Passage 1

Adapted from Little Cinderella (1858)

It happened that the king's son sent invitations to a ball, which was to last two nights, and to which all the great people of the land were invited, the two sisters among the rest. This delighted them extremely, and their thoughts were entirely occupied in selecting their most becoming dresses for the important occasion. Poor Cinderella had now more work to do than ever, as it was her business to iron their linen, and starch their ruffles. The sisters talked of nothing but preparations for the ball. The eldest said, “I shall wear my crimson-velvet dress, and point-lace;” and the younger, “I shall put on my usual dress-petticoat, a mantle embroidered with gold flowers, and a tiara of diamonds.“

They sent to engage the services of the most fashionable hairdresser. They also called Cinderella to their aid; for she had very good taste, and she offered, in the most amiable manner, to arrange their heads herself; of which offer they were only too happy to avail themselves. Whilst so occupied, the eldest said, “Cinderella, should you like to go to the ball?”

“Alas!” said she, “you are ridiculing me. I am not likely to go to the ball.”

“You are right,” replied the sister; “people would be amused to see a Cinderella there.”

Passage 2

Adapted from Cinderella by Henry W. Hewet (1855)

It happened that the king's son gave a ball, to which he invited all the nobility; and, as our two young ladies made a great figure in the world, they were included in the list of invitations. So they began to be very busy choosing what head-dress and which gown would be the most becoming. Here was fresh work for poor Cinderella: for it was she, forsooth, who was to starch and get up their ruffles, and iron all their fine linen; and nothing but dress was talked about for days together. "I," said the eldest, "shall put on my red velvet dress, with my point-lace trimmings." "And I," said the younger sister, "shall wear my usual petticoat, but shall set it off with my gold brocaded train and my circlet of diamonds."

They sent for a clever tire-woman to prepare the double rows of quilling for their caps, and they purchased a quantity of fashionably cut patches. They called in Cinderella to take her advice, as she had such good taste, and Cinderella not only advised them well, but offered to dress their hair, which they were pleased to accept. While she was thus busied, the sisters said to her: "And pray, Cinderella, would you like to go to the ball?"

"Nay, you are mocking me," replied the poor girl; "it is not for such as I to go to balls." "True enough," rejoined they; "folks would laugh to see a Cinderella at a court ball."

Why did the sisters think people would laugh if Cinderella came to the ball? 

Adapted from "The Pig Brother" by Laura E. Richards (1908)

There was once a child who was untidy. He left his books on the floor, and his muddy shoes on the table; he put his fingers in the jam-pots, and spilled ink on his best pinafore; there was really no end to his untidiness.

One day the Tidy Angel came into his nursery.

“This will never do!” said the Angel. “This is really shocking. You must go out and stay with your brother while I set things to rights here.”

“I have no brother!” said the child.

“Yes, you have!” said the Angel. “You may not know him, but he will know you. Go out in the garden and watch for him, and he will soon come.”

“I don’t know what you mean!” said the child; but he went out into the garden and waited.

Presently a squirrel came along, whisking his tail.

“Are you my brother?” asked the child.

The squirrel looked him over carefully.

“Well, I should hope not!” he said. “My fur is neat and smooth, my nest is handsomely made, and in perfect order, and my young ones are properly brought up. Why do you insult me by asking such a question?”

He whisked off, and the child waited.

Presently a wren came hopping by.

“Are you my brother?” asked the child.

“No indeed!” said the wren. “What impertinence! You will find no tidier person than I in the whole garden. Not a feather is out of place, and my eggs are the wonder of all for smoothness and beauty. Brother, indeed!” He hopped off, ruffling his feathers, and the child waited.

By and by a large Tommy Cat came along.

“Are you my brother?” asked the child.

“Go and look at yourself in the glass,” said the Tommy Cat haughtily, “and you will have your answer. I have been washing myself in the sun all the morning, while it is clear that no water has come near you for a long time. There are no such creatures as you in my family, I am humbly thankful to say.”

He walked on, waving his tail, and the child waited.

Presently a pig came trotting along.

The child did not wish to ask the pig if he were his brother, but the pig did not wait to be asked.

“Hallo, brother!” he grunted.

“I am not your brother!” said the child.

