GRADE 4
Reading Language Arts
Practice Assessment
Copyright © 2023, Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited without express
written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
GRADE 4
Reading Language Arts
Practice Assessment
Copyright © 2023, Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Reproduction of all or portions of this work is prohibited without express
written permission from the Texas Education Agency.
READING LANGUAGE ARTS
Grade 4 RLA
Page 3
READING LANGUAGE ARTS
Grade 4 RLA
Page 4
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each
question.
Building the Bend
Characters
NARRATOR: The guy telling the story
HUSBAND: A farmer, married to Wife
WIFE: A farmer, married to Husband
COWBOY: Just a cowboy
SCENE 1
1 [Setting: Along the Rio Grande in West Texas.]
2 NARRATOR: [Talking to the audience.] Hello there, fellow
Texans. We sure do love our state, don’t we? But even though
we love it, we may not always know everything about it. Like
for instance, did you ever wonder how the Rio Grande got that
Big Bend in it? Well, even if you never did wonder that, you’re
about to nd out. Here come the makers of the Big Bend now!
3 [Enter Husband and Wife. They tend to their dry elds.]
4 COWBOY: [Entering.] Howdy, sir. Ma’am. Sure is a mighty ne
day today, wouldn’t you agree?
Grade 4 RLA
Page 5
5 HUSBAND: [Grunting.] It most certainly is not a ne day!
These turnips need water!
6 COWBOY: I don’t see any turnips. And I don’t see any
water, either.
7 WIFE: Exactly! We need some rain or some river water to
irrigate our crops. But there’s not a drop around here. I’m
starting to regret ever settling this farm. Maybe we’ll just
move back east.
8 COWBOY: [Shaking head.] Now, don’t do anything hasty.
There’s plenty of water to the south and west of here.
9 HUSBAND: There is? Where?
10 COWBOY: Why, in the Rio Grande, of course! But that’s
hundreds of miles away. You’ll have to move your farm there.
Well, I’ll be seeing you around. [Exits.]
11 WIFE: Move our farm? What a crazy idea. We like it here!
SCENE 2
12 NARRATOR: That night, the husband and wife had a talk.
13 HUSBAND: You know, I’ve been thinking about what that
cowboy had to say this morning about the river.
14 WIFE: You’re not thinking of moving the farm, are you?
15 HUSBAND: [Shaking his head.] You know I don’t want to
leave. We’ve worked too hard to get this place going. But the
turnips need water, and there’s no water here. I don’t see any
other choice.
16 WIFE: Well, I’ve been thinking, too. I think I know how we can
stay here on our farm and have plenty of water.
17 [Wife and Husband huddle together and make plans.]
SCENE 3
18 NARRATOR: The next day, the two got to work on their plan.
19 WIFE: [Pointing to the boulders.] These are the perfect size.
Let’s wrap the rope around this big one here and pull it into place.
Grade 4 RLA
Page 6
20 HUSBAND: [Ties the rope around the boulder.] I think we’re
getting stronger, pulling all these boulders. It’s getting easier all
the time.
21 WIFE: You’re right! Given enough time, I bet we could move
a mountain!
22 [Husband and Wife keep piling rocks higher and higher during
the scene.]
23 COWBOY: [Entering the scene.] Well, howdy, again. What are
you folks doing now?
24 HUSBAND: Howdy! After you mentioned the Rio Grande
yesterday, we decided to take matters into our own hands.
25 COWBOY: Are you building a lake or something?
26 WIFE: Nope. We didn’t want to move our farm to the river, so
instead, we’re moving the river to our farm. Now, if you’ll excuse
us, we have a lot of work to do.
27 NARRATOR: Those two worked and worked until they had built
a canyon of rocks—to steer the river water, of course. After they
had the rocks in place, they turned the waters of the Rio Grande
to ow through their new canyon. And that’s how Big Bend was
made. Now that there is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing
but the truth. And if I’m lying, may the sun go dark.
28 [All the lights on stage go out.]
