6th Grade Reading : 6th Grade Reading

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for 6th Grade Reading

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Comprehension

Adapted from Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott (1880)

Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was so crammed with goodies. Then she remembered her mother's promise, and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guide-book for any pilgrim going the long journey. She woke Meg with a "Merry Christmas," and bade her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently Beth and Amy woke, to rummage and find their little books also,—one dove-colored, the other blue; and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day.

In spite of her small vanities, Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, which unconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Jo, who loved her very tenderly, and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given.

"Girls," said Meg seriously, looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little night-capped ones in the room beyond, "mother wants us to read and love and mind these books, and we must begin at once. We used to be faithful about it; but since father went away, and all this war trouble unsettled us, we have neglected many things. You can do as you please; but I shall keep my book on the table here, and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good, and help me through the day."

Then she opened her new book and began to read. Jo put her arm round her, and, leaning cheek to cheek, read also, with the quiet expression so seldom seen on her restless face.

"How good Meg is! Come, Amy, let's do as they do. I'll help you with the hard words, and they'll explain things if we don't understand," whispered Beth, very much impressed by the pretty books and her sisters' example.

"I'm glad mine is blue," said Amy; and then the rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned, and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.

What does Meg tell her sisters she is going to do each morning when she wakes up? 

Possible Answers:

Brush her teeth

Shower

Eat breakfast 

Read

Correct answer:

Read

Explanation:

In the middle of the passage, Meg tells her sisters that she is going to read each morning when she wakes up. 

"Girls," said Meg seriously, looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little night-capped ones in the room beyond, "mother wants us to read and love and mind these books, and we must begin at once. We used to be faithful about it; but since father went away, and all this war trouble unsettled us, we have neglected many things. You can do as you please; but I shall keep my book on the table here, and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good, and help me through the day."

Example Question #2 : Comprehension

Adapted from Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott (1880)

Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was so crammed with goodies. Then she remembered her mother's promise, and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guide-book for any pilgrim going the long journey. She woke Meg with a "Merry Christmas," and bade her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently Beth and Amy woke, to rummage and find their little books also,—one dove-colored, the other blue; and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day.

In spite of her small vanities, Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, which unconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Jo, who loved her very tenderly, and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given.

"Girls," said Meg seriously, looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little night-capped ones in the room beyond, "mother wants us to read and love and mind these books, and we must begin at once. We used to be faithful about it; but since father went away, and all this war trouble unsettled us, we have neglected many things. You can do as you please; but I shall keep my book on the table here, and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good, and help me through the day."

Then she opened her new book and began to read. Jo put her arm round her, and, leaning cheek to cheek, read also, with the quiet expression so seldom seen on her restless face.

"How good Meg is! Come, Amy, let's do as they do. I'll help you with the hard words, and they'll explain things if we don't understand," whispered Beth, very much impressed by the pretty books and her sisters' example.

"I'm glad mine is blue," said Amy; and then the rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned, and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.

What can we infer from the first two sentences? 

Possible Answers:

We can infer that Jo's family is going out of town for the holidays. 

We can infer that Jo's family didn't have money to buy many Christmas gifts.

We can infer that Jo's family is wealthy. 

We can infer that Jo's parents have passed away. 

Correct answer:

We can infer that Jo's family didn't have money to buy many Christmas gifts.

Explanation:

In the first two sentences, we are told that it's Christmas morning and that Jo is sad that there are no stockings on the fire place. She compares this disappointment to years ago when her stocking fell off the fireplace because it was so full of gifts. We can infer that Jo used to get a lot of Christmas presents, but this year there are no Christmas gifts in the stockings; thus, the best answer choice is that Jo's family didn't have money to buy Christmas gifts. 

Example Question #3 : Comprehension

Adapted from Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott (1880)

Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was so crammed with goodies. Then she remembered her mother's promise, and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guide-book for any pilgrim going the long journey. She woke Meg with a "Merry Christmas," and bade her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently Beth and Amy woke, to rummage and find their little books also,—one dove-colored, the other blue; and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day.

In spite of her small vanities, Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, which unconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Jo, who loved her very tenderly, and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given.

