s Causeway’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about an exaggerated story that you know or have heard. What is the story, and how do you know it has been exaggerated?
WEEK 20
Earth is always moving. We revolve around the Sun once each year. This creates the four different seasons. We also rotate around Earth’s axis every 24 hours.
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
This is what causes night and day. Our night sky changes throughout the year. Our view of the constellations changes with each season.
1. Which title would tell a reader more
about this text?
4. Which object would rotate?
a the wind a Changes
b a snake
b Earth’s movements
c a wheel
c The Sun and the Moon
d a kite
d Earth
2. What is the main idea?
5. The language of the text suggests that
the author is addressing . . .
a Earth rotates around the Sun in 24 hours. b Earth revolves around the Sun in one year. c Earth revolves and rotates.
a Earth. b the author. c all humans. d the Sun.
d The night sky changes.
3. The word always is . . .
a a verb b an adverb c a noun d an adjective
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TUESDAY
WEEK 20 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. A star chart is a map of the night sky. It can also be called a sky map. It shows where stars and constellations are located in the sky. Like most maps, a star chart is labelled with the four directions. When a person observes the sky, it helps to hold the star chart in the correct direction. Then it is easy to compare what is on the map with what is in the sky.
1. Which title best fits this text?
4. What object would most likely be
labelled ?
a Four directions b Star charts
a a plate
c Charts and maps
b a package
d Using a chart
c a dog d a pencil
2. Which best summarises the main idea?
a Constellations tell stories. b The night sky is dark. c Star charts are maps of the night sky. d Map words are important.
3. Which words have the same vowel
sound?
a like and is b use and four c star and chart d sky and point
5. How are star charts and sky maps
related? a They are two different names for the same item. b They must be used together to watch the night sky. c A star chart used to be called a sky map. d They are not related.
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WEEK 20
Astronomy is a type of science. It looks at the universe. The universe is made up of many things. People who study the universe often pick one thing to investigate. They may focus on planets. They may study the stars. They may
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
learn about the Sun. This information helps us. People on Earth can learn about life in space.
1. Which picture would tell a reader more
4. Which word does NOT mean the same as
a a picture of an astronaut
a study
b a picture of a microscope
b explore
c a picture of a scientist
c examine
d a picture of a planet
d ignore
2. What is the main idea?
5. What other type of text is similar to
about this text?
a The Sun and planets are part of the universe. b Some people study stars. c The science of astronomy teaches us about the universe. d People on Earth like to think about
investigate ?
this text? a a science book b a fantasy novel c a picture of the planet Mars d a journal or diary entry about a trip to the history museum
space.
3. Which word has the same root as
study?
a tidy b student c suddenly d stuff
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THURSDAY
WEEK 20 The night sky People say that the sky is dark at night. Yet there are also a lot of stars in the night sky. These stars twinkle and provide a lot of light. There is a lot to look at in the night sky! The stars in the sky have guided people for centuries. Humans have always looked up to the sky. All humans have wondered about life beyond our planet. People have used the stars as a way to show direction. Over time, stories have been told about the star patterns. These patterns are constellations. There are 88 official constellations. They divide the night sky. They change position slightly each season. Many constellations are named from old Greek myths. The Greeks were one of the first cultures to create names for stars. They believed the star patterns were made by the gods. They named these patterns after animals and objects. They also named twelve patterns that make up the signs of the zodiac. One star that is often used as a guide is called Polaris. Some stargazers call it the brightest star in the sky. Polaris is also known as the North Star. It never rises or sets. People easily find Polaris. They notice that it belongs to a well-known constellation. It is at the end of the handle of the Little Bear. The Great Bear and the Little Bear are constellations that are easy to spot. One way that stargazers try to preserve the night sky is by fighting light pollution. This is not a type of pollution that most people consider. Yet it is very important to people who like to look at stars. Light pollution occurs when too many lights are on in an area. The lights may be from homes or cars. Businesses use a lot of light, too. Light makes it hard for people to see patterns in the dark sky. 120
WEEK 20
1. Which summary of this text is the most
4. Which two topics are described in
a This is about someone hoping for a
a using stars for guidance and writing
accurate?
falling star. b This is about finding constellations in the night sky. c This is about living away from the city
the same paragraph?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘The night sky’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
stories about the zodiac b the North Star and Greek mythology c Polaris and light pollution d the Great Bear and the Little Bear
where you can see the stars clearly. d This is about how the Great Bear got its name. 5. What is the main idea? 2. What is the author’s purpose?
a The night sky is filled with pictures created by stars.
a to describe each constellation
b There are 88 constellations.
b to inform readers about the night sky
c The zodiac is in the stars.
c to share Greek mythology
d Constellations are only visible by using a
d to compare the night sky and the day
telescope.
sky
6. Why is light pollution a problem? 3. Which statement shows a personal
connection to the text?
a The Great Bear is the name of my favourite restaurant. b I have read some myths before. c My dad and I have used a star chart to look at constellations. d I don’t like darkness.
a Light pollution happens when lights shine on air pollution. b It must be pitch black in order to see any stars. c It is hard to see constellations when there are too many lights. d People who watch stars often leave rubbish on the ground.
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FRIDAY
WEEK 20
122
Reread the text ‘The night sky’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about what you know about the night sky or have seen yourself. What personal connections can you make with this text?
WEEK 21
It was a very late Sunday night. Things were winding down at the Lewis house. The family had just finished a long dinner with their relatives. Everyone was
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
tired and ready for bed. Marcus and Violet were in their pyjamas. They were heading to their rooms. “Not so fast!” their mother called out. “You are forgetting something. It is very important.” Marcus shouted, “We need to brush our teeth!”
1. Which image would tell a reader more
about this text?
a a clock showing 6:00 b a menu c a timeline d a picture of a family getting ready for
4. What is the definition of relatives?
a friends b family members c neighbours d students
bed
2. Which word describes the main
characters at the end of the text?
a forgetful b late c sad d angry
3. What word is an antonym for
forgetting ?
a hook b rub c tune d rod
5. Which phrase means ending?
a Not so fast! b very late c heading to d winding down
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TUESDAY
WEEK 21 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. “Why do I keep getting these headaches?” Darragh wondered. So he asked his mum, and she decided they needed to see a doctor. After a few tests, they had an answer. “I think you need glasses,” the doctor said. Darragh was upset because he did not want to wear glasses. He just knew that everyone would tease him, including his friends. This was the worst day of his life.
1. Which title best fits this text?
4. Which word is a synonym for tease?
a A terrible headache
a keep
b Getting glasses
b love
c Darragh and his mum
c bother
d Worried friends
d talk
2. What is one setting?
5. Which word describes the tone of this
a the doctor’s office b the school nurse’s office c Darragh’s mum’s car d the school bus
3. Which word has the same vowel
sound as need ?
a near b net c wet d ten
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text?
a informative b sad c funny d false
WEEK 21
A mother and her daughter went to an appointment. It was a check-up at the dentist’s office. The dentist would clean and examine her teeth and take some X-rays. The patient was terrified and did not want to go. “I really, really hate
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
going to the dentist,” she said. “I know, Mammy,” the young girl replied. “I don’t really like the dentist either, but it will all be over soon.”
1. What is this text about?
4. Which is an antonym for terrified ?
a It is about a girl who has a playdate
a frightened
with a friend. b It is about a dentist who is mean and scary.
b cold c angry d fearless
c It is about a mother and daughter who go to an appointment. d It is about a class that goes on a field trip to the dentist.
5. When do you learn that the mammy
is the patient?
a the first sentence 2. Which title best describes the main
idea of this text?
a An appointment
b the first paragraph c the last paragraph d none of the above
b At the dentist c Helping a scared mum d Exam and X-ray
3. Which word could have a -sh blend
added to it to make a new word?
a all b said c went d an 125
THURSDAY
WEEK 21 A new kind of smile It was a day that Claire had been expecting for a while now. She knew she had to get braces put on her teeth. Her dentist had broken the news at her last appointment. Several of her teeth were not growing in straight, which might cause problems with her other teeth as she grew older. The best solution was to have braces. They would be on her teeth for about two years. At the time, Claire had been very sad to think about having braces for two years. She thought of all the food she would not be able to eat. She thought of how she would have a new and different smile. She was not happy about this change. She did not want to have something that made her stand out in the crowd. Claire was also worried that braces would hurt. Her dentist said they would feel just fine. They might take a while to get used to, but they would not hurt. That had made Claire feel better, but she was still nervous. The big day finally came, and Claire made her way to the orthodontist’s office. Claire sat still through the entire procedure. She watched a programme on the TV above her head. She tried to think of something else so that she did not get scared. It seemed to take forever for the orthodontist to finish, but finally he told her to sit up and take a look at the mirror. Claire was surprised at first. Her smile was new, and there was all this metal to look at now! She did not know how she would be able to wait two years for these things to come off, but there was no other option. Claire’s mammy took her to get ice cream to cheer her up. She just had to get used to the change. It would all be worth it because she would have a beautiful smile to enjoy for years to come! 126
WEEK 21
1. Which prediction based on the title
and image is the most accurate?
a It is about a child who has no teeth. b It is about a person who does not know how to smile. c It is about a child who needs braces. d It is about a person who has never lost a tooth.
4. How did Claire change?
a She was angry at her mammy but then
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘A new kind of smile’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
forgave her. b She was afraid of the dentist but then she was brave. c She refused to brush her teeth but then changed her mind. d She was dreading having braces but later realised they would help her get a beautiful smile.
2. The author would most likely agree
that . . .
a braces make you popular. b braces are temporary and are worth wearing. c orthodontists are better than dentists. d braces are not worth wearing.
5. What message does this text share
about making a change?
a Parents can’t make you not worry. b Everyone should reward themselves with ice cream. c Going to the dentist for something new is fun. d It may take time to get used to
3. Which statement shows a personal
connection to the text?
something new, but it will end up being OK.
a My dad tells jokes, too. b I got braces and it took me a while to get used to them, too. c I don’t like ice cream. d My haircut appointment is tomorrow.
6. Which title indicates a similar text?
a My new glasses b Going to school c A bad sleepover d A fun time
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FRIDAY
WEEK 21
128
Reread the text ‘A new kind of smile’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Braces are a big change for anyone. Claire worried that this new change was going to be hard to live with for a while. Write about a time when you have been worried about a change in your life.
WEEK 22
Yuri Gagarin was a famous Russian astronaut, or cosmonaut. He was the first person to travel in space. His flight, on 12th April 1961, lasted 108 minutes
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
and orbited the Earth. Upon his return, Yuri Gagarin was an international hero! He travelled around the world to celebrate his achievement and share his experience. He never went to space again, but he helped to train other cosmonauts.
1. Which question about the text would
4. What is the definition of train as it
a Where is Russia?
a exercise
b How do people travel?
b teach
c How many times did we run around the
c line
help readers monitor their reading?
playground?
is used in this text?
d a vehicle
d Who is Yuri Gagarin?