29 NARRATOR: [In darkness.] Okay, maybe it wasn’t the
whole truth.
30 [Curtain.]
6360
Grade 4 RLA
Page 7
1 The author includes a map of Texas to —
A
highlight the area that inspired a tall tale
B
illustrate the distance between cities
C
show the route the cowboy was following
D
identify the major natural landmarks
91626
2 Based on lines 8 and 10, what can the reader conclude about Cowboy?
A
He knows a lot about growing turnips.
B
He works for the husband and wife.
C
He is familiar with the land around him.
D
He has long known the husband and wife.
57593
3 Why are lines 26 and 27 important to the plot of the play?
A
They explain how the problem is discovered.
B
They describe the cause of the problem.
C
They explain why the problem might happen again.
D
They describe how the problem is solved.
91627
Grade 4 RLA
Page 8
4 How does the turnip farm setting contribute to the plot of the play?
A
The main characters love eating turnips.
B
The turnip farm shows the season of the year.
C
The main problem happens because turnips need water.
D
The narrator has long worked on the turnip farm.
57597
5 This play is divided into three scenes to —
A
describe the thoughts of three different characters
B
include dialogue, conict, and plot
C
show three different places
D
tell the beginning, middle, and end of a story
57600
Grade 4 RLA
Page 9
6 This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
Which characteristic of the play best identies it as a tall tale?
A
It has a setting that is unrealistic.
B
It has events that are hard to believe.
C
It has characters who try to do something.
D
It has a narrator who tells the story.
Part B
Which line from the play best supports the answer to Part A?
A
COWBOY: I don’t see any turnips. And I don’t see any water,
either. (line 6)
B
WIFE: Move our farm? What a crazy idea. We like it here! (line 11)
C
COWBOY: . . . Well, howdy, again. What are you folks doing now?
(line 23)
D
NARRATOR: . . . Okay, maybe it wasn’t the whole truth. (line 29)
57598
Grade 4 RLA
Page 10
7 What is the theme of the play?
A
Teamwork can lead to amazing things.
B
Change can take a long time to accept.
C
Curiosity can lead to unexpected discoveries.
D
New skills can be learned at any age.
57604
8 What is the relationship between Husband and Wife like in the play?
A
They each want different things.
B
They enjoy doing things for each other.
C
They make decisions together.
D
They like to complain about each other.
57606
This page intentionally left blankThis page intentionally left blank
Grade 4 RLA
Page 11
Grade 4 RLA
Page 12
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each
question.
In the Club
1 “Which club should we join this year?” Marley asked as
the girls scanned the list of school activities. “Last year we did
the yearbook.”
2 “And the year before that,” Nia said, “we were in the
Poetry Club and also the Creative Writing Club. But—”
3 “But,” Marley interrupted, “two clubs at once was too much,
although I really liked the Poetry Club. Do you want to do that
one again?”
4 “Well, . . .” Nia paused, trying to decide what to say.
“I don’t know, there are still plenty of spots in some of the
other clubs, like . . . the Robotics Club.”
5 “Robotics Club?” Marley scoffed. “Ha! Poetry Club will be so
much more fun! We’ve always had such a blast in clubs together.”
6 “Yeah, we have,” Nia said quietly.
7 “Great!” Marley said. “Then it’s settled.”
8 “The thing is, though, . . .” Nia began.
9 “I have a great idea for a new poem,” Marley continued.
“It’s about friendship, and how friends do everything together.
Oh, I have to go now, but I’ll give you a call tonight, and we’ll
plan what we’re going to do this year in Poetry Club. See you!”
10 As Marley walked away, Nia looked back at the list of clubs
and sighed.
11 That evening, Nia sat at the desk in her room and chewed
on a pencil, trying to decide what to do. On the one hand, she
really wanted to be in a club with Marley, just like they always
had. On the other hand, she didn’t really enjoy the Poetry Club
or any of the other clubs they had been in together.