“Oh, yes, you are!” said the pig. “I confess I am not proud of you, but there is no mistaking the members of our family. Come along, and have a good roll in the barnyard! There is some lovely black mud there.”

“I don’t like to roll in mud!” said the child.

“Tell that to the hens!” said the pig brother. “Look at your hands, and your shoes, and your pinafore! Come along, I say! You may have some of the pig-wash for supper, if there is more than I want.”

“I don’t want pig-wash!” said the child; and he began to cry.

Just then the Tidy Angel came out.

“I have set everything to rights,” she said, “and so it must stay. Now, will you go with the Pig Brother, or will you come back with me, and be a tidy child?”

“With you, with you!” cried the child; and he clung to the Angel’s dress.

The Pig Brother grunted.

“Small loss!” he said. “There will be all the more wash for me!” and he trotted on.

Based on the dialog, which animal wanted to be brothers with the boy? 

Dogs are the Best Pet

Dogs are the best pets! Dogs are known as “man’s best friend.” They are loving and happy. They want to be with you. They are there to greet you when you get home and are always excited to see you. They are loyal and will always be there for you.

Dogs are fun. Dogs love to play with you. Dogs love to play with toys and play games. They like to play catch, fetch, tug-of-war, and chase. Dogs are so much fun to play with.

Dogs keep you healthy. Dogs love to go for walks. When you walk your dog you get exercise and fresh air. Exercise and fresh air are important to keeping people healthy and in shape. People who are healthy live longer and are less likely to get sick.

Dogs protect you. Dogs will bark when they hear a strange noise or if they sense danger. They keep you and your family safe when you are home and protect your house when you are away. Dogs are ready to defend and protect you from harm.

Dogs are smart. Dogs know their names and follow directions. Even as puppies, dogs learn the rules and commands quickly. Many dogs can even learn how to do tricks.

Dogs are helpful. Dogs are so smart that many dogs are trained to do important jobs. Some dogs work on farms to help take care of other animals like sheet and cows. Other dogs are used to help people who cannot hear or see or who have a disability. Dogs can sense when someone with an illness is going to get sick and tell them to take their medicine or call for help. Some dogs even work for the police – finding people who are lost or missing and sniffing out criminals.

Dogs keep you company. Dogs love to cuddle and be with you. Dogs love you and want to make you happy. You will never be lonely if you have a dog.

Dogs are the best pet!

Cats are the Best Pet

Cats are the best pets! Cats love to cuddle. They will rub up against your feet or legs to say hello and let you know they love you.

Cats love to play. They love to chase their toys around the house. Cats are happy to play with string or lights – they do not need a lot of toys to be happy. Cats take care of their toys and do not chew them up or destroy them.

Cats take care of themselves. You do not need to take your cat out for walks. Cats will take themselves on adventures around the neighborhood and then bring themselves home. Cats have a litter box that they use to go to the bathroom. You do not have to take them outside and pick up after them. Cats clean themselves. They give themselves baths by licking themselves until they are clean. They smell good and are always clean.

Cats are quiet. They do not bark or make loud noises. Cats make quiet purring sounds when they are happy or meow when they need something like food or water. Cats are even quiet when they play. Cats will not disturb you when you are working or busy.

Cats love to cuddle. Happy cats will cuddle with you or rub against your legs. There is nothing better than a cat’s soft fur keeping your feet warm.

Cats are the best pet!

Which would support the opinion of the author of “Cats are the Best Pet”?

Dogs are the Best Pet

Dogs are the best pets! Dogs are known as “man’s best friend.” They are loving and happy. They want to be with you. They are there to greet you when you get home and are always excited to see you. They are loyal and will always be there for you.

Dogs are fun. Dogs love to play with you. Dogs love to play with toys and play games. They like to play catch, fetch, tug-of-war, and chase. Dogs are so much fun to play with.

Dogs keep you healthy. Dogs love to go for walks. When you walk your dog you get exercise and fresh air. Exercise and fresh air are important to keeping people healthy and in shape. People who are healthy live longer and are less likely to get sick.

Dogs protect you. Dogs will bark when they hear a strange noise or if they sense danger. They keep you and your family safe when you are home and protect your house when you are away. Dogs are ready to defend and protect you from harm.

Dogs are smart. Dogs know their names and follow directions. Even as puppies, dogs learn the rules and commands quickly. Many dogs can even learn how to do tricks.

