Reading Standards for Informational Text > Comparing Firsthand and Secondhand Accounts (CCSS.RI.4.6) Practice Test

Passage 1 (Diary): I could barely keep my hands steady when the judges stopped at my volcano model. The gym smelled like paint and popcorn from the snack table. Maya whispered, 'You've got this,' but my stomach still fluttered. When the lava bubbled, one judge laughed, and I felt brave. I didn't win a ribbon, yet Dad high-fived me and said he was proud. On the ride home, I kept thinking how my project finally worked at the right moment.

Passage 2 (Newsletter): Lincoln Elementary held its annual science fair on Thursday in the gym. Over 120 students presented projects on topics such as renewable energy, chemistry reactions, and simple machines. Community engineers and two high school science teachers served as judges. First place went to Hannah Lee for her water-filter design. The event lasted from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and families were invited. The Parent-Teacher Organization provided snacks, and winners will advance to the district showcase next month.

Firsthand Account: I stood in the yard with my cardboard viewer and watched the sunlight turn dim and silvery. The air cooled, and the birds grew quiet like bedtime. Dad whispered, "Ready?" and counted down while the Moon slid in front of the Sun. For a minute the world felt strange, like a shadow blanket had covered the day. I got goosebumps and wanted to shout, but we just stared. When the light came back, everyone cheered and the dog barked at the sky.

Secondhand Account: A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on parts of Earth. During a partial or total eclipse, daylight can dim and temperatures may drop slightly. People should only view an eclipse with proper eye protection or an approved viewer. On April 8, a total eclipse crossed several regions, while many other areas saw a partial eclipse. Eclipses follow predictable paths and times, which scientists calculate using the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.