12 What Nia really wanted to do was to join the Robotics Club.
She remembered when her older brother, Leonardo, was in the
club, and how much he talked about all the exciting activities he
was doing. Leonardo built a robot that could help teach children
Grade 4 RLA
Page 13
how to tie their shoes. It was all so fascinating and fun, and
Nia couldn’t wait to be in the Robotics Club when she was old
enough. Now she nally was old enough, but Nia had the
feeling that there was no way that Marley would want to do
robotics—and Nia really didn’t want to do poetry.
13 What if Nia told her best friend that she wanted to be
in the Robotics Club instead of the Poetry Club, and then
Marley decided that she didn’t want to be best friends
anymore—or even friends at all? Nia dreaded having to make
a choice between the two of them.
14 So there she sat, with her mind whirling like a broken robot,
unable to decide what she should do, when the phone rang.
15 “Hey, Marley,” Nia said into the phone. “Listen, I wanted to
tell you something.”
16 “Cool,” Marley’s voice said over the phone, “and I wanted to
tell you about my new friendship poem, which I already started
working on. This year is going to be so great!”
17 “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” Nia said,
swallowing hard. “The thing is, I don’t really want to be in
Poetry Club again. I want to be in Robotics Club.”
18 There was a long silence on the phone. “Marley, are you
still there?” Nia asked nervously.
19 “Yeah, I’m here,” Marley said. “I was just thinking. I wanted
to say that I’m not disappointed, but I am.”
20 “I’m sorry,” Nia said quietly. “I understand if you don’t want
to be friends anymore.”
21 “What are you talking about?” Marley asked. “Of course
we’re still friends—we’re best friends! I’m disappointed because
I want to be with you, but I totally understand if you want to do
something else. You should totally do robotics and I’ll do poetry.”
22 A smile broke across Nia’s face. “Really? Hey, maybe I’ll
invent a robot that can write poetry.”
23 “And maybe I’ll write a poem about you,” Marley said.
“I’ll call it ‘My Best Friend, the Robot Whiz.’ ”
6362
Grade 4 RLA
Page 14
9 The word dreaded in paragraph 13 describes a feeling of —
A
anger
B
confusion
C
jealousy
D
worry
57623
10 The details in paragraphs 22 and 23 support the key idea that
Nia and Marley —
A
are skilled at what they like to do
B
include each other in what they do
C
think they want to be in the same club together
D
want each other to make different choices
57624
11 What is the most likely reason the author includes paragraph 12
in the story?
A
To explain the reason for Nia’s decision
B
To explain why Nia’s brother enjoyed being in the Robotics Club
C
To describe Marley’s reason for disliking the Robotics Club
D
To describe why Marley’s ideas were usually best
57630
Grade 4 RLA
Page 15
12 Read this sentence from the story.
I’m disappointed because I want to be with you, but
I totally understand if you want to do something else.
(paragraph 21)
The sentence supports the theme of the story by showing that —
A
it is best to have several friends
B
friends support each other’s interests
C
spending time with friends is most important
D
friends usually enjoy each other’s activities
57628
13 What is the most likely reason the author uses the phrase “whirling
like a broken robot” in paragraph 14?
A
To show that Nia is unsure of how to do her homework
B
To suggest that Nia is having trouble speaking
C
To show that Nia has many different thoughts at the same time
D
To suggest that Nia is thinking about things other than her problem
57632
Grade 4 RLA
Page 16
14 The use of third-person point of view helps the reader understand —
A
how Nia feels while she considers a decision
B
why Marley dislikes some of the clubs
C
how each character feels about family members
D
what will happen before the characters do
57633
15 Read the question carefully. Then record your answer in the box
provided.
Why did Nia choose to be in the same clubs with Marley in the
past? Support your answer with evidence from the story.
57634
Grade 4 RLA
Page 17
16 How does Nia and Marley’s friendship change by the end of the story?
A
They discover that being friends is better than being too busy.
B
They nd out that people are willing to do what their friends
want to do.
C
They know it is important to choose friends who have the
same interests.
D
They realize people can remain friends while having different
interests.