"Girls," said Meg seriously, looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little night-capped ones in the room beyond, "mother wants us to read and love and mind these books, and we must begin at once. We used to be faithful about it; but since father went away, and all this war trouble unsettled us, we have neglected many things. You can do as you please; but I shall keep my book on the table here, and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good, and help me through the day."

Then she opened her new book and began to read. Jo put her arm round her, and, leaning cheek to cheek, read also, with the quiet expression so seldom seen on her restless face.

"How good Meg is! Come, Amy, let's do as they do. I'll help you with the hard words, and they'll explain things if we don't understand," whispered Beth, very much impressed by the pretty books and her sisters' example.

"I'm glad mine is blue," said Amy; and then the rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned, and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.

What gift did the girls receive for Christmas? 

Possible Answers:

Night-caps

Books

Pillows

Nothing

Correct answer:

Books

Explanation:

When reading the passage, we learn later in the first paragraph that the girls were given books under their pillows for Christmas. 

"Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was so crammed with goodies. Then she remembered her mother's promise, and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guide-book for any pilgrim going the long journey. She woke Meg with a "Merry Christmas," and bade her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently Beth and Amy woke, to rummage and find their little books also,—one dove-colored, the other blue; and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day."

Example Question #1 : Comprehension

Adapted from Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott (1880)

Jo was the first to wake in the gray dawn of Christmas morning. No stockings hung at the fireplace, and for a moment she felt as much disappointed as she did long ago, when her little sock fell down because it was so crammed with goodies. Then she remembered her mother's promise, and, slipping her hand under her pillow, drew out a little crimson-covered book. She knew it very well, for it was that beautiful old story of the best life ever lived, and Jo felt that it was a true guide-book for any pilgrim going the long journey. She woke Meg with a "Merry Christmas," and bade her see what was under her pillow. A green-covered book appeared, with the same picture inside, and a few words written by their mother, which made their one present very precious in their eyes. Presently Beth and Amy woke, to rummage and find their little books also,—one dove-colored, the other blue; and all sat looking at and talking about them, while the east grew rosy with the coming day.

In spite of her small vanities, Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, which unconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Jo, who loved her very tenderly, and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given.

"Girls," said Meg seriously, looking from the tumbled head beside her to the two little night-capped ones in the room beyond, "mother wants us to read and love and mind these books, and we must begin at once. We used to be faithful about it; but since father went away, and all this war trouble unsettled us, we have neglected many things. You can do as you please; but I shall keep my book on the table here, and read a little every morning as soon as I wake, for I know it will do me good, and help me through the day."

Then she opened her new book and began to read. Jo put her arm round her, and, leaning cheek to cheek, read also, with the quiet expression so seldom seen on her restless face.

"How good Meg is! Come, Amy, let's do as they do. I'll help you with the hard words, and they'll explain things if we don't understand," whispered Beth, very much impressed by the pretty books and her sisters' example.

"I'm glad mine is blue," said Amy; and then the rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned, and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.

Why did Jo obey her sister Margaret? 

Possible Answers:

Margaret was always left in charge

Margaret was the oldest 

Margaret was forceful

Margaret gave advice gently 

Correct answer:

Margaret gave advice gently 

Explanation:

In the second paragraph, the reader is told that Jo obeys her sister because Margaret gives advice gently.

"In spite of her small vanities, Margaret had a sweet and pious nature, which unconsciously influenced her sisters, especially Jo, who loved her very tenderly, and obeyed her because her advice was so gently given."

Example Question #1 : Grammar

Select the word from the sentence provided that is a preposition:

The dogs ran several laps around the yard. 

Possible Answers:

several

dogs

yard

around

Correct answer:

around

Explanation:

Prepositions are words that come before a noun or pronoun, and connects it with the rest of the sentence. A Preposition is often referred to as "connecting word". In most cases, prepositions tell time, placement, or movement. 

Let's look at our sentence and identify the nouns and or pronouns:

The dogs ran several laps around the yard

We know that the preposition has to come before one of those nouns, and it will most likely be a time, placement, or movement. "Around" is the choice that falls in that category, and is the correct answer. "Around" is telling the placement of the dog's laps, connecting "the yeard" to the rest of the sentence.

