Reading Gains Form 1, sections 2 & 3 - beginning of the year for ELD II

Directions:
Read the paragraph and complete the statement.

Many countries in the world are still developing. This means they are building their economies. They are trying to better the living conditions for their people. They want to advance their health care and education. In the past fifty years, much progress has been made. Diseases like smallpox have been eliminated. The average life expectancy worldwide has increased. It has gone from 47 years to 65 years. But there is still much to be done. Every year, 11 million children die from hunger. And many people cannot find enough work to support themselves. Experts say that it is important for rich countries like the United States to help developing countries. Countries with strong economies can trade with the rest of the world.

Directions:
Read the paragraph and complete the statement.

The cat crouched in the high grass along the edge of the flowerbed. Her furry belly touched the ground. Eyes dilated, the cat intensely watched a patch of clover amidst the grass. Something small was moving there, but it was hidden by the clover leaves. Every muscle in the cat's body was tensed. What was rummaging in the dirt beneath the clover? It could be a juicy, defenseless field mouse, or a dangerous snake from the woodpile. Coiled up like a spring, the cat waited to see.

Directions:
Read the paragraph and complete the statement.

It seemed like they had been in the art museum forever. Ethan meandered through rooms of portraits and landscapes, waiting for his parents to finish looking at them. Eventually he got their permission to wait for them in the gift shop. While walking down the stairs, Ethan stopped suddenly at the darkened entrance to an exhibition. Ethan walked slowly into the room to find tiny machines on the floor projecting images of eyeballs on the ceiling and walls. Some of the eyes blinked, some darted, and one wept. Ethan took it all in, and then walked through a doorway into the next dim room.

Directions:
Read the paragraph and complete the statement.

Platinum is a rare metal used in jewelry and automobile exhaust systems. Europeans first discovered the grey-white metal. They found it during the 16th century in Central America. The name platinum comes from “platina,” which is Spanish for “little silver.” Today the largest deposits of platinum are in South Africa, Russia, and North America. Platinum is valuable because of its scarcity, and its name has become associated with wealth and status. Credit card companies offer “platinum” cards to their best customers. A music album that sells more than one million copies is called “platinum.”

Directions:
Read the paragraph and complete the statement.

Fishing is a vital source of income for many people around the world. But it is often difficult to ensure that hooks and nets catch only what they are supposed to. Off the coast of South Africa, fishermen often mistakenly pull in sharks with their nets. Every year, nearly eight million sharks are accidentally killed this way. Critics argue that the government and the fishing industry need to adopt stricter guidelines. If they don't, the survival of many species of sharks may be threatened.

Directions:
Read the passage about the human brain. Complete the statement with the word for each question number.

    The human brain is a remarkable organ. It controls hundreds of activities at the same time. Our body temperature, pulse rate, and blood pressure are controlled by the brain. It orchestrates all of our physical activity. It constantly collects data about the things around us. We use it to think and dream. It controls our emotions and allows us to communicate. In short, the brain functions as the body's control center. The brain ___6___ many functions.

    The human brain can be divided into two main parts, the lower brain and upper brain. One of the main components of the lower brain is the medulla. The medulla controls blood pressure, breathing, and other automatic or semiautomatic functions. Another part of the lower brain is the pons. The pons helps track physical movement. It also helps sleeping to occur and plays a role in taste.

    The pons controls ___7___. Above the pons is the thalamus. The thalamus controls the flow of incoming information to the brain. It takes the incoming signals and directs them to the appropriate part of the brain.

    The cerebellum acts as a bridge between the lower brain and upper brain. The cerebellum provides a ___8___. It, too, is involved in orchestrating the movement of our limbs. Healthy cerebellums allow for smooth and fluid movement. The cerebellum also coordinates mouth and tongue movements when we speak.

    The upper brain is made up primarily of the cerebrum. The cerebrum has nearly the surface area of a standard house door. It is folded over and over to fit in the skull. It is in these folds that some of our most spectacular thinking occurs. It is here that we dream, write poetry, and solve puzzles. The cerebrum houses our ___9___ abilities. The cerebrum is home to our personalities.

    All of these parts of the brain work together to keep us functioning effectively in the world. The more you use your brain, the better it works. So get thinking! Use your brain to keep it ___10___.

Directions:
Read the passage about Jessie. Complete the statement with the word for each question number.

    Jessie had grown up in a very small town. Her grandparents lived two houses down, and her aunt and uncle lived next door. Her whole family lived in the town, and the people who weren't her family seemed as though they were. Jessie knew there were big cities out there, but she was perfectly happy where she was. Jessie was ___11___ .

    One night at dinner, enjoying chicken pot pie and creamed spinach, Jessie's father told her that he had been offered a new job. Jessie nodded and asked if that was a good thing.

    “It's a very good thing, but it also means we're going to have to move,” her father said.

    Jessie looked over at her mother in alarm. Her mother kept eating calmly, so it was clear that Jessie was the last one to know about this. Jessie was ___12___.

    “So, where are we going?” she asked her dad.

    He looked at her steadily for a moment and then said, “Chicago.”