57637
Cheryl
Walsh
Bellville
Karla,
a
cousin
of
the
Downwind
children,
wears
a
beautiful
jingle
dress.
Grade 4 RLA
Page 18
Read the next two selections. Then choose the best answer
to each question.
The Downwind family, members of the Ojibwe tribe in Minnesota,
travel to ceremonial gatherings called powwows.
from Powwow Summer
by Marcie Rendon
1 All around the world, people have special outts to wear at
ceremonies. Easter outts, prom dresses, and tuxedos are worn
for different occasions. At powwows, the Downwind women wear
the jingle dress or the fancy-shawl-dance outt.
2 Sharyl is a jingle-dress dancer. On her dress are hundreds
of metal cones, or jingles. It can take a long time to hand-roll
these jingles into the cone shape. To be a jingle-dress dancer
requires special patience.
3 The idea for the jingle dress was dreamt by an Ojibwe man
many years ago. This is the story Sharyl tells her daughters:
4 A long time ago, there was a man who loved his daughter
very much. His daughter became very sick, close to death. The
father was very worried about her and prayed for her to be
well. In a dream, a woman came to him. She showed him how
Cheryl
Walsh
Bellville
Shawl
dancers
in
their
fancy-shawl
outfits.
Grade 4 RLA
Page 19
to make the jingles and the dress. In the dream, the father
also heard the songs that were to be sung for the women as
they danced wearing the jingle dress. In his dream, he saw the
women dancing. When he awoke from his dream, he shared his
vision with his wife. Together, they worked to make the jingle
dress for their daughter. The father taught the songs to the
singers of the village. When all this was done and the daughter
wore the dress and danced, she became well.
5 From this girl’s family, the jingle dress spread to many
other tribes. In the Downwind family, Sasina, Star, and Danielle
are jingle-dress dancers. Shian, Katie, Ronee, Valentina, and
Keisha are fancy-shawl dancers. The outt for this dance
consists of a knee-length dress, matching leggings, moccasins,
and a fancy shawl with fringe or ribbon that oats with the
dancer’s elegant movements and fancy dance steps. It is
thought that shawl dancing developed as shawls replaced the
blankets and animal robes worn by young women years ago.
6 The family works on jingle-dress and fancy-shawl outts
during the week between powwows. Ribbons are replaced, yarn
added, and beadwork repaired. Soon it is time for the family to
begin packing for the next powwow.
Excerpt from POWWOW SUMMER: A Family Celebrates the Circle of Life by Marcie Rendon, photographs
by Cheryl Walsh Bellville. Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2013. © 1996 Marcie Rendon and Cheryl
Walsh Bellville. Used by permission.
Grade 4 RLA
Page 20
Dancing Dragons
1 In fairy tales, dragons are ferocious creatures. However,
in Chinese culture, dragons are not re-breathing enemies.
They are kind creatures that drive away bad luck and bring
good fortune. Every year at the Spring Festival, also known
as Chinese New Year, the dragons are dancers!
2 In ancient China, people performed the dragon dance
to bring more rain. Now, the dance is performed to ensure a
good new year. During the Spring Festival, there is a parade
that features the dragon dance. This dance is performed by
an enormous dragon that is held up by several strong dancers
using poles.
3 A dragon is created with joints that allow it to bend easily.
The body of the dragon is made of thin bamboo strips. They are
woven into cylinders, or large tubes. Then, the dragon is covered
in a giant cloth. It is decorated with scales. Most dragons are
red. Red symbolizes happiness in Chinese culture. Dragons can
be hundreds of feet long!
Grade 4 RLA
Page 21
4 During the parade, one person holds a stick with a large
ball that holds the dragon’s head. They lead the dragon through
the city’s streets. Behind the head, there are people holding
poles to support sections of the dragon. The people wear
clothing the same color as the dragon. This makes their legs
look like the legs of the dragon. As the head dips and dives,
so does the dragon. It looks like the dragon is dancing! People
along the parade route watch and cheer as the dragon weaves
back and forth. Its long body ripples like a ribbon.
