CAASPP Success - Grade 5 Reading Comprehension - Argumentative #1

Read the passage and answer the questions.
Living in a Megacity Isn't All It's Cracked Up to Be
[1] Living in a megacity sounds like a dream, right? Bright lights, endless action, and towering skyscrapers fill the landscape. But behind the sparkle lies a world full of stress and challenges. Life in these enormous cities might not be as glamorous as it seems.
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[2] Megacities burst with opportunities. Jobs, entertainment, and culture seem to be everywhere. But with those opportunities come huge crowds, flooding the streets and turning daily life into a constant competition. The high cost of living only adds to the pressure, making it hard for many people to keep up financially.
[3] While the promise of excitement draws people to megacities, the reality of overcrowding hits hard. Every step outside means navigating packed sidewalks and crowded public transportation. The city buzzes with energy, but this constant hustle wears people down, leaving them drained rather than energized.
[4] Pollution adds another layer of difficulty to life in a megacity. The thick smog and endless traffic don't just make the city unpleasant—they pose serious health risks. Breathing polluted air every day can lead to illnesses, and while some cities attempt to fight this with green initiatives, the sheer number of people makes progress slow and uneven.
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[5] The social landscape in megacities also presents challenges. The gap between rich and poor creates a stark divide, with luxury high-rises towering over neighborhoods where people struggle to get by. This inequality fuels tension and can lead to crime, adding stress to an already pressured lifestyle.
[6] For kids, megacity life comes with its own set of problems. Schools often suffer from overcrowding, with students squeezed into classrooms that lack space and resources. Playgrounds are small, and safe places to play or explore can be hard to find. The constant noise and chaos of the city make it difficult for kids to focus on their studies or find peace.
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[7] These challenges spill over into family life. Parents in megacities often face long work hours and even longer commutes, leaving little time for family activities. The daily grind of traffic jams and crowded subways eats away at precious time that could be spent together, making family life feel rushed and disconnected.
[8] Safety concerns also loom large in megacities. High population density and crime rates in certain areas mean that kids must stay more cautious. Walking to school or playing outside might not feel safe, adding another layer of worry for both kids and parents.
[9] These stresses contribute to another major issue: the impact on mental health.
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The relentless pace, noise, and pressure of megacity life can lead to anxiety and burnout for both kids and adults. Finding a quiet moment or a peaceful place to relax becomes nearly impossible in a city that never sleeps.
[10] Finally, the immense size of megacities strains public services like healthcare, transportation, and education. With so many people relying on these systems, getting quick medical care or a quality education can be a challenge. This strain often leaves residents feeling frustrated and neglected.
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[11] All these factors combine to make megacity living more trouble than it’s worth for many. The stress, pollution, and high costs strip away the shine of city life. For those who crave space, cleaner air, and a slower pace, smaller cities or towns offer a better quality of life. The bright lights of a megacity may dazzle, but the peaceful glow of a quieter place shines even brighter.
Class Companion

Question 1a

Multiple choice
Part A: What conclusion can be drawn about the economic challenges in megacities? 
  • They are easily manageable for most residents.

  • They mainly affect those working in the entertainment industry.

  • They create significant financial stress for many people.

  • They are less serious than in smaller cities.

Question 1b

Multiple choice
Part B: Which sentence from the passage best supports your answer in Part A?
  • "Bright lights, endless action, and towering skyscrapers fill the landscape."

  • "The high cost of living only adds to the pressure, making it hard for many people to keep up financially."

  • "Megacities burst with opportunities."

  • "Jobs, entertainment, and culture seem to be everywhere."

Question 2

Multiple choice
What does the author suggest about the population density in megacities?
  • It makes daily life exciting.

  • It leads to easy social connections.

  • It causes overcrowding and competition.

  • It improves public services.

Question 3

Multiple choice
Read the sentence from the passage: "The city buzzes with energy, but this constant hustle wears people down, leaving them drained rather than energized." What does the word "buzzes" suggest about the city?
  • The city is noisy.

  • The city is quiet.

  • The city is dangerous.

  • The city is peaceful.

Question 4

Multiple choice
Which of these statements best summarizes the main idea of paragraph 6?
  • Children in megacities enjoy a wide range of activities.

  • Schools in megacities are well-resourced.

  • Kids in megacities face challenges such as overcrowded schools and limited play areas.

  • Children prefer the noise and activity of megacities to quieter areas.

Question 5

Multiple choice
Why does the author mention “playgrounds are small, and safe places to play or explore can be hard to find”?
  • To highlight the variety of recreational activities for kids in megacities.

  • To emphasize the lack of sufficient recreational spaces for children.

  • To show that children have many safe spaces to play.

  • To illustrate how easy it is for children to find places to play.

Question 6

Multiple choice
How does the author support the idea that "megacity living may be more trouble than it’s worth"?
  • By describing the excitement and job opportunities in megacities.

  • By listing the challenges like stress, pollution, and overcrowding.

  • By emphasizing the diverse cultural experiences in megacities.

  • By highlighting the affordability of megacity living.

Question 7

Multiple choice
Which of these inferences about the safety concerns in megacities is supported by the passage?
  • Megacities are generally safer than smaller towns.

  • High population density contributes to increased crime rates.

  • Safety concerns are similar in both megacities and smaller cities.

  • Children in megacities feel secure while walking to school.

Question 8

Multiple choice
Which sentence from the passage best supports your answer in Part A?
  • High population density and crime rates in certain areas mean that kids must stay more cautious.

  • Parents in megacities often face long work hours and even longer commutes.

  • The daily grind of traffic jams and crowded subways eats away at precious time.

  • Luxury high-rises towering over neighborhoods where people struggle to get by.

Question 9

Multiple choice
Which of the following best describes the author's point of view about megacities?
  • Megacities are the best places to live.

  • Megacities have some problems but are overall beneficial.

  • Megacities offer a great balance of excitement and tranquility.

  • Megacities present more challenges than benefits.

Question 10

Multiple choice
Which sentence from the passage best shows that overcrowding is a major problem in megacities?
  • Life in these enormous cities might not be as glamorous as it seems.

  • Every step outside means navigating packed sidewalks and crowded public transportation.

  • The thick smog and endless traffic don't just make the city unpleasant—they pose serious health risks.

  • The high cost of living only adds to the pressure, making it hard for many people to keep up financially.

Question 11

Multiple choice
What is the most likely reason the author mentioned the challenges associated with public services in megacities?
  • To show that public services are more efficient in megacities.

  • To illustrate the strain on public services due to the large population.

  • To highlight the luxury available in megacities.

  • To demonstrate that medical care is easily accessible in megacities.

Question 12

Multiple choice
What conclusion can best be drawn from the text?
  • Megacity living is mostly beneficial and affordable.

  • The challenges of megacity living often outweigh the benefits.

  • Living in smaller cities is more stressful than living in megacities.

  • Megacities have resolved issues like pollution and overcrowding.

Question 13

Short answer
Refer to paragraph 5. Write the sentence that identifies the specific issue that the author highlights about the social landscape in megacities
The social landscape in megacities also presents challenges. The gap between rich and poor creates a stark divide, with luxury high-rises towering over neighborhoods where people struggle to get by. This inequality fuels tension and can lead to crime, adding stress to an already pressured lifestyle.

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