2. Which title best fits the text?
5. Which word describes the tone of this
text?
a Up in space
a factual
b Space travel
b warning
c Yuri Gagarin, international hero
c funny
d Planets in orbit
d persuasive
3. Which word has the same vowel sound
as space?
a travel b planet c track d fate
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TUESDAY
WEEK 22 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Space travel is amazing. People support the missions to space. They think of astronauts as heroes. But sadly some missions have not been successful. Some have been tragedies. There have been accidents. Astronauts have been injured. Some have even died. These are such losses. The entire world feels sad when a space crew does not make it home.
1. What does the first sentence tell about
4. Which word is a synonym for
a It is about space travel.
a missions
b It is about amazing things.
b disasters
c It is about countries.
c trips
d It is about accidents.
d moments
2. Which chapter title would help a
5. What other type of text is most similar
this text?
reader find this information in a table of contents?
a Huge losses b Tragic times c Risky space travel d Following the mission
3. Which two words from the text have
the same vowel sound?
a such and huge b died and it c sad and have d when and does
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tragedies?
to this text? a a maths workbook b a story about aeroplanes c a letter d a history textbook
WEEK 22
We have come a long way with space travel. Yet there are many places that we still cannot explore. These are places that are too hot or too cold. Other planets are either too close or too far from the Sun. This causes conditions that make
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
it impossible for humans to survive. Instead, we send robots to go and explore some of these areas. Perhaps a day will come when humans will be able to land on other planets.
1. Which type of image would tell a
4. Which word has the same root word as
a a sketch of a the Sun
a pose
b a picture of a sunset
b possibility
c a photograph of an astronaut
c posse
d a photograph of a robot on a space
d important
reader more about this text?
impossible?
mission
2. Which index entry would help a reader
find this information in a book?
a moons b robots in space c survival skills d all of the above
5. Which word describes the tone of this
text?
a informal b warning c sad d informative
3. Which word makes a new word by
adding the prefix re–?
a send b areas c day d when
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THURSDAY
WEEK 22 To the Moon and beyond! Space is an endless world for people to explore. Humans have learned a lot in the past decades. We will never know all there is to know about space. We still have more to learn. Humankind’s first exploration into space began in 1957. A satellite was sent into space. It orbited Earth. It stayed there for three months. The next plan was for humans to go up in space. First, a few animals were sent up to see what would happen. Scientists were able to observe the effects of space on living things. NASA was formed in the USA in 1958. NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA organises ways to travel to and study space. It also trains astronauts. At first, astronauts went up to orbit Earth. They wanted to take a longer trip to space. NASA was finally ready. The mission was called Project Apollo. This was going to send a man to the Moon. It finally happened! The date was 20th July 1969. Astronauts landed on the Moon. They walked on it for the first time. Neil Armstrong walked on the Moon first and made a famous statement. He said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” NASA made changes to its space programme. It began to build space shuttles. They could be used again and again. This was new technology for space travel. Many trips have been taken in shuttles. Each expedition teaches us more about the world beyond our skies.
International Space Station
Today one of NASA’s focuses is the International Space Station. It is almost like a city in space. There are people there from many countries. They are all trying to study space. They want to learn about life in space. Perhaps humans will be in space for long periods of time. Who knows what the future holds? The sky is not the limit on space travel!
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WEEK 22
1. What is the purpose for reading this
4. How is this text organised?
text?
a to be amused b to be persuaded to become an astronaut c to learn about Neil Armstrong’s life d to learn about space travel
a as a comparison of space travel and air
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘To the Moon and beyond!’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
travel b as a chronological history of space travel c as a list of steps for how to become an astronaut d as a chronological history of how the
2. Which statement would the author
universe was formed
likely agree with?
a Space travel is dangerous. b Space travel has an exciting future. c Space travel is in the past. d Space travel is too expensive.
5. What is the main point of this text?
a Space travel only goes to the space station. b Space travel lets us explore unknown worlds.
3. Who might easily relate to this text?
a a child who likes to swing high at the
c Space travel is about going to the Moon. d Space travel will end when people live in space.
playground b a person who likes to drive his car c a child who loves her telescope and watches the stars d a teacher who is teaching a unit on air pollution
6. What will happen in the future with
space travel?
a We will all live in space. b No one really knows. c We will discover alien life somewhere. d We will discover other life forms in another universe.
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FRIDAY
WEEK 22
134
Reread the text ‘To the Moon and beyond!’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Space travel has been an amazing advancement for humankind. Would you ever want to travel into space? Why or why not?
WEEK 23
Ronan wondered what life would be like on the road with a band. His uncle is a sound engineer who goes on tour with a popular rock band. He is called
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
a roadie, which is short for road crew. He is someone who travels with and works for a band to make sure they sound great during a concert. What an interesting job!
1. Which title would tell a reader more
4. Which definition of short is used in
a Rock and roll
a rude
b The life of a roadie
b not long
c Amazing jobs
c not tall
d A great sound
d abbreviated
2. What is the problem in the text?
5. What is roadie short for?
a Ronan wants to go on tour with his uncle
a roadwork
about this text?
but he has to go to school instead. b Ronan’s uncle wants a new job but can’t find the courage to quit.
this text?
b engineer c road crew d roads
c Ronan wants to play in a band but doesn’t know how to play any instruments. d There is no problem.
3. Which word has the same vowel sound
as road ?
a tour b know c hop d cow 135
TUESDAY
WEEK 23 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. The radio disc jockey is tired after working the graveyard shift. He works at night. Most people are at home in bed. Not everyone is asleep, though. The disc jockey plays music for whoever is awake and listening. He likes to play music to balance out the quiet at night.
1. Which is an accurate summary of this
text?
4. What does it mean to work a graveyard
shift?
a It is about people sleeping at night.
a to work all night
b It is about a disc jockey who works at
b to work all day
night. c It is about keeping music quiet at night.
c not to work at all d to work at a cemetery
d It is about visiting a graveyard.
2. The main character works at a . . .
a graveyard. b radio station. c music shop. d race track.
3. Which word is NOT an adjective?
a tired b asleep c awake d listening
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5. What does the phrase to balance out
mean in the text?
a use a scale b make two things work together c add up d weigh
WEEK 23
Fergus was annoyed with his father. He told Fergus to mow the lawn before going swimming with his friends, but Fergus did not want to do it. He resented having his dad always tell him what to do. Fergus wondered when he would be
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
on his own. He was tired of having to answer to his father all the time.
1. Which picture would tell a reader more
4. Which is a synonym for tired as it is
a a picture of an angry boy
a exhausted
b a picture of a swimming pool
b annoyed with
c a picture of two happy parents
c worn out
d a picture of a lawn mower
d overused
about this text?
used in this text?
2. Which word best describes the main
character?
a sad b silly c frustrated d quiet
3. How many syllables are in the word
resented ?
5. Which of the following similes could
apply to Fergus?
a one syllable
a as grumpy as a bear
b two syllables
b as tall as a tree
c three syllables
c slept like a baby
d four syllables
d sounded like a whisper
137
THURSDAY
WEEK 23 Concert tickets Mairead could not believe that Jared Baxter was coming to her town. He was playing a concert at the large arena in town, and she really wanted to go! Mairead did not think anyone else was a bigger Jared Baxter fan than she was, and she had never seen him perform live. This was his second world tour, but she had been too young to go to his show last year. Now she knew all his songs and watched his videos all the time, so she just had to go to the show! She knew that getting her parents to say yes would be no easy task. The concert was on a school night, and one of them would have to go with her. Plus, she really wanted to take Lily and Doireann with her, so she had to get three sets of parents to say yes. “Mum? Dad? I need to ask you something. I really want to go to the Jared Baxter show,” Mairead began. “I have saved up my pocket money so I can buy the ticket myself. I know that Lily and Doireann can buy their tickets, too. I know I have never been to a concert, but this is really important to me.” Mairead stayed calm because she wanted to show her parents that she was serious. “It’s on a school night,” replied her mum. “That is going to make it pretty hard that week. Will you still have time for homework and piano practice?” “I promise to do both! Can I please buy the tickets?” Mairead begged. “Well, as long as Lily an Doireann can go. Ask their mums to call me,” Mairead’s mum explained. “And then we will go.” Mairead’s scream could be heard by all the neighbours. She was so excited. Now her biggest problem would be waiting for the day of the show to arrive! 138
WEEK 23
1. Which summary of the text is the most
4. Which word describes Mairead’s
a A band sells tickets to raise money for an
a thrilled
accurate?
important cause.
feelings at the end of the text?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Concert tickets’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
b frustrated
b A young person wants concert tickets.
c angered
c A school sells tickets for a concert.
d scared
d A character is worried about having money for tickets.
5. What can readers learn from Mairead’s 2. What is the author’s purpose?
actions?
a Showing your parents that you are
a to share Jared Baxter’s music
responsible and mature can help you
b to entertain with a story about being
get what you want.
allowed to go to a concert c to teach about the increase in concert ticket prices d to have readers solve maths problems about money
b Going to a concert alone is no fun. c Parents don’t remember what it is like to be a kid. d Showing your parents how excited you are can be a bad plan.
3. Which shows a personal connection to
6. Which other type of text is similar to
a I went to a film with my parents last
a a poem about parents and children
the text?
night. b My friends are all in a band. c I don’t really like concerts. d I begged my parents to let me have a sleepover and they said yes.
this text?
b a newspaper advertising concert tickets for sale c a fictional story about a boy who wants to go skiing and asks his parents d a magazine article about Jared Baxter
139
FRIDAY
WEEK 23
140
Reread the text ‘Concert tickets’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about a time that you asked a family member for something that was important to you. How did you ask your important question, and what was the answer?
WEEK 24
The Earth’s surface is constantly changing. Some changes happen quickly, such as volcanoes, earthquakes and landslides. Change can also happen
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
slowly. Wind, water and ice can change the Earth’s surface over many years. This process is called erosion. Ireland’s sea cliffs are an example of sea erosion. Powerful waves crash against the shoreline and carry some material away. Material is also carried in by the sea. It builds up over time to make a beach.
1. What is this text about?
4. Which word is a synonym for
gradually?
a how the Earth’s surface changes b how volcanoes erupt
a quickly
c Ireland’s best beaches
b slowly
d hill walking
c rapidly d constant
2. Which title best fits the text?
5. What does erosion mean?
a Erosion b Earth’s changes: fast and slow
a to build up
c Sea cliffs
b powerful waves
d Quick changes
c to make bigger d wearing away
3. Which word has the same root word as
quickly?
a quiz b sickly c quicken d quilt
141
TUESDAY
WEEK 24 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. The Earth’s land has many different shapes called landforms. Mountains are the tallest landforms. The highest mountain in Ireland is Carrauntoohil in Co. Kerry. It is 1,039 metres high. Carrauntoohil is a popular climb for hillwalkers. It attracts thousands of people every year. It is a very challenging climb but the rewards are amazing. Visitors can enjoy views of of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range and of the lakes of Killarney National Park.