Dogs are helpful. Dogs are so smart that many dogs are trained to do important jobs. Some dogs work on farms to help take care of other animals like sheet and cows. Other dogs are used to help people who cannot hear or see or who have a disability. Dogs can sense when someone with an illness is going to get sick and tell them to take their medicine or call for help. Some dogs even work for the police – finding people who are lost or missing and sniffing out criminals.

Dogs keep you company. Dogs love to cuddle and be with you. Dogs love you and want to make you happy. You will never be lonely if you have a dog.

Dogs are the best pet!

Cats are the Best Pet

Cats are the best pets! Cats love to cuddle. They will rub up against your feet or legs to say hello and let you know they love you.

Cats love to play. They love to chase their toys around the house. Cats are happy to play with string or lights – they do not need a lot of toys to be happy. Cats take care of their toys and do not chew them up or destroy them.

Cats take care of themselves. You do not need to take your cat out for walks. Cats will take themselves on adventures around the neighborhood and then bring themselves home. Cats have a litter box that they use to go to the bathroom. You do not have to take them outside and pick up after them. Cats clean themselves. They give themselves baths by licking themselves until they are clean. They smell good and are always clean.

Cats are quiet. They do not bark or make loud noises. Cats make quiet purring sounds when they are happy or meow when they need something like food or water. Cats are even quiet when they play. Cats will not disturb you when you are working or busy.

Cats love to cuddle. Happy cats will cuddle with you or rub against your legs. There is nothing better than a cat’s soft fur keeping your feet warm.

Cats are the best pet!

What reason do both authors use to support their opinion?

Dogs are the Best Pet

Dogs are the best pets! Dogs are known as “man’s best friend.” They are loving and happy. They want to be with you. They are there to greet you when you get home and are always excited to see you. They are loyal and will always be there for you.

Dogs are fun. Dogs love to play with you. Dogs love to play with toys and play games. They like to play catch, fetch, tug-of-war, and chase. Dogs are so much fun to play with.

Dogs keep you healthy. Dogs love to go for walks. When you walk your dog you get exercise and fresh air. Exercise and fresh air are important to keeping people healthy and in shape. People who are healthy live longer and are less likely to get sick.

Dogs protect you. Dogs will bark when they hear a strange noise or if they sense danger. They keep you and your family safe when you are home and protect your house when you are away. Dogs are ready to defend and protect you from harm.

Dogs are smart. Dogs know their names and follow directions. Even as puppies, dogs learn the rules and commands quickly. Many dogs can even learn how to do tricks.

Dogs are helpful. Dogs are so smart that many dogs are trained to do important jobs. Some dogs work on farms to help take care of other animals like sheet and cows. Other dogs are used to help people who cannot hear or see or who have a disability. Dogs can sense when someone with an illness is going to get sick and tell them to take their medicine or call for help. Some dogs even work for the police – finding people who are lost or missing and sniffing out criminals.

Dogs keep you company. Dogs love to cuddle and be with you. Dogs love you and want to make you happy. You will never be lonely if you have a dog.

Dogs are the best pet!

Cats are the Best Pet

Cats are the best pets! Cats love to cuddle. They will rub up against your feet or legs to say hello and let you know they love you.

Cats love to play. They love to chase their toys around the house. Cats are happy to play with string or lights – they do not need a lot of toys to be happy. Cats take care of their toys and do not chew them up or destroy them.

Cats take care of themselves. You do not need to take your cat out for walks. Cats will take themselves on adventures around the neighborhood and then bring themselves home. Cats have a litter box that they use to go to the bathroom. You do not have to take them outside and pick up after them. Cats clean themselves. They give themselves baths by licking themselves until they are clean. They smell good and are always clean.

Cats are quiet. They do not bark or make loud noises. Cats make quiet purring sounds when they are happy or meow when they need something like food or water. Cats are even quiet when they play. Cats will not disturb you when you are working or busy.

Cats love to cuddle. Happy cats will cuddle with you or rub against your legs. There is nothing better than a cat’s soft fur keeping your feet warm.

Cats are the best pet!

What does the author of “Dogs are the Best Pet” want you to learn?

