Grade Practice Test | Lumos Learning

Read the passage and answer the question.

Everything in nature follows a pattern. Circles, lines, spirals, and angles are repeated to make a pattern. Patterns in nature are not just pretty adornments. They serve a purpose that has helped nature survive and flourish.

Have you ever taken a close look at a beehive? (Well, not too close or you might get stung!) The natural pattern in beehives is so perfect that it seems to be computer designed. The hives are made up of layers and layers of cells. Each cell has six perfectly equal sides. Why would bees build hexagonal cells, why not circular or box-shaped ones? The bee is a genius at geometry and architecture! Six-sided cells allow bees to get maximum space for storing honey. Hexagons also use the least building material because all six sides are common to other cells. The bees don’t waste space, material or effort. Aren’t they smart insects?

Based on the selection, what is likely to happen to you if you go near a beehive?

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Read the passage and answer the question.

The ostrich is the largest bird in the world, but it cannot fly. Its legs are so strong and long that it can travel faster by running. Ostriches use their wings to help them gather speed when they start to run. They also use them as brakes when they are turning and stopping.
Ostriches have been known to run at a rate of 96 km an hour. This is faster than horses can run, and as fast as most people drive a car. These huge birds stand as tall as a horse and sometimes weigh as much as 135 kg. In Africa, their home continent, they are often seen with large animals. The zebra, which is also a fast runner, seems to be one of their favorite companions.
Each ostrich egg weighs as much as two dozen chicken eggs. Ostrich eggs are delicious to eat and are often used as food in Africa. The shells also are made into cups and ornaments.

What is the author’s opinion of the ostrich?

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Read the passage and answer the question.

Everything in nature follows a pattern. Circles, lines, spirals, and angles are repeated to make a design or a pattern. Patterns in nature are not just pretty adornments. They do serve a purpose that has helped nature survive and flourish.

Have you ever taken a close look at a beehive? Well, not too close or you might get stung! The natural pattern in beehives is so perfect that it seems to be computer designed. The hives are made up of layers and layers of cells. Each cell has perfectly equal six sides or hexagons. Why would bees build six-sided cells, why not circular or box shaped ones? That is because the bee is a genius at geometry and architecture! Six-sided cells use up every bit of space and allow bees to get maximum space for storing honey. Hexagons also use the least building material because all the six sides are common to other cells. The bees don’t waste space, material or effort. Aren’t they smart insects?

What can you conclude after reading this passage?

Reading: Informational Text (RI.3.8)