1. Which title best fits the text?
4. Which word is an antonym for popular?
a Ireland’s highest mountain
a disliked
b The Burren
b fashionable
c Rolling hills
c ordinary
d A guide to walking Carrauntoohil
d favoured
2. Where is Carauntoohil?
a Co. Clare b Co. Donegal c Co. Cork d Co. Kerry
3. Which word has the same root word as
amazing?
a amount
5. Which word from the text tells the
reader that climbing Carrauntoohil is tough.
b amazed
a amazing
c maze
b challenging
d ambition
c attracts d different
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WEEK 24
Ireland has many natural lakes. Most were formed by the action of glaciers during the last ice age. Ireland’s freshwater lakes provide us with drinking water. They are also used for leisure activities such as swimming, rowing and
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
fishing. Ireland’s lakes provide a home to a wide variety of wildlife from tiny insects and dragonflies to swans and the large white-tailed sea eagle. Lough Hyne in Co. Cork is unique because it is Ireland’s only saltwater lake.
1. Which title best fits the text?
a The lakes of Ireland b Saltwater lakes c Fishing in Ireland’s lakes d The glacial lakes of Wicklow
2. Which word from the text tells the
reader that Lough Hyne is one-of-akind?
a formed b unique c natural d freshwater
4. Which of these words have the same
meaning?
a many and few b wildlife and insects c freshwater and saltwater d home and habitat
5. What does a wide variety mean?
a inspiring b all the same c a little bit different d lots of different kinds
3. What word from the text can make a
new word with the prefix un-?
a last b action c freshwater d natural
143
THURSDAY
WEEK 24 Facts about landforms
Bachalpsee, Switzerland
The land on Earth takes many different shapes and sizes or landforms. Mountains, hills, valleys, deserts and islands are just some examples of the range of landforms on Earth. Landforms are created by natural forces such as the weather, erosion and natural disasters. Many landforms are shaped by water. Headlands, bays and cliffs like the Cliffs of Moher in Co. Clare are formed by coastal erosion. This happens gradually when powerful, destructive waves crash against the shoreline. Beaches are landforms created over time when waves leave material behind. Mountains are the tallest landforms on Earth. Mt. Everest is the highest mountain on Earth. Carrauntoohil is Ireland’s highest peak but not all mountains have a peak. Ben Bulben in Co. Sligo and Table Mountain in Co. Wicklow are famous for their flat tops. The opposite of these raised forms are the plains. Plains are one of the main landforms on Earth. They are flat and broad. They cover one-third of the Earth and are found on every continent. Many plains are grasslands, such as the prairies of North America and the steppes of eastern Europe and Asia. Plains are even found in parts of the Sahara Desert and the Arctic. The frozen plains of the Arctic are called the tundra.
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WEEK 24
1. Which summary of the text is most
4. How is this text organised?
accurate?
a It explains how and when landforms were made. b It includes facts about landforms. c It describes the most famous landforms. d It describes landforms around the world.
a in alphabetical order
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Facts about landforms’ and circle the answers.
b in order of time (chronological) c Different types of landforms are explained and compared. d The text is not organised at all.
5. What is the main message in this text? 2. What kind of text is this?
a entertaining
a Landforms are all unique and interesting.
b persuasive
b Landforms are made by ice.
c fiction
c Landforms involve water.
d informative
d Landforms only occur in Ireland.
3. What do you call someone who studies
the Earth’s surface?
a a weather presenter b a doctor c a geologist d a chemist
6. Which landform is NOT discussed in
this text?
a cliffs b lakes c mountains d plains
145
FRIDAY
WEEK 24
146
Reread the text ‘Facts about landforms’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Review the landforms that are mentioned in the text. Which landforms are you most familiar with? Which landforms would you like to visit?
WEEK 25
I rushed out of the house and ran to get my bike as my mum called for me. “Not so fast, Aisling!” she shouted. “Don’t forget your helmet!” I was only cycling
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
up the street to my friend’s house, but I guess it doesn’t matter how far I am cycling. I have to wear a helmet no matter what because it keeps me safe. There is even a law in some countries that requires children to wear cycling helmets.
1. Which phrase would tell a reader more
about this text while previewing it?
a a law in some countries b a helmet no matter what c my mum called for me d up the street
2. Who is the narrator?
a Aisling’s friend b Aisling’s mum c Aisling d Aisling’s dad
4. Which is a synonym for requires?
a hopes b demands c wishes d grabs
5. Which phrase shows how Aisling
feels about wearing a helmet?
a have to wear a helmet no matter what b get my bike c cycling up the street d requires children to wear cycling helmets
3. Which word is NOT a pronoun?
a my b me c mum d she
147
TUESDAY
WEEK 25 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Liam wanted to ride his bike around the neighbourhood. His dad told him to ride with Michael, his little brother. The problem was that Michael was still riding a bike with stabilisers. He was going to slow Liam down, and Liam did not want that. He wanted to go as fast as he could. He tried to change the plan, but his dad insisted so Liam had no choice. He was not going to get the kind of bike ride that he wanted.
1. Which title best fits the text?
4. Which word is a synonym for choice?
a Slowed down by a brother
a work
b A bike ride
b time
c Around the neighbourhood
c option
d Liam and Michael
d direction
2. Which word best describes the main
5. What does the text’s tone tell the
a disappointed
a Liam is excited that things have
character at the end of the text?
b excited c happy d tired
reader about how it ends?
changed. b Liam has to accept the new plan, even if he doesn’t want to. c Michael feels bad for slowing down his brother. d Liam’s father is frustrated with both
3. Which word has the same vowel
sound as ride?
a rid b raid c beside d hidden
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boys.
WEEK 25
The girls were riding their bikes home from school. It was a new experience for them. They were starting to cycle by themselves without an adult. They were being very responsible. Suddenly, one of the bikes had a problem. It was
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
a flat tyre, and the girls were still about a kilometre from home. What were they supposed to do? They stayed calm, and decided to walk their bikes home together and fix the flat tyre at home.
1. Which best summarises this text?
a It is about girls being responsible and solving a problem. b It is about how to change a bike tyre. c It is about girls getting lost. d It is about girls not following rules.
2. What is the setting?
a a playground b a neighbourhood c a school d a house
4. Which word from the text means
reliable?
a decided b experience c calm d responsible
5. What does the word suddenly tell the
reader about an event?
a Someone gets hurt. b Something happens that is surprising. c Something happens slowly. d Something happens that is exciting.
3. Which word has a silent letter?
a cycle b calm c tyre d home
149
THURSDAY
WEEK 25 Making room for bikes 20th January 2021 Dear Mayor, s problem in our city. I think it is I am writing to you about a seriou cycle lanes on our busiest streets. important to have clearly marked t made me write this letter. I Something happened yesterday tha ool. I was with my mother and my was riding my bike home from sch eview Drive. The three of us were on sister. We were going nor th on Lak following all the rules of the road. the right side of the road. We were e using clear hand signals. All of We were all wearing helmets. We wer into our path! Luckily, I was able a sudden, a large car turned right sister were behind me. They could to stop right away. My mother and ver almost hit me and my bike. stop, too. It was a close call. This dri d. Yet this driver did not see me. I I was in the right place on the roa ide a very clearly marked cycle think that if I had been cycling ins visible. There are many of us in our lane, then I would have been more on the roads is important. community who cycle. Our safety about healthy choices. We have Our school has been talking a lot talked about how important it is discussed good nutrition. We have e even started to make changes to move our bodies each day. We hav ves a lot of yummy fruits and at our own school. Our canteen ser , cycling is a great idea. It is an vegetables! If health is so important nk we want to encourage people to easy and fun form of exercise. I thi being hur t on the road, they will do this. If people are worried about be less likely to get on their bikes. around town. Make it easier for Please consider making this change people to get out of their cars and cyclists to travel safely. Encourage be healthy. Thank you. Sincerely, Josh Parker
150
WEEK 25
1. Which summary of the letter is the
4. Which statement is true about the
a This is about how bikes can be taken on
a He thinks cyclists are dangerous to cars.
most accurate?
city buses. b This is about keeping bikes safe. c This is about having safe places to ride bikes. d This is about people making time for exercise.
2. What is the author’s purpose?
a to make cycling around town safer
author?
b He is upset because too many people drive cars. c He is happy to see cyclists and cars travelling together safely. d He is upset because he and his family were almost hit by a car.
5. What message does this letter share
about bike safety?
b to get rid of cycle lanes
a All cyclists need flags on their bike.
c to get donations to improve canteen food
b Cars won’t see bike riders unless they are
d to find his stolen bike
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Making room for bikes’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
wearing helmets. c Cars are more important than cyclists. d Cyclists deserve to be safe on the roads.
3. How does this letter show a personal
connection to the topic of bike safety?
a The author has been in cars that have had problems with cyclists. b The author shares his own experience with bike safety. c The author has interviewed a lot of cyclists.
6. Which title indicates a similar type of
text?
a Space invaders b A day at the beach c Staying safe d Getting along with siblings
d The author is an expert cyclist.
151
FRIDAY
WEEK 25
152
Reread the text ‘Making room for bikes’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about an issue in your nearest city or town. What would you write about to the mayor?
WEEK 26
Insects are small invertebrate animals (without a backbone). Their bodies have a hard outer shell divided into three parts: the head, the abdomen and the
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
thorax. They have six legs and one or two pairs of wings. There are over a million different known types of insects. Some examples of common insects are flies, butterflies and beetles. Some, like midges and fleas, can bite. Others, like bees and wasps, can sting. Bites and stings from insects in Ireland can be itchy and painful but are rarely dangerous.
1. Which title best fits the text
a Are spiders insects? b Facts about insects c Dangerous bugs in Ireland d Six legs are better than two
2. What does invertebrate mean?
a two pairs of wings b no backbone c three body parts d stinging
4. What is an antonym for
dangerous?
a unsafe b deadly c harmless d nasty
5. Which word describes the tone of this
text?
a factual b scary c funny d persuasive
3. Which suffix can be added to the root
word hard to make a new word?
a -ly b -ism c ment d -ion 153
TUESDAY
WEEK 26 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Butterflies and moths are types of insects. They are found all over the world, except in the Antarctic. A butterfly lifecycle has four stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa and adult. Adult butterflies have large, brightly coloured wings. Butterflies feed from nectar in flowers. They are important pollinators. The number of butterflies in Ireland and around the world is declining due to climate change. We can help protect them by growing more flowers in our gardens.
1. Which title best fits this text?
a The differences between moths and butterflies b Types of butterflies in Ireland c All about butterflies d Endangered insects
2. Which is the correct order for the
lifecycle of a butterfly?
a egg, pupa, caterpillar, adult b caterpillar, egg, pupa, adult c egg, caterpillar, pupa, adult d adult, egg, pupa, caterpillar
3. Which word has the same root word as
protect?
a pot b protection c protein d project
154
4. What does the word declining mean in
this text?
a staying the same b increasing c falling d out of control
5. Where might this text be found?
a in a joke book b in a book of poetry c in a newspaper d in a science textbook
WEEK 26
The Peacock butterfly is one of the most striking of all the Irish butterfly species. It has mainly red wings with a large, coloured spot on each hind wing, similar to those on a peacock’s tail. The underside of the wings is dark
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
grey or brown. This allows the Peacock to hide its vivid colours from predators and disguise itself as a branch or fallen leaf. The Peacock butterfly is found in gardens, woodlands and hedgerows in spring and summer. It hibernates through the winter.