5 There is also a re dragon that dances at night. Inside re
dragons are candles or lamps. The skin of the dragon is thin
cloth or paper. The light can be seen through the skin. When this
dragon dances at night, it looks like it is lled with re.
6 For centuries, Chinese communities across the globe have
gathered in this way to celebrate spring. With the dragon’s help,
they hope to bring happiness in the year ahead.
6369
Grade 4 RLA
Page 22
17 Read the dictionary entry.
vision \ˈvi-zhen\ noun
1. something beautiful to look at
2. the action of seeing
3. something seen in a dream
4. a clear idea of the future
Which denition best matches the meaning of vision in paragraph 4
of the article from Powwow Summer?
A
Denition 1
B
Denition 2
C
Denition 3
D
Denition 4
57690
18 Which sentence from the article from Powwow Summer shows that
the performers help make their own clothing?
A
At powwows, the Downwind women wear the jingle dress or the
fancy-shawl-dance outt. (paragraph 1)
B
On her dress are hundreds of metal cones, or jingles. (paragraph 2)
C
It can take a long time to hand-roll these jingles into the cone
shape. (paragraph 2)
D
The idea for the jingle dress was dreamt by an Ojibwe man many
years ago. (paragraph 3)
57693
Grade 4 RLA
Page 23
19 In paragraph 4 of the article from Powwow Summer, what is the
most likely reason the author includes the story about the Ojibwe
man’s dream?
A
To describe the rst jingle-dress dance
B
To describe what life was like for the Ojibwe tribe long ago
C
To explain how the jingle dress is made
D
To explain why the jingle dress is special to the Ojibwe tribe
57694
20 In the article from Powwow Summer, which detail about jingle-dress
and fancy-shawl outts supports the key idea that the outts require a
lot of effort?
A
The family packs the outts to take to the next event.
B
The family works on the outts during the week between events.
C
The rst man to make a jingle-dress outt had help from his wife.
D
The outts have several different parts, including a shawl.
57695
21 The author presents the ideas in paragraphs 3 through 5 of the article
“Dancing Dragons” using description most likely so that the reader will
better understand —
A
what the dancing dragons look like
B
why people celebrate with dancing dragons
C
how newer dragons are different from older dragons
D
where the dragons are most often used
57701
Grade 4 RLA
Page 24
22 Read the following paragraph.
In China, dragons are a symbol of good fortune, so
dragon dances are performed at the start of a new year.
Dragon dances have been performed in China for a very
long time. Dragons are built and are made to dance in
parades by people who carry them.
Which sentence should be included in the paragraph to complete
the summary of the article “Dancing Dragons”?
A
The bodies of dancing dragons are made from bamboo strips and
decorated cloth.
B
Chinese communities around the world still celebrate spring with
dancing dragons.
C
A dancing dragon can be lit from the inside by lamps so it can be
seen at night.
D
Most dancing dragons are red because that color is a symbol of
happiness in China.
57689
23 Based on information in the article “Dancing Dragons,” which
conclusion can the reader make about the dragon dance?
A
The purpose of the dragon dance has changed over time.
B
Fewer people watch dragon dances today than in ancient times.
C
The dragon dance is based on a fairy tale that is well known
in China.
D
Dragon dancers must know a lot about Chinese history.
90903
Grade 4 RLA
Page 25
24 Which message is presented in BOTH the article from Powwow Summer
and the article “Dancing Dragons”?
A
Dancing helps people stay healthy.
B
Dancing can bring people together.
C
Dancing should be thought of as a sport.
D
Dancing is a good way to tell a story.
57707
25 Based on ideas in BOTH the article from Powwow Summer and the
article “Dancing Dragons,” what is one way that the jingle-dress dance
and the dragon dance are ALIKE?
A
Both dances came from ideas in fairy tales.
B
Both dances are done by the same group of people.
C
Both dances began as a way to make life better.
D
Both dances are easy to perform.
