Daily Reading Practice

Day 3 of 10
Grade 5 ELA | Character Development | Part A/Part B Format
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.5.R.1.1 - Analyze how characters develop, interact, and impact plot and theme.
IXL Skills: Analyze characters using evidence, Compare and contrast characters
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Directions: Read the passage below carefully. Then answer the questions that follow. Pay attention to how the main character changes throughout the story.
The Science Fair Project

Jaylen glared at his partner, Amara, across the library table. He couldn't believe his teacher had assigned them to work together on the science fair project. Amara always had to be right about everything, and Jaylen preferred working alone where he could do things his way.

"I think we should build a solar-powered car," Amara suggested, spreading her research across the table. Jaylen immediately shook his head. "That's been done a hundred times. We should make a biodegradable water filter instead."

For three days, they argued about every decision. Then, during their fourth meeting, something unexpected happened. Amara admitted she was nervous about presenting in front of the class. Jaylen realized he wasn't the only one with worries.

"Actually," Jaylen said slowly, "what if we combined our ideas? A solar-powered water purification system?" He watched Amara's eyes light up. Together, they sketched designs and divided responsibilities based on each other's strengths.

On presentation day, Jaylen stood confidently beside Amara. Their project won second place, but what mattered more was the friendship they had built. Jaylen understood now that different perspectives didn't have to mean conflict; they could mean collaboration.

Questions 1-2: Character Development
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
How does Jaylen change from the beginning to the end of the story?
A
He becomes more interested in science fair projects.
B
He learns to be a better public speaker.
C
He learns to value collaboration and different perspectives.
D
He discovers that winning competitions is not important.
Part B
Which sentence from the passage BEST supports the answer to Part A?
A
"Their project won second place, but what mattered more was the friendship they had built."
B
"He couldn't believe his teacher had assigned them to work together on the science fair project."
C
"For three days, they argued about every decision."
D
"Different perspectives didn't have to mean conflict; they could mean collaboration."
Practice this skill on IXL: Analyze characters using evidence
Questions 3-4: Character Interaction
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
What causes Jaylen to change his attitude toward Amara?
A
The teacher forces them to compromise on their project.
B
He discovers that Amara has fears similar to his own.
C
He realizes that her solar car idea was better than his.
D
He wants to win the science fair competition.
Part B
Which detail from the passage BEST shows when Jaylen's attitude begins to change?
A
"Jaylen immediately shook his head."
B
"Jaylen glared at his partner, Amara, across the library table."
C
"Jaylen realized he wasn't the only one with worries."
D
"On presentation day, Jaylen stood confidently beside Amara."
Practice this skill on IXL: Compare and contrast characters
FAST Success Kit | Grade 5 Daily Reading Practice | Day 3
FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.5.R.1.1 | Lexile: 830L-920L
Practice questions mirror Florida FAST assessment Part A/Part B format
Back to Daily Reading
← Day 2: Central Idea Next: Day 4 - Point of View →

Answer Key (Teacher Reference)

Question 1 Part A: C - He learns to value collaboration and different perspectives.
Jaylen starts preferring to work alone and ends up appreciating collaboration with Amara.
Question 1 Part B: D - "Different perspectives didn't have to mean conflict; they could mean collaboration."
This directly states Jaylen's new understanding about working with others.
Question 2 Part A: B - He discovers that Amara has fears similar to his own.
When Amara admits her nervousness, Jaylen realizes they have common ground.
Question 2 Part B: C - "Jaylen realized he wasn't the only one with worries."
This moment of empathy marks the turning point in Jaylen's attitude.