5th Grade Reading Assessment: Test Prep Info

Test Prep Info for Reading

Study Materials Online

Most standardized reading assessments contain both fiction and non-fiction passages, which are followed by questions that test comprehension and vocabulary. You can download and print practice reading passages and questions for free at EasyCBM.com. After your child reads the passages and answers the multiple-choice questions, you can analyze his or her scores online if you complete the website's free registration.

Pearson Longman also offers practice 5th grade reading passages online. They include a combination of written-response and multiple-choice questions that will test your child's critical thinking skills. For example, your child may be asked to make inferences based on details from the text or predict what is likely to happen next in a story.

State Practice Exams

Most state education agencies release exams from previous years that you can download from their websites and use as practice tests. Since most states have similar 5th grade reading standards, you can use released tests from several states to provide your child with additional practice. You can find these tests by visiting state education agency websites or by going to the EDinformatics website. It has links to released tests for most states.

Test-taking Tips

One of the best things you can do to prepare your child for state testing is to review test-taking strategies. Knowing what to expect on the test will build your child's confidence, which can lead to higher scores. Here are some strategies you may want to review with your child:

1. Scan the passage, and then read the questions to find out which areas require closer reading.

2. Identify the main idea, which is often introduced in the first paragraph and reiterated in the last paragraph.

3. For multiple-choice questions, eliminate answers that are clearly incorrect so you can focus on the ones with potential.

4. As you're reading the passage, use a pencil to highlight important statements and make notes.

5. Skip difficult questions and go back to them later.