CAT/5 GRADE 9 PRACTICE TEST OVERVIEW

This practice test is designed to introduce your student to

the mechanics of taking the CAT/5 Grade 9 test when
ordered through FLO, and to give your student an idea of the
kinds of questions the test will contain. The practice test can
be given a day or two in advance of the actual testing. It is
not timed.

Answer Sheet for Student

The answer sheet is where your student will mark an answer
for each question. Use a #2 pencil. The bubbles on the
answer sheet should be filled in completely. Place the
answer sheet alongside the Practice Test and remind the
student to mark only on the answer sheet.
TEST TAKING TIPS
Practice Test for Student FOR THE STUDENT
The CAT/5 Grade 9 Practice Test includes questions for 1. Relax. It’s natural to get
Vocabulary, Comprehension, Spelling, Language Mechanics, nervous about tests. Just do
your best and try not to
Language Expression, Mathematics Computation,
worry. You got this!
Mathematics Concepts & Applications, Study Skills, Science, 2. Listen and read carefully.
and Social Studies. Print and staple these pages together. Listen carefully when
Place alongside the answer sheet opposite of the student’s directions are being read to
you. Read all the directions
dominant writing hand when taking the practice test. carefully on the test. Ask your
proctor to explain any
Answer Key directions you don’t
understand.
When finished, compare the student’s answers with the
3. Plan your time. While this
answer key and go over questions that were marked wrong. practice test is not timed, the
Ask the student if they feel comfortable with the test taking actual test is. Listen to the
process. If more practice is needed (for example, the student amount of time given for a
test section and use that
keeps marking the answers on the practice test and not the
time well. Answer the
answer sheet), print out the practice test and answer sheet questions you are sure of
pages again and retake. first, and be careful to not
take too long on any one
question.
4. Think. It’s okay to not know
an answer to a question right
“When one teaches, two learn.” away. Take some time to
think. Rule out answer
ROBERT HEINLEIN choices that you know are
wrong and choose from the
ones that are left.
5. Stay positive. Some
questions will be hard to
answer and others will be
easy. Just do your best!
 CAT/5 GRADE 9 – ANSWER SHEET

Vocabulary Mathematics Computation

1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5
Comprehension
6
1
2 Mathematics Concepts & Applications
3 1
4 2
5 3
Spelling 4
1 5
2 6
3 Study Skills
Language Mechanics 1
1 2
2 3
3 Science
4
1
5
2
6
3
Language Expression 4
1
Social Studies
2
1
3
4 2
5 3
4
 CAT/5 GRADE 9 – PRACTICE TEST 1

Vocabulary

For Number 1, read the sentences. Then choose the word that correctly completes both
sentences.
1. The _________ in the river was moving quickly.
He reads the newspaper to stay _________ on local news.
A water
B current
C updated
D informed

2. We are looking for _________ solutions to help solve problems.

Which of these words indicates that the solutions need to be new methods or ideas?
F innovative
G normal
H midstream
J tested

For Number 3, choose the word that means the same, or about the same as the underlined
word.
3. to squander
A preserve
B squash
C conserve
D waste

For Number 4, choose the word that means the opposite of the underlined word.
4. usually feasible
F impossible
G achievable
H plausible
J respective
 CAT/5 GRADE 9 – PRACTICE TEST 2

Comprehension

Read the following excerpt. Then do Numbers 1 through 5.