    Jessie's fork fell out of her hand. “That's so far away!” she said. “And it's a big city!” She folded her arms across her chest and shook her head. There was no way she was moving to a big city so far away. Jessie ___13___ .

    “You'll be starting high school next year, so you would have been going to a new school anyway,” her father said.

    “I would have known practically everyone there,” Jessie protested.

    “Don't you think it could be fun to go somewhere where you don't know everyone?” her dad asked her.

    “No!” Jessie responded quickly.

    “Jess, we can go see shows and go shopping and go to nice restaurants,” her mother said.

    “I'm not interested in restaurants,” Jessie replied. She didn't say so, but she was somewhat interested in the shows. Jessie was being ___14___.

    “Jessie, the biggest lesson I want to teach you is to not be afraid to take chances. This is a big change for all of us, but I think it could be really great,” her father said.

    Jessie sighed and nodded, knowing her father was right. She had never really had to take a chance before, living in such a small town, but now was the time, and she would have to be ready. He had ___15___ her.

Directions:
Read the passage about diabetes. Complete the statement with the word for each question number.

    Many Americans have diabetes. Diabetes is a disease. It affects the body's ability to produce or to use a hormone called insulin. Insulin controls how much sugar remains in the blood by allowing the body to use the sugar from food as energy. Diabetes is a medical ____16____. There are two types of diabetes:

    Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is also known as juvenile diabetes. It is usually diagnosed in children or teenagers. People with Type 1 do not produce insulin. Fewer than ten percent of people with diabetes have Type 1. Most people with diabetes have Type 2. With Type 2, the body either produces a very small amount of insulin or the person is resistant to insulin. With insulin resistance, the cells are unable to use the insulin that is produced. The insulin is not ____17_____.

    Diabetes can be difficult to diagnose. Common symptoms include excessive thirst or hunger, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, and irritability. If a doctor suspects that a patient has diabetes, a blood sugar level test is given. This will determine if the person has diabetes and what treatment is appropriate. There are ____18____ to make the diagnosis.

    People with diabetes need to monitor their eating habits closely. They need to make healthy food choices. This may be difficult for people who have not had previous diet restrictions. It will be necessary to balance food and insulin. Avoiding carbohydrates such as bread and rice can make it easier to control blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels should be ____19____ .

    It used to be believed that diabetes was caused by eating too much sugar. Researchers now know that this is not true. The cause is still unknown, but most researchers believe that there are genetic links. There is no cure for diabetes. However, advances in treatment options have made it possible for those with diabetes to lead healthy and normal lives. The treatments are ____20____ .

Directions:
Read the paragraph and complete the statement.

Bison are one of the most dangerous animals encountered by tourists to the American West. From a distance, or when looking at pictures, bison seem like nothing more than oversized cows. But weighing in at up to 2,000 pounds, they can be a threat. Their seemingly lethargic movements can be coupled with amazing physical feats. A bison can jump six feet in the air. It can run up to 35 miles per hour. Considering their size, bison are amazingly agile. Other than humans, they have no serious predators. While bison would rather graze, they will attack if provoked.

Directions:
Read the paragraph and complete the statement.

We've all heard of theme parks such as Disneyworld and Six Flags. Now there is a new park to add to the list: Dickens World. The park opened in the spring of 2007 in England. It is modeled on the world described in the books of Charles Dickens, who wrote stories about the struggles of living in 19th-century England. His novels often featured colorful characters, from miserly businessmen to scrappy orphans. The theme park includes replicas of old London streets with people dressed as beggars and pickpockets.

Directions:
Read the paragraph and complete the statement.

The Amur leopard is a large cat that lives in eastern Russia, northeastern China, and on the Korean peninsula. Unlike other leopards, the Amur has long legs and long fur. These traits help it survive in the thick snow and bitter cold of its regions. But those traits cannot protect it from people. Hunting of the leopard, and the destruction of its habitat, has nearly wiped the animal out. Scientists estimate that only about thirty Amur leopards remain. If governments do not intervene, experts say, the animal will likely become extinct.

Directions:
Read the paragraph and complete the statement.

Karen watched as her pitcher tumbled to the ground, sending clay shards across the hard tile floor. Instantly her eyes swelled with tears as she thought about how long it had taken her to make it. She didn't immediately hear Bobby, or notice him as he gathered the pieces. “I didn't see you there,” he stammered, his hands trembling as he reached for another piece of the pitcher. He tried to put two of the pieces together, and could see that they fit, but they wouldn't stay together. “Perhaps I could glue it back together,” he suggested desperately, knowing that it wouldn't work.

Directions:
Read the paragraph and complete the statement.

The Boston Marathon is the most heralded marathon in the United States. Many consider it to be the world's premier road race due to its longevity, difficulty, and qualification requirement. First run in 1897, it is the world's oldest annual marathon. The marathon's course, 26.2 miles long, begins in Hopkinton and ends in downtown Boston. It is famous for its hilly terrain, and it is susceptible to unpredictable weather. One of its most strenuous hills is even called Heartbreak Hill. In order to participate in the Boston Marathon, a runner must complete another marathon in a designated qualifying time. Many believe that just qualifying for the Boston Marathon is an achievement in itself.

