1. Discovering Venus
1 Venus is the closest planet to Earth. Its fascinating
mysteries attract many scientists all over the world. In 2005,
a probe was sent out to find out more about this neighbor.
Known as the Venus Express, the probe made its way past
the planet’s thick clouds to see what was beneath.
2 For 500 days, the probe orbited the planet. It took
pictures that were sent back to Earth for analysis. The study
proved for the first time that Venus has lightning storms. It
also showed that the temperature can rise to more than 100º
F from night to day, reaching a high of almost 1,000º F. The
probe spotted several hot spots on the surface. In these
areas, the temperature is much higher than in other places,
although scientists are not sure why.
3 One of the most important facts the probe discovered
was that Venus once had water on it. In fact, experts believe
there was once enough water to cover the entire planet with
at least 15 feet of water. Today, the only form of water on
Venus is in the water vapor in the atmosphere. If it were

2. turned into water, it would only create a layer of less than
an inch and a half.
4 The probe taught scientists a great deal about the planet.
They saw how its surface was covered with craters and
mountains, along with volcanoes, some of them still
ejecting lava. They found that while Venus once had a lot in
common with Earth, it no longer does. Although it is a
fascinating planet, it is not likely anyone will ever call it
home.
ItemID06I0808I
00 This passage is organized to present information about —
A what the probe discovered.
B the weather on Venus.
C the planets.
D scientists.
ItemIDPRI0806201201-0808I
00 What does a probe do?
A It ejects lava.
B It investigates.
C It creates water vapor.
D It attracts lightning storms.
ItemIDPRI0806202202-0808I

3. 00 Read the following sentence.
In the past, Venus had things in common with Earth.
What does the word common mean in this sentence?
A ordinary
B similar
C strange
D unique
ItemIDPRI0806202204-0808I
00 Give two reasons from the passage why it is not possible for humans to live on
Venus.
Write your response in the space provided on your answer sheet.
ItemIDPRI0806204214-0808I
00 This passage is an example of nonfiction because —
A it states the author’s opinion of space travel.
B it has a moral the reader can learn from.
C it provides facts about a real planet.
D it tells about how probes are made.
ItemIDPRI0806205209-0808I

4. 00 Choose the word that belongs in the blank.
The flag ________ be flown today because of the rain.
A wont’
B wo’nt
C w’ont
D won’t
ItemIDPRI0806301239

5. 00 Choose the option that is an interrogative sentence.
A Please make some lemonade.
B Would you like lemonade?
C Lemonade is refreshing.
D I like lemonade!
ItemIDPRI0806302244

6. 00 Choose the SUBJECT of the sentence.
Today, I will call my friend after school.
A Today
B friend
C I
D school
ItemIDPRI0806303262

7. 00 Choose the word that belongs in the blank.
Owls sleep ________ the day.
A for
B during
C at
D from
ItemIDPRI0806303269

8. 00 Choose the word that belongs in the blank.
José ________ invited to dinner on Saturday.
A has
B liked
C was
D goes
ItemIDPRI0806303270

9. 00 Choose the word that belongs in the blank.
Grass will ________ quickly with sunshine and water.
A grew
B growing
C grows
D grow
ItemIDPRI0806303275

10. 00 Choose the word that belongs in the blank.
Apples and oranges ________ healthy snacks.
A are
B is
C eat
D or
ItemIDPRI0806303276

11. 00 Choose the SUBJECT of the sentence.
Josefina went swimming on Friday.
A Josefina
B went
C swimming
D Friday
ItemIDPRI0806303284

12. 00 Choose the sentence that is written correctly.
A Our class the trophy won!
B The class trophy we won!
C Our class won the trophy!
D Trophy our class won we!
ItemIDPRI0806304250

13. 00 Choose the punctuation mark that belongs in the blank.
Did you forget to lock the front door ___
A !
B ?
C ,
D .
ItemIDPRI0806305327