**Purpose:** This benchmark helps your teacher see what you already know about vocabulary, word parts (prefixes/suffixes/roots), grammar/sentences, and reading comprehension. **Directions:** - Read each passage. - Answer the multiple-choice questions. - For written responses, use complete sentences and include key details from the text. **Time:** About 20–25 minutes.
On Saturday mornings, the line at Mr. Reed’s barbershop reaches the door. Mr. Reed is a barber and a business owner, but he also likes science. “If you understand your scalp, you can take better care of your hair,” he tells his customers.
Mr. Reed explains that each hair grows from a tiny pocket in the skin called a follicle. The skin on your head is your scalp. Your scalp makes an oily substance called sebum. Sebum helps keep hair from getting too dry. But too much sebum can trap dirt, especially if someone scratches a lot or does not wash regularly.
He points to a brush and a towel. “Another science word is friction,” he says. “Friction happens when two things rub together.” Tight hats, rough pillowcases, or aggressive brushing can cause extra friction. Too much friction can make hair break more easily.
Mr. Reed says a healthy routine usually has three steps. First, cleanse the scalp gently to remove extra sebum and dirt. Next, moisturize to help hair stay flexible. Finally, protect hair from too much friction. Some people choose a protective style or use a satin scarf or pillowcase.
Before each cut, Mr. Reed asks one more question: “What’s your goal?” Some kids say they want a fresh look for picture day. Others say they want to feel confident for a presentation or a family celebration. Mr. Reed smiles. “Science helps you reach goals,” he says. “A routine is a plan—and plans are what entrepreneurs use, too.”
What is the main idea of Passage A?
Which text structure is mostly used when Mr. Reed explains what can happen because of friction?
Choose the best correction.
“Too much friction make hair break more easily.”
In Passage A, what does the word sebum mean?
What is the definition of entrepreneur?
Why does Mr. Reed recommend a routine with cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting?
The word part hydr in hydrate and hydration most likely means—
Which detail best supports the idea that too much sebum can cause problems?
Write one key step in the routine Mr. Reed describes.
Retell Mr. Reed’s routine in your own words. Then explain one science reason for doing the routine.
Imani could already picture it: a college campus with brick buildings, a drumline practicing in the distance, and a sweatshirt that showed the name of an HBCU across the front. She didn’t know exactly which one yet, but she knew she wanted to go.
That afternoon, she sat in the back of her Auntie Renee’s beauty salon, doing homework while the dryers hummed. Auntie Renee owned the shop, and she called it her “second classroom.”
“Imani, you ready to learn some business today?” Auntie Renee asked.
Imani looked up. “I’m ready.”
Auntie Renee handed her a notebook. On the first page, she had written one word in big letters: GOAL.
“Entrepreneurs don’t just wish,” Auntie Renee said. “They plan. A plan helps you use your time and money wisely.”
Imani watched as Auntie Renee greeted a customer by name and asked how school was going. Then she listened to the customer’s hair goals, explained options, and made sure the customer understood the price before starting.
Later, Auntie Renee pointed to the calendar. “This month, I’m saving for new chairs. That’s called an investment. I spend money now to make the shop better later.”
Imani wrote the word investment and circled it. “So it’s like planting seeds,” she said.
“Exactly,” Auntie Renee replied. “And when you need help, you ask for mentorship. That means learning from someone with experience.”
Imani thought about her dream. If she wanted an HBCU sweatshirt one day, she might need scholarships, strong grades, and a plan. She decided to ask her teacher about a business club at school.
When Auntie Renee locked up for the night, she smiled at Imani. “You’ve got determination,” she said. “Keep building your future—one smart choice at a time.”
Why did Imani write the word 'Goal' in her notebook?
In the story, what does investment mean?
What is a theme of the story?
Choose the sentence with clear pronoun use.
A) When Imani talked to Auntie Renee, she wrote it in her notebook. B) When Imani talked to Auntie Renee, Imani wrote the new word in her notebook.
Which character trait best describes Imani?
What does the suffix -ship mean in the word mentorship?
Which sentence best combines the ideas without creating a run-on sentence?
Imani has a dream. She makes a plan.
The word determination has the suffix -tion. The suffix -tion usually means—
What is Imani’s goal? (Answer in 3 words or fewer.)
Retell the story in 3–5 sentences. Include Imani’s goal and one thing she learns from Auntie Renee.