Directions:
Read the passage about fixing things. Complete the statement with the word for each question number.

    Fixing things can be very satisfying. Every day we depend upon things such as household appliances, computers, electronic gadgets, bicycles, and automobiles. These things often make our lives easier. When they break, what was once convenient becomes a problem. We can pay to replace broken items, or we might want to hire someone else to fix the broken item for us. However, fixing things ourselves saves money and provides a wonderful sense of accomplishment. There are ____26____ to repairing things yourself.

    Fixing an item often involves taking it apart first. Taking things apart in an orderly fashion can make a repair job go more smoothly. There are a few steps to follow when dismantling an object for repair. These steps work whether the item under repair is a toaster, a desktop computer, or a sports car. These steps can be ____27____ to many tasks.

    The first step is to place a clean rag on a flat surface near your workspace. A lint-free rag is best. As you remove a part from your appliance or vehicle, place it on the rag. As you do so, mentally note the purpose of the part. Also note how it was attached. If you feel that you need help remembering, you can make written notes. You can even put the note with the part to keep track of it. It is useful to remove items with the ____28____ of putting them back.

    As you remove parts, place them in clockwise order on the rag. Point them in the same direction in which they will be replaced. Doing this makes reassembly simple and easy. Their position ____29____how they will be replaced.

    Once you reach the broken part, you will be able to replace it and then reassemble the item simply by replacing parts in counter-clockwise order. Your item will be as good as new, and you will have the satisfaction of having fixed it. You will have a(n) ____30____ .

Directions:
Read the passage about Elise and Donna. Complete the statement with the word for each question number.

    Elise still didn't have a birthday gift for her best friend and time was running short. Months ago, she had started thinking about what kind of a present Donna might like. Elise jotted down ideas in the margins of her notebook but then quickly crossed them out. She wanted to give the perfect gift, but what was it? Elise ____31____ the gift.

    Last year, Donna had helped Elise through a difficult stretch of months. Elise had broken a leg in four places in a car accident that happened the first week of school, and she had been restricted to bed during most of her recovery. Almost every afternoon, Donna came by to give Elise her homework, and to catch Elise up on what was going on at school with all their friends. Donna would sit on the end of the bed and they would play cards and laugh. She even brought potted plants for Elise's windowsill and watered them each day. It was the best part of Elise's day. Donna had been ____32____.

    Now Elise wanted to express her gratitude through Donna's birthday gift, but she was finding the choice to be challenging. Elise wanted to ____33____ Donna. Elise couldn't afford an MP3 player or a new bicycle, both of which she knew Donna wanted. Anything bought from a store seemed cold and impersonal to Elise's mind, anyway. She considered giving Donna the unabridged dictionary from Elise's desk, as Donna was always looking up words in it, but she didn't want to let it go because it had belonged to her father. She was ____34___ to give up the dictionary.

    Thinking of the dictionary gave Elise a good idea. She would write a book for Donna, and use a bunch of obscure words from the dictionary in the story. Then they could read it together and Donna could look up all the words as they read. It would be the perfect way to thank her for her friendship. Elise closed her eyes and flipped open the dictionary. She put her finger down in the middle of a page. The word “convalescent” would be in her first sentence. Elise's present was ____35____.

Directions:
Read the passage about container gardening. Complete the statement with the word for each question number.

    When someone mentions a garden, what often comes to mind is a large plot of land filled with vegetables, flowers, bees, and butterflies. But not all gardens need to be large to be beautiful or useful. City dwellers, apartment owners, or residents of densely developed neighborhoods often don't have access to land for gardening. Container gardens can be the perfect solution for a lack of wide-open spaces. They are an attractive ____36____ .

    The most common container garden is the hanging basket. Often these baskets hold a variety of flowers or other greenery to add a splash of color to a front porch or a back deck. These containers are usually planted for their visual appeal and vibrant colors. Certain plants are used to attract birds or bees, while others are chosen simply for their blooming hues or fragrance. Colors and scents ____37____ a garden.

    A kitchen window can house a different type of garden—the container herb garden. Chefs often have potted herbs right at their fingertips to add while preparing tasty dishes. Rosemary, thyme, and sage are examples of culinary herbs. Basil, parsley, and oregano can also be found in herb gardens. If there isn't a kitchen window available, these herbs also grow well in pots on porches and decks. Herb gardens can be ____38____.

    When considering a container garden, a traditional terra cotta pot isn't the only option for planting. Basically anything—a colorful bowl, metal watering can, or even an old shoe—can be used to contain the plants. Open-wire baskets can also be used if moss or fiber liners are added before planting. Sometimes the container can be a beautiful part of the garden arrangement. Grouped containers can also make a bigger visual impact. There are many ____39____ of the typical pot.

    Creating a small container garden can appeal to the eye like a painting does. The container becomes the canvas and the paints are the varied shades of the flowers and leaves. The only real limitation is a person's imagination. Making a garden just takes ____40____ .