Reading Standards for Informational Text > Integrating Information from Several Texts (CCSS.RI.5.9) Practice Test

Passage 1: Coral reefs are built by tiny animals that form hard skeletons. These underwater structures create homes for fish, crabs, and sea turtles. People depend on reefs too, because reefs protect shorelines from strong waves and support fishing. Today, warming oceans and polluted runoff stress corals, causing bleaching. Communities are trying to help. Volunteers clean beaches and reduce fertilizers that wash into the sea. Scientists also "garden" coral. They clip small, healthy pieces and attach them to underwater frames. As the pieces grow, the frames become new patches of reef. Once the corals are strong, divers move them to damaged areas. These steps do not fix every problem, but they can help reefs recover.

Passage 2: Often called the "rainforests of the sea," coral reefs shelter thousands of species. Bright parrotfish nibble algae, and delicate shrimp hide in coral branches. In some places, anchors and careless feet have broken fragile corals. To repair harm, teams build coral nurseries in shallow water, where sunlight helps young corals grow. Divers later plant these corals onto reef rocks with nontoxic glue. Some groups also create artificial reefs using carefully placed stones or reef-safe structures, which attract fish and provide places for corals to settle. Local rules, such as no-anchor zones and limits on fishing, protect recovering areas. Reefs take time to heal, but careful stewardship makes a difference.

Passage 1: Robotic rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance explore Mars. Each rover carries cameras and tools to study rocks and soil. They drill into stones, test samples, and look for clues that water once shaped the landscape. The rovers also measure weather, tracking dust and temperature. All of this information is sent back to Earth. Scientists study the data to build better maps and models of Mars's history. They plan new questions for the next mission. Because sending people is risky, these robots act as scouts. Engineers carefully plan the rovers' routes and daily tasks so they stay safe while they learn.

Passage 2: Other Mars missions never touch the ground. Orbiters circle the planet, taking wide photographs and sensing gases in the thin air. From space, they detect minerals and search for ice. Landers stay in one spot to test soil and watch the weather. The results from orbiters, landers, and rovers work together like puzzle pieces. Teams on Earth send commands and updates, then wait for signals to return across millions of miles. The steady stream of data helps scientists compare places, choose landing sites, and design new instruments. Someday people may travel to Mars, but for now, robotic missions are the best way to learn.