57705
26 Based on ideas presented throughout BOTH the article from Powwow
Summer and the article “Dancing Dragons,” the reader can conclude
that dancing —
A
is often used to heal people who are sick
B
is important to different groups of people
C
is a common way for young people to share new ideas
D
looks the same in different parts of the world
57706
Grade 4 RLA
Page 26
27 Read the article from Powwow Summer and the article “Dancing
Dragons.” Based on the information in both articles, write a response
to the following:
Explain how the people in BOTH articles dance for similar reasons.
Write a well-organized informational essay that uses specic
evidence from the articles to support your answer.
Remember to —
• clearly state your central idea
• organize your writing
• develop your ideas in detail
• use evidence from both selections in your response
• use correct spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar
Manage your time carefully so that you can —
• review the selections
• plan your response
• write your response
• revise and edit your response
Record your answer in the box provided.
90697
Grade 4 RLA
Page 27
Grade 4 RLA
Page 28
This space is intentionally left blank
Grade 4 RLA
Page 29
This space is intentionally left blank
Grade 4 RLA - REVISING
Page 30
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each
question.
Martin wrote this paper to tell about the Texas state ower. Read
Martin’s paper and look for revisions he should make. Then answer
the questions that follow.
The Texas Bluebonnet
(1) Every spring, Texans look forward to the little blue dots that
pop up in elds across the state. (2) As the days go by, the dots
appear to multiply. (3) Roadsides and hills take on a whole new
look. (4) Meadows do too. (5) Before long, a beautiful blue blanket
seems to cover parts of the landscape. (6) It is bluebonnet season
in Texas. (7) Everyone loves it.
(8) The bluebonnet is a wildower with bright blue petals. (9) Its
color is somewhere between navy and royal blue. (10) When
bluebonnets are grouped together, their blue coloring appears
especially brilliant and bright.
(11) The bluebonnet grows best in full sunlight. (12) It thrives
in places where there is little competition from other plants.
(13) Over the years, it has adapted to survive in even extreme
weather. (14) It can endure the sudden cold fronts that are
common in Texas in the spring. (15) The bluebonnet does not
usually require fertilizer or extra watering. (16) It is a sturdy
and strong plant.
(17) However, this wildower is not just a beautiful and hardy
ower. (18) It is the state ower of Texas. (19) This makes it
an important part of the state culture. (20) There are T-shirts,
coffee mugs, and candles with bluebonnets on them. (21) They
paint beautiful landscapes of bluebonnet elds. (22) The ower is
the subject of Texas songs and folktales. (23) One historian, Jack
Maguire, wrote, “The bluebonnet is to Texas what the shamrock is
to Ireland.”
(24) Unfortunately, people must wait to enjoy this beautiful ower
each year. (25) That’s because the bluebonnet is an annual ower.
(26) That means it blooms just once a year. (27) The bluebonnet
usually appears in March or April and to last through early May.
Grade 4 RLA - REVISING
Page 31
(28) Once the owers begin to appear, many people drive around
the state to see the beautiful bluebonnet elds. (29) Families and
friends gather to take pictures in the elds. (30) Some people
even take pictures of their pets surrounded by the beautiful owers.
(31) Small towns across the state host bluebonnet festivals. (32) One
festival draws thousands of people to Burnet, Texas, each spring.
(33) Celebrations include live music, parades, 5K races, and more.
(34) The bluebonnet is a unique and beautiful ower. (35) It adorns
the hills and elds of Texas each spring. (36) The gorgeous blue
wildower is celebrated and admired by people across the state.
6262
Grade 4 RLA - REVISING
Page 32
28 Martin wants to combine the ideas in sentences 3 and 4. In the box
provided, write a new sentence that combines these ideas in a clear
and effective way.
90958
Grade 4 RLA - REVISING
Page 33
29 Which sentence should replace sentence 7 to better state the central
idea of this paper?
A
People all over the state love and appreciate this very special ower.
B
Spring is a great time to grow owers and other plants in Texas.