Dogs are the Best Pet

Dogs are the best pets! Dogs are known as “man’s best friend.” They are loving and happy. They want to be with you. They are there to greet you when you get home and are always excited to see you. They are loyal and will always be there for you.

Dogs are fun. Dogs love to play with you. Dogs love to play with toys and play games. They like to play catch, fetch, tug-of-war, and chase. Dogs are so much fun to play with.

Dogs keep you healthy. Dogs love to go for walks. When you walk your dog you get exercise and fresh air. Exercise and fresh air are important to keeping people healthy and in shape. People who are healthy live longer and are less likely to get sick.

Dogs protect you. Dogs will bark when they hear a strange noise or if they sense danger. They keep you and your family safe when you are home and protect your house when you are away. Dogs are ready to defend and protect you from harm.

Dogs are smart. Dogs know their names and follow directions. Even as puppies, dogs learn the rules and commands quickly. Many dogs can even learn how to do tricks.

Dogs are helpful. Dogs are so smart that many dogs are trained to do important jobs. Some dogs work on farms to help take care of other animals like sheet and cows. Other dogs are used to help people who cannot hear or see or who have a disability. Dogs can sense when someone with an illness is going to get sick and tell them to take their medicine or call for help. Some dogs even work for the police – finding people who are lost or missing and sniffing out criminals.

Dogs keep you company. Dogs love to cuddle and be with you. Dogs love you and want to make you happy. You will never be lonely if you have a dog.

Dogs are the best pet!

Cats are the Best Pet

Cats are the best pets! Cats love to cuddle. They will rub up against your feet or legs to say hello and let you know they love you.

Cats love to play. They love to chase their toys around the house. Cats are happy to play with string or lights – they do not need a lot of toys to be happy. Cats take care of their toys and do not chew them up or destroy them.

Cats take care of themselves. You do not need to take your cat out for walks. Cats will take themselves on adventures around the neighborhood and then bring themselves home. Cats have a litter box that they use to go to the bathroom. You do not have to take them outside and pick up after them. Cats clean themselves. They give themselves baths by licking themselves until they are clean. They smell good and are always clean.

Cats are quiet. They do not bark or make loud noises. Cats make quiet purring sounds when they are happy or meow when they need something like food or water. Cats are even quiet when they play. Cats will not disturb you when you are working or busy.

Cats love to cuddle. Happy cats will cuddle with you or rub against your legs. There is nothing better than a cat’s soft fur keeping your feet warm.

Cats are the best pet!

What does the author of “Cats are the Best Pet” want you to learn?

Seed to Plant

A plant starts as a small seed. Different seeds become different plants. It is a long journey from a seed to a plant.

First a seed must travel and find its spot in the dirt. Seeds must travel before they find the spot they will call home. Some seeds travel very far before they finally land. Wind can spread seeds long distances. Other seeds are carried and dropped by animals such as squirrels or birds. Animals can carry seeds many miles before dropping them in the dirt. 

Next seeds need water. Soon the seed breaks open and roots begin to grow down into the ground. The roots grow and grow. Roots soak up water and nutrients from the soil. The roots will also hold the plant in place. Roots have many important jobs. After the roots carry water and nutrients back to the seed, a small stem forms and pops out of the ground.

The small stem continues to grow. The stem grows up towards the sun, where the plant will get its food. Now leaves begin to form on the stem. The leaves soak up more water and sunlight to help the plant grow. Plants create their own food using the energy they get from the sun. 

Seeds and plants depend on sunlight and water to grow.  Water and sunlight are food for plants. Some plants have very large leaves, while others have smaller leaves or even no leaves at all. The size of the leaves depends on how much water and sunlight the plant has. A plant in a shady area or a place with little sun has larger leaves than a plant in an area with lots of sunlight and water.

Many adult plants grow flowers and or fruit. Flowers and fruit make more seeds. These seeds will drop and spread and soon start their journey to becoming new plants.

What is the purpose of the text?

Seed to Plant

A plant starts as a small seed. Different seeds become different plants. It is a long journey from a seed to a plant.

First a seed must travel and find its spot in the dirt. Seeds must travel before they find the spot they will call home. Some seeds travel very far before they finally land. Wind can spread seeds long distances. Other seeds are carried and dropped by animals such as squirrels or birds. Animals can carry seeds many miles before dropping them in the dirt. 

