Reading Standards for Literature > Determining Theme and Summarizing Texts (CCSS.RL.4.2) Practice Test

On Tuesday night, Jay's model volcano collapsed just as he tested the baking soda and vinegar. Foam slid across the table, and the cardboard mountain sagged into a mess. He wanted to quit the science fair, but his neighbor, Ms. Ortiz, showed him how to reinforce the sides with folded cardboard and tape. She reminded him to test small amounts first. Jay took a breath, cleaned up, and tried again. This time he measured carefully and let the glue dry before the final test. In the morning, the volcano stood tall and bubbled gently. Jay walked to school smiling, carrying it with both hands.

Right before her soccer game, Alana couldn't find her cleats. She stomped around the living room and blamed her brother, who was reading on the couch. He shrugged and said he hadn't touched them. Alana checked the car, under the bench by the door, and even the dryer. The clock ticked closer to kickoff. Finally, she stopped, took a breath, and told her coach the truth when she arrived in sneakers. The coach nodded and lent her an extra pair from the equipment bag. Alana apologized to her brother after the game and promised to look carefully next time.