On Saturday, Maya and her little brother Luis reached the beach just as the sky turned pink. We decided to build the biggest sandcastle of the afternoon. Seagulls drifted over us while cool foam curled at our toes. The steps we took got mixed up in my head: (3) Finally, we dug a shallow moat so the waves wouldn't wash it away too fast. (1) Then we patted the towers smooth and carved windows with a shell. (2) First, we filled a bucket with wet sand and flipped it to make the center tower. When a tiny wave lapped in, we cheered as the moat held.

What is the best order for the numbered sentences to show how they built the sandcastle?

At the school science night, I set my cardboard volcano on the table and straightened the trifold poster behind it. My partner, Noor, stood beside me while families shuffled past. When the principal stopped, I took a breath and began our demonstration. First, Noor spooned baking soda into the crater. I measured the vinegar carefully. [blank sentence] Then the mixture bubbled up and spilled over the sides. People leaned closer, and I read the last line of our conclusion. We wiped the tray and grinned, proud that our steps worked the way we planned.

Which sentence best adds a vivid, relevant detail in the blank to show what happened next?

During our class nature hike, Mr. Ortiz led us along a piney trail that smelled like rain. I walked with Jazmin, collecting smooth stones in my pocket. We heard water somewhere ahead, but the path curved and dipped. In my notes the steps were mixed up: (2) Then we crossed a narrow log bridge, using our arms to balance. (1) First we spotted a blue trail marker nailed to a tree. (3) After that, we followed the sound of rushing water until mist cooled our faces. At last we reached the waterfall and ate crackers on a sunny rock.

What is the best order for the numbered sentences to show the hike clearly?

Backstage, the room buzzed as we waited for our turn in the school play. I checked my costume and whispered my first line to myself. When the curtain lifted, I walked to center stage and found my mark. [blank sentence] I remembered what Ms. Park said about taking a steady breath, so I looked at the back wall and began. My voice found its rhythm, and the scene moved along. At the end, our cast joined hands and bowed together as the audience clapped.

Which sentence best fills the blank to add sensory detail and keep the moment flowing?

At the Saturday street fair, Maya and Leo wove through the crowd, the air smelling like popcorn and cinnamon sugar. 'Hurry,' Maya said, shading her eyes. 'The juggler starts any minute.' The speaker crackled from the stage, and people gathered. To finish the scene, these three sentences are out of order:

(1) Finally, the juggler bowed as silver pins clinked softly on the mat. (2) First, a drumbeat thumped and he tossed one pin, then two, into the bright afternoon. (3) Next, he grinned and added flaming torches while everyone gasped.

What is the best order for these sentences to complete the story?

After school, Nia and Jordan followed the path behind the library to the creek. The late sun turned the water copper, and cool air smelled like wet leaves. A breeze brushed Nia's cheeks. 'Bet I can cross without getting my shoes wet,' Jordan grinned. First, they tested each stone with their toes. Then a splash echoed. [Missing sentence] Finally, they reached the other side, laughing as a tiny frog hopped away and the ripples smoothed.

Which sentence adds the most helpful detail to complete the story?

Backstage in the school auditorium, Tam and Priya waited for their cue. The curtain rustled, and the smell of sawdust drifted from the painted castle set. 'Remember,' whispered Priya, 'enter left.' To finish the moment, these sentences are out of order:

(1) After the music swelled, they stepped into the light and bowed as the audience cheered. (2) Before the scene began, Tam straightened his hat and took a deep breath. (3) Then the stage manager pointed, and they hurried to the doorway.

What is the best order for these sentences to complete the story?

During the first snow of winter, I met my cousin Lina at the hill behind the school. The world felt quiet, and the sky was pale as paper. 'Ready?' she called, thumping the sled. First we pushed off, then icy powder sprayed our boots as we flew. I squinted and whooped when we zipped past the bare oak tree. At the bottom, we tumbled into a soft drift, laughing and brushing snow from our sleeves. [Missing ending sentence]

Which sentence provides the best conclusion to the story?

On Saturday, Mia and her little brother, Leo, visited the beach with Dad. The sky was bright, and gulls circled overhead. We had one bucket, one shovel, and a plan: build a castle that could survive the next wave. First we picked a flat spot near the pier. Then I showed Leo how to pack the wet sand tight. Soon a low wall curled around our moat. When a shadow slid over the water, Leo pointed and shouted. A wave rolled closer, and our toes tingled. We braced ourselves and held the bucket between us.

Which sentence adds the most vivid, relevant detail to improve the story?

After school, Jamal hurried into the kitchen to bake cookies for his neighbor, Mrs. Lee. The counters were clean, the oven was cold, and the recipe card leaned against a bowl. He checked the pantry and found flour, sugar, and chocolate chips. The problem was the order of the steps. Here are four sentences from his recipe, but they are out of order:

1. He slid two trays into the oven and set a timer.
2. First, he washed his hands and tied on Dad's apron.
3. Next, he mixed butter, sugar, eggs, and flour until the dough was smooth.
4. Finally, he carried a warm plate upstairs to Mrs. Lee's door.

What is the best order for these sentences to show a clear sequence of events?