Next seeds need water. Soon the seed breaks open and roots begin to grow down into the ground. The roots grow and grow. Roots soak up water and nutrients from the soil. The roots will also hold the plant in place. Roots have many important jobs. After the roots carry water and nutrients back to the seed, a small stem forms and pops out of the ground.

The small stem continues to grow. The stem grows up towards the sun, where the plant will get its food. Now leaves begin to form on the stem. The leaves soak up more water and sunlight to help the plant grow. Plants create their own food using the energy they get from the sun. 

Seeds and plants depend on sunlight and water to grow.  Water and sunlight are food for plants. Some plants have very large leaves, while others have smaller leaves or even no leaves at all. The size of the leaves depends on how much water and sunlight the plant has. A plant in a shady area or a place with little sun has larger leaves than a plant in an area with lots of sunlight and water.

Many adult plants grow flowers and or fruit. Flowers and fruit make more seeds. These seeds will drop and spread and soon start their journey to becoming new plants.

What does the author want the reader to learn?

Seed to Plant

A plant starts as a small seed. Different seeds become different plants. It is a long journey from a seed to a plant.

First a seed must travel and find its spot in the dirt. Seeds must travel before they find the spot they will call home. Some seeds travel very far before they finally land. Wind can spread seeds long distances. Other seeds are carried and dropped by animals such as squirrels or birds. Animals can carry seeds many miles before dropping them in the dirt. 

Next seeds need water. Soon the seed breaks open and roots begin to grow down into the ground. The roots grow and grow. Roots soak up water and nutrients from the soil. The roots will also hold the plant in place. Roots have many important jobs. After the roots carry water and nutrients back to the seed, a small stem forms and pops out of the ground.

The small stem continues to grow. The stem grows up towards the sun, where the plant will get its food. Now leaves begin to form on the stem. The leaves soak up more water and sunlight to help the plant grow. Plants create their own food using the energy they get from the sun. 

Seeds and plants depend on sunlight and water to grow.  Water and sunlight are food for plants. Some plants have very large leaves, while others have smaller leaves or even no leaves at all. The size of the leaves depends on how much water and sunlight the plant has. A plant in a shady area or a place with little sun has larger leaves than a plant in an area with lots of sunlight and water.

Many adult plants grow flowers and or fruit. Flowers and fruit make more seeds. These seeds will drop and spread and soon start their journey to becoming new plants.

Based on the text, which of the following is likely an opinion of the author?

Dogs at Work

Many people have dogs. Dogs are good friends. They love to play and cuddle. Dogs will keep you company and make you feel better. Dogs will keep you safe and protect you from danger. Dogs are smart. They know their names and can learn cool tricks. Dogs are great pets. But did you know, many dogs have important jobs?

Therapy Dogs

Many dogs work to help people feel better. These dogs are called therapy dogs. Many therapy dogs work in hospitals to keep people happy and comfort people who are sick. Dogs make people feel happy and calm, which can help someone feel better when they are ill.

Some therapy dogs work with kids in schools. Kids can read to dogs and practice their skills to become better readers.

Service Dogs

Some dogs have jobs to help people with disabilities. These dogs are called service dogs. Many people who cannot see or hear have service dogs. Service dogs are trained to help their owners in their everyday lives. Service dogs can help people who cannot see by telling them when it is safe to cross the street and leading their owners so they do not trip or run into something.

Other service dogs help people who have illnesses. These service dogs are trained to sense when their owner is going to get sick and warn their owner to take medicine or call for help.

Search-and-Rescue Dogs

Search-and-rescue dogs help find people who are lost or trapped. Dogs have a very good sense of smell – much better than humans. Search-and-rescue dogs use their senses to help locate missing people or people who are trapped in caves or fallen buildings.

Detection Dogs

Some dogs, like search-and-rescue dogs, use their sense of smell to help find people who are lost. Other dogs use their sense of smell to find things that are hidden. These dogs are called detection dogs.

Detection dogs can help police find people who have broken the law and are hiding. Detection dogs can also help find explosives or bombs before they can cause damage.

Dogs are great pets. They are smart, friendly and good companions. Dogs also work hard and help us in many ways. It’s a good thing there are dogs!

Based on the text, which of the following is likely an opinion of the author?