1. Which picture would help the reader’s
4. Which of these words is a synonym for
a picture of a garden
a dull
b picture of a peacock
b bright
c picture of a Peacock butterfly and a
c patterned
understanding of this text?
peacock bird
vivid ?
d gloomy
d picture of a fallen leaf
2. Which chapter heading would help a
reader find this text in a book?
a Predators b Irish butterflies c Mammals d Beautiful insects
5. What does the language of this text
tell you about the author’s purpose? a The language is personal so that people will want to have their own butterfly.
3. Which word from the text makes a new
word by adding the prefix be-?
a hide b hind
b The language is factual so that people will learn more about butterflies. c The language is funny so that people will laugh about butterflies. d The language is persuasive so that
c most
people will have new opinions about
d spot
butterflies.
155
THURSDAY
WEEK 26 Peacock butterflies Butterflies are beautiful insects. Ireland is home to many butterfly species. The Peacock butterfly is one of the most common butterflies in Ireland. It is easily recognisable from its bright red wings and false blue peacock eyes. Adult butterflies emerge from hibernation in spring and lay eggs. A butterfly has a very short life span. The adults die before summer and the eggs hatch as caterpillars. After about two weeks the caterpillar creates a chrysalis (KRIS-uh-lis) or a hard shell around itself. While it is inside the shell, changes take place. Soon, a new brightly coloured butterfly emerges. It flies around sipping nectar from wild flowers and garden plants. At the end of summer the Peacocks fold up their wings and hibernate in dark places like crevices, holes in trees and even in sheds. They emerge again in the spring. The brightly coloured Peacock butterfly is striking. Some people think the colours attract predators. However, the butterfly’s colouring actually protects it from predators. When the butterfly feels threatened it opens its wings suddenly and flashes its large false eyes. This is enough to surprise a predator such as a bird. It gives the butterfly a chance to escape. The underwings of the Peacock butterfly are dark grey and brown. You might wonder why this stunning butterfly has such drab colours. It is actually a clever form of defence. When hibernating, the Peacock butterfly folds its wings over its back. The brown underside of its wings helps to disguise it amongst dead leaves. So, it is hard for predators to spot. Peacock butterflies have an astonishing third form of defence – they can hiss! Scientists believe that the butterflies use this weapon to alarm night-time predators such as mice, when their startling peacock eyes cannot be seen. We can also help to defend these beautiful butterflies. The destruction of hedges and the use of chemicals reduce habitats and food sources for butterflies. We can help them survive by growing wild flowers and garden plants. 156
WEEK 26
1. What is the purpose of this text?
a to laugh about how silly butterflies are b to be persuaded that butterflies are the best insects in the world c to learn about peacock butterflies d to learn about how a butterfly defends
4. Which topic is NOT covered in this
text?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Peacock butterflies’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
a the lifecycle of a Peacock butterfly b what Peacock butterflies eat c where Peacock butterflies hibernate d how we can help butterflies
itself
5. Which is the best summary of the text? 2. Do you think the author likes
butterflies?
a Yes, they are beautiful insects. b No, they are pests. c The author doesn’t like or dislike butterflies.
a Peacock butterflies have beautiful colours. b Peacock butterflies are amazing creatures. c Peacock butterflies can hiss to scare predators.
d No. The author prefers beetles.
d Peacock butterflies start life as an egg.
3. Which statement shows a connection
6. Why are butterfly habitats in danger?
to the text?
a I have never seen a butterfly. b I have read about bird habitats. c I have planted flowers in my garden. d I have seen a mouse before.
a Wildfires are breaking out. b Air pollution has killed the butterflies. c They are being cut down. d Predators now live in their habitats.
157
FRIDAY
WEEK 26
158
Reread the text ‘Peacock butterflies’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about how peacock butterflies are struggling in areas where there are fewer flowers and shrubs. Why do you think declining numbers of butterflies should matter to us?
WEEK 27
Kevin and Donal stood in front of the supermarket. They were in the middle of a three-hour shift. The two boys were on the same basketball team, and their team
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
was selling badges. They were trying to raise money to attend a big tournament. The money would pay for a bus to bring the players to the game. Kevin and Donal were working hard to sell badges and earn some cash!
1. Which is the most accurate summary
of this text?
4. What is a synonym for tournament?
a show a It is about two boys selling badges.
b competition
b It is about two boys playing basketball.
c performance
c It is about two friends wearing badges.
d fight
d It is about two boys on a bus.
2. Which verb best describes the actions
of the main characters?
a playing b selling c arguing d kicking
5. When would you likely hear the
word shift?
a a child talking about going to the library b an adult talking about going to work c a teacher gathering a homework assignment d a student taking a test
3. What suffix could you add to the root
word sell to make a new word?
a –es b –ly c –tion d –er
159
TUESDAY
WEEK 27 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. The family was on a bike ride on a hot summer day. They turned the corner and rode along a quiet street for a few minutes. All of a sudden, they noticed a small group of children outside with a table. They were selling lemonade. “Lemonade, 50 cents!” the children shouted. What a perfect drink during a hot bike ride!
1. Which title best fits the text?
4. Which word means saw?
a A quiet stand
a turned
b A lemonade stand
b noticed
c Out for a ride
c shouted
d My favourite drink
d outside
2. What did the family do during their
5. What does the phrase all of a sudden
a They stopped to buy lemonade.
a slowly
b They argued.
b something unexpected happens
c They got lost.
c secretly
d They complained.
d a quick stop
bike ride?
3. Which noun from the text is NOT
plural?
a minutes b children c group d cents
160
mean?
WEEK 27
It was exciting to get my very first job. My first job was mowing lawns for my neighbours when I was twelve. I had been helping my dad with our garden for a few years, and so I knew what to do. I printed some flyers and passed them
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
around on my street. I was not sure what would happen, but was thrilled when three neighbours wanted my services! Earning that first bit of money was so exciting!
1. Which title best fits this text?
a Three neighbours b My first job c Helping dad d Cutting grass
2. Who is the narrator?
a a father b a person older than twelve years old c a twelve-year-old d a lawn mower
4. Which meaning of services is used in
this text?
a help b money c advice d flyer
5. Which word tells the reader that
this was a new experience for the narrator?
a thrilled b first c earning d job
3. Which word has the same root word as
helping?
a yelping b helper c eating d held
161
THURSDAY
WEEK 27 Raising money Our class has been studying native trees this year. We are learning so much about how important trees are to the health of our planet. Yesterday, our teacher told us about a nearby arboretum. An arboretum is like a tree museum. Many different kinds of trees are planted there. Our class was very excited to go there on a class trip. There was a problem, however. This class trip would cost a lot of money, and our teacher was not sure how to pay for it. Parents had already donated money for class trips. We needed to cover the cost of the bus and the tickets. Our class decided to brainstorm ideas. We wondered how we might earn enough money. We made a list of ideas. Then we voted on our ideas to see which would be the most popular. A read-a-thon won by a landslide! Children were excited about this plan. We talked about all the details. We decided on a day. We also designed a sponsor sheet. Each student shared it with friends and family. People would pay us based on how many pages we read. We would even wear pyjamas to school on that day. That way, we could read and be comfortable. It sounded like so much fun! I took my job very seriously. I passed my sponsor sheet to everyone I knew. I wanted to raise as much money as possible because I really wanted to see the trees at the arboretum. I got 25 signatures. I think I raised a lot of money. The day of the read-a-thon finally came. We all wore our pyjamas. We read for a few hours in a row. I got a little bit tired, but it was a fun way to earn money. At the end of the day, my teacher made the big announcement. We had earned anough for our trip! What a great fundraiser!
162
WEEK 27
1. Which purpose for reading this text is
4. Which statement is true about the
a to learn about native trees
a The narrator is angry about raising
most appropriate?
b to be inspired to raise money or achieve some other goal as a group c to compare a read-a-thon to a walk-athon d to learn rules for going on a class trip
narrator?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Raising money’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
money. b The narrator really wants to go to the arboretum. c The narrator does not believe the class can raise money. d The narrator is scared to read for so long.
2. What is the author’s opinion?
a Working together can have amazing
5. What is a theme of this text?
results. b Class trips are not worth the cost.
a Class trips are hard to plan.
c A school bus is always expensive.
b Anything is possible with teamwork.
d Reading is hard work.
c Money is a private matter. d Teachers have all the answers for problems.
3. Who would best relate to the narrator’s
experience?
a a teacher who is teaching about native birds b a class that is raising money to donate to an important cause c a school-bus owner d a librarian who reads to children
6. What other type of text is similar to
this story?
a a poem about trees b a non-fiction text about how to stay safe on a bus trip c a letter to the editor of a newspaper about raising money for a new playground d a fictional story about two friends who love to sing
163
FRIDAY
WEEK 27
164
Reread the text ‘Raising money’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. This story is about a group of students who work together to reach a common goal. When have you worked with others to achieve a goal or make something happen?
WEEK 28
A scorekeeper is an important person in sports. This is someone who keeps the official score. This job requires a lot. The scorekeeper has to watch the game very
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
closely. Things can happen very quickly. This person also tracks other statistics. Each player is watched closely. All of the official numbers are tallied. They are shared at the end of the game.
1. Which word best summarises the topic
4. What is the definition of tracks as
a player
a path
b scorekeeper
b rail
c game
c follows
d job
d songs
2. Which title best describes the main
5. What type of text would have
a A number’s game
a an autobiography
b Watching closely
b a history book
c Adding it up
c a sports magazine
d A scorekeeper’s job
d a newspaper
of this text?
idea of this text?
it is used in this text?
language similar to this text?
3. Which word is an adverb?
a closely b requires c watched d official
165
TUESDAY
WEEK 28 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. An average is a type of statistic. It is found with a group of numbers. What is the average value? It is found by adding a group of numbers. Then the total is divided by the amount of numbers. An average tells us what value is most common. A teacher might claim an average of 25 students are in class each day. Some days may have more students. Some days may have fewer. The average is what is typical.
1. What does the first sentence tell about
this text?
a It is about number patterns. b It is about averages and statistics. c It is about liking maths. d It is about geometry.
2. Which chapter title would help a
reader find this information in a table of contents?
a demand b state c receive d win
5. What type of text would include
language similar to this text? a an encyclopedia
a Adding numbers
b a book of poetry
b Finding averages
c a letter
c Typical values
d a maths textbook
d Challenging world problems
3. Which word has the same root word as
divided ?
a video b dive c division d dove
166
4. Which word is a synonym for claim?
WEEK 28
The game of hurling is exciting to follow because the action does not stop for at least 60 minutes. Players are trying hard to help their team win. They want to hit the sliotar well, sending it over the crossbar for a point or into the net for
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
a goal. A goal is best for the team, as this is equal to three points. Players can catch the sliotar in their hand but can only carry it for four steps. They must bounce or balance the sliotar on their hurley if they want to run with it for more than four steps. Hurling players are very skilful.
