Passage 1 (Astronomer's Field Report): The eclipse reached maximum coverage at 1:23 p.m. at our site, with light dropping noticeably in the minutes before and after. We distributed safe viewing glasses and reminded visitors not to look directly at the sun without protection. A small refractor telescope with a solar filter projected a clear image onto a white card so groups could observe together. I recorded temperature changes at five-minute intervals and noted wildlife quieting briefly during peak coverage. Cloud cover was thin enough to allow consistent observations. Data and time marks will be compared with readings from nearby stations to study local effects.

Passage 2 (Traveler's Journal): We drove two hours to the park and spread a blanket in a field already dotted with tripods and lawn chairs. When the moon slid across the sun, the world dimmed like someone turning a gentle dial. People gasped, and I did too. I felt tiny and amazed, like standing under a moving sky painting. Traffic getting home was slow, but it was worth every minute. I kept my glasses on and peeked up again and again, grinning. It wasn't just a science moment; it felt like a shared celebration with strangers.

What is one detail included by only one author, and what does it show about their point of view?

Passage A (Student Diary): I woke up to a white world and almost shouted when I saw the yard. The snow was perfect for packing, so I rolled three huge balls and built a fort with my brother. Mom said school was canceled, and I was secretly glad because I wanted more time outside. We measured the snow on the porch rail with a ruler—about six inches—and it kept falling in slow, floaty flakes. My cheeks stung, but I didn't care. I planned a snowball tournament and hot cocoa afterward. If it keeps snowing tonight, we might even get another day to play. Tomorrow I want to try sledding on the big hill.

Passage B (Weather Advisory): A winter weather advisory remains in effect through midnight. Snow will continue across the county this afternoon, with totals between five and seven inches in most areas and higher amounts on ridge tops. Temperatures will stay below freezing, and winds will gust up to 20 miles per hour, reducing visibility. Road crews are treating major routes, but side streets may remain slick. Drivers should slow down, leave extra space, and avoid unnecessary travel if possible. Residents are asked to shovel sidewalks and check on neighbors who may need assistance. Updates will be posted on the county website and local radio.

What is one difference in how the two passages portray the snowfall?

Passage 1 (Diary): Today our community garden finally opened! I got soil under my nails and didn't even care. When I pressed the tiny tomato starts into the ground, the air smelled like rain and mint. Ms. Lopez handed me the ribbon to hold while the scissors snipped, and my hands shook because I was proud and nervous. My little brother dropped a seed packet and laughed, and everyone cheered when the first watering can splashed. I'm excited to come back after school and see what we grow. I think the garden will make our block prettier and friendlier, because people were smiling and talking to neighbors we'd never met.

Passage 2 (News Article): The Maple Street Community Garden opened Saturday at 10 a.m. The space includes 24 raised beds, a compost area, and a shared tool shed. About 60 residents attended the ribbon-cutting, which featured brief remarks by the neighborhood association president. The garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Plots can be requested by filling out a form at the library. A grant from a local foundation and volunteer labor funded construction. Organizers plan monthly workshops on planting, soil health, and water use. Volunteers will maintain a watering schedule during summer months.

What is one difference in how the two passages describe the garden opening?

Passage A (Student Letter): We finally went on the class field trip to the city museum today. I loved the fossil room, but the rest of the visit felt rushed. Our group squeezed through crowded halls, and the echo made it hard to hear the guide. By the time I reached the hands-on lab, we had only ten minutes to try anything. The gift shop looked cool, but the prices made me put the dinosaur keychain back. I think the museum has great stuff; I just wish fewer schools visited at once so we could take our time and actually read the signs. Maybe we can go again with my family on a weekend.

Passage B (Museum Flyer): Welcome to the City Museum, where discovery happens every day. Our spacious galleries showcase fossils, world cultures, and local history. Families can explore interactive science labs and relax in quiet study nooks between exhibits. Friendly guides lead short demos throughout the day, and there is plenty of room to wander at your own pace. Visit the planetarium, then stop by the makerspace to build and test ideas. Memberships and free family nights make return visits easy, and our café offers kid-friendly options. We look forward to helping you find your favorite corner of the museum. Pick up a map at the entrance and start exploring.

Which statement best describes how the two passages differ?

Passage A (Student Diary): I used to race to the cafeteria on Fridays because pizza day was the best. This week, the school changed the menu, and everything felt different. The new line wrapped around the room, and by the time I reached the trays, the salad looked soggy and my friends were already halfway done eating. Instead of cheesy slices, we got grainy crust and carrot sticks. Maybe it's healthier, but I missed talking with my table because I spent most of lunch waiting. I know the posters say 'fuel for learning,' yet my stomach just felt grumbly. If this is the new plan, I wish they'd bring back at least one old favorite and figure out the line so we don't waste our break.

Passage B (Principal's Newsletter): As part of our wellness initiative, the cafeteria team launched a refreshed menu this week. Students can now choose from fresh salads, whole-grain flatbread pizzas, and seasonal fruit. Staff redesigned the serving area to keep lines moving and to help students build balanced plates. Early feedback from teachers notes that students returned to class with steady energy, and our food service partners will continue adjusting recipes based on student input. We know tradition matters, so popular items will rotate throughout the month, alongside new choices. Thank you to the cafeteria staff for their hard work in preparation and to families for encouraging healthy habits at home. Together, we're creating a lunchtime experience that supports learning and well-being.

