Egyptian Maus Today the Egyptian Mau ('mau" is the Egyptian word for cat and rhymes with "cow") is believed to be a direct descendant of cats from ancient Egypt. Maus are medium-sized, weighing 8-12 pounds. Their short hair is usually one of five colors: smoke, silver, bronze, black, or blue. Purebred Egyptian Maus are known for their spotted coats; these naturally occurring spots make them unique among domestic cats.

1. What is the best summary of the paragraph above?

A) Descended from cats in Egypt, medium-sized Maus have short, spotted fur.

B) Weighing 8-12 pounds, Egyptian Maus have short hair.

C) Purebred Egyptian Maus are a blue, black, silver, or smoke color.

D) Known for their spotted coats, Egyptian Maus can be one of five colors.

Let’s Go Fly a Kite . . . —at Piedmont Middle School’s celebration of kites
Come and learn how to build all sorts of kites, from the simplest diamond-shaped kites to the most ornate box kites. Stay as long as you like and build as many kites as you want. Once you have finished a kite, get advice on flying techniques from kite expert Lorena Hallsberg. The celebration will be at Piedmont Middle School, 151 Piedmont School Drive.

2. What is the best summary of the above paragraph?

A) At the kite celebration, you can stay as long as you like and may build as many kites as you like.

B) At the kite celebration, you will be able to build different types of kites and receive tips on how to fly kites.

C) If you want to receive some good advice on how to fly kites, you should come to the kite celebration and talk to an expert.

D) If you like to build box kites or diamond-shaped kites, you should come to the kite celebration.

The Piedmont Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has organized a refreshment tent. All proceeds will benefit future PTO activities. Take a break from kite flying and drink some lemonade! While you are doing so, why not sign up and join the PTO? Membership is free; you just donate your time. Show your support for Piedmont Middle School by joining the PTO this Saturday!

3. Which of these would be the best heading for paragraph 2?

A) Build A Kite

B) Support the PTO

C) Join the Fun

D) Take a Break

Like other birds, ospreys like to build their nests in high locations. In some coastal communities, they have built nests on top of electric power poles and towers. This is dangerous and can result in power failures. Some cities build nesting platforms for the big birds to use instead. In other regions, ospreys build nests high in trees or on rock cliffs. Osprey nests have even been found on channel markers and buoys on the water.

4. This paragraph contains the MOST information about--

A) why ospreys like tall buildings

B) where ospreys like to build nests

C) how ospreys cause power failures

D) how people help ospreys