Supporting Evidence Practice Test

Read this passage, then answer the question.

In a book club, students discussed a claim about the novel "Charlotte’s Web": the story shows that friendship can be shown through steady, helpful actions. To support this claim, the group pointed to moments when Charlotte uses her web to help Wilbur. She plans carefully and writes words that make people see Wilbur differently. Because the words change how others think, Wilbur is treated with more care. The students also noted that Charlotte keeps working even when she is tired. Her effort matters because it happens over many days, not just once. In addition, Templeton the rat brings back words from the fairgrounds, which Charlotte uses in her web. Although Templeton complains, his actions still help the plan succeed. The group agreed that the story connects friendship with doing useful things, even when it is difficult.

What evidence does the author use to support the claim that friendship is shown through helpful actions?

Read this passage, then answer the question.

A group of students in Ms. Patel’s class studied a scientific claim: climate change is making it harder for polar bears to find food. The class began by reading a recent report from Arctic researchers. The report explained that sea ice is melting earlier in spring and forming later in fall. Since polar bears often hunt seals from the ice, less ice can mean fewer chances to hunt. Next, the students looked at tracking data from collars placed on several bears. The data showed that in years with less sea ice, some bears swam longer distances to reach hunting areas. Longer swims can use more energy, which may leave bears weaker. Finally, the class reviewed observations from coastal communities. Many residents reported seeing more bears near towns during late summer, when ice was far from shore. The report suggested that bears may come closer to people while searching for food. Together, these sources support the idea that changing ice conditions can affect polar bear hunting. Still, the students noted that different regions may change at different speeds.

What evidence in the passage supports the author's argument that climate change makes polar bears’ hunting harder?