C
Flowers are blooming across the state, and people in Texas
like owers.
D
Bluebonnets grow in this state, but they grow in other places too.
56662
30 The meaning of sentence 21 is unclear. Which word should replace
They in this sentence?
A
Artists
B
Bluebonnets
C
We
D
Historians
56667
31 What is the BEST way to revise sentence 27?
A
The bluebonnet usually appears in March or April but to last
through early May.
B
The bluebonnet usually appears in March or April and lasts through
early May.
C
The bluebonnet usually appears in March or April and through
early May.
D
The bluebonnet usually appears in March or April it lasts through
early May.
56669
©
Martin
PHOTOTRIP/123rf.com
©
Martin
Grade 4 RLA - REVISING
Page 34
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each
question.
Claire wrote this story about a boy who raised some tadpoles. Read
Claire’s story and look for revisions she needs to make. Then answer
the questions that follow.
The Big Change
(1) Noah peered into the cloudy water swirling in the jar. (2) The
three tadpoles he had scooped up from the creek were swishing
their tails back and forth. (3) It almost looked as if they were
waving hello.
(4) Noah put the little creatures in a small sh tank in his backyard.
(5) The tank was lled with water that he had lugged up from the
creek to make sure that the tadpoles felt at home. (6) Noah’s
new little pets seemed to be on this rst day mostly eyes and tails.
(7) Their big heads bobbled in a funny way as they swam.
(8) The next morning Noah asked his mom for some lettuce.
(9) She gave him a very strange look. (10) She always worked
from home during the summer. (11) He wasn’t much of a vegetable
eater, so this was the rst time he had ever actually asked for
something green! (12) He quickly explained that it wasn’t for him.
(13) He had read that tadpoles would eat lettuce in addition to
whatever little bugs they happened to nd in the water.
(14) As Noah carefully tended to his little friends, they began to
grow. (15) All day long they chased one another around the tank
like little sh. (16) A week or two after their arrival, Noah noticed
something interesting. (17) Each tadpole was growing a pair of
teeny, tiny legs. (18) The legs were just in front of the tadpole’s
tail. (19) The change was beginning!
Grade 4 RLA - REVISING
Page 35
(20) Before long, the heads of the tadpoles began to look less like
sh heads and more like the heads of tiny frogs. (21) Small bulges
puffed out on the sides of each tadpole’s head. (22) One day, the
bulges seemed to turn into little arms. (23) Noah put some bigger
stones in the tank to give the froglets a place to crawl up out of the
water when they were ready. (24) Over time, as their arms and
legs grew, the tadpoles’ tails shrank. (25) Noah’s little pets were
changing before his eyes.
(26) One morning Noah came to check the tank and found three
little frogs sitting together on a rock. (27) He knew it was time
for him to let them go. (28) He put the frogs back in the jar and
returned to the creek, nding the exact spot where he had rst met
them as tiny tadpoles. (29) He opened the jar and waited to see
what they would do.
(30) After that, Noah’s eyes drifted to the green plants nearby.
(31) A striped caterpillar clung to the underside of a leaf, munching
away. (32) Noah looked at the empty jar in his hands. (33) Maybe
it was time to make a new friend!
6267
Grade 4 RLA - REVISING
Page 36
32 What is the BEST revision to make in sentence 6?
A
Noah’s new little pets are what seemed to be mostly eyes and tails
on this rst day.
B
On this rst day, Noah’s new little pets seemed to be mostly eyes
and tails.
C
The new little pets seemed to be mostly eyes and tails for Noah on
this rst day.
D
On this rst day, it seemed to be mostly eyes and tails of Noah’s
new little pets.
56719
33 Claire has included a sentence that does not belong in the third
paragraph (sentences 8–13). Which sentence should she remove?
A
Sentence 8
B
Sentence 9
C
Sentence 10
D
Sentence 11
56720
34 What change, if any, should be made in sentence 21?
A
Small bulges puffed out but on each tadpole’s head and on
the sides.
