For students in grades 5-7, preparing for the SSAT Middle Level exam is a significant step toward academic success. To help them feel confident and ready, this comprehensive SSAT Middle Level practice test for grades 5-7 is designed with a detailed verbal section and reading comprehension section. Complete with an answer key and thorough explanations, this practice exam can support parents in guiding their children’s study efforts and building their test-taking skills. Use this resource to help your child practice and improve ahead of their exam.
SSAT Middle Level Practice Exam: Verbal Section
Instructions: This section consists of 20 questions. Choose the best answer for each question.
1. Synonym Question
Choose the word that is closest in meaning to “tenacious.”
(A) Weak
(B) Persistent
(C) Fragile
(D) Hesitant
(E) Lazy
2. Synonym Question
Choose the word that is closest in meaning to “frivolous.”
(A) Serious
(B) Important
(C) Trivial
(D) Essential
(E) Necessary
3. Antonym Question
Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to “dismal.”
(A) Gloomy
(B) Cheerful
(C) Dark
(D) Dreary
(E) Sullen
4. Antonym Question
Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to “adamant.”
(A) Firm
(B) Stubborn
(C) Flexible
(D) Determined
(E) Rigid
5. Synonym Question
Choose the word that is closest in meaning to “elusive.”
(A) Clear
(B) Obvious
(C) Mysterious
(D) Tangible
(E) Direct
6. Analogy Question
Sun is to day as moon is to:
(A) Light
(B) Night
(C) Bright
(D) Star
(E) Eclipse
7. Analogy Question
Chef is to kitchen as teacher is to:
(A) Desk
(B) Chalk
(C) Classroom
(D) Student
(E) Notebook
8. Synonym Question
Choose the word that is closest in meaning to “robust.”
(A) Weak
(B) Fragile
(C) Strong
(D) Delicate
(E) Light
9. Antonym Question
Choose the word that is most nearly opposite in meaning to “ambiguous.”
(A) Vague
(B) Clear
(C) Confusing
(D) Muddled
(E) Puzzling
10. Analogy Question
Heart is to circulation as lungs are to:
(A) Digestion
(B) Breathing
(C) Walking
(D) Sleeping
(E) Eating
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Verbal Section Answer Key and Explanations
Answer: B – “Tenacious” means persistent or determined.
Answer: C – “Frivolous” means trivial or unimportant.
Answer: B – The opposite of “dismal” (gloomy) is “cheerful.”
Answer: C – The opposite of “adamant” (unyielding) is “flexible.”
Answer: C – “Elusive” means difficult to find or catch, similar to mysterious.
Answer: B – The sun is associated with day, and the moon is associated with night.
Answer: C – A chef works in a kitchen, and a teacher works in a classroom.
Answer: C – “Robust” means strong and healthy.
Answer: B – The opposite of “ambiguous” (unclear) is “clear.”
Answer: B – The heart is responsible for circulation, and the lungs are responsible for breathing.
SSAT Middle Level Practice Exam: Reading Comprehension Section
Instructions: Read the following passages carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Passage 1
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the world’s most diverse and crucial ecosystems. Spanning over 5.5 million square kilometers, it houses millions of species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The rainforest plays an essential role in regulating the planet’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Unfortunately, deforestation poses a major threat to this vital ecosystem. The removal of trees for agriculture and urban development disrupts habitats and contributes to climate change. Protecting the Amazon is not only important for preserving biodiversity but also for maintaining a stable global climate.
Questions for Passage 1
11. What is the main idea of the passage?
(A) The Amazon Rainforest is shrinking due to wildfires.
(B) The Amazon Rainforest is important for biodiversity and climate regulation but is threatened by deforestation.
(C) The Amazon Rainforest only benefits the local wildlife.
(D) The Amazon Rainforest is primarily used for agriculture.
(E) The Amazon Rainforest is a small ecosystem.
12. Why is the Amazon Rainforest important for the global climate?
(A) It produces carbon dioxide.
(B) It absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen.
(C) It prevents rainfall.
(D) It is used for construction.
(E) It creates natural disasters.
13. What does deforestation in the Amazon lead to?
(A) Increased rainfall
(B) Preservation of habitats
(C) Climate change and habitat disruption
(D) Growth of new forests
(E) A decrease in biodiversity
14. Which of the following best describes the author’s perspective on protecting the Amazon?
(A) Indifferent
(B) Critical of the Amazon
(C) Supportive of conservation
(D) Unaware of the issues
(E) Opposed to any environmental protection
Passage 2
Harriet Tubman was an extraordinary figure in American history. Born into slavery in the early 1820s, she escaped to freedom in 1849 and devoted her life to helping others gain their freedom. Tubman became a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, a secret network of routes and safe houses that led enslaved people to freedom in the Northern states and Canada. She made numerous trips back to the South, risking her life to guide others to freedom. Tubman’s courage and dedication earned her the nickname “Moses” and established her as an enduring symbol of bravery and justice.
Questions for Passage 2
15. What is the main focus of the passage?
(A) The history of the Civil War
(B) The structure of the Underground Railroad
(C) Harriet Tubman’s bravery and her role in leading enslaved people to freedom
(D) The economic impact of slavery
(E) Famous abolitionists other than Harriet Tubman
16. Why was Harriet Tubman known as “Moses”?
(A) She built houses for the enslaved people.
(B) She led many enslaved people to freedom, similar to the biblical story of Moses leading his people.
(C) She taught others how to read and write.
(D) She was a famous singer.
(E) She founded a new town.
17. What best describes Harriet Tubman’s character based on the passage?
(A) Fearful
(B) Lazy
(C) Courageous
(D) Indecisive
(E) Selfish
18. How did Harriet Tubman contribute to the Underground Railroad?
(A) By building railways
(B) By organizing protests
(C) By serving as a conductor who guided enslaved people to freedom
(D) By writing songs about freedom
(E) By staying in the North and giving speeches
19. What can be inferred about Harriet Tubman’s dedication to her cause?
(A) She only helped her family members.
(B) She risked her life repeatedly to help others.
(C) She worked for a few years and then stopped.
(D) She only worked during the winter months.
(E) She received no recognition for her work.
20. What is the author’s tone when discussing Harriet Tubman?
(A) Neutral
(B) Critical
(C) Admiring
(D) Sarcastic
(E) Indifferent
Reading Comprehension Answer Key and Explanations
Answer: B – The main idea is that the Amazon Rainforest is crucial for biodiversity and climate regulation but is under threat from deforestation.
Answer: B – The passage states that the Amazon Rainforest absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen, which is essential for the global climate.
Answer: C – Deforestation leads to climate change and disrupts habitats.
Answer: C – The author supports conservation efforts to protect the Amazon.
Answer: C – The main focus is on Harriet Tubman’s bravery and her role in the Underground Railroad.
Answer: B – Tubman was called “Moses” because she led many enslaved people to freedom, similar to the biblical figure.
Answer: C – Harriet Tubman is best described as courageous.
Answer: C – She contributed by serving as a conductor who guided enslaved people to freedom.
Answer: B – It can be inferred that Tubman risked her life multiple times to help others.
Answer: C – The author’s tone is admiring, highlighting Tubman’s bravery and dedication.
Conclusion
This SSAT Middle Level practice test for grades 5-7 is a valuable resource for parents to share with their children as they prepare for the verbal and reading comprehension sections. Regular practice can improve a student’s familiarity with the exam format and help them develop effective test-taking strategies. Reviewing the answer explanations can solidify their understanding and build their confidence for the actual test.
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