Directions: Read each reading passage below. Answer the questions that follow.

Smart Marathon Training

Running a whole marathon is a difficult task. There are a few suggested tips that will be helpful if you decide to run a marathon. RUN, BUT STAY HEALTHY! Some people overtrain so much that they get sick easily. It doesn't do you any good to train hard and then be too sick to run. Another recommended tip is to train slowly. Some people think it's important to run until their feet fall off. It will take time to get up to 26 miles, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to build up to that. Don't forget to recuperate after each long training run. Your body takes a few days to heal after a long run. However, the most important tip is to HAVE FUN!

What is the main idea of the passage?

A	Sleep longer before running a whole marathon.
B	Run slowly before running a whole marathon.
C	Practice well before running a whole marathon.
D	Eat healthily before running a whole marathon.

The King of the Arctic

This report about polar bears was written in 2006 for a science project.

Did you know that a polar bear cub weighs 1 1/2 pounds at birth? Adult male polar bears can weigh up to 2000 pounds! They grow to be much bigger than humans.

Polar bears are beautiful, intelligent creatures and cunning hunters. Slyly, they approach a seal's breathing hole in the ice. Some experts say they cover their black noses with their paws. That way, the seals will not see them coming. They pounce when the seal comes up for air.

Although polar bears may face real danger in the future, the polar bear population is not yet declining. Polar bears can live up to 30 years. The main menace to the polar bear is global warming. In the Arctic, this is clear. The ice cap is getting thinner and smaller all the time. It thaws earlier every year. Polar bears have less time to hunt during winter.

During summer, polar bears do not hibernate; however, they rest 87% of the time. Winter is when they fatten up. Their black skin soaks up heat, and their hair is hollow. Each hair has air in it that insulates them. Their feet are thickly padded. The pads on their feet give off heat, which melts the ice as they walk. This keeps them from skidding. The polar bear has all the equipment it needs to live and travel on ice. However, it is uncomfortable in any temperature above freezing. The polar bear is king of the Arctic, the way a lion is the king of the jungle.

2. What is the main idea of this passage?

A	It defines global warming.
B	It compares polar bears to lions.
C	It explains how polar bears stay warm.
D	It gives the reader information on polar bears.

3. Which idea from the passage suggests polar bears might be too hot when kept in zoos?

A	They are uncomfortable at any temperature above freezing.
B	They do not hibernate.
C	Their hair is hollow to provide insulation.
D	They eat seals.

4. Which of the following would be the BEST supporting detail for this sentence from the passage?

Their black skin soaks up heat, and their hair is hollow.

A	They have their very own heating system.
B	When the polar bear is hunting, he is very sneaky.
C	We must protect our earth so that global warming does not threaten the polar bears.
D	Warm temperatures can feel like hot coal burning their feet.

5. Which sentence from the passage contains support for the idea that global warming is a menace to the polar bear population?

A	Adult male polar bears can weigh up to 2000 pounds!
B	Polar bears have less time to hunt during winter.
C	Polar bears can live up to 30 years.
D	Their black skin soaks up heat, and their hair is hollow.