Example Question #2 : Grammar

Select the word from the sentence provided that is a preposition:

Can you hear the students talking outside of the classroom? 

Possible Answers:

talking

students

hear

outside

Correct answer:

outside

Explanation:

Prepositions are words that come before a noun or pronoun, and connects it with the rest of the sentence. A Preposition is often referred to as "connecting word". In most cases, prepositions tell time, placement, or movement. 

Let's look at our sentence and identify the nouns and or pronouns:

Can you hear the students talking outside of the classroom

We know that the preposition has to come before one of those nouns, and it will most likely be a time, placement, or movement. "Outside" is the choice that falls in that category, and is the correct answer. "Outside" is telling the placement of the students, connecting "the classroom" to the rest of the sentence.

Example Question #3 : Grammar

Replace the bolded words in the sentence provided with the correct contraction:

He was not prepared for the pop quiz this morning. 

Possible Answers:

Wasnot

Waso't

Wasn't

Was'ot 

Correct answer:

Wasn't

Explanation:

A contraction is the combining, and shortening of two words. Contractions always have an apostrophe the replaces a missing letter, or letters. 

When we combine a word with "not" the apostrophe replaces the "o". 

Was not  Wasn't 

Example Question #4 : Grammar

Which is a complete sentence? 

Possible Answers:

Describes the style of the farmer.

Eating vegetables. 

Because the roads were very wet and slippery, not to mention curvy. 

The dog was laying in the flowerbed. 

Correct answer:

The dog was laying in the flowerbed. 

Explanation:

A complete sentence expresses a complete thought. Also, a complete sentence will have both a subject and a verb. 

Let's look at our choices:

"Describes the style of the farmer." This is not a complete thought because after reading this sentence you are left with the question of, What describes the style of the farmer? This sentence fragment is missing the subject. 

"Eating vegetables." Again, this is not a complete thought because after reading this sentence you are left with the question of, What about eating vegetables? This sentence fragment is missing the subject. 

"Because the roads were very wet and slippery, not to mention curvy." Again, this is not a complete thought because after reading this sentence you are left with the question of, Because what?. This sentence fragment is missing the subject. 

"The dog was laying in the flowerbed. " This is a complete sentence because it had a subject, "the dog", and a verb, "laying". 

Example Question #1 : Print Concepts

Select the type of sentence that is provided:

My aunt just won the lottery!

Possible Answers:

Declarative

Interrogative

Imperative

 

Exclamatory

Correct answer:

Exclamatory

Explanation:

Looking at our answer choices, there are four types of sentences:

  1. declarative sentence is a sentence that tells the reader about something, and it will always end with a period.
  2. An imperative sentence is a sentence that is a command, it tells someone to do something. This type of sentence will end in either a period or an exclamation point. 
  3. An interrogative sentence is a sentence that asks something, it's a question. This type of sentence will always end with a question mark.
  4. An exclamatory sentence is a sentence that shows excitement, surprise, or a strong emotion. This type of sentence will always end with an exclamation point.

Let's look at the sentence from the question:

My aunt just won the lottery!

This sentence ends in an exclamation point and shows excitement; thus, this sentence is an exclamatory sentence.  

Example Question #2 : Print Concepts

Select the type of sentence that is provided:

Last weekend my family went camping.

Possible Answers:

Declarative

Exclamatory

Imperative

Interrogative

Correct answer:

Declarative

Explanation:

Looking at our answer choices, there are four types of sentences:

  1. declarative sentence is a sentence that tells the reader about something, and it will always end with a period.
  2. An imperative sentence is a sentence that is a command, it tells someone to do something. This type of sentence will end in either a period or an exclamation point. 
  3. An interrogative sentence is a sentence that asks something, it's a question. This type of sentence will always end with a question mark.
  4. An exclamatory sentence is a sentence that shows excitement, surprise, or a strong emotion. This type of sentence will always end with an exclamation point.

Let's look at the sentence from the question:

When I got to school today, I realized that I had forgotten to complete all of my homework. 

This sentence is telling us something, it's telling us that a family went camping. A sentence that tells the reader about something is a declarative sentence. 

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