Firsthand Account: I stood in the yard with my cardboard viewer and watched the sunlight turn dim and silvery. The air cooled, and the birds grew quiet like bedtime. Dad whispered, "Ready?" and counted down while the Moon slid in front of the Sun. For a minute the world felt strange, like a shadow blanket had covered the day. I got goosebumps and wanted to shout, but we just stared. When the light came back, everyone cheered and the dog barked at the sky.

Secondhand Account: A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on parts of Earth. During a partial or total eclipse, daylight can dim and temperatures may drop slightly. People should only view an eclipse with proper eye protection or an approved viewer. On April 8, a total eclipse crossed several regions, while many other areas saw a partial eclipse. Eclipses follow predictable paths and times, which scientists calculate using the orbits of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

What is one difference between the two passages?

Passage 1 (Journal): I spent Saturday at the river cleanup with my dad. The mud sucked at my boots, and my gloves got soggy from hauling cans and a heavy tire. A heron flapped up as we came near the reeds, and I felt proud when our pile grew. Volunteers from our school kept cheering each other on. By lunchtime, my arms ached, but the water looked clearer. We took a picture with our bulging trash bags before heading home, tired and happy.

Passage 2 (News Brief): The annual River Shine cleanup brought volunteers from local schools and clubs. According to the organizer, participants filled more than 120 trash bags and removed large items, including several tires, from the shoreline. The event's goal was to reduce pollution, protect wildlife habitat, and raise community awareness. Safety guidelines required gloves and supervision near the water. Volunteers worked in teams along marked sections, and the cleanup concluded at noon with a weigh-in and recycling collection.

What is one difference between the two passages?

Passage 1: City Parade Day occurs on the first Saturday of June to celebrate local bands and clubs. The parade begins at the park entrance, travels down Maple Street, and ends at the river bridge. Spectators should stand behind the cones and keep pets on short leashes. Volunteers distribute recycling bags, and clean-up starts immediately after the last float passes. The marching route covers two miles and lasts about one hour. Parking is free in the school lot. The event welcomes families and encourages cheering.

Passage 2: I woke up early to claim a spot near the big oak on Maple Street. When the drumline began, the ground thumped under my shoes. Confetti spun in the air like tiny fireworks. I waved at my cousin on the soccer float, and she tossed me a bracelet. A friendly volunteer handed our family a garbage bag and thanked us for helping. My favorite part was the giant balloon dog swaying past. By the time the last truck rumbled by, my voice was scratchy from cheering.

What is one difference between the two passages?

Passage 1: Diary, March 12: I stood by my poster about seed germination, twisting the string on my nametag. When the judge arrived, my mouth went dry, but I remembered to show the sprout jars. She smiled when I explained how the cotton stayed damp. My friend Leo whispered, you've got this, and I finally relaxed. After lunch, a little kid pointed at the roots and said, wow! At the awards, my hands shook until they called Honorable Mention. I didn't win first, but I felt proud.

Passage 2: The school science fair featured 64 projects from grades three through five. Judges from a local college evaluated displays on topics that included plant growth, magnetism, and solar ovens. Projects were viewed by families after lunch. Awards recognized creativity, careful methods, and clear explanations. Honorable Mention went to several fourth-grade entries, including a seed germination display with labeled jars. The event took place in the gym and lasted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organizers thanked volunteers for setting up tables and cleaning afterward.

Which statement shows a clear difference in focus between the passages?

Firsthand Account: I woke up early for the science fair and taped the last corner of my poster until it stayed flat. In the gym, the air smelled like hot chocolate from the snack table. When the judge stopped by, my hands shook, but the balloon I had rubbed on wool stuck to the wall—yes! I explained static charge, trying not to talk too fast. When they announced awards, my heart thumped so loud I could hear it. Second place! I grinned until my cheeks ached.

Secondhand Account: The fifth-grade science fair took place in the school gym on Friday afternoon. Students presented experiments on topics such as magnets, plants, and electricity. Judges included two science teachers and a visiting college student. Projects were scored for clarity, accuracy, and creativity. First place went to Liam R., and second place went to Maya S. Families and neighbors attended, and a snack table offered cocoa and popcorn. The fair ended at 5 p.m., when winners were announced and participants received certificates.