1. Which picture would tell a reader more
4. Which word has the same root word as
a a picture of a hurley and sliotar
a exiting
b a picture of a number
b excitement
c a picture of a trophy
c site
d a picture of a goalposts
d exact
2. Which index entry would help a reader
5. What is the tone of this text?
about this text?
find this information?
a soccer rules b points in hurling c types of hurleys d scorekeepers
exciting?
a romantic b angry c persuasive d informative
3. Which word from the text makes a new
word by adding the prefix -less?
a team b follow c point d equal
167
THURSDAY
WEEK 28 A numbers game Many people love the game of hurling. Some enjoy playing the sport. Others enjoy watching it. Many fans love to do both. The rules of the game are simple. The score tells people which team is winning. Yet these are not the only numbers used in the game. Hurling statistics use a lot of numbers and maths. They give us data about the game. Statistics, or stats, do not always matter to fans. Some people only want to know how a team is doing. They follow the final scores of matches. They also know about league tables. This is the ranking of a team compared to other teams. Knowing your team is in first place is enough for many fans. Other fans want more specific information. Fans may want to compare players. One way to do this is by looking at the amount of goals and points a player has scored. How often a player scores can tell us how well he’s playing. So too can a player’s scoring average. This number shows the average amount of points a player gets every match. Sometimes stats are important to fans for a short time. This happens when a player is getting close to breaking a record. For example, a player might score many goals and points over his career. The player then might get close to the record for the most points scored ever. People will start to pay attention. They will start to watch more matches to see if that player will break the record. Breaking a record in any sport is big news! Without statistics, there wouldn’t be records to break. Every time a hurling match is played, someone is watching. People are keeping score. They are also recording the events of the game. These become the record of a team’s season. These records are kept forever. Statistics tell the story of a game. They tell the story of a player’s performance.
168
WEEK 28
1. Which is the best summary of the text?
a It is about the importance of statistics in sports. b It is about how to calculate statistics. c It is about which players have the best statistics. d It is about what coaches do to get better statistics.
4. Which topic is NOT covered in this
text?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘A numbers game’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
a what a league table is b why statistics are interesting to hurling fans c who has the best statistics on today’s hurling teams d why people pay close attention to certain stats when records might be broken
2. How does the author likely feel about
maths?
a Maths makes hurling boring. b Maths is important in hurling. c Statistics are not relevant to our daily lives. d Maths should only be studied in school.
5. What is the main idea?
a Being in first place is important to all fans. b Statistics tell us more about the game of hurling. c Statistics distract people from the action of the match. d Maths has no place in sport.
3. Which shows a personal connection to
the text?
a I prefer team sports because they are more fun to play. b I always try to beat my personal best on my swimming team. c I worked with my maths flash cards last night. d Our choir came in first place in yesterday’s competition.
6. What is a scoring average ?
a the number of goals a player scores in a match b the number of points a team scores in a match c the highest number of points ever scored by a player d the average amount of points a player scores in every match
169
FRIDAY
WEEK 28
170
Reread the text ‘A numbers game’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about whether you would like to know these certain statistics as you watch a hurling match. Do you think these numbers make the match more exciting? Why or why not?
WEEK 29
Monica read an article. It was about a basketball star. Monica wanted to know his secret. How did he become an amazing athlete? She wants to improve, too.
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
She is working on her skills in softball. She learned that the athlete worked hard. He was serious. He believed in himself. This helped Monica focus on her own strengths.
1. What is this text about?
4. What is the definition of focus?
a It is about rooting for an athlete.
a improve
b It is about basketball players wearing
b pay close attention to
glasses to see the ball. c It is about the importance of believing in
c support d move quickly
yourself and working hard. d It is about watching a ball.
5. Which phrase is an example of 2. Who is the main character?
alliteration?
a knows his secret
a a basketball star
b the athlete worked hard
b Monica
c amazing athlete
c Monica’s basketball team
d focus on her own
d Monica’s softball team
3. The word amazing is . . .
a a noun b a verb c an adjective d an adverb
171
TUESDAY
WEEK 29 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Aisha and Tamir picked a film. They had different opinions. Aisha wanted a happy ending. Tamir wanted a lot of action. After the film, they shared their ideas. They both liked it. Tamir wanted it to be more exciting. Aisha wished the characters were happy in the end. It was still a good flick!
1. Which title best fits the text?
4. Which word means a personal view ?
a Different opinions
a opinion
b Bad film endings
b ending
c Happy or action?
c happy
d No happiness
d action
2. How could you describe the opinions of
5. Which word is used to tell the reader
a Aisha and Tamir cannot agree on which
a film
the two main characters?
film to watch. b Aisha and Tamir agree on how the film should have ended. c Aisha and Tamir have different opinions, but they both hated the film. d Aisha and Tamir have different opinions, but they both liked the film.
3. Which word is the root word in
shared ?
a hare b share c hared d are 172
that two things are being compared?
b wanted c both d end
WEEK 29
“It’s testing day today,” the teacher reminds the students. “Remember that the test is timed. I will keep an eye on the clock. When the bell rings, the test will be over. You have 45 minutes to circle the answers.” The students begin by opening
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
their test books and reading the instructions. They don’t want to hear the bell until they are finished!
1. Which picture would tell a reader more
4. Which of these words mean the same
a a picture of a pencil
a over and finished
b a picture of a student reading
b hear and rings
c a picture of a bell
c bell and timed
d a picture of a clock and a test
d answer and reading
2. What is the setting?
5. What is the tone of the last sentence?
a a classroom
a hopeless
b a book shop
b casual
c the playground
c nervous
d at home
d thankful
about this text?
thing?
3. How many syllables in instructions?
a two syllables b three syllables c four syllables d five syllables
173
THURSDAY
WEEK 29 Taking the shot I have always hated matches that come down to the final seconds. I can’t stand to watch them, and I can’t stand to play in them. It makes me too anxious to know that anything can happen and that the end result could be a disappointment. So you can imagine how it felt to have about one minute left on the clock during our football match last weekend. Our team was playing the Rovers, and the score was 4-3. We were down by one goal and hoping to score before the final whistle. If we could tie the match, the two teams would play extra time for a winner. This was an important match. It was the last one of the season. The winner of this match would move on to the championship. It was a very tense time. I was playing a midfield position on that day and was running the ball up the field with my friend, Alex. We were passing it back and forth and making a lot of progress. I could hear the crowd cheering and thought I even heard my mum yell my name. I was very focused, so all I could do was keep my eye on the ball and watch the goal. I was looking for any opening to make a shot. I knew the goalie was a bit slow, so if he had to run after a ball quickly, it might just slip past him. It was my only hope. In an instant, I saw my chance. I could see a line straight through to the net. All I needed was a hard kick. I was sure that the ball would sail right past the goalie. I planted my left foot and aimed my right leg toward the goal. I kicked that ball with all my might. I watched the ball, almost as if it were in slow motion, go right into the goalie’s hands. Then I heard the whistle. The game was over, and we had lost. I have never felt such disappointment before. It did not matter that my coach gave me a high-five and told me I had a good game or that my teammates kept saying, “Nice try!” I wanted to win so badly, but I missed the shot.
174
WEEK 29
1. Which statement is true about the
4. Which summary of the text is most
a He does not like close matches.
a The narrator likes to play football with
narrator?
b He is a terrible football player. c He did not want to go to the championship. d He does not trust Alex.
accurate?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Taking the shot’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
his friend, Alex. b The narrator misses his doctor’s appointment. c The narrator makes a goal and wins the match. d The narrator misses his chance to score a goal.
2. What is the author’s opinion?
a It is better to be a team player than to hog the ball. b Losing a game is the worst thing to ever happen. c Losing an important match can be very disappointing. d Football is too competitive.
5. What is a theme of this text?
a Learning how to lose gracefully is important. b Hard work can pay off. c Team sports are only about winning and losing. d A match can be saved by a whistle.
3. Who would most likely relate to the
narrator’s experience?
a a goalie who catches a ball b a teacher who forgets to give a spelling test c a chef who burns a meal and has to start over d a gymnast who falls and causes her team to lose
6. What other type of text is related to
this text?
a a poem about football b a non-fiction text about football rules c a letter to the editor of a newspaper about keeping parks clean d a fictional story about a swimmer who loses a race
175
FRIDAY
WEEK 29
176
Reread the text ‘Taking the shot’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about how disappointed the narrator feels when he misses the goal. When have you felt disappointed by something that you did? How did you recover from that feeling?
WEEK 30
People around the world speak different languages. Each region has its own native language. Some people learn to speak more than one language. They
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
may need one language to talk with family or friends. They may require another language for school or work. Learning to speak new languages can be a lot of fun!
1. Which word best summarises the topic
4. What is a synonym for the word
a native
a see
b language
b need
c learning
c reach
d people
d involve
2. In which chapter would this text
5. What does the phrase native language
a Language class
a the language of a child
b Speaking two languages
b the language of a specific place
c A baby’s first word
c the language of the wealthy
d Translating troubles
d the language of nature
of this text?
belong?
require ?
mean in the text?
3. Which word from the text could have
an –ly added to make a new word?
a learn b require c work d new
177
TUESDAY
WEEK 30 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Global warming is a serious problem. As the planet warms, glaciers melt. This causes the ocean waters to rise. Some towns are right on the coast. People who live in these coastal areas are nervous about the water levels. Their entire towns could be covered by water. Many people are doing what they can to reverse these changes.
1. Which phrase from the text tells a
reader most about this text?
a glaciers melt b right on the coast c reverse these changes d global warming is a serious problem
2. Which title best fits the text?
a Changing glaciers b Harm from global warming c Heat wave d The water cycle
3. Which word has the same root word as
doing?
a dong b doable c donut d going
178
4. Which is NOT a synonym for entire?
a complete b part c whole d full
5. What does the phrase to reverse these
changes mean? a fix a problem b move backwards c spin around d give money
WEEK 30
A nature reserve is an area of land. It is set aside for wildlife. People cannot build or develop there. No hunting or fishing is allowed. Nature reserves are safe places for our native wildlife to live. They help prevent plant and animal species
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
from dying out. They protect endangered species.
1. Which is the best summary of the text?
a This text describes where nature reserves are located. b This text describes why nature reserves are so important. c This text describes why nature reserves
4. Which is an antonym for the word
protect?
a defend b attack c watch d keep
do not work. d This text describes why nature reserves are the same as national parks.
5. What does the phrase dying out mean
in this text? 2. Which sample heading indicates the
main idea?
a Wildlife zone
a moving away b becoming extinct c dying quickly d going outside
b Endangered species c Protection at nature reserves d Land management
3. Which word has the same root word as
allowed ?
a wed b disallow c wallow d lowly 179
THURSDAY
WEEK 30 Iceland Iceland is a country in Europe. It is in a unique part of the world. Iceland is the most western country in Europe. It is surrounded by water. The capital is Reykjavik (REY-kyuhveek). The landscape of Iceland is remarkable. Part of the island is covered in glacial ice. Some of the coastline is created by fjords (fyohrdz). These are deep inlets. They are carved by glaciers. Iceland is a volcanic island. There are many volcanoes there. There have been recent eruptions. The last big one was in 2010. It blew ash into the sky. Smoke made the air murky. It was hard for planes to fly around Europe. People in Iceland take care of their beautiful land. There are national parks. There are also many nature reserves. These areas are protected. The plants and animals are protected as well. This includes reindeer! Reindeer are found in Iceland. The love of the land is shown in Iceland’s flag. The flag includes three colours. There is red. This is a symbol of the island’s volcanic fire. There is also white. This is a symbol of snow and ice. Finally, there is blue. This is a symbol for the ocean that surrounds the land. Icelanders speak Icelandic. They also learn English. They are proud people. Iceland is quite small. It does not have a large amount of residents. The culture is shared with a small group of people. Yet it is a special place for many reasons. 180
WEEK 30
1. Which prediction is based on the title
4. Which statement about the order of
a The text is about an icy land.
a It is a sequential history of Iceland.
b The text is about icy weather.
b Each paragraph gives a different fact
and image?
c The text is about the country of Iceland. d The text is about mapping.
this text is true?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Iceland’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
about Iceland. c The author compared and contrasted Iceland and Greenland. d The paragraphs are only about Iceland’s landscape.