Since the late 19th century, the Winchester House just outside San Jose, California has been
the subject of bizarre stories and rumors that continue to fascinate visitors more than a
hundred years later. Construction of the mansion was financed and overseen by Sarah
Winchester, widow of William Winchester whose family was responsible for the manufacture of
the famous Winchester rifle. The weapon was reputed to be “the gun that won the west.”
Sarah hailed from a prominent Connecticut family and enjoyed a cultured upbringing that
included the best private schools of the time. She married William in 1862 and they led an
active life in New England society until tragedy struck in 1866. The death of their infant
daughter that year sent Sarah spiraling into a deep depression that would plague her the rest of
her life.
When William died of tuberculosis fifteen years later, Sarah turned to a spiritualist in
desperation. Some reports say the medium she consulted blamed Sarah’s tragedies on the
spirits of those killed by the Winchester rifle. These evil spirits would continue to haunt her
family and fortune unless Sarah took the medium’s advice to move west and build a great
house for these spirits to inhabit. According to the spiritualist, Sarah would be safe as long as
construction on the house never ceased.
A visit to her niece in California led Sarah to find the perfect place for her new home. This
beautiful, serene setting with an unfinished farm house seemed ideal.
Over the next 38 years, the Winchester estate grew from an eight room house into a seven
story mansion perched on 161 acres of farmland.
Almost immediately, Sarah hired carpenters to work around the clock expanding the
structure. Construction continued without ceasing until the day she died.
It was reported that Sarah never slept in the same room two nights in a row so the evil
spirits would not be able to find her. Unfortunately, this practice nearly led to her total un-
doing when the San Francisco earthquake struck in 1906. Servants in the house went from
room to room frantically searching for Sarah. In her own mind, Sarah was certain she was facing
death at the hands of those evil spirits.
After the earthquake, she ordered the front of the house sealed off and it was only re-
opened after her death. One story told of President Theodore Roosevelt’s unexpected visit to
Sarah to no avail. He continually knocked on the front door, but no one answered.
The Winchester House has served for many years as a popular tourist attraction offering
guided tours to curious visitors. At the center of the house is a room dedicated to séances and
spiritual readings. Every set of stairs in the house consists of thirteen steps. In some cases, the
steps lead to nothing but another wall or – even more alarmingly – to a door that leads to the
outside and a sheer drop of several stories to the ground below. Enter the Winchester House at
your own risk – and watch your step!
 CAT/5 GRADE 9 – PRACTICE TEST 3

1. The essay begins in what period of 4. Why did Sarah sleep in a different
history? room each night?
A 1600’s F confuse the spirits
B 1700’s G hide from her servants
C 1800’s H sleep in a better bed
D 1900’s J avoid construction noises

2. Sarah’s fortune was based primarily 5. How do you think Sarah felt the
on what invention? night of the earthquake?
F cotton gin A confused
G Winchester rifle B angry
H Colt 45 pistol C terrified
J automobile D hungry

3. Who advised Sarah to move out west?

A her husband
B her brother
C her sister
D her medium

Spelling

For Numbers 1 and 2, choose the word that is spelled correctly and best completes the
sentence.
1. The ____________ techniques have 2. Dogs can learn __________ if
changed rapidly in recent years. trained properly.
A comunication F obediance
B communicatian G obediunce
C communicatien H obedience
D communication J obidenuce

For Number 3, read the phrases. Three of the underlined words are spelled correctly. Find the
phrase containing an underlined word that is not spelled correctly.
3. A bank dividend
B evasive manuver
C happy temperament
D amateur golfer
 CAT/5 GRADE 9 – PRACTICE TEST 4

Language Mechanics

For Number 1, choose the sentence that is written correctly and shows the correct
capitalization and punctuation.
1. A Irena said, “he is an excellent piano player.”
B “Should we make coffee, asked Tanya?”
C “We should practice on Wednesday night,” said Alex.
D She said, it is so exciting to be going to a concert!”

For Number 2, look at the underlined part of the sentence. Choose the answer that shows the
best capitalization and punctuation for that part.
2. The following runners qualified for the final race, Samuel Livingstone, Christina
Sanchez, Ashley Clark, and Michael Smith.
F race. Samuel
G race; Samuel
H race: Samuel
J Correct as it is

For Numbers 3 through 6, read the letter and look at the numbered, underlined parts. Choose
the answer that shows the best capitalization and punctuation for each underlined part.

December 12, 2018

Repairs Department
Rocky Mountain Boarding Company
(3) 3241 mountain Lane
(4) Boulderville MT 59035

(5) To whom it may concern:

On August 2nd, I sent in my binder for a repair that was under warranty. The repaired
item was returned to me, but on the first day I used it, the item broke. I am requesting
that a replacement item be sent to me, as the repair was not effective.