What is one difference between the two passages?

Passage 1: By morning, the wind had piled snow halfway up our front door. Dad and I took turns shoveling a narrow path, and the flakes stung my face like tiny needles. The street was silent except for a distant plow. Our neighbor's porch light glowed in the white air. When the power blinked off, we wrapped in blankets and boiled water on the gas stove for cocoa. I kept checking the window to see if the bus would ever come. It didn't. School was canceled.

Passage 2: Yesterday's winter storm dropped twelve inches of snow across the county, with stronger bands bringing higher amounts near the river. Winds gusted above thirty miles per hour, creating drifts that blocked residential streets and delayed service vehicles. Temperatures stayed below freezing, and slippery conditions led to multiple school closures. Crews prioritized main roads and advised drivers to stay home until plows completed their routes. Emergency managers reported scattered power outages and urged caution.

What is one difference between the two passages?

Passage 1 (Diary): I wheeled my baking-soda volcano into the gym and tried not to shake. The table wobbled a little, and I kept checking my poster to make sure the photos were straight. When the judges stopped by, I explained how gas bubbles push the foam up, and my test runs splattered only a tiny bit. I could hear the buzz of other projects—buzzers, spinning fans, popping balloons. By the end, my voice was hoarse, but I felt brave and proud of my work.

Passage 2 (School Newsletter): The school science fair featured projects from grades three through five, covering topics such as simple machines, weather patterns, and chemical reactions. Judges evaluated displays for clear explanations, careful testing, and safe procedures. Students presented their experiments at tables arranged by category, and families toured the gym during an evening showcase. The event encouraged curiosity and communication skills while highlighting the scientific method, including forming questions, making hypotheses, collecting data, and reporting results to the community.

What is one difference between the two passages?

Passage 1: I never thought pulling weeds could be fun, but our class garden day changed my mind. The soil was crumbly after last night's rain, and worms wriggled away from my trowel. I teamed up with Marco to plant the tomato seedlings in neat rows. We measured the space with our hands and watered until the dirt turned dark. When a butterfly landed on my glove, I felt proud that we were building a place it might visit again. At dismissal, my arms ached in a good way.

Passage 2: School gardens help students learn science and responsibility. Successful gardens start with choosing a sunny site, loosening soil, and planning where each plant will grow. Many schools plant cool-season crops in spring and warm-season crops after frost. Regular watering and weeding keep plants healthy. Some programs measure growth each week and record soil moisture. Gardens can also attract pollinators and provide vegetables for tasting events. Safety guidelines recommend gloves, closed-toe shoes, and tools sized for children.

Which detail appears only in Passage 1?

Passage 1: At recess today, our class put on dark glasses and watched the sky change. The sunlight turned silvery, and the playground got cooler. Birds quieted, and our shadows looked sharp and strange. I tried to take a picture, but my hands shook with excitement. Our teacher had us make pinhole viewers, and I saw a tiny crescent slide across the paper. When the sun peeked back, everyone clapped. I kept thinking how the world felt like it was holding its breath.

Passage 2: A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on parts of Earth. During a partial eclipse, the sun looks like a crescent. Temperatures may drop slightly, and animals can change their behavior. Experts warn not to look at the sun without special glasses or a safe viewer. Many schools plan viewing activities and teach students how eclipses work. The event ends when the moon's path no longer blocks sunlight.

What is one difference between the two passages?

Passage 1 (Diary): The alarm blared in the middle of math, and my heart jumped even though I knew it was a drill. Our line captain held up two fingers for quiet, and we moved into the hallway. I kept my hand on the railing and tried not to rush. Outside, the air felt cooler, and we stood by the big oak tree while our teacher counted twice. A fire truck rolled past without sirens. When the all-clear came, we filed back in, calmer.

Passage 2 (Safety Guide): A fire drill is a practice to help students and staff exit the building quickly and safely. When the alarm sounds, classes should line up, leave belongings behind, and walk to assigned meeting spots outside. Teachers carry attendance lists to count students and report any missing people. Hallways and stairs must stay clear, and everyone remains outside until an all-clear signal is given. Regular drills help schools test routes, reduce confusion, and improve emergency procedures.

What is one difference between the two passages?