2. What is the author’s purpose?
a to share information about maps b to give opinions about life in Iceland c to persuade readers to love volcanoes d to share information about Iceland
5. What is the main idea?
a Iceland is a fascinating country with a unique landscape. b Iceland is a country in Europe. c Iceland has a flag with three colours.
3. Which statement shows prior
knowledge related to the text?
d Iceland is a small country with a small population.
a I saw a reindeer in my Christmas book. b I have seen a picture of fjords in Iceland. c I love playing in the snow. d This text reminds me that my family speaks Spanish and English.
6. Which detail describes the unique
landscape?
a The flag includes three colours. b Reindeer are found in Iceland. c Part of the island is covered in glacial ice. d Icelanders speak Icelandic.
181
FRIDAY
WEEK 30
182
Reread the text ‘Iceland’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about the things that make Iceland unique and special. What connections can you make between Iceland and another place? What are the similarities between the two places?
WEEK 31
Tim had to learn his multiplication facts, so Mammy spent time with him each day working on his goal. He used flash cards and practised really hard. He
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
wanted to know his facts better than anyone else in his class, so he kept it up for weeks. After about two months, Tim took a timed test at school. He did very well, so his hard work had paid off!
1. Which best summarises the text?
a Tim learns his multiplication facts. b Tim does well in school. c Hard work pays off. d Tim studied for months.
4. Using context clues, what is the
meaning of the word goal in the text?
a score b the end of a race c something that someone wants to achieve d target area
2. How does the main character change
from the beginning to the end of the text?
a He forgets his multiplication facts after studying.
5. What does the phrase had paid off
mean?
a cost a lot money
b He studies for a test, so he does well on it.
b was worth it and worked out well
c He spends more time with his mother.
c was too exhausting
d He becomes discouraged over his
d owed some change
multiplication facts and fails his maths test.
3. Which word from the text could have
an -ing ending added to make a new word?
a goal b work c paid d fact 183
TUESDAY
WEEK 31 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. My teacher says that maths is all related. She says that addition and multiplication are similar. I do not see how that is possible. Then she uses pictures to show us. She shows us how to count groups together. Multiplication is about adding groups together. That makes a lot of sense. I will remember this when I have to solve maths problems for my homework!
1. Which title best fits the text?
a Counting numbers b Groups c Multiplication facts d Connections in maths
4. What is the definition of solve as it is
used in this text?
a find an answer to a maths problem b unscramble c find an answer to a puzzle d deal with a problem
2. Who is the narrator?
a a teacher b a parent c a student d a maths expert
5. What other type of text is most similar
to this text?
a a gossip magazine b a newspaper c a textbook d a personal journal or diary
3. Which word from the text is NOT a
verb?
a related b uses c adding d remember
184
WEEK 31
Hannah was at the amusements with her family. She wanted to play the games with her dad. She really wanted to win a prize! Her dad tried hard, and finally, he was a winner! Hannah got to pick a prize, but she could not decide between
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
the tall box or the flat box of sweets. Her dad told her that the two boxes held the same amount. One had two rows of six, and the other had three rows of four. Both boxes had twelve sweets!
1. Which statement shows a reader using
the first sentence to predict the text?
a This story is about a girl going to a amusements by herself. b This story is about a girl in charge of a amusements. c This story is about a girl going to a party
3. Which word from the text could have
an re– prefix added to make a new word?
a family b win c fat d play
with her family. d This story is about a girl going to a amusements with her family.
4. Which is a synonym for the word
decide ?
a postpone b determine c accept d rearrange
5. Which word is used to emphasise how
much Hannah wanted to win a prize?
a really 2. Who are the two main characters?
a Hannah and her mum
b dad c tall d play
b Hannah and her sister c Hannah and her dad d Hannah’s mother and father 185
THURSDAY
WEEK 31 The crayon factory The manager of a crayon factory had to design new crayon boxes. She had to choose how many crayons should go in each box. This also meant choosing how many rows were in each box. This was hard. She had to decide on four designs. Each design had to use the same number of crayons! The factory crew gave the manager some ideas. They told her that they used multiplication to figure them out. They decided to start by having each box hold 48 crayons. Then, they figured out how 48 crayons would fit in boxes of different sizes. First, Bob suggested a box with six rows. He said that there would be eight crayons in each row. The group checked Bob’s work. They learned that his box would have 48 crayons. They kept his idea. Next, Mei suggested a box with four rows. She said that there would be twelve crayons in each row. Some people did not believe that this would hold the same number of crayons as Bob’s box. After doing the maths, everyone realised that Mei’s idea was correct, too. Adam decided to share his idea. He wanted to create a longer box for the crayons. He wanted only three rows for the box. He thought it would hold 16 crayons in each row. The group liked this idea. No one was sure if there were any other options. How else could they include 48 crayons? Ava had one more idea. She thought about it and realised that another longer box could hold two rows with 24 crayons in each row. Everyone agreed that this box may look odd, but it did hold 48 crayons. The crew was proud of their ideas, and their manager was happy to have some feedback from others. Now they had to decide how to make these new types of boxes. At least the hard part was over!
186
WEEK 31
1. What could a reader learn from
4. Which word best describes the crew
a Crayons are hard to make.
a angry
b Certain multiplication problems give
b lazy
reading this text?
equal answers. c A factory crew works for a manager.
that works at the factory?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘The crayon factory’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
c co-operative d mean
d Working on a team is not fun.
5. What important theme is shared in 2. Why did the author include maths in this text?
a to make the story funnier b to compare multiplication to subtraction c to explain a real problem at the local crayon factory
this text?
a A team working together can solve a lot of problems. b A factory crew has to make big decisions. c Crayons are very popular. d Co-workers are not your friends.
d to show how maths relates to real life
6. Which well-known story is also about 3. Which statement shows a connection
to the text?
a I added my markers, and I have 213. b My dad works on a crew. c This reminds me of finding patterns in
teamwork?
a ‘The Three Little Pigs’ b ‘The Frog Prince’ c ‘Cinderella’ d ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’
multiplication facts. d I like crayons.
187
FRIDAY
WEEK 31
188
Reread the text ‘The crayon factory’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about how the workers at the crayon factory use maths to solve a problem. Explain in your own words how their solutions make sense. How do you know the maths they used are correct?
WEEK 32
What is metabolism (muh-TAB-uh-liz-uhm)? It is how chemicals break down food. Food is turned into energy. Some animals can slow their metabolism. They do
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
this when they hibernate. Animals do not need food while they rest. They do not use much energy. A slower metabolism helps them conserve energy.
1. Which word tells a reader most about
4. What is the definition of
a animals
a energy
b chemical
b a deep sleep
c use
c a nap
d metabolism
d metabolism
2. Which title best fits this text?
5. Which word is defined within the text
this text?
a Slowing down metabolism b Low energy c Animals diets d Diet foods
hibernate ?
using a question?
a metabolism b energy c chemicals d hibernate
3. What is the noun form of the verb
hibernate ?
a hibernating b hibernates c hibernation d hibernated
189
TUESDAY
WEEK 32 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Humans do not hibernate through the winter, like bears do. However, most people do conserve energy when they sleep. Humans have to adapt to the cold weather in winter, too. People usually spend more time indoors in the winter months. They may read, watch a film, relax or sit by the fire. When the weather is nice and warm, most people enjoy being outside.
1. Which heading best fits this text?
a Relaxing by the fire b Wintertime c Going indoors d Do humans hibernate?
2. When do people conserve the most
energy?
a while eating b while watching films c while sleeping d while reading
3. Which word from the text has a suffix?
a outside b film c usually d conserve
190
4. Which word is an antonym for
conserve?
a waste b eat c save d talk
5. What is the tone of this text?
a informative b serious c funny d persuasive
WEEK 32
Bear attacks on humans are quite rare. Bears are shy and do not like to be around people. In some countries people do encounter bears in the wild. Sometimes bears roam near humans in order to get food. People should keep a
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
distance from bears. Bears with cubs are very protective and will attack if they sense danger. Making noise and backing away slowly are good things to do if you see a bear.
1. Which type of image would tell a
reader more about this text?
a a picture of a human hiking b a chart showing how rare bear attacks are c a photograph of a bear
4. Which is a synonym for encounter?
a smell b hear c meet d feel
d a weather report 5. Which word describes the tone of this
text? 2. Which title best fits this text?
a Survival techniques b Roaming for food c Rare bear attacks
a warning b serious c funny d sad
d Protecting youngsters
3. Which word is the root word in slowly?
a lowly b low c slow d ow
191
THURSDAY
WEEK 32 Sleeping for survival Many animals take a long rest during the winter months. They are not napping. They are hibernating. This is like a very deep sleep. It helps animals survive. Animals cannot be active during this time; otherwise, they would need to find food. This is very hard to do in places where it is snowy and icy. It also takes a lot of energy to stay warm. It is hard to create enough energy when you cannot find food. An animal’s body temperature drops while hibernating. Breathing slows down. Animals do not wake easily. They do not eat or make waste. They stay in a very deep sleep. How long they do this varies from animal to animal. What kinds of animals hibernate? Bears are very efficient hibernators. Some bears can go for seven months! Here in Ireland, the only animals that sleep right through the winter are hedgehogs and bats. Most people believe that animals only hibernate in the winter. Some animals actually hibernate in the summer. They are trying to escape hot and dry weather. They may also have to survive with little or no water. This is called estivation. One animal that rests in the summer is the frog. Certain species of frogs will bury themselves. They may do this in soil or under a log or a rock. Some find a dry pond to burrow into. Frogs are coldblooded animals. They cannot stay warmer or cooler than their surroundings. When it is a very hot day, the frogs cannot keep cool enough to survive. Estivation helps them stay alive. Both of these types of hibernation help animals survive. They adjust to their environment. They learn how to stay alive in harsh climates.
192
WEEK 32
1. What is the purpose for reading this
4. What topics were compared in this
a to be entertained
a animals that hibernate and animals
text?
b to be persuaded to believe something c to be informed about animals d to be informed about hibernation
text?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Sleeping for survival’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
that don’t hibernate b animals that hibernate in the winter and animals that hibernate in the summer c bears and hedgehogs d animals that hibernate and animals
2. What does the author want to teach
that nap
the reader in this text?
a that animals can die easily when hibernating b that animals hibernate to be better predators c that animals hibernate in the winter and the summer d that some animals hibernate because all other animals do, too
5. What is the most important idea in
this text? a Hibernation confuses animals. b Hibernation harms animals. c Hibernation helps animals survive. d Hibernation calms animals down.