B
Small bulges of each tadpole’s head puffed out so on the sides.
C
Small bulges or the sides they puffed out of each tadpole’s head.
D
No change is needed.
56724
Grade 4 RLA - REVISING
Page 37
35 Claire wants a more effective transition between the sixth paragraph
(sentences 26–29) and the last paragraph (sentences 30–33). Select
the ONE correct phrase that should replace After that in sentence 30
to improve this transition.
A
Because of his situation
B
As his friends hopped away
C
While he was thinking
D
When the day was over
, Noah’s eyes drifted to the green
plants nearby.
90960
Grade 4 RLA - EDITING
Page 38
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each
question.
Emory is writing a paper about an early group of settlers that
came to Texas. Read the rst paragraph of Emory’s paper and
look for corrections she needs to make. Then answer the questions
that follow.
The Old 300
(1) In the 1820s, the land we call Texas was part of Mexico.
(2) But a Missouri Man had a big dream. (3) He wanted to build
a settlement in Texas. (4) Moses Austin knew he had to get
permission from the people who were in charge of Texas. (5) He
met with ofcials and naly received a land grant. (6) Sadly, he
died before he could move forward with his plan, but his son took
over. (7) Stephen F. Austin brought 300 settlers to Texas he founded
a small colony. (8) The group settled near the Brazos River and
became known as the Old 300. (9) The Old 300 faced joys and
hardships as they built their new life in a place so far from home.
6269
Grade 4 RLA - EDITING
Page 39
36 What change needs to be made in sentence 2?
A
Change Man to man
B
Change had to has
C
Change big to bigger
D
Change dream to dreem
56736
37 What change needs to be made in sentence 5?
A
Change met to meeted
B
Change and to or
C
Change naly to nally
D
Change grant to grants
56739
38 What is the correct way to write sentence 7?
A
Stephen F. Austin brought 300 settlers to Texas. And founded a
small colony.
B
Stephen F. Austin brought 300 settlers to Texas and founded it.
A small colony.
C
Stephen F. Austin brought 300 settlers to Texas. Founding a
small colony.
D
Stephen F. Austin brought 300 settlers to Texas and founded
a small colony.
56741
Grade 4 RLA - EDITING
Page 40
Read the selection and choose the best answer to each
question.
Jamir’s class has been studying an important time in U.S. history.
He is writing a story about one family’s experience during that time.
Read the rst paragraph of Jamir’s story and look for corrections he
needs to make. Then answer the questions that follow.
An Unforgettable Event
(1) In the late 1920s, Caleb and his family moved west. (2) They
were excited to settle on there piece of land. (3) Caleb’s parents
built a cabin, planted crops, and began to farm. (4) Caleb and
his sister helped with chores and made friends on the prairie.
(5) Things went good for a while. (6) However, in the summer of
1931, a horrible drought set in. (7) Within months, Caleb’s mother
and father were having difculty growing anything. (8) The wind
began to blow the dry topsoil and this caused huge clouds of dust
to ll the air. (9) Caleb’s family was experiencing the historic
American event that became known as the Dust Bowl.
6274
BE SURE YOU HAVE RECORDED ALL OF YOUR
ANSWERS IN THE TEST BOOKLET.
Grade 4 RLA - EDITING
Page 41
STOP
BE SURE YOU HAVE RECORDED ALL OF YOUR
ANSWERS IN THE TEST BOOKLET.
39 What change needs to be made in sentence 2?
A
Change were excited to are excited
B
Change there to their
C
Change piece to peice
D
Change land to Land
56776
40 What change should be made in sentence 5?
A
Change Things to Thing’s
B
Change went to going
C
Change good to well
D
Change the period to a comma
56779
41 What change needs to be made in sentence 8?
A
Insert a comma after topsoil
B
Delete and
C
Change clouds to cloud
D
Change ll to full
56782
STAAR
GRADE 4
Reading Language Arts
PRACTICE
5
STAAR
GRADE 4
Reading Language Arts
PRACTICE
