Integrate Information From Several Texts Practice Test

Read Texts 1–3 about saving energy at home.

Text 1: Heating and Cooling Choices (Evelyn Scott, “Home Energy Guide,” 2024)

Heating and cooling can use a lot of energy in a home. In winter, warm air can leak out through gaps around doors and windows. In summer, hot air can enter the same gaps. Using weather stripping, closing curtains on very hot days, and setting the thermostat a few degrees lower or higher can reduce energy use. Some families use fans to move air so they can set the air conditioner a bit warmer. These small changes can add up over time.

Text 2: Lighting and Appliances (Hector Ruiz, “Power Smart,” 2023)

Lights and appliances also affect energy use. LED bulbs use less electricity than older bulbs and can last longer. Unplugging chargers when not in use can help because some devices still draw power. Running a dishwasher or washing machine with full loads saves energy compared to many small loads. Using the cold-water setting for laundry can also reduce energy because heating water takes power.

Text 3: Understanding Energy Labels (Grace Lin, “Consumer Science,” 2025)

Some products have energy labels that help shoppers compare efficiency. An efficient appliance does the same job while using less electricity. Labels may show estimated yearly energy use, which helps families predict costs. When choosing between two similar refrigerators, for example, the one with lower yearly energy use may save money over time, even if it costs more at first. Reading labels helps people make choices based on long-term savings.

Which statement best integrates ideas from all three texts about reducing energy use at home?

Text 1: "Camouflage: Hiding in Plain Sight" J. Sofia, Animal Adaptations, 2023

Camouflage helps animals blend into their surroundings. A stick insect looks like a twig, which makes it hard for predators to spot. Some animals change color with the seasons. For example, the Arctic hare has brown fur in summer and white fur in winter. Camouflage can also help predators. A tiger’s stripes break up its outline in tall grass, helping it sneak closer to prey. Camouflage works best when an animal’s colors and patterns match the place it lives.

Text 2: "Migration: Moving to Survive" R. Jamal, Wildlife Journeys, 2022

Migration is when animals travel from one place to another during certain seasons. Many birds migrate to find warmer weather and more food. Some whales migrate to reach safe breeding areas. Migration can be risky because animals must cross long distances and face storms or predators. Still, migration helps animals survive when their home area becomes too cold or when food becomes scarce. Animals often use the sun, stars, and Earth’s magnetic field to help guide their journeys.

Text 3: "Hibernation: Saving Energy" L. Novak, Winter Science, 2024

Hibernation is a deep rest that helps some animals survive winter. During hibernation, an animal’s body temperature and heart rate drop. This saves energy when food is hard to find. Bears, bats, and some frogs hibernate, but they do it in different ways. Some animals store fat before winter to use as energy. Others find protected places, like caves or burrows. Hibernation is not sleep every night; it lasts for weeks or months.

How are the survival strategies in Texts 1, 2, and 3 related?