3. Which statement reflects prior
6. How does hibernation help animals
a I don’t know the difference between frogs
a It lowers their metabolism.
knowledge related to the text?
and toads. b I have studied the hibernation patterns of bears. c I have hiked in the forest in winter. d I think frogs and toads are alike.
survive?
b It keeps them from eating when food is scarce. c It conserves their energy when it is cold or snowy. d all of the above
193
FRIDAY
WEEK 32
194
Reread the text ‘Sleeping for survival’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about why animals hibernate in the summer or the winter. What are the differences and similarities between animals that hibernate in the summer or winter?
WEEK 33
Sorcha was learning about fables at school. She had never read one before. Fables are fictional stories. Fables might include animals or plants as
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
characters. There might be pretend creatures. The characters act like humans. Fables have a moral, or a lesson. Sorcha enjoyed reading this type of fantasy story – she loved the talking animals!
1. Which title best fits this text?
a Talking animals b Fable characters c Sorcha’s favourites d Story characters
4. What is the meaning of the word
pretend in this text?
a alien b live c make-believe d toy
2. Why did Sorcha enjoy reading fables?
a They have funny characters that act like humans.
5. What does the language of this text
tell you about Sorcha?
b They are fictional stories.
a She disliked school.
c They are popular.
b She was a clever girl.
d They have magic.
c She did not read much. d She was happy to learn about this new type of story.
3. Which is the noun form of the verb
reading ?
a read b reader c reads d readable
195
TUESDAY
WEEK 33 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. Maeve was always trying to stay home from school. She liked staying home because she got to watch films and rest. Many days, she complained that her stomach hurt. Her father let her stay home. After a while, her father realised Maeve was not telling the truth. One day when she asked to stay home, her father said, “You have to go to school.” Maeve was very angry because her stomach really did hurt that day, but she had used that excuse too many times.
1. Which title best fits the text?
a No more excuses b Maeve’s day off c Stomach ache d A day at the cinema
2. Which story is similar to this text?
4. Where could a reader look to find
synonyms for complained ?
a a thesaurus b an encyclopedia c an atlas d a dictionary
5. What does the phrase used that excuse
mean?
a ‘Cinderella’ b ‘The Boy who cried Wolf’ c ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ d ‘Hansel and Gretel’
3. Which word has the same root word
as really?
a early b unreal c ally d tally
196
a said sorry b lied by claiming false reasons c screamed d left the house
WEEK 33
The farmer and his wife were worried about their crops. It had been a very dry winter and spring, and people assumed there would be a drought by summertime. This was bad news for the farmers in the area. It was not easy to
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
plant seeds in hard, dry land. “If only we had tons of money in the bank,” the farmer wished.
1. Which picture would tell a reader more
4. Where could a reader look to find the
a a picture of a wintery scene
a a thesaurus
b a picture of wilting crops
b an encyclopedia
c a picture of a goose
c an atlas
d a picture of a tractor
d a dictionary
2. Which word best describes the main
5. Reread the last sentence. Which
about this text?
characters?
definition of drought?
figure of speech does this sentence contain?
a angry b concerned
a a simile
c confused
b personification
d ecstatic
c alliteration d hyperbole
3. Which word is NOT an adjective in this
text?
a worried b dry c assumed d bad
197
THURSDAY
WEEK 33 The lion’s share One day, a lion, a fox, a jackal and a wolf went hunting together. They hunted all morning. But they could not find anything satisfactory. It was only in the late afternoon that they finally caught a deer. The four beasts surrounded the poor animal. They killed it as fast as they could. Then they decided to share their food. The lion was the Lord of the Jungle. He was superior to all in strength. Hence, the other creatures agreed when he proposed to share the food for all. Placing one of his paws upon the deer, the lion said, “You see, as a member of the hunting party, it is my right to receive one of these portions.” The others nodded in agreement. “But I am also the King of Beasts. So I must receive another portion,” he declared. The others looked uneasily at each other. “And besides, I was leading the hunt. So I deserve a third portion,” he proclaimed. The others mumbled something, but it could not be heard. “As for the fourth portion, if you wish to argue with me about its ownership, let’s begin, and we will see who will get it.” “Humph,” the others grumbled. They walked away with their heads down. They knew it was pointless to argue about their shares. Moral: You may share the labours of the great, but you cannot share the spoils.
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WEEK 33
1. Which purpose for reading this fable
4. Which word best describes the lion’s
a to learn the deer’s perspective
a friendly
b to be entertained and learn a lesson at
b untrustworthy
makes the most sense?
the end c to learn about hunting
character?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘The lion’s share’ Then read the questions and circle the answers.
c giving d uneasy
d to understand how animals act together in the wild
5. Which theme relates to the fox, jackal
and wolf?
2. How many portions of food did the lion
get?
a Do not always trust your superiors. b No hunting after dark.
a one portion
c Killing other animals is wrong.
b two portions
d Working together will get you nowhere.
c three portions d all of the portions
6. Which type of text is most closely 3. Which statement shows a connection
to the moral?
a I saw a fox and a wolf at the zoo. b My pet dog and pet cat fight over who gets to lie under the table. c My older brother made me help him do his chores but did not give me any part of his pocket money. d My parents do not let me eat as much
related to ‘The lion’s share’?
a a fictional story that takes place on an African safari b a non-fiction text about protecting endangered species c a non-fiction text about the diet of lions d a fictional story about a friend who is the leader of a group and makes decisions for the other children
dessert as they do.
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FRIDAY
WEEK 33
200
Reread the text ‘The lion’s share’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Reread the moral of this fable. Does this lesson seem fair to you? Why or why not?
WEEK 34
Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain in 1492. He had studied geography and navigation, and believed that he could reach India by sailing west across
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
the Atlantic Ocean. The king and queen of Spain had agreed to help him. They had given him three ships – the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. After a long and difficult voyage, the crew sighted land. They thought that they had arrived off the coast of India.
1. Who is this text about?
a Santa Maria b the king of Spain c Christopher Columbus d the crew
4. What is another form of the verb
thought?
a bought b believed c through d thinking
2. Which title best describes the main
idea?
a Columbus sets sail b The crew of the Pinta c Columbus’s final voyage d Sailing round the world 5. Which word describes the tone of this 3. Which word could add the prefix dis–
to make another word?
a voyage b believe c arrive
text?
a informative b silly c funny d false
d globe
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TUESDAY
WEEK 34 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. After many weeks at sea, Columbus and his crew sighted land on 12th October 1492. Believing that they had reached India, Columbus called the islands where they landed the ‘West Indies’. He named the native people who lived there ‘Indians’. However, they had actually arrived at the Caribbean Islands off the coast of North America. Columbus had accidentally discovered the New World.
1. Which statement shows a connection
4. Which word is a synonym for
a I want to go on holiday to India.
a hidden
b Once my dad took a wrong turn on the
b found
to the text?
discovered ?
road and we ended up at a beautiful
c believed
beach.
d covered
c My mother hates sailing. d I have a cousin who lives in America. 5. What does the language tell you about
the author’s purpose? 2. Which chapter title best fits this text?
a An accidental discovery b A map of Columbus’s journey c Landing in India d Countries of the West
a The language is personal so that people will feel like they know Columbus. b The language is factual so that people will learn more about Columbus. c The language is funny so that people will laugh about Columbus. d The language is persuasive so that
3. Which root word could add the prefix
re– to make another word?
a native b reach c accident d call
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people will believe things about Columbus.
WEEK 34
Christopher Columbus was welcomed as a hero upon returning to Spain. He brought with him new and exotic foods that had never been seen in Europe, such as turkey and pineapples. He also brought Native American people that
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
he and his crew had captured. Columbus was certain that he had been to the Indies. The king and queen of Spain were very pleased with him. They provided him with ships to make more journeys back across the Atlantic Ocean.
1. What fact does the first sentence tell
you about Christopher Columbus?
4. Which of these words are synonyms?
a exotic and foreign a Columbus never left the New World.
b returning and staying
b Columbus was thrown in prison on
c captured and lost
returning home.
d pleased and unhappy
c Columbus was rewarded when he returned to Spain. d Columbus was shipwrecked on the return voyage.
5. Where might this text be found?
a an atlas b a cookery book
2. Which index entry would help a reader
to find this information?
c a history textbook d a newspaper
a Columbus’s childhood b Columbus arrives home c Columbus finds land d Columbus’s appearance
3. Which word in the text is NOT a proper
noun?
a Spain b American c Colombus d They
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THURSDAY
WEEK 34 Who discovered America? In fourteen hundred and ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue. You may have heard this rhyme before. It is a popular way of remembering the year in which Columbus sailed to America. Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, in Italy. He learned how to make maps and believed he could reach India by sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean. He knew that there were great riches to be found in Asia. In August 1492, Columbus set sail with three ships – the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria. When the crew finally sighted land, they believed they had reached the Indies. But they had actually arrived at an island off the coast of America and in doing so had discovered the ‘New World’. For many years, people believed that Christopher Columbus was the first European explorer to discover America. But is this true? We know that there were native people already living in America. Columbus called them ‘Indians’ because of his belief that he was in India. These Native Americans had been living there for thousands of years. We also know now that Vikings had landed in North America around 500 years before Columbus. A Viking called Leif Erikson is said to have set foot in North America. However, the Vikings did not share this information with other Europeans. By 1502, an Italian explorer called Amerigo Vespucci figured out that Columbus had been mistaken. Word of a New World had spread throughout Europe. Vespucci went on several voyages to explore the coast of the New World. America was later named after ‘Amerigo’ Vespucci. Christopher Columbus had accidentally found a route from Europe to the Americas. Many European explorers followed his route. So, even if he was not the first European to land in America, his discovery was a hugely important event. Christopher Columbus died in 1506. He died thinking he had discovered a shortcut to Asia across the Atlantic Ocean. He never knew what an amazing discovery he had made. 204
WEEK 34 swers.
1. Which summary is the most accurate
4. Which statement about Amerigo
a It is about an explorer named Leif
a He sailed to America in 1492.
for the text?
Erikson. b It is about European explorers landing in America.
Vespucci is true?
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘Who discovered America?’ Then read the questions and circle the an-
b He was a Viking. c He never left Italy. d America is named after him.
c It is about Viking exploration. d It is about the childhood of Christopher Columbus. 5. What is the most important idea about
Christopher Columbus? 2. What is the author’s purpose?
a to teach people about Native American culture b to make people enjoy the text and laugh c to inform readers about when different
a He sailed with three boats. b He knew there were riches in Asia. c He discovered an important route from Europe to America. d He died in 1492.
explorers arrived in America d to teach people how to make maps
6. What title indicates a similar text?
3. Which statement shows a connection to the text?
a I do not like to go on boats.
a European explorers b The Viking mystery c A day in the life of a sailor d A history of Italy
b I have always wanted to explore the world and see new places. c I know there are seven oceans. d I live in Europe.
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FRIDAY
WEEK 34
206
Reread the text ‘Who discovered America?’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about what it must have been like for Christopher Columbus to go somewhere for the first time. When have you done something for the first time? How did you feel?