(6) Sincerely,
Lynn Taylor

3. A 3241 mountain lane 4. F Boulderville, MT 59035

B 3241 Mountain Lane G Boulderville, MT, 59035
C 3241 Mountain lane H Boulderville MT, 59035
D Correct as it is J Correct as it is
 CAT/5 GRADE 9 – PRACTICE TEST 5

5. A To Whom It May Concern; 6. F sincerely

B to whom it may concern, G Sincerely
C To Whom It May Concern: H sincerely,
D Correct as it is J Correct as it is

Language Expression
1. Choose the best word or phrase that best completes the sentence.
Lisa ___________ to a movie next Saturday.
A had been going
B has gone
C is going
D will have gone

2. Choose the underlined part that is the simple predicate (verb) of the sentence.
Avery kicked the ball to Weston.
F G H J

3. Choose the sentence that best combines the two sentences into one.
The players arrived at the game early.
The players warmed up before the game.
A The players arrived at the game early, and the players warmed up before the game.
B The players warmed up at the game that arrived at the game early.
C Arriving at the game early, the players warmed up.
D The players warmed up, since they arrived early at the game.

4. Read the paragraph. Choose the sentence that best fills the blank in the paragraph.
Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States. One would not
have guessed from his energy and physical robustness during his campaigns that he had
been sickly and frail as a young boy. Due to asthma and other health issues, he spent the
early part of his life inside the family home. ____________________________________
_____________________________. This helped him develop a rugged physique. After
this he became a lifelong advocate of exercise.
F In his teens, he began a program of physical exertion that included weightlifting and
gymnastics.
G He never exercised because his health was poor.
H Teddy was elected governor of New York and served one term before being
nominated as a vice president for William McKinley’s campaign.
J Teddy’s first wife and mother died on the same day, and this was a devastating blow
to the young man.
 CAT/5 GRADE 9 – PRACTICE TEST 6

5. Choose the topic sentence that best fits the paragraph.

________________________________________________________. In 5 th century
China, ginger plants were grown in pots and carried on long sea journeys to provide
fresh food and help prevent scurvy. In Europe, pepper and other spices and herbs were
commonly used to camouflage bad flavors and odors, and for their health benefits.
Onions, garlic, and shallots became popular condiments in Persia around the 6 th century.
Spices, such as black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom have long been used
in India for culinary and health purposes as well.
A Spices and herbs have been used since ancient times for flavoring and health
purposes.
B Black pepper is a very popular spice and is widely used.
C Ancient people believed in evil spirits and used spices to ward them off.
D When drinking tea became unpatriotic in colonial America, people began using spices
and herbs to replace traditional teas.

Mathematics Computation
This section is about working math problems. You may use scratch paper to solve the
problems. Calculators should NOT be used for this section.

1. A 1 4. F 14
62 ÷ 32 = B 2 4 + (12 ÷ 3) – 1 × 2 = G ˉ14
C 3 H 30
D 4 J 6
E None of these K None of these

5. 2
A ˉ
7
2. F 4% ˉ
2
+
3
=
7 7 1
What percent of G 10% B
7
20 is 4? H 20% 1
J 30% C ˉ
7
K None of these 5
D
7

E None of these
3.
A ˉ7
7 × ˉ10 = B 10 6. F 5
C 70 5c – c = G 4–c
D ˉ70 H 5c
E None of these J 4c
K None of these
 CAT/5 GRADE 9 – PRACTICE TEST 7

Mathematics Concepts & Application

You may use scratch paper to solve these problems. Use of a calculator is permitted.
1. Which of these numbers has a 5 in the hundredths place?
A 0.7835
B 0.8570
C 0.5780
D 0.9850

2. Sally worked on Friday from 3:30 pm to 8:45 pm. How long did she work?
F 5 hours, 15 minutes
G 5 hours, 30 minutes
H 5 hours, 45 minutes
J 5 hours, 55 minutes

3. Which of these is another way to write 3.38 × 106?

A 33,800
B 338,000
C 3,380,000
D 3.38000000

Study this graph for the basic budget of Small’s school and use it to help answer Numbers 4
and 5.