What is one difference in how the two passages describe the cafeteria changes?

Passage A (Volunteer Reflection): I signed up for the park clean-up because I wanted to help, but I didn't expect it to feel this good. We fanned out along the creek, and every time a bag filled, everyone cheered. My arms were sore, my shoes got muddy, and I still thought it was worth it. The best part wasn't the free snacks; it was watching the lawn turn from messy to shiny. I even made a new friend while untangling a knot of fishing line from a bush. People keep saying one person can't make a difference, but I think we proved them wrong today. I can't wait to come back next month.

Passage B (News Report): On Saturday, neighbors gathered at Maple Creek Park for a community clean-up organized by the city's environmental team. The event began at 9 a.m. and ended at noon. According to organizers, 118 volunteers collected 94 bags of trash and pulled five tires from the creek bed. Gloves and tools were provided, and safety leaders directed groups to different areas of the park. A local nursery donated native plants, which volunteers placed along a restored trail. Due to the strong turnout, city staff announced that another clean-up will be scheduled next month. Residents who wish to participate can check the city calendar for future dates.

Which sentence shows the author's point of view rather than a fact from the event?

Passage 1: Our class visited the history museum's new exhibit today, and it felt like walking into a story. I lifted a replica mailbag, tried a printing press handle, and sat in a train car that rattled like it was really moving. The guide told us to look for clues, and suddenly I noticed tiny tool marks on a wooden sign. I am not usually a history fan, but touching the objects made me care about who used them. On the bus back, I could not stop talking about the inventors wall. Museums are not quiet, dusty rooms to me anymore—they are puzzles you solve with your eyes and hands.

Passage 2: The museum's new hands-on exhibit opens this week with 14 interactive stations aligned to state social studies standards. Timed entry reduces wait times, and facilitators support school groups of up to 60 students. The exhibit features artifacts from regional industries, including transportation, printing, and agriculture. Visitors can operate safe replicas to explore cause-and-effect and primary source analysis. Surveys from pilot groups showed increased engagement and recall of key concepts. The exhibit will run for nine months, with extended hours during school vacations.

Which statement best describes how the authors' points of view differ?

Passage 1: Diary: I woke up to a hush and opened the blinds to a world of white. When the message came that school was closed, I almost tripped running to find my boots. Mom said the roads were slick, but all I could think about was the hill behind the library. My little brother and I packed a thermos and the old red sled. The snow was powdery and perfect; every slide sent glittery spray into the air. We built a lopsided snowman and named him Captain Frost. I know homework is waiting, but today feels like a bonus level in a game, surprising, bright, and fast. I am hoping the plows take their time so the hill stays smooth until sunset.

Passage 2: District Notice: Due to overnight snowfall and icy conditions, all schools in the district are closed today. Our transportation team reported low visibility before dawn, and local road crews have not cleared several secondary routes. Buses cannot safely travel hills and neighborhood turns without risking delays or accidents. Building custodians will use the day to shovel walkways and salt entrances to prevent slips when students return. After-school activities are also canceled. Families should expect an update by 4 p.m. regarding tomorrow's schedule. While closures are disruptive, student and staff safety remains our top priority.

What is one difference in how the two passages describe the snow day?

Passage 1: We have been skating cracked sidewalks for years, so the new Riverside Skate Park feels like a dream. The bowl is smooth, the rails are solid, and the flow just works. You can roll a full line without dodging rocks or security guards. I saw beginners getting tips from older skaters, and nobody cared if your board was scratched. This place will keep kids active and give us somewhere to belong after school. I plan to be there every weekend, sun or snow. Whoever designed it gets it—skateboarding is about trying, falling, and trying again.

Passage 2: The Riverside Park improvement project added a 12,000-square-foot skate area, funded by a voter-approved bond. Construction finished on schedule, and the facility opens at 8 a.m. daily. Posted rules require helmets and restrict use after dark. Maintenance staff will inspect surfaces weekly and repair wear as needed. The skate area is part of a broader plan to increase outdoor recreation options, which also includes picnic shelters and a walking loop. The city will evaluate usage and costs at the six-month and one-year marks.

What is one difference in focus between the two passages?

Passage 1: I spent all Saturday at the science fair with my model of a water filter. We were packed into the gym, and the judges moved fast, asking two questions before hurrying away. When they came to me, one judge kept checking his watch, and they missed the part where the filter removes food coloring. I wanted to show the test cups, but they were already halfway to the next table. My friends whispered that the loud projects seemed to get more attention. When the winners were announced, I clapped, but it felt like no one really saw what my project could do. I left proud of my work, but I wished the judging had been slower and more careful.

Passage 2: Saturday's district science fair filled the gym with 86 student projects. A panel of four community judges evaluated entries using a rubric for clarity, creativity, and scientific method. Judges spent the morning visiting each table, taking notes, and discussing their scores between rounds. Safety procedures were followed, and students had time to explain their work. The top awards went to projects that demonstrated clear testing and repeatable results, including a water purification study, a plant growth experiment, and a wind turbine model. Volunteers and staff ensured the event ran on schedule, and families applauded the winners. The fair highlighted strong science learning across grade levels.

What is one difference in how the two passages describe the judging?