WEEK 35
The raccoon was acting very suspiciously. The other animals noticed. Finally, the cat asked, “Where were you last night?” The raccoon did not say anything. He
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
did not want the others to know about his secret hiding place. All the goodies he found around town were stashed there. He wondered how long he could keep it all hidden.
1. Which word tells the reader about the
4. What do you think the word goodies
a goodies
a special treats or items
b suspiciously
b rubbish
c raccoon
c animals
d hidden
d friends
main character’s behaviour?
means in the text?
2. Who is the main character?
a the cat b the raccoon c the goodies d the secret hiding place
3. To which root word can you add the
5. The language used in this text
a say
a a history book.
b place
b a fable.
c long
c a non-fiction text.
d found
d a picture book about animals.
prefix re– to make a new word?
suggests that it comes from . . .
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TUESDAY
WEEK 35 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. The fox was tired of having such a bad reputation. All of the creatures in the woodland were afraid of him. They avoided walking by him each day because they feared he would eat them. The truth was that the fox was lonely and he did not want to eat his forest friends anymore. He just wanted someone to talk to each day. He was sorry for all his bad deeds.
1. Which title best fits the text?
a Lonely guy b A new and improved fox c Bad deeds d Moving forward
4. Who else would likely have a bad
reputation ?
a a favourite teacher b a mother who gives her children a special dessert c a police officer trying to keep children safe d a bully who is always mean to other
2. What is the setting?
children
a school b a castle c the forest d the beach
3. Which is NOT a compound word?
a woodland b someone c creatures d anymore
208
5. What does the phrase bad deeds mean
in the text?
a angry voice b mistakes and poor behaviour c kindness d habits
WEEK 35
Three little pigs got together. “Maybe we should build a house together,” they said. They talked about materials and decided to make a wood house. The pigs felt that wood might be the most secure. The three little pigs worked together.
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
They built a bedroom for each one of them. Teamwork helped them to complete a successful project.
1. Which picture would tell a reader more
about this text?
a a picture of three beds b a picture of a building c a picture of tools d a picture of wood
2. Which word describes the main
characters?
a sad b co-operative c disagreeable
4. Which of these words means secure?
a colourful b stable c warm d open
5. Which genre is this text?
a non-fiction b fiction c historical fiction d autobiography
d confused
3. Which is the noun form of the
adjective secure ?
a secured b security c cure d securing
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THURSDAY
WEEK 35 The hare’s bride: a Brothers Grimm tale There was once a woman and her daughter who lived in a pretty garden with cabbages. A little hare came into it and ate all the cabbages during the wintertime. The mother told her daughter to shoo the hare away. The girl went into the garden. The little hare said, “Come, maiden. Come with me into my little hare’s hut.” The girl would not do it. The next day, the hare came again and ate the cabbages. The mother told her daughter to shoo the hare away. The girl went into the garden. The little hare said, “Come, maiden. Come with me into my little hare’s hut.” The girl refused. The third day the hare came again, and ate the cabbages. The mother told her daughter to shoo the hare away. The girl went into the garden. The little hare said, “Come, maiden. Come with me into my little hare’s hut.” The girl sat on the little hare’s back. Then the hare took her far away to his little hut. He said, “Now, cook us green cabbage and millet-seed. I will invite the guests to our wedding.” Then all the wedding guests came. The girl was sad, for she was all alone in the kitchen. The little hare came back and said, “The wedding guests are hungry.” The girl said nothing, and wept. The little hare went away. The little hare came back and said, “The wedding guests are waiting.” The girl said nothing, and the hare went away. Then the girl dressed a straw doll in her clothes and gave her a spoon and set her by the pan with the millet-seed and went back to her mother. The little hare came once more and said, “Serve the food!” and got up and touched the doll on the head so that her cap fell off. Then, the little hare saw that it was not his bride and was sad.
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WEEK 35 cle the answers.
1. Which prediction was changed midway
through reading this text?
a I predicted this was about two hares getting married, but now I realise it is a hare and a girl. b I predicted this was about life in the
4. How are the hare and the girl similar?
a They both trick each other.
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘The hare’s bride: a Brothers Grimm tale’ Then read the questions and cir-
b They both want to get married. c They both love the daughter’s mother. d They both want to live in the hut.
forest, but now I know it takes place in a zoo. c I predicted this was about two hares getting married, but now I think it is about a hare and a fox. d I predicted this was a story about two hares being friends, but now I realise it is a hare’s wedding.
5. What is the theme of this tale?
a You cannot always trust someone’s words. b Talking animals are scary. c Weddings are always a special occasion. d Hares are dangerous.
2. What is one setting in the text?
a a cottage b the cabbage garden
6. What other fairy tale has a similar
theme?
c the village market
a ‘Little Red Riding Hood’
d a wedding chapel
b ‘Hansel and Gretel’ c ‘The Three Little Pigs’ d All of these tales are about characters tricking someone else.
3. Who would be most similar to the hare?
a a dog who loves his master b a fox who outsmarts a farmer c a cat who sleeps all day d a horse who saves a princess
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FRIDAY
WEEK 35
212
Reread the text ‘The hare’s bride: A Brothers Grimm Tale’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. This story is about a very tricky hare who was tricked himself in the end. When have you tried to trick someone? Did your plan work?
WEEK 36
The aeroplane is an amazing invention. Two brothers flew an aeroplane first. Orville and Wilbur Wright were the inventors. The Wright brothers studied flight
MONDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
for many years. They began their work with kites. They learned a lot about how kites fly. They flew an aeroplane for the first time in 1903.
1. Which summary of the text is most
4. What does inventor mean in this
a This text is about different kinds of
a an aeroplane
accurate?
inventions. b This text is about different methods of transportation.
text?
b a creator of new things c amazing d a person who studies
c This text is about space. d This text is about how the aeroplane was invented.
5. What is an example of an amazing
invention in today’s world?
2. Which index entry would direct a
reader to this text?
a Wright, Orville and Wilbur b different kinds of aeroplanes
a pencil b bread c mobile phone d clothing
c airports d the physics of flights
3. Which suffix could replace –ed in
learned to make a new word?
a –er b –ly c –tion d –ment
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TUESDAY
WEEK 36 ■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers. The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean. Flights cross this ocean each day. They are called transatlantic flights. Early pilots had to figure out how to cross this large body of water. Engines could not travel far enough to cross it. The first planes could not hold enough fuel, either. Today, long flights across the Atlantic are very common. That is a big change from the past.
1. Which word tells a reader most about
4. Which definition of the word cross is
a pilot
a angry
b transatlantic
b a figure of two lines perpendicular to
the topic of this text?
c travel d water
used in this text?
each other c to go across or over d mixture
2. Which chapter title indicates the main
idea?
a The world’s oceans
5. What does it mean that transatlantic
flights are very common?
b Body of water
a They are safe.
c Crossing the Atlantic
b They happen often.
d Making waves
c They are organised. d They fly in circles.
3. Which suffix could replace -est in
largest to make a new word?
a –ion b –ing c –ed d –er
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WEEK 36
Altitude is an important part of flying. It refers to the height that the plane in the air is from the ground. There are rules for how high or low a plane can fly in the air. These rules are for safety. Instruments on the plane let the pilot know
WEDNESDAY
■ Read the text and the questions. Circle the answers.
about altitude. An altimeter is one of the tools in a plane that measures altitude.
1. Which statement shows a reader using
4. Which sentence uses instruments in
a I think this text is about bird’s flight.
a The orchestra members warmed up their
the first sentence to predict the text?
b I think this text is about landing and taking off in an aeroplane. c I think this text is about the flight level of aeroplanes. d I think this text is about the altitude of a tall mountain.
the same way as this text?
instruments. b Tests are instruments for monitoring students. c Instruments in a car measure speed. d The doctor used an instrument during his exam.
2. Which heading indicates the main idea
5. Which words from the text are
a An aeroplane’s flight level
a instrument and tool
b Pilot training
b part and air
c High and low
c safety and measures
d Reading instruments
d ground and low
of this text?
synonyms?
3. Which word has the same suffix as
flying?
a ring b trying c fling d lie
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THURSDAY
WEEK 36 The life of Amelia Earhart Amelia Earhart was interested in flying planes from a very young age. She was born in 1897 in Kansas. Amelia was quite adventurous. She loved to climb trees. She hunted rats with a rifle. During these years, the use of aeroplanes became more common. Amelia took her first flight in 1920. She was hooked. The ride changed her life, and she knew her mission in life.
Amelia Earhart
Earhart took her first flying lesson in 1921. She worked hard to save money. She was a nurse’s aide. Then she worked as a social worker. All of her income went into savings. Soon, she had enough money to buy her first plane. Earhart’s first plane was bright yellow. She called it Canary. Earhart learned a lot about flying in that plane. She flew to an altitude of 4,000 metres. That was a record at that time. Her next record was being the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. She joined two other pilots as their passenger. Together they made the flight in about 21 hours. Earhart set her sights on the next record. This time, she wanted to fly the Atlantic alone. She wanted to do a solo flight. Amelia’s husband helped her plan the trip. He wanted to help her reach her goal. She planned to fly from Newfoundland to Paris in 1932. Bad weather forced her to land in Ireland. It was still a victory for Amelia. She showed the world that men and women could both fly solo safely across the Atlantic. Amelia Earhart set out to tackle another challenge. She wanted to be the first woman to fly around the world. She left from Miami on 1st June 1937. She travelled over 32,000 kilometres. It was the final days of the trip. It was 2nd July. The weather was cloudy and wet. She took off from New Guinea. Amelia had a hard time hearing messages through her radio. She reported that she was “running north and south”. Then the line was silent. Those were the last words anyone ever heard from Amelia. Experts are still trying to solve the mystery of what happened to Amelia and her aeroplane. Her bravery was inspiring. She showed the world that strong women can do great things! 216
WEEK 36 swers.
1. What is the main reason for reading a
4. How is this biography organised?
biography?
a to learn about history b to compare the lives of famous people c to learn about a person’s life story d to learn about a person’s family
a as a compare-and-contrast text
THURSDAY
■ Read ‘The life of Amelia Earhart’ Then read the questions and circle the an-
b chronologically, in the order that events happened c sequentially, as the ordered steps to do something d as a problem-and-solution text
2. Which phrase from the text indicates
the author’s point of view about Earhart?
a quite adventurous
5. What is the main lesson about Amelia
Earhart’s life?
b bravery was inspiring
a She flew better than anyone else.
c social worker
b She took chances, was very brave and
d save money
taught people about equality among men and women. c She liked to beat records.
3. Which statement shows how prior
d It is not known if she is dead or alive.
knowledge can help understand the text?
a I have been to Miami on a holiday. b I once took an aeroplane trip to my grandmother’s house. c I tried out for the boys’ football team
6. What is one way in which Amelia
Earhart took chances?
a by climbing trees b by learning to fly a plane
because my school does not have a girls’
c by learning to fly a plane solo
football team, and I wanted to prove that
d all of the above
girls can play football just as well. d My mother is a social worker.
217
FRIDAY
WEEK 36
218
Reread the text ‘The life of Amelia Earhart’. Now, read the prompt and respond on the lines below. Think about the ways that Amelia was brave and courageous. Write about a time that you did something brave.