Smalls School Budget $400,000

Building Other
Refurbishment 1 20 Staff 1 10

Energy 1 5 Teaching Staff

1
2

Maintenance
3
20
 CAT/5 GRADE 9 – PRACTICE TEST 8

4. How much is the school budget for 6. Which of these is the best
Maintenance, Energy, and Building estimate of the number of
Refurbishment? degrees in this angle?
F $80,000
G $120,000
H $150,000
J $160,000

5. What percentage of the budget does the

school spend on Other Staff? F 100
G 150
A 1%
H 130
B 5%
J 120
C 10%
D 15%

Study Skills

Study this library card catalog. Then do Numbers 1 and 2.

1. Who illustrated the book?
BIRDS of PREY
A New York
438.5 Brigham, Alexander B Bird Books
B Birds of prey and their habitats/Alexander C Alexander Brigham
Brigham; illustrated by Penny Conway. – D Penny Conway
New York: Bird Books, 1989.
212 p. : ill. ; 35 cm 2. How many pages are in the book?
F 438
1. Birds of prey. I. Conway, Penny, ill. G 212
II. Title H 1989
J 35

For Number 3, read the sentence. Then choose the key information that should be included in
research notes about birds of prey.
3. Birds of prey include species of birds that primarily hunt and feed on vertebrates. They
have keen eyesight for detecting prey at a distance and during flight. Their strong feet
are equipped with talons for grasping or killing prey.
A birds of prey fly around looking for food often with their keen eyesight
B birds of prey hunt with strong feet to grasp or kill prey
C birds of prey feed mainly on vertebrates, use keen eyesight to search for food, and
have strong feet with talons for grasping or killing prey
D birds of prey; strong feet equipped with talons; hunt vertebrates.
 CAT/5 GRADE 9 – PRACTICE TEST 9

Science
This diagram shows a cell with some of its parts numbered. Study the diagram. Then do
Numbers 1 and 2.

1
2

3
4

1. What is the primary function of Part 2?

A It releases energy to do work.
B It directs the cell’s activities.
C It protects the cell from its surroundings.
D It produces energy from food.

2. This type of cell shown can be found in

F a leaf
G an animal
H a bone
J a drop of blood

3. In what way are sponges, jellyfish, earthworms, and ticks alike?

A They all live in the ocean.
B They are all producers.
C They are all invertebrates.
D They are all vertebrates.

4. Good electrical insulators such as plastic do not conduct electricity very well because
they do not let _________ flow easily from one atom to another.
F protons
G electrons
H positive ions
J negative ions
 CAT/5 GRADE 9 – PRACTICE TEST 10

Social Studies

Study this chart that shows some of the powers of the president of the United States. Use this
chart to help you answer Numbers 1 and 2.

Powers of the President 1. Which of these is a judicial power

 Serve as Commander in Chief of the armed held by the president?
forces A Commission officers of the
 Commission officers of the armed forces armed forces
 Grant pardons and reprieves except B Appoint officials to lesser offices
impeachments C Appoint judges to the Supreme
 Convene Congress in special sessions Court
 Receive ambassadors D Negotiate trade agreements
 Ensure that laws are executed (enforced) with China
 Wield the “executive power”
 Appoint Officials to lesser offices 2. Appointing someone as an
Powers shared with the Senate ambassador is most associated
 Make treaties with which of these presidential
 Appoint ambassadors, judges, and high powers?
officials F executive
Powers that are shared with Congress as a Whole
G diplomatic
 Approve Legislations
H legislative
J military

3. What is the economic term for someone who buys and uses products and services?
A producer
B distributor
C natural resource
D consumer

4. Developed around the 5th century, this is the most widely used number system.
What is it?
F Roman Numeral System
G Hindu-Arabic Numeral System
H Aztec Numeral System
J Greek Numeral System
 CAT/5 GRADE 9 – ANSWER KEY

Vocabulary Mathematics Computation

1-B 1-D
2- F 2- H
3- D 3- D
4- F 4- J
5- B
6- J
Comprehension
1-C
Mathematics Concepts &
2- G Applications
3- D
1-B
4- F
2- F
5- C
3- C
4- J
Spelling 5- C
1-D 6- F
2- H
3- B Study Skills
1-D
Language Mechanics 2- G
1-C 3- C
2- H
3- B
Science
4- F
1-C
5- C
2- G
6- J
3- C
4- G
Language Expression
1-C
Social Studies
2- G
1-C
3- C
2- G
4- F
